Ladybirds for Luck
So…… This week, things are going pretty well here…… Covid restrictions easing. My latest assignment written (and submitted!) on time. Three more blocks on the Lunarcy finished….. which gives me some breathing space to do some of the pattern writing for a change. And a four day weekend due to a public holiday yesterday combined with a student-free day today…. Puts me in the mood for a lighthearted look at Lady Luck, since that’s where the themes in my sewing room, the great outdoors and my linky inbox seem to intersect this week.
Why luck? The Chameleon doesn’t strike you as being overly superstitious, (unless it suits him), you say? Ladybugs, that’s why. They are the latest nice thing to arrive in my desert backyard in numbers large enough for me to notice. The ladybugs here in Arkaroola are smaller than at home in Adelaide, and are quite a fabulous orange, with large “three-lobed” markings. They are the Transverse Ladybird, or Coccinella transversalis, whereas the ones further south are the Large Spotted Ladybird, and are, well, larger and more spotted.
Lucky Charms
Ladybirds are lucky in many cultures, and widely popular as a good luck charm. Good for the garden, and cheery to look at. When I am finished the Lunarcy project, I am tempted to work some ladybird luck into my sewing room next. I am still thinking to design some extra blocks to accompany a paper-pieced garden block I have just developed for Seams to be Sew’s row-along in September. Ladybugs are right at the top of my ideas list. It seems to me that a Ladybug quilt is a must have in one’s gifting repertoire….. Going on a new adventure? – Cool, here’s a ladybug quilt for prosperity in your new place. Getting engaged or married?…. Everyone needs a bit of luck to kickstart the journey. A quilt for comfort in health challenges? Ladybugs are never in bad taste.
Actually, the Chameleon says ladybugs have a very bad taste indeed. Lucky for them, I reckon.
Do you know what else is supposed to be lucky? A rabbit’s foot.
Personally, I think I know something luckier than a rabbit’s foot… the rabbit that got to keep it.
Yup, you guessed it. I’m up to the Year of the Rabbit block on the Lunarcy quilt.
Lunarcy is saving my Sanity
It wasn’t that long ago that I was wondering if I had the staying power to sew down 600 little flowers as well as twelve animals and lanterns. Well, it turns out that a longer term project that can be picked up and put down without a great deal of thought is perfect for where life is at right now. Lunch breaks, cold evenings… all perfect for a dozen flowers each, and they are quickly adding up. I think I have about 300 done now.
Disclaimer: Island Batik supplied these fabrics to me free of charge to create the prototype Lunarcy BOM available here soon at Clever Chameleon for the remainder of 2020.
Tiger and Ox blocks coming next!
Make a Wish, Birthdays are lucky
It’s my birthday week, hubby’s birthday week, and the Queen’s birthday long weekend all in one, so it was easy choosing the first feature this week. Vicki of Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting linked up this sweet birthday table runner.
If it’s your birthday this week too, I hope you have a luck filled day.
Made to Order
Food for Thought read my mind with this Happy Scrappy Quilt. I can’t remember when the last ladybug quilt appeared in the Chameleon’s linky party! Now, if that ‘s not lucky…..
And I have to show you two more beautiful link ups…..
When you Wish upon a Star
Turid at Den syende himmel has finished her beautiful star quilt.
And Denise at For the love of Geese is working on a new pattern…. it is my understanding that this is the mini version of it. Absolutely gorgeous.
Visit all the links for more information in each project. And then show us what you are working on….
Luckily it’s Party Time!
What are you working on, or have recently finished in your sewing room? We want to know so we can visit and be inspired. Link up a blog post, an IG post or simply a photo from your computer. See if you can get the Chameleon to turn quilted with happiness. We’d love to see your quilting colours!
- Link up your latest or recent quilt/sewing excitement. All quilt construction stages welcome – finished quilts, quilt blocks – even fabric pulls! Or inspiration sources!
- You have 50 characters in the link description…. tell us who you are and what your fantastic project is.
- URL links are not necessary to link up…. non-bloggers 100% welcome! If you don’t have a URL, you can link up with just a photo.
- Take a moment to visit some friends who came to the party – leave a little love and make their day. And a link back to Clever Chameleon is always appreciated.
- Do it now……. before you forget!
The Chameleon turns rainbow with pleasure when he hears from you. Now that it’s your turn…. Scroll to the end and tell me what you think. Thanks for connecting!
Would you like to keep in touch with Clever Chameleon and the fun quilty ideas I design as well as find all over the internet? You can follow directly for email updates, or through Bloglovin’, Pinterest, IG or FB. All your follow options can be found here. Don’t forget to link up all your current quilting projects on Tuesdays at our Colour & Inspiration Linky parties!
Happy birthday to ALL of you! I hope you get some quilting time this week amid all of those celebrations!
Happy Birthday to you, your hubby and, of course, the Queen. I hope you have a day full of all the things you enjoy! No link up this week, but maybe next, if I get my wiggle on!
Happy Birthday to all. Hope the chameleon doesn’t have a sweet tooth.
Happy birdthday! I love your color inspiration, and these ladybugs are very cute. Love the bunny too 😉
Awe thank you again for featuring my quilt. The pattern will be for a larger quilt. Happy birthday.
Hi,
Thanks for mentioning me in your post…I really enjoyed making the Happy Scrappy Quilt. Your Bunny block is beautiful…happy birthday week to everyone…have a great day!
Happy birthday to you and your hubby. Hope it will be a special week. I agree with you about the rabbit who got away is lucky. LOL I have always loved lady bugs. One house my parents lived in or three years, every spring and summer they had swarms of lady birds that were orange with black dots. But they stunk to high heaven when squashed. And these buggers were inside and outside the house. And the cats just ran from them. They had one dog at the time who wouldnt have anything to do with them either. Thanks for sharing another wonderful post.
Happy HAPPY Birthday!!!
Love the lady bugs!
Happy, happy birthday to you and your hubby! I hope you both have wonderful days… and weeks…and years!! Those ladybird/ladybugs are larger than our ladybugs. They can be a pain in the fall here! When we visit the mountains, they seem to take over the cabins at times! But they are pretty to look at! I think the cutest Halloween costume Madelyn had as a little girl was a ladybug! Have a great one, Dione!
Hi Dione, Happy birthday to you and hubby. Are you celebrating Queen Victoria? We had her party May 18th but she didn’t show… Good luck with the ladybirds. I love them but my kids freaked out when they were kids and the ladybugs started moving into their room to hibernate 🙂 They had to be moved along.
Take care and enjoy your lovely week.
What a fantastic quilt you’re working on. All those flowers must have taken forever. Thank you for featuring me this week. Wishing you a happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Hi Dione! Happy Happy Birthday to you and your DH. I would include the Queen but I don’t think she’d see my good wishes (not to exclude her)! I’ve always loved ladybugs and carefully carry them to the door to set them free should they ever find their way into the house. {{Hugs}} Enjoy the birthday celebrations. I love how Lunacy is turning out! ~smile~ Roseanne
Happy Birthday to you and hubby! Glad you are staying sane and making progress on the quilt! xx
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL!!! May the next year bring nothing but good health, good love and good luck! All the best and thank you for creative generosity…
I love that pink and orange combo, reminds me of a Stack the Deck quilt I made (and loved) for my eldest many years ago when she’d just moved out. A few years later her son, my Brady, used to gaze at it while he nursed. 🙂 Um, I need to say this, I think you are a lunatic for sewing 600 flowers on!!! What’s in the water in the desert that you’re drinking woman?