MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Monday, March 16, 2026

At loose ends

 So....I made this fabric bowl using a tutorial from Molly and Mama (found HERE).  Not sure what I'll use it for, but it was fun to make. 


 
And...I keep forgetting to share something sweet that arrived in my mailbox from Donna.  She stitched the feather and added the words 'As long as there are bluebirds, there will be miracles' on the tag.  It was a lovely surprise to find this in the mailbox - thank you Donna!

- Thanks to Vicki, I discovered THIS incredible artist.  I love how she adds a sculptural element to her quilts.  

- I like the idea of THIS to use up oddments of sock yarn.

- THIS might be fun to attempt!

- I know many of us feel the need to declutter and perhaps do a better job of using what we have, so THIS article might be encouraging.

Today's quote...






22 comments:

  1. Lovely bowl you've finished!! [We use one of my bowls as a key keeper near the front door...] I really like the declutter linky--the "use what you have" and "shop your stash" are what I am attempting to do lately. I plan on delving into her website more...Thanks {Especially with that unexpected $$ of a NEW garage door that just hit us over the weekend!!!! YIKES!!}
    hugs, Julierose

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    1. My keys are in my purse all the time and the RC has a hook he hangs his on so a bowl isn't necessary, but I'm sure I'll find a use for it if I ponder it long enough. So sorry about the door!!!

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  2. Old Quilter10:06 AM

    If ever there was an article that was perfect for this moment in my life - you sent me to it today. We are in the process of clearing out "stuff" acquired in 30 years by my recently deceased partner. I don't want my kids to be faced with a repeat when I'm gone.
    I copied the "use what you have" and "declutter" advice column to favorites so I can go back to it every Monday for at least 4 weeks. Hopefully her advice will become a habit - though the fabric stash will probably outlive me no matter what.

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    1. I know all about 'stuff' and I'm so sorry you've lost your partner and are left to deal with clearing things out. I also know what you mean about not wanting to leave 'stuff' for your kids to face - I went through that with my parents and they were next thing to hoarders (a product of coming through the depression years).

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  3. I remember when fabric bowls were All The Rage. That led to fabric boxes and fabric vases and more. I still have most of a bolt of fusible Pel-Tex in case I get an urge to make more. (Actually, I used some to make a box to hold the Wonder Clips I use for binding, but that was about 9 x 11.)

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    1. Yes, I remember when bowls were all the thing - and also microwave bowls. This particular bowl used two layers of card stock, but Pel-Tex would have been better I think.

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  4. Cute and weird bowl, well done
    Oh dear, declutter link has given me a new thing to consider…keep what I use! That means the dozens of bread clips are going in the trash! 🤣
    May

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    1. ha ha - I keep finding bread clips lurking in weird places and the only thing I ever use one for is to keep track of the end of the packing tape roll!

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    2. Packing tape holder! I like that idea.
      May

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    3. It's a royal pain trying to find the end of the tape so a bread clip makes it a whole lot easier.

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  5. Replies
    1. At least it used up a few fabric scraps - not that I couldn't make probably five thousand bowls and STILL not make a huge dent!

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  6. Shopping at home is a great way to avoid buying when you don't really want to buy, just to use. It's surprising how even a well winnowed house like mine has stuff I've forgotten about.

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    1. Shopping at home often works when I keep in mind the lack of shopping opportunities in this town, particularly when it comes to craft items. I agree about finding things I've forgotten - surprising how often that happens.

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  7. Very beautiful bowl. I love the idea of using sock yarn bits and bobs to make a cowl.

    God bless.

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    1. The bowl isn't large so it didn't use much out of my stash (sadly).

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  8. Oh cute! And some links to investigate, how delightful!

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    1. I pretty much always have links to share so have fun!

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  9. What a sweet gift!

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    1. It certainly is! I was so surprised when it arrived.

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  10. Anonymous4:10 PM

    Sherryofcreateology: Lovely Birdy bowl. I find these containers wonderfully practical for so many things in each room of my home. I also was a fortunate recipient of one of Donna’s beautifully stitched feathers. She is such a sweetheart and always so generous!

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    1. I was happy I could fussy cut the birdies so they were featured. And yes, I was so surprised when a feather from Donna arrived - generous indeed!

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Thank you so much for leaving comments! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to talk to me. It's wonderful to know that someone is actually reading my mumblings and even more fun if I can connect with you and visit your blog.