After weeks of mental preparing myself for the challenge, I started a low volume quilt. I'm using Cheryl's fabulous Sunday Morning pattern from the book. (I can't tell you how fun it is to use patterns from your own book. Eeee!) Anyway, I don't know why I thought low volume would be so hard, but it really intimidated me for some reason. Now that I've jumped in, I'm smitten!
Last week before retreat I made a TV tray ironing board. I think I first saw the idea here, but I've seen several versions since. I've been using it to press my strips. It's so nice to have a little table set up rather than the big ironing board taking up all kinds of space in my messy small-ish craft room. It was totally handy to have at retreat, too. (Right Terri?) If you haven't made one yet, I'd highly recommend it!
Here are a few random happenings/thoughts from my daily life........(key word...random!)
I finished my daughter's hello kitty slab and made it into a little doll quilt. I LOVE IT!
Better yet, she does, too! She was so excited to be able to play with it. I am excited to have one less WIP sitting around. :)
(She so badly needs a haircut. sheesh!)
SOMEONE put the wrong dish soap in the dishwasher last night. It's the first time that has happened at my house. I actually thought it was pretty funny! Has that ever happened to you? Seems like something out of a movie....doesn't it?
This is what my son was doing at breakfast this morning. Did I mention that he's only 9? Man, that kid can spell! He amazes me. I sure do love my kids!!!
This is a little pin cushion that I made for a friend over the weekend. I feel a serious pin cushion addiction coming on! (there ARE worse things, right???)
This post only took me just over an hour to write. Woohoo! That is quick for me. How long does it usually take YOU to write a blog post? I'm super curious to know, if you care to share. (see, I told you it was gonna be random. hee. hee.)
Hope you are having a fabulous Wednesday!
Too funny...I was thinking about your question asked over the weekend (how long to write a blogpost)yesterday when I was trying to get mine done. All.day.long!!!!! Not because of writer's block (I didn't have much to say), but because either my computer or blogger was impossibly slow uploading pictures. UGH!!! BTW...I am totally loving my pin cushion you made me. And I now have a "collection"...yippee!!!
ReplyDeleteHow long? Most of the time it doesn't take me more than 10 minutes to write a post. But it can take much, much longer to formulate it in my head.
ReplyDeleteLove the low volume quilt blocks. Low volume doesn't come naturally to me.
When I saw the picture of your dishwasher it brought back a memory from about 52 years ago. I was playing at my girlfriends house and we did the dishes. Well when my friend wasn't looking I squirted dishwashing liquid all over the dirty cups and plates. She added the correct type of dishwashing detergent in the right place. Well, the outcome wasn't pretty. They had to replace their dishwasher and their kitchen floor. You can imagine all the suds that came out of their machine. I felt so bad about that for years. I remember my parents being understanding with me and not being too mad. I really was a good little girl most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog and get lots of clever ideas from it.
Don't forget to run your dishwasher again with vinegar in the bottom ( with or without dishes) to clear all that soap away.
ReplyDeleteLove your projects as always :0).
Let's see.... most of my blog entries are visual ( since I am a visual person I assume most folks enjoy this) When the spirit moves me to do a blog post I usually do more than one at a time and schedule them. sometimes I will sit for a couple of hours and do them but never less than 30 minutes. By the time I look through my photos and sort them and then enter them on my blog it takes a minimum of 30 mins. for me.
Looks like the kids are enjoying their summer and happy to have Mom home :0)
Happy Sewing
Yes on the dishwasher!!! Oh the suds!
ReplyDeleteYour low volume project looks great! How fun. Pardon my ignorance, is low volume the same as low contrast (or high key, meaning lighter colors, as my color theory teacher would say)?
ReplyDeleteUm, yes, that little ironing board/table was fabulous to "borrow." I miss it! (and you!) I definitely need to make one of those, especially for all the small projects I've been working on lately.
Love Abby's doll quilt! Definitely fun to make your own patterns, especially when you have such a fabulous book to refer to. I had to refer to one of mine today for cutting measurements.
