As usual, I forgot about a label, which may or may not ever be applied.I've been playing with a few things and have still not finished organizing my new sewing room, but in another two years...who knows?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
All Done
after two years of sitting around! The binding is done, the quilt washed and squared.
As usual, I forgot about a label, which may or may not ever be applied.
I've been playing with a few things and have still not finished organizing my new sewing room, but in another two years...who knows?
As usual, I forgot about a label, which may or may not ever be applied.I've been playing with a few things and have still not finished organizing my new sewing room, but in another two years...who knows?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Bright Spots
I put this design board over my cutting table.
It is a little difficult to get to, so I put some cheerful pieces on it just to brighten things up. Slowly, but surely, the room is coming together.
The little pennant in the middle of the top row is from Marie of ZQuilts, who sent me a wonderful bunch of gifts in the mail last year, the rest of the are some of my small pieces.
I didn't notice the shadow when I took the picture from the door to the hall. The larger, messier, more frequently used design board is behind the door--easy to access.
A little embroidery that I played with last night.
I read about the Orbital Rotary Cutter Blade Sharpener over at Ginny's Quilts. What a great gadget! Do any of you have one? I have saved a bunch of blades, and I plan to get one of these gadgets to sharpen them up.
Frugal Fridays:
Paula, the Quilter has been busy with her Frugal/Creative Friday sewing and has busted 6 yards of polar fleece. Love the project of dog beds for her local no kill animal shelter.
And Michele of With Heart and Hands made a Frugal Friday Finish of 4 UFOs.
Finn has also been busy on Frugal Fridays (I think she is the originator); I especially like the Frugal Exchange.
And remember when I posted about The Orphan Trains documentary? Michele pointed me to Finn's other blog (Riding the Orphan Train) about her Orphan Train Quilts.
I'll be checking in with the Frugal Friday bunch Frequently.
It is a little difficult to get to, so I put some cheerful pieces on it just to brighten things up. Slowly, but surely, the room is coming together.The little pennant in the middle of the top row is from Marie of ZQuilts, who sent me a wonderful bunch of gifts in the mail last year, the rest of the are some of my small pieces.
I didn't notice the shadow when I took the picture from the door to the hall. The larger, messier, more frequently used design board is behind the door--easy to access.
A little embroidery that I played with last night.
I read about the Orbital Rotary Cutter Blade Sharpener over at Ginny's Quilts. What a great gadget! Do any of you have one? I have saved a bunch of blades, and I plan to get one of these gadgets to sharpen them up.
Frugal Fridays:
Paula, the Quilter has been busy with her Frugal/Creative Friday sewing and has busted 6 yards of polar fleece. Love the project of dog beds for her local no kill animal shelter.
And Michele of With Heart and Hands made a Frugal Friday Finish of 4 UFOs.
Finn has also been busy on Frugal Fridays (I think she is the originator); I especially like the Frugal Exchange.
And remember when I posted about The Orphan Trains documentary? Michele pointed me to Finn's other blog (Riding the Orphan Train) about her Orphan Train Quilts.
I'll be checking in with the Frugal Friday bunch Frequently.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Rainy Friday
Karoda has a terrific guest post here on Fiber Focus about her quilted poetry. Good on you, K!
It is rainy and cold here, but nothing is stopping spring.
I'm still moving slowly through the organization process in the new sewing room. Things have definitely slowed down, but I'm pleased with what I've accomplished so far.
Reading update:
It is rainy and cold here, but nothing is stopping spring.
I'm still moving slowly through the organization process in the new sewing room. Things have definitely slowed down, but I'm pleased with what I've accomplished so far. Reading update:
- I've finished and reviewed Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear, Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin, and a wonderful new book, Saffron Dreams by Shaila Abdullah. Reviews are on my book blog.
- Finished The Brain that Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science by Norman Doidge, M.D. Excellent! Haven't reviewed it, but a fascinating look at the neural plasticity of our brains.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Treasure Hunt
Sunday saw some progress, but no work got done yesterday as I was gone all day. At least no work on my room because I was too tired when I got home to think about it.
