Friday, August 17, 2012

Mortally wounded . . .

. . . but still soldiering on. Yes, you came to the right place for the "Bowls Blog Hop" today! (Grin)

Some of you may remember the post that I wrote a few months ago, about Snoodles the Dragonslayer. If you would like to check it out, you can click here and jump over there to see it.

I, Snoodles the Dragonslayer, was mortally wounded this past weekend. How? A vicious attack from the Noskill-ceratops was almost my undoing.

Let me tell you my story . . . here is my completed project using the fantabulous pattern provided by Regina, and so beautifully executed by other bloggers this week:



You see, paper piecing and I have always agreed to disagree. We tolerate each other, and for all practical purposes, have very little to do with each other. 

But I was determined to change all that.  I was feeling gracious and benevolent and opened my arms to embrace paper piecing. I even got some freezer paper from the pantry and devoured Elaines' great tutorial over at SewWeQuilt. Hoooo-weee! I was prepared, ma'am!! 

Or so I thought.


Old Mr. Noskill-ceratops was snarling, and had me so apprehensive that I was jumping from my sewing chair and dashing over to the PC to refer to the tutorial again, and again, and yet again. I tried to follow each step just perfectly.  (And you know, it's not Elaine's fault -- her tutorial really does make perfect sense, and her pictures are clear and helpful.)
I had pictured my bowls in my head --- I was using my favorite Mary Engelbreit fabrics, and I could just "see" them, all stacked up so prettily . . .a dozen or more of them!

Well, I have digressed.  After lots of re-dos and quality time with my friendly seam ripper, and re-drawing the pattern and starting again, I decided that paper piecing and I were going to go back to our old relationship. We'll agree to disagree. We will keep a respectful distance from each other, if you know what I mean. I got ONE BOWL done, albeit wonkily, and so I decided that the smart thing to do was to play in my stash, eat some chocolate, declare victory. 

I wish I had had someone take a picture of me, with one foot on old Noskill-ceratops' head, but I forgot.  I was too busy planning the applique that would finish my project!

I used some of the adorable M.E. scraps that I had, and made some flowers for my bowl:



I did some outline quilting and used a cute stripe for the binding. (Me loves stripey bindings!)
So, my bowl project turned into a mugrug. Not what I had envisioned, but still, I put ole Noskill-ceratops in his place, I did. (Grin)


This one is headed across the United States inside a Pony Express rider's pack, and I have just time enough to show you the back of it, too:


See why I love Mary Engelbreit fabrics? So cute and cheery! Be sure to check out all of the other blogs that are featuring "Bowls" today:

August 17th


And if you want the whole list, so you can backtrack and get some of them that you missed, here is a link to the Bowls Blog Hop Head Cheerleader, Carol! She and Madame are doing a super job keeping us busy, aren't they? (Wink)

Enjoy the hop!

Love,



90 comments:

  1. Nothing wrong with knowing when you're beaten!
    But it's still a great bowl! and the flowers are great!

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  2. Yes yes yes you did it! Adding what you love - appliqué - made this little cutie shine.
    Regina in Germany

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  3. I'm glad you were able to slay the beast! I have an issue with paper piecing too! I love the mug rug you made and the flowers are darling! the backing is wonderful too! Reversible!

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  4. Very lovely bowls and appliqué. It's a fine combo and we're glad to see you conquered that beast!

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  5. I think it's fantastic. The flowers really add something to it and it makes a very happy mug-rug.

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  6. Thanks for a wonderful story. And the mug rug is so cute with the bowl and the flowers.

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  7. Your project is wonderful. Thank you for sharing with us today.
     

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  8. I love this so! Great applique :)

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  9. Oh so lovely! Looks great with this cherry fabric.

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  10. Gorgeous bowl and applique.Thanks for sharing!

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  11. I like your bowl, the applique tops it sweetly!

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  12. I used to feel the same way about paper piecing. I think there's a point when it clicks and all makes sense. I got over that hurdle and now just love love love paper piecing. It took several projects to get there though...
    I think your bowl and flowers came out adorable :)

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  13. Your bowl is lovely, love the applique flowers! Happy quilting!

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  14. Hi!!! I think it is adorable and the flowers are too cute!!! I love ME fabrics, they are very cheery and fun!!!!!

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  15. I love you mug rug bowl with the happy flowers. Victory indeed!

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  16. Your project is gorgeous an you wrote a very cute story to entertain us. Thanks for sharing.

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  17. Oh, what a cute name for your nemesis! I felt just the same about my paper piecing skills and had a few reflective moments with my seam ripper as well! But your project is delightful and you should be proud of putting that old noskill guy in his place! Well done!

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  18. What a beautiful little mug rug and your bowl out of the Mary Englebreit fabrics is perfect! Thanks for such a cute story and giving me a little chuckle this morning!

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  19. What a wonderful little mug rug and a very entertaining story! Great job!