Um, YES, I have a major pin cushion addiction going on too, thanks to you! (not complaining) I adored that one you made for Michelle.
lol, Too funny about the dishwasher soap! :) Sounds like a busy, but fun time at the Nyberg abode. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch great looking projects! Funny how something you're scared to try turns out to be fun!
ReplyDeleteHaha the dishwasher...our washing machine exploded once! Then someone only went and decided to turn it back on! =D
When we first moved into our house (8 years ago), it was the first time we had a dishwasher. We did not have dishwasher detergent and my husband said just put a little in. It looked about like that.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that it can take you an hour! Me too! That is about average for me. I've always wondered how long it takes other bloggers to do a post. I'll have to check back and read more of your comments. Just curious. Your projects are wonderful :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the dolly quilt and the pin cushion. What are you doing with them. I now have several and I don't know how to keep them handy. About blog postings. Minimum a half hour depending on blogger cooperation. Used to do better before they upgraded. Progress????
ReplyDeleteLow volume has been on my mind lately too! It usually takes me 20 minutes to do a post, but mine aren't nearly as fun to read as yours.
ReplyDeleteWow! How unobservant am I?? I am working on my own low volume quilt and thought FOR SURE it was one of YOUR quilts. Umm... Guess I got so excited about it after seeing it in the book that I completely didn't notice on line 2 that it says "Made by Cheryl Arkison" Doh!! So sorry, Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteIt can take me anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and a half to do a blog post. It depends if I've already edited all the pictures, how many pictures there are and if there are lots of links included. I often also put the blog post link on Facebook, Flickr and Twitter as well so - more time :)
ReplyDeleteI think everyone who owns a dishwasher has had that happen at one time or another!
OMG, I totally put the wrong dish soap in the dishwasher one time when hubby and I had our first ''place'' together. I had no idea - the WHOLE kitchen flooded, took about 20 towels to clean it up! The floor was squeaky clean after that though, LOL!
ReplyDeleteAll of your projects are amazing! Great fabric choices! It takes me around an hour to post!
ReplyDeleteoh, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who spends an hour plus writing a post! :) trying to post when the kids are awake definately stretches out the process!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, what beautiful projects you and your daughter have going on!! And it takes me anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half to actually write a blogpost, but sometimes it takes all night to format one with pics because our internet can be so very slow!!
ReplyDeleteI think blog posts can vary greatly in time spent...
ReplyDeleteSometimes I get a "block" and have to save a draft and come back to my previous thought later...
Other times, it's a quick paragraph that pours out of me.
Love the little doll quilt. Too cute!
ReplyDeleteGive one away! Give one away! (Your pincushions...cause they're SO CUTE!)
ReplyDeleteHaving your own book must be dreamy in so many ways...especially one you like and use!
One of my kids did the dishwasher thing too. I was just super impressed, because by the time I came across it they were FINISHING cleaning up the mess! Yea!
What is a low volume quilt??
ReplyDeleteDepends on how much information I'm putting in a post. If it's just a hey, this is what (or how) I'm doing, it usually doesn't take very long at all. But if it's all about something important, I sweat out the details and take my time, checking and double checking my facts. :)
ReplyDeleteSewSara,
ReplyDeletea low volume quilt is something that has low contrast and all of the fabrics are light or very light, especially the backgrounds of the fabrics. it's definitely a different way of working, but it's very fun. hope that helps!
amandajean
I can usually write the post pretty fast. I have a motor mouth and a lot to say. But getting my photos organized and uploaded, that is a whole other story!
ReplyDeleteLove your pincushion. Love the TV tray. LOVE, LOVE the little doll quilt and that your daughter loves it too. That's how mine is when she makes a small quilt like that!
We did that once in our dishwasher, too. It was pretty funny then, I thought, too!
Love the ironing tray and pincushion! And I had to laugh - I thought it was just me that took forever to write a post!!! An hour would a be a *quickie* for me, too!
ReplyDeleteOMG...it takes me hours to write a post. I just posted and it took me 3 days before I was OK with the content. I've got one of those TV tray ironing boards and luv it. Just wanted to share with you...my 'Up Up and Away' quilt is going to be hanging in the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Show the end of July...they were short a few quilts and asked if I had a second quilt to share then they wanted a third. There is only one award given...Viewer's Choice. Have a wonderful day!!
