My blogging schedule lately has been somewhat erratic, but I seem to be getting back to it a little more frequently. So when Laura from LC’s Cottage asked me to participate in the Around the World Blog Hop, I was glad to say yes!
There is a little giveaway announced in this post as well.
As a participant, I’m to answer a few questions and ask three – well, this time it is two — other bloggers to participate.
What am I working on?
Oh, my – the answer to that one could go on forever! Because I’m always working on multiple projects at once. But I’ll cut it down to a few.
One of my quilting goals is to make a series of two-colour quilts. So far I’ve done blue and white, red and white and pink and cream ones but I’m not done yet. I’ve started a deep orange and white Double Wedding Ring quilt. This is a very long-term project as I find myself working on it in fits and starts. This is one ring ready to be added to the others I have done so far.
I’ve started adding hexagons to my wild floral kaleidoscope stars. This may go much quicker than I anticipated as I got this much done in the space of an evening. There are 81 stars to be incorporated into the top, so it may be a while, but I’m motivated to get this one done quickly.
I’m making a Christmas Inklingo Star runner for a friend. There will be four of these stars, although I may alternate the red and green, and a small border. That has to be done quickly, so I’m planning on sticking with it almost exclusively over the next few days.
Then there are these wonderful 6″ batik sunflowers. I plan on making 120 of them. So far 30 are done, so bit by bit I’m getting there. These are pure enjoyment to stitch – loads of continuous stitching and then some curved piecing to add to the fun.
And I’ve started putting these adorable little 2″ Drunkard’s Path units together. There will be 208 of the 4″ units that I’ll then be joining together to make the top.
And honestly? That’s just the tip of the iceberg! I have so many projects on the go that I could probably work on a different thing every day for a couple of weeks.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Hmm — I don’t think it does. I love working with miniatures, but so do many others. I love making two-colour quilts, but so do many others. Perhaps my work – and Laura’s right, this should be called play! – differs in that I always use Inklingo , a fabulous tool for quilters invented by Linda Franz, to print shapes on the back of my fabrics. I’ve been a huge Inklingo fan since the day the very first collection came out on CD back in 2007 (I think I’ve got that right). I love the precision of having perfect cutting and stitching lines and matching points. It makes miniatures like the 2″ Drunkard’s Path blocks easy as can be. The same with the Double Wedding Ring – it’s easy to make using Inklingo.
Everything I’ve shown on this post was done using Inklingo. In fact, just about everything you can see on my blog was made using Inklingo.
Perhaps the one thing that definitely differs is the Baxtertoons that are added to almost every post, each one of them the creation of Mr. Q.O. For today’s ‘toon, you have to keep reading.
Why do I write/create what I do?
Any form of needlework has always been something I’ve been drawn to since I was a child. Once I discovered quilting, I was well and truly addicted. I love playing with little pieces of fabric and seeing designs taking shape as I stitch. For me, sewing together quilt blocks and tops is pure enjoyment and therapeutic. No matter how stressful a day might be, sitting quietly with needle, thread and fabric helps wash away the cares of the day.
How does my writing/creative process work?
Most of the time it starts with a new Inklingo collection. Every time a new one is released, I get so many ideas flying around in my mind that I can’t resist them. I look at the shapes, then start looking at my stash and then I’m off to the races.
Sometimes it’s a particular fabric that just grabs my attention and I have to start playing with it to see what I can turn it into. I do a lot of fussy cutting/printing, which results in projects like the wild floral kaleidoscope stars.
On Monday, November 17, two bloggers will be participating in the Around the World Blog Hop:
First I’m sending you to see my good friend Barb at Just Sayin’ Sew in Texas. Barb is making the most amazing project for which she has fussy cut/printed shapes. I’m not saying anything more – you have to go to her blog to see it and meet her wonderful kitties, Panda and Pappy. We sometimes simul-blog (our word for it) as we work on Inklingo projects. And I think we have a competition going on when it comes to finding pretty boxes for our various Inklingo projects.
Then I’m sending you off to visit my friend Nic of Dragon Rambles in Great Britain. Nic makes quilts, knits gorgeous sweaters and other wonderful knitted items, goes on incredible trips and posts amazing pictures so we can all go along with her and is now starting to dye her own yarn. In other words, she pretty much has it covered.
Looking for the giveaway? Well, if you’ve stuck with this right to the end, I’m offering a little giveaway. I thought it might be fun to offer a $25 gift certificate for an Inklingo collection. No hoops to jump through, nothing special you have to do. Just leave a comment, maybe telling me which Inklingo collection you’d like to get. The winner’s name will be drawn and announced on the blog on Monday, November 17 when I’ll remind you to go visit Barb and Nic.
Edited to add: The winner’s name has been drawn and will be announced on my November 17, 2014 post.
“World Blog Hop”
Baxter was tired out from all this! Mr. Q.O. captioned this photo, “Oops, missed the kitty bed. Oh, well … yawn.”
“I smell food. Mom, carry me in.”
Quilt Obsession 
You have some very lovely work going on! The trip around the world sounds interesting. Looking forward visiting the different blogs.
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You have a wonderful list of projects going on there, hope a new collection doesn’t show up soon, LOL!
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Cathy you are an inspiration, thanks so much for sharing. There are so many collections to pick from, but I think that I would pick the obesity with the melon shapes. The name escapes me right now. I am laid up on crutches and Inklingo is my saving grace.
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I bet I could find a Inklingo collection that I do not have! – nice to see all your blocks again
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I really like your batik sunflowers!! That will be a stunning quilt. I’ve looked at the ink lingo designs over and over in the past and its difficult to choose a favorite.
