Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Sometimes I Change My Mind . . .

Those of you who blog--do you find yourself thinking you're going to write about one thing and you end up writing about something totally different? Do things happen throughout the day that you think may end up being the subject of your next blog post, but then something else comes along? It's funny the way that happens!

This morning I was bugged about single roll toilet paper. Yeah, it's funny what my mind wanders off onto. The story there was that a couple weeks ago, Hubby had to get something at the grocery store, so he took our running grocery list with him and picked up everything we needed--except it turns out that he doesn't know anything about the finer points of buying toilet paper. So he brought home a HUGE package of 144 single rolls of toilet paper that need replacing about six times a day, and that annoys the heck out of me. (Okay, yes, I exaggerate a little but really--is there EVER an opportune time to run out of toilet paper?)

But the day moved on and I forgot all about the toilet paper (until I came home from work). In the meantime, late this afternoon I thought that after surviving a super busy day at work, I'd come home, take a nice bath, and go to bed and read a book. I thought maybe I'd even shoot the third in a series of nude self-portraits with me naked in bed holding a book which, of course, would prove that I'm not only creative and naked but I'm also literate. Cool, huh? Except when I got home, I found that the long stretch of television reruns seems to have ended, and an early night in bed would mean missing a couple of the shows that I normally enjoy--at least enough to quilt along with. So there went my second blog post idea.

What I did instead of reading was to baste the next basket block pieces, and that got me thinking again. (When you reach 50, the act of "thinking" is an event that I would liken to jump starting a car battery--it's kind of a big deal, at least when you remember doing it.) I never can predict when a blog post will elicit a lot of comments. Yesterday's post about the football cops, the Valentine topper, and the basket blocks got an amazing number of comments--I was quite surprised! So I thought I'd just write tonight's post in response to a few questions that were asked in the comments.

Yes, I might turn the basket quilt into a pattern for sale, but there's really no telling how long it will take me. I'm trying to remember to keep notes of what I'm doing. I'm also trying to keep the applique reasonably simple. The problem I envision is that quilters often want a layout of the positioning of the applique in each block, and I don't want to draw up 13 separate blocks when all that's really necessary is to move the pieces around and audition the positioning. Still, that's hard for some people. So I'll see how it goes and ponder that a bit.

The basket handles. Yep, it's red rick rack--I started with a thicker, larger rick rack when I laid out the first block, but it really dominated the block, so I switched to the medium size. I've been watching rick rack trends a little bit and looking at quilting magazines to see how different designers are using it in their quilts. I took the general feel of what I've seen and used white embroidery floss to sew down the rick rack in a way that would also look decorative. I like the way it's turning out!

Finally--how much fabric should a person should buy? I highly recommend that each of us purchase a quilt shop, but I realize that's not practical! Seriously, though, someone mentioned they wished they'd ordered three charm packs of L'Amore instead of two and how do you know how much to buy if you don't know what you're going to make? Yep, I understand completely. If you want to make the Valentine topper, just use your two packs and match up 25 of the squares for the diagonal cut triangles. For the center squares, use what's left. If there's not enough, look in your stash for colors and patterns to supplement what's in the charm packs. It's do-able. I only ordered two charm packs of L'Amore too and I don't know what I'll do with them, but I was just looking at my little "stash" of Schnibbles patterns, so maybe there's something there that I'll make with the L'Amore charms.

I wonder how many comments there will be on this post? My prediction is somewhere around 6. Unless several people want to mention their strong feelings about single roll toilet paper, future nude self-portraits, writing applique quilt patterns, rick rack, or buying fabric. And if you do, I'd love to hear from you! By the way, does anyone know why they even MAKE single roll toilet paper anymore?!

27 comments:

Searchfamilies said...

You will have to train your DH better i tell mine the brand & which one to get actually he always says he bottom (not that word lol) deserve better so will get the best brand lol
We are having lots of re-runs & rubbish on TV i don't hand sew/quilt so i don't do any while watching TV i do knit but just finished some socks so not started another project.
On the idea of writing a pattern can't say that i have i do use EQ6 & work out patterns on that but not done that with applique as yet i am just actually starting to do applique did one table topper as a Christmas gift which was my 1st attempt & will be using this in future project
Well you take care
Hugs Janice

Anonymous said...

As I sit here chuckling all I can say is...it is a joy reading your post. Better than a commentary in the newspaper. I still say you need a movie or book deal!

Heckety said...

What is single roll toilet paper?

Sure I'd love to buy a quilt shop...but the Hub would say that it looks like I already have!

And how's my red polka dot mug doing these days? Love and best wishes to him, and don't let Gran charm him off the shelF!

luv2quilt2 said...

I have lots to say about TP, but I won't go into it. Needless to say, we are being hornswoggled by the makers!! I was really glad to see that the holiday reruns are finally over.

Lorraine said...

You lost me with "single roll" toilet paper....what is it? Love the rick rack basket handles.....and I think I have been progressivley buying a quilt shop over the past few years..I think I have enough stuff to keep me occupied for years.....!

Debby Brown said...

My hubby will occasionally do some shopping for me, but never toilet paper! There is only one brand, one sized roll for me and after a quarter century together, I'm certain he has no idea what it is!

Kelly Ann said...

Toilet paper...over or under?

Laurie said...

Your blog is the first blog I read in the morning. It's entertaining, funny and gives me a laugh to start my busy day!
As far as tiolet paper - double roll, 2 ply! The only way to go!
Have a super day!

Anonymous said...

