Summer

Working on a quilt a long, watching the roses bloom.

Summer begins.

I am thankful.

Quilt-A-Long

Charm packs make 4 nice 2.5" squares, I'll be using them for the Quilt-A-Long at Crazy Mom Quilts. I like this idea of a nine patch set in a sashing. Simple, a good project for a tired soul at the end of the day. I still can't decide what to sash them with, but that will come.

Some of the larger art quilts are packed away for my time living by the sea. This is o.k. I have found that the fabric pieces for these works are still in the process of coming my way, so I can accept that they are not ready to see fruition quite yet. Thought my studio is whittled to a three drawer cart and musical machines, I find such peace in sewing where I can see the sea, hear the gulls, and watch tankers swiftly make their way out again. I wonder how they counter boredom on those long hours at sea, or if it is much like the home, always a task that can be done.

The sun streams in, beating down hard on the geraniums on the deck. White, planted on each end of the window box, I have not found yet what is to constitute the middle. My husband sleeps on the couch in the shade of the blind.

Days by the sea pass with thoughts of the horizon. An eagle flew past today while I ate breakfast in the soft shaft spotlight of morning light. A day with both the eagle and my favorite blue tanker, definitely had the makings of bliss.

What's Happening in the Studio?

My first block for the Quilt a long 2 (unpressed)

For the quilt a long I have decided to pursue yellow and blue. I may come in a little shy on this neat yellow background, but I figure I might make it if I use another color for a border/do the square blocks in another similar background so I made the decision to just risk it and solve the problem if it is a problem later creatively.

As for the first quilt a long, I am awaiting the delivery of the fabric to use as the sashing. I cut up one, but the hubby didn't like it, and I agreed, and as my huge stash just didn't have anything (I can't believe it) I was justified in actually needing to order fabric!

For my sister in law I ordered some college fleece and coordinate and will do a fleece blanket pillow combo for her for graduation as she is off to Virginia.



On the docket right now

This has been providing challenge to me as an artist. I am slowly learning better technique. Tape is part of this improved skill, lots of tape. I ran out and had to by more. But it works great. I have taken to doing smaller sections at a time, using an X-acto knife, and building a section from the worktable, and then taping it up to the growing art piece on the wall. The quilting is going to really carry this piece, and I have to remind myself of that so often when I make color choices, and I start pondering what is really going to light up behind lots of thread work.

The completed dress! It is from an old Vogue I posted about before.

This was really more of a challenge for me to cut out than to sew. I did really well on the pleats in front. The bodice came out just a bit snug on me, but that is part of the pattern in a way. I need to wash it and remove all my sewing markings.


What a man!

I saw this guy and his dog when I was out hopping around town with my friend. She thought I was nuts, but the picture came out pretty good for through the windshield. Her thought was about the dog jumping out, but he looked like a pro rider to me.

Next of the agenda, I got some embroidery ideas up my sleeve which include a custom monogram, and a lot of unessecary beauty.

My Ugliest (ehm charming) Block Yet

Da Bloc

Up close and personal

Some of the 30's
Not enough contrast in the block I know! I just didn't have many reds so there you go.
Snow, rain, rain, snow, rain. Wind now! Hmm, I think I will have more tea. Feeling under the weather, but wanting to do something creative. Maybe it just all stems from the love of color and since color is on vacation where I live for the month of January, I have taken to wearing fuchsia, lime green, and all manner of bright colors which are in my closet. I think these quilt a long's could get a tad addictive. I am holding to my promise that the upcoming star one will be made from STASH ONLY!

Pocket Full Of Wisdom

So how was everyone's turkey day? Mine was good, good defined as not having to do any cooking. Nice to have a day off from that once in awhile. I am contemplating whether or not ice cream is allowed after working out???

Here is my wondrous arrangement, I produced it just before Thanksgiving for a grand total of about 75 cents. The basket was a gift and it just begged to be filled with flowers. Rather than rushing right out to do this idea that popped into my head, I waited, and then was able to scoop up some clearance stems.

The Canadians are saying it may snow, and I got that feeling just before I turned on the radio and heard about it, but according to my weather station is it 35 degrees. Maybe tonight! It would go so well to the Christmas music that I have been working to.

Without further blathering, here is my block bad pic, but finished and posted! #2:

I was curious today as I drove home, just what role the creation of beauty plays into our life purpose. I could do something, or I could go the extra mile, and do something well and beautiful. I think of being creative and using those inspirations that assail me in quiet and busy hours alike; and I find that living out those visions is surely a way to fulfill the purpose of one's life.

Walking along the seashore yesterday I found myself gathering little bits. The water was an icy calm and the tankers where at the dock for their loads. My sweetie got lost somewhere up in the bushes picking rose hips, and I walked on solitarily and slowly with my face bowed to the gems of the beach. The drift was large and fresh from the winds not much over a week ago, and I wanted to sit, but soon required movement to keep warm.

I walked to the white rock and turned around, releasing some unknown bunch of feathers to the wind, and reaching up to sweep the hat off of my head. The beach teaches much to a quilter, a fiber artist, or anyone whom seeks to create beauty with color in their lives.

I will take these thoughts with me, if I can hold them close without the demands of the day interrupting, and I will close the door to the studio and play, pocketing the meaning of life along with the rounds smooth stones and the little teeth of glass shards that followed me home to rest in the warmth.