Fiber and Pulp

Spring ...

.... rain, mostly. I've been out and around, doing this and that. Sunday afternoon I went to Cindy W's house to act as a guinea pig for her and her friend Fran (along with a couple other friends). The two of them want to start a business running home crafting parties -- not to sell goods, just as an experience. We stamped hand dyed rayon scarves and offered ideas/suggestions. I had tremendous fun! I don't really socialize much any more (and what I do is usually with family or employees) -- it was such a pleasure to just sit in the company of other crafty women and play with paints. (grin)

I think I'm going to cut up the scarf I made (photo below) and use it in a fabric journal -- the bits I stamped would make nice vignettes with some poetry, in my humble. The other women there managed to do more themed scarves -- stars, geometrics, nature/flowers/leaves ... I had a hard time focusing so I just played with the various stamp images and the beautiful colors of Lumiere paints. :)

On the way home from the party I passed by the local small lake -- and saw goslings, the very first I've seen this spring. Fluffy and gray, in a parade with their proud parents. :) Also saw iris and roses blooming -- late spring is glorious (and would be even more so if it stopped raining and the sun could shine:).

Muddling ...

.... through, in general, not making anything or accomplishing much that is 'real' these days. (shrug)

I was off today so I spent a couple of hours finishing two 4x4 pages for a swap with the Art Chix. The theme is 'By The Sea' and I had fun making my two four inch square collage pages. :)

Here is the pair of pages (I have to make 75 color copies for the swap and fold them in half to create a single, two-sided page for each person:):

Here are the individual pages. This first one says 'Searching for Love By the Sea':

The second page has the theme 'Beauty by the sea' and features an old-fashioned diving horse:

I might put some glitter on one of these pages before I copy them off (if I can find it in my magpie's nest of a workroom:).

I spoke to Eva on Sunday and she assured me that whatever I came up with for this swap would be beautiful. (smile) I am satisfied with what I made tho' I might not go that far in my description. (grin)

Time Away ...

.... is evidently a good thing for one's peace of mind. I've been in Masanutten VA with my son, Hugh, for several days (last Sunday, 4/27 to Friday, 5/2). My mother gave us a week of vacation at an RCI resort in the upper Shenandoah Valley called Woodstone at Massanutten. I've never actually seen the Shenandoah and we crossed right over it on the way there -- picturesque! (Sadly, no pictures to share of it).

This part of the Valley has mountains all around the edges and is quite lovely. The area has been rural until fairly recently (less than five years, I'd guess from all the new roads and stores). Still very low population for the most part. This resort is mostly for winter skiing and golfing in the summer... was pretty quiet (though not totally dead).

Everything was flowering -- cherry trees (Japanese almost done, Chinese in full flower), redbuds, dogwoods, Empress Rain trees, azaleas, rhododendrons, cotoneaster, maybe some others I don't even know. :) Pretty, pretty.

It rained on and off for the first three days we were there and was mid-50's to mid-60's in temperature. Hugh and I stayed indoors and lazed about -- I sewed (brought my machine along) on a tote bag I wanted to finish (It's A Wrap large tote/purse), my daughter's quilt (repairing some poorly quilted areas from when my machine was not working well -- it is way, way harder to pick out quilting than to put it in!:), and a piece I'm working on for a shop sample made from Egyptian prints.

We went out and rented movies (I haven't been in a Blockbuster in so long I had to apply for a new card:) and bought a couple of books (a new CJ Cherryh book from the Fortress of Eagles series, two Terry Pratchet DiscWorld novels Hugh liked) ... and groceries. We had a great time just lolling around watching movies, reading, using the computer and eating. He and I travel well together. (big grin)

Since we got back on Friday evening, I've been working at the store (on the sales floor Saturday all day and with the Hand Piecing Club today). Haven't even answered all my email yet. (sigh)

The apartment we stayed in was large (kitchen, dining room, large living room with fireplace and big screen tv, two bedrooms, two full bathrooms -- one of them had a whirlpool tub bigger than my bathroom here at home:) Hugh and I noticed how nice it was to be living in a place that was not cluttered or dirty. (sigh)

We both came home determined to clean up the ACT around this house. (more sighes) Was very good de-stressing time.

