Monday, July 4, 2016

Block #2 Maggie's First Dance BOM

The resounding message I received from my first block posting was heard loud and clear - "WE LOVE YOUR COLORS!" Well, thank you, hotties every one of you. You have impeccable taste when it comes to color sense.

I loved all of the blocks I saw from my fellow bloggers, so I know this is high praise indeed.

As you may recall, I had decided to go with "scrappy" as my theme for this BOM, but that's about as far as I had gotten in my planning. Your love of my colors made me cement my thought that I might keep the same color families (green, purple, blue, yellow, white, grey) for each block, but use different fabrics of those colors in each block. So that's exactly what I did.

Forgive the wrinkles. Not only is it still scrappy, but it flew 800 miles stuffed in a suitcase.
You may note that I tried a little something new with this block, and that something was thread painting the center part. In my mind, this was going to be quicker than tracing and cutting out and fusing and appliqueing all the little pieces down. This notion proved to be laughably inaccurate and proved yet again how very entertaining it must be to live in my mind. But whatever. It was an experience.



It's pretty clear that I used the time-honored motto of "If you can't do it well, do it with enthusiasm." In all honesty, it's frightening how many areas of my life this motto has been applied to, but that's a story for another day. In this case it was worth it to try something a bit new and see what happened. That's another of my mottoes (nod to Dan Quayle) and I'll never regret being adventuresome! I'm not sure if I'll attempt it on another block center or not, but I'm glad I gave it a go.

It was a pretty simple method - pin the block pattern to fabric and stabilizer, outline with thread of choice, and color it in with back and forth or loopy loops. When you get right down to it, all thread painting is is coloring in with thread.
One tip I can give about fabric choice that I use frequently: if your fabric is a little too "too" on the right side (a little too dark, a little too printy, a little too textured, a little too much in any way), flip it over and use the back. I did that for both white and grey in this block, and it really helped keep things from getting too "in your face" with the grey and too "why is the alphabet scattered all over the background" with the white. Check it out! You just doubled your fabric stash with that one tip! Feel free to buy me a drink sometime.


Since I brought this block all the way to Minnesota, I figured I'd better give it a little photo shoot for you.


Once you make your own block, give it a photo shoot of your own and share it in any of these ways so we can all see it!

So on to the giveaway. This month we have two sponsors, and if you are in the continental US, you can enter both!

The first, available for US addresses only as those pesky shipping regulations make sending aerosols across borders prohibitive, is a prize pack from Therm-o-Web. I love a good adhesive for applique or basting, and I'm sure you do as well!


For our international and HI and AK friends, Michele at the Quilting Gallery is offering up a prize pack of pattern and template for "Starlight."

To enter for the international prize, you will need to head on over to http://quiltinggallery.com/blog-posts and enter directly on Michele's blog. She's a spunky Canadian who will be happy to help out our international friends! If she gets a winner from Juneau, though, I may offer to deliver it in person as I'm headed there soon!

To enter to win the Therm-o-Web prize, please comment where you live, and what you would have me do if I were to visit your town (a favorite restaurant, special park, tourist attraction, etc). You just never know...I might find myself there and need something to do!

See you next month!


76 comments:

DebraKay Neiman said...

If you visit us in Comanche County Oklahoma, you HAVE to see the Wichita Mountains and Medicine Park for some unique local flavor. crystalbluern at tds dot net

Jocelyn said...

I live in the sunshine state of Florida. And if you came to my area, I would take you to the most amazing quilt shop in Dunedin called Rainbows End. It truly is at the end of the rainbow (right by the water) and has thousands of bolts of fabric. A quilters paradise. Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

If you were to come to Evans, Washington, I would take you to one of the many lakes where you could enjoy seeing the wildlife, hiking, picnic, and paddle a canoe.

Susan L. said...

I live in northeast Connecticut, & I would take you to all the quilt shops in my area. Then we could have a picnic, & maybe a swim, at the lake I live on.

Vicki H said...

I live outside Wichita, KS. If you come, you must visit the Botanica Gardens.

Sally Ann said...

I live in Fayetteville NC. If you came to visit we would have to give you a tour of Fort Bragg, the home of the Airborne and Special Operations - America's 911.

allthingzsewn said...

I live in Louisville KY. You would like visiting the Ky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs.
Mammoth Cave is another great place to visit, but bring a sweater no matter what the temperature outside. I enjoyed your style of writing and your attitude toward life's "stuff"

Kathy E. said...

