Guts-ey Dyeing

Looks like there was a murder in my studio, but nah, its just a batch of pink/purple/coral waiting overnight to set up. Tomorrow is wash day!

Skinny Line Leaf

I just had to try it again. This time I used "made up" fabric for the parts, and here is it, not yet quilted. Fun in any way you do it.

Sixteen Fun Leaves

How many ways can I rearrange these 16 blocks? You can tell its cold out, and I there is no where else I would rather be.

Nine Blocks of Leaves

Just playing around with some simple shapes, repeated nine times. The fabric is doing most of the work here, but that shape is strong. Think I might make it 16 squares.

Simple Cuts

Trying out another simple leaf. This one uses a Marcia Derse fabric. Did I say simple?

Hanging Strip

I removed the sleeve (already sewn in place) and attached a velcro strip. First I sew the strip to a piece of twill, and then sew the twill tape to the work. The wall will receive the "hook" part of the velcro. It will be stapled to the wall. Since this is a permanent installation, this method will work well.

Divergence

Just playing with a block and rearranging. I don't have what I want just yet, but it is fun to do some fooling around.

Easy to Trim

I didn't have a 16 1/2" template, so I grabbed a sheet of plastic I had used for printing, and put down blue tape for the opposing corner to make that template. I cut two adjacent sides, flip around and cut the other two. Done.

Just Testing

I made up a pattern, sewed nine blocks. Now that I am this far, I can see that the line work is clunky. Fabric is fun, but I don't like the flow. I will finish this, maybe even quilt it, as a test, but need to redo. That's why I like January.

Simpler Pattern for Life

Now that my complicated piece is finished, I thought I would try out a simpler pattern. It is a leaf, yes, and of course, my favorite freezer paper template. I thought would use those fat quarters tucked here and there.

Moon Glow

The cold has descended again, and a bit longer this week. So, I am keeping warm thoughts from my trip to Arizona. I liked this very hard-edged superstructure and the moon caught between the lines. Built to shield the hot sun, no doubt.

At the Photographer's

Richard Margolis is shooting the work today, and thank goodness he has a 12' ceiling. No way I could do this myself, and I rely on his expertise. I like it even more seeing it hung.

The Week Past

Last week these giraffes greeted me on my morning walk to breakfast at the Quilting At the Lake retreat in Arizona. I am now back in Rochester and ready to face the 9 degree day that is heading our way Tuesday. Nice to know someone is staying warm.

Use What is At Hand

Many of you sew this kitchen island in progress, so here I have taken advantage of the warmth of the kitchen, the company of the TV, and great (new) lighting to sew the facing on the piece. I have about 40' of facing and about 14' of sleeve. Need serious TV for that.

Pinned Up

Well, almost fits on the wall out at the DeCamp studio. If there is someone nearby with a 12' ceiling, it would be nice to see how this looks. Off Monday to have it photographed.

Airport Decorating Ideas

On the way through the Philadelphia airport last week I came across these grabby chandeliers. I have just the spot for them.

Off the Machine

Well, the quilt is off the longarm and now ready to pin every so often to the design wall. I will then lightly spray it with water to block it. Here it is laying on its side, as I don't have 11 foot walls. My next life.

How Others See Us

I was caught on Tina's camera in my Lake Havasu class on Friday. We are debating the merits of how to finish this quilt. What a great space to spread out and work. This is me on three hours of sleep, having forgotten my ability to straighten my wardrobe.

Iron Will Travel

Mary brought her mother's old (read: vintage) iron to class. I recognized it from my youth. The iron was a good symbol for Mary, too. Ready to press on!

Along the Highway

Drove back from Lake Havasu to Las Vegas via California today and stopped to check out this odd plant. My knowledge of cacti is minimal, but I loved the way they dotted the landscape. Brilliant sun.

Strong Light of Day

Sherri is working on her "In the Garden" block. I love all the color and the flood of sunlight. It was a spectacular day and a terrific group of women. And the perfect "zen" room of calm. Yes -- calm and paper piecing at the same time. Imagine that.

Yes, it is the London Bridge

Today, these two wonderful Wyoming women took on the Half-Square Triangle Quilt at my workshop at Lake Havasu, Arizona. And our backdrop out the window (and I did indeed get the best view classroom) is the moved London Bridge. Really.

Another Glance of the Leaf

Back on the machine, and this is getting the quilted. It seems like drawing on the top of the graphic leaf -- I am having fun.

Cold Enough

Plastic on the inside of my side door reveals the frost on the knob. Cold enough to ground my plane for tomorrow's flight. So, change of plan. But I will still get to Lake Havasu by Friday's class. If all goes well.

On the Machine At Last

It took a while to get there, but I loaded the big guy on the machine and got about a foot finished. Might go back to do more tonight, but sure feels good to get to the quilting stage.

Last Look Back

I popped in to the Schweinfurth's Quilts=Art=Quilts exhibition on their closing day to get one more look at the works. Still thinking of my likes and dislikes. I very grateful that this collection of fiber works is so close by -- and that they would have my work as part of this show.

Hand Work

A detail of the work and you might see where I did some hand applique. A friend gave me some self threading needles once, and now that is just about all I like to use. Try 'em, you'll like 'em.

Snowed In

It is a great day when you "must" stay in. With major snow storm all day, I had nothing to do but head to the studio. So, progress!

Greens for the Season

The leaves are finished, and now to button up the details, add the two large reeds, and join it all together. I used my silk-screened fabric along with my hand-dyed. I like the interplay of the graphics.

New Year's Resolution

Will be to make something wonderful with this gift of gently used Sulky embroidery thread. Thanks, Grace!