Pick One

At the mini-mall diversion at Quilting By the Lake I asked the crowd to pick one they liked, and mug for this shot. It's the goofy kind of fun one can have whilst 'on vacation' at the retreat. My dinner mate said she needed to get away (husband didn't want to travel) so she was thrilled. This is the fun we have. 
 

Retail Recon

Part of putting this townhouse back 'right' is finding the materials and fixtures that will be in place, and more importantly, be on site ahead of the installers. Rugs, wall paper, do-dads can wait, but tile is the foundation. Today was paint the studio (half of it) and between coats (3!) it was reconnaissance. 

 

Fabric for Quilting by the Lake

I've one more week before leading a surface design independent study at Quilting by the Lake, the retreat sponsored by The Schweinfurth Art Center in Geneva, New York. It's started its first week, but Tuesday night I'm a 'vendor' with a pile of printed fabrics. So, amid the chaos of the studio, I'm ironing. Come see!
 

Jim Mott's Words Collection

I heard Jim Mott speak about making art in troubled times. Throughout his talk were several quotes. He relies heavily on literature for inspiration and content. If you haven't experienced his work, it is exquisite, small works, and always with an intricate back story.  site https://www.jimmott.com/index.html
 

Selective Service

I've been looking at works eligible to submit to some new exhibitions and this was the only detail I have of one of the works, Details should be an interesting composition in theselves as well as show the quilting style and type. This does, but the subject is more the quilting needle than the quilt surface. So, no go.
 

Ah-Haa

 I met the wonderful and talented Kathy Green at April's Alegre retreat. She is part of the Ah-Haa School in Telluride and promises that when I am there in September my class will be fun and smooth going. If she said otherwise, this is what my brain heard. There's a couple of spots, join me September 24-28, 2026. there https://canvas.ahhaa.org/classes/656

Check Before They Go

Newly washed out prints are going through the 'bleed' test. I've sewn a white backing with cotton batting between the color I expect to bleed. Then I drizzle water over the sewn line, wait for it all to dry, then check to see if color has wicked from front to back. If so, back in the wash. 
 

New Eyes

I sent this photo to my family, and thought you (my blog family) might want to know as well. Yesterday was my second cataract surgery, and today I feel I have the eyes of a 14 year-old. Corrected for near, I love that I can work up close without glasses. And now must rethink my lecture on mixing color!
 

The Mess I'm In

I had a few hours before some minor surgery today, so trying to keep away from eating and drinking I found myself removed to the farthest corner of the house -- the studio. Main goal was to clear a path to the outer walls and prep to paint. This will take some great effort to turn into a workable, let alone nice, space.
 

Garden Tour

Yesterday's cherry on top was a stroll in the Upper Monroe Garden Walk and Ann's garden. Like the luck we all need at a deadline, her plants obeyed the call and flowered right on time for the event. Lots of beauty, unusual plants, and stone sculptures all on a little city plot.  
 

Hot Talk in Naples

What a lovely group who came to hear my impromptu talk about the quilts on view at the Cleveland House today. We talked about everything, and best part was that a special guest could make out the sewn script on the 5th grade bicentenial quilt. Really fun, even on this hot day. Repeat talk August 29 at 1pm!
 

Noontime Garden

Those who have followed me in these posts know I had a wonderful mature garden at my last house. This townhouse has both full southern exposure and a north facing courtyard. Midday brings the most delightful spotted sunlight as it is directly overhead. These warm days finds me lunching there.
 

Charming Quilt Show

Today I had a chance to see the exhibit that will be on view this summer at The Cleveland House Museum in Naples, New York. It was a fact finding mission for my talk this Saturday at 1 pm. Along with facts, I found charm. The detail is from a fifth grade class bicentennial project, now 50 years old.

 

A New Kitchen

I've got an 'assemble-it-yourself" kitchen landing today in my garage. There will be a party Friday to assemble it, and then I'll live amongst the cabinets till mid August when it is installed. It's all part of making this needy home come up to standards. Yes, two palletts. 
 

Nearly Home

This exhuberant piece traveled about with the SAQA NY/NY exhibition "By Contrast" and I had a good time as part of the explaining crew when it was nearby. The SAQA group will organize another; they are good at finding wonderful venues. I'll be happy to have it home, and maybe find a matching plaid shirt.
 

Wonder Team

It was time to reassemble the long arm. Keep in mind that the bed is 12' wide. The wonderful duo from Delightful Quilting and Sewing, Ron and Joyce, spent the afternoon getting this machine in shape for it's new space. I'm so grateful to find this two who answered my call of 'help' and came to put it right.
 

A Distance Away

The call for entries is on for Quilt National. I've earned a spot a few times, most recently for this piece (detail of "In the Weeds" shown here) and I may enter again. I woul have to find one that was not exhibited or broadcast publically. That's what will take time. The hunt.
 

The Fourth for Reflecting

In a new house, with a new view, a new walk, and a day to reflect on that point on the map of this country I'm in. This Fourth seems very different, not worthy of celebrating independence when so many rights are gone and more are in danger of loss. So, this walk in my new country in my new country. 
 

My Kitchen View

I've a red japanese maple tree outside my courtyard at my new house. It's not looking healthy, but it may recover. Lots of thoughts go out to hang on that tree, and I'd hate to loose it. 
 

Let's Get Lost in Tile

I feel I've made this in fabric before. Or perhaps with charcoal in high school drawing class. Or a chalk line (see below) on the driveway for a kid's game. But here it is telling me that I should add this tiler as a kitchen backsplash, or somewhere somehow. The lure of the Tile Store.

 

Quilt-A-Thon in October

There will be another spectacilar 'Quilt-a -thon' hosted by Joe Cunningham to benefit Joe the Quilter's residence in Great Britin They hope to improve the museum, and we folks are getting together to help by offering tips. Join us, mark your calerndar for October 3 from 3-6 GMT