Clearing the desktop

I'm totally smitten with these Grandmother's Flower Garden blocks but after a frenzy of cutting little paper hexes and auditioning ditsy print combinations, I'm finally stepping back from it and letting it take its rightful place, as planned, as my handwork project for quilt group.  From now on, I'll devote a little while each week to prepping, so as to always have something ready to pick up. 

Post-it notes are littering my desk top with items I've been meaning to mention so today's clean-up day.  In the Big Stitch post, I provided a link to Amazon Japan for the book I profiled.  Amy found the book on YesAsia, which many find easier to navigate, so I share it here.  Since my post, a few have ordered from each seller and already received their books.  Several commenters mentioned the work of The Silly BooDilly (Flickr photos), something I had somehow missed. *swoon*  I noticed that Mairuru in Yokohama is using the stitch effectively to enhance some small projects.  Can't wait to see some big stitching soon! 

A non-blogging reader (Susan?) emailed me about a current exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum featuring Indian Kantha quilts, which runs through July 25, 2010.  Kantha work features a similar big stitch and this exhibit looks to be a standout, with 44 pieces on exhibit.  If you're in the area, it looks to be worth a visit.  (Interesting review here.)

Keiko Goke's new fabric line received a huge response when I had my giveaway after returning from Japan.  If you weren't a winner, Liza now has the new prints in stock over at Glorious Colors.

Having you been following the Liberated Amish quiltalong?  Tonya put it together after being inspired in part by Joe Cunningham's Amish Abstractions.  I'm sure this has prompted a new interest, at least among quilt bloggers, in Amish quilts so when I came across these three posts about a French exhibit, I wanted to share them here.  Absolutely gorgeous photos of stunning quilts.

Between the Amish quilts, Kristin's post about Gwen Marston's recent Abstract Quilts in Solids workshop and my busy print overload, I'm ready to take these blocks off the wall and work on something a little quieter.  First, I have to finish something you haven't seen a hint of...I might be ready to share it next week. 

And finally, (hurrying to get up and accomplish something this afternoon) do you, like me, often feel that you lose hours at the computer screen?  Ever think a timer might be helpful on your desktop?  No need now...there's e.ggtimer!  Just go to the site, enter your alloted time, make sure your sound is on and...ding, ding, ding, time's up!  Gotta run!

Comments

[Izzy]

So what are you going to do with the hexies ? they are beautiful !

[annie]

Oooh, thanks for the link. I'll definitely need the timer before I start clicking!

[Thimbleanna]

Ohmygosh -- that eggtimer is hysterical! What a very needed tool! LOVE LOVE your hexagon flowers. A perfect project in my eyes -- steady as she goes and before you know it you'll have a substantial quilt. Thanks for all the great links -- I especially loved the Silly BooDilly site! As always Jan, very inspirational!

[janet]

Your flower garden blocks are so bright and happy! I can easily see how you've been distracted by them. :0)

[Miriam]

Ohh what a great post!!!
Thank you for all those inspiring links!
The eggtimer went off 4 times before I finished looking at everything!!
Thats it, I'm sewing all day! Kitchen closed!

[blackbird]

I tell you...sometimes I cannot believe I read a quilt blogger.

Smiley emoticon.

[Jeanne B.]

Oooh, I LOVE the quilt hexes--the colors are amazing! Love love love. Can't wait to see what you do with them.

[Janet]

Lots of great info and some more great hexes, Thanks Jan. I have a friend who is doing a Kantha piece and I'm terribly smiitten with the big stitch, big love. I may even experiment a little.

[Susan Wakeford]

What an interesting post. By the time I had looked at all the links I too needed that egg timer.
I had no idea the Kantha exhibition was on in Philadelphia until we were in the art gallery. The exhibition is amazing - the quilts look as though they are applique but everything is done by stitch. If you are anywhere near Philadelpdia before July pay a visit - you won't regret it!
Susan

[dee]

Oh Jan, these flowers are so beautiful. Thanks for the links. You always manage to find the best stuff!

My computer is in the kitchen and I set the oven timer. It really does work....most of the time.

[monica]

I love love love those hexagons...

sigh.

[Elizabeth]

That e.ggtimer is very appropriate around here with teenagers on March break and computer games! I love the abstract solids, just my cup of tea.

[Robin]

Oh my... those Garden Flower blocks are STUNNING!!! I LOVE the colors!!!

[Debbie]

Oh my goodness are those blocks so bright and cheery. I just may have to try to make one of these. Was always afraid to attempt one, but yours with those fabrics really bring a smile to my face.

[Anita]

I always love your "clean up the desk" posts. Great links and great info! Thanks for sharing!

[kathie]

the blocks are just beautiful
as always thanks for the links
Yes I will make a trip over to the PMof Art soon
thanks for the heads up on that.
Kathie

[bbmarie]

your blog is a feast of color and your work amazing and top-notch! Thanks for stopping by my blog.... I too have thought about setting a timer for my computer time -- I am afraid the bell would always go off too soon :)

[katie]

To put your 'flowers' together you have to put eight plain background hexagons round each 'flower' and then when you put them together (facing the same way each time) they fit together beautifully. Try it!

[Diane]

Scrumptious flower blocks ~ Oh, to have your eye for color and your fabric stash! Loved all the links. Thanks.

[Stephanie]

They are BEAUTIFUL!!! I <3 them.

[helen]

I like it!
May I request for "how to do it"?

very colorful!

[Susan Stessin]

So, we are waiting t hear what you are going to make with these hexagons.