If one was heading to the World Quilt Show with the intention of seeing traditional quilt patterns, one would have been somewhat disappointed. We, on the other hand, did not know what to expect, and boy were we ever surprised, delighted, amazed, inspired...well, fill in the blank with your favorite superlative and you'll get the idea.
There were hundreds of quilts hanging, including, much to my surprise, three from Sharleen, the woman who runs the Days for Girls sewing sessions. The one on the right above, as well as these two below:
You've heard it said before, when you want to get something done, ask a busy person. Well, I can't imagine how Sharleen finds the time to make quilts, as much time as she spends working on Days for Girls! When I see her I will have to ask her if she quilted the above pieces herself, or had them done at a shop, which we are discovering is pretty common. Before Pam's friend Irene mentioned the practice, it never occurred to me that you would spend so much time piecing only to hand it over to someone else! That said, the grand prize winner not only was hand quilted, but it was also full of applique, something we saw a lot of.
The hours spent making the quilt above had to have been in the thousands! Interesting that with all of the modern quilts displayed a more traditional design won the competition. I could have taken gazillions of photos, however, I suspect you are not nearly as interested in the subject as I. :)
Vendors from all over the country sold machines, threads, fabric, rulers and more. Years ago, probably twenty, I bought my machine at The Sewing Studio.
It was all very tempting and I did buy some fabric, whereas Pam held out. Lisa, on the other hand, was captivated by the folks selling fantastic fabric dyes and stencils. In spite of being on crutches for an injured knee, she was quite the trooper in the huge hall. She succumbed to the dyes after seeing the demonstration using, of all things, shaving cream!
From afar these quilts looked so three dimensional they could have been rugs.
Honestly the things people did with fabric, paint, beads, and all manner of other medium, was simply astonishing. Solid colored fabric was very big, as were quilts done in what is called "wonky cutting." This one from New Zealand just blew my mind.
I was hoping I would see some quilts made by men, however, they were not to be found. That said, I know there are men out there who quilt! I've found a post about wonky cutting on a blog called Quilt Dad. My suspicion is that everyone is creative, they just have to find their outlet. Speaking of blog posts, the online quilting community is large, and do I mean large. People are very gracious about sharing the things they've learned, showcasing helpful techniques. As you well know, that is if you've been reading my posts for any length of time, I've been sewing since I was thirteen, however, quilts were just one of the things I liked to make. As such, my skills were not very well honed, and I mostly did things rather haphazardly with predictable results. One of the biggest challenges, among many, so it is hard to choose which is the hardest, but for now I'm talking about sandwiching the quilt top, batting, and backing. You need a very large area, and for every one I've made before, I've done it on the floor of the living room. Not very well I might add. So, I went searching for a better way, coming across this life changing,( only a slight exaggeration), video.
Before putting it into practice, I laid out the quilt on my bedroom floor to size the backing. Wondering what to use because the quilt was so large, I realized some very fun fabric with scenes of Paris that I'd purchased a while ago would do just fine. Baxter had to have a good rub down..
The fabric was not wide enough, thus the added size pieces. Once the backing was pieced it was time to test out the video advice, which I'm thrilled to say worked beautifully.
Getting the backing completely flat while crawling on top of it was such the challenge in the past! Once all three layers were secured to the table, I added the pins and lots of them!
From the video I also learned it was best to wait until taking the binder clips off to fasten the safety pins, which also turned out to be a brilliant idea. Now, how to get it into the machine??? Using round clips, you roll it up and hope for the best.
So crazy heavy, I began in the middle, and off I went, albeit slowly. As time went on, I got a little faster, thanks in large part to the walking foot which feeds the fabric from both the bottom and the top.
I'm about two thirds of the way done and as soon as it is all bound and pretty, you can rest assured I'll be posting it before giving it away!
