Tuesday Quilt block April 30

And next in the sequence is a triangle for the border of my Jane Stickle quilt. This one is LS4 - Virginia's kite.

Ah, I see one piece is a little wonky - it must have slid a little while I was appliqueing.  Oh well, better basting in the future.

I used a very bold and beautiful turkey red print for this triangle. I am very close to finishing the piecing of blocks and triangles for this quilt.

I am linking up with Connie at Freemotion by the River and Quilt Story as I do most weeks I have blocks to share. Both blog hops have of pictures of pretty quilt blocks and other projects.

I am on Facebook too: just search for Viridian61.

Viridian


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Z is for Zed - I'm done

Well, almost done - a reflection post comes later.

Here in America, Z is pronounced 'zee'.  It wasn't until I got to graduate school and met persons from Britian that I learned about 'zed'.

No zebras or zippers in this post - though they did appear in my daughter's A to Z book, that I mentioned in my last post.

Like learning about zed my horizons have been broadened by this A to Z experience.  It's been a busy month, and I haven't been able to visit many other bloggers as I would like.  Thank you to the few who have dropped by here.  More reflection later.

Viridian

Y is for Yesterday

Yesterday it rained, and it probably will again today.

Yesterday I wasn't so tired.

Yesterday I had the day off, but did a lot of work anyway.

Yesterday is still a great Beatles' song, even though I've heard it so many times.

Almost done with the A to Z challenge!

Viridian
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X is for Xebec

Finally, this morning, it hit me. What does this blogging month remind me of?

Why, when my daughter in kindergarten was putting together an ABC's book, and pasting in pictures of things that began with a certain letter.  There were challenges along the way, but all went well until we came to X.  I, of course, wanted my daughter to be different and inventive, and break away from the tired X-rays and Xylophones.  So I looked in the dictionary and found Xebec.  Its picture is below.

 

An older-style boat, used in the Mediterranean for trade.

 

But my daughter refused! "But mommy," she said, "That's a BOAT, and that starts with B!"

 

So off we went on the internet to find a picture of a xylophone.

 

Viridian

 

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W is for Windows on the World

Postcrossing is my Window to the World.

I send cards all over the world and receive back a fun and amazing cards from all over. I currently have exchanged cards with persons in 82 countries.  Just in the last week:  I have received cards from:

The Ukraine:

 

Canada:

 

 

Poland:

 

 

And Hong Kong:

 

It's fun to check my mailbox every day!

Viridian

 

 

 

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V is for Vinca

Vinca is a ground plant, used as ground cover. At this time of the Spring it is blooming with a five petaled, periwinkle blue flower.  It is blooming now in our beds and does not seem to mind the great swings in temperature the American Midwest is currently experiencing.  I don't have any pictures of it unfortunately and no time to get any - must get to work today!  A sure sign of Spring for me, so vinca is my entry for today.

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U is for Umpire

My second son is in training to become a baseball umpire.  He will be 'umping' games between teams of younger children, say 8 - 10 years old.  I guess that means I will be driving him to and from games.

He has learned a lot about the game, having never played in a league himself.  However he is not showing enough initiative ( in my opinion).  He still has to let the organizers know what days he is available this summer, and still should participate in a practice baseball game, just to get a feel of how everything works.

Viridian

T is for Tuesday Quilt Block and Tutorial

Perfect: T falls on a Tuesday. I am going to present my way of doing the Dear Jane kite TRC Longwood. This is the one with the 5-pointed stars. To applique them or reverse applique them, and get lousy, lumpy points either way? Well here is another way.

Prepare your main block using the method you like best, and cut a piece of your background fabric the right size (include seam allowances.)

Then: visualize the center as odd-shaped pieces of focus fabric appliqued onto a background fabric base, leaving  a bit of the background fabric exposed.  Here are my A, B, C etc. pieces traced onto freezer paper, for my favorite method of freezer paper underneath applique.

 

The next picture will help you visualize this.

 

 

Two green pieces appliqued on, the third is waiting.  The star is beginning to form.  Next, piece this  unit into the center of your main block.

 

 

Ah, impossibly sharp star points.

Now on to the star in the corner, which I treated in almost the same way.

 

 

I added some lines and pieced one star point.  For the bottom, I appliqued oddly-shaped pieces of background fabric onto my focus fabric.  Trace these from the diagram in the Dear Jane book.  (You can still see my freezer paper in place). Sew these two pieces together and you have a pretty star!