I'm finding all sorts of things I'd forgotten about and re-connecting with ideas as I sort through and organize.
Folded up among finished projects, I discovered this quilt from almost two years ago. All finished except for the binding. I think I should get that done!
Organizing threads.
View from my window yesterday morning. Not only does it provide wonderful natural light, but it will be a pleasant view of the garden.
Guess I'd better get busy...
I'm finding all sorts of things I'd forgotten about and re-connecting with ideas as I sort through and organize.
Folded up among finished projects, I discovered this quilt from almost two years ago. All finished except for the binding. I think I should get that done!
Organizing threads.
View from my window yesterday morning. Not only does it provide wonderful natural light, but it will be a pleasant view of the garden.
Guess I'd better get busy...
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Friday Progress
When I finally got home after a meeting and lunch downtown on Thursday, the third day of painting awaited. I got to work and finished the ceiling--with frequent short breaks as my arms got so tired. Reaching overhead really worked on my shoulders, but the room is all painted and worth it!
It is now time to begin moving in and this presents the most exhausting part--decisions, decisions, decisions.
----------------------
Saturday Morning
I worked all day yesterday moving into the room, trying various arrangements, and finally getting to this. It will take much longer to finish trashing stuff and organizing.
Fee couldn't believe I'd move it all myself, and he has no idea how many times I moved it once I got it all in the room.
If you click on the pictures, you can see how much still needs to be done.
I plan to put the closet doors back on, although I know they will be open most of the time.
Geez! I'm not sure I will ever be finished! This is the fifth day, and I can no more estimate how much longer it will take than I can sing an aria.
It is now time to begin moving in and this presents the most exhausting part--decisions, decisions, decisions.
----------------------
Saturday Morning
I worked all day yesterday moving into the room, trying various arrangements, and finally getting to this. It will take much longer to finish trashing stuff and organizing. Fee couldn't believe I'd move it all myself, and he has no idea how many times I moved it once I got it all in the room.
If you click on the pictures, you can see how much still needs to be done.
I plan to put the closet doors back on, although I know they will be open most of the time.
Geez! I'm not sure I will ever be finished! This is the fifth day, and I can no more estimate how much longer it will take than I can sing an aria.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Derailed
Yesterday, I did some cleaning and organizing, and sure enough, in the process decided on what I wanted to do next.
I made a list of 3 things to work on and was about ready to begin working on them-- when Fee arrived with 2 gallons of paint, a drop cloth, and all of the other painting paraphernalia necessary.
He deposited it all in the room to be painted and told me I could get started. And left.
Well, that settled that. My original plans were derailed, so after getting into my painting clothes, I got busy and got the molding painted and the first coat done by about 6:30 PM.
Fee came home, complimented me on how much I'd gotten done, fixed a delicious supper while I cleaned up, and told me that obviously we didn't need to hire painters for the rest of the house because I was that good! Huh?
What a warped sense of humor. But I am glad that this will mean that my new sewing room is getting closer . The room will have a little more natural light and the white will help reflect the light, which is all to the good because my eyes appreciate more light in general and my attitude responds to natural light.
During breaks yesterday, I read How the Brain Changes Itself; I've got about 15 places marked with page pointers and sticky notes already. Our brains are just fantastic and the idea of neuroplasticity, the fact that our brains can continue to change, grow, and become more efficient is so encouraging. While this is especially wonderful for victims of strokes, brain trauma, and for those with certain learning disabilities, it applies to all of us.
Above is my latest stack of books to be read. I'm also enjoying Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin and Yoga as Medicine.
Hmmph! Guess it is time to get started on the second coat of paint.
I made a list of 3 things to work on and was about ready to begin working on them-- when Fee arrived with 2 gallons of paint, a drop cloth, and all of the other painting paraphernalia necessary.
He deposited it all in the room to be painted and told me I could get started. And left.