Saturday I attended the funeral of Betty Stuart, the mother of one of Matt's oldest and dearest friends. There was a huge crowd, and an equally large outpouring of love in the form of testimonials from her four accomplished children. She was quite a force. I was wondering how this would all relate as I pondered my post last Friday, and wouldn't you know it, during Anne Elisabeth's remarks, she told how her Mother took up quilting during her more than two year battle with cancer, making a quilt for her three grandchildren that they might feel her love once she was gone. It makes me teary eyed just writing it. The last sentence on the wonderful obituary Anne Elisabeth wrote was this: "we can't go on, we must go on." That pretty much sums up the Stuart family, an Orlando dynasty, if there is such a thing.
And finally a word about the weather...last week was warm as can be, while today, thank God, it has cooled off for a few days. The plants are crazy confused with caladiums popping up in my garden. As well, this Mexican Flame vine, on a fence down the street, seems not to realize it is January!
Maureen just called with belated birthday wishes, and unbeknownst to her, I'd already selected this photo for my post. Asking me if I could look on my blog to see when it should be blooming, I am working on finding that answer.
In the recent past, having a conversation with someone who will remain nameless, I asked "who cleans your house?" The answer--"no one," said with a straight face. Chuckling, I thought it wasn't too far off from an answer I might give! However, on occasion, I get my butt in gear, and make an attempt at cleaning, which is what I did very early yesterday morning. I like to think our home is tidy which is the way we are content. Putting away the everyday decorations, I got a little carried away with tidiness and when the time came to put everything back out I could NOT find where I had put multiple items, which was driving me pretty much crazy. During my searches for said lost items I came across these two amazing photographs of Bruce's Mom, and Dad.
Aren't they fantastic?? Doesn't he look like Elvis? Uncanny! Another thing I'd misplaced which was causing great chagrin was a box of tea Matt brought home from Bath, England. I'd searched high and low, as had Bruce. Apparently not high enough though; it was hiding in a bowl on the top shelf!
Good morning indeed!
Thinking of Matt, how cute is this box of notecards???
From the Library of Congress, they are copies of the original cards for famous literature throughout history. Not only are the cards fantastic, the envelopes are as well. Just large enough for a quick note through snail mail. Have you made your resolutions for the new year? If not, consider one where you send someone a personal note every month. It will make their day.
A blast from the past this blog post called Why Blog? is. What I wrote in December 2012 still holds true. Coming across it on my statistics page, what is really interesting is that I'd already planned to add a squirrel photo to today's post. This guy sat for the longest time on my bird feeder pole, waving his tail every which way. I thought it was to maintain balance, however, when I knocked on the glass door, he ran down that pole as quick as a wink!
Most of this week has pretty much been taken up with quilting. Since September 1987 I've kept these pages from Family Circle, but now they have found their way into the trash bin. And yes, they were this yellowed.
Called them modern back then, wonder how these blocks would be received today? The reason for the bin? The measurements on the card trick block were not accurate, thus my struggles. I guess I finally found the time to test it out? Speaking of modern quilting, the runner I made for Tom's folks is a version of this.
Taken at Wandering Stitches, the quilting is to die for--computer generated it is.
Monday night Pam and I attended a quilt guild meeting at the Marks Street Senior Center (!!). I forget sometimes that I AM a senior! Anyway, who knew there was so much to talk about?
Turns out there is a lot to talk about, including many opportunities for sewists? That, by the way, is the latest term for people who sew. (!) A representative from the VA hospital was there to receive beautiful newly made quilts from some of the guild members. As well, the woman below, whom Pam met at Master Gardeners, is giving a demonstration of the English paper piecing method.
There were other demonstrations as well, including one on traditional piecing which is really what I've been doing this week with some fabric I'd purchased, who knows when. My intention is to give it to Project Linus. Should you wonder what that is all about, click on the link.
Although I've been making quilts for a very long time, I was by no means an expert. I may never become expert, but I do want to improve, which means taking my time. In the past I did not pay enough attention to all facets, beginning with the cutting. Accuracy really matters. In a book of patterns I chose the one Bruce most liked-- you can see it open on the table.
