the heat has melted my energy core to naught but a trickle...

Good Morning little Calamities!
I am feeling something akin to excitement...is that it? It's been a while since I have actually felt like sharing anything here, maybe it's some sort of Summer Doldrums? Maybe I am just saving all my creative juiciness for  real world activities?
That sounds strange to say, especially coming from me, a self confessed computer obsessed Blogaholic.
Yes, I admit it.
I am Calamity Kim and I am addicted to cyber-everything.
I have recently been feeling weird though about Blogging and I guess it's because I have some people who read me and never comment and it bums me out. I don't know what to think.
It really is the biggest downside to this whole Blogging thing in my humble opinion.
I have always just typed away and said and shared whatever I pleased and felt like if anyone loved it they would say so, but it gets to me sometimes when I see the other girls with 50 or 100 comments and I feel like I am a failure.
There must be something missing or lacking and then I write about it and get your loving words of reassurance but still it haunts.
It nags.
It eats away at my Blogesteem.
So, I crawl away and set up my sheet tent in the playroom and drag my books, scissors, glue and needle and thread into it and don't come out to play.
I shut down.
I go read books.
I stop taking pictures.
Am I pouting?
Maybe.I am not sure what to make of it.I love my Blog ordinarily, so maybe this is just a minor tiff.
Maybe I will bake some cookies and set out the pot of tea and welcome you into the tent.
Scoot over, you're crowding!
dang, it!
well. there goes the center pole!
Now there isn't enough room and the tent has collapsed!
I guess I will have to come out and play after all...
My friend Amanda took some time off from Blogging and today she said that she might make something to wear to Vanessa's Blog Party. It might help her find the Joy in Blogging that she once had.
What Blog party said I???
This Tea Party hosted by A Fanciful Twist  says her.
Oh.
Sniff...hangs wringing...sniffle snuffle...should I?
Can I?
Could I?
I have so much to do already.
So much to finish.
So much sketched and planned and halfheartedly attempted....
But oh, the thought of making a mask and glitter and sparklies...oh, my.
I want to make a fabulous something with ruffles and lace and flounces and trims and maybe I can get it done and pictures taken and blogged here by the 28th of June...
But first, I want to share this bit of inspiration.
I saw this book on someones Blog and then followed the links to Etsy where I emailed and asked if she would order one for me.

So in love with the embroidery and applique and I must say that it is the finest applique quilting with children and a town and trees that I have ever seen.

It's a Japanese Book written in Japanese and so I can only look at the pictures and imagine what it says.
But It made me think a lot about how to do it myself.
I want to grow and become better with my needlearts.
So, I borrowed a picture of Lynn's daughter from Flickr. We will call her Petunia. I printed the picture out and then traced it with a sharpie on a piece of clear acetate. Then I scanned it and saved it as a PDF document. Then I found this site called scribd.com and entered my email address and name and password and instantly had an account that I could upload a document or PDF to.
Now, this excites me! I can link to it and you can copy it and I don't have to load it into Typepad or hassle with any of the side bar stuff.
Bingo it's done!
Oh, speaking of Bingo I need to make my Bingo Quilt card (with 25 different squares) for the game they will be playing over at the Flickr Group 6-12" mini quilts swap... which is where I am going to use the Petunia embroidery as a center panel for the little quiltie for Lynn. I started another quilt but it is rather too large for this swap but I will finish it anyway.
See, so much to do!
So , many doll quilts and aprons to finish and start and I am just covered up with wips!
Did I mention that Carol won the copy of the Studios Issue?
For those of you who still want one I think that they are still at Barnes & Noble or you might be able to order them at the Quilting Arts Website.

So, I once again will beg your indulgence as I slip off to the treehouse or tent sanctuary...it's hot and bright and I seek quiet coolness and serenity...even if I alienate you with my fickle posting and batherings.. it seems to be necessary in order to get things done...to finish what I have started and get out from under this growing pile of unloved bits of fabric and patchwork...I will be back soon.

Maybe we could get together and discuss what kind of party dress to make for Vanessa's Tea party??? Masks? Should I shop for new shoes????

Pass that glitter will ya?

Love & Stitches,

calamity kim