I.want.a.quilt.shop! Not that I'll have one...I just wanted to say it!

Single roll? Hubby would like me to use them because we have a septic tank here at the farm...but in my mind, wouldn't I just use more of the single? I guess we'll just find out, because I refuse to buy anything but double.

Unknown said...

I gotta say about the t.p....that is one thing that DH is WAY more specific on then I am. Has to be X brand, in X ply, with X sized rolls. And since he, as a typical man, tends to use more of it then anyone else it's kinda his call lol.
At least your DH thought to grab the whole list and get the things. That's something most of us girls can only dream about.

bunnythreads said...

single roll?haha..Maybe party streamers (kidding)unless they sell it at the dollar store I am amazed they sell it at all..My husband knows better. WE have septic & yes you use more with a of a wad with that junk.
I agree with everyone that double is it. Sanitation & hygiene...well. leave it at that.
~~~~~I have Never been able to buy a charm pack or any or the fabulous fabrics. I had a charm in my hands a few months ago =, even walked around the store, for a bit-but just could not see how I could find a way to pay the $90. So I bought some sale kona cotton.
I will live thru the blogs :~)
http://bunnythreads.blogspot.com/

Nancy said...

Why can't anyone else HANG a new roll of toilet paper. Every time I go to the bathroom the roll is empty.... It's hard to wipe with cardboard....

paulette said...

Hi Kim!
See you are up to 13 comments...!!! I hate two things about 'camping'- I have to shower and I'm a bath person(we have a tub but having your legs wrapped around your head is not what I would call a leisurely bath) and single ply toilet paper!! I HATE single ply- you might as well wipe with a piece of newspaper! You can't use 2 ply in the sewer system...it clogs things up...TMI....so there is my beef for this morning!
On your basket pattern just take a really good picture of the quilt for the cover and we can figure out how to place the flowers from that. A picture is worth a thousand words...
Have a wonderful day!
Paulette

Orcsmom said...

I think that when it comes to TP, it is in the DNA of all males!! See ya soon!

Hugs!
Pam

Lady of the Cloth said...

I don't think husbands are trainable. I had the same experience the other day at Costco. Hubby picked up one of the giant packages of their brand TP instead of our regular Charmin brand and boy, what a difference. It's not as bad as Scott tissue though. My son calls it John Wayne toilet paper because it's rough, tough, and doesn't take crap off anyone. I know, I'm crude this morning, Sorry.

Amy R said...

I'm so glad you ramble. I so missed the fact that it took two charms to make the 4 diamonds! Now I know I do really need 3 charms packs! As for the single roll dilemma, maybe rvs or smaller holders need them? Maybe you need to make one of those cute tp stack covers to keep nearby <<>>

Jan said...

Take that guess of 8, double it and then add one, which makes me Commenter #17 :) I saw a gal just the other day buying 3 "single rolls of toilet paper!" The price must have been right! Love, love, love the basket quilt ... it's turning out great!

Kim said...

My your mind does ramble. I'm having a lot of that these days, too. Is it and age/hormonal thing???! I do have my husband trained to buy one of two brands of toilet paper--both two ply! We have more discussions on the over/under thing! Thanks for addressing the amount of fabric to buy. I'm hoping to get a table topper done with the L'Amour, but I have several baby quilts in line first!

Suzanne Kistler said...

My favorite part of today's post is your quotable quote:

(When you reach 50, the act of "thinking" is an event that I would liken to jump starting a car battery--it's kind of a big deal, at least when you remember doing it.)

yep. You always give me a chuckle. Thanks for the day brightener!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Youmakamelaf!
Case in point -
"(When you reach 50, the act of "thinking" is an event that I would liken to jump starting a car battery--it's kind of a big deal, at least when you remember doing it.)" I forgot to count my number in the posting a comment tally. Lady of the Cloth and her John Wayne comment still has me chuckling.
Tootles

dianne said...

2 ply double roll Northern ... anything less is not butt worthy

i'm not sure the world is ready for the creativelyliteratefullmontyKim

whenever i say, "i was thinking..." someone always wrinkles up her nose and says, "i THOUGHT i smelled smoke"

speaking of "someone" she actually updated her blog today

and don't bother playing the lottery today - you're WAY off on the numbers

BitnByAQuiltingBug said...

Now this is a post worth reading. Thanks for the giggles! Single roll tp should be outlawed. I feel your pain and my husband is un-trainable for shopping for anything other than milk. He can handle a gallon of milk. End of story.

Busy Little Quilter said...

I love this post, too, but then I love them all.

Not only does my TP have to be double roll it also has to be unscented, so I usually have to buy it because hubby sometimes forgets (the unscented part).

I laughed out loud when you suggested we buy a quilt shop!!! I'm still laughing over that one!

I can't remember if I asked you this or not, but do you still have patterns for the heart quilt? I love that quilt!

Anonymous said...

love your blog, i read it every day... but... the jumping background hurts my headachy head! I'm finding it very hard to read with it jumping around. does it hurt anyone else???

chris said...

Good question! Why did anyone ever think that anyone would want to buy one roll of TP?

6 comments huh?

Chris in Sacramento

Anne said...

All I have to say is Kleenex Cottonelle Double Rolls :-)))

sao said...

Single roll of TP - must be for men going on camping trips. My husband once packed ONE PARTIAL ROLL of TP for a 10 day backpacking trip for the TWO OF US.......I am still laughing about that one!

sao in Midlothian, VA
drsaowens@gmail.com
www.shirleyannesheart.com