Monday, March 30, 2020

Did Someone Say Snow? Mary Brown Blocks and a New Project!

 I hope all of you are well and and dealing with the new circumstances we are facing the best you can. I know for some people the effects have been devastating, but I hope that all the dire predictions I hear on the news do not come true. We live in a small rural community, so for us personally, there has been not much of an impact on our lives from the Corona virus pandemic, except the volume of mail at the post office. I think people are trying to stock up by ordering online. We tend to stay home much of the time anyway,  especially during the winter. I am sure there are changes on the way though. I am so thankful for my quilting projects right now!


 Two blocks done on Mary Brown. Block #4 and Block #13.



 I also finished my Cassandra's Circle block for the month, Mulberry Wreath.




So this last week we had snow. It snowed continually for 4 or 5 days. I had to do some shoveling on the roof. We also called our snow plow guy, he usually charges us about $150 to $200 to plow our driveway. He wanted $500 this time!! Not really that much more snow than time last time he plowed. He finally dropped it to $300, but my DH just wouldn't pay it, he felt he was price gouging. So it is a little tricky driving out to town check the mail, but we are making it so far.


Snow and more snow.
We had wind after the snow so no snow in the tress.





My new project is one I have had in the back of my mind for about the last six months or so, suddenly I felt I really needed to get started on it. I had originally planned on using string blocks, but decided on improv log cabin blocks. I am using only neutral/low volume fabrics, for a peaceful/calming feel to the quilt. I am embroidering words on the blocks, randomly placed and using coordinating floss. My idea is that the words will not stand out, but be found like "little hidden gems" when looking at the the quilt. I hope that makes sense. I have three blocks done so far.


Some of the words I will include: love, hope, peace, joy, faith, mercy, grateful, gentleness, rest, trust, thankful, grace, light, rejoice, believe, cherish, and many more. I keep thinking of more and adding them to my list.


It was fun just cutting strip, no measuring.



There are so many sew alongs going right now, I have not joined any, but have been saving some of the patterns. I am considering Bonnie Hunters "Sew-in-Place Quilt Along - Unity". I will need to look at my fabrics. Here is a LINK to her blog. I think the first installment is today.


Now to start prepping my next two Mary Brown blocks. Happy quilting and stay safe out there! Rebecca

8 comments:

  1. I think that could be considered price gouging for sure! he must be thinking he won't have much work in the upcoming months or something - I don't know what he does when there isn't snow - but that doesn't sound right!
    I am thinking of Bonnie's quilt but also saving all the patterns for Edyta Sitar's quilt - I had started the first two instructions for hers but got sidetracked finishing something else and will need to decide if I continue to save or make

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  2. Your blocks are wonderful. I love the idea behind your newest projects. it will be fun to "discover" all the words.
    What's wrong with the plow guy?? The price of gasoline is at a record low and he boosts his price? That's definitively gouging!
    Take care. ;^)

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  3. I love your Mary Brown blocks. Nice job. One of my favorite quilts is Log Cabins. Your improve blocks are fantastic. Hugs

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  4. Your Mary Brown blocks are well done. Being sort of snowed in gave you plenty of stitching time.
    I can't imagine paying even $300 for plowing. How long is your driveway? I am aware that keeping the roof cleared of heavy snow in your area of the world can be a necessity. Never had to do that when we lived in northeastern Ohio and had snow to deal with. My husband would sweep the falling leaves off our roof when we lived in Orlando, Fl. The pitch of the roof was not enough that the leaves would get washed off in a rain. If he didn't sweep the roof, they would have just rotted up there.

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  5. Wow! Love your appliqué! I think that was price gouging too!

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  6. Your Mary Brown blocks are terrific. The first one looks like a spring bouquet. Things aren't blooming here yet but the daffodils are budding out so it won't be long. The fussy cutting on the next block is so precise and looks so good. You have been keeping busy.

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  7. This current situation sure has brought out a lot of interesting and eye brow lifting stories. Hope you find a new guy for next year. It's also brought out a lot of beautiful sewing. Your applique blocks are gorgeous and your new project will be a "gem". Loved seeing you on the roof. No slipping!!!

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  8. Oh my, girl! Get off that roof while you are still in one piece...lol. Congrats on getting two MB blocks done this month. Love them both. Stay safe.

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