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Cathi, I sometimes think Inklingo is not just a tool..it defines me. Like you, I’m always working on one of my many hand piecing projects. Most using Inklingo.
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I love the Sunflower pattern and really want to add that to my Inklingo patterns.
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I love your sunflowers and would love to try it with Inklingo.
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Cathi,
All your work is fabulous! I love the 2 color quilts – I saw the red and white exhibit at the Houston quilt show and, after two years, was inspired to once again work on my Just Takes 2 purple and white quilt. I’m about half done! Oh, and if I win, I would pick the Periwinkle Shape Collection! I’ve been thinking about that collection for a long time!
Barbara
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I see Barb has a helper, like you, and mine stays firmly in her chair, Of all your blocks, I like your sunflowers so much, and if I was so lucky to win , the “Storm at Sea” 12 inch would be perfect, using lots my stash of blue ,green, mauve and cream batiks., and sending to daughter and s-in-law down south. Mr Q.O. you always inspire, and give me time to pause and look, talented to the utmost with each toon, Baxter and Jake always incorporated, I had to look very closely to find them today. Hugs to you both, and the felines too, from Jean.p.s. Did you see I have such a fondness for the cats in our and others’ lives???
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Cathie, making me choose an Inklingo pattern is cruel. I really think I like the hexies the best. Haven’t started to use anything yet. Want to finish some UFOs first. You have quite a few started and they are all beautiful. Love seeing all of them.
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Only five projects? Cathi, that’s very restrained of you! *grin* The aliens have the right idea, a world blog hop would go by in a flash in that craft. Sending a hug to the kitties today, must be a rest day for them……but then that’s cats for you, they rest a lot.
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Cathi, Wow, as usual, you amaze me with your varied and beautiful projects. Choosing an Inklingo collection is hard to do they are all so full of potential.
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Oh my! An orange and white two color quilt! I love it already! I’m a big fan of orange!
And I really like your Drunkard’s Path project too!
I shall enjoy visiting the two bloggers that you have mentioned in your post. It always fun to meet new folks!
Oh my! If I were to win the drawing, I think I’d like the Orange Peel collection (maybe I’d make it up in orange and white…lol), but it sure is hard to choose!
Thanks so much for participating in the Around the World Blog Hop, Cathi!
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Cathi, a wonderful post. I always enjoy your posts. I have looked at Inklingo but never taken the step from traditional EPP and hand piecing. Any collection would be fun but I am especially drawn to the sunflower. Thanks for sharing and I await your reminder on Monday so I can continue the tour. Happy stitching and thanks for offering the giveaway.
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I like the clamshells. So pretty. Thanks for the giveaway. I’ve also listed your giveaway on my Giveaway List for just sewers & quilters at wowilikethat.com. Thanks again.
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Your 6″ batik sunflowers are absolutely stunning! I love the pattern, have never attempted curved piecing tho. God Speed in getting the next 90 completed:)
The trip around the world sounds too fun I cant wait to read all the blogs.
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Thank you for introducing me to Inklingo! I have not heard of this process before, but then I am a newbie to quilting. I’m soaking up all I can! If I win, I’d choose the Winding Ways collection….so pretty and hypnotic!
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I like the Diamond Shape collection.
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I would really like the orange peels.
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I would try the Josephs Coat. Thanks for the chance.
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They are so nice, I think I would chose the Log Cabin 1 inch.
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Sunflowers are my favorite flower so I would choose it.
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Cathi your quilt obsession is really an inspiration for the rest of us. Any Inklingo collection would be welcome!
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I love the wild flower hexagons.
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Cathi, I read your blog often but don’t comment much. I also love inklingo and have the first three collections and then some. Have almost finished my lucy boston potc and will be needing another hand peicing project. Just not sure which one yet
Pat B in NY
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Love that you treated us to a pic of your new DWR. How many rings have you completed now.
Today’s toon is great. Is that a Baxter constellation or is he being teleported?
Great pics if the boys. It’s plain to see they lead a very tough life 🙂
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I have no idea which one! Inklingo looks sooo cool!
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Loved reading your blog Cathi and seeing all the lovely “stuff ” you are doing. Can you tell me which one you hand piece and which ones are machine pieced. I love Inklingo and have a few patterns. I would love the Sunflower pattern. Thank you.
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Great post, Cath! I loved seeing all the pics of different projects. Mr QO’s ‘toon is wonderful too and so appropriate. And sweet Baxter Boy all stretched out – too cute! Jake is also quite comfy there. LOVED the captions! And I LOVE Inklingo!
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Cathi, I love this post. I always enjoy reading your blog. I would love to add clamshells to my collection. Thanks for the generous giveaway.
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As usual, I love what you’re working on. I have quite a few of Linda’s collections so I’d have to take a good long look to see what else I would like to get. She has come out with so many beautiful collections lately! Thanks for sharing your kitties too.
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I had never heard of Inklingo before so I watched a video I found on your website and visited the all about Inklingo blog to learn more. It sounds very interesting-faster, easier, better. I would need some help picking out a collection for a first timer at this method but it sounds very intriguing. I love to sew and am excited when I discover something that makes it easier and faster.
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Loving all your quilts, you are a busy lady. I would say I probably love all the Inklingo fabrics. cdahlgren at live dot com
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I love your 2″ Drunkards Path blocks! I just spent some time looking around the Inklingo site. I haven’t heard of it until now! I love it!! I think I’d get the School House collection.
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