Button Block 2

Here is Button Block 2 completed:



That metal button with the leaves is circa late 1800's. In mint condition it's worth a few dollars. Mine is a bit rusty but I don't care. I always liked it and it was perfect for this block.

My next Button Block will be this one:



I've decided to stitch it all in pink. I have some chores to do (always) and then I can relax and "enjoy my creativity".

I did spend about 2 hours yesterday sewing up a few more of these small blocks on my antique sewing machine. Allie commented that treadling must be a sort of "full body experience". It really is since you have to pump the petal to make it work. For me, it's a "mind, body, spirit" experience. There's something about using my own energy to make it go. It didn't take long at all for me to get the hang of it. I like the rhythm of pumping the petal. And I've always loved the sound of a sewing machine. I think it takes me back to when I was very little and I used to sit on the floor in my mom's sewing room playing quietly while she ran her machine. And it doesn't matter to me if the sound is from my electric machine or my treadle. I just love it. I love that sound. It's soothing on my nerves!

In case you're new to my blog, here is a photo of my beautiful antique Singer machine:



Here's a closeup of the machine:



If you want to see larger photos just click on the images.

Debbie asked how I get things done so quickly. I've been asked many times how I get so much stitching done. Well, I have to tell you, I am spending more time stitching these days and less time working. I used to be so scheduled, disciplined and regimented in how I did things. I alloted a certain amount of time for chores, laundry, working and so on. I actually used to sit here and design cross stitch for 12 hours a day! Every day! I did that for years! But I never left any room for spontaneity.

I realized recently that I just don't have it in me to live like that anymore. I guess I used to work so much because I believed that was what I was supposed to do. Ok, so what rock is that written on?

I woke up one day last week with a little "Pearl Of Wisdom". Here it is: There are 2 types of existence. Being in a state of Doing and Doing in a state of Being.

Looking back, I can see now that I was always in a state of doing and because of that, I didn't have time for Being. I don't know if it's a 40's thing or what. But that's what the Button Quilt is all about. It's about Being and enjoying my own creativity.

Stay tuned!