I had a little blogging wobble last week, hence the blog new look- thanks for the positive feedback by the way. I read other blogs, the writers are so funny, witty, edgy- my writing is none of those things. Unsurprisingly, I don't like writing. My degree was English literature, I loved the research and the reading but not the exposition of my ideas in words. I'd much rather make stuff to get my thoughts out there. Socially, I am quite a quiet person. In my teaching job I have a professional persona of hostess, bonhomie and chat and class leader, but in my private life I work better in small groups not party size crowds. I don't like to offend so I rein in some of my language- I think I need to let it go a bit. Online I was thinking this was making me a bit bland and insipid, not me at all. I am a mix of reserved (typical English style) and radical and I need to express and reveal more than I have done. Nothing is worse than being repressed. That's all a bit solopsistic and if I was big sis talking to my younger brother I'd be telling him to grow some and move on.
I have been working for a block for Miriam in Bee Europa. She asked for a block responding to this painting. Nice stimulus and she sent a pile of linen, Hope valley and shot cotton scraps. This was my inital sketch- back of an envelope, I am not always disciplined enough to go get my sketch book and this was to hand.
I found this pad in my local craft shop, hiding on the bottom of a shelf, so much easier than the huge sheets of graph paper for block design.
Traced this out on to the reverse of freezer paper for piecing.
Finished result. The little navy circle was a tricksy thing to piece but perseverance won out.
It's time for my close up Mr DeMille
Firstly, that block is really lovely. Secondly, I love reading what you have to say, however you say it :-)
ReplyDeleteOh Kerry!!! This Block is so wonderful!!! Thank you so much! I absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteKerry, everything you do turns out beautiful...I think this block is simply amazing...take care
ReplyDeletea
Love it, and you've done a great job transferring your idea into fabric reality!
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry, most bloggers intentionally emphasise some parts of their personality while downplaying others. It's tricky to find a balance, but do what is most comfortable for you! In my real life, I make wayyyyy less sense than I do online, lol!
I found your blog recently and love reading it. I have a problem of getting words down on paper too. I can spell, and do mental arithmetic and was always top of the class in that, but ask me to write an essay consisting of say hundred words and all you will get is ten!!
ReplyDeleteMust go and seek out the graph paper.
Just be yourself..whatever you are when you blog. I have quiet days when I am reserved, preoccupied days when I'm not really in the moment, exuberant, over the top days..when my language too is probably over excited and full of adjectives...etc. But I have found if it all comes from your heart..that is what counts.
ReplyDeleteLovely block, and thanks for 'showing your working out' (teachers were always hassling my boys to do this!). I am also a back of an envelope ideas person. And I think your writing is spot on - very easy to read so I am unlikely to skim!
ReplyDeleteI like blogs that sound like the person and in real life, I don't meet that many people who are witty/edgy all the time. In fact, it gets a little tiring reading some of them because they don't sound real. So, I vote for you to keep writing how you already do!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is absolutely STUNNING! I love it. Is it all pieced and none of it is appliqued? Amazing job.
You have a lovely blog Kerry. I am not much of a writer either and often feel that my "real life" is actually rather boring so it constantly surprises & delights me that people read my blog. I love seeing all the pieces you have been working on and would love to be able to master paper piecing too one day!
ReplyDeleteRachel x
i am always so impressed with the blocks you make. they are so unique and eye-catching!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed by this block - such a beautiful interpretation of the inspiration painting. You are a true artist. And I would echo what others have said about the blog - just be yourself. I find it refreshing to read blogs where I feel like I'm connecting to a real person and not just the glossed up picture perfect version that many bloggers put out there for their readers. xoxox
ReplyDeleteI love this block -- and I love your blog! Few things irritate me as much as writing that feels overly self-conscious (so *precious*), so I truly appreciate your style: smart, direct, unpretentious...just make, post, write and don't fret about a thing. We love you.
ReplyDeleteah Kerry, you have hit on a insecurity that so many of us have I think. I'm still in shock when someone tells me that they read my blog. Me? Why? There are sooo many out there. I personally love the serenity I feel from you. Your instructions are fabulous and I know that if you show something here that it is worth showing. It takes a lot of energy to speak to massive amounts of "unknown" people. I never write blog posts in the morning because I am just not awake enough to do it. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh and I of course love your interpretation and subsequent block. I still need to get that book you recommended for paper piecing. I think about it all the time. I should just do it. lol.
Your block is beautiful, how you pieced that tiny circle amazes me! I love reading your blog and seeing what you make. You're an inspiration Kerry!
ReplyDeleteI am so moved by all your comments, big thankyous x
ReplyDeletewhen i blog, i think of one friend that reads my blog all of the time, and i just "talk" to her as i type. it helps me write in a way that doesn't sound as dry as when i posted before i had *any* readers :) i think your blog is lovely and i find you very interesting to "listen to" in my head.
ReplyDeleteand, again, your block is drop dead amazing. if somebody sent me a block like that in the mail, i'd hyperventilate.
Amazing block! Be YOU on YOUR blog. How tiring would it be to have to adopt another persona and live up to it? Genuine will win hands down every time, and clearly lots of us are still happy reading what you have to say! No more wobbles - go for it!
ReplyDeleteHello Kerry, I love your blog and think you sound very much like me, I have the same problem in social situations and expressing myself through my own blog, all we can do is try. I love how you have pieced that block, how did you do it? and I would love to see a tutorial! x
ReplyDeleteI've always loved reading your blog because you sound so calm and down-to-earth. I am a lot like you - I prefer a smaller group because I am quite shy and introverted, and I too often wonder how I should 'sound' in my blog. I know however you write, I will always reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteOh and the block turned out amazing!
Your blog is my newest favorite! I subscribe to your rss feed and I love it.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, amazing block. I really love your quilting style. Your writing style is wonderful too. I find your posts interesting always.
ReplyDeleteYou know what, when I compare myself to others I always, ALWAYS come off worst, someone once said i was "comparing my insides to other peoples outsides", and this would never make me happy, -they were spot on. The most important thing is to be ourselves. I find your writing very real & I love to read your blog, look at your photos & see what you've been up to. Give yourself a break, -looking at the comments above, it's obvious I'm not the only one who appriciates what you choose to share with us. x
ReplyDeleteP.S. Love that block, -really different.
I enjoy your writing, that's why I keep coming back! :) Well, that and so that I can be jealous of your sewing skills and carboot finds.
ReplyDeleteWell I for one would be very sad if you stopped writing your blog! I always love stopping by here for your brilliant colourful creations, incredible kindness at sharing your process/tutorials, very clear instructions, honesty, and more than anything a piece of you! I have been slack at commenting recently but I regularly stop by to admire what you have been up to.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many more talents a Blogger may have other than writing... you may think your writing isn't the best, but you definitely have all the rest pegged girl. Keep up the great work! Xx
Kerry, your work just makes my jaw drop every time! How do you do that? You are such a great designer!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love your new blog look!