Hummingbird Treasures

2011-05-27T17:25:00.003-04:00

Sigh ---- what a wonderful experience!!!

Yesterday, we attended a six hour 'thread play' class with Libby Lehman. She was absolutely fantastic. I learned a lot about drawing and playing with thread (and other helpful hints). I was so 'up' all day and then came home and literally crashed. Oh yeah and guess what - I forgot to take the camera. Can you believe I could go to that class and not have the camera with me.

There were 31 one of us in there and she managed to give each of us all the unlimited attention we needed. She is an absolutely lovely, marvelous person and is exactly what I want to be when I grow up. She also had a wonderful trunk show with her - oh wait - I didn't have the camera so I can't share that part with you.

The kitchen fan is still up and I'm beginning to feel a little easier about walking underneath it. I mean, if it were going to fall down it would have done so be now - wouldn't it? It sure makes a huge differences in the temperature (and atmosphere) of our kitchen. This is one we should have done last year when we had the others installed.

The current storm is finally on the way out (4 - 6 inches in 3 hours) so I may go to the studio and play for a few hours. I want to practice while things are still fresh in my mind.

Hugs - Marie

2011-05-19T10:33:00.003-04:00

OK - so I'm hiding in the office at the computer to stay as far away from the kitchen as I can get. Big T and a neighbor are replacing the kitchen chandelier and installing a fan with a light over my kitchen table. The sounds coming from in there are not always favorable - so here I am with the door closed. Last I could hear, they had decided to 'read the directions' - that doesn't sound too bad, does it? There will be no photos with this posting because I would have to go through the kitchen to get the camera.

After my last posting, I had such positive comments from my friends - thank you all! You made me feel that 'blogging life' is so worthwhile. You are all wonderful and I never would have met you if not for 'blogging'. I feel like my world is expanding when I have friends from all over the world.

I am working on a new wall hanging to go over the fireplace (to cover the 'ugly hole' where I refuse to have a tv). I had just enough of the contrasting fabric to do just what I had planned. Sewed the first four strips together and was so proud of myself. It looked exactly like what I had in mind; went back to the cutting table to cut the next strip when it happened. I picked up the fabric, folded it, picked up the rotary cutter and cut my strip (the wrong direction). Now instead of a 42" strip I had an 18" strip. AND to make matters worse, I no longer had any fabric left to cut the 42" strips (it was all now the shorter pieces). After a few (a lot of) 'bad words' and tears, I did a lot of 'unsewing' and went back to the drawing board.

How many times do you have to learn the same lessons over and over? I can hear my mother saying 'measure twice, cut once'. But this time, I was so sure I had it right that I didn't take the time to check and recheck.

Oh no!! - "what do you think this wire goes to? I don't think we need it." I wish the office were soundproof. This is killing me. A few minutes ago I heard a sound like 'broken glass' . . . I should have gone grocery shopping or something. I think I will pull up one of those addicting computer games and 'zone out' for a few hours. If you need me, you know where to find me.

Hugs - Marie

OK -

2011-05-07T16:10:00.003-04:00

Have you missed me? Well, let it be known that I am back and raring to go. My two month hiatus (is that really a word) is at an end.

Did you notice the new 'do'? I thought it was time for a change - I was getting to be pretty boring and regular. I needed a complete make-over to go with my new approach to blogging, quilting and life itself.

So what happened to me?

Blogging had ceased to be fun and had become a chore but even more than that, I am tired of ready about all the perfectionism and 'snobbishness' that become more and more prevalent in blogland. It seems that quilting is more about who is using which designer fabric and who is going to market than quilting. And quilts weren't finished until they have all been perfectly finished by the long-arm quilters trying to sell their business by telling the world how good they are.

This was not the blogland and quilting that I love. But I was getting trapped into feeling guilty that I chose my fabric by what I like rather than who designed it. My wonderful art quilts (wonderful to me anyway) will never compare to the pro's who produce a major piece every day. It was becoming a chore to go into my studio because it wasn't a 'designer studio' where everything is perfect and 'cute'. The final straw was all the 'perfect photos' coming from the $1,000 dollar cameras.

Am I the only one who was bothered by all this? (Or maybe it was because I also didn't fell well for a couple of months.) But regardless, I have decided several things that I want to share with my loyal friends (I don't care about followers - you are all my friends.

1. I am going to weed through my blog reading list and eliminate all but those blogs that I really enjoy.

2. I am going to write about things that interest me and my friends (old word was 'followers').

3. I am not going to waste my time on those blogs that seem to be ads to attract business.

4. I am going to continue my exploration into the world of art quilting (per my definition - not anyone else's).

5. I will continue to select fabric that I like regardless of the designer or origin.

6. Friends will come first (and always).

7. Blogging is about sharing and friendship not competition or rules.

And so my dear friends, I am back after spending a long time thinking about what was bothering me. And I look forward to further enriching our friendship in this wonderful world of blogging. I have found some wonderful friends in blogland and they are as dear to me as if we lived in close proximity. I cherish each of you.

Many, many hugs - Marie

Just Another Day

2011-03-08T16:22:00.007-05:00

Ok, after much deliberation (procrastination) I finally had to dig in to do something with 'the bag'. I avoided it as long as I could - but this was a commission work - it had to be finished. Normally, it would have gotten thrown in the 'to be discontinued' stack for a garage sale (or worse). Just to remind you all, here is the bag as first presented.

Now, it's important to remember that she saw it at this point and loved it all except the handle (which I didn't like either but didn't know what else to do with it). So with lots of deliberation and advice from my blogging friends - here is the finished product to be delivered to her tomorrow.

Much better but this will never make my list of favorites. I fought it from day one. I should have stopped and regrouped but wanted to use this fabric (and of course this was the last I had). We'll see what she has to say tomorrow.

Tomorrow the quilting frame comes out of storage to sandwich and stretch the queen sized quilt that will go on our bed. I'm thinking I will hand quilt the borders and tie the inside. I only need about 150 chocolate buttons (cheap). This is only a small portion showing the corner of the borders. (I can just see the quilting police turning up their noses - but I am not a traditional quilter or anything else for that matter.)

I have decided to use my disappearing nine patch table topper as my 'first' free motion quilting project. I'm not sure if I'm quite ready but if I don't jump in the water, I'll never learn to swim. Speaking of which, I'm ready for summer and the pool.

Big T and I went to see Celtic Woman in concert on Sunday. It was our Christmas gift from both daughters and families. What a great Christmas gift. If you haven't had a chance to hear them, make the opportunity if possible. When it was over, I called our two daughters to say thank you and wish them a Merry Christmas (it was our Christmas present, remember). The daughter in California was out and I left a rather lengthy descriptive message of motherly appreciation and ended it with "Merry Christmas" from Mom and Dad. Then turned to Big T and said that wasn't D#2's voice mail message, they must have changed it. Following a strange look from him, I rechecked Caller ID and found it was one number off. So somewhere in San Diego is someone trying to figure out this weird Christmas message from some crazy lady.

Hugs - Marie

Life's Little Lessons Continue

2011-03-01T14:24:00.005-05:00

The Mid-Atlantic Quilt Show was Saturday and it was absolutely fantastic. I loved every minute and step of the show. I oohed and aahed all over the convention center. For the first time the mix of traditional and contemporary art quilts was about 50 / 50. It was great because my friend likes traditional and I love the contemporary. Couldn't ask for better than that.

And now for the photos - WRONG! No photos - you can all hate me now. But I did learn a valuable lesson. You cannot take pictures if the little thingy that holds the pictures is full. Duh!! (How old do you have to be before you quit learning the basic lessons in life?)

And the vendors - oh my goodness, the vendors. For every quilt hung, there had to be a vendor booth somewhere. We were there for about 6 hours and only walked once around the entire show. No time to go back for repeat visits. I now have enough projects to last me the rest of the year (or more).

Back to current day - this is a great idea, plan and idea that went wrong. I have a commission to design and create a special tote bag (envelope style) for a beautiful soft leather covered Bible. The fabric, quilting, style - all is fabulous! But the handle destroyed the whole look. A BAD IDEA!

So now it is back to the drawing board to see if I can resurrect the look with a different style handle. She loves the bag - just not the handle (and I can't blame her one bit). More on this in a day or so.

The appointment to find out the results of the sleep study and some other tests is tomorrow morning; book club in the afternoon; and Mahjong on Thursday morning. Lots going on this week.

Hugs - Marie

Quilt Show

2011-02-25T13:51:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Show in Virginia. A good friend and I are going with a 'quilt bus' group from Raleigh. Neither of us know anyone else, but we anticipate having a great time both on the bus and at the show. I think it's about a 4 hour bus ride one-way so I better find something to do. (My little bag 'go bag' of hexies comes in handy at times like this.)

I'll try and take photo's but we all know I'm not much good at remembering to do that. It should be a long day - we leave at 6:00 and get home around 11:00 or so. I better charge my cell phone and, oh yeah, the camera too. So much excitement!

Hugs - Marie

Sleep Study and A Winner!

2011-02-20T18:47:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure why they call a 'sleep study' a sleep study? Because there is very little sleeping involved in it. A real 'sleepover' would have been a lot more fun. I finally dozed off and this little voice announces from the ceiling - 'good morning, it's 5:00 a.m. and time to get up'.

Needless to say, I arrived home at 6:15 a.m. and went to bed for another 2 hours. ( I had to get some sleep before going to play Mahjong.) I felt like a walking zombie the rest of the day.

We went to D#1's for dinner Friday night - we had homemade pizza that was just plain excellent.

She makes a pizza crust in her bread maker that is just perfect. (Don't tell her especially, but she is a much better cook than I am - but boy can she make a mess in the kitchen! Maybe that's my problem - I am not messy enough in the kitchen.)

I won! I won! I won!

I just won a pattern in Carrie's latest giveaway. She is just one of the most generous people I know. Stop by her blog and tell her that I sent you. She is so talented. We met online through our blogs and then met up at a quilt show last spring. The pattern is called 'Twitterin' by Prim Point and combines quilting, applique, coloring (with crayons) and embroidery. I am so excited.

Thank you Carrie and Prim Point.

Hugs - Marie

Grown Up Sleepover. . .

2011-02-17T19:08:00.004-05:00

What does mature, responsible person take to a 'grown-up sleepover'? (I know, you are asking yourself - what kind of mature, responsible person has a 'grown-up sleepover'. Yes, you are - I can read your lips from way over here!)

After much thought (not so much) and hours of preparation (more like 5 minutes) - here is the final result of what is going with me.

I just have time for a final check prior to leaving the house for my destination.

Pillow - check (can't sleep without my own pillow)

Cell phone - I may want to call someone in the middle of the night

Sewing Case - Of course I may feel a need to work on my hexies in the middle of the night

E-reader - I have to find out the ending on my story

Keys - I have to get there, don't I

Jamies - I think I better take these for a change

Sox - Warm and cozy (thank you Gerry)

Glasses - I don't want to miss anything

Monkey - I'll need to think of missing Big T (he threw in the container of Flarp)

Crown Royal - 'Nuff said - some things are self-explanatory

Oh yeah, I have to be home by 9:15 a.m. Friday morning so I can join our weekly Mahjhong (how do you spell that?) group.

Hugs - Marie

Disappearing Nine Patch

2011-02-15T10:12:00.012-05:00

Deep, way down in my AP (Avoidance Pile) I found this 'disappearing nine patch' table topper complete but for the quilting and binding. I had forgotten all about it. It is still not high on my list, but it deserves to be finished. Then I can decide what to do with it.

I do like the colors so I'll reserve final judgement until I finish the quilting. (I know - not exactly traditional colors but it's me.)

I also completed the borders on my 'blueberry, raspberry, and chocolate ice cream' quilt. I am enjoying the play between the bright blues, hot pinks and chocolate browns. I have invited several pieces to join us in auditioning for the backing, but we are still waiting the arrival of just the right piece.

This is a better close up of the fabric colors and patterns in case any of you are thinking of trying out.

I can just hear the quilt police rolling their eyes, moaning and hoping no one is looking over their shoulders at this - but again, I like it - it's me. It does need a good pressing so it looks it's best for the upcoming auditions. I'm not sure I have ever been called traditional - wholesome yes (in 10th grade) but not traditional.

Chicken Mole (there is supposed to be a little accent mark on the 'e') in the oven and rice on the stove top - refried beans ready to go on the table.

Hugs - Marie

Design Wall

2011-02-11T15:04:00.010-05:00

This is what is on my design wall. I have been working on this off and on while I was under the weather. The top is finished finally (much larger than shown here) the size of a queen sized bed. It needs to be sandwiched and quilted. This is an original design by me (I hope - I have never seen it anywhere else).

Thanks for everyone's warm wishes and comments while I was 'out ill'. I think I am about ready to hit the ground running again now. To all of you who wrote and asked how I was feeling - THANK YOU!

This was the week of mail goodies at my house. First there was . . .

then a day or so later . . .

(I have read these from cover until I have them memorized.)

and then this 'cute little mini mouse' - look no tail (and it's pink, pink, pink) - she's to go with my new laptop with the oversensitive touch pad . . .

but best of all were these beautiful, hand knit sox in this lovely shade of bright green with the delightfully orange cuffs. I have never worn hand knit sox before and I may never pull them off - well maybe once in awhile to be washed (maybe). They are so warm and comfy. Thank you Gerry - you are the best. Please go see Gerry's work and tell her I said to drop by.

And finally, I dug the 'disappearing nine patch' table topper out of the Avoidance Stack and have that basted and ready to quilt. I'm trying to decide whether to hand quilt or machine quilt. Photos of that another day.

I have decided that I do not have UFO's or Phd's - I hide things in my 'Avoidance Stack'. . I have bored you with enough photos already

Hugs - Marie

January Cold

2011-01-28T13:40:00.002-05:00

No photos this posting - I thought I'd warn everyone up front. No energy to find the camera, charge the battery, focus, take out the little thingy, put it in the laptop, resize the photo, etc. I have just enough energy to cough, sneeze and look for the tissue box which keeps getting moved because Big T has the same @#$% stuff as I do. Yuck! (So don't get too close to this posting.)

If you don't catch colds from being in the cold weather, why do you catch more colds in the winter? A long unanswered question.

I ripped out the last border I sewed on just before I got sick. I don't think I will sew anything else until I am focusing more on sewing and less on the other stuff. But that's okay because my eyes aren't focusing anyway. I am still reading blogs daily but it take me almost all day to finally get through them all. Napping seems to be my highest (only) priority this week.