Well, that settled that. My original plans were derailed, so after getting into my painting clothes, I got busy and got the molding painted and the first coat done by about 6:30 PM.Fee came home, complimented me on how much I'd gotten done, fixed a delicious supper while I cleaned up, and told me that obviously we didn't need to hire painters for the rest of the house because I was that good! Huh?
What a warped sense of humor. But I am glad that this will mean that my new sewing room is getting closer . The room will have a little more natural light and the white will help reflect the light, which is all to the good because my eyes appreciate more light in general and my attitude responds to natural light.
During breaks yesterday, I read How the Brain Changes Itself; I've got about 15 places marked with page pointers and sticky notes already. Our brains are just fantastic and the idea of neuroplasticity, the fact that our brains can continue to change, grow, and become more efficient is so encouraging. While this is especially wonderful for victims of strokes, brain trauma, and for those with certain learning disabilities, it applies to all of us.
Above is my latest stack of books to be read. I'm also enjoying Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin and Yoga as Medicine.Hmmph! Guess it is time to get started on the second coat of paint.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
One Last Block
One last wonky star for the Bush Fire Project--quilts for those who lost everything in the Australian bush fires.
Actually, there are only 5 blocks; one appears twice. I didn't notice when I made the collage because I was in a hurry.
These went into the mail yesterday with the baby quilt for Debra's Pregnant Teens Project. It feels good to complete something.
Because I'm a procrastinator (and afraid of failing), I don't always announce my intentions to join or take part until I'm already well into the process. Oh, Fransson is having a Quilt-a-long that sounds like fun, but I'll just wait and see if I can work that in before making a public commitment.
Mac was able to come home yesterday afternoon. He isn't completely well, but is eating and drinking his water and feeling much better. Thanks to all of you who gave him good wishes!
Although I no longer have young children around, I do have grandchildren, and so I read several parenting/child-oriented blogs. I love the activities that are posted, so many of them look like such fun. The Artful Parent has posted possible activities for each day in March. Lucky Maia!
I have so many projects I want to tackle, but (as with my reading) sometimes the sheer number of things I want to do (or read) becomes almost paralyzing. Maybe a clean and organize session will inspire to get started on something!
Actually, there are only 5 blocks; one appears twice. I didn't notice when I made the collage because I was in a hurry.
These went into the mail yesterday with the baby quilt for Debra's Pregnant Teens Project. It feels good to complete something. Because I'm a procrastinator (and afraid of failing), I don't always announce my intentions to join or take part until I'm already well into the process. Oh, Fransson is having a Quilt-a-long that sounds like fun, but I'll just wait and see if I can work that in before making a public commitment.
Mac was able to come home yesterday afternoon. He isn't completely well, but is eating and drinking his water and feeling much better. Thanks to all of you who gave him good wishes!
Although I no longer have young children around, I do have grandchildren, and so I read several parenting/child-oriented blogs. I love the activities that are posted, so many of them look like such fun. The Artful Parent has posted possible activities for each day in March. Lucky Maia!
I have so many projects I want to tackle, but (as with my reading) sometimes the sheer number of things I want to do (or read) becomes almost paralyzing. Maybe a clean and organize session will inspire to get started on something!
Monday, March 02, 2009
More Stars, New Floor, & Give-Away Link
Friday's purchases: A new surgical seam ripper (this baby is a result of all the quilting I recently had to remove), fabric grips for the ruler that still had none, and thread.
I read about this seam ripper on someone's blog months ago, and when I saw it, I couldn't resist. The removal of all that quilting the other day was such a chore, and this little gem should prove useful if a similar, awful incident ever happens again.
Busy week-end:
*Fee finished putting down the wood floors in the guest bedroom that will eventually be my new studio. The room still needs to be painted and more lighting installed, but it will be fractionally larger than my present room. This room will be the guest bedroom when I finally get moved.
*He also put can lights in the living room. What a mess! Everything covered in ceiling dust... good thing I covered the furniture with sheets.
*My role--clean up after him. Delighted to do so; a small investment in some big improvements.
*Two more wonky stars for the Bush Fire Project.
Great Give-Away over at V and Co.! Moda Honey Buns!
