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Critiquing, Studio Sneak Peak, Mom’s Day

Yesterday was a wonderful day. Our new little crit group met for the first time: June, Terry, Kim (a new friend!) and I met at Terry’s house for two hours and then went out to lunch. June very expertly got us on the right track and it was an amazing experience. We spun the bottle to see who would go first and I won!! I brought my Mallory Brook: Ripples and Reflections, which is a very personal piece. I could not say anything until they had finished the critique. (Someday, I will post more about our process.) It was mind blowing to hear people talk about your work and what they saw without any of your own input or bias. Here is the piece:
Mallorybrook_3

What do you think of it, like this?

Mallorybrookvertical

My critiquers felt that it had better balance of the brown areas. What do you think?

Today, I have really been busy in the studio.

I sorted batting. I now have a piles for post cards, small quilts, large quilts and full pieces yet to be cut. I had more batting that I realized. It is nice to have it contained.

Batting

Here is Maggie guarding my empty plastic bins:

Emptybins

It is so nice to have stuff out of bins and organized so that I know where it is. Yesterday, Mr C picked up some foam insulation for the design wall which will run the width of one wall. Whoopee! Can’t wait. I have to go out and buy some felt to cover it.

Designwallfoam

And here is one end of the studio:

Sewingarea

The wainscot has a little shelf at the top and so I have organized all my quilting thread. Isn’t it cool? You can see the reflection of one of my full spectrum florescent lights in the window.

This morning we took a long hike around Reed College Campus. They have a very woodsy area with a trail that is called the Reed Canyon. It has a small lake at the base. Tomorrow, we are going out to the Columbia Gorge for a picnic and hike. I am here in Portland and childless for mother’s day. Steph and her family have gone yurt camping at the beach. I must admit that when she first told me she would not be here, I had a little twinge of sadness. But I got over it. When we lived in Santa Rosa, Mark and Lisa usually came up to spend the day with me and so I was looking forward to a day with Steph. I hope they are having a fantastic time at the beach – the weather is glorious here in Portland.  For many years, Mr. C was usually in Tokyo in May for some annual conference, and so if I wanted to do something special for Mother’s day, I had to organize it myself!

I always think a lot about my mother at this time. I was the oldest of five children and I know how hard she worked to give us a loving home and the necessities of life. After I graduated from college and was earning a good living, I used to so much enjoy indulging my mother with nice gifts for mother’s day and her birthday. I bought her furniture, dinnerware and nice clothes. She has been gone for more than 20 years. She was my age when she died in an automobile accident. Sometimes, I really wish that she could see what I have done with my life and to see what wonderful human beings, my children have become. And she would just adore M & M. She loved the little ones so much.

Happy Mom’s Day to all the moms and all those who have moms!!

7 Responses to “Critiquing, Studio Sneak Peak, Mom’s Day”

  1. Diane D. says:

    Mallory Brook is gorgeous! I like it hung vertically.

    Your studio looks like it’ll be a fabulous place to work.

  2. Judy says:

    I was positive I liked your first Mallory Brook best until I revisited the two, and then I realized that I liked the way the leaves were falling in the second view better. I also like the way the blues are placed better in the second orentation.

    That being said, your studio is outstanding!!! I am so jealous!!

    It is a wonderful thing that you and Mr. C have given Steph and family the gift of unencumberence (is that a word?)… that they can still take off and do their own thing on Mother’s Day weekend! My husband was gone so many years for special holidays that I have always tried to look at whatever day we are together as a special day, and not place too much importance on the designated calendar day. It is tough to do with 99% of the population celebrating, but it can still work…and you’ve made it happen!
    You Go Girl!!

  3. Terry Grant says:

    Your studio looks wonderful. You could fit mine into a little corner. Can I come and live with you??!!

    We have had some great times together in the short time you have been here. I’m so glad you came to Portland.

    Happy Mother’s Day.

    Terry

  4. Mary Ann says:

    I’m not sure which orientation I like best. The first one, more horizontal, is very peaceful — looking like a pool of water. The second, more vertical, gives the feeling of running water. I like them both, but they feel different to me.

  5. I’m with Kirsty and the crit group. I like Mallory Creek vertcal.

    Your studio is coming along wonderfully. Lucky you to get a nice big design wall!

    Thanks for the lovely Mom’s Day thoughts. Have a great day knowing that your family is safe and self sufficient so you can relax and go quilt!

  6. kirsty says:

    I like the new orientation, too, but not just from a colour perspective – it looks more dynamic that way. I love the colours! Nice job!

  7. Kathie says:

    I like the new orientation of Mallory Brook; the weight of the colors do look more balanced.

    I envy you your crit group–objective eyes and viewpoints are so necessary and helpful. Unfortunately, in too many art quilt groups, people are reluctant to speak up for fear of Stepping On Toes.

    Hope you have a happy day tomorrow. Those of us fortunate enough to be moms don’t really need a designated day to feel blessed.