Working on the book! 3-24-23

I am taking my first draft to our printer this morning and just hoping that they can see my vision of Oh, Susannah! If we aren’t on the same page, so to speak, I’ll need to find another design department and printer. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Reader quilts – you’ll love this quilt show!

I made this divided 4 patch from one charm pack and when I need mindless sewing while watching games I will pull out another charm pack and make another one the same size so eventually I can put them all together for a quilt. Now that will be a very wild quilt, won’t it?

Got these pics for Pet Parade – see what these two sweetie pies are sitting on? Yes! It’s a Bullseye Quilt!!

Meet Fluffybun who now lives in the quilt shop. She was Cathy’s cat who can’t move to OK with her so like all my other cats, she moved in here. I’ve never looked for a cat – they all found me.

Found online and couldn’t resist posting it here – they are so happy!

Have a great Friday –

From the blog about nothing!

61 thoughts on “Working on the book! 3-24-23

  1. Lynn in Scottsdale, AZ

    Such awesome quilts today!

    Welcome FluffyBun. Mary, you are kind to take her in.

    Partly cloudy here in Arizona.

    Take care everyone.

  2. Deb in Idaho

    I love this blog. I always look for it first so it’s not about nothing. It’s a ray of sunshine. I love the pet parade and the quilt parade. Good luck with the book

  3. Lois Ann Johnson

    Mary: This is NOT a blog about nothing–it is a blog about friendship, sharing talents, and sisterhood! Even though I am not a quilter, I always enjoy looking at all of the wonderful masterpieces you put on your blog for us to see and appreciate. Thank you for your hard work in bringing it all together! Love from “Bailey’s Mom”

    1. Pat Smith

      I agree with you completely Lois Ann! Far from a blog about nothing, it covers so much ground in terms of quilting, animal life, gardening, and farm life. Can’t wait for the Susannah book as I don’t know the story and am looking forward to reading it and seeing the pictures.
      Patty

  4. Diane in Colorado

    Happy Friday!!!
    Sending lots of good wishes for the book project!!
    Beautiful quilts today! And lovely pets! You are the best rescue Mom, Mary!! The four Goldens will be together again tonight through Sunday as I will be babysitting the Grands!

  5. Brenda Ks

    Love all the quilts today! We are the same way all our cats just find us. They all get fixed and live their best lives here.

  6. Lorraine McGeough

    Best of luck to you on going to the printer. Hope all goes well. Thank you for the lovely quilt show-I just love seeing what other people are creating. Also, love the pet pictures all of them are so cute.

  7. Cindy from NOVA

    Great quilt show and pet parade today!!!
    Love your blog; i look for it every day.

  8. Lori

    Julie B from Cedar Falls, love your quilt, can you tell us a little bit about it. What pattern? Where did you get the fabric? Was it a kit?

    thanks

    1. Julie b from CF

      The pattern is New Moon Rising. The fabric is from my stash..not a kit. It is every easy to make as there are paper templates for the middle and left sections…turn under 1/4” seam allowance and top stitch the sections together. The pattern calls for fusible batting attached to the backing fabric, but I wanted my long armer to quilt it.

  9. DebMac

    Absolutely fabulous quilt show today! I even liked the ones that “aren’t my style”. Hope things go well with your printer. Sometimes it’s hard to find someone who shares your vision on a project. We had some sunshine here in the Quad Cities earlier but we are dim again. I don’t think we have had more than 2 or 3 full days of sunshine since before Thanksgiving.

  10. Melody Lenart

    Love the quilt and pet show. The two happy pups cheer my sole. Thank you. Anxious to read your new book about Susanna. Best of luck today with the book.

  11. Lynn h

    Oh my, yes, the reader quilts are spectacular!!! And the pet pics super cute! I love reading a blog about “nothing!”

  12. Sharon F

    All the reader quilts are lovely, especially the black, turquoise and yellow one with the 9 patches. Love everything turquoise! Thanks, Mary, for taking in Miss Fluffybuns. She looks like such a sweetheart.