I don't want you all to get sick - so don't get too close.

Another thing about being sick - I had to miss my Majhong lesson yesterday. I made the ultimate sacrifice and stayed home so everyone else could play and have fun. Now they are a lesson ahead of me.

And the book I am reading I have already read - of course, it took me 200 pages to find that out. Nothing slow about me, this week.

You all stay healthy and keep away from this stuff.

Hugs - Marie

A Bad Start to a Good Day!

2011-01-17T16:02:00.007-05:00

How many times do you have to do this until you don't do it anymore?

Next to the seam ripper, I think you can see the tear drops from your's truly. No - wait, I can get closer. . .

So then, I use my trusty, sharp seam ripper and redo the 1/2 square triangles - only to discover

The little squirvy (yes, it is a word - I just made it up) lines were going the wrong way. Compare to the laid out blocks of this photo. So, my trusty seam ripper got a lot of practice today. I spent more time ripping than sewing.

It was time to call it a day in the sewing studio. I did not want to tackle assembling the blocks until a 'better day'. Whatever that may mean.

My friend is coming to pick up her 'mug rugs' today. She called earlier and said she wanted a e-reader pocket also for another friend's birthday gift. That compensated for my morning in the studio.

Hugs - Marie

The Boy Toy!

2011-01-15T12:39:00.006-05:00

This is a picture of the 'new' boy toy!

This is a picture of the 'new' boy toy and the boy!

See that grin from ear to ear (it may be permanent).

Hugs - Marie

12 Mug Rugs Finished

2011-01-15T11:32:00.006-05:00

Finished - 12 mug rugs complete and ready to be delivered. These are to be used as small hostess gifts on her trip to visit family in California next week.

Just what she ordered simple and plain with no frills. These were fun to make and I got lots of practice at machine quilting.

I made these using the '15 minutes of play' method that is popular now in blogland. I just picked up a piece and attached it without any real plan or design in mind. I thought it worked well for me in making these mug rugs. It was a different feeling than having something all designed out and cut to order. I could do this more often. (Only once did D#1 say "Mom, that just doesn't work at all - in fact it's just *****!)

I'm off to look at the 'boy toy' that Big T and the Dude just bought. The Dude is grinning from ear to ear so it must be just great.

Hugs - Marie

New Computer Frustrations

2011-01-12T16:11:00.004-05:00

Big T and I got each other new laptops for our Christmas gifts to each other. So now we are trying to learn how to use them effectively without giving in and going back to the old laptops. Different keyboard, new operating system, new applications, and I feel like I am learning about computers all over again. It is taking me 10 times longer to do something that should be a piece of cake. Aaarghhh!

Forget pictures with this blog posting. I can't even find the slot where the little thingy goes. I'm doing well to just type a short message. I do not like to use a mouse - I prefer the little click pad thing on the keyboard. But no one told the little thing that it needs to behave like I expect it. It does weird things when I am least expecting it.

We have been 'iced in' for three days now. Only a trace of snow here, but heavy ice and it has not begun to melt. At least the power is still on - that's a blessing. It is so cold outside and the wind is keeping the chill factor near zero.

I have my assembly line of mug rugs down to handstitching the bindings on 11 more of them. (One is finished all the way.) I probably have about 6 hours of hand work left and then wrap and deliver. I want to get them to her this week so I don't have it hanging over me for the weekend.

I am trying to decide which large quilt I want to tackle next. There are several in blogland that sound cool right now - one's a postage stamp quilt and one's a mystery quilt AND several applique and stitchery quilts. I need to make a decision and commit and quit thinking about it. The time is past for thinking - it is time for action.

Hugs - Marie

Mug Rugs and E-reader Pockets

2011-01-03T18:18:00.007-05:00

I'm so excited. I just got a commission to create 12 new mug rugs to be used as hostess gifts for a friend's trip. This is a result of giving them as Christmas gifts to the book club. Below is a photo of the book club mug rugs before wrapping.

This will let me practice so I can submit the perfect mug rug photo for Mme. Samm's mug rug contest. Check out her blog to find out more information.

So tomorrow, I get to go pick out fabric (jelly roll, backing and thread). How fun is that? She leaves on her trip on January 20th. My plan is to get them finished and to her well in advance. I don't want to cause either of us any stress.

I finished another e-reader pocket today. I love the simplicity and the fit of these e-reader pockets. Photo coming tomorrow, it's too dark to take photos now.

I love this little mini-quilt. It would be perfect hanging in a nursery. I actually made this in 2009 but came across it this afternoon and remembered how much I like it. I like the combination of quilting with the machine embroidery.

Thanks for stopping by - your visits mean a lot to me.

Hugs - Marie

Day Four After Christmas

2010-12-29T12:19:00.009-05:00

My Christmas cactus came through once again. I counted 10 open blooms and at least 20 little tight buds.

I love this little reindeer ornament and fat quarter from Carrie. It reminds me of Carrie, so talented and non-pretensious but absolutely charming. Check out her blog to see the high quality of this very talented lady. Thank you - I love it and I can always use a good neutral fat quarter.

D#1 was just here to collect the Dude for a day of cleaning his room. He is supposed to be back tonight. She cut some strips to put a pieced border on a table runner while she was here. After she finishes the top, she'll be back for help with the batting and backing. She does well, she just needs the confidence that she can do it - comes with practice (lots of practice).

I made an envelop pocket for my new e-reader. I read that there were millions of these e-readers sold for Christmas, that sounds like a booming market for these enverlop pockets. Hmmmm! This is the envelop pocket I made for the Dude's e- reader. He has a Kobo and I have a Kindle but they are basically the same size.

Big T is back at the PC. He is bound and determined to beat my high score on Bejeweled. He plays strategically, lining everything up for the most points. I play fast and take all the little ones I can get and they add up. It's the same way we play Chess (or anything else) - he thinks it all out and develops a good long-term strategy and I play lightening fast for one move at a time. Blows his mind at Chess because he is trying to think through why I made the last move. (What he doesn't understand is that I usually don't know either.)

Hugs - Marie

The Big Clean!

2010-12-28T16:40:00.012-05:00

Disclaimer: There were no 'before' photos for comparison. (I was too embarassed.)

This is the sewing table after 95% clean-up.

This is my cozy 'new' corner for handwork (and escape).

This part of the visible stash organized once again (hope it lasts this time).

What's on the design wall at the current time.

A close up of the design wall projects

This table runner just needs a binding. The background is a heavy blue denim.

This wall hanging is waiting for trimming and a self-turned binding.

This one is taking on a life of its own. This is a wait and see what it wants to be. I know it needs more color (brighter) but I want the birds to be drab with gold trim.

So that's a peak into my studio at this minute in time.

I think I will hang this sign on my door.

And now it's usable once more.

Hugs - Marie

The Week After Christmas

2010-12-27T10:04:00.004-05:00

Unlike most people, my favorite week of the year is the 'week after Christmas'. It is a time of peace and relaxation. Nothing to cook, nothing to wrap, no shopping to do, no cards to write, projects to finish up - no stress and no pressure. It has always been that way and this year is no different.

Yesterday was a day of sitting and watching the snow fall and Big T and The Dude playing in it. They built a massive 6 foot tall 'snow bear' and then wrapped him in 4 strands of Christmas lights. We had about 6" of snow, but my front yard has a large circle (diameter 12') with no snow where they used everything to build the bear.

The Dude got an awesome PC game called 'Bejeweled 3'. Don't buy it - it is truly addicting. It is one of those 'just one more game'. LOL there is no such thing as one more game on it. I see this a.m. it has been installed on Big T's computer as well - at least I'll know where to find him.

Today is earmarked (loosely) as the day to clean the sewing studio. It looks like a disaster and has now for over a month. I don't even want to go in there - it's that bad. I have a choice - clean it or keep the door closed; but if I want to sew, I'll have to clean it. Then I'll reward myself by curling up in front of the fireplace and reading the instructions on how to use my new 'e-reader'.

So, my friends, that is where you'll find me for the rest of the day (or maybe the week if I stop to play 'one more game'). I hope all your holidays were as good as mine and that you got to be with all your loved ones during that time.

Hugs - Marie

The New Look Is Here

2010-12-10T11:01:00.003-05:00

Here's the new look. (There was nothing wrong with the 'before' - just time for a change. I find as I get older, I need changes more often. Wonder why?)

This is the 'aerial' view from the stair landing. Everything is new from this view.

Great photo of 'my chair'. Tucked into this delightful corner and reserved for hand stitching, knitting and reading. My Ott light fits perfectly on the table next to it for fine work and then can be folded and put into the drawer on the table. (The floor lamp behind the chair and the little 'tiffany style' lamp are hold-overs also.)

This is all we kept of the 'before'. I like this little chest and lamp right there just as you go into the kitchen.

Hugs - Marie

Was it worth it?

2010-12-07T13:36:00.009-05:00

Before

Interim

And now you have to wait until tomorrow to see the 'after'. All I'll say is 'I'm loving it.'

I posted a few things this afternoon on my Etsy store - just thought I would share them with you.

Hugs - Marie

Out with the old -

2010-12-06T16:22:00.003-05:00

My new living room furniture is being delivered tomorrow - so today is out with the old so we can bring in the new. As a result, I have not done anything related to decorating for the holidays. Everything in the living room is being replaced with a totally different look and there is no reason to decorate twice. I'm so excited. We have been talking about doing this for at least a year and then we just did it. Walked in the store and said 'that's what we want.'

It is icy cold here this week. Our snow of Saturday melted overnight, but now it is even colder.

My book club gifts are all complete (except for hand stitching the binding on the final three). Now just to wrap and they are ready for the luncheon on Wednesday. I need to write a poem to go with my 'mug rugs'. I'm thinking they remind me of 'magic carpets' - that kind of goes along with reading.

I also need to put the prairie points and binding on my kitchen table runner. I pinned the prairie points in place and realized some were cut from 4" squares and some from 3 1/2" squares. I had to go back and trim all my squares to 3 1/2".

I also finished the shawl from the purple self-striping yarn. It made up very nicely. I had exactly 29" of yarn left over when I finished it. I was just a tad worried the last few rows. I am ready to start a long cowl scarf from the green/blue of the same yarn.

The question of the day is - how many napkins do I make? Big T has decided he does not want to use paper napkins anymore. Fine, but at one napkin per person per meal - realistically, how many napkins do I need to make. Say we have an average of three people for each meal and I do laundry once a week - that's 63 napkins. Hmmmmmm! I am thinking about picking a color and then lots of coordinating prints in a 12" by 12" square. I've decided, it's easier to make a quilt than this project.

(No pictures today - forgot to charge the battery on the camera).

Hugs - Marie

This and That

2010-11-28T12:50:00.007-05:00

Last spring I did some extensive machine embroidery on a friend's hand made bedspread. It turned out beautifully. She decorates beautiful cakes and we agreed upon an exchange: the work on her bedspread for one of her cakes.

Last night was our monthly card group. She brought my birthday cake to the monthly gathering to celebrate my birthday.

Unfortuately, the photo does not do it justice. It was a lovely patchwork quilt hand-painted complete with fabric design in marzipan. The cake was a lemon poppyseed with a raspberry, white chocolate, whip cream filling. Needless to say it was delicious. I have never eaten such a large piece of cake in my entire life. Thank you, PearlAnn.

I love the way this yarn is self-striping. I have never worked with yarn that had such a definite stripe. This one is in shades of purples, blues and tans. Absolutely gorgeous.

I also got some in shades of teals and greens - it is stunning on the skein. I'm trying to decide how to use it.

I have 4 more mug rug gifts to make. Our luncheon is on the 8th. I should be able to be finished and get them wrapped.

One of our LQS is going out of business. I think it may be time for a trip over there to see is anything is left.

Hugs to all - Marie

Non-traditional Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T19:02:00.002-05:00

Two days before Thanksgiving and 30 days until Christmas. I probably should be panicking(?) right now, but for some reason that hasn't hit yet. (Maybe it's the medication??) We have once again decided to have a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year (we do this almost every year). Instead of the turkey, etc with all the work and mess, we have 'heavy snacks and hors d'oevres' and play games, work puzzles, sew and watch movies all day. This is what works well for my family and we look forward to it every year. I think it started many years back when the girls decided they wanted 'steamed clams' for the big meal that year. That was when we found out that no one in our house enjoyed the big, traditional dinners.

Big T told me last night he wants 'stuffed cabbage' for thanksgiving, so he and D#1 are going to make them Wednesday afternoon.

Christmas gifts for the Little Miss are already in CA and waiting on her mother to wrap and put under the tree. Now I can concentrate on The Dude and get him under way. He is getting harder to buy for each year and is growing like a weed. Last Christmas I bought 'smalls' this year it will have to be 'large' and maybe 'extra large' for sleeve length.

The gifts are almost done for the book club friends. I had to get on the ball once I realized that I didn't have until the 25th - they had to be ready by the luncheon date of 12/08. I think I have 5 mug rugs left to make. They have been such fun to put together.

My wonderful husband decided that he doesn't like paper napkins at dinner time - so he is getting some hand made napkins as part of his christmas presents. (Big T - act surprised if you read this.) I can't decide whether to make them all one pattern or to mix and match.

The vertigo is still hanging on by a thread. It only kicks in when I lay on my left side or bend over to pick something up. Better but still bothersome. I did lots of sleeping on the ship because Big T was afraid that I'd have an attack and be really sick. I did get lots of rest.

Hugs - Marie

Rocks in my Head

2010-11-08T16:47:00.006-05:00

Ok - the general agreement from both Big T and the doctor is that I have loose rocks in my head! (Only Big T says I have always had those.) So the diagnosis is: the little tiny crystalline rocks in my inner ears have become loose and it causes vertigo which can range from minor diziness to severe which is my category this week. When the little rocks move it causes an imbalance which results in the vertigo.

The solution is a set of exercises designed to push the diziness to the limits and let the rocks go back into place. And strong motion sickness medication that is supposed to tell my brain not to throw up just because the world is spinning around me and I can't tell up from down. Enough about me and my rocks.

I had a lot of trouble finding size 19 knitting needles and I could only find the straight, short ones. No circular 19's to be found. I have some great thick and bulky yarn I want to work with on the cruise to see how it works up. The pattern calls for working in the round on 19 circular needles; I'll join the rounds when finished for the initial project. I'll keep you posted.