I read about this seam ripper on someone's blog months ago, and when I saw it, I couldn't resist. The removal of all that quilting the other day was such a chore, and this little gem should prove useful if a similar, awful incident ever happens again.
Busy week-end: *Fee finished putting down the wood floors in the guest bedroom that will eventually be my new studio. The room still needs to be painted and more lighting installed, but it will be fractionally larger than my present room. This room will be the guest bedroom when I finally get moved.
*He also put can lights in the living room. What a mess! Everything covered in ceiling dust... good thing I covered the furniture with sheets.
*My role--clean up after him. Delighted to do so; a small investment in some big improvements.
*Two more wonky stars for the Bush Fire Project.
Great Give-Away over at V and Co.! Moda Honey Buns!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Oh, Dear
I just spent about 20 minutes looking for my tape measure (which was buried under fabric), and now that I've found it, I don't remember why I wanted it! At least I got my cutting table cleared off...
A new source for quilting and quilt blogs: Quilt Qua. I haven't had time to check it out completely, but looks like a great list of quilting blogs and more.
My pictures aren't uploading to Picasa...hmmm! I wanted to show you my new seam ripper, but that will wait.
-----------
O.K. - now 12:00 and I just got back from another trip to the vet. Mac began looking as he were in pain, so another phone call, and off we go again. This time, Dr. C. admitted him and began fluids. I'm suffering from a little anxiety, but at least I don't have to watch and worry because now I know he's being cared for. Just hope I can afford to get him out because I've spent a month's salary on Mac's health care since January. The growth removal and biopsies, the gall bladder removal, the ultra sounds and check ups, and now the pancreatitis.
A new source for quilting and quilt blogs: Quilt Qua. I haven't had time to check it out completely, but looks like a great list of quilting blogs and more.
My pictures aren't uploading to Picasa...hmmm! I wanted to show you my new seam ripper, but that will wait.
-----------
O.K. - now 12:00 and I just got back from another trip to the vet. Mac began looking as he were in pain, so another phone call, and off we go again. This time, Dr. C. admitted him and began fluids. I'm suffering from a little anxiety, but at least I don't have to watch and worry because now I know he's being cared for. Just hope I can afford to get him out because I've spent a month's salary on Mac's health care since January. The growth removal and biopsies, the gall bladder removal, the ultra sounds and check ups, and now the pancreatitis.
Liberated Stars
I'm working on a few liberated (wonky) stars for the Bush Fire Project.
The blocks are 12 1/2" (12" finished), so it was a good way to use up some scraps. I could also make some smaller blocks of about 4"-6" and use even smaller scraps just to get through the scrap pile.
So many projects on my mind, so many books to read, and there is still ordinary life to get through!
Had a long, chatty lunch yesterday with Thomas and caught up on what has been going on with him and the park group. I do miss Tai Chi and the friends who used to get together 3 times a week for Tai Chi in the park, that was in addition to classes 3 times a week!
Although a few of our group are still attending classes, several of us have drifted away in the last year or so. Even getting together for lunch is difficult. Mike is often on the road from Van Couver, to Florida, and back. Nina has been busy with work, and Beth has been going back to school, Thomas is teaching Tai Chi a couple of times a week in addition to classes, and I've switched to yoga. We were so close for years, but directions have changed over time.
After lunch, I went by the library to pick up my interlibrary loan books that had come in, then to Fabric Boutique for some thread, then to my visit with Laddie. I was looking forward to getting home and relaxing with one of my books, but instead, things got really hectic.
When I got home and let Mac outside, I noticed blood in his bed. On the phone to Dr. Core, then bundled Mac up and dashed to his office.
The exam and ultrasound did not reveal what was causing the problem, but he took some blood for testing and gave Mac an injection of some antibiotic and a narcotic to ease his stress.
Dr. C. called this morning to check on Mac and to tell me that Mac has pancreatitis (again). I'm to continue with the medicines he gave me yesterday and to watch Mac closely in case he needs to make another trip to the office. So far, he seems to be feeling better. Hang in there, little fella'.