  13. Vicki Ibarra

    Love the colors in the reader quilts. Whether bright, detailed, folk country colors or whatever, they warm the spirits.

    1. Kathy in western NY

      Very well said Vicki. I agree that whatever color, style, design, we love looking at them so keep ‘‘em coming! So fun seeing all the pictures. I just want to pick up your new kitty and pet her with that long hair. Thank you for giving her a home.
      We just got in from a long day of thrift stores, walking along the canal, eating lunch at a Mexican restaurant and I opened my iPad to search in my emails for a new blog post so I look first for that! I don’t know how Facebook works but Mary I think your blog is so friendly to all of us to be connected and say some words like we enjoy reading how all the others are doing too. I knew Jo in Wyoming was absent from a couple blog posts so now I know she was on a retreat. See!!! Our spirits are warmed just like Vicki said.

      1. Mary Etherington Post author

        Kathy- a long day of thrift stores? Oh, wow, I wish we had more close to us. We have only one who has turned into Hobby Lobby and Goodwill and Salvation Army – I never find anything at either of those! Did you come home with any good finds?

        1. Kathy in NY

          I love our thrift stores here. Two are for crafts and sewing. One benefits senior programs. I can’t do Hobby Lobby some days with all that made in China stuff. I like saving something!
          I found a gorgeous linen stamped prayer sampler I will start tonight so that’s how thrilled I was to find that. Only .50. Got some fat quarters of colors I like and an assorted pack of black and whites which I lack. Didn’t find any yardage or any of your patterns. I was looking for a children’s book panel cause they are now pricy online so I will try again. I was very surprised to see a big donation of pieced tops which appeared vintage due to fabric colors and mostly squares randomly put together. They were $59 and up! I found 2 souvenir thimbles I didn’t have in my collection but have visited the place – South of the Border park in South Carolina. I thought that will be my collection someday sitting in a basket on sale for fifty cents each cause my kids won’t want them.

          1. Mary Etherington Post author

            Kathy – I loved the stamped piece you bought – for .50??? Wow! Two whole stores for crafts and sewing? Oh, good grief – I can’t imagine. I would be in such trouble. My old favorite thrift store has gone to all the stuff from China like Hobby Lobby and often prices on other items are more than retail price. What???? I no longer bother to stop which I hate because I, too, feel like I’m saving something. My stuff will probably end up at the landfill which makes me just sick.

  14. Sheila in WI

    Wishing you the best with your book!
    And the rest of the post is just a kaleidoscope of colors and images and so much fun to look at. Thank you!

  15. Diane, Squeak, Buddy in Central Ohio

    Awww. The last photo reminds me of the little kids running to each other and hugging😍. So sweet. Too bad the world can’t get along like dogs and little kids!! I will love seeing the little divided four patch finished. Remember, bright is beautiful just like all the other quilts. I predict they will see your vision for Oh Susannah and it will be a big success!! Stay warm and safe, Mary. PS Dud Connie and Roy get home ok? Did you get the Windy APP? Cold here today-36*

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Diane – I believe Roy and Connie are still on the road. I hope she lets me know when they get home. I’ll check out Windy – I have two weather apps now

      1. Joy in NW Iowa

        I look at NOOA and at the graph for the temp and wind direction and mph…especially if it is snowing. No doggy door here. Accuweather is another one.

  16. Carmen Montmarquet

    Great quilts today Mary! Love with your new kitty Fluffybun! Good Luck on Oh Susannah, hope it works out for you!

  17. Kris in WI

    For a blog about nothing, you sure warm my heart and I’d say that was “something!” I did the ooh, ah, oh looking at both the quilts and pet parade today. Miss Fluffybuns Quilt Shop…has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it! Thanks again, Mary and to everyone for sharing. Kris

  18. Montana Kathy

    Great quilts and wonderful pet photos! Thanks Mary for starting the day with such wonderful images. Good luck at the printers. I’m off for my every two week appointment getting my blood checked (for warfarin levels/pacemaker) but at least I’m going with a smile on my face! Just love those dogs hugging each other!! It lifts my spirits!

