Tuesday, July 28, 2009

A few things....and then lets talk about encouragement.

Well, THANK YOU all for the wonderful ideas and comments made about the binding for Shabby Roses! It is wonderful to see something through new eyes, isn't it?
I've been playing with this quilt for so long now, and have had the fabrics bought and earmarked for months, waiting for me to finish all of the 12 embroidered blocks...and I think that I got so close to that I could not see the forest for the trees.

I love the idea a couple of ladies had for using the green stripe on the bias, but I doubt that I have enough of the fabric left to do that.
I had sort of played with the idea of a solid green binding originally then decided against it, but...now I'm looking at it with new eyes and I agree with one commenter that the quilt top does look a bit busy (which is why I wanted to use the softer creamy applique fabric I mentioned in yesterday's blog post), so a solid colour (green or pink) may be just right.

Also, I am surprised by the number who agree with Blossom on the paisley print...not because I don't agree, but because I worried that it would make the quilt too bright at the finish, and I kinda wanted something more subdued.

HOWEVER, if I wanted subdued I should not have used the fabrics I have! ;-) And I love the fabrics I've chosen! LOL!!

Hmmmmmmmmmm....well, I guess the thing to do is post it off to Cheryl and when it's quilted and returned to me THEN I will make the final binding decision. I appreciate so much the comments you have made, they have opened my eyes to new possibilities and given me options.