Big T is planning out his shore excursions in Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I'm not sure yet whether I'm getting off or staying on the ship. I won't know until it is time to go and then it will be a last minute decision - but that's okay. Although I was a little worried today when he told the nurse that for my birthday he was taking me on a one-way cruise.

Hugs - Marie

Mug Rugs and Placemats

2010-11-06T13:08:00.007-04:00

I've been having fun making 'mug rugs' for Hummingbird Treasures. They take about an hour each and do a great job of cutting into the stash AND they're cute. I may keep a few for myself. The bookclub ladies are going to love them. I like the fact that no two are alike.

I also finished the trees on these placemats. I think the white and gold with the blue turned out rather nicely. I think I paid 79 cents each for the four of these and was quite pleased with myself when I got them out into the daylight. They also had a red but it was too 'brown' for me.

I think the latest attack of vertigo is somewhat better but I still have a lot of problem changing the elevation of my head. I see the Dr. on Monday - but he will just tell me it it the old 'rocks in my head' problem.

I think I'll go play in the studio until time for my next nap. (Oh yeah, the medication knocks me out.)

Hugs - Marie

Fall and Knitting

2010-11-04T15:33:00.007-04:00

Seems that knitting and fall go together for me. I have been knitting off and on lately. I think that Gerry and I have been thinking similar thoughts lately since she made the exact same Pimpliesse (in another color). Needless to say that I was speechless when I read her blog.

I also made a turtleneck cowl in a grey and black chunky knit style. What I like about this one is that it could work for either a man or a woman. This needs to be for someone in cold country because I doubled the knit for extra warmth.

Also, love the mug rug that mysteriously appeared out of my growing pile of hexies. I'm playing with the idea of these as holiday gifts for the bookclub - shhhh - don't tell any of them. (Don't you think these would look cute with candles on top?)

Hugs - Marie

Sold!

2010-11-02T15:23:00.008-04:00

Isn't that the nicest word to see or hear? I just saw that my Hummingbird Treasures Hummingbird Table Runner sold this morning and I am ecstatic. Thank you!

All kinds of thoughts go through your head:

you weren't crazy with that design - someone else liked it too

that combination of fabrics and colors worked

someone liked the echo quilting that you spent hours on

I just listed these napkins and am trying to decide whether to sell them or keep them. I love the dark rich brown with the slight twill effect. I made the set of 8 with 2 of each fall leaf pattern. I have a second set ready for photos in a delightful khaki green (almost a true moss green) with drifting fall leaves gracing the corner.

The winter kitchen towels were just some cute snow scenarios - I couldn't resist this lovely shade of blue with the black highlights.

I am doing the happy dance!!! (Good thing this isn't video today.)

Hugs - Marie

Back to the Drawing Board

2010-10-29T10:22:00.005-04:00

The second skein of yarn was not the same as the first - and so here we have a great beginning with no end in sight. Hmmm - now to see what I can make of this without unraveling it all.

I must admit that Halloween is not my favorite holiday - in fact it may be my least favorite of all. I love fall and all that it brings, I just don't care for halloween. It may be my years as a teacher when Halloween was the most disruptive holiday of the entire school year. So there are no cool, really neat and cute halloween decorations and/or quilts around the house or my blog. (I'm beginning to feel like Scrooge here - don't hate me.)

I'm off to see how to salvage my short shawl that I was knitting when I found my skeins didn't match - way off. I may be back later today.

Hugs - Marie

Talent and Creativity

2010-10-18T19:43:00.004-04:00

The Dude took first place with his oil painting at both the Chatham County fair and the North Carolina State fair. This was his very first painting EVER - let alone the intricacies of paining in oils. This painting is what he created during his first lesson (not after, but during).

We are very proud of him! His talent and creativity just keep flowing. Just think he is only 14 yrs old.

Hugs - Marie

Home and Unpacked

2010-10-12T11:56:00.004-04:00

We got home at 1:45 AM this morning (it is 12:00 noon now) and I am already unpacked and ready to go. We had an absolutely great visit and got lots and lots of grandparenting done (including a trip with a 2-yr old to Disneyland). I think the combination of heavy antibiotics and the family visit worked wonders.

AND I WAS PRODUCTIVE TO BOOT!

Lots of hexies accomplished on the long plane rides
Two knitted cowls finished and ready for photos to go on Hummingbird Treasures
Two pairs of fingerless gloves crocheted (small/medium and medium/large)
A short knit collar shawl finished

Going from east coast to west coast really messes with my biological clock. I am really ready (past ready) to go to bed no later than 8:30 and then lie awake for hours during the night. I am happy to report that those hours were used for staring at the ceiling and quilt planning for multiple quilts - I can hardly wait to dive in and get started again. For some strange reason, I don't have trouble adjusting the other direction but that east to west gets me every time.

I have to take the time today to write down and sketch my 'dream quilting ideas' so I don't lose them. I saw an absolutely gorgeous little clutch bag made from a jean pocket with a scalloped crocheted edging all around it - does anyone know how to make the hole in the denim to stick the crochet needle through. I'm stuck on trying to figure this out.

Hugs - Marie

Sometimes You Have To Give In!

2010-09-19T09:11:00.003-04:00

I finally gave in and went to the doctor's on Thursday. Just haven't felt good for over 6 weeks but other than terrific sinus headaches, couldn't put my finger on it. Headache leads to nausea leads to fatigue leads to sleeping round the clock leads to don't care about anything. Hence - the ultimatum from Big T - GO TO THE DR.

So a massive dose of antibiotics for 10 days (maybe more) was ordered to treat a nasty sinus infection. Hence the headaches, nausea, etc., etc. He did say that one round of antibiotics may not clear it all up and, of course, wondered why I hadn't been in sooner. (I think Big T called to prompt him on this one.) I hope it clears up before we fly to CA - Little Miss's 2nd birthday is coming up soon.

Meanwhile, I am still taking 2 to 3 naps a day and sleeping 10 to 12 hours at night. I should be well rested for CA. I hear we are going to the BIG "D" for the birthday. Needless to say, my sewing has been somewhat neglected for the last 6 weeks. Although I am surprised to see that I have about 6 - 8 projects in various stages of completion all over the studio. I usually have at least 2 going but this appears to be a little extreme even for me. Maybe this afternoon (after my nap), I can sort through and see what can be brought under control.

Check out the neat fabric give away at "The Last Piece". The fabric is an advance of 'Little Things' and is absolutely adorable. Maybe we can both win!

Hugs - Marie

Book Club Update

2010-09-09T10:01:00.004-04:00

1. I made it to book club (didn't miss it like last month when I slept through it with a sinus headache)

2. I actually read the book (completely - some sections twice) - "The Optimist's Daughter" by Eudora Welty(?) Pulitzer Prize winner in the 1960's

3. I really liked the book (appealed to the literary snob in me - lots of symbolism and metaphor-type stuff)

4. No one else in book club liked the book (actually used words like: boring, hated it, couldn't finish it, no story line, flat unlikable characters)

5. I'm batting 1000 this season when it comes to book club (I'm afraid my membership in book club may be in serious jeopardy here)

6. I'm off to order next month's book (I love the 'used book' prices from B&N and Amazon)

7. The book for next month is "The Devil Amongst the Lawyers" by Sarah McCrumb(?)

Make Over Coming - Stay Tuned

2010-09-08T10:59:00.003-04:00

OK - enough introspection (procrastinating) . A major make-over is on the way. I should stress this is a blogsite make-over since 'yours truly' is already perfect.

I asked for (and listened to) advice and opinions from my wonderful followers and now after letting it absorb for longer than it should have (procrastinating), I am ready to jump in the water and ready to swim. (Isn't that a cool analogy for this hot end of a very hot summer?)

I received several very good suggestions regarding how to better use and promote my etsy store as well as wonderful offers to promote my blog and store on my reader's blogs. These actually brought tears to my eyes. And one of my wonderful friends even designed a new button for me to use and share to promote my sites. (Thank you, Alyssa.)

I will be working on implementing my changes over the next few days - so stay tuned to see the next chapter.

For those of you who continue to follow this - I have the timer set to remind me that today is bookclub day. I do not dare miss it twice. By the way, I read the book "The Optimist's Daughter" by Eudora Welty and absolutely loved it. Now I know why she earned the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction with this book. I'm interested to see how my fellow book club members like the book.

Serious Thinking

2010-08-23T11:20:00.003-04:00

Ok so here's the problem. I have a faithful few followers who read and comment on every blog. (And I love each and everyone of you.) But I am not gaining in either 'larger following' or in redirecting potential purchases to my etsy store. Hmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!

So my question of the week is - what do you think of sponsorship of blogs? I've been looking to see who and how popular the sponsored blogs are and I am torn. I need to expand and market my products but I also don't want to lose my friends in doing so.

Please give me your honest opinion (both directions) and let me know what you think. ALSO, if you have any other thoughts, I am very open to them.

Hugs - Marie

Change in Weather???

2010-08-12T17:23:00.006-04:00

Here is the latest from my studio. I love this embroidery pattern - simple but sophisticated. It looks great on napkins as well. I've used this several times and am always pleased with how it turns out. (Is wheat sheaf one word or two?)

I certainly hope this two day sinus headache means there is a change in the weather coming. I would hate to go through this for nothing. I work an hour or so and sleep an hour or so just to adjust. It will leave when the weather changes. Hopefully cooler weather is on the way.

School starts around here on the 23rd of August. Doesn't that seem early. I liked going back to school after Labor Day. August is still intended for play, vacations, and laziness. When I was in school, we went on family vacation the middle two weeks of August, came home for a week to get things ready for school and started the day after Labor Day. It's too hot to even think of kids going back to school now - not all schools are air conditioned.

Where do you sit to do your hand work? I was thinking of that last night when I naturally gravitated to the same spot and picked up my hand work. More on that the next post.

Hugs - Marie

Feedback Wanted

2010-08-09T21:00:00.008-04:00

What do you think? Too far out or ok? I seem to be gravitating more and more toward this for some reason. I'm not sure why - I've always been a very conservative person. Big T just keeps looking at me like "what are you doing?"

This is the most recent to come out of my studio. Although there is another just waiting for the photos when I finish the binding. (I think it is even brighter than this one.)

I think I need some 'honest, unbiased opinions'. So if you have any to share, let me know what you think of some of my recent undertakings. (I mean REALLY THINK - not just bloggy politeness.)

It started with this.

This was the first move into the bold colors and 'out of the box'.

Maybe I'm having nightmares and this is my way to express it. I'm a little old to be undergoing a personality change. Has anyone else experienced this total turn around in what they are creating and designing?

Hugs - Marie

Two Down

2010-08-08T14:54:00.007-04:00

These mini-quilt nursery wall hangings were so much fun to make. They are approximately 10" square and are machine pieced and embroidered with hand quilting. I'm quite pleased with how these turned out.

I have a set of chestnut brown napkins to embroider and am trying to decide whether the traditional fall leaves or something a little different. Maybe a 'simple' cornucopia without a lot of fill around it. Or maybe I let them set for the day and see what my creativity says in my sleep tonight.

I have several more strips cut for the nursery wall hangings. I think I'll wait on those to see what response I get from my etsy store. (It's beginning to sound as if I'm procrastinating - if so, not intentionally.)

Back to the studio - Hugs - Marie

Trip and Landscape Quilt Featured

2010-08-06T14:59:00.006-04:00

Here are a few photos from our quick road trip - it was wonderful to get away for even a few days. We made a big circle but of course had to go on the Blue Ridge Parkway for as long as we could. I love that road and just think the whole building of it was just phenomenal.

Just a photo of the drive through the windshield and then Big T snapped one of the car where we stopped to take a quick nap under a shade tree. (Didn't nap long, it was over 90 in the shade.)

Quilts and Heirlooms is featuring my little landscape quilt, "The Hills of Summer", today in part 1 series of landscape quilts. Hurry on over and take a look at the quality of the quilts they are featuring. I am so honored to be included. (Remember this was my first venture into this category.)

Hugs - Marie

Quick Get Away

2010-08-04T08:37:00.003-04:00

We are off for a quick getaway for a couple of days.

How exciting! I'm taking the camera and we are headed toward Virginia and see what we can get into. All the juicy details when we return.

We haven't done this in awhile - just spontaneous (well, it's spontaneous for us and that's what counts).

Hugs - Marie

Playing in the Studio

2010-08-01T09:02:00.006-04:00

August 1st - I don't know whether to say the heat wave is almost over (joyous) or oh no, summer is almost over (sadness). This has been a long, hot summer but I'm not sure I want it to be over yet - so I will just continue to enjoy the heat (but not the humidity).

OK - so here's the latest out of my studio. What do you think? I'm thinking nursery wall hangings here, small 10" by 10" size. (Did you note the hand quilting - still needs work, but getting much better.) I have another one under way in blues with a train engine on it.

While I was playing, I also made a little larger autumn leaves wall hanging. I think I like this one a lot. The colors feel good to me. (Big T says still too bright - wait till he sees the purple one coming out.) I will probably machine quilt this one for a more polished look.

M and The Dude leave for a whole week in CA tomorrow morning. Sure will be quiet around here - just me and Big T talking to each other and ourselves. M has a consulting engagement and The Dude is going to stay with K&A and the Little Miss in San Diego for a week. They are both excited. The Dude has been practicing how to have a tea party and play Ring-around-the-Rosie this week. I think his aunt K and uncle A have a few surprises in store for him.

Off to play in the studio (after I make a three bean salad to let it marinate).

Hugs - Marie

Grandmother's Butterfly Garden - Finished

2010-07-30T11:11:00.005-04:00

Finished! My small quilt that I call Grandmother's Butterfly Garden is finished and posted on my etsy store. This quilt is hand-pieced, hand-quilted and machine raw-edge appliqued. it was fun to make and has my typical 'one-off' touch. I could not just do a Grandmother's Quilt - it had to be just a little different to be me.

While I was working on finishing the photo's and posting to etsy, I noticed we had new neighbors move into the back yard. I didn't even know anyone was looking at the place.

This should keep the squirrels busy for awhile. Big T's birthday present from CA looks really good out there and we can see it perfectly from the kitchen table.

Hugs - Marie

Van Gogh Finished

2010-07-29T13:54:00.006-04:00

In April (I think) I made this interpretation of Van Gogh's still life - Iris with machine embroidery. I became very disappointed when I could not find the 'right way' to frame it.