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  20. Well, you can't go wrong with M.E. fabric - it works for any project with such a cheerful smile! And your mini bowl is certainly a cheerful smile.

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  21. I like it!! The flowers made it just perfect. Your story was a lot of fun to read, I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for sharing with us.

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  22. RosemaryB here: I LOVE your adorrrabibble project! I love the applique flowers on top!
    You see, what some are very good at, others have troubles.... then there are things the others are not so good at.... well, it is clear to me that you have some major skills with those flowers and applique
    Send that Noskill-teratops on a permanent vacation!
    Thank you so much for sharing your project

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  23. YOU did it..you made your first set of bowls.. your bowls are perfect for your flowers..great addition..see not sew bad...and whatever scary things that scare you..btw scare me too..I could not even read about it lol

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  24. Nice bowls, well done !
    Greatings from Germany !

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  25. Your bowl makes me happy..so bright and cheery.

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  26. I love your delightful story! Glad you linked to the tutorial because I might actually thy paper piecing! If you can conquer, I can try!

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  27. Well done you. You endured to the end and the result was fine, love the applique.

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  28. Your bowl turned out wonderful!!!!
    "Mr. Noskill-ceratops" hehehe....this made me giggle!!! You are so silly =P

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  29. It turned out beautiful!! It is no fun if you're not comfortable with the paper piecing. It does frustrate me too,as does FMQ...just keep going. I love your mug rug.

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  30. Adorable project and a very creative blog post...you are a riot!

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  31. That is a terrific mug rug! Love the fabric. If you want to try another bowl, that is much easier, take the pattern to the copy machine and enlarge to 133% . It fits on 8 1/2 x 11 paper landscape (instead of portrait direction). MUCH easier and faster! It really got me hooked with the larger size.
    BTW great story. Thanks for sharing.

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  32. That is a terrific mug rug! Love the fabric. If you want to try another bowl, that is much easier, take the pattern to the copy machine and enlarge to 133% . It fits on 8 1/2 x 11 paper landscape (instead of portrait direction). MUCH easier and faster! It really got me hooked with the larger size.
    BTW great story. Thanks for sharing.

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  33. Your post made me chuckle! Everything looks better in ME fabrics! Your bowl and flowers are really cute! Thanks for sharing.

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  34. Superb, your writing and your mugrug! Loved visiting your blog.

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  35. I Love your mugrug! Wish I were the one receiving it. Glad you slayed your dragon, mine is still after me!

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  36. M.E. fabric at the back and love the flowers in the front with a wonky bowl. What fun.

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  37. your wonky bowl is great. Even when you are goofing up, when you get to look at those M.E. fabrics, you can't help but be happy. ha ha ha.

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  38. Haha! I feel your pain, paper piecing does take practice. Your results are very pretty and cheery.

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  39. Awww! The important thing is that you didn't give up and you made something adorable out of it! I love stripey bindings too :*)

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  40. You slew the dragon! I like it.

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  41. Very cute mug rug. You are right ME fabrics are such a cheerful choice. And you finished it - paper piecing did not beat you. YEA.

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  42. Very cute mug rug. Flowers make anything better.

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  43. Jacque, your "one bowl wonder" mug rug is the cutest ever! ME fabrics and designs can cheer up anything and anyone! Loved your humorous post!

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  44. really nice bowls and I love the fabric :)

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  45. In spite of the terrible battles, it turned out very cute. I DO like that fabric - very cheery!

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  46. It looks great! The flowers are a nice addition.

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  47. I'm glad you were able to defeat Noskill-ceratops. I love those fabrics and have been hoarding them for the perfect project. They work beautifully with your mug rug. The applique is a fabulous addition. Thanks for sharing. Good thing you only sustained a flesh wound.

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  48. LOL! You made my morning a little brighter with your humor. Even though you weren't thrilled with paper piecing, your little bowls turned out really beautiful. Loved them! Thanks for hopping with us. :O)

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  49. Regardless of the paper-piece battle, your bowl looks great! The Mary E fabric is the perfect choice for a floral arrangement like this!

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  50. I am a Mary E fan as well - love your mug rug. I made a "Magic Tiles" quilt from Laurel Burch cat fabric which is also very colorful. I recently discovered the Pets on Quilts contest, but was too late to enter. It prompted me to count my cats on quilts which I already have 4 quilts with more in the works. So I will be prepared for next year! I have 3 furry assistants and we've recently discovered that they love, love. love to be brushed and we have been doing it daily! This has eliminated the need to clean up little messes they create when you find little piles of fur after hearing that awful sound, you know what I mean. It doesn't substitute for vacuuming, though, as my husband discovered. Thanks for sharing.

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  51. You are my hero for not giving up! It looks great and I also love M.E. fabrics! Great job!

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  52. Girl Power! Warrior Woman! I'm so glad you won the battle. hehe. Your bowl and flowers are darling. Your M.E. fabrics are bright and fun, the perfect choice. Thanks for sharing your mugrug and story with us. Great job!