What a head-thumping idea to use the backside of a "too" fabric? Why didn't I think of that? (You should patent that idea quick!) If you were to visit NE Iowa (Dubuque to be specific), I'd buy you that drink, then take you to Eagle Point Park. It is a huge park built on the bluffs on the Mississippi River. It overlooks a dam where you can watch barges and boats and eagles! Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city, so there's lot of historical places to visit.

Unknown said...

I live in Colorado, and I think you should see Pikes Peak.

Kathryn P. said...

I live in Missouri and we have beautiful state parks that have all hiking trails on them where you can enjoy beautiful scenery.

Unknown said...

I live in Missoula, Montana. If you like to mountain bike we have some awesome trails to ride on or hike, we also have a hand-carved Carosel with gorgeous horses on it that is a must to see. My favorite restaurant is Cafe Dolce, it is beautiful inside and has some great seating outside and the food is delish.

quilter said...

I live in Franklin, PA. When you visit bring your canoe for a great ride in the Allegheny river, which I can see from my front porch.
cork@pa.rr.com

Liz Horgan said...

I live in northern NJ and I would taking you hiking on Ramapo Mountain!

Anonymous said...

Hi from Bozeman,Mt. and we'd surely have to make a trip to Yellowstone Nat.Park if you came to visit!!! Thanks for sharing!

Geri A said...

Live in a tiny town of less than 400 people. I would take you to my sewing room!, the local cafe, and, if you've never been to Canada, we could drive 12 miles to the border, so you could say you visited Manitoba!

Joanna said...

There isn't much in my hometown. The Lizzie Borden house might interest you, but I'd have you visit the Whaling Museum in nearby New Bedford. And Newport and it's mansions is just 20 minutes away.

sgrehome said...

I'm in Danville, California. I'd have you wander around the quaint downtown area - visiting the local history museum (in the old railroad depot), checking out the many eateries and shops, and winding up at Wooden Gate Quilts!

sgrehome said...

I'm in Danville, California. I'd have you wander around the quaint downtown area - visiting the local history museum (in the old railroad depot), checking out the many eateries and shops, and winding up at Wooden Gate Quilts!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Live in Elgin, Texas. Very small town. My favorite thing to do is eat Mexican food at Morelia's.

Anonymous said...

I live in Indiana and my town is only 700 people so I guess if you were to visit here, you would be lost and looking for something to do.

Unknown said...

I live in Warrensburg, MO which is a small college town. I would suggest visiting Buckeye Acres which is a farm to table operation. They have a store that you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables that they grow.

Anonymous said...

I live in Olympia Washington. If you come you should visit Tumwater Falls Park, the trail is great and you stand on a bridge built right over the falls. Pam at rogerpamjolly@yahoo.com

Linda J. said...

I live in Surprise, AZ. Not much happening here unless you like sports. We have Spring training here for baseball. Plus we have a huge silver dome for football. Myself I am not as sports fan. If you like Mexican food the Rio El Mirage is the place to eat !

Lee said...

I live in Detroit Michigan - You would want to see a Tigers game this summer, and visit HenryFord's Greenfield Village!

mindi said...

I live in SW Wa state. There are LOTS of places to go nearby. We can start at the beach. If you come today....there's no better place to be than Portland Waterfront for the festival and fireworks display. Come on over! ;}

PatriciaEE said...

I live in Central California. We would need to travel about an hour and a half to enjoy some beautiful scenery and escape the heat.

Unknown said...

From the Eastern Shore of Maryland and would take you to Ocean City Maryland and the beautiful beach.

Cheryl said...

I live in north Georgia, just outside metro Atlanta. If you make a trip here, do it in the fall and head to the mountains for the annual leaf color change. I'm a native and it still amazes me every year. Gorgeous!

rosemaryschild said...

I live in south Mississippi, about an hours drive from New Orleans-shop the French Quarter, eat beignets at Cafe du Monde, and walk down Bourbon Street! I would have to go with you, of course, I need more Mardi Gras fabric for a quilt I have in mind. Come see me, I'll show you how us poor folks live-lol.

Gene Black said...

I live in Anniston Alabama. If you were here, I would suggest visiting our Museum of Natural History.

Robin in MN said...

I'm from Alexandria, MN and if you visit you have to see the Kensington Runestone, of course! The Vikings were obviously here way before Columbus! And you would have to have your picture taken next to our world-famous Big Ole statue!

GranChris said...

I am outside Charlotte NC. You come here to eat Bar B que. Come hungry.

Pamela said...