Here's the final finished product. After waiting, I can honestly say that I am very proud of it. It turned out well worth the wait. I brought it in to show Big T last night and he said "a little loud isn't it?" Sometimes he has good taste (when it matches mine) and other times he is off base. Guess which time this was?

You can see other views and a little more detail in my shop. Stop by and check it out.

I was so busy working on this, I forgot to finish the binding on Grandmother's Butterfly Garden. Back to the studio while it's quiet and peaceful, he and The Dude went to the movies for Big T's birthday adventure.

Hugs - Marie

Wahooo!

2010-07-27T10:53:00.004-04:00

Wahoooooo!

The Quilts and Heirlooms Team at Etsy is going to feature my mini-landscape quilt, The Hills of Summer, in an upcoming blog on landscape and applique quilts.

I AM SO EXCITED!

I will let you know when it is to be posted.

I finished the hand quilting on my "Grandmother's Butterfly Garden" - just have to bind it and it will be ready to post. I used a gold metallic thread for the hand quilting to match the gold swirl in the fabric. Should be ready for photo's tomorrow.

Hugs - Marie

Landscapes, One-off's and Hexies

2010-07-23T09:52:00.006-04:00

From a distance, my landscape quilt is 'not too bad'. But the 'couching' could be much better - so this one goes in the 'first time efforts' stack. I learned a lot from doing this one that will make my next effort much better (and easier).

I have also been working on my hand quilting efforts. My first (and many) attempts were quite interesting and amusing - in fact, maybe downright laughable. This photo is of my most recent effort during the cruise. I used my 'down time' to hand quilt this rose window pattern traced on a 20" square muslin quilt sandwich. I am actually quite pleased with it (if I don't compare it to everyone else). I think I will bind this one and actually find a use for it.

Currently (one of many on-going projects) I am working on a hexie applique for a one-off of a Grandmother's garden. Well, maybe more than a one-off. I am ready for the machine applique as the next step. I'll post a photo after the applique.

Did I tell you that I am taking the 'mastery classes' that came with my new Bernina? I'm loving this new machine. I think I went from a model-T to a Cadillac. (Of course the courses are focusing more on garment sewing than quilting so far - but I am learning the mastery of the machine and what all it will do. But the instructor keeps talking about 'sewing her own underwear' or something.)

By the way - the crib is STILL in my studio. Enough said!

Hugs - Marie

Blue and Orange

2010-07-19T09:16:00.009-04:00

The Dude loves blue and orange. I know that everyone has a favorite color or color scheme - his just happens to be blue and orange. Not exactly high on my list of favorites (not on there at all, in fact) but Grandsons have ways of twisting Grandma's around their little finger and mine is no different.

Here's the fabric!

Here's the finished product - an e-reader pocket for his new e-reader. (And yes, he is reading Dracula - but only in the day time. He says he reads something else at night.)

He is delighted with it. Probably more so because he knows my aversion to working on blue and orange. His served as a prototype and I have an identical one listed on Hummingbird Treasures for sale.

Hugs to all - Marie

Procrastination and The Wolfman

2010-07-17T20:23:00.004-04:00

The Wolfman is going full force in total surround sound in the family room. It is a Papa and Dude bonding night. I don't know why they can't bond with a cute, chick flick or something. Maybe there is a reason to what movies they pick. Anyway - keeps me out of my studio. I think I'll take a good book and read in bed.

I have a lot of projects swimming around in my head right now but I seem to be procrastinating about all of them. I sit and hand sew on my little hexies, but seem to be avoiding anything more challenging right now. Hmmmm - could be that the crib is still in my studio and does not do anything for the creativity (not to say it is crowded, messy and just plain unappealing right now). I can't decide whether I want to make a traditional Grandmother's Garden quilt or combine the traditional flowers appliqued for a more modern garden look. Meanwhile my flowers are multiplying during this procrastination spell.

I roughed out a pattern for an e-reader pocket envelope yesterday. I think I'll try the first one out of denim. Shouldn't take too long once I fight my way back into the studio. I'll try and remember to take pictures along the way. Maybe I need to move the camera where I think about it.

I seem to have a case of poison ivy (or something related). Me, the one who never goes outside - never leaves the screen porch, avoids anything besides the pool outside. Anyway, it is now spreading from the inside of my knee down my leg - so it's liberal Octagon soap, peroxide, cortisone cream and predisone for the next week or so.

Ok it's off to bed with a good sexy novel. I'll teach them to watch The Wolfman without me. (Howling is now coming down the stairs and throughout the house. It's a good thing the windows are closed or the neighbors would be alarmed that something was going on over here.)

Hugs to you all - Marie

Back Home from the Cruise

2010-07-14T19:41:00.005-04:00

This is what was waiting for us as we arrove home from our Bahama cruise. This beautiful tall oak at the very edge of the property was struck by lightening sometime during the five days we were gone. If you look closely you can see where it was struck in the middle and where the base shattered. You can see the scorched earth where the lightening went through the tree and into the ground. (We also lost a GFI circuit in the garage and the refrigerator and the freezer went out.)

So sad to think about losing this beautiful tree but at least it wasn't the house. Big T says he thinks it is gone but we'll wait awhile to be sure before we do anything. (Not really sure whether this tree is on our property or the neighbors - it actually straddles the property line.)

The cruise was good (seas calm and weather was hot). For the first time, it was a pleasant experience. Loved the time with family and doing absolutely nothing. I could feel the rocking of the ship in the theater and so stayed away from the shows, etc. But the rest was manageable.

I finished my hand quilting project just as we docked back in Charleston. I finally decided to use the opportunity to polish my hand quilting with a 'rose window' pattern. If I can find the camera tomorrow I will post a photo.

Hugs - Marie

What to Do?

2010-07-01T17:13:00.007-04:00

Less than 6 days till we leave on a cruise - 5 nights to the Bahama's and back. We just decided yesterday to join M and family. It will be the first cruise for all of us. I am already worrying about what to take. No, not clothes - that's the simple part - shorts, sun dresses, sandals, and swimsuit. I'm worrying about what to take to do while on the cruise. Something fun, easy and doesn't take up much room. OK, here are my choices - maybe all three.

Work on assembling the hexagons that are cut out

Baste my corner scrappy cuts for my 'flower fields' mini-quilt

Add the decorative hand stitches and texture to my Mr. St. Helen's interpretation

Oh yeah, get this! M and the Dude both got e-readers for Mother's Day and Graduation. Grandma has to take the old fashioned book with her on the cruise. Something is not right with this picture. I may have to find a deck chair on a different part of the ship. I plan to plant myself and do absolutely nothing unless I want to do it. I can hardly wait!! Big T is worried that they only have 8 meals a day.

The cooler weather feels good but it is still too humid to open the house. The Dude says the pool is freezing today; hard to imagine when it was so warm a day or so ago. I'll take this weather any day.

Hugs - Marie

What's Going on During the Heat Wave

2010-06-28T13:57:00.006-04:00

It was so hot at the pool last night, the water was like stepping into a bath tub. I loved it - could have just floated on my back and stared at the clouds all night. Getting out was a little cool, but it didn't last long. It is still hot and humid - maybe a 'slight' break tomorrow (don't count on it).

Here is my finished landscape mini-quilt (9" by 12"). I am fairly satisfied with it - at least enough to show it to friends. I used multiple machine decorative stitches for the machine quilting and also did some hand quilting with it. The tree, of course, was done on my embroidery machine. I love combining the multiple arts.

This is my second attempt. Still a mini-quilt (15" by 20") but a little larger. As you can tell, this one is not finished yet. Still have the couching to complete and the quilting and binding. This is my interpretation of the devestation caused by Mt. Saint Helens in 1980. We moved to the state of Washinton just three months after the volcano erupted and saw the devestation caused by the volcanic ash firsthand even 250 miles away in Spokane.

I wonder if the heat wave is the direct cause for my creating a quilt containing a volcano? Interesting.

I also took a two hour class in 'hexies' this past Saturday. So my hand stitching time is now working on some initial hexies. Who knows if I get bored, they might become colorful potholders or trivets for the table.

Hugs - Marie

Summer Time Blahs

2010-06-22T12:16:00.008-04:00

I think the summer time blahs hit me hard this past week - too hot and too humid to even want to do anything (especially creative). I didn't even want to go to the pool to cool off.

I did manage to finish my initial landscape mini-quilt. For a first attempt - not too bad. I then sketched (poorly) a second one and immediately went to work on it. While the sketching and related activities (tracing, patterning, etc) were not so hot, the idea is finally beginning to work through on the quilt. I'll keep you posted. I am still working on mastering "couching" with various threads and yarns.

We'll see whether it finishes itself or puts itself on the 'forget-about-it' shelf. Do you have one of those shelves? You know, it doesn't quite deserve the scrap bin, but neither does it deserve any more of your attention. Interesting how we have trouble throwing something we make away - we just put it away for the day when we pull it out and think "oh, it's not as bad as I remember it being." What does your 'forget-about-it' shelf have on it?

I think I am about caught up on 'blog reading'. Lot's happened during my hiatus from daily reading. I tried to go back and get caught up but I'm afraid I may have to go forward at this point. I'm getting behind in my own postings.

Did I show you these pillow covers I made for my daughter in San Diego? If so, skip the photo below.

I had to make sure she knew this was NOT a symetrical design - she can't stand it when things are not orderly or aligned correctly. I thought I would be okay if she picked out the fabric and knew up front it was not symetrical so she wouldn't be expecting perfect alignment. Anyway, she really liked them.

I have to go take the crib out of my studio. I need the space. My 'new baby' (sewing machine) takes more room than the one it is replacing. I'll post a photo when I get the studio back in order.

Hugs to all - Marie

I'm Back!

2010-06-16T20:27:00.004-04:00

It is so quiet around here tonight you could hear a pin drop. After the last four weeks of either being company or having company, I'm just plain tired of talking. We had absolutely great visits and are sad that everyone is gone.

I am so far behind in reading my blog friends - I'm embarassed. Please bear with me while I catch up. (Do you say 'bear with me' or 'bare with me' - hmmm - that could be interesting!)

My sewing studio is now a nursery - tomorrow back to sewing. I have not touched a machine (or fabric) in almost a month. I think I am having withdrawal symptoms. I was visiting on line with Glen tonight and she gave me a great idea - I am going to move my CD player into my sewing studio so I can listen to audio books. I don't care for television or movies, but I am an avid reader and this will be my escape and let me be creative at the same time. Thank you Glen!

The Dude is now out of 'middle school' and is a freshman in high school. Seems like it was just yesterday - - - Being a Grandparent is a marvelous thing!

While my sister was here, we took a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains. What beautiful inspirations for landscape quilting! I can hardly wait to get back into the studios (and the fabric store). I am still trying to figure out how to get that 'smokey, hazy' look into a quilt.

More tomorrow - for now just wanted to say "I'm back and thank you for the positive thoughts".

Hugs to all - Marie

Overwhelmed and laptop is not working right

2010-06-05T16:01:00.004-04:00

This message is to all of you who may have left me comments the last few days. A severe thunderstorm fried the router Thursday night and I cannot get to my e-mail (which is on my wireless laptop) until SIL#2 comes to my rescue and installs the new router so my wireless will work. Big T uses a direct connect and doesn't go through the router - but my e-mail is not working. I will respond soon - bare with me please.

My sis comes in tonight, the wine club (which Big T and I sponsor) is tonight and The Dude is here to spend the night and see his Aunt and cousin. Forget the wine club, I'm just going to open the bottles and start in here and now.

M is going to the airport to pick up the company, Big T and I are going to the wine affair, The Dude is staying home playing Wii and I am right this minute making a huge pot of spaghetti to feed everyone at 10:00 p.m. tonight.

Hugs to all - I feel like the Titanic.

Marie

Too Much Going On

2010-06-02T11:29:00.004-04:00

Too much going on here to write a lengthy post:

My sister, niece and baby are coming Saturday for 10 days
The Dude 'graduates' from 8th grade early next week
Trying to learn how to use my new Bernina without looking like an idiot
I'm still backlogged on reading all my favorite blogs and visiting with my favorite people
Have to go buy a high chair (Walmart)
Making lists about EVERYTHING
Teaching myself how to do a small landscape quilt ( 8X12) - so far it looks good
Making menus (and grocery lists) for the next 10 days
Procrastinating about ALL OF THE ABOVE

No time for photos today - that would mean the end of my procrastination spell.

Oh, I almost forgot - check out GerryArt for a really cool giveaway. Tell her I sent you please.

Hugs - Marie

How to feel old and senile

2010-05-27T17:21:00.008-04:00

Our trip to San Diego was peaceful, restful and relaxing. We played with the baby and did all the things grandparents do (including a trip to the zoo to watch the monkeys and the flamingoes) and still squeezed in time to go to the graduation. If you have never spent an hour in front of the flamingo cage at the San Diego zoo, you don't know what you are missing. They must have 40 flamingoes all sitting on eggs presently. Their nesting habits were fascinating to watch and the Little Miss just sits and watches.

We saw this poster as we were leaving the zoo. I am fascinated by the expression, especially the eyes. I keep thinking about what type of fabric to try something like this.

And now for the lesson in 'how to feel old and senile' in less than 10 minutes. First let me say that we tried and tried to get our younger daughter to just drop us at the curb in the airport in San Diego. If she had done as we asked, my embarassment would have been witnessed by only Big T - but no, she insisted on walking in with us and spending every possible minute with us before we left.

Big T and I used mileage to go to San Diego this time. We flew in on US Air and assumed we were flying home on US Air - NOT SO! When we checked in, a very nice young lady informed us, we were not scheduled on any flight out that day (or any other). After my protest, she looked at the itinerary I was waving in her face and politely informed us that we were flying home on United Air which was in the other terminal and about 1/2 mile walk. Of course our younger daughter by this time is sure that her mother has completely lost it and Big T is beginning to wonder.

Needless to say, we walked to the other terminal, checked in and saw our daughter watch us through security. Our layover was in Chicago where we had a 4 hour layover. Our older daughter was to take our car to the airport in Raleigh and leave it for us with a phone message telling us where she parked it. All worked like it was planned. EXCEPT - she parked it in terminal 1 (which is where we left from) and we were going to come in to terminal 2 after midnight.

So by now both daughters think their mother is totally senile and has lost it completely. Big T has been sure of it for several years and just shook his head at the happenings. I may not be allowed out without a keeper for awhile. And to think that I traveled professionally from coast to coast as a consultant for several years (and recently at that).