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  53. It's adorable. ME would be proud :-)

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  54. Well done! I loved your bowl.. :)

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  55. you are so funny! your one bowl is fabulous. You did a great job. I love the added flowers.

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  56. Yow did a great job and your bowl is lovely! Keep plugging along and you will have a ah ha moment! I adore PPing, guess that is because a have a line to follow.

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  57. You definitely won the battle...great job...love the bowl and appliquéd flowers!!! TFS

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  58. Great Job! For sure the battle was won. Thank you, yet another simple/soothing/happy bowl that speaks to me!
    Cathy R

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  59. I'm glad you came out the victor. I like the way your mug rug turned out, very cute. Thanks for sharing and for making me smile.

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  60. You are hilarious! I love your bowl - it looks great to me!

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  61. I love your story and your bowl! One is enough, surely!!! You are right to declare a victory!!!

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  62. Love your ME bowls and the fabrics!!! She is a favorite of mine.
    So sorry you had so much trouble with the paper-piecing.
    Don't give up on it completely... :-/
    Thanks for sharing.

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  63. You are so funny! At least you tried and look at what a precious little mug rug you ended up with!!! I'll just be that if you tried again you would come up with another cute project! You don't give yourself enough credit!

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  64. I'm with you with PP , just not my thing but you created a fantastic bowl with beautiful flowers, thanks for sharing .

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  65. hee hee... Your post had me chuckling as I read about your PP adventures. So glad you persevered. I love your take on the pattern and am also a ME fan. Makes a lovely mug rug!

    Thanks for sharing and being a part of the hop.

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  66. Way to dive in a tackle paper piecing...one cute bowl with cute applique.

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  67. Greetings Dragon-slayer. What bowl doesn't look prettier with flowers? Great finish. Great story.

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  68. AAHH!!!!! You really are my kinda gal, snoodles!! Me and Paper Piecing also have what I call a "love/hate relationship". I love seeing others make beautiful creations with PP but Hate to do the PP myself. I'm an applique gal myself. Your story was worth more than a perfectly made PP block!! I enjoyed your humor...very well written!!
    Blessings
    Gmama Jane

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  69. Great fabrics! I also made my bowls with borders with a seam ripper in hand. However, after making a few, it got easier. Still, I think your one bowl is very cute, especially with the bright flowers. I'm so glad there are so many different techniques for making quilts--something for all of us.

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  70. Very cute and I loved the appliqued flowers I think maybe you won the battle.Thanks for sharing

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  71. I love your bowl!! You did a great job and the little quilt looks wonderful!!

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  72. Love your bowl of flowers! Have a great weekend.

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  73. Really cute bowl with the flowers. I think you did good!

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  74. lOVE YOU BOWL. GREAT JOB WITH THE FLOWERS. HAVE A RESTFUL, WEEKEND!

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  75. Paper piecing intimidates me. You did good! Janita

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  76. Fantastic bowl and a great post....:) I only ended up with one bowl as well. I post on the 27th, but I don't have a story this good.

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  77. Very cute! I love ME fabric too...something so cheery about it :)

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  78. I love your "cheerful" cherry bowl & flowers. Great choice on
    the ME fabrics!!! Love it! Thanks for sharing!!!

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  79. Your mug rug is so cheerful and creative. I love the ME fabrics and your story of your adventure with paper piecing made me smile.

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  80. I hear ya! I cannot for the life of me get the paper piecing design down in my head... My brain isn't wired right, maybe??? ha!

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  81. The bowls are supposed to be a bit wonky--yours is adorable! Love the addition of appliqued flowers :O)

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  82. I love it! I love ME....Its perfect fabric for bowls. =)

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  83. Oh my word...you are too funny. I too had lots of tearing out...more than I care to even think about. The good news is...it's done :)

    Smiles,
    Kelly

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  84. Well Snoodles, what can I say....we both struggled, we both completed a bowls project...both bonded with our seam ripper and we both declared victory!! You are too funny, loved your post and your mini. Love everything about your mug rug. Thanks for sharing, have a wonderful rest of the week!! Pauline

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  85. Nice bowl!
    Sophie from http://sophiedentelles.canalblog.com/ (I cannot comment as an OpenID with name/URL like in other blogger blogs)

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  86. I think you did a fantastic job! I also have never paper-pieced (till this hop), its quite an adventure aye? I am glad though you stuck with it because your project is just darling!

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  87. I had a good time here reading your post and am loving your ME bowl with the applique flowers mugrug!!! She always said "Life is a Cherrful of Bowlies" and included cherries on a lot of her stuff. My Mom declared that my niece be crowned "Queen of Everything" hahahaha Mary's stuff is so entertaining!! And I agree, paper piecing is a disagreeable thing! My hat's off to those who love it, but count me out for awhile!! Good job.. I like your wonky bowl of flowers!!

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  88. Sorry for commenting so late, but like what you did with your one block! Thanks for sharing.

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