Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Two Little Books






Tonight I wanted to write about something different. Different for me, that is. Just a little break from the fabric, the embroidery, and all that sewing...you know...my "comfort zone." I'd like to say a few words about quotations. I occasionally write them down in a little book and sometimes on my pattern drawings, my quilts, or on "all that sewing" going on around here, but rarely do I "fess up" to doing it. Do you write down little snippets other folks are known for saying that impress you along life's way?

One of my favorite little books is actually one of those 59 cent memo books that I "transformed" with a painted paper towel, rubber stamps, sequin flowers, yarn and a permanent pen. Yes, that background on the cover is a painted paper towel and it's holding up pretty well! I've written in it, as you can see and continue to "collect" things to write within it's pages. I think you can read the page highlighted here. And, yes, one of my favorite quotes that I've adopted as practically my own is "Nobody can be exactly like me. Even I have trouble doing it." Said by Tallulah Bankhead. I also have it typed and attached to my computer. It makes me smile every time I read it. Another quote I've chosen is from Tracey at acottageindustry.blogspot.com..."What I'm looking for is a blessing that's not in disguise." Love that one.

How about this one - "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." Said by Pablo Picasso. Or this - "Where all think alike, no one thinks very much." Walter Lippman.

Another little book I have is one I made myself. Several years ago, I started teaching a quiltmaking class on how to write on fabric. It was great fun and with it began my love of writing quotes on my quilts and in these little books. So I made a book to go with the class. This is it. I called it "Writing on Fabric" - pretty straightforward, don't you think? It was more economical to make a zillion copies, so I did, including them in my classes, selling some and later, giving some away. There are some instructions on how to actually go about writing on fabric and the rest consists of quotations you might wish to add to a quilt, wallhanging, or embroidered piece. Some are just entertaining. Well, at least I think so.

One of my favorite quotes is on page 11, shown here. I'm very fond of that one....and you'll notice the artwork....not mine, but taken from copyright free clipart, which is all I knew to do when I made these little books. Would you like one??? The first
TEN folks to comment on this post will be getting a copy of this book in the mail (if they want it!)...just kindly see to it that I have access to some contact information, and if you'd like to email me, feel free...paeaton@mac.com.

There is one more quote I'd like to share with you. Of course, another of my favorites. Many years ago, my son had a dream. It was very real to him and when he was fully awake he decided to write down what he had said in the dream. It was - "I would soon reassure myself that in the future, I shall heed my own instinctual warning mechanisms." I have that quote printed large and hanging on my bulletin board to this day. Now, if he and I both would stick to that one, we'd probably be better off.

I'm off to AWOL for the next few days....that's "Arkansas Women on the Loose"...a gathering of quilting friends. I'll be back Sunday....remember to comment if you are interested in having one of the ten available books! See you soon. Pat

18 comments:

Librarian Lee said...

I would love one of your little books! How beautiful!

Melody Marie Murray said...

Oooh, me too, please!

Unknown said...

How lovely of you to do this. I love quotes too, though you seem far more organised than I am and can never find the right quote when i want one! Will have to start a book like yours.
Rosie

Caron at Michigan Quilts said...

You just KNOW I want one, right? I adore quotations and have started putting them on my quilted goodies.

Maya Sara Matthew said...

Pat I hope you will post to India because I'd love a copy.

Bethany said...

Thank you for sharing your post. I'd love a book!

Anonymous said...

I have my grandmother's little book of quotations. I have one of my own I occasionally add to and I would love one of yours.

If I'm lucky enough to get one, I'll give you my mailing address.

BrenWall61@gmail.com said...

Don't count me as one of the ten!! But I was looking at the picture of you holding the book open and remembered how much I love to see your handwriting. It is so neat and lady like. Love ya.

Pat said...

Lei, Yes, please send me your email address as I have no other way to get it, I'm commenting here. Brenda, Yes, friend, YOu already have one of these books....loved seeing you today...wasn't it FUN?
And, lucky me, I'll be seeing you again tomorrow for AWOL!!! Pat

Unknown said...

I would be honored to receive one of your little books. I love to write down my thoughts!

Gayle said...

I got such a kick out of your son's quote...so wonderful how you validated it by putting it up in your home. :-)

Anonymous said...

Pat I love your little quote book. I have MS Word file that I cut and paste quotes to all the time. It isn't the least bit charming. Thank you for the great idea. I have a little book that I can start adding them to.

Right now my two favorite quotes are:

“You will never plough a field if you only turn it over in your mind.”
~Irish Proverb


“Everyone has to get dressed in the morning, so why not do it with some spirit?”
~ Bill Cunningham

Unknown said...

Lovely books! What a lovely thing to have! I love quotes! One of my fave quotes is, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care!". :)

Judy Hartman said...

Oh, I'm sorry i missed your giveaway, but I do want to comment on your little books, What a wonderful idea! I love the quotations, especially the Van Dyke poem and the Tallulah quote.
i love this one by Picasso: "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

supplies overflowing! said...

Like you, I have a book in which I record quotes that I have heard, or read, but recently, like your son, I heard the statement- "If you all hug each other, it will be like hugging me" in a dream. This was said by my father (he passed away in August)as he was hugging his grandchildren, and after I asked him if I could hug him too. I'd never thought of that- we are all of his blood and love- and it would be like hugging him. I've written that down too, but it is now ingrained in my head.
Sorry- I am getting carried away. Great quote on your son's part.
I just love how a simple statement can say so much.
jenny

Pat said...

Ok, have my ten names to received the little books. Now if Nancy and Lei would send me their mailing addresses, I could send their booklet along. The rest of you will have books forthcoming. Thanks for your interest in the books...love it. Pat

Pat said...

Oh, yes, Lee Ann, I need your address also. pat

Cindy said...

I love your little book and your handwriting is beautiful!

-c

A Bit of Heaven

A Bit of Heaven
An original designed wall quilt with my vision of heaven on earth.