More to come - hugs to all of you.

Marie

Catching Up

2010-05-26T16:56:00.008-04:00

Hi Again - Seems like I haven't written in months but it has only been three weeks. Let's see where to begin to catch up.

Who can resist a red package? Not me!!

Just before Mother's Day, I won Gerry's giveaway of her fantastic totebag collection. I saved the package until Mother's Day to open and then didn't have enough time left before leaving to show what was in the packages. At least I was able to send Gerry a quick note of appreciation and to share my excitement. As I told Gerry, 'the gifts just kept coming'.

Every time I opened a package, there was another one to open. I had as much fun as Christmas. They came just in time. This neat little collection became my travel 'kit' - held my sewing, my reading, and all the necessities for those cross country flights (bottle of water, candy bar).

The last little package was very special indeed to those of us who are Jane Austin fans.

I had to hide this one from both daughters or I would have lost it for sure.

Thank you Gerry so very much - you are a talented special lady. For the rest of you, be sure you check out her blog at www.gerryart.blogspot.com.

Our two weeks in San Diego were fantastic. We fell in love with the Little Miss all over again. She is an 18 month old barrel of energy who never stops. More about our trip in the next post. I am now in the process of catching up on reading all my back log of blogs. (I absolutely cannot miss reading a single one.) Tomorrow I am going to spend in my studio unpacking my new toy. I have had it for three weeks and it is not out of the box yet.

Hugs to all of you.

Marie

New Toys at Our House!

2010-05-05T09:09:00.005-04:00

Two new toys (essential retirement tools) have shown up at our house over the last week: 1) a Bose surround system for Big T's movie and TV addiction; and 2) a new Bernina 440QE for my entertainment. Now that's exciting!!! Photo's to come later. How do you take a photo of sound, hmmmmm!!

Big T and I went to the Hickory NC Quilt Show last Friday which was sponsored by Bernina. Needless to say the show prices on their machines was to good to pass up. But pass it up I did! (Aren't you proud of me? I came home with 6 fat quarters and a pattern - that's all.) Then Saturday a.m. I went to a simple demo (with my trusty Singer) and it literally gave up the ghost. I couldn't even make a decent zig zag stitch and a satin stitch - forget about it.

So I returned home from the demo and called the Bernina District Manager and gave her my credit card info. I pick up my new baby later this week from the local dealer after the embroidery module is installed.

Other news - it was really fun to meet up with Carrie at the show. I had a ball walking around looking at everyone's bag trying to find hers. AND then, there she was - at a wool and applique booth (I think). Now that's where I should have looked in the first place. It's always so nice to meet blogging friends on the "outside world".

Big T and I are off to San Diego for two weeks next Tuesday. We haven't seen the Little Miss since Christmas and are eager to take up where we left off. (I have been trying to get her to say Grandma since she was 2 weeks old. She is now 19 months old and still refuses to say it. She says Papa just fine and has for many, many months - she just won't say Grandma.)

Check out Aly's site to vote on the Spring Fling Design Challenge. I won't tell you which way to vote - let your conscience be your guide.

VERY EXCITING!!!! I am watching the mail hourly. I won the fantastic bag and two wallets hand made by Gerry in her latest give away. I can't believe I won. Of course I'll take pictures when it arrives. My fault it is a few days behind Gerry's schedule. I thought I sent her my address and was so excited I forgot to send it. Only after a gentle (as in knock up side the head) reminder, did I realize that she couldn't send it until I sent her my addresss. DUH!

Hugs to you all!

Marie

We have a Winner!

2010-04-27T09:29:00.006-04:00

Just as I was ready to post clue #2 to the Hummingbird Treasures First Give-Away, Carrie P. from A Passion for Applique left the correct answer in the comments.

The answer: Vincent Van Gogh's Vase of Irises (also known as Still Life of Irises).

Carrie, make sure I have your e-mail address so I can contact you about personalizing and monogramming your set of four large, dinner napkins.

Another reader actually guessed Van Gogh but incorrectly identified the painting as his famous Sunflower painting.

Here is the last photo taken just before the finishing touches were added to the vase.

Hugs to you all!

Marie

First Give-Away

2010-04-26T08:56:00.009-04:00

Announcing Hummingbird Treasures first give-away.

On my return to my embroidery machine last weekend, a thought hit me that most people would wonder what I was making from the indecipherable pattern under construction.

I have been thinking about Hummingbird Treasure’s first give-away for several weeks now.

Drum roll please. . .

To the first person who accurately posts what this design is including the artist, Hummingbird Treasures will send a prize to be announced later in this post.

A new photo of the next color change will be shown daily until someone has guessed correctly.

Rules (Sorry, there have to be rules! The Give-Away Police monitor these events very carefully.)

1. Post your answer to the post of the day. (Limit of one guess each day)
2. The first correct answer wins the prize. (Duplicate guesses will go by time stamp of the posting.)
3. Be sure your e-mail address is available through your posting.

AND NOW FOR THE PRIZE!!!!

The first person to guess correctly will win a set of four large white dinner napkins embroidered with the monogram of their choice. These will be made to order by Hummingbird Treasures especially for the winner.

Hugs to all my friends who take the time to read what's going on in my life.

Marie

Hummingbird Treasures Design Wall

2010-04-19T11:42:00.012-04:00

This is a photo of what's on my design wall right now! Of course this changes quite frequently depending on status of projects and what I want to play with at the time.

These are my jelly roll blocks to date.

My strip blocks hopefully reducing my scrap stash. (I'm not sure how I feel about the lavendar block?) But for now it's there.

I'm loving this wall hanging. The colors are playing together very nicely (unlike the lavendar block above.) It's waiting for fusing and stitching the appliques. Then sandwiching, quilting and border.

Oh yeah - here's a picture of what is on my quilting frame waiting for the final border touches. Why is it that I have made two full size quilts lately and hand quilted both of them?

And then yesterday, I was finally in the mood to do some machine embroidery. I haven't touched it since Christmas for some reason. I'll show the embroidery work in my next posting.

Lots of hugs to you all. I'm off to find whatever adventure awaits me today.

(Did I tell you that I absolutely love my design wall!)

Marie

Ramblings of a Proud Grandmother

2010-04-14T17:25:00.011-04:00

The Dude won the Best Overall Chatham County award (and trophy) for his book entry into the Young Author's Competition. Not only did he receive recognition for placing at his own school but was the Big Winner for the year in the entire county. Needless to say he is still glowing (and so are parents and grandparents). He wants to be a writer and for a 14 year-old, he is well on his way. So he now has his first published work in book form. The photo is depicting the securing of his "precious cargo" when we went in to celebrate with pizza and ice cream soda's.

We are very proud of you Dude!

This is my entry in the Spring Fling Design Challenge. I call it "Spring Indoors". You can also find it posted at http://www.hummingbirdtreasures.etsy.com/. I love the way the colors play nicely together. I've had a lot of fun the last week playing with machine applique and machine quilting. I took it to book club today and got some very positive feedback for it.

While we were at the Young Authors' reception last night, Big T took these photos. This is the largest hydrangea I've ever seen. It is easily 15 foot high and is absolutely full of these softball size blooms. And I love the colors of the second photo.

That's a quick posting of the excitement and beauty in my life the last day or so. Hugs to all!

Marie

Nature's Lovely Killer

2010-04-10T12:02:00.015-04:00

The redbuds have started to fade in intensity as the new leaves appear. Still beautiful to look into the woods and see these beauties weaving among the barren trees.

But now the newest treat (albeit deadly) treat appears - the Wisteria. This beautiful parasite simply takes over and chokes life out of trees, vines, etc. But when in full bloom, there is nothing more beautiful. The 'new to North Carolina' folks call these "lilac trees". This set of photos was taken about 1/2 mile from our house. The color and show these make are intense and breathtaking (not to say anything about the delicious smell).

Yesterday we were gone for several hours (to the fun zone with the Dude) and there were literally hundreds of these within that 50 mile drive. So pretty, but so sad to see where they have destroyed everything they grow on.

And now back to the studio to work on my Spring Fling project. It's quiet around here today with the Dude gone home - may get some actual work done for a change. By the way here is block #3 for the jelly roll challenge.

And here's a sneak peak at my entry in the Spring Fling Design for http://www.alygatr.blogspot.com/

Hugs to all - my dear friends.

Marie

Mixed Emotions

2010-04-06T08:24:00.008-04:00

OK so the object of making and posting to Etsy is to sell my handmade projects, right? So - it sold and I am sad to see it go. Does that make any sense? Not only that, Big T said "Oh, I really liked that one." (He said he was waiting for it to go on sale so he could buy it at a discount.) - What's wrong with this picture?

The Dude is with us for Spring Break this week. Yesterday it was "Clash of the Titans" - I don't think they have figured out what they are doing today yet. I told Big T to take him and let him look at the car lot all he wants - he is really into cars right now (14). These Papa / Dude bonding days are really great for both of them. It's in the high 80's - low 90's this week - too bad the pool isn't open yet. He's a real water creature - loves it.

I am working on a new applique wall hanging today for the Spring Design Fling Challenge, so last night was "paper doll night" - tracing and cutting. I'm beginning to think this is good therapy. I used to play paper dolls as a kid and loved it. I would get so frustrated when they made the dolls in different poses and the outfits didn't fit. I think I had several shoe boxes full of paper dolls. (I missed the Barbie era though - I could never quite go for the "cutsy perfection" of the Barbies. Besides paper dolls were much easier to dress.)

I finished machine quilting "Morning Mist" yesterday. It is ready for squaring and binding today or tomorrow. It's fairly large (44" x 54") so it will take a little time to do the binding - good quality "on the porch work" (except for the pollen). I found a coordinating green w/ blue dragonflies for the backing and binding. Absolutely perfect. Sometimes it's worth waiting to find that 'just right' piece rather than 'making do'.

Check out Christine's neat journal giveaway. She has a really cool blog that's worth visiting.

Hugs to all of you. I'm off to see what trouble I can get into today - with the two males in the house it won't take much.

Marie

The North Carolina RedBuds

2010-04-04T18:42:00.011-04:00

I promised Alyssa pictures of the North Carolina RedBud. This one is in our backyard. Big T took these yesterday morning.

Now you see why these are my favorite trees. The woods are full of these everywhere just growing wild, it's a fantastic site to drive and count hundreds just showing colors of pink against the baren wood of winter. They bloom just before the first green starts to show.

They bloom for a couple of weeks and then we have pink snow everywhere. I love these. This one is right outside our bedroom window. The green leaf is an elongated heart shaped leaf. Very pretty.

I also have a couple of these in the back yard, but do not know what they are called. They are a true vibrant hot pink and look like fringe. The leaves are a reddish green.

And here are my beautiful matching tall cyprus trees bordering our front steps. The deer enjoyed them immensely I'm afraid, as far as they could reach. Big T says these are now our 'topiary' trees.

Now we are in for 2 to 3 weeks of the yellow peril - pollen. Our cars are already covered. I have to bring in the cushions off the screened porch tonight so I can put them back out in a few weeks. My eyes are already burning and I find myself gasping more today - the pollen is HERE!

Hugs to you all - enjoy your quick journey through part of my yard.

Marie

Friday Ramblings

2010-04-02T12:59:00.010-04:00

I don't need a long sleeved shirt today, it is on its way to pass yesterday's high of 88. It is absolutely beautiful. I made a pitcher of iced tea and enjoying every minute of the day. Big T and The Dude are doing yard work and I am sandwiching a quilt so I can quilt it later today or tomorrow (if I get motivated).

I am so loving these new art quilts I am playing with. I don't know if there's a right or wrong way, but it feels right. I actually have some creativity starting to sneak into some of my work. Imagine that - uptight, control-freak, inhibited little-old me letting a little creativity through my filters. Instead of planning something out for hours or days (or weeks), I am just doing what comes into my head. I think Melody and Barbara call it playing. I wanted something different for my Study in Purple wall hanging but I wasn't sure what. All of a sudden I realized I had picked up the scissors and had created an entirely new shape - and I love it. I would never have done that in the past.

These are on my design wall right now. I'm trying to get a feel for what these will look like together. I'm not sure the center one goes with the other two. Any thoughts?

I didn't make it to the sewing studio yesterday. We had banking and a few other errands to run. One of the drawbacks of living in a rural community is that everyonce in awhile you have to go outside the local area for errands. AND then it takes all day. So we save them up and try to do everything at once. We were all the way home before I remembered that we didn't stop at Joann's. How we did that is beyond me. So my 'small Joann list' will be even bigger the next time. Maybe this was a subconscious message to do it online. Seems like everytime I go to Joann's the shelves are empty, or styles and colors are extremely limited. I think there if you exceed a certain amount, the shipping is free. (Or does anyone else know a good, inexpensive online shop for notions, batting, etc.?)

Hugs to all. I cherish each and everyone of you.

Marie

Spring is here

2010-03-31T14:55:00.009-04:00

I am sitting out on the screen porch as I write this enjoying the spring - finally! (It's a tadbit cool, but I won't admit it.) The wind chimes are chiming, the birds are cheeping and Big T is installing some outdoor landscape lighting. It doesn't get any better than this.

I posted two more quilts on Hummingbird Treasures this morning. My Hummingbird table runner and the contemporary quilt art - A Study in Purple. I am quite pleased with both of them. I finished the wall hanging in a free shape format instead of the traditional squared form. We'll see what kind of response they get on Etsy.

Yesterday I opened Konda's blog for the jelly roll winner for block 2 and there was my block. I'm afraid my shout was not very lady-like. I won a gift certificate from Debby Maddie, the designer of block 2. Thank you Konda.

My Christmas Cactus is putting out one more bloom. I will have a Christmas flower by Easter Sunday. It must be getting just the right amount of sunshine through the window.

Hugs to all! (I'm off to find a long sleeve shirt for my adventure on the back porch.)

Marie

Life's Lessons Continue

2010-03-28T09:01:00.006-04:00

Learning lessons the hard way does not mean I did it wrong - right? I think I would rather say "well I won't do it that way ever, ever again". And learning valuable lessons is a good thing - right? If that's true, I must be really, really good right now. There's just one itsy, bitsy problem - I learned what I did wrong, but I didn't learn a better way to do it.