The blocks are 12 1/2" (12" finished), so it was a good way to use up some scraps. I could also make some smaller blocks of about 4"-6" and use even smaller scraps just to get through the scrap pile.So many projects on my mind, so many books to read, and there is still ordinary life to get through!
Had a long, chatty lunch yesterday with Thomas and caught up on what has been going on with him and the park group. I do miss Tai Chi and the friends who used to get together 3 times a week for Tai Chi in the park, that was in addition to classes 3 times a week!
Although a few of our group are still attending classes, several of us have drifted away in the last year or so. Even getting together for lunch is difficult. Mike is often on the road from Van Couver, to Florida, and back. Nina has been busy with work, and Beth has been going back to school, Thomas is teaching Tai Chi a couple of times a week in addition to classes, and I've switched to yoga. We were so close for years, but directions have changed over time.
After lunch, I went by the library to pick up my interlibrary loan books that had come in, then to Fabric Boutique for some thread, then to my visit with Laddie. I was looking forward to getting home and relaxing with one of my books, but instead, things got really hectic.
When I got home and let Mac outside, I noticed blood in his bed. On the phone to Dr. Core, then bundled Mac up and dashed to his office.
The exam and ultrasound did not reveal what was causing the problem, but he took some blood for testing and gave Mac an injection of some antibiotic and a narcotic to ease his stress.
Dr. C. called this morning to check on Mac and to tell me that Mac has pancreatitis (again). I'm to continue with the medicines he gave me yesterday and to watch Mac closely in case he needs to make another trip to the office. So far, he seems to be feeling better. Hang in there, little fella'.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Finally!
Finished the binding last night. I enjoy this process for some reason, the penultimate step, the "almost finished" feeling. The final process for me is washing and drying the quilt to achieve that homey touch. I'm disappointed, not so much in the quilt, but in my careless mistakes...some of which I corrected, some of which I did not.In spite of all the mistakes, I hope it will make one of the mothers-t0-be in Debra's Pregnant Teen Project happy, and goodness knows the baby won't care.
ACey commented on the colors. The colors were a matter of what I had in my stash, but I realize now that I was influenced by the aqua and red combinations I've seen and loved in fabrics and in quilts and in room decor. When I finally decided to use the last of this Kona cotton aqua (that I've used frequently), the way it looked with the red just felt so much better than the other blues I'd auditioned.
I probably won't get this in the mail until Monday as my day is full. Highlight - lunch with Thomas!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Busy Binding
Finished the quilting, finally. It isn't great, but so much better than what I ripped out. Made the binding and applied it before going to yoga last night, so that I could do the hand stitching while watching television when I got home.
Got about half the hand stitching done.
Have any of you watched Fox's new show Lie to Me ?
I was so disappointed that it wasn't on last night, evidently the next episode is March 4. The show is based on Paul Ekman's research into facial expressions and what they reveal.
I'd read about Ekman's research last month in Blink ( reviewed here on my book blog) and found it fascinating. What synchronicity that the new television show premiered shortly after I'd read about about Ekman's research!
Our facial expressions and body language are often involuntary, and Ekman has categorized hundreds of minute expressions that can last for less than a second, but that can reveal much more than we realize. Ekman's Diogenes Project research shows that reading these "microexpressions" can be reliable in determining whether or not a person is telling the truth; his research has made him one of the preeminent psychologists of the 20th century.
Anyway, the new series is fascinating, and you can watch previous episodes here. You can also take a test that shows how well you can read "microexpressions" here. Remember that the expressions are very, very quick!
Got about half the hand stitching done.
Have any of you watched Fox's new show Lie to Me ?
I was so disappointed that it wasn't on last night, evidently the next episode is March 4. The show is based on Paul Ekman's research into facial expressions and what they reveal.
I'd read about Ekman's research last month in Blink ( reviewed here on my book blog) and found it fascinating. What synchronicity that the new television show premiered shortly after I'd read about about Ekman's research!