 

Remove any freezer paper, trim away focus fabric, and finish the corner kite using the directions by Anina. See the end of her post.

 

I am linking up with Connie at Freemotion by the River and Quilt Story as I do most weeks I have blocks to share. Both blog hops have of pictures of pretty quilt blocks and other projects.

Keep up with this blog on Facebook: just click on Viridian61.

 

Viridian

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S is for stamps

When I started Postcrossing I was excited about receiving postcards from around the world. A card from Finland! A card from England! A card from China!  Some with tourist scenes on them, some with reproductions of art on them, all sorts.

It was only later, at least 6 months later, that I began to really study the stamps on these postcards.  Other countries have 'regular issue' stamps, as we do, and you see them again and again.  Then, I would notice beautiful stamps like these, from Russia:

 

Or perhaps these:

 

 

What a world is seen in the microcosm of stamps.  I therefore started my meme, Sunday Stamps, which has been going strong since January 2011.  You may join in with your stamps  on every Sunday, on my other blog, http://viridianpostcard.blogspot.com/.

 

Viridian

 

 

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R is for rolling along, and...

This is post #401 for this blog! Imagine that!

R is for rolling along, as I seem to be surviving this blogging challenge.

R is for robins (American robins) who now are very active, catching worms, and building nests.

R is for relief, now that the second suspect in the Boston bombing has been caught, and will evntually be brought to justice.

R is for recovery, which the City of Boston will now do.

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Q is for Quilt, of course!

If you follow this blog you knew this was coming. Quilting is my main hobby. Yes, I would give up Postcrossing and continue quilting. Not much is getting done lately, so I looked through old blog postings to show you a quilt.

 This is my nosegay quilt, in the midst of being quilted, by the piece.  The prints are actual old fabric, some of it feedsack.  The solids and the white fabric are new.  I haven't touched this since some time in 2010!! it might be time to return to this project.  It is still in the hoop, just as you see it.

Viridian

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P is for Postcrossing

Oh, this was an easy one.

Postcrossing is one of my major hobbies now.  I have shared it in my M is for Mail post.

About Postcrossing:
"The goal of this project is to allow people to receive postcards from all over the world, for free. Well, almost free! The main idea is that: if you send a postcard, you will receive one back from a random Postcrosser from somewhere in the world....The element of surprise of receiving postcards from different places in the world (many of which you probably have never heard of) can turn your mailbox into a box of surprises - and who wouldn't like that?"
Two cards I received this week:

Lavender fields in France, but actually sent from China.  And:

A lovely portrait from Germany.

And Stamps!!

Viridian

O is for Offspring

First, let me express my sadness for what what happened in Boston, and my sympathies for those families who are hurting. However, this does not begin with the letter O.

O today stands for offspring, as in children.  One day they are sweet babies, then the next little terrors.  One day  they are funny, intelligent teenagers, the next they are little terrors.  This morning my eldest was more of a little terror, and his two siblings were annoyed but mostly tolerant.

No names, no pictures on this blog, to protect our family's privacy.

Viridian61

N is for New Quilt Block

It is Tuesday and time for sharing, as I usually do, a quilt block. It is also time for N in the A to Z blogging challenge.  So let me find a New quilt block, from one of my New projects.

These are foundation pieced patterns from the Dear Jane quilt.  OK, this part isn't New.  I should point out though that instead of finishing at 4.5 inches square, these little beauties will finish at 3 inches square.  The one on the left will be finished up as a Christmas ornament and given to a friend.  The one on the right is part of a New project to make 3 inch blocks in real feedsack fabric from the 30's and '40's.  I have about 50 of these 3 inch blocks finished now.

I am linking up with Connie at Freemotion by the River and Quilt Story as I do most weeks I have blocks to share. Both blog hops have of pictures of pretty quilt blocks and other projects.

I am on Facebook too: just search for Viridian61.

Viridian

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M is for Mail

Mail each day used to be dreary.  Bills. Advertising for local businesses.  Credit card offers. Catalogs (well some of those could provide a diversion...) More bills.

Now, I am a member of Postcrossing.  We still get these other things, but now I receive exotic postcards from distant lands.  Going out and getting the mail is fun!