I sewed all my strips together just like Barbara at bslartquilts.blogspot.com said and then I cut them all apart in various widths to reassemble and sew back together. (Ok so far!) When I sewed the seams to reassemble all my newly cut strips, all my original seams were coming apart. (Not ok at this point!) After reinforcing (resewing) all those little horizontal seams (mutter, mutter, mutter) I was able to sew the new seams reassembling in an entirely new look. (Not ok at this point either!) That is when I realized that I should have used the 'sew as you go' method and sew my long, varied-width strips onto a muslin backing to support and reinforcement. It is very difficult to sew long strips together without that extra support.

Now, I realize the rest of you have already figured this out and are sitting there shaking your heads at me. The only thing I have to say is - "I won't do it that way again." Meanwhile, you can all feel free to comment and tell me everything I did that was wrong. (Oh by the way, I do like the way it turned out - just not the process of getting there.) Today will be sandwiching, quilting and binding. (Ambitious aren't I.) I'm hoping to be able to post it to Hummingbird Treasures tomorrow.

Hugs to all of you who are sharing my life's adventures (and the lessons learned - but do they always have to be learned the hard way?) You are a very special part of my life.

Marie

Completed Projects

2010-03-26T16:45:00.013-04:00

I've neglected my blogging for a few days to finish a couple of projects underway. Here is a picture of the Butterfly Garden Wall Hanging that I just posted. I like the way it turned out so all in all, it's ok that my first attempt didn't work out because this one is 100 times better.

I also completed a Hummingbird Table Runner but have not yet posted it to Hummingbird Treasures. I need at least one more good photo to go with it and I think this one calls for Big T. I need a full length photo and it is 54 inches long. But here is an idea of what it looks like.

Spring is in full bloom around here. I have a pollen headache after we went for a short ride and out to lunch. The North Carolina Red Bud trees are just popping out in the most beautiful shade of hot pink. (Alyssa, you would love the color - I wish I could capture it for you.) Also the Bradford Pears and the Forsythia everywhere you look. And of course daffodils. I also saw the first tulips on our ride.

I love our new ceiling fans. This should really help my studio which faces directly south. Of course, it's still a little early to have them on but I had to test them now didn't I?

Oh before I forget again - here is my second block on the jelly roll challenge from Moose on the Porch. I am so excited, I can hardly wait for the third block. Now I have to remember how to put it out on Flickr so I get an entry in the drawing. Hmmmm - where did I put those instructions?

Hugs to my friends who read this faithfully and are truly becoming a real part of my growing up.

Marie

Happy Birthday Dude!

2010-03-22T08:54:00.007-04:00

It's The Dude's 14th birthday. Do you remember back to "14"? What a year he has ahead of him!! Happy Birthday, Dude!

Ok, so the trip to Joann's to get batting was interesting - the shelves were so bare it wasn't worth the trip. I did get the batting but am seriously thinking about just doing the Joann run via the net from now on. They only had a very small package of WonderUnder and a limited selection of #10 needles. About the only thing I can say is - I got a lunch out with Big T.

I just found out about 'self-threading needles' from Melody at FiberMania. What a great invention, especially for burying threads. Thanks, Melody. I owe you one for this one. If you haven't been to Melody's site, please stop by and check it out. She is a magician with colors.

My second quilt block for the jelly roll challenge is finished. I will post it to Flickr today. Both blocks are displayed on my design wall waiting for block # 3 which won't be announced until April 1st.

I spent yesterday playing "paper dolls". I drew the patterns, cut out the templates, ironed the templates on WonderUnder and fabric for my butterfly garden. I made VERY SURE this time that I used only WonderUnder for fusing. It only takes one fiasco to teach me a lesson (usually - sometimes two). So today - I cut fabric shapes, fuse to my background and THEN I can machine applique. Now you know where to find me the rest of the day. I will either have a photo of it tomorrow or you will never hear about this project again.

Hugs to you all for sharing this part of my life with me. You are all treasured highly.

Marie

Great Finds

2010-03-18T10:41:00.006-04:00

I love it when you're not looking for something special and find something out of the ordinary that makes your day. I was in the Dollar store over the weekend and happened across this great little bag for the Little Miss. We had already bought the purple bunny and this is exactly the same shade. I just had to have it even though it wasn't even close to what I went in there to get. AND - the best part of all - it was only $1.00.

Then Monday we went to Lowes to buy 5 ceiling fans. Big T decided that we need fans in the rooms without - so off to Lowes we went. While walking through the paint department, I spotted these pamphlets with the most gorgeous color charts. These are so inspiring to me, both the colors and the photos. AND - the best part of all - they were all free.

I am out of low loft batting! How can a quilter be out of batting? I think the gremlins have been back again (remember the white thread episode). I am going to have to figure out how to get Big T to drive the 30 miles (each way) to Joann's so I can use my coupons. I have several tops waiting for batting before I can finish them.

I started my "jelly roll challenge" block #2 last night. Looks good. I like the coordination of the colors in a single jelly roll. I just have to assemble the pieces and then post it.

My "tuck and roll - Illusion" wall hanging is ready for the hand stitching on the binding and then I can post it to Hummingbird Treasures - hopefully later today.

Hugs to all of you who continue to stay with me as I continue to 'grow up' and also to the new visitors. Come back frequently and stay awhile.

Marie

Disaster and Completion

2010-03-09T13:57:00.012-05:00

An early movie and a dinner out afterward - it doesn't get any better than that. A nice end to a day that started with a dental appointment. Maybe that's the way to schedule in the future. Gives me something to look forward to instead of something to dread.

I worked on my applique 'adventure' last night and am ready to scrap it this morning. Somehow my fusibles got mixed up and I did not use what I wanted to. As a result, my sewing machine started skipping stitches like mad (gunk buildup on the needle) and it quickly became a disaster. Of course, I did the routine 'rethreading', rewinding the bobbin, cleaning extra thoroughly, changing needle (that's when I noticed the gunk) and then read the manual again. My piece of applique looks like an absolute beginner with huge needle holes and lots of skipped stitches (blanket stitch) - well, maybe a little better than when I was that beginner. Needless to say - there is not much to salvage from that project.

Now on to the next project. But for today it is a day away from the sewing studio. Other things take priority today.

On the positive side, I did get my puzzle finished (minus one piece). Big T swears up and down he did not take it. So I have one 999 piece puzzle completed and ready to put back in the box. I think next time, I am going to count the pieces first.

I also finished my block for the jelly roll challenge from Moose on the Porch Quilts. I love the shades of hot pinks and the chocolate browns. This is my first time to participate in a challenge. I can see where if you don't stay on top of it - you could easily fall further and further along.

Have you checked out the Spider Web quilt at Melody's Fiber Mania site? She definitely raises the bar for quilt art. I love her use of color and the total lack of inhibition she displays.

Hugs to all! Thanks for staying with me as I discover what I want to do when I grow up? :)

Marie

Decisions

2010-03-07T15:20:00.010-05:00

I have been so self-disciplined the last few days - no new 'fun' projects until I get the custom order for the embroidered panel on the bedspread finished. It is about 45 minutes from being completed. (I am sitting here with one eye on the machine and listening for strange, forbidden sounds.) And now the decisions, which one do I play with next?

Here are my choices of new, unplanned color groupings. Which would you dive into first? Interesting question isn't it.

I have my jelly roll sampler block cut and ready to assemble - maybe that should be first. Or then there's the applique sunset garden - ready to be appliqued then quilted. Or the morning mist is staring at me from the design wall saying 'you promised that I would be next.'

Why do we do this to ourselves? I am really, really surprised I was able to not pick up anything else until I finished the bedspread. (Is that a double negative? I don't care.) More than likely, it was the self-imposed deadline that made me stick to it.

Whatever it was - it's finished. AND NOW I CAN PLAY!!!

By the way "Hollyhock Gardens" has been renamed "Fractured gardens" and has been posted to Etsy. Please give me your feedback on this beautiful wall hanging.

Thanks for visiting in my world. Hugs to all!

Marie

Feeling Really Old

2010-02-28T15:55:00.004-05:00

I am feeling really old right now - the Dude just went on his first date. I don't know if I'm excited and happy or if I want to cry (probably both). His papa drove them to the show and promised to sit in another part of the theater (or see a different show). Sure does bring back the memories though.

Meanwhile, am trying to schedule the first meeting of our neighborhood wine club. This is like herding cats. When I get the folks in the neighborhood on the same path and date, I can't get a tasting vendor lined up. Who thought scheduling a wine tasting could be so hard - you get some bottles, some cheese and crackers and your set - right? No - now you need a theme, a region, snacks that go with the specific theme and a method of scoring the wine. This is getting complicated.

The pot roast in the crock pot is simmering away. If I keep opening the lid, it'll never get done. I added the potatoes, onions, celery and carrots about an hour ago and now I just have to resist the tempation and keep the lid firmly on it. Great smells coming from the kitchen.

I took a class this last Friday on 'free motion quilting' from Linderella's. I am in process of making a 'scribble quilt'. I will probably have a whole library of scribble quilts before I try it out on one of my quilts. The idea is to practice free form on a sandwiched muslin quilt to learn the rhythm of the motion. Right now it is still a battle of who is in control - me or the quilt! (I think the quilt is winning. Certainly is a lesson in humility.)

My puzzle (mind-numbing activity which doesn't require thinking of any kind) is almost complete. I started this one during our first snow storm. So far we haven't had enough snow so that I can finish it. I seem to be missing at least one dark colored piece. Since I only have blue sky and blue water left, I accused Big T of hiding my missing piece. He claims innocence but I'm not sure I believe him. I have had the dining room table occupied for almost a month. I may have to dust the puzzle if I don't get it finished soon.

The Little Miss recieved her baby doll blanket but she uses it for her and tells her mommie 'no-no-no-no' when her mommie wraps up her baby doll. K says she has already had to wash it several times. She loves the lace and the Winnie-the-Pooh.

Marie

More Snow on the Way

2010-02-24T17:27:00.003-05:00

Can you believe we are getting one more round of snow? Even if it's just flurries, for gosh sakes, this is central North Carolina. The Dude is hoping for a snow day again. I think he already has three they have to make up before the end of the year.

I am ready to put the final border to Hollyhock Gardens. I like it better each time I look at it. I already have the next two or three outlined in my mind, but I'm determined not to start another until I finish this one and give it to Big T to hang. Of course, that doesn't include strip squares - those are fast and easy.

My sewing studio stays so much neater with my new shelving units and the quilt wall. It's actually fun to put things away and see how pretty everything is in its place. I'm really surprised but quite pleased. Even my large project basket stays neater and gets emptied more often. I keep a large basket on my work table (or at my feet) and everything I use for a project goes into the basket in case I need it again later in that project. That includes all scraps of fabric, patterns, thread, etc. The theory is - when the project is finished, you clean out the basket and put everything away. It's too dark and gloomy to take pictures today - I'll try and take one or two tomorrow.

I saw a friend working on a wholecloth project last night and thought that might be a good way to practice (and improve) my hand quilting. Any suggestions would be helpful.

My 'Land of the Midnight Sun' wall hanging is getting some notice on my Etsy site. I would be interested in any feedback regarding that particular item. It gets the visitors, but no comments. Let me know what you think (I'm a big girl, I can take it!!)

More tomorrow - Hugs to my favorite audience.

Marie

Burst of creativity

2010-02-19T08:06:00.007-05:00

A burst of creative energy blew through our house last night like a blast. In less than three hours I had designed, started and finished a quilt top (60” by 58”), designed and cut the strips for a second. I was amazed at how fast the first top went together. I would like to get it quilted and finished soon. Big T has already claimed it as his to hang over the fireplace. (We have this hole over the fireplace where the builder intended to put a television AND we decided that we don’t want a TV there. So for the almost three years we have lived here, there has been many, many discussion of how to cover THE HOLE.)

With the flash - Without flash -

I LOVE MY QUILT WALL!!!! Even I didn’t realize the full value of this important ‘tool’ until I put my quilt strips on the wall last night and could see the difference even the tiniest of changes could make. I was finally able to show Big T the purpose and the value of the wall. We are already planning the second on the opposite wall which will serve more as a showcase.

The doll quilt is on its way to the Little Miss. She should have it by the weekend at the latest. Now I have to make one for my Hummingbird Treasure Etsy inventory since I listed it. Some time I will share my ‘life’s most embarrassing moment’ story regarding my Etsy inventory. It was definitely one of those ‘live and learn’ lessons.

Next Friday, I am scheduled for a ‘free motion quilting’ class at Linderellas. I have read (and memorized) the tutorials on several blogs and have tried this on my own several times, but I need some more hands-on instruction. I know what it says to do, but somehow my hands don’t want to do it. Maybe the class will help.

I think I may have solved my problem with my ‘tuck and roll’ project. I am going to make a prototype first this afternoon before diving into the fabric I bought for it. Interesting, I can see it in my mind, I just can’t quite get there. Maybe today will be the break-through.
Later today, we are going to the Home Show. If I’m really good, we will stop back by Joann’s on the way home. The problem with going to the home show with Big T is that he is a friendly, sociable kind of guy and visits with EVERYONE even if it’s not something we are looking for. Well, I guess truthfully – the real problem is, I’m not!! I want to go and look and go home (or to Joann’s). Maybe I’ll find another ‘free’ yardstick. I need a second one. At least I’ll get a lunch out of it.

Welcome back Jeanne – we missed you! I cherish all of my loyal followers and want to say ‘thank you’. Your comments mean a lot to me – HUGS to all of you.

Marie

The Date is Really Feb. 15, 2010

2010-02-12T20:30:00.014-05:00

Did you know you could buy white thread (and black) at the Dollar General store? When desperate, you take desperate measures. And there on the shelf was a package of two white spools and a black spool for $1.00. I bought two packages for emergency backup. Now tomorrow I can finally finish my mini-wall hanging.

It is snowing again! This is the third time in two weeks and we live in the south. We are supposed to have between 4 and 6 inches overnight. The Dude is on his way here now to be "snowed in with Grandma and Papa". He says he packed for three days - he is counting on Monday being a snow day. It may well be because we do not have the right snow removal equipment in North Carolina and they cannot let the school buses be on the road if there is the slightest snow or ice residue.

We got a valentines day card from the Little Miss. As you can tell she signed it herself - not bad for 16 months. (Do I sound like a proud grandmother - you bet!)

Roses from the Big T - aren't they beautiful - so is he.

Back to the sewing studio tomorrow. I was not able to even go up there today - other priorities get in the way once in awhile. I did think of a way to solve my problem with the black and white so I'm anxious to see if my plan will work. More about this after I try it. However, I am quite happy with the "baby dolly quilt" I made for the Little Miss.

