Project Simplify - THE MINI SERIES!
September 19, 2011 Howdy y'all!
I'm very excited because today is the first of nine "Mini-Series Mondays" here at Pretty by Hand!
That's right, you heard me. But not the same kind of mini-series I watched on tv during my babysitting days in the 80s like "Shogun" & "Thorn Birds". This mini-series doesn't include forbidden love with a priest or anything like that.
My love of little things inspired me to come up with this Project Simplify encore ... a series of mini quilts! (Get it? Mini Quilts = Mini Series? I know, I'm witty beyond belief.)
This lil' cutie is 2-3/4".
Back in April when I was making the first quilt, I had some scraps that were just BEGGING to be made into something. And when I wasn't allowed to do any work on the quilt while my helper was in school, I HAD to find SOMETHING to do with my time ... because, you know, housework is over-rated.
And plus I started thinking that since I didn't know which quilts I'd be donating, it would be nice to have a little souvenier of each project.
Ok, that sounds TOTALLY lame right now as I'm typing this - souvenier quilt of a quilt? For real?? That's just taking fabric hoarding to a whole other level. But it seemed like a good idea at the time ...
I wasn't confident enough with my FMQing back then so I chickened out and did simple straight lines.
This miniature version of Square One measures 13 1/2" x 16 1/2". (Don't even THINK about calling it a placemat! You can ask my husband what will happen if you do ... )
So for the next 8 weeks, I'll be bringing you Mini-Series Mondays - all the quilts from Camille's book Simplify miniaturzed. Nothing like milking a good idea 'til it's dead, right?
FWQAL is temporarily rescheduled for Tuesdays because let's face it ... we all love a good alliteration, don't we? Mini-Series Mondays just sounds way better than Mini-Series Tuesdays. :)
And what would a Mini-Series be without a teaser for the next episode?
Sorry ladies, no Richard Chamberlain ... I asked ... he doesn't do quilt blogs ;)
Reader Comments (34)
What a cute MINI QUILT, I'm being careful (I do hope your husband is ok) !
I have to say though Kristyne, I am a bit disappointed about this mini-series not having any forbidden love with a priest !!! ;)
Vivienne x
You're crazy but in a good way;-) Love your minis and this is a fantastic idea;-)
Hildy
You realize that now you have made "Monday" a day to look forward to??? LOL! I love this idea and your mini quilt today is adorable. You must have an abundance of patience to re-size all those blocks :) or, you really hate housework!!
What a GREAT idea...to make minis. I actually call small quilts quiltlets. I love the idea of making "souvenir" quiltlets of each quilt. Now to find all the fabric from all my UFOs to make them. Oy...
You had me at "souvenir". :) This is so fun!
"Quiltlets"...LOVE IT! Loving this Mini Series Monday thing - I think all of those mini blocks are just so darn cute! Thanks for doing this...I look forward to new posts from you all the time!
OMG. Mini series so hilarious, didn't you just love the Thorn Birds. REad it a million times and watches the tv. Loved Richard Chamberlain. Well love tv, what can I say.
Okay, my dear, souvenir quiltlets it's going to be! What a cute idea! I don't like working with such tiny things, but guess i could learn a little patience. Soon as I perfect FMQ!
Well, thanks, now I need to purchase The Thorn Birds for my Nook. Remember the color of the dress described as Ashes of Roses? I made an Ashes of Roses colored dress after I read the book!
And now I need to go and swoon over Richard Chamberlain for a bit.............
Blessings and hugs.....................
Well, did you offer Mr. Chamberlain a QUILT to wrap up in after he poses for us on this blog??? 'Cause I think it totally would work. Do it. Fab idea Ms. Pretty -- can't wait to see those minis!
You guys are making me laugh!
Awww, so adorable! The Farmer's Wife blocks must have really inspired you to go mini.
I truly just love your blog! You really crack me up and put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.....and I also just love your quilts and FMQing!!! Happy Day To You!!!....I can't wait to read more about your mini-series!
I love it... and you're totally insane. I can't even stand to do a quilt a second time... let alone mini. More power to you though! :)
I've just recently watched Shogun on dvd - I enjoyed at every bit as much as the first time round!
Love the mini-series idea ....... and I would never dream of using the word 'placemat'!!
Oh Wow! This is so cute! Like I don't stalk your blog already for posts and FW updates... now I have to wait for these, too! :O) Thanks for the fun and inspiration! :O) Bari
Hi
I just came to your beautiful blog from Simplify - your work is stunning as always.
Katherine
This is positively adorable!! I can't wait to see the rest! :)
I have spent the last, well, let's just say "few minutes," reading your wonderful blog. I found you via Camille's blog, as I am a huge fan of hers as well. I love all the quilts you have done! I'm excited to see the Mini Series.
This is the first time that I have visited your blog and I love your quilts. Everything is so lovely and the fabrics are gorgeous. I also learned that you are Canadian, too. I am so glad that I followed Camille's suggestion and visited. I'll be back to see your minis.
Joan from Ontario
Oh YAY more Simplify!! So excited to see the mini pillows LOL!
BTW.....I got my very own Charm Pack of Ruby today......so happy.
Loving your blog, so inspiring!!
Your blog is darling and I really love your fabric stash. It's so pretty, I'm super jealous, I think I would probably just sit and look at it. Your free hand quilting gives me hope. I took a class and I'm getting better (sorta). I'm still a sweaty mess the whole time I'm sewing though. If you have any pointers I'd love to hear them. Glad I found your cute blog.
How cute! I think mini souvenir quilts of quilts is a great idea. Looking forward to following this mini series.
first of all, sanity is over rated and yes, housework is too. secondly, YES, i have the same problem of missing a quilt i've made and given away. i lie to myself and promise that i'll make another one JUST like the first one only i'll keep it. have i ever done this? no. have i bought extra fabric with this in mind? yes.
now i can make mini quilts and keep 'em all to my selfish self. thanks for more inspiration! ;0
remember: you're awesome!
Yay yay yay...what a great plan! I wasn't really ready to go cold turkey on Project Simplify, so this is making me smile lots :)
I remember watching the Thorn Birds too...wow, it must've been big to have made an impact in Canada! I thought it was just an Aussie thing :)
My Farmers Wife day is Friday...coz we all love alliteration, don't we? LOL
I love your idea for a mini-series of your mini-quilts! I'm glad you're having so much fun with Project Simplify-- I've enjoyed watching you progress through it and I'm so impressed at your FMQ!! And I love that your daughter is such a big helper to you :)
Mini Simplify! What a fun idea! I just love reading your blog - enjoy your humour.
You always make me smile...thank you for that...Camille's post is super lovely...you compliment each other perfectly! It is a new season of TV, so I will have to add your 'mini-series' to my list! Keep it comin' sister!
Lisa in Texas
Camille sent me. Wow. You are amazing! I'm so inspired. I love pink too.
you are so hilarious! i'm so excited to see all your mini's!
oh I could make mini quilts all day. what a great idea. Thorn Birds? took me right back to my childhood... you make me laugh, lady xo amy
i recognize the pretty susan branch fabric as i have the same. your attention to detail is quite precise and amazing. thanks for sharing its loveliness.
Ban on women driving should be considered world wide... :-) I would never allow my wife driving my car.. :-) ehtgue ehtgue - Belstaff Jacket.