A recent card from Brazil

About Postcrossing:
 "The goal of this project is to allow people to receive postcards from all over the world, for free. Well, almost free! The main idea is that: if you send a postcard, you will receive one back from a random Postcrosser from somewhere in the world....The element of surprise of receiving postcards from different places in the world (many of which you probably have never heard of) can turn your mailbox into a box of surprises - and who wouldn't like that?"

A recent card from Russia

It startled me, looking at my profile, that I have been a member for over 5 years! (My name there is Viridian also).  I have received over 1500 postcards, and in that time I have only received a couple pairs of doubles.  All others have been unique.  I have sent out more than 1530 postcards - most have been registered, some have been lost in the mail.  I guess the cost in postage does mount up (I don't want to think about it!) but it's one of my main hobbies and one that gives me pleasure.

More on mail and postcards and stamps are on my other blog: http://viridianpostcard.blogspot.com/.
I run a blog hop on stamps, called Sunday Stamps, as I started turning the postcards over and noticing the wonderful works of art on the other side!

Viridian

L is for Late

Yesterday I was Late in getting my A-Z challenge post up. Blogging everyday, following the alphabet, is harder than I thought. Getting closer to the half-way point however!!

Well, now it is 9 AM in the midwest USA so I am not too Late yet.  But it got me thinking.  Am I generally on time, late, fashionably late, or really late to most appointments in my life?  Looking back, I have moved from late to becoming more on time.  I didn't worry about it before, but now I am more aware of other people waiting on me.

And obligations. As a teacher how late am I on correcting assignments and getting these back to students?  I was good at the beginning of the semester, now I am getting late - in one class I am very bad indeed.

If you are interested, I am on Facebook, as Viridian61.
Although tomorrow is a day of rest from the A-Z challenge, I will be posting Sunday Stamps on my other blog, http://viridianpostcard.blogspot.com/.  I'd love to have you join us.

Viridian

K is for Korea

I am running late today but here is my A-Z post.

Korea:  It is all over the news today.  This kind of "saber-rattling" has happened before.  Should I be scared this time? Have I not noticed this kind of build up in tensions before?  I really don't know the answers to these questions.

Viridian

J is for Joy

I must admit right up front that I am stealing this idea for J from Marcie at Marcie's Postbox.

She writes about the joy she gets upon receiving a postcard from Postcrossing in her mailbox. And I admit I feel the same.  In Postcrossing, you send out postcards to people you are randomly matched with, and as the postcards arrive, they are registered.  Then your name goes in the queue to receive a postcard.  This is the joyous part for me - what surprise will be in my mailbox?  A pretty card, an interesting stamp?  A postcard such as:

 

Oh, just another German village.  But this is so different compared to the dull and new American Midwest. And some of the kind messages and good wishes that Postcrossers send are wonderful to read.  I try to pick interesting card and send good wishes out when I send cards.

 

Viridian

 

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I is for invention, initiative

Last night I was watching a wonderful TV show on our local Public Television station, called the History of Science. (It turns out this is a repeat of a program from last year).

Now for some people this could bring back bad memories of college classes long ago but keep in mind I am a scientist. The show was really well-done and I was loving it! The show covered the development of the concept of energy and thermodynamics through the 1700's to the modern day. So from early steam engines to atomic power.

I was struck by how Inventive and Inquisitive some early scientists and practical men were.  And the Initiative shown by the inventors and the theorists who followed them.  Yes, mostly male scientists were involved - but Marie Curie and radium were discussed also. It was a great way to spend a Tuesday evening.

Viridian

H is for Help!

It is day 8 and this is getting hard! Procrastination doesn't work - I must get this post up before work! Help!  I also wish I had a grader for all the schoolwork I need to correct.  And more hours in the day when I wasn't tired, to get all my work done.

Well, we A to Z bloggers must keep plugging along.

Viridian (short entry today!) Tweet

G is for Geology

Back to the A to Z challenge, after Sunday off.  But I was blogging - Sunday Stamps are featured on my other blog, unimaginatively called Viridian's Postcard Blog. 

I love geology! The other night I was watching Laurence of Arabia and noting the rock formations in the background, esp. in the beginning of the film.  For the aforementioned blog,  the theme was Rocks, minerals, or the environment, and so I featured these stamps:

Featuring tiger eye and opal.

I recently sent out this geological postcard:

Geology! It is more than rocks, it is the entire study of the earth we live on.

Viridian

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F is for Flowers

I think many of the bloggers in the A to Z challenge will pick flowers - let me join the crowd.

