Nothing like a deadline to motivate me!

As soon as I opened my eyes this morning I knew what I had to do. I quickly dressed, grabbed a tiny drink, and a couple little plums and headed out for a walk. It was a beautiful morning and the first day in awhile with no rain, so I decided to grab the opportunity while I had it. Even though it is only the last day of July and it seems there really has not been much summer, it is easy to see signs of fall approaching. Seems kind of silly to say that but when I see the goldenrod starting to flower, I always think of Fall.

Back home, I made myself a nice fresh fruit salad

Tidied up the kitchen, and got a few other little jobs out of the way and headed out to clean my mess from the previous three quilting projects. It is much nicer to start a new job with a clean work surface and I was putting off a less than likeable job as long as possible. I have often heard quilters say that bindings are their least favourite part of quilting, but for me it is sandwiching and basting.

The actual quilting is not hard or time consuming but the prepping is what I really dislike. 

It had to be done so I got at it and by suppertime the job was done. After supper I sat and hand stitched the binding and I have to tell you, I think this is my favourite Schnibbles so far. I know the fabrics have a lot to do with that, but it just looks so cheery. It makes me smile. 

I mentioned in a previous post that our July Schnibbles project is Lincoln.

This is Carrie's version

This is Sue's version

Sue made hers in 1930 repro's. Always a favourite! So cheerful and "vintagey" looking. She decided this would make a perfect baby quilt if she added a few more blocks, and I have to say that "it's a lucky baby who gets this quilt". It is such a generous size and so cozy looking...and all she did different from the original pattern was make 5 extra star blocks and 7 extra rail fences! 

I knew when I started that I wanted mine larger too, but I wasn't sure just how much. I played around with a few ideas and sort of went with Carrie's larger version by adding a couple extra borders. I didn't make larger blocks or even more of the smaller ones, but After making the smaller version according to the pattern, I added a narrow and a wider border so mine finished up at about 45 x 45.

 

The photos are not great because I was too lazy to get out the camera and instead I used the camera on the Ipad. Usually that is okay, but in low light and with no flash, the image is just not as clear and focused as it could be.

It was such a beautiful evening; with glassy waters and a pretty sunset that it seemed a shame to photograph it inside. 

Well, I am clapping my hands and grinning because I squeaked another one in just under the wire...like I said, "nothing like a deadline to get my buns in gear!"

Be sure to drop by for the Schnibbles Parade on August 1 at the following blogs.

 Sinta's blog     http://pinkpincushion.blogspot.ca/ 

  And Sherri's blog.      http://www.aquiltinglife.com/

 It is sure to have lots of eye candy. I can hardly wait to see what the girls have in store for us in August. 

Bring it on! 

Without deadlines and restrictions I just tend to become preoccupied with other things.

Val Kilmer 

 Deadlines aren't bad. They help you organize your time. They help you set priorities. They make you get going when you might not feel like it.

Harvey Mackay 

 I am one of those people who thrive on deadlines, nothing brings on inspiration more readily than desperation.    Harry Shearer