ReplyDeleteI have a BUNCH of fabrics that would work for low volume. I've actually been thinking about making that one, but not before I get gum drops out of my head OR get it made! I love it and love the colors you made it in! even the purple:) Maybe we should trade scraps, I'd love some of those that you used in Gum Drops! The Hello Kitty is darling. Yes, I've done that with my dishwasher, years ago, but the key word is 'I've', yup it was me!
ReplyDeleteWhere do you get the tv tray? I am tired of getting up to the iron board, so I've been ironing on the top of those little cardboard drawers that used to be big. I still use them, I'm so last year!:)
Sorry for the long comment above and this second one, BUT I wanted to let you know that it takes me 2 months to write a blog post! :(
ReplyDeleteLove your low volume project. I really like colourful quilts and cushions but there are a few low volume quilts floating about that have made me want to make something similar.
ReplyDeleteAs for blog posts they can take me anything from about 30 mins (very rarely) to a few days depending on the theme and the time I can snatch away from my family.
Your low volume blocks are looking good! Have fun with them!
ReplyDeleteI decided to stay stitch around the edges of each block, thinking it may take a while to make all of them...
The doll quilt is adorable. She's a quilter in the making, for sure ; )
I have never heard the term low volume used to describe a quilt, but your items are cute.
ReplyDeleteI usually only post when I finish a project. I plan to change that; I have 3 lap quilts I am in the process of Quilting or need to have the quilt sandwhich together. I have given myself deadlines.
Sometimes I write 1 paragraph which sounds fine in minutes while other times I can edit the post for an hour.
I have to make some pin cushions, yours is really cute as is the Hello Kitty doll quilt. I haven't been blogging long but it can take me up to an hour depending on how the photos load. I learned something new, a low volume quilt!
ReplyDeleteSoap bubbles all over the kitchen? Been there, done that. Not fun to clean up, but way, way funny! You only do it once.
ReplyDeleteFunny you should start a "low volume" quilt because I am starting what I refer to as a low-contrast quilt myself. Must be a mid-summer thing!
ReplyDeleteI am hyper-critical of my writing so I know that I spend an average of 2 hours on each post. As a result I only post once a week - far less than I want, but I haven't figured out a good "formula" to speed things up and get out of my head.
And you know what? Being hyper-critical doesn't mean I catch all my mistakes. Ugh.
Well done and I enjoy your blog!
Oh, the joy of the view into your world. you call it random. I call it real. My posts take about an hour and sometimes more. Even when I write briefly, it seems to take a long time to get the posts published. I am currently behind on my blog and think I need to put a time limit on how long I allow for each post so I can get caught up.
ReplyDeleteI love the projects and especially that alphabet fabric. I need a fun finish and fast but before that, I think I better write a blog post. ;-)
The vinegar works right? It's why I always keep vinegar in a sprinkle jar ...I don't write blogs often, always have a photo as I think the eye candy is important to a blog.
ReplyDeleteI also take about an hour, but am careful to not make it too long, and know when people haven't read it to the bottom...
I love all of your random little projects! Especially that pincushion!! It takes me about a half hour to write a blog post.
ReplyDeleteWithout knowing it was called Low Volume, I've been saving light fabrics to (some day) make a Low Volume quilt. Now I know I was being cool.
ReplyDeleteTakes an hour (or more) to do a blogpost... write it, add pics, preview it, move things, edit some more, post, re-read, maybe find mistakes and edit again.
I have sooooo done that with our dishwasher. In my husband and my first home we wanted to run the dishwasher before actually using it and we didn't have any detergent yet so we used some dish soap....probably would have been fine had I not put as much as a did realizing it was a concentrated formula. Lesson learned and we got a good laugh out of it as the bubbles were spewing out the bottom!
ReplyDeleteBlog posts for me typically can range from 10 minutes to an hour. Some have more prep time than others such as a tutorial or highly saturated info post.
- Katie Fleming
Kate Michelle Designs
I wish I could write blog posts in 30 minutes, but it usually takes me an hour or two, not including taking photos. I struggle for just the right words and always find I have to edit so that people don't have to read something the length of an epic novel!
