So while I was away from the computer I got all these nine patches sewn together. They are for the swap I am doing over at Barb's blog. Even though the swap is closed check out her tutorial, it is the only way to make a bunch of nine patches in a short amount of time and they are very accurate. I made a total of 100.
No small pieces, strip piecing.
Chain sewing makes it all go fast. It's kind of addictive you just want to keep making them!
When you use this technique you get 2 patches that have opposite colors. I now wish I had made an extra set for myself using my fabrics. I thought of that at the very end when I had ten left to make.
The break from the computer was nice, I didn't even look at the emails on my phone, I thought I would be tempted. I did check on Saturday night because I got a new phone and was playing with it, but only one. I found I did not miss it as much as I thought I would.
I did get a lot of sewing done but now I have a ton of blogs to catch up on! Have you ever given up the computer for any length of time? How did it make you feel?
Kelly
That's what wilderness is for! I think "disconnecting" for a bit is vital for creativity. I come back feeling renewed. I hope your mini computer vacation has given you refreshed blogging motivation! We missed you!
ReplyDeleteYour patches re great. I have about 24 done but this is inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThe colors and fabrics in your blocks are so cheerful and pretty, Kelly! I've been stepping back from my computer etc. more and more lately. It's a matter of priorities, really, when you think about it.Tough to always follow though!
ReplyDelete100! And they all look so luscious!
ReplyDeleteI occasionally step away from the computer and when I do return, find that sometimes it's just easier to refresh my blog feed and start new. I've missed a few things that way, but usually am brought up to speed eventually. Blog posts can pile up quickly!!
Love your blocks! They are very sweet! I'll try her new tutorial as we are using a lot of 9 patches right now. You think this is easier than strip piecing (which I already thought was easy) so I have to try it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day! Mickie
Gorgeous patches! I usually give up my computer when we go away for a vacation. When I return I feel refreshed and that I have "successfully lived life in the present-here-and-now"... yes... it's always nice to be inspired by what others are doing (by reading stuff on the computer).... but I find it's always more rewarding to turn the computer off and live a little... :-)
ReplyDeleteWe missed you, Kelly! I believe in breaks. Computer, sewing, chit-chatting whatever - works. I come back from it with new perspective on everything. I am enjoying this swap. Almost done with mine too. Yours look beautifully Kelly-ish.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty and joyful four patch blocks! I don't know if I would be able to have a week break from my computer!!!
ReplyDeleteBarbs 9-patch method looked really easy. Glad to know that it worked so well for you! Your 9-patches look luscious.:) Taking a break from the computer is very refreshing isn't it? I did that last summer when I was at my sisters. Like Jan, I just read back through a few blogs, but mostly just reset my feed rather than try to go back and 'catch up'.:)
ReplyDeleteHappy to 'see' you back. Such bright and fun 9 patches. It is good to take a break and recharge the batteries. ;)
ReplyDeleteI try to take a mini break every month; otherwise not much sewing gets done--or housework (LOL). And 2x year longer breaks....I find that I have dry spells when everything starts to look the same--which of course it isn't--it's just me needing "time out"> I am starting to make my 9 patches with Barb's method, too...and am loving it--yours are so pretty. hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteYour blocks look wonderful, so bright and colourful!! I'm yet to start mine, I signed up for the repro swap, I'm so looking forward to cutting into my horded fabrics. Your little googly eye friend on your sewing machine is so cute. It's good to have breaks from the computer. Though I've found I like to have breaks from my blog but still keep up with others, it still feels like a break and recharging my blogging batteries.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely bunch of nine patches, I could just dive in them with my hands. A break is good when you have to catch up on life or sewing, it's all about prioritising for me. It's good to be back visiting you my friend.
ReplyDeleteI love your 9-patches Kelly! And I can't wait to get started on mine. Yours are very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI often take mini-breaks from blogging, but have to admit that I'm addicted to my smart phone. I'm like Pavlov's dog - when the email signal "dings" I can't resist picking up the phone and looking. It gets bad sometimes, and that's when I try to take a break. I got along just fine before I had the darned thing!
Oh, you might want to take a look at this post on Sentimental Quilter. It was very interesting. http://sentimentalquilter.blogspot.com/2014/07/get-thee-to-beach.html
ReplyDeleteAnd it ties in with taking a computer break.
There is just something special about the nine patch. I wish I had know about that swap it would have been fun. Especially if I was lucky enough to get one of yours with your fun fabrics. I take breaks from blogging but not the computer. With three daughters and three grand-babies and my fabric shops I just can't , I might miss something! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThe nine patch is my favorite block! Usually I feel jittery and at loose ends for the first 2 days or so when I give up the computer, but then it comes as a relief, and I feel so much more settled into enjoying life, and not just waiting for a break to be online. Because of that, I've started limiting my computer time, which is a good compromise for me Glad you had a nice break! sarah@forrussia.org
ReplyDeleteYour group of 9Ps look so great. I have purposely left my laptop at home when traveling. It is good to get a break. I haven't taken a phone email break,but its a good idea. I am trying to spend less "screen" time during the day. I have taken "news" breaks when the news is all bad. It good to step back sometimes.
ReplyDeleteglad you are back :)
Great tutorial on these blocks. Thanks for the link. Your pile of blocks is huge.
ReplyDeleteNine patches look great! I was on vacation last week in northern wisconsin and there is no internet..no cell phone. I thought it was wonderful but am enjoying catching up with my favorite blogs. Looking forword to trying some of those nine patches.
ReplyDelete