The Big Clean!

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

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

Nature's Lovely Killer

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

More Snow on the Way

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

The Date is Really Feb. 15, 2010

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