I started on my monster blocks last night. I cut out some background blocks, then cut out the pieces for one of the monsters, the one in the photo. I used the pattern for the embroidered blocks without enlarging anything. I cut the background 8 1/2" x 10 1/2" and the monster pieces according.
Well, let me tell you, those little hands and antennae were almost impossible to deal with. Then I got to the teeth, and they were absolutely impossible to deal with. I finally had to embroider the teeth.
I asked my friend Sally, who is also making a monster quilt, about my problem. Sally suggested that I enlarge everything 50%. So this little monster guy is going in my orphan blocks box, and I'm starting over with bigger pieces. Sorry, little guy.
Boy! Did we have a stormy night last night! The winds blew so hard, it sounded like my house was going to come off its foundation. The last time Sophie and I went outside, she could almost not stand up. Her ears were blowing up and back; she looked like The Flying Nun.
Today is sunny, warm, and windy, but I understand that frigid temps are on the way. I hope my sister gets her furnace fixed before they get here. This is the third time it has broken in the last week.
Christmas draws ever closer, and I still don't have the Christmas spirit. I guess everyone will just have to understand. I have done NO Christmas shopping, and don't plan to do any. I did purchase my Christmas cards a long time ago, when Hobby Lobby first put out their Christmas things, but I haven't addressed any of them. And the only decorating I've done is to hang my wreath and my mailbox garland.
Andy, Jesse, and I have been invited to have Christmas dinner at my sister's house. I'm going to make a rum cake (recipe compliments of my friend Barbara S.) and some other stuff. I think I'll have soup night here on Christmas Eve. Not big deal. Just come as you are and have a bowl. You're all invited.
Have a great Wednesday, everyone.
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On 12/09/2009, Beverly said ...
Susan, I would love to be able to join you for soup night - and some rum cake. I used to make rum cake; maybe I should dig out that recipe.
I love the monster quilt, and I can't wait to see yours.
On 12/09/2009, Nicole said ...
Yikes, were those little teeth supposed to be appliqued on? I would have to just make one monster who was four feet tall and call it a day!
Let's have a soup party! I will bring the bread, someone else throw together the salad.
On 12/09/2009, Loribelle said ...
Soup Night at Suzie's! YUM!! (that's the satisfied voice of someone who's been there and done that!) Depending on what times/plans can be made with Greg's kids we may be there! Love you, LBJ
On 12/09/2009, wendy said ...
I can't stop smiling at that little monster! So cute! Love the background, love the little hands. It would make a cute stuffed toy.
On 12/09/2009, Joanne said ...
Can't wait for Soup Night!
On 12/09/2009, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
Great idea (stuffed toy), Wendy. Or a pillow too. --Susan
On 12/09/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Love the monster block and I vote for a pillow to either accompany the monster quilt or to adorn your office or sewing room on days (if any) that you are out of sorts!!
If Barbara S. doesn't mind, would you post the rum cake recipe, pretty please? Back in elementary school during the late 1950s and early 1960s, I was Barbara S.! Barbara was a popular name then.
Soup night sounds just perfect and I wish there were far fewer miles between us so I could join you. I'm glad you'll be at your sister's for Christmas and I'm sure everyone understands if you do less decorating than usual. Will you still do the cardinal tree?
Hugs!
On 12/09/2009, Debbie said ...
I love soup night. I also love breakfast night!
On 12/09/2009, Debra said ...
You could also use it for the label on the back of your quilt. Mail it to me and I'll machine embroider the words on it for you. We could do something fun with the words coming out of his mouth!
It's really going to be a cute quilt when it is done!
Count me in on not being ready for Christmas. We are the only ones on the block without our lights up yet-maybe this Saturday. I don't see any rush.
On 12/09/2009, Rian said ...
That monster is cute, cute, CUTE. Of course everyone will understand why you aren't in the spirit this year.
On 12/09/2009, Deane said ...
So cute...I wouldn't have known what to do with that blk/wht fabric but you found the perfect use. Good for you.
I so enjoy your blog, Susan. Thanks for all you share.
On 12/09/2009, Pat said ...
Wish I could! Soup on Christmas Eve sounds great - and cozy. That background is perfect for monsters - sorry you had to start over, but better that than frustration.
On 12/09/2009, Kerrie said ...
Sounds just like our weather here in SC! Today it was beautiful and 70 but the cold is on its way tonight.
On 12/09/2009, Kai said ...
Susan, your HEART is ALWAYS filled with Christmas! I know that SO well! And if you don't do all the 'normal' or 'usual' things this year, that's okay! You will eventually decide what YOU want to do for future Christmases! And that will become your 'new' normal! As for the darling monster, I vote for finding a use for him, too! He couldn't BE any cuter! But I would DEFINITELY enlarge the lil' stinker 'cause that is just tooooo small to deal with! And HOW I wish I could join you at your soup party. Sigh. Never had rum cake but it sounds good! And goodness knows, I could bring a HUGE plate of cookies 'cause I'm up to my ears in freshly baked ones that my round body doesn't need! Hope your weather behaves! I LOVE YOU! (And Sophie, of course!)
On 12/09/2009, Kelly Ann said ...
that background fabric is perfect for your monsters.
On 12/09/2009, Thelma said ...
That background fabric is perfect for those monsters. Yes, I agree, the monster must be bigger!
I wish I could stop by for soup but I will be there in spirit. I think you are approaching this holiday season with a good plan, no sense stressing yourself out and getting sick again, just enjoy and do what you can.
On 12/09/2009, Linda said ...
From sweet littl bunnies to scary monsters-- quite a leap! :-)
On 12/10/2009, Pokey said ...
Your plans for Christmas sound fun, with soup the night before, hm-mm. The monster quilt is really cute, a teacher friend in my quilt class made one. I could not believe the work. One thing's for sure, it will keep you busy!
On 12/11/2009, Dandelion Quilts said ...
Your monster is cute and I just have to laugh about the flying nun...ha.
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