Birthday Block Exchange 2014

Last year, BJ convinced me that I am capable of stepping out of my comfort zone, but I love my comfort zone, it's so cozy and there is this feeling of contentment. I rather not take risk because if there is some thing unexpected I would know what to do. With quilting? I am practically a pre-schooler.

To challenge myself out of my comfort zone and exposing my vulnerability with the groups of ladies who are accomplished quilters or better sewing skill, in case someone "jump up" and deny that fact, can be very terrifying. I was self conscious about things that I might be doing the "wrong" way and to make matters worst, I don't even own a super efficient sewing machine. No doubts that I had my moments.  I was very nervous about working a pattern and choosing the fabrics. There's many times I created not only  ugly, unworkable blocks but wasted fabrics too. And on every  challenge month,  I did it with doubts, sometimes scared of mailing our my blocks to the birthday girl. Worried sick that  my blocks are not precisely the way "everyone" expects it to be because  I did it my way. But I tried and I didn't give up or chicken out because I made a commitment or the ladies will have insufficient blocks to finish. And so everyone had to just be contented with my wonky and unperfect blocks.

Whereas, I got the best part of the deal, I received perfect blocks from the ladies in-exchanged for my imperfect blocks. My turn to received my BBE finally came. Here are my gorgeous REDS of 11 Blocks of 9 patch. My Color theme : Red and White. Block size : 6 1/2" unfinish

From Jess W. I love how the reds all go together regardless of the depth of the fabric colors, design and style even the polka dots. Knowing that I collect tape measurements, J included in her package  two vintage tape measurements and a new purchase from Melbourne and a  Wooden Owl Frame. 

The blocks from Margaret W, a beautiful selections of different red fabrics put together  It's simply luscious, I like how the deep red fabrics standout from the softer reds. In her package, there's two mini charm packs and a box of Color Catcher. The latter would sure come in handy later on.

The next blocks of reds came from BJ and I love how she team up all the different French General fabrics together to create an absolute harmonious beauty of reds. And there's this adorable owl fabric pouch that without doubts sewed by BJ as well as a mini charm pack. 

The final blocks to arrive came from June. Her reds are a combinations ranging from dark to medium reds.   It's an extremely delightful combinations of fabrics. Her choice of white tone on tone popped out among the sea of reds. She also sent me a lovely  spool trims and letter pad.

Thank you ladies for all your gorgeous reds and an opportunity for me to improve my skills in the process and create a memorable quilt. One thing for sure, I don't know if I will have the confidence to work through another challenge like this again. The stress can be unbearable..yet I wonder what is the next challenge will be.

On a sad note, my FIL succumbs to lung cancer on September 20th after battling for approximately three and half months. That was when he was first diagnosed, he was already at Stage 4. He has never felt any pain anywhere prior to a back ache, when the pain became unbearable,  he was taken to the hospital and given a scan  and came home with the devastating news.

A week later, we  went out for dinner at Red Bean Bag Restaurant in Publika. It was a very quiet evening. We are still in mourning and there's not to be any celebration of any kind. for at least a year. We spotted couples in a ballroom dancing competition on the ground floor from our table. It was too far for my mobile phone to take pictures. Lovely couples and their dance was mesmerizing. To me they are all winners.

After dinner we proceed  to Mad About Coco for our desserts. since we did not have any cake or more precise blowing out candles on a cake.

Feeling like a Majesty indeed with my Majestic Tea Teapot of Chamomile Tea.

I now have a new guy to accompany me in the kitchen. It's gift from my dear DS. I wonder if this is a hint from him ?? Must remind myself now to add a little more than a dash of  love in my cooking or should I not? so he can sent me another chef next year?? LOL

I shall end my post  now with a new found word of comfort

its the cover of the menu from Mad About Coco

We are having  afternoon and evening rains again, it's the time of the year 

Hope you have a wonderful and lovely season

where ever you may be. 

Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate your visits.

Credits : * Thank You* image via google search