I went to the book store the day of the snow and got three really neat quilting books: Dream Landscapes by Rose Hughes; Liberated Quiltmaking II by Gwen Marston; and Masters Art Quilts by Martha Sielman. I had a 50%, 30% and 20% coupon from Borders and saved as much as I spent. So there's my snowy afternoon curled up on the couch with a cup of tea and my new books. Bookstores are like fabric stores - I cannot walk out without buying something. We also picked up books for The Dude and the Little Miss (fantastic sale at $1.00 per book).

Hugs to all you you who put up with my ramblings as I continue to explore my creativity.

Marie

After Book Club

2010-02-10T21:00:00.005-05:00

The book club is a fait accompli AND the dessert was a success. The mulled wine went over well because it was a very cold, windy day. So now I can relax for another year before I have to host it again. This is a traumatic event for me. I have to clean AND cook.

The book was South of Broad by Pat Conroy and takes place in Charleston, SC so I wanted to make a southern dessert. I found a recipe on the 'net for "Incredibly Easy Mississippi Mud Cake" and that is an understatement. I wish I could give credit to the originator of the recipe but it is not possible.

1 box brownie mix - made according to directions for cake browniesEXCEPT substitute bourbon or whiskey for the water
2 7-oz jars marshmellow creme
1 can deep dark chocolate frosting.

Bake brownies - immediately on removing from oven spread the marshmellow creme over the hot brownies. Melt the frosting in the microwave until liquid (about 45 seconds) and pour over the marshmellow creme. Allow to cool completely before serving.

It can't get any easier than that. If I can do it, anyone can!!! Needless to say, I have had enough sugar for the day (or week).

Tomorrow is back to the sewing studio. I am playing with black and white with a red showing through every once in awhile. I can see what I want but seem to be worrying one part of it. Maybe if I back into it, I can make it work. That works for me when I get writer's block - go around the block and approach it from a different angle.

I still have not been to civilization for my white thread. Actually, I have not been anywhere. It would probably be faster it I ordered it on-line. Meanwhile my wall hanging is hanging on my quilt wall staring at me. One book club member wanted to know if the sewing machine dust protector could be sized to cover her large counter top mixer. Interesting, I think it would work without much resizing at all. They also liked the 'chick and chic' bag with the bright greens and yellow - called it a happy bag.

I am still working on my strip blocks. I've been working them in color groupings and then will see how they fit together or what jumps out at me.

Hugs to all of you who care to read my ramblings as I discover a completely different side of me.

Marie

Prep for Book Club - Major Event at my house

2010-02-09T12:11:00.011-05:00

The snow is almost gone and the cool rain today will finish the rest of it. The picture is an igloo/castle that was an icy driveway chopped in sections and then carefully stacked. No, we didn't do it, but the neighbors directly across did and they aren't home to enjoy it, so I thought we would share. The second picture is our backyard on a snowy day through laser enhancing glasses. Kind of a neat but strange view on the world.

The house is clean and ready for book club. The dessert ingredients are assembled waiting for tomorrow morning. The wine is ready for mulling. After book club, I'll share my super easy dessert recipe if it's good. If you don't hear anything about it from me, you can assume Marie was in the kitchen again. (Not always a good thing. After all that's why I have M - she's a great cook AND actually likes it.) I figure if I serve enough mulled wine, they won't remember what we had for dessert. Big T may have to be on stand-by as the designated driver. I almost forgot - I still need to finish the book.

I think I'm ready to dust off my attempt at a young adult novel again. I've probably procrastinated long enough after the last round of edits. I think it needs a major 'start again' effort.

I finished a very simple recycled bluejean pocket 'grab 'n go' bag. Small but cute. I'll post it out on Hummingbird Treasures this afternoon and see what kind of response I'll get.

Oh, I almost forgot - I won $25 in the pool at the Super Bowl Party. I'm still not sure just who won but I'm $25 richer today. Big T keeps telling me the money for the original bet came from his pocket, not mine - he was just being nice putting my name in the little square.

Marie

Water - at last!

2010-02-07T10:33:00.012-05:00

Water, beautiful, glorious water. A shower never felt so good. The water was restored around 9:00 pm last night and fully functional this morning when we woke up. I haven't enjoyed a shower like that in a long time. Curious what we have come to take for granted. When you turn the faucet, something is supposed to come out of it (and hopefully, that stuff is clear and sparkly).

The quilt wall is finished - here is a rough photo without any props.

I started and finished a sewing machine dust cover yesterday. It felt good to go from beginning to a finished project in one day. I used pieces of lavendars and purples (my favorite color) to add a little brightness and color to my new home studio. Now the big decision is - do I use it or post it on Etsy (or both??)?

And here is the 'out of white thread' project. It is so close to being finished.

Hugs to all of you who care to read my ramblings as I discover a completely different side of me.

Marie

12 Hours Later . . .

2010-02-06T18:41:00.004-05:00

Twelve hours later and still no water. The entire neighborhood is out so we are all suffering equally. Big T did bring in a couple of buckets of snow to melt so we do have the luxury of using the facilities - but no shower I'm afraid. Oh well, at least it didn't happen last weekend during the big snowfall.

So it has been a relatively quiet day with not much going on. I have been busy in my studio most of the day (except for a very long luxurious nap). Why is it that I am always out of white thread? I cannot believe how often I have to stop a project because I am out of white thread. I think the thread gremlins play tricks on me. I swear I just bought some a couple of weeks back. Hmmmmm! I cannot finish my latest wall hanging until I go back to the store. And while I love living in a very small rural community, it means a trip of 30 miles or so one way to get a spool of thread. The love of my life doesn't understand why I can't just use one of those other hundred spools or so.

We are going to a super bowl party tomorrow night. I hope I don't embarass Big T when I ask 'who is playing' and 'which color is which team'. Maybe I should study it just a tiny bit before we go. Although no water tomorrow may mean no party. I can just sit and drink wine and look sportsy all night.

The Dude called after his eye appointment to say he needs glasses. He is an avid reader but surprisingly enough, he doesn't need them for reading but for seeing across the room or board work at school. Maybe this well help the headaches although he inherits the tendancy toward migraines I'm afraid.

Book club meets this week and I still have not started the book. I did get a copy but haven't opened it yet. It's a good thing that I'm a fast reader or I might not make it. The name of our local book club is "The You Don't Have to Read The Book, Book Club". We formed the book club as we all moved into our new development to get to know one another and we became fast friends. The meeting next week is at our house - I guess this means I have to clean. Yuck, that's almost worse than cooking. Maybe I'll serve wine and cheese and crackers. That'll be different from our traditional desserts.

The Little Miss walked into a wall the other day and the Nanny (who believes that something sweet makes everything feel better) rubbed pancake syrup on her little forehead. K said when she came home after work, the house (and baby) smelled like pancakes.

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

No Water

2010-02-06T08:48:00.003-05:00

We woke to 'no water' this morning. Arghhhhhh! At least we have bottled water for coffee and tea - the life essentials. Interesting how life revolves around that morning shower to clear your head and kick-start your day. I think it also interesting that you tend to focus on that which you cannot have, or is not available. Everything I think of this morning has to do with, or requires a steady consistent flow of water.

More later after a head-clearing, hair-taming shower (I hope. . . )

Marie

Pay It Forward - Kreativ Blogger Award

2010-01-28T15:59:00.014-05:00

I still can’t believe I was awarded the Kreativ Blogger Award from my dear friend Alyssa at Alygatr’s Everywhere. I am so honored and now I am excited to pass it on those blogs that I enjoy and admire. First let me say that blogging has introduced me to more friends than I ever thought possible – what a beautiful world blogging is!!!

Let’s see the rules of the Kreativ Blogging Award say that I have to tell you seven things about me that you don’t know. Hm-m-m-m-m-m.

1. Big T and I were college sweethearts and have been married for a very, very long time. (A really long time!)
2. I could eat my weight in bar-b-que ribs. The good gooey finger licking kind that gets all over you. Throw in a few French fries and I’ll think I died and went to heaven.
3. I love pineapple pie. (I must be on a food kick.) It was always a special treat on my birthday. (I don’t care for cake.) Last year M made me one for my birthday and when she served it, I asked her where the top crust was. She looked at it and said “I knew I forgot something.”
4. My birthday is my favorite day of the whole year. I know that’s being really selfish of me – but it’s true.
5. One year in a doubles bowling tournament I won the prize for “lowest score”, “highest score” and “most improved player”. It’s the only sports event I ever succeeded at. My trophy took a place of honor on the bookcase for several years. (I was also accused of sandbagging. I just told them they were jealous.)
6. I didn’t start sewing until two years ago. I have always knitted and crocheted but never sewed anything worth showing or keeping. I actually took the “learn to quilt class” as a way to meet friends when we moved to North Carolina. (My knitting is magic it grows and grows. I made a twin afghan for my daughter to take to college. It now fits her queen sized bed.)
7. I do not particularly like to cook. Big T and I do most of the cooking together. That’s the only way he knows he is going to get a real meal. Probably if it were up to me, we would be on a straight cold cereal diet. Even worse than cooking is the dreaded question “what are we having for dinner tonight”?

Ok now you know ALL about me - what else do I have to do? Pass the award on to seven blogs that I follow on a regular basis. My seven awardees are (drumroll please):
Lace Hearts
Boutiqueaholic
Loft Creations
Sugar Spun Quilt
Lazy Gal Quilting
Q is for Quilt
Anieman Designs

Now the final direction to Pay It Forward (if you should wish to do so):

1. Copy/paste the Kreativ Blogger Award picture onto your blog

2. Thank the person who awarded it to you and post a link to her/his blog

3. Write 7 things about yourself we might not know

4. Choose 7 other bloggers to award

5. Link to them

6. Notify your 7 bloggers of their award

Thank you Alyssa. (I think I’ve said that several other times this week.) Please visit her shop on Etsy and enjoy her work – the flowers are exquisite.

The custom diaper bag is finished and on its way to its new owner. I hope she’s as pleased with it as I am. It was going so smoothly until I discovered I put the top bands on upside down. I even had the top stitching done. But I must admit it does seem to work better with all the pattern pieces going in the same direction.

The quilt wall is covered and the batting is securely fastened down just waiting to be hung. He was going to hang it Sunday as planned but other family commitments took priority. Right now it is laying in the middle of the floor in my home studio (aka sewing room). This is the last piece before my room is finished with the make over.

I also finished my would-be table runner turned tote bag string quilt challenge project. (Try saying that 10 times). That will make two entries in the “no strings attached challenge” and 5 finished new projects in 2010. ‘Chick and Chic’ is now posted on Hummingbird Treasures. I am so proud of myself, it is the 28th of January and I haven’t bought any fabric or new machine embroidery patterns yet this year. (The diaper bag doesn’t count because she provided the fabric.)

Daughter M is my model. Isn't she lovely?

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

My Alygatr Day

2010-01-24T11:25:00.010-05:00

Yesterday was the day of OMG surprises all the way around and they almost all had Alygatr’s name on them. First, I opened my valentine swap and found out my blogging buddy was my valentine partner (more about my beautiful gift a little later on); then I found out I had received the Kreativ Blogging Award (again compliments of Alygatr) and as I was reading her blog – OMG there was my Peter Rabbit quilt featured on her Etsy favorites. Last, but not least, Big T bought the quilt wall ‘board’ and screws today. Today should be THE DAY!

From now on days full of surprises around my house will be called “alygatr days”. What fun for an entire day.

Last Thursday I lost all my ‘followers’ on my blog. I was sad as if I had lost my best friends. I kept checking back every once in awhile to see if they had magically reappeared or if they had fallen into the black hole of blogging. Today, you are all back and seemingly in good health. Don’t scare me like that.

Big T and the Dude crashed their big model airplane on its first flight (which went nowhere but down). The smaller but much cheaper plane flew higher and further than they thought it would. The Dude had to chase it across the soccer field with the remote to control(?) it. They spent the last 45 minutes throwing rocks and sticks into a pine tree that had eaten the plane. Persistence paid off and the small plane returned home with them. The large plane has assumed a place of honor in a corner of the garage – future to be determined.

I have the fabric cut for the diaper bag and have memorized the directions. Now I need to let my subconscious put it together in my sleep before I put needle to fabric. Don’t laugh - I save myself a lot of headaches that way. My subconscious makes the mistakes so I don’t have to. Of course, this does tend to cause a few sleepless nights just lying there letting my mind wonder where it may. I need to finish this by the end of this coming week (self-imposed deadline) so I start to work on machine embroidering her reversible bedspread.

Tomorrow will be dedicated to the sharing the Kreativ Blogging Award. I have to think of seven things you would want to know about me. The Dude thinks I should let him write that list. That might be kind of fun but I reserve the right to edit his list.

And now (drum roll please) my gift from Alygatr in the infamous valentine swap. Isn’t it beautiful!! I love it. It is hanging in a place of honor for all to see as soon as they come in. I do not have anything else like it. She is a very talented and creative lady. Please visit her shop on Etsy to see that talent for yourself.

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

Completed Projects

2010-01-21T12:34:00.013-05:00

I actually made it in and out of Linderella’s yesterday without buying anything. I was there with a friend to pick out fabric for a custom diaper bag and managed to leave without any fabric, patterns or notions. I was so proud of myself – such self control. LOL
The poll is closed on salad/appetizer/soup question. Appetizers did not fare as well as I thought. Soup and salad were actually a tie with the same number of votes. I still prefer the soup but Big T would rather have a big salad.

My first entry in the “no strings attached challenge” is finished. I call this one “Desert Sunset” because of the play of the oranges on the mottled brown. I will post this one on Hummingbird Treasures this afternoon. This gives me one entry in the challenge (complete with great prizes).

Still no quilt wall – the Dude was here with us for three days and no serious work got done. Big T and the Dude were busy with “boy/man” stuff like flying model airplanes, taking yogurt cups hostage with the BB rifle (a real Red Ryder BB rifle), and gluing feathers on the arrows. Oh yeah, and the normal afternoon bowling tournament on the Wii.

The custom valance I did to match the antique quilt and the pillow bolster I made in the fall was evidently a great success. She stopped by yesterday with a thank you note to let me know how much they liked it. Whew! I’ve been holding my breath on that one. We left for the holidays in California the day after Big T hung the valance and I have been waiting to hear. It doesn’t show as well as I would have liked from these pictures but it was a lot of fun (and work).