Photo Catch-Up

I'm taking a break here at the store and I thought I'd share some photos of my recent work with you.

Here are some photos of the little wall quilt I won from Village Quilters last Saturday (I love it! I found out who made it, too:):

I'm still going in circles, trying to focus on one project that needs to be completed at a time. (sigh) Here are some photos of the basket/tote/purse I'm trying to make. The batik fabric I'm using is shown here -- this is how far I've gotten with the base of my tote (50 yards of 1/4" cotton clothesline and a little less than 3/4 yard of fabric). If you look carefully, you can see the two handles I bought beside the bottom. I took one shot from the side with my small snipping scissors (4"?) for scale.

It is looking like Hugh and I will be going to VA from Sunday to Thursday morning. Skip doesn't want to take the time away from his new job (he found out today that the next servicing mission for Hubble Space Telescope, for which he is working on the flight software, is due to take place the same time as our daughter's wedding in October:). I'm looking forward to being outside and taking it easy for a few days - I have been neglecting my 'outside time' lately and I really need it!

I had my six month regular check up with my internist today -- the weather is gloriously spring-y and the grounds of the medical complex are beautifully blooming (cherry trees, pansies, dogwood, etc). I felt like I had been released from a dark prison -- how lovely! :) (luckily, I'm fine, physically:)

Unfocused!

I've been going in more-or-less circles for the past couple of weeks ... being very unfocused. I'm not sure if it is because I'm way, way too busy ... or just more of the usual crazy-ness I seem to generate for my own self. (sigh)

My guild had our bi-annual quilt show this week (Thursday thru Saturday). I had to deliver my quilt on Wed a.m. (the little leaf study) and give two demonstrations (Friday and Saturday). I demo'd making fabric wrapped coiled baskets ("It's A Wrap"). I love the technique (despite my first reaction on hearing about the book -- 'huh! what a way to waste fabric and time!':)...and am making a large-ish tote purse/bag using two of the ready-made handles I bought earlier this spring (at Southern Comforters show down in Bowie).

I've got several samples going for the shop ... and other projects laying about (not focusing very well)...have some classes coming I have to teach ... and am _supposed_ to be going on vacation from 26April to 3May, courtesy my Mom. I have to teach three of those seven days ... so I don't know whether we'll go or not (just to northern VA, along Skyline Drive). (shrug)

Life is certainly never dull! On the other hand, I feel like nothing is getting finished, just slooooowly progressing. :P

Oh, one good note. I went to Quilt Bingo (put on by Village Quilters in Catonsville) on Saturday night and won a quilt! I'll try to take aphoto to share tomorrow -- it is a small wall hanging made with an antique handkerchief and patchwork leaf blocks. I LOVE it .. and it was made by one of my customers (who happens to be a book sharing buddy of mine:).

Finishing

I guess today is a day for finishing projects ... I put the binding on the France Travel Log quilt (you'll have to go to the shop blog to see it tomorrow) ... and just finished knitting a scarf I started during the winter. A pretty-for-to-wear scarf, not a keep-me-warm scarf (though it will probably do that, too:). It turns out to be a bit shorter than I usually make a scarf (only could afford so much of this 'yarn':) ... so I think I might make it into the shawl collar for a vest. There is a vest in the Folk Vests book I've been wanting to make for a couple of years -- this might make a great collar for it. :) Nothing like finishing a project and then turning it into a NEW project, eh? (sigh)

The weather is gray and wet here but blooming gloriously -- pear tree, cherry, magnolia, crab apple, daffodil, grape hyacinth, scilla ... no tulips, yet. :)

I knit/finished knitting while I watched two episodes of Farscape (season 3) tonight. I am becoming a visual junkie -- hardly ever read fiction any more, just watch it (movie, tv, whatever). Can't be still while watching, tho', gotta do something with my hands. :)

Fidgety!