I love your motto! And the results of your efforts are gorgeous! I live near La Crosse WI and I highly recommend a drive down the Great River road along the Mississipi.

Cathy C said...

I live in Kalispell Montana. The first place visitors want to go is Glacier National Park _ I'd take you for a kayak paddle on Bowman lake. It's to die for!

Monica said...

I live in Baltimore, MD. I would have you eat some crabs, because Baltimore is for crabs.

Jeannie said...

I live in Northwest Indiana and if you happened to pass through, I would suggest the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore or the Shrine of Crist's Passion.

Lisa England said...

Not too much to see in my small town in Kentucky, and the restaurants are all chain restaurants. But I'd be glad to cook you a delicious meal and (if you had LOTS of time) show you some quilts.

Unknown said...

There are not many sites to see and all types of chain restaurants where I live in Central Delaware but I would love to have you taste my hubby's barbecue ribs. It would be wonderful listening to and learning from a fellow quilter about quilts, quilting and life.

Karen said...

In Birmingham, AL there is are great restaurants! Birmingham is on the top lists of up and coming cities with fantastic restaurants. The most famous is the Highland Bar and Grill......continually nominated for the James Beard award. And I would take you to quilt shops, of course.

Unknown said...

I live in West Virginia and we would have to visit some of our beautiful state parks. My favorite is Holly River State Park. Thank you for the opportunity. kelly32@citlink.net

Anonymous said...

Great job with your first attempt at thread painting. I've never tried it myself.
I'm in Pennsauken, NJ and I really can't think of anything you'd want to do here - but we're right up the road from the Cherry Hill Mall, the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, and right across the bridge from Philadelphia! Thanks so much for the chance to win :)
Debby E
samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com

Mary W said...

I live in the Milwaukee area. You have to come during Summerfest - the World's Largest Music Festival! We also have a few great quilt shops in southeastern Wisconsin.

Thanks for the chance to win!
Mary W - qltrwolter@gmail.com

Janan Doster said...

Southern Alabama, we have several quilt shops, bass fishing @ Walter F George Lake, National Peanut Festival in the Fall, a judged quilt show at Landmark Park!

Unknown said...

If you visit Austin, Texas we can eat great Tex-Mex food and shop in one or more of several wonderful quilt shops! By the way, I lived in Amherst, Massachusetts for years so I know your neck of the woods well. 😄

Gwenna said...

If you find yourself in Greers Ferry Arkansas you need to visit Greers Ferry lake is it beautiful and the mountain and hills around it are to die for. There is also a mountain called Sugar Loaf Mountain that your should hike.
Thank you for the opportunity to win!!!

carol said...

I am living at Parkersburg WV. We have several good restaurants, antique stores, and quilt shops. There are usually festivals in the area.

Evelyn Wonner said...

I live in Tacoma WA and if you come here you need to visit the Glass Museum down by the water. Dale Chihuly grew up here and there is a lot of his glass works at the museum.

teachpany said...

I live on Long Island, and there's lots to do. I do suggest a trip to Jones Beach, or Fire Island, or the Montauk Lighthouse. Those aren't really in my town, but they are fun to visit. Thanks for the give away.

Judy1522 said...

I live in Beaverton, Oregon and there is plenty to do around here. My favorite restaurant La Provence is near where I live and not too far are many good restaurants in Portland including some amazing food carts. Then there is always Mount Hood, Multnomah Falls (with good hiking to other falls nearby) and the beach.

Camille said...

I live in Rochester, MN. Mayo Clinic is here. Most people know of Mayo's excellent health care but Mayo Clinic also has beautiful art prominently displayed throughout the medical complex. Famous artists are represented and unknown artists as well. Many truly inspiring antique quilts and other needle arts are exhibited.

Anita Jackson @ Domestic Felicity said...

At West Virginia? You should visit our lovely group of Quilting Bees of course! But as for attractions? Wild & Wonderful Mountaineer Football Games or maybe a little less action at Dolly Sods. Bring you backpack and some lunch!

mumbird3 said...

Alabama!! Well in the fall they do play a little football around here!!!Best kept secret is Lake Martin!! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I live in central Arizona, about 90 minutes north of Phoenix. The best time to visit is in April when the cacti are in bloom.They only bloom for about 2 weeks, but they are spectacular to behold. You could drive down Hwy 87 to Phoenix and enjoy the most spectacular views and then go over to the Phoenix Zoo and walk around and see all the cacti up close with their beautiful flowers. It's a feast for the eyes.

Cecilia said...

