There is the “big picture” and then, there is the “small things”. Which do you see first? Both can be equally difficult to recognize according to the circumstances. This week “small things” have grabbed my attention.
One morning while my dog was taking a “sniffing” break on our walk, I looked down at the recently watered lawn and was awed by this blade of grass. The water droplets looked a string of glass beads. Nature does some beautiful things that often goes unnoticed.
The seed balls on our cypress tress give the impression that it has been decorated for the holidays. I had walked by this tree a zillion times and only this week it seemed festive.
Vicki finished binding a quilt for the sale and while we were photographing it for the blog and I couldn’t help but notice how “square” the plaids were cut and sewn.
Look at those squares! Plaids that are printed and not woven are often a bit wonky. I especially noticed this after photographing this wall hanging.
I pieced this Twelve Days of Christmas wall hanging that was donated unfinished, so I can critique it! One of the borders is a “printed” plaid. And it looks crooked even if it was cut true to grain. Why didn’t I choose another red and white fabric to border this very cute holiday wall hanging. Sometimes I don’t notice the small things when quilting until it is too late.
So kudos to Vicki for keeping the plaids looking straight!
This small floral print was the “small thing” Vicki pointed out–it pull together all the colors of the quilt. Yup, it is the small things that make us happy.
One small thing can make a design better–a tiny addition of black thread in an embroidered piece can make the rest more noticeable. The oranges and greens needed the black glasses to give it attitude.
. Cooks know that those small things can make a big difference–forget the salt in the soup! A friend revealed his secret to great chocolate chip cookies was to double the vanilla added. One small thing.
The not so good side of noticing small things is the more skilled one becomes, the mistakes become more noticeable. A quilter may moan about the points not matching and thus feel the quilt isn’t worthy, but the non-quilter will look at the big picture and love the quilt for its color or style.
Occasionally the big picture in our lives is not so good. Busy schedules, money worries, health issues, family problems can cause us to not see anything but the issues front and center. But taking the time to notice one small thing that is positive can make all the difference.
I had forgotten I had embroidered this t-towel. I may need to make another for myself! This week I will give myself permission to notice and to enjoy the small things–the deep red geranium bloom, fresh sheets, green lights, and finding the perfect needle for embroidering!
New things have arrived! Take a look–
Crumpled tissues in the bottom on your bag is one small thing you don’t need. These double layered tissue holders keep your tissues clean and easy to find. $5….with a pkg. of tissues!!
Another bag that snaps shut–no loosing the contents in your purse or carry-on. It could hold make-up or charging cords or what ever you don’t want to loose in that black hole in you bag! $20
A snuggle blanket for those chilly winter nights (which sounds like heaven now in the middle of August!!). The back side is a vibrant red plush. It is machine quilted and hand bound. Notice the snowpeople’s black hat add interest to the print. 45′ x 56″. $60
Are you a “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk” fan? Having a watch party of your home when the Jayhawks are playing? This would be perfect for the buffet table! It is 12″ x 41″ , $40. Machine quilted and hand bound.
Great gifts for co-workers, neighbors, book club members–we have plenty to choose from!
Recognize the Twelve Days of Christmas motifs? Each block is machine embroidered depiction of one verse of the song. It is machine quilted and hand bound. A hanging sleeve could be added if requested. 28″ x 36″. $60.
These country mice are very busy noticing the small things in their lives. And they have the most charming outfits. The sashing is a coordinating fabric. It is machine quilted and bound. The back is a soft yellow plush. Non-gender specific. 34″ x 51″. $75
This window pane block pattern is made up in rich gold, burgundy and greens. The machine quilting accents the straight lines of the piecing. It measures 47″ x 65″– a good lap size quilt. $180. ( And you know the plaids are straight!)
Hot of the press! Help us spread the news — Big quilts, little quilts, traditional styles, contemporary styles, lap quilts, baby quilts, machine quilted and hand quilted quilts— with many, many additional hand crafted items for sale! You must see it, to believe it!
Hope to see you there!!!
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