  19. Donna Sproston

    Great quilt show pet parade. Keeping fingers and toes crossed that your printer says let’s print. Fluffybun is so cute. We love your blog about nothing because it always offers something.

  20. Pat Smith

    Beautiful quilts and adorable animals—what’s not to love? So looking forward to the Susannah book. So glad Fluffybun found a home at your house. Any animals would be lucky to end up living on your farm.

  21. Jackie in NY

    Great reader quilts! I always love friendship star quilts. And cute pets too!! Welcome to your new kitty!!

  22. Lynette in Orlando

    Beautiful quilts!!!! Love the pet parade :-). So much more than “nothing” 🙂

  23. Wonda Myers

    Love the quilt show today. People are so talented. Enjoy the pets to. You certainly stay busy. Guess you solved your mouse problem? 😂

  24. Jo in Wyoming

    Your correct!! The show today was lovable.
    The last 2 friends are adorable.

    The dealership if Ft. Collins today delivered 3 new sewing machines to the jail today…yeah.
    Plus he was taking a new longarm to a 75 year old fellow who enjoys making Quilts of Valor.
    It shall be a wonderful weekend, wind and all.

  25. Sandy

    Hi Mary, another uplifting blog, l was feeling sad yesterday as we went to visit my husband and he didn’t look at us, just stared in the bottom of his coffee cup, so sad , dementia is tough on us all.Th3 quilts were fabulous! Pets adorable, would love Miss Fluffy bun to sit on my lap as winter approaches. Quilt guild this afternoon, the speaker is a wonderful quilter l have known for 30 years,Ronnie Rutter, and l have a photo to give her wearing bears feet slippers at a quilt camp many moons ago!Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      So sad for you Sandy – it’s easy to understand why its called the long goodbye. It’s probably harder on you than him – you understand what’s happening and he likely doesn’t. I am so sorry.

    2. Diane and the gang

      So sorry, Sandy. That is very hard. My Grandmother was the same and it was hard on my Dad and Mom.
      I was only five so don’t remember.
      I’m thinking of you.

  26. Paula S.

    Good luck with the book! Love the quilt parade and all the pets. Those two dogs hugging each other is such a hoot!

  27. Jan Hebert

    I love your new kitty! She’s just beautiful! I’m sure it was hard for Cathy to give her up but it must help to know that she is in a wonderful home with you. All of the pets are so cute today! Those little chihuahuas! Adorable. The quilt show was great! I really like seeing the Friendship Stars with the tea dyed fabric. Rita in Iowa, did you use men’s shirts for some of the stars? I love the button centers too! Your quilting buddy will love this gift! Good luck at the printers Mary! And I agree with the others, this blog is truly a spirit lifter, it’s way more than a blog about nothing. Thanks for writing and putting up with all of the technical crap that you do Mary! Jan in MA

  28. Gayle in Tennessee

    Fluffing is precious. Thank you for taking her in. The two happy dogs hugging brings a big smile to my face! Good luck with your book.

  29. Linda from Georgia

    Best blog about “nothing” out there! Plus you love watching college basketball. How can you go wrong? Some great games and no #1’s going to the elite 8. Wow!

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      No #1’s – isn’t that amazing? Iowa women won tonight against Colorado. They’ll play again Sunday. More games tomorrow – isn’t this just the best time of year for sports?

      1. Linda from Georgia

        Two of my teams left in womens bracket, Ohio State and Miami. It’s so much fun to watch. I have only gotten to go to one Sweet Sixteen. It was the men and we lucked out and got front row seats. It was sooo much fun!

  30. patti leal

    i’m wondering. do all the cats that end up at your house, eventually become friends? or do each of them have their own ‘territory’. the quilts today and the pet pictures are fantastic. thanks to all for sharing. patti in florida

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Hi, Patti – actually Ernie has it in for Three and chases him and generally terrifies him at any opportunity. It’s getting better but since Fluffybun is so timid I haven’t moved her to the house yet. Otherwise everybody gets along, thank goodness.