And, although in the past I've not been much of a pinner, I was this time. There are 21 large blocks, as well as 6 half blocks to make, which I did by chain piecing after pinning.
This is where that thread cutter shines--no chance of nicking your block with it! In truth, I was hoping not to make it quite so large as my machine quilting skills are in their infancy. So, I made about 15 blocks, setting them out on our bed to dream up a pleasing arrangement.
Not so fast Gail! Showing Bruce, he questioned me, after looking at the picture, and was he ever right! To make it all come together with the white forming another pattern, I had to make them all. And I did, finishing them late yesterday afternoon. The entire top is put together, and then it was time to figure out the backing. How I am every going to quilt it is beyond me, but I am going to give it a go. Not today though, as Pam, Lisa, and I, are going to the World Quilt Show at the Convention Center in a few hours. Will I be inspired or discouraged? We shall soon see.
I thought you would be happy to know that I called Corrine in Alabama and she is doing quite well under her daughter's care. How is Herb you ask? I don't know, but the moment I do, I'll fill you in. It is pretty lonely in our section of the neighborhood with two empty houses across the way. Yesterday afternoon, when the weather warmed up a bit for a ride, I picked one of Corrine's hibiscus to put in my bike holder.
Bruce had to fly up to DC yesterday morning for the installation of some new wind screens--the former ones were too wimpy for that location. His job here in Orlando is in the demolition phase which should go on for another couple weeks. It is a really nice change having his job so very close!
Some of you know that son Bill is an amazing guitar player, having practiced like nobodies business for the last 20 years. Approached about doing some online guitar lessons on a website, they have been going very well. By day he is a banker, by night he is both a teacher, and a pitchman. Watching the video, I was struck by what a natural he is. Check it out!
Did I mention that my new table placement is amazing? An oversight on my part if I did not. Being able to work from both sides of the table is a game changer...
In the year 2016, perhaps when asked who cleans my house I will be able to say, someone? :)
The other day, while putting the Christmas decorations away, I wanted to stand on a chair to take the bunting down. Big deal, right? Bruce thought so, saying, "now that you are 62, you have to be more careful." He got a ladder....
Yes, now that I am 62, what happens next? Only time will tell.
I will say that something happened this last week that has NEVER happened to me before. Do you see what I see?
Unbelievable right? Both arrived in Saturday's mail! One from Steve and Kirsten in Winter Haven and the other from my sister Carol in Beverly Hills, CA!! I was dumbstruck when I opened them, as you can imagine. I pretty much still cannot believe it, but I suppose that is the way it is when something brand new happens at my age. :)
Because most of our friends were out of town, or had other plans, there weren't very many folks at Bunker and Cathy's NYE chili cookout, but those there were treated to a delicious cake provided by none other than Mr. Bruce for this blogger's birthday. Charlies Gourmet, no less.
I tried chili, Cincinnati style, for the first time, provided by Lisa and Oren. Delicious! My pork chili with poblano peppers was just fine.
Poor Lisa is on crutches after injuring her knee! The weather was on the steamy side with high humidity making the smoke from the fireworks hang long in the air.
In spite of the warm weather, Bunker had a nice fire pit going. Before long it was January 1, 2016. And so it begins...
Hopefully, this year I will find some new interests, however, I'm not willing to let go of old ones, so there may not be room in this little brain for more. I still love my birdies, captivated by their behavior. If ever you hear a loud bird song around these parts, the first bird that should come to mind is the tiny Carolina Wren that sings it's heart out.
Even when no one is listening. Fortunately I was, and it was a real treat. So too, it is always great fun, well relatively speaking, to watch the birds in the bird bath. Generally they stay only briefly, but Mr. Cardinal made an exception Saturday afternoon, enjoying himself greatly in the warmish water.
Speaking of warm water, late afternoon, on the first of January, I thought it would be nice to take a sunset photo, so I got on my bike