Yesterday I was out-of-step all day. (sigh) I woke up late, when I got to the store I discovered that my FiberLectic group was holding their monthly meeting (I _knew_ the meeting was on Tuesday, I just didn't know it was Tuesday yesterday :P) which I had (obviously) missed some of .... my friend Sherry came to the store while the meeting was in progress but I only got to spend a few minutes with her (she had even called me the night before to tell me she was coming to buy some fabric for beading -- if you know Sherry, you know what a rare event it is for her to be here!:) ... then my student, Ruth, came for a 2 pm class that I had totally forgotten about (as I was wolfing down my lunch. :P (tearing hair out)

By the time I was finished teaching Ruth the finer points of hand piecing inset seams, I was totally frazzled. (whew!) So, I stayed after closing (until 8:30 pm) to sew -- sewing always calms my nerves and puts me back on center track. :)

I'm working on a new spring jacket to replace the one I made some years ago. I am using a pigment dyed sweatshirt base (soft yellow) and covering it with some lovely nine patch blocks that Arlene gave me a while back. She made a baby quilt for someone in her neighborhood and ... um .... got carried away making blocks. :) She gave me the extras -- enough to cover a good sized jacket! I think she made enough for two baby quilts (with maybe a few left over!) (grin) My camera is running low on power so I'll put up a photo of the jacket when I try it on for size -- so far, the body and sleeves are covered with blocks (and some pieces of kitty print from Laurel Burch in pastel colors). I have to split the jacket up the front and then sew the underarm/side seams (baste, till I try it on and fit the jacket) ... and then bind the neck, hem (shirt tail), and fronts ... and put on buttons/closures (probably loops of some kind or a placket (I dislike making buttonholes by machine and don't have time for hand sewing them).

When I got up this morning, there was a box on my door step from the mailman. A package from my Aunt Ruby in Kentucky with some wonderful goodies in it (I ran errands all morning - bank, post office, hair cut, pharmacy, etc., so I saved the box to open when I got to work as a reward for duty:). Thanks, Ruby!!!

She sent me a WONDERFUL apron, like the ones my Grandma Hampton used to wear -- I LOVE it!

I love the way it fits me, the fabrics are fabulous (I love purple and the print on the body of the apron has baking icons on it -- how perfect! My Grandma was a fabulous cook ... and, even tho' I hardly ever cook any more, I think I am pretty good at it, too:). I love the lace and the wonderful pockets -- what a GREAT pick-me-up gift! :)

She also enclosed two small goodies that I love -- a little chicken pincushion (cute!) and an appliqued/embroidered pocket:

I have a use for both of them right now -- and will cherish them. :) Such a great uplifting surprise! :)

I am going to the annual quilt show in Lancaster, PA (Quilter's Heritage Celebration) on Friday with my friend Patty. We go every year -- three days of quilts, good food, shopping, and no responsibilities. My kind of vacation! :)

The flowers are blooming here (I've seen plum trees, daffodils, vinca, and pear trees blooming -- don't know what has happened to my crocus, maybe the squirrels ate them??). I love spring! :)

I think it is funny (in an ironic way) that I so much resemble my Grandmother. I have spent the last ten years avoiding the status of House Wife ... I don't think I've ever been very good at the job. Mind you, I think I am a GREAT Mom (not to brag, but my kids tell me so, amyway:) but a pretty awful housekeeper and tender. (sigh) It would be hard to find or imagine a woman who was better at house keeping and mothering than my Grandma Hampton -- great cook, loving mother, fine wife .... Maybe more of her will come out in me as I get older?

