The now familiar scenario...the mums are in full bloom and I've just brought home a few choice pumpkins. I've teetered on a chair to reach the top shelf for my lovingly stored witch and scarecrow and auditioned them around the house until I've found this year's perfect display spot. Then, the inevitable. The distinct sound of jingle bells coming from the TV when I step away during a commercial. This month, I had been bracing for that always-jarring reminder of the impending season after I started noticing references to the *C* word popping up in blog posts. And though I always reserve the right to leap into a last minute, creative frenzy if the whim strikes, at least I don't have any current plans to make gifts this year. Ahhhh.
I did have the shortlived idea that I might finish this quilt to put up this season, and, in truth, I am quite regretful that I've made hardly any progress toward that goal. Note to self: dig that out again...2007 will be here before you know it. Anyhow, the down side of working on a queen sized bed quilt in the midst of all of your fabric stash is that once decisions have been made...colors, block size, design...cutting and sewing 121 blocks gets to be, well, boring. The eye and the mind start to wander. And before you know it, you're pulling fabrics down. You'll just try a quick block or two. And then you start thinking, maybe a little holiday quilt to throw over the back of the couch is still doable. While you're finishing the bed quilt. Of course.
Once upon a time, you-know-what didn't start until after the pie plates were put away again. I mean they didn't wait for the turkey to be *finished*, but at least it was a carcass. Unlike now, when it's entirely possible said turkey is still eating grain somewhere.
Do you suppose in 15 or so years we'll be making the same complaints about Halloween? The amount of decorating even now certainly seems to indicate it.
Posted by: Cordelia | October 13, 2006 at 04:18 PM
Love the simplicity of the quilt and the color, too!
Posted by: margene | October 13, 2006 at 04:28 PM
honestly all i can think of is candy canes candy canes andy canes. LOVE IT.
Posted by: carolyn | October 13, 2006 at 05:00 PM
I like it!
(I will admit that yesterday I wrapped the first gift of the you-know-what season.)
Posted by: Melanie | October 13, 2006 at 05:19 PM
No handmade C gifts this year. I'm not even thinking about it until after Dec 1st. I'm in denial even about Halloween. Luckily I don't see a need to make new costumes this year. I LOVE your candy cane quilt though! What if it was the small quilt to drape over a chair? You must finish it -- just like I'm going to make a retro cool felt nativity set. Not.
Posted by: Kristin La Flamme | October 13, 2006 at 05:27 PM
I love the candy cane quilt even if it does remind me of the dreaded "C" season.
Posted by: joyce | October 13, 2006 at 05:29 PM
Okay, Jan, while I am really loving this new quilt, I have to wonder what happened to the pile of black and white fabrics that I was so enamored of!
Posted by: Julie | October 13, 2006 at 05:40 PM
What a wicked girl you are Jan...poor queenie over languishing in the corner! The quicky candy cane is easy to finish and move on from so that Queenie can be done and given the attention she is naturally craving!!
Posted by: Judy | October 13, 2006 at 05:41 PM
new blocks are gorgeous, as always. You gotta stop starting quilts that have repetitive blocks. If you mixed it up or liberated your blocks it might keep your interest longer.
Posted by: Tonya R | October 13, 2006 at 05:48 PM
This one will last right through Valentine's Day! I am an unabashed and incorrigible lover of red-and-white anything.
Posted by: Kate | October 13, 2006 at 06:31 PM
Ah, a woman after my own heart. Yesterday I attached the bindings to my own Christmas throw quilt because I didn't feel like working on the other half dozen projects in the works. It all works out in the end, right? ;0)
Posted by: meg | October 13, 2006 at 07:34 PM
i can't mix my holidays up ... i am too old. one has to come after another and darn... if the gifts are not quite done... they are early for next year! :-)
i think that this quilt is stunning and most beautiful and reminds me too -- of candy canes!
Posted by: susan@artstream | October 13, 2006 at 10:16 PM
Nice! You said C
Posted by: Carol | October 13, 2006 at 11:44 PM
Oooh, peppermint stick!
Posted by: Norma | October 13, 2006 at 11:59 PM
The quilt looks FABULOUS - GREAT JOB!
But, how small are those pumpkins...my goodness I haven't seen any that small ever.
Posted by: Dale Anne | October 14, 2006 at 12:29 AM
Love, love, love the quilt!
Posted by: denice | October 14, 2006 at 01:10 AM
It's a peppermint candy quilt! I love it!
Posted by: Carole | October 14, 2006 at 07:47 AM
Hmm, maybe you need to move your workspace out of the fabric room to finish it! :)
Posted by: Chris | October 14, 2006 at 07:20 PM
Oh yeah we've got the Christmas jingles happening here too already. I just hate it. It reminds me the year is nearly out and I have so much yet to do!! I love Christmas, but in December people!!
How are you going to quilt it? It's lovely. Do finish it!!!
Posted by: Lily | October 15, 2006 at 12:29 AM
Very cool quilt for the holidays--it doesn't just SCREAM Christmas. Wouldn't it be nice if all the retailers and marketing people took the same approach...
Posted by: Kathie | October 15, 2006 at 10:20 AM
Love the court house steps! (peppermint candy!)
What is in the bowl? (Mini pumpkins? - real? fake? - rotten marshmallow pumpkin candies - if those things even go bad...)
Posted by: Amy | October 16, 2006 at 07:22 AM
Such wee pumpkins! They're so adorable! And I love the quilt! It's almost like little cupcakes!
Posted by: Scribbles & Bits | October 16, 2006 at 12:42 PM
Mmmmm... look at those pumpkins! mmmm... Christmas is right around the corner! YAY!!
Posted by: Kelli | October 16, 2006 at 06:13 PM
Gosh, I love that quilt, the colours and design are so pretty, and a little different too.
Posted by: Rebecca | October 20, 2006 at 04:44 PM