It is a cold Spring in this part of the Midwest, as it is in many parts of the Central and Northeast USA. My daffodil shoots came up early then the tips withered in a big late snowstorm. Today, finally, some of the daffodils are fully open, showing their yellow faces. What a great color! Why don't we appreciate this color in a dandelion? Maybe because Daffodils do their flowering and are done, while the dandelions spread all over the yard.

More on flowers: there were many pretty ones in the floral section of the grocery store.  I admired them but passed them by - to me they are an indulgence.
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E is for Expectation

Well, Day 5 of the A to Z challenge, and yes, it is a challenge.
E is for expectation. (I am thinking of anticipation but today is "E" day!)
It is Friday and I am expecting the weekend.
We are having a cold Spring but the weather is getting warmer.  I am expecting a big bud-out and bloom this weekend.  How wonderful it will be! 
I am expecting some free time this weekend (I can hope) to get some of my quilting done.

If you are interested, I am on Facebook, as Viridian61

I am also linking up with Friday Fragments at Half Past Kissing Time.

Viridian

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D is for "------" for Dummies

There is a series of books here in the USA that offer instruction for the basic beginner on all sorts of topics.  The titles are all variations of "------ for Dummies".  Meant kindly of course.  I recall one of the first books was "Computers for Dummies".  Another was "Home Repair for Dummies."  Now you can find one of these books for all sorts of topics.  Some however, may not exist, but I wish they did.

Child Rearing for Dummies
Managing your Academic Career for Dummies
Attaining that Work-Life Balance for Dummies
Cooking Nutritious Meals your Family Will Actually Enjoy for Dummies
Losing that Menopausal Weight Gain Easily and Effectively for Dummies

Hahaha!  We can hope these titles will be delivered soon.

Viridian

C is for Children

My children are near and dear to me, and occupy much of my thoughts. They don't occupy much of this blog however because I wish to protect their privacy. No real names, no pictures.

I did blog a bit about their adventures last summer when I had more time, and I linked in to Half Past Kissin Time's blog hop.  Then, their names were First Son, Second Son, and the Girl. I am just too busy now - but I am making time for this A to Z challenge.

I said I would not rant for this challenge but I feel  a rant coming on.  Let's see if I can be civil.

Yesterday First Son attended an assembly in the High School put on my State's version of MarriageWorks.  It's tough b/c I agree with some of their principles (respect others) but disagree with others ( abstinence is only form of birth control offered, marriage is the only relationship option, and heavens, it is only between a man and a woman).  This group is very conservative and closely linked to the Republican Party.  As you may infer, I am neither conservative nor Republican.  Is the High School going to offer another viewpoint?  Shouldn't values be taught at home, not at school?

OK, enough of that.

Raising and loving children is not easy.  Before Children, I had no clue about all the emotions parents feel.  My life is richer and fuller because of them.

Viridian

B is for (Quilt) Block

As I do every Tuesday, I am sharing a quilt block, or in this case a triangle, from my current project.  The name of this block, appropriately, is Button hook.

(That top diamond is a bit wonky!)

For those bloggers who are part of the A to Z challenge, I am working on a big quilt project - a Dear Jane or Jane Stickle quilt.  An image of the original quilt is HERE.  The sampler blocks in the center finish at 4.5 inches, and the triangles in the border are 5 inches across and 8 inches tall.  I am very close to being done. Just one or two more triangles and a corner block.

I am linking up with Connie at Freemotion by the River and Quilt Story as I do most weeks I have blocks to share. Both blog hops have of pictures of pretty quilt blocks and other projects.

I am on Facebook too: just search for Viridian61.

Viridian

A is for Anonymous

New challenge for me: Blogging A to Z.

 

This is the third year, I believe, that this blogging challenge has been going on, but the first time I am joining in.  I noted that some of the participants in Sunday Stamps had done this challenge last year.

 

So: A is for April, and A is for Anonymous.  My real name is not Viridian, of course.  I felt I needed a name to protect my identity and that of my family.  (When we get to V I will explain the origin of my name!)  I am glad now that I did this.  No need to associate the meanderings of this blog to my work identity or, to embarrass my children!

 

I could I suppose, use this anonymity to rant on politics or religion, child-rearing practices or the people who annoy me.  But no, I will not.  I hope to use this month to share some things I like, share a few kid stories perhaps, and flex my writing muscles.  Expect some quilt blocks and reports on my progess (great for the letter Q).

 

Viridian