I live on n Florida and I would take you to Silver Springs Park to ride on the glass bottom boats.

Karen said...

I live in Indiana, Pennsylvania and it is the hometown of actor Jimmy Stewart. I would suggest a visit to his museum.

Anonymous said...

If you visit Rockbridge County, VA you would have to visit THE QUILTERY and THE STITCHIN POST...both local quilting shops! I'd highly recommend lunch at BLUE SKY BAKERY or THE BISTRO. It's a beautiful area surrounded by mountains so bring your camera!
mbbaker35@yahoo.com

Lori Smanski said...

i love your block. thanks for the tips. and the middle is so fun.
if you came to Chicago, Illinois you really need to see Brookfield Zoo, The Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum and The Art Museum
quilting lady 2 at comcast dot net

sally said...

I live in Boston, MA what more can I say, just stroll around and there is always something going on somewhere; I especially like the secret tucked away places that you'll have to ask me about when you get here!

Mary Lou P. said...

I live in Grove City, Ohio, near Columbus. Friday nights during the Summer we would love to have you join us for concerts in the town square followed by ice cream! Lots of fun.

Unknown said...

I live in San Antonio so naturally is take you to the Alamo and Riverwalk!

Shull.jessica10@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I live in Florida and we have some great quilt shops. Before you leave we would make a trip to see Mickey at the Magic Kingdom. If it is a nice day the beach would be great. It is all close by.

Vicki L said...

Great living close to downtown Indianapolis where you can go and enjoy the city lights and yet, within a short drive you can find yourself surrounded by cornfields. Always looking for a great tenderloin sandwich....recently it's been The Stacked Pickle. Agree with everyone else...love the color choices you have been using.

dquilterguy said...

I live in Oakland Co., Michigan and if you ever came here I suggest a visit to The Detroit Zoo and their new Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the most extraordinary center for penguins in the world. dhardenburg (at) prodigy (dot) net.

Catskill Quilter said...

I live in northern Florida, and I would be likely to take you down to our park on the banks of the St. John's river.

Susan said...

If you came between September 21-October 9, 2016, I would recommend taking in Art Prize. You can find more info here: www.artprize.org/.

Other places I would recommend are:

Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: www.artprize.org/

The Gerald R. Ford Museum: fordlibrarymuseum.gov/visit-museum.aspx

GR Art Museum: www.artmuseumgr.org/

Public Museum: www.grpm.org/

Ramona said...

I live in West Monroe, LA, and the thing to do these days is visit the Duck Dynasty store! Kind of crazy. We have a B&B that is too cute called Hamilton House Inn and some really good restaurants like Warehouse, Cotton's and Nonna's.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I live in Florence, Alabama. I would have you to visit a Frank Lloyd Wright house, the birthplace of Helen Keller, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and the birthplace of WC Handy.

Cindy said...

I live in Oregon, and you must visit Crater Lake while you're here!

judi said...

I live just outside of Denver and there are lots of things to see here. There are the Rockies (of course) but also the Denver mint and Buffalo Bill's grave.

wendy said...

I live in Michigan. Depending on the weather I would probably take you to Lake Michigan for a picnic and walk on the beach out to the pier and lighthouse. Or, we could visit some of my favorite Quilt Shops and the quilt exhibit at MSU.

Shawna said...

I live in Idaho, and you could go camping and fishing here; we have beautiful parks and the Yellowstone National Park in eastern Idaho.

Janet Dulin said...

I live in Charlotte NC and I would take you to a Panthers Game for some good football or to our ballpark for baseball.

Cathy L Wilson said...

I live in the country about an hour north of Houston, TX. We could go for a ride on the four wheeler and catch some fish in the tank!

Unknown said...

I live in Minnesota and here we have many beautiful lakes that we could take a small fishing boat out on - even if you don't care to fish just bring along a good book or your camera. It's one of the most relaxing, peaceful places to be! You never know what you will see while floating on the lake. You may even see a blue heron or an eagle fly overhead! Down the road from one of our favorite lakes is Carlos Creek Winery for more relaxation and some great music!

Unknown said...

I live in Spokane, Wa. Your should visit Riverfront Part. Go for a gondola ride over Spokane Falls. The go for a carousel ride. You might like to catch a proformance at the Bing Crosby theater.

Diane Harris, Stash Bandit said...

Your Dan Quayle comment made me LOL! If you came to my house, right now we could pick fresh sweet corn, or check cows in the pastures, or ogle the (few) quilts at the county fair. I live a wild life.

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