Day 125 – Shoo Fly
Since this (see photo) is what I woke up to this morning in Shelby, NC where it NEVER snows, let’s celebrate all the fluffy white fun with a design that has absolutely nothing to do with it!
I think the very last think I will see today is a fly (except maybe a ladybug – we’re kind of overrun with them), but I can always stitch one now on my quilt!
So I’m feeling better, but this is such a weird cold that I’m hesitant to say “I’m well”. It seems like every day since Tuesday I would feel better, start moving around and then suddenly get this monster headache and sore throat that were both indescribably painful.
But the painful part of this cold seems to be past and I’m still taking it very, very easy. Speaking of easy, let’s learn how to stitch this super easy Shoo Fly design:
Inspiration – It must have been way back in September or October a guy quilter emailed me and asked for a bug design. Since I had 2 or 3 weeks worth of designs already made up with videos in line, I just drew him a picture and emailed it back to him.
Bugs, just like all shapes, are very simple if you break them down into cartoony versions. This fly is so easy because it’s basically just an oval, 2 circles, and 2 tear drop shapes for wings.
Difficulty Level – Intermediate. This is a fairly easy design that will be fun to stitch at all skill levels. If you want to take it up a notch, you can always fill the wings or make your bug a bumble bee!
Design Family – Independent. This design is connected with a meandering line so it works independently on your quilt. This means that it will work just about anywhere, but you might want to place the bugs where they can easily be seen and shown off.
Directional Texture – No Direction. This design won’t have any particular movement to it because the bugs can be formed in all different directions.
Suggestions for Use – I can think of a fun, beautiful honeycomb quilt with black and yellow strips of fabric. Stitch this design over the black areas for all the bugs and pebbling in the yellow areas for the honeycomb!
Feel free to use this free motion filler designs in your quilts,and send in a picture to show it off.
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I really love your blog and the wonderful stitches that you share with us . . . when I am feeling a bit uninspired, I come to your blog and find something that kick starts my imagination again . . . THANK YOU!! But now it's time for you to take a bit of time to recover from this nasty bug you have and reflect on the freedom you have been given with the loss of your videos . . . there really is a silver lining in there and I have no doubt that your DVD will turn out awesome! Cuddle your little guy and enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate under your favourite quilt:)
This is totally adorable!
Hi, I don't normally comment here, but Im following you through my reader, I just wanted to say Thank you! Im learning so much, I can't wait to quilt another quilt!
Your weird cold sure sounds like flu to me…. Too, I can't help but wonder if it arrived due to low resistance when getting ready for the quilt guild presentation…. At any rate rest and let Josh take James out in the snow…
On another note… a few days ago you talked of trying a floor mat to even out lumpy tables…. had to laugh as I HATE floor mates, those grip the carpet things HURT – even if you are trying to ignor them. After decades of buying floor mats as needed for work – they tend to get holes in them when an office chair glides over them day after day – I finally bought masionite board – brown – not sure if I have the name of the product correct – Home Depot item. Cut it to fit the space and had a nice HARD roll around area. The board has one smooth serface and one grainy….it worked great and no pointey plastic to dodge. I can see a quilt sliding over it……
Weird weather all over, huh? Sure hope you feel better soon, and thanks sew much for your quilting designs. I appreciate your time & blog sew much.
Leah, have you been tested for strep throat? Your symptoms sound like you may have it. Important to find out—-extremely contagious but also dangerous for you if left untreated! Love your work!!!
You know what Leah, I'm betting you have a sinus infection. Try using a neti pot (you can get them at any drugstore in California, don't know about where you live). Dr. Oz recommends them and my family swears by them. If that doesn't help you, you ought to see a Dr. if you're not better soon (no, Dr. Oz doesn't count 🙂 )
Susan in CA
I've been following your blog for a couple of months now. So far, I've loved most of your designs. But I think this one is my favorite! It reminds me of my childhood. I'm definitely going to have to find a quilt to use this one on. Thanks for sharing your creativity!