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

January Continues

2010-01-19T11:24:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Audrey’s organization of the valentine swap, I have received the name and address of my swap partner. My item is ready to be wrapped and will be in the mail tomorrow. This is so exciting. I feel like a little girl waiting for a present in the mail.

I have nailed down the pattern to be used for the custom diaper bag I am making for a friend to give as a gift. Next a trip to Linderella’s and she can pick the exact fabric she desires from their delightful collection. It will be complementing and contrasting shades of yellow since that’s the color of the nursery décor. More on this to come as it progresses.

We are going to Joann’s today to get the batting to cover the quilt wall. Daughter #1 got a 50% off coupon in the mail so that will certainly help since I need a solid piece to cover a 4’ by 8’ area (plus the edges and overlap in back). The question is – will I make it out of there without buying anything else? (The answer is – no I didn’t. I found the neatest covered box that will fit perfectly in my new shelving unit.)

I think my contemporary quilt art prototype project will also qualify as an entry in the “no strings attached challenge”. According to the instructions, this will meet all the criteria. This may provide just a little more incentive to keep working on this project and not let it slide into the UFO stack. I think I may be stuck in the planning phase. Time to quit planning and DO!!

Actually, I only have four items in the UFO’s. I managed to get a lot cleared up between Thanksgiving and Christmas. (I was actually targeting 100% completion, but I’m happy with just 4 left – it’s kind of like sourdough starter – you have to leave a little in the jar to make more.)

I made the string quilt blocks last night. I could really get hooked on these. I like the fact that you see an end product so quickly. Now to get busy and finish them and get them posted. Stay tuned. I did post my patchwork heart mini-quilt on Etsy this morning. That’s my first new posting of the year. Wow – I need to get busy. It’s already the 19th of January and I have only finished one item??? Well, not exactly, I also finished the valentine swap item so that counts for two. The count for 2010 as of this posting is:

Number of UFO’s – 4 (carry overs)
Number of Projects started – 4
Number of Finished Projects - 2

The Dude is here (finally). He is out of school until Thursday so he will be here until Wednesday evening. Sure makes a difference in the noise level around here. It was beginning to sound like a mausoleum before he got here. He manages to keep both of us on our toes at all times. By the way, I lost the Wii bowling tournament – no surprise there. I don’t think I’ve won one yet. I wonder if they make quilting for the Wii? Maybe I could at least place in that one.

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

January Blahs

2010-01-15T18:24:00.008-05:00

I think the January blahs have set in at our house. It’s much quieter than normal. Of course I think it is also because the Dude hasn’t been over since going back to school. Big T has had some kind of laryngitis(?) and a terrible cough so the Dude has not been allowed over until he is better. One good dose of the Dude and all should be back to normal. Also, it has been too cold here to go outside and the house gets smaller every day. (I know, but remember we live in North Carolina – this is supposed to be the south.)

My needlecraft club asked me to speak last night about my “adventures” of learning how to set up an on-line store and sell homemade items over the internet. We had a fun couple of hours and I probably discouraged them all with my stories. It was interesting to sit and think through the process and the challenges of the last 8 months. One of my friends suggested I write a book – now where do you think I could fit that in?

A friend was giving away copies of some old quilting magazines last night. They all made their round of the table with the favorites disappearing before they were passed on. (I managed to snag a few – I was at the front of the table.) Most of the quilts shown were in the more traditional patterns. A few of the earlier contemporary quilts were displayed, but not highlighted. A common topic around the table was the exorbitant cost of magazines lately. All were in agreement that it was too much but we keep buying them anyway.

I have the strips cut for my first venture into a more contemporary quilt art project. This is definitely a prototype project - probably a prototype of the prototype. I’m starting on a small scale and will keep it a deep, dark secret until I am finished. I can see in my head what I want the end product to be, but I have no guidelines to help me get there. More on this later.

My valentine swap item is ready to go. I’m just waiting on the info of where to send it. I’m very anxious to see what I receive in return. This is the first “swap” I have entered and it’s been fun to participate. I made two items and now the big decision – which one do I send. Hopefully, this will gain some exposure to both my blog and my shop.

We found the perfect quilt wall for my home studio. We went to this really neat fabric store we found in Pinehurst and there it was hanging back in the classroom. Carl and Linda were so helpful they gave us the dimensions and how to do it. If you are close at all, stop in at Linderella’s and enjoy the brightness and displays of color. It makes me feel good to just go in their shop. Be sure and mention this blog when you do go in the shop. It’s a good hour's drive for us, but it is well worth it.

And now, to build the quilt wall! Big T still isn’t to sure of the purpose of the quilt wall, but he is willing to put it up for me. I told him it is not for display purposes but is an essential tool for design, lay out and provide the ability to see it all at once. While he nodded, I don’t think he is 100% convinced yet.

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

Christmas Decorations

2010-01-13T16:24:00.003-05:00

Bah humbug! I hate taking down Christmas decorations and this time I waited as long as possible before tackling the hated job. Big T helped pack them all up and they are stored in their little secure corner of the attic. It makes me so sad that I usually end up shedding a tear or so before it’s over.

The question of the day – when you buy new Christmas decorations, do you get rid of the old ones? Or at least quit using them? When I make new placemats, do I pass some old ones on to someone? No?? I thought not. How can you throw Christmas decorations away? I’m sure there must be a law against it somewhere. I feel guilty when I throw used Christmas cards away. I’m sure the Christmas card police are waiting to go through my trash.

The house looks so empty and sterile now. All my Christmas quilts are put away and I don’t have anything out now. (I have to dust first. After all I couldn’t dust while the decorations were out, now could I?) And to top it all off, Big T has found an “oldies but goodies” radio station and listening to music from the 60’s makes me even sadder. These are the same songs we listened to while we were dating – boy that was a long time ago.

My new home studio (aka sewing room) is coming along beautifully. I broke down and made something yesterday before it is 100% finished and I loved working in it. I have to hurry and take a picture to post. The last part of the make-over is my quilt wall. Hopefully, we get that finished before too much longer.

My first project in my new room was a mini-quilt with a patchwork heart on it. I think I will use this as my “valentine swap item”. It’s so cute, I may make several to post on my Etsy shop.

We talked to Little Miss on the phone last night (which means we talked and she just made adorable sounds and giggled). She has learned to say Grandma even if it does sound like “Bob”. After all, The Dude called me “Adam” for several years.

The homemade potato soup was absolutely fantastic (and the second bowl was too much). I love hot soup on a cold night. Actually, I love soups in general. I would rather eat soup than a salad. My grandmother always had a pot of soup simmering on the back burner of her stove. Many years later, we discovered that she simply opened a can and poured it in the pan. She was a terrible cook - I should have known something was up when we could eat the soup.

Hooray - I'm starting to get proof that someone is reading this. I'm so excited. Thank you! I'm no longer just talking to myself.

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

Time to Speak Out

2010-01-08T10:42:00.003-05:00

I am usually a fairly low-key, mild mannered person (LOL – so was Clark Kent) but this headline made me see RED – dark, angry red. H&M and Wal-Mart destroy and trash unsold goods. The article talks about a graduate student finding over 200 bags of unsold merchandise in a trash pile to be picked up. On opening the trash sack she discovered the merchandise, shoes, clothing, coats, gloves, etc. had been slashed and otherwise destroyed beyond repair. With all the poverty and homelessness in the world today why couldn’t someone with a charitable leaning have stopped this useless waste? Clark Kent would never have let this happen. Maybe we need a few super heroes back.

What a horrible message to be delivering to the youth of today. It is better to cut the fingers out of gloves and slash the sleeves of coats than to share with the less fortunate. And to think that this happened in New York City which has a terrible poverty and homeless problem. Sorry about the ramblings but every once in awhile something will rub me the wrong way and the ex-teacher in me comes back out on a soap box.

Let me know what you think about the practice of destroying rather than sharing with the less fortunate?

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

Wednesday Ramblings

2010-01-07T14:30:00.001-05:00

The consolidation of two closets into one is almost finished and I have another large stack of clothing to go to the consignment store which supports battered women and children. It is becoming quite obvious that my professional business attire is not getting any use at all. My jeans are just fine (and a lot more comfortable). My newly expanded home studio is getting closer and closer.

I have not sat at a sewing machine since we arrived back from San Diego. I think I may be having withdrawal symptoms but I am trying to hold off until we are through with the room. I have several major projects I want to get started on soon. (More than several if the truth be known.)

I have been busy with blog changes but now it is time to look at www.hummingbirdtreasures.etsy.com. This is a good time to revisit and update the store policies and the shipping information.

Since I am not sewing yet (intentionally), I have spent a lot of time this week looking at other blogs. As in everything else, they run the entire gamut from ‘okay’ to ‘wow’. These have been blogs written by women, for the most part, with a common goal – to sell handmade items over the net. But the one thing that really jumps out at me is that there are no geographical, political, or philosophical boundaries. I wonder if there aren’t some lessons here that could be shared with “big business” or even our political leaders?? Food for thought.

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

Organization and USP's

2010-01-05T17:45:00.007-05:00

I am so excited! We bought the shelving units for my sewing room (home studio) today and agreed where things will be going. I can actually begin work up there tomorrow. I have to do some major closet reorganizing before Big T can put up my shelving units. I have been dreaming about arranging and displaying my fabric collection (and making it much easier to work with). I am eager to get the physical, organizational work finished so I can return to my projects (which are stacking up). I think in addition to UFO’s (unfinished objects) and WIP’s (works in progress) I need a category of USP’s (unstarted projects). Am I the only one who feels this way?

Speaking of which, I just read a blog from a fellow quilter who kept track of every project she completed in 2009. I was so impressed with her tally, but when I started counting my projects (the last 8 months of 2009) I was amazed at what I had accomplished. I think we are all that way. Someone else’s accomplishments always sound bigger or better than our own.

I met a new friend from Bulgaria yesterday, Nevita. Audrey from Audreys Country Crafts highlighted Nevita’s shop over the weekend. Nevita has beautiful hand knit items. Please check out her blog site and her online store to learn more about her. I personally would like to learn more about ‘gobelin tapestry’ – just the name fascinates me.

My books on ‘easy stained glass quilts’ arrived while we were in San Diego. I sat down to peruse them as soon as I opened the package. I’m really not sure that they looked all that easy though – the jury is still out. Two of the three books looked very good; the third one did not grab my interest as much but I will give it another read to be sure.

I am having so much fun learning new and different ways to be creative. One of the projects swimming in the back of my mind is a way to show the ‘financial crash of 2009’ through contemporary quilt art. I visualize this in a black and white strip quilting technique. This one, of course, would be dedicated to Big T. I don’t know how many hours I have put in at night working on that one in my subconscious state. I have it almost finished in my sleep, while I have yet to put rotary to cloth in consciousness.

January is always quiet and a good time for thinking and organizing. I would rather think than organize, but I need to take advantage of the latter. My immediate target is the sewing room (also known as home studio). I will post pictures when it is finished. I will also remove the vacation status from my online store, Hummingbird Treasures, tomorrow and see what improvements (or changes) are needed there. There is now a 'subscription box' in the sidebar which will notify you by e-mail when a new posting is added to this blog. I look forward to seeing all of you there.

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic.

Marie

Happy New Year to You All!

2009-12-31T22:51:00.004-05:00

December 31, 2009

The question of the day is – why do you never take the right type of clothes on vacation? I guess I should be greatful that our luggage arrived with us. M&R lost the suitcase with their clothes for a full 24 hours; their luggage took the scenic route to San Diego via Portland.

The Dude stayed with us in San Diego when his Mom and Dad went home. He and the Little Miss are becoming inseparable. He has also discovered the world of Ipod so he now has earphones growing from his ears. Little Miss has him drinking imaginary tea at her tea parties. Big T and I are thoroughly enjoying the world of our grandchildren.

Looking back over 2009, my accomplishments for this past year include:

Discovering a new creative side of me

Opening my online store through www.hummingbirdtreasures.etsy.com

Completing several significant customized orders through Hummingbird Treasures

Initiating my blog site for Hummingbird Treasures at www.hummingbirdtreasures.blogspot.com

Selling my first original items through Hummingbird Treasures

Continuing to enjoy every day of my retirement

Looking forward, my high level goals for 2010 include:

Expand the scope and readership of my blog

Explore contemporary quilt art as a new media for Hummingbird Treasures

Help Big T build a ‘quilt wall’ in my home studio

Join a local writers’ group

Finish and submit my ‘young adult novel’

Learn to live life to its fullest

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

Marie

Ready for the Holidays

2009-12-17T19:01:00.008-05:00

Things are wrapped, shipped or packed, laundry is done (almost) and I am ready. All we have to do is wait out the expected snow and ice storm expected the same day we are scheduled to fly out. I don’t know how many times this happened to us in New Jersey; but you don’t expect this to happen when you live in the South.

I have one last item on the embroidery machine and it’s for me and not a gift. I have my sewing studio cleaned and ready to shut down for two weeks. My vacation notice is on www.hummingbirdtreasures.etsy.com.

I added a quilting magazine to the grocery cart yesterday. When did magazines go to $12.99? I was shocked when I got home but not quite as much as Big T. He told me that I was a little out of date and that from now on I had to wear my glasses when I go shopping. It did have a few great project ideas though so all in all it was worth it.

I am quite entranced with some of the contemporary quilt art I’ve seen lately. This may be a new opportunity to explore with Hummingbird Treasures in addition to the other items. Big T has promised to hang one in the great room when it’s finished. I have made several sketches and am still deciding which to tackle first. I work best when I let things mull around in my subconscious for awhile. Hummingbird Treasures is a combination of quilting and machine embroidery, and I like the idea of combining the traditional and the contemporary arts. Keep watching after the first of the year.

The end of the calendar year is also a good time for me to analyze what is working on www.hummingbirdtreasures.etsy.com and what is not. What needs to be revamped or changed? Two six hour plane rides in the next two weeks will give me lots of quiet thinking time. (I also plan to read the book on blogging so you can expect to see some improvements here.)
Oh yes, I need to physically write down my goals and plans for 2010. One of my goals is to join a local writers’ group. I need to dust off my young adult novel and work on completion of the second round of editing. The Dude and Big T are my only readers at this time and they left me copious editing notes to be addressed. I think this was when I put it on the shelf for awhile. I’ve probably procrastinated long enough.

From me to you, lots of hugs and thanks for joining me in my new adventures of learning to be creative and artistic. Happy holidays to all of you!

Marie