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Archive for October, 2011

In a Blue Mood

Monday, October 31st, 2011

 

 

…but in a good way! I finally got a batch of indigo mixed up today. I have been meaning to do it for ages. My new motto is “just do it.” I dyed a couple of items of clothing that were stained and looking drab.

I also dyed the cotton scarves that I worked on the other day. Some of my experiments came out quite well. I think some of them will go back in the pot tomorrow for a boost of color.

This morning, I had my final eye doctor check up. I have a prescription for reading glasses. I get two free pairs with the cataract surgeries. I ordered one pair today and will wait to see whether I want another pair of bifocals or just glasses for close up work.

I also went shopping for a few things for the trip to Houston — some comfy shoes and a new purse. I am getting so excited. I keep getting reports from friends who are there for Market and they say our exhibit is “freaking awesome.” Just 3 more sleeps!!

 

My Ninepatch Disappeared

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

I have heard the term disappearing nine patch going around on blogs and Facebook. I needed a pattern for a kid’s quilt and thought I would give it a try. So, this is how the nine patch disappears (in case you are wondering).

You start with nine 5 inch squares which are sewn into a nine patch,

Then you cut it in half lengthwise and crosswise.

Then arrange your smaller squares into a quilt!! And that is how the nine patch disappears. You can see how I have rearranged them in the top photo. Of, course, I have lots of blocks to sew, now.

I had a nice day today. I drove over the river and up the hills to Terry’s home. I had not had a chance to see her new studio, yet. They have built a separate building on their property for her studio and a greenhouse for her husband. It is really nice and much bigger than I expected. We went out for delicious Indian food.

Tonight while I watched the Project Runway train wreck, I prepared some scarves for indigo dyeing. I bought some cotton scarves and will be interested to see how they come out.

Not sure when I will get them in the indigo pot. Tomorrow, I am going to make some Beef Bourguignon for Saturday night dinner. It is better the second day and on Saturday, I will be in Eugene all day with Terry and some other artists for our biannual critique session. The dinner party is for Steph’s mother-in -law who is visiting from North Carolina. I hope I can pull it off.

Mindless Studio Time

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Today was spent getting my studio back in order after a month of projects. It always feels good to put every thing in its place and find the surfaces of my work areas.

I washed the fabrics for my niece, Gwen’s, quilt and ironed them and started cutting tonight. I am going to do a disappearing nine patch. It should move along quite quickly once I get my 5 inch squares cut.

Once in a while, I like to do pieced patchwork quilts. I find it very meditative to cut and stitch and press and do it all over again.

I think I am too excited about going to Houston next week to start anything that needs my brain. If you will be at IQF, I hope you will stop by to say hello. Here is your official invitation:


California Poppies

Monday, October 24th, 2011

I added some frilly leaves and  finished the quilting on this piece. I took the photo several different places and with different lighting. I am not happy with the  camera I bought to replace the last stolen one. I need to save some money and get a better one.

Anyway I am happy with this. I did the Sue Benner satin stitch edging.

It was a beautiful fall day — sunny and brisk. I took two walks with Scooter. He loves the cooler weather with his nice warm coat.

I have spent a good part of today on the computer doing SDA work. When I finish this, I will watch DWTS and get back to database work.

Love Me Some Silk Organza and Paint

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

That is more like it. I had an epiphany during the night. So this afternoon, I headed to the studio and painted some silk organza with orange and yellow paint. Here it is drying.

I roughly cut the shapes of the poppies and covered the silk poppies on the little quilt.

I stitched around the organza, following the outline of the poppies beneath. Then I trimmed close to the stitching with the result up at the top. I am very happy with this. The organza gives a nice texture, too.

Tomorrow, I will do some free motion quilting to define the petals and add some texture. I also want to add some leaves and am working on how to do that tonight – maybe with hand stitching with Perle cotton or maybe with a little green silk and machine thread work. The leaves are very lacy.