Next year I'm going to share another BOM with you, so perhaps I'll give that a more subdued colour scheme? We'll see. :-)
~~~~~
Have you been to Vikki's blog lately?
She has just given you all a gift! It's the sweetest embroidery block...I know you'll love it! I've downloaded my pattern and hope to make time to stitch it next week.
~~~~~
I also want to thank all the lovely bloggers who have give me awards over the last few months. I apologise for not acknowledging them sooner. The thing with awards is that we pass them on, and to be honest I love SO MANY blogs that I can never just single out a few. It completely turns my brain and heart inside out trying to choose!
There is talent overflowing in the crafting blog world, talent that at times leaves me holding my breath because I am so blown away by the genius before my eyes...so I am not going to choose 5 or 10 blogs, but ask you all to do something very simple.
If you stop at a blog that leaves you inspired or happy, or you're blown away at their talent, leave them a comment and tell them so. THAT is the way to encourage each other to keep going, to trust what you're doing, to continue to bring delight to others through the work of your hands.
That is such a simple gesture, but could really lift the spirit of a fellow crafter who may otherwise think she is just not good enough - and I know, I have been one of them! It is people like you, who stop by and chat with me through your comments that encouraged me to step out and design my own work.
So to you, I say {{{thank you}}}
~~~~~

Today I'll continue working on a new set of designs for Christmas....I'll share a sneak peek tonight perhaps.

Hugs
Jenny
xxxxx

21 comments:

Sharon (Stitches on Mars) said...

I agree with you totally. Its amazing how much good a thoughtful word does. We, unfortunately seem too often to voice a negative opinion than a word of praise. This is something that seems to be less the case in the blogging world and one we need to do more in the real world too.

Anonymous said...

And Cheryl can't wait to get her hands on your gorgeous 'shabby roses' to play with some pretty quilting.... my favourite thing!
thank you for trusting your precious little creation to me....
Now I'm off to make some brownies :-) they looked so yum!
hugs Cheryl xx

Chookyblue...... said...

I hate the awards like you I hate picking out a few to name........when there are so many good ones.......
but I would also encourage others to get out there and comment and support others cause thats what encourages and motivates us.........we have things to share and I know I am sewing heaps more regularly now I blog.......it is nice to have someone(blogland) to show what I have made.......non sewers are not the same......

Unknown said...

Say Jenny,
Been under the weather lately and missed the post about the binding...looking at your wonderful quilt, if you have enough of the green stipe, I would use that...or the floral that you have used as the inner border! I'm sure that whatever you decide will be as lovely and lively as the quilt! BEAUTIFUL quilt!!!!
hugz
Pam

Allie said...

Jenny, whatever you choose for the binding will be perfect. You have a knack, an eye for color and design. It will be wonderful!

Crispy said...

I think I've kinda solved the award problem...for me anyway. I just post it on the sidebar and tell all who visit to grab them. The first award I recieved I picked out some blogs but felt horrible because I love all the blogs I follow. As you said, a kind word goes much further, in blogland and in real life....not saying that blogland isn't real LOL.

Crispy

soggybottomflats said...

Jenny, I love reading your blog. Not only are you encouraging to others but you bare your artistic soul for all to see. That takes so much talent and creativity, and you have it.
I feel almost like a stalker...I always look at your blog first to get inspired to get off my butt to go do something. Then I go to others, but yours is always first.
Thank you for making my day brighter. I seem to go for days without a comment and feel like, "who cares what I write". I get a little crazy from time to time and sometimes just need a hug and you always supply it via your pure art.
Please let me know if you ever need a virtual hug...peace be with you, Elaine from Texas

Kris Meares - Tag Along Teddies said...

Hey Jenny! I'm a firm believer in the power of a kind comment or word of encouragement! It has surprised me how many people whose blogs I've commented on are surprised to receive nice feedback - what a shame that it's not the norm! And I think your urging people to spread the joy around is wonderful - the world is an icky enough place that we can all do with as much positive feedback and input as possible!! And on that note ... your Shabby Roses quilt is looking just GORGEOUS!!! Oh how I wish I had time to make my own version right now, but that darn 'To Do' list would scream at me! However, I've tucked the patterns away safely for that 'one day' when I have time to pull them out to enjoy. Thank you for your generosity in sharing them - I hope the joy people are feeling as they stitch boomerangs back to you ten-fold! Bear Hugs! KRIS

Cattinka said...

Hey... I´m blown away at YOUR talent!
KATRIN W.

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Great idea! I am surprised how many lurkers there are out there and they never leave comments. Well, I am not one of them because it is wonderful reading, learning, and sharing each others creative talent. Thank you for a good post and reminder to us in "blogland" to leave comments. I know that they mean a lot to me - a fairly new blogger.

Love your work.

Oddbjørg said...

Hello,
I so agree with you. A few nice words really encourage us to continue.
I look forward to see your new designs for Christmas.
Have a nice week!
Greetings from Norway

Miriam said...

I am a new blogger and I have just found your blog for the first time via Chookyblue's blog. I would say that less than one tenth of my visitors have left a comment, but every single one is appreciated. I find it amazing that there are so many people "out there" who I may never meet, share my love of quilting and who I can get so much inspiration and especially encouragement from. Only by leaving comments on other's blogs have I let people know about my blog. There are lots of wonderful, helpful and inspiring bloggers out there!!!

Now I'm going to take a look at the rest of your blog.

Gesine said...

This is just what I think - getting an award is nice, but getting many comments is much better. So I'll tell you that I love your blog and your creations.

Annie said...

Great comments - inspired to come here by Chookyblue

Unknown said...

Ok, I am one who often lurks, loves your work, but doesn't comment much, I'm sorry. I love your shabby roses. I recently found your blog through a friend, and am sorta overwhelmed with blogs right now, and with catching up on your shabby roses as well as some others I have found that I love. At 72 I have gotten back to embroidery, so am happy to find blogs like yours that offer your designs free. Thank you for being there. I will try to do better.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Jen I love your blog, you totally inspire me, thankyou for that....I agree with you, selecting a blogger to receive an award that has been given to you is just so hard.....blogging is awesome, I have looked outside my square so often these day, and it is all because of blogland... I have been a little slack with my comments of late, but today is a new day...love your borders for the shabby roses...and thanks for the link for the pattern...

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

New Christmas designs you say...

karenshopes said...

I'm new to blogging and I can tell you it was very exciting getting my first comments from some very kind and helpful people.Long may it continue.
Karen

Sew Useful Designs said...

Hello Jenny sweets! :-)

You are a beautiful soul, and your words ring so true. I am a firm believer that if you think something positive about someone, then it's wise to share it with them! It makes their day and if those words were left unsaid, it would be a wasted opportunity to mmake someone feel good! :-)

And talking of making people feel good - THANK YOU, thank you for your encouraging words, for your support, and your encouragement. And for your friendship. xxxxx
It means the world to me! xxxx

Hugs and love,
Vikki xoxo

Bec said...

Well said about leaving comments Jenny. On my next post I will refer to your post and to Chookyblues post on this topic - doesn't hurt to remind people how nice it is to leave a comment. Bec xxx

Laila said...

Hello
I totally agree with you. An award is nice, but a comment now and then is much better.
By the way - I love your Shabby Roses BOM, but I'm sorry to say I have not started it yet.
Hugs from Norway