  31. Jeanie S, Central IL

    Patti Leal, I was wondering the same thing about the cats Mary takes in. Also, Mary, is Fluffybun settling in and happy?
    I really enjoyed the great quilt show; I think I need to make a friendship star. Thanks, Mary 🥰

  32. Lindah

    Ahh, the most beautiful and fun “quilt about nothing!” Thank you for sharing.
    Best wishes for finding just the right publishing situation.

  33. Tama

    Yes, great quilt show!! Good luck with the book. Looking forward to hearing how it goes.

  34. Joy in NW Iowa

    Hello! 30 degrees at 7 am. It has been a slow melt here, which is good.
    I love all the chatter about nothing….normal stuff! No negativity! Yaaa!
    The quilts are all so pretty. The animals adorable and Fluffybun is so pretty and looks like she is ready to snuggle on your lap! Hope your visit to the printer went well! Anxious to hear!
    I’ve been working on a royal blue and white quilt. It’s a pattern from Gudrun at GE Designs, I love love Stripology rulers and Gudrun! I’m trying!!to use my fabric and not buy any 😝
    Have a nice weekend!

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Joy – that’s what I mean about nothing – no negativity or subjects of contention such as politics!!! I’m going to address this in the next post.

  35. Kim

    Love the quilts and pets. So much joy in a few photos! Your book will come together, perhaps it’ll take some extra time and trying to get things the way you hope for. A friend had a Chap book of his poetry printed and that worked well for him, but no photos to contend with. There are also companies that publish pages from blogs, several bloggers have done this year by year as a way to keep their internet journals from disappearing one day. There are more choices for publishing, a way to write down our stores and keep them when we don’t have a major publisher to work with. I still wonder wonder at the gap left by Martingale publishing and how vast that loss will be.

  36. Kim

    PS: I should have said the blog pages are made into books for individuals but not “published” for distribution. Apparently the cost is not outrageous.

  37. Brenda A in CT

    Love the quilt show, especially the one by Julie B. We have relocated from AZ to CT because of my husband’s health problems and located in assisted living. Boo, hiss, but necessary. With a small apartment, had to give up my loom, weaving stuff, stitching stuff and a lot of sewing and quilting stuff. And both our cars. It’s been an adjustment and my daughter decided we should put on a quilt show for the historical society that we both belong to, with ancestors going back to the 1600s. Easy for her to say. We have a lot to do so will be busy as soon as she gets back from a repositioning cruise next week. So much for relaxing this summer.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Brenda A – oh, I am so sorry you’ve had to give up all that fun stuff! How is your husband? Did you move because your daughter lives in CT? Quilt show sounds great!!

      1. Brenda A in CT

        Mary, my roots were in CT and both my husband and I have daughters here so it was a move they orchestrated to be closer to us (o us to them) he’s been in the hospital a few times with problems caused myasthenia gravis and I’ve had both Covid and pneumonia. I still have a little bit of fun stuff and will try to rebuild some stash. The worst part of relocating across the country is establishing new medical help. Thankfully, I’ve been able to contact old quilting friends in AZ to give me the answers re a quilt show. And life goes on. Thanks for your reply.

  38. Sharon G.

    Mary – I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to read such positive comments about my struggles with recent widowhood. Everyone who commented was so kind. I want to thank you and everyone on the blog for the support. It cheered me up!
    I am moving forward a little bit at a time. Since I’m alone I am considering getting a pet – the pet parade has been so enjoyable and got me thinking about pet adoption.
    And all the quilts are so nice to see. I hope to get back into making something soon. I did sit down at my sewing machine. Next step will be turning it on!
    Thank you again everyone!
    I really enjoy this blog about nothing that is full of inspiration and information every day.
    Take care.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Sharon G – well, you’re welcome – please send us an update now and then to tell us how you’re doing! And don’t forget your sewing machine!

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