I have noticed that I am starting to come out of my cave of more-or-less depression ... sank into it nine or ten years ago and am slowly crawling out ... mind you, there have been plenty of happy days in that decade (!!), but I've been generally depressive despite good medication and loving surroundings. (sigh) Saturday, Sunday and Monday I spent mostly at home, cleaning here and there, puttering. I'm, of course, happy that spring is here and the days are getting longer, as I am every year. I'm seriously thinking about spiffing up my house and making plans to help my son with things ... I think life is looking UP for a change. (smile)

ONE Ready!

I finished my leaf study quilt this afternoon. Today was Sew & Tell Club day at the shop so I got to sew all afternoon. I finished binding, sewed a sleeve on and signed my Leaf Study I piece. At least I will have one finished quilt to put in my guild's show next month! :) I have not taken photos for a while, so it has changed quite a bit since I showed it here last:

The background of this piece (it is small - about 20"x28") is free hand curved pieced leaves. Then I stencil painted leaf shapes using the Shiva paint sticks (these are transparent paints, so the added leaves look like they are made from sheer fabrics). I embroidered around those stenciled leaves (to bring them out a big more) ... then I added a number of small leaves on top ... and a few crystals. I bound the edges with leaf shapes cut out of fabric and applied by machine, raw edged.

I intended the piece to show layers of leaves being swirled around by the wind ... and I think it succeeds. :) It is a bit chaotic, visually, even for me. I think the next one I tackle will be .... um ... calmer. (grin)

I went to the quilt show for Southern Comforters in Bowie yesterday with Patty and Barbara. Had great fun and saw some very pretty quilts! We stopped at Tomorrow's Treasures since we were down there (that shop is on Rt.3, just north of 450). The last time I was there was about three years ago -- they were primarily a garment shop then, with quilts on the side. Now they are a quilt shop with some heirloom sewing on the side. :) Nice folks!

We also stopped at Daedalus Books in Columbia (took a wrong turn going home and figured we should get some benefit from the mistake:). Lotsa great titles at very low prices. I don't get there more often than once or twice a year (even tho' it can't be more than 2 miles from my house, tops:) ... and had fun picking through the titles. Even bought a couple. :) Great day out, on the whole, and it was quite spring-like, weather-wise (in the mid 60's and sunny).

I watched the recent movie Beowolf last night -- I thought it was pretty good and I liked the story twists the director put in vs the original poem (circa 500 AD or so). :)

Head Down ...

... Head Up. I had a relapse of the flu on Tuesday (day before yesterday). :P My husband was 'wonky' yesterday (but, of course, he, being a GUY, does not stay home and protect his co-workers:).

I've had my head down trying to finish up with the details involved with the spring class semester at my shop -- newsletter, signage, class samples, etc. :P Tonight when my friend Barbara B came in to sew with me, I had to play hooky and sew for 'myself.' :)

One of the members of the Sew & Tell group is moving away (she and her husband have decided to live in Chapel Hill, NC) ... and so they are making a good-bye quilt for her. Tonight I made a block to contribute -- I hope it will be ok. Tobi likes strong bright colors and is a fairly new quilter ... and likes symmetric, somewhat traditional quilts. (She's a CPA by profession:)

Here is the block I made for her:

As you can tell, this is an off-center close up of Grandmother's Flower Garden (one of my favorite designs). It started when I found the center patch in my workbox:

This little block is a piece of three-way weaving -- it is a class sample from a Make&Take class I taught several years ago. It is made with Clover hand dyed and lame bias tapes. I figured out how to weave this all by myself, starting with just a photograph of the finished design. (whew!)

I feel happy that I got SOMETHING done today that was at least moderately creative. :)

Charming!

Well, I'm back at the store today. My stomach seems ok and, though a bit tottery, I feel fine. (sigh)

Today I sat and 'chaired' the hand pieceing club monthly meeting. While I was there, Etta S came in (a former employee) and brought me something I had almost forgotten about. :)

Last fall's Quilter's Quest (shop hop) included charms from every store. I gave Etta my thirteen charms to make a bracelet and today she brought it to me. I really like the way it turned out!!

It is such a _pleasure_ to be back in my colorful surroundings!!

:)