Block 20: String Block

The four sections plus centre were easy to piece, but difficult to put together.  I’m no gun at inset seams on the machine.  Perhaps if I come up against another block like this, I’ll piece the segments on the machine and then use good old-fashioned needle and thread for the final seams.

I’m yet to try out freezer paper piecing as Sandi suggested; I’d already started String Block when the comment came up.  Next one, promise. I can’t guarantee that that will be soon, though; there are some major Other Things happening.

One, I’m belting away — there is no other word for it — at NaNoWriMo.  I have to write 1,667 words a day or I fall behind.  Which would be easier if I didn’t have to earn a living or anything trivial of that nature   The book is terrible, absolutely without a doubt the worst fiction ever put to paper.  It doesn’t even have the virtue of being silly.  Many WriMo writers chuck ninjas and pirates in to spice things up, but I’m after a manuscript that could be non-toxic after a rewrite.  I need plot, and I have none.  Today I am writing 600 words every hour, on the hour, as fast as possible.  Then I’m free until the next o’clock.  I won’t subject you to a sample of the dialogue this method encourages.

Two, we’re finally, finally picking up our puppy on Friday at 11.  Then we’re heading straight down to the beach to introduce him to Mitzi, my parents’ dog.  Lots and lots of photos will ensue, without a doubt!

Maybe I need a puppy in my NaNoWriMo…  hmmm…

Patches in this block: 45

Patches so far: 609

 

Progress

In honour of Block 16 (which makes a nice 4×4 set), some progress shots.  I think it’s about time to update the WIP page, too.

I’m so over that idealistic plan to only post photos of my mini hexes when they’re sewn together.  I will post again when they’re done.  Glory!  Glory, I say!

I’ve cut the pieces for Block 15 again (third down, second along) as it’s not like the original and very wonky.  I also cut pieces for Papa’s Star, and I’m really looking forward to sewing it.  Any Dear Janers done this block in hand piecing?  I’d appreciate your advice.

Unrelated: I’ve decided to join NaNoWriMo and make a book as well as my crafty things.  Note, I did not say a good book.  It may be gibberish. But it will be a romance, it will be 50,000 words long, and I will write it between 1 and 30 November.  I’ve put a progress ticker on the sidebar so you that you all know where I’m up to, and so that the guilt of everybody knowing makes me actually finish.  If you’re planning on doing it, too, send me an email and we can be online writing buddies!

Also totally unrelated but exciting: we’re going to meet a litter of schnauzer puppies on Saturday.  They’re about seven weeks old, I think.  Sooooooooo excited!  I’ll take the camera so there can be many puppy photos on Saturday night!