Our facial expressions and body language are often involuntary, and Ekman has categorized hundreds of minute expressions that can last for less than a second, but that can reveal much more than we realize. Ekman's Diogenes Project research shows that reading these "microexpressions" can be reliable in determining whether or not a person is telling the truth; his research has made him one of the preeminent psychologists of the 20th century.
Anyway, the new series is fascinating, and you can watch previous episodes here. You can also take a test that shows how well you can read "microexpressions" here. Remember that the expressions are very, very quick!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday Wanderings
I made up for some of the time lost yesterday. The cowboy is from an old Alice Brooks design, in a book about applique I checked out from the library: Applique Quilt Revival by Nancy Mahoney.Mahoney made a few changes to the original orientation of the block and produced a really cute quilt with 20 blocks. I just wanted to try the applique so I made one block with scraps and then added borders.
At least this is progress...after taking out all of that stitching yesterday, I managed to get back on track.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Me and Murphy
An addition to the stash, from Z & S Fabric's sale.
Yesterday, I did get back into the studio...and experienced Murphy's law. I pieced the back for the little cowboy quilt, pin basted the quilt sandwich, and began quilting. First, problems with tension. Next the feed dogs refused to drop. Adjust, fiddle, fiddle. Unstitch. Start again.
Ahhh, things began to work pretty well. Until, I discovered that when I'd pushed the quilt forward and pulled it back, I'd picked up a large scrap of fabric and quilted it -- thoroughly quilted it -- to the back. Damn. Damn. Unstitch. Damn. This was a long and arduous process. From the beginning this quilt has been cursed. OK--I know that each and every problems (except for the feed dogs) was a result of my haste, carelessness, or wrong decision, but still...
I was so glad yesterday when it was time to get ready for yoga so I could put the (damn) thing down and go work out some of the tension in my back and neck.
This morning was my dental appointment, and when I got home, I finally finished unstitching. Hope to go forward with more caution!
On to things that make me smile:
Erin sent me these pictures of Mila and Max: the first is from Valentine's Day and the second from Miss Mila's Mardi Gras parade at school.
And here is Bryce Eleanor with her daddy at Saturday night's parade.
Today is Fat Tuesday and the last of the parades. Tomorrow begins the Lenten Season.
Yesterday, I did get back into the studio...and experienced Murphy's law. I pieced the back for the little cowboy quilt, pin basted the quilt sandwich, and began quilting. First, problems with tension. Next the feed dogs refused to drop. Adjust, fiddle, fiddle. Unstitch. Start again.Ahhh, things began to work pretty well. Until, I discovered that when I'd pushed the quilt forward and pulled it back, I'd picked up a large scrap of fabric and quilted it -- thoroughly quilted it -- to the back. Damn. Damn. Unstitch. Damn. This was a long and arduous process. From the beginning this quilt has been cursed. OK--I know that each and every problems (except for the feed dogs) was a result of my haste, carelessness, or wrong decision, but still...
I was so glad yesterday when it was time to get ready for yoga so I could put the (damn) thing down and go work out some of the tension in my back and neck.
This morning was my dental appointment, and when I got home, I finally finished unstitching. Hope to go forward with more caution!
On to things that make me smile:
Erin sent me these pictures of Mila and Max: the first is from Valentine's Day and the second from Miss Mila's Mardi Gras parade at school.
And here is Bryce Eleanor with her daddy at Saturday night's parade.
Today is Fat Tuesday and the last of the parades. Tomorrow begins the Lenten Season.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday Musings
Amelia and friends hosted a lovely shower for Holly on Saturday.
Mimosas and petit fours go together quite well. There were other libations and foods as well, all delicious. Holly received some wonderful gifts, and the shower was a great success!
My intentions to be better about the studio have not panned out, but today... for sure! (she says with fingers crossed)
Mimosas and petit fours go together quite well. There were other libations and foods as well, all delicious. Holly received some wonderful gifts, and the shower was a great success!My intentions to be better about the studio have not panned out, but today... for sure! (she says with fingers crossed)
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