ReplyDeleteLove your random post, by the by.
Ahhh, the dishwasher. That brings back memories! I was in Jr. High School and did this right before my mother got home from work. Luckily, she knew what to do--poured vinegar all over those bubbles and they just disappeared. I was afraid I'd be in trouble, but she just laughed.
ReplyDeleteIt takes me about 15 minutes to write a post, but then another 30 minutes to go back and edit it and fix things after I've published it. Hmmm, I think there is a connection there.
ReplyDeleteWell it takes me forever - which is why I don't post very often. My new resolution is to make my posts short and sweet so I can have one done in an hour. You are doing really well if you do it that quickly! I'm proud of you. Now I will have to learn to FOCUS which is hard to do when you are ADD!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
My husband has put dishsoap in the dishwasher multiple times over the years. Everytime he tries to decide what actually went wrong. He seems convinced that he's just been putting too much and will someday find the perfect amount. He tries this when we are out of dishwasher detergent; I pretty much make sure we're fully stoked now.
ReplyDeleteoh, and my posts don't take all that long normally. Maybe it shows...
ReplyDeleteLove random posts. :) I've been eyeballing those mini pressing tables and as soon as we move to our new house I'm going to make one. Especially since some of my quilty friends have accused me of being an iron hog, lol. Also, I think you already have a pin cushion addiction. Just sayin'. ;)
ReplyDeleteMost posts probably take me about 15-20 minutes. But by the time I start writing I usually have a rough outline in my head and all the pictures taken that I'll need.
ReplyDeleteLove the randomness of this post. You gave me the idea to get out our Scrabble game so my daughter (almost 9) can just mess around with it. And that pincushion is so cute. I have a little stash of dotty scraps that may just end of like that pincushion.
ReplyDeleteIt usually takes me anywhere from 30 minutes to all day, depending on how organized I am and how many distractions there are! Enjoyed this post - thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt takes me forever to write a blog post. First, decide on the subject, then write, then try to add pictures and they won't upload. Walk away. Come back later. Edit because what was I thinking? Try again with the pictures. Edit some more.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I don't write too many!
Too funny about the dishwasher- I did not know about the vinegar trick.
And I have been debating doing a low volume project- thanks for the "push"!
The dishwasher made me smile, what a mess. Hopefully you didn't but the dish soap in it. I feel for you on writing a post some days it takes ten minutes others all day or never published. I have quite a few of those!
ReplyDeleteYay for low-volume!
ReplyDeletePosts range. Like someone else said, it can depend on how long it has percolated.
I put the wrong soap in the dishwasher once. Only once!
ReplyDeleteI'm new to blogging, but on average, now I've got everything sussed, it takes me about half an hour. However, my "post time" is completely random!! I live in England, and usually post in the afternoon, but for some reason, that I just can't fathom, the time shows silly o'clock! If any of your followers can shed any light, I'd be REALLY grateful!!
ReplyDeleteI usually write my blog posts in about 15 minutes. Something about having a time limit on the computer.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the dishwasher mistake...I would have laughed when I opened it.
Scrabble tiles at breakfast sounds fabulous!!!
It takes me 3 days to write a post (haha), between taken pictures and fooling around with WordPress. I usually have a couple drafts going on at once, so I can try to post every 2-3 days...I'm still very new to this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to the Low-Volume Quilt! I'm going to start collecting a stash so I can begin a low volume quilt in the fall!
Ever since seeing Cheryl's quilt I've wanted to try a Low Volume quilt. Now you'rs is giving me added motivation. (I love the oatmeal quilt too, btw.)
ReplyDeleteBlog posts. I'm always surprised at how much time they really take to write, add pictures, etc. I think I'm getting faster and more efficient, but still, they usually take me longer than I hope they will. Thanks for your posts. I enjoy them so much. :)
It takes me about 15 minutes to write a post, but taking the pictures takes longer, of course. The photography part is what bugs me. I need to learn how to use my camera better.
ReplyDeletere dishwasher. toss in powder dish washing soap-it will take care of the suds.
