Home and Unpacked

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

Landscapes, One-off's and Hexies

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

What's Going on During the Heat Wave

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