Summer is over - if you measure the seasons by the school calendar, anyway. All the neighborhood kids are back in class, and it is almost eerily quiet around my place. Not that I am complaining...Quiet can be very nice, but (as long as I don't have a headache) the noise outside doesn't bother me at all.
Despite my lack of blogging over the last few months, I have NOT been on Summer Vacation. I have, in fact, been VERY busy. As a result, the time I would normally devote to writing my blog has been monopolized by any number of other activities....some fun, but mostly work related stuff! Oh well, I am fairly certain that I will have more time to write now, since most of my recent obligations have been fulfilled. Life should be calming down to a more tolerable pace. *SIGH* Finally!
I will admit that I have not had much time to release my creative energy lately, either. I find it difficult to go an extended period of time without making SOMETHING, and it all came to a head last week when I started not one, but TWO projects. Ah, nothing like self-imposed pressure, right?
First is a Wedding Tree Quilt. This is the second such tree I have made. I don't normally create a design more than once - I tend to get bored, and never finish, or drastically change things so they never end up being the same. This time is different. I am TRYING to make a pattern of this quilt, because there have been so many requests for it Alright, I have the pattern part down, obviously....it is the writing of the directions that has me stumped!
I am TERRIBLE at writing out directions. I tend to skip really important steps all together, and then I get really (painfully) specific on others. I may give up on the directions, since this pattern is not designed for a beginner, anyway. Anyone with the skills to put this together, probably only needs the pattern and a lay-out diagram, right? Please tell me I am right! Ack! This is so frustrating!
While taking a break from the tree, I started another little project. This is my second attempt at hand-applique - my first was documented in one of my very first blog posts. Funny thing, even with all my grand plans of making that adorable quilt, that first block is all I ever got finished! Of course, now I am thinking about it, and I may just have to go dig that out to work on. So, back to THIS project. It is a little house-warming gift for my pachyderm-loving pal, Emily.
Speaking of Em, (ha, ha, I can see her cringing as she reads this - she isn't one to enjoy being in the spotlight) she recently joined our little Z&S Fabrics family, and I, personally, could NOT be more thrilled to FINALLY have someone to help me with my job! And, I haven't had to teach her anything (I am as bad, if not worse, at teaching as I am at writing directions!) I think she is enjoying it. (Are you enjoying the job, Em? Before you answer, remember, I AM your boss! And I am your elder, too....by one whole day! hahaha.) She seems to be having a good time writing up descriptions for the new fabrics we have been adding to the site. I must admit, that I am having a good time READING her descriptions. They are fantastic! Here are a few new collections with examples of her amazing illustratory skills. Fall Back in Time - Newton - Climbing Jacob's Ladder - and more are on the way! Oh, and not only can Em write well, and use a computer without instruction, she also likes fabric!
This is Bob. He is a tailless French-Canadian feline with a fondness for fabrics. (If you are wondering what makes a cat French Canadian, I don't honestly know. However, his owner I mean the person Bob owns claims that "if you knew any French-Canadians, you would understand why Bob must be one".) As you can see, this ferocious kitty is quite protective of his stash. Don't mess with Bob's fabric!
Don't worry, though. We have lots more where that came from. In fact, if you would like a chance to win an assortment of Bob's favorites for your own stash, just leave me a comment. Say hi, or tell me how disappointed you are in my bad blogging record lately, or even share a story about your own "crafty" pet. It doesn't really matter what you write, just be sure that your email is correct so that I can contact you when I pick your name!
I will select one winner from all comments I receive for this post, prior to noon (Eastern time) on Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Good Luck!
I like the elephant quilt block. Should be a great quilt when it is finished.
Posted by: Lorraine | September 04, 2007 at 07:01 AM
Who invented the idea of bad blogging anyways... I don't think there are rules! :)
BTW-your store is my favorite!
Posted by: Kari | September 04, 2007 at 12:43 PM
So glad you are back to blogging. I really enjoy your posts. The elephant & wedding tree are looking good!
Posted by: Jennifer | September 04, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Hi, Meghan. Nice to have you back.
Posted by: Jo Anne | September 04, 2007 at 05:24 PM
Thank you for sending my fabric order so promptly. I really enjoyed getting a parcel from America! I found something out, though, which might interest other UK customers. Because my order cost over 18GBP or about 35 dollars, I had to pay £8/$16 dollars postal charge plus £3.60 VAT (sales tax) So, when I order from you again I will order smaller quantities each time keeping the cost below $35 to avoid this. I could be wrong so maybe other UK customers will advise me. I really enjoy your blog, Meghan and I was so intrigued by your address I 'Google-Earthed'it to see if it really was a Muddy Creek! It looks good to me and I'd love to visit. Maybe one day.
Posted by: Frances Dewar | September 05, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Free fabric? How can you go wrong?
Posted by: susan fantozzi | September 06, 2007 at 11:34 PM