ReplyDeleteIn college we put liquid dishsoap in the dishwasher when we ran out of the right stuff. The first couple of times (yes) it did that, but we learned to put A LOT less in, and it works fine.
ReplyDeleteDepending on the length of the blog post, it takes me 20 minutes or so. I think. It has been so long since I blogged, that I can't even remember. ;)
oh that dishwasher pic brings back memories. When my son was around 2 1/2 we ran out of dishwasher detergent so my husband thought he would just put laundry soap in (why laundry...I dunno, he's a man??), turn it on and then leave for work. We were playing in the living room and my son went to the kitchen door and started yelling and screaming, all excited. I went over to see what was up and there were bubbles pouring out of the dishwasher and heading into the dining room. It was pretty hilarious. I figured I couldn't get too angry, after all, he made an attempt to do the dishes!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the low volume. Didn't know the term, but love the look. Wonder if I could actually do it...I have a different set up, but it serves the same purpose and I love having it "right there" amazing what a difference it makes!!LOVE the girl's slab, a mini quilter is born!! Scrabble, smart boy!! Pin cushions, never made one, but love them, do you need my address? (LOL!!) Dishwasher-I have not done this...but the first week that my oldest was away at college she called me to ask which brand of LAUNDRY soap she should buy, Dawn or Palmolive...Yeah, parenting fail there...LOL. Post time-well, I haven't timed myself, but judging by the fact that they happen once a month or so, we will go with WAY too long, LOL. I love, love, love the random post! Fun!
ReplyDeleteI totally applaud your randomness. In fact, I think I'm going to start Really Random Thursdays with a Mr. Linky. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteUm... Sitting in Seattle with a five-hour layover. LAST Friday, sewing with friends, was a much better use of time! I have my Featherweight with me as carryon. Wouldn't it be funny if I plugged it in here and started sewing??!
I'm making a low volume quilt too!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had this much fun quilting in a long time(because it's something new I guess)
I usually spend about a half hour on my posts. Some of that time involves tapping my fingers while the pictures are downloading.
The tv tray ironing board sounds like a great idea.
Enjoy your weekend!
I estimate it takes me anywhere from about 10 minutes to well over an hour to write a blog post - guest posts often longer. Even with no pictures involved. Sometimes I ditch one topic and start with another before I come up with a final piece. Sometimes I've got a rough draft in my head before I start. Writing IS thinking, so we shouldn't be surprised that it requires time. (Or that it leads to blogger burnout at times.)
ReplyDeleteWe play a game with Scrabble tiles we call "take one". Each person gets 7 tiles. At the same time, everyone builds their own scrabble puzzle. When your tiles are used you shout "take one". It can get a little crazy with everyone shouting.....We use one set of tiles for about 4 people. Lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteYour boys is pretty amazing. I have a word-nerd boy, too. He keeps a journal of cool words!
What do you mean by a "low volume quilt"?
ReplyDeleteYou have me saving scraps and selvages and strings now, too. I think with my tiniest bits I will loop them in half lengthwise and just tack to a foundation fabric. When I have enough loops, I think I might have a little rug.
How do you pick fabrics? They all look so fun. I just love your blog.
Love all your randomness! You've got some great projects going on.
ReplyDeleteLove the Blog Time question. I've been reading the comments...and feeling like a lame brain! haha. It takes me HOURS to complete a post. Between editing photos, uploading, writing, and then editing a bazillion times. I actually sat down to do a quick final edit on a post that I worked on last week. An hour later...finally done. Editing! That's all I was doing! Doh. :)
Question....What do you use for stuffing in your pin cushions?
ReplyDeleteAmandaJean,
ReplyDeleteI meant to ask you ages ago about your choice of the sewing machine (Yuki) that you have chosen for quilting your quilts. Why did you decide on this particular one? How do you find it? Also, when quilting a big quilt, is the space shown in the photo above enough for the manipulation of the quilt while quilting?
I have got a Gammill Statler at my disposal but also enjoy domestic machine quilting. I use Bernina 440QE.
If you have already written about this, could you please direct me to the post. I'm one of your followers but I'm not a regular blogger. Time seems to regularly get away from me before I realise it.!!
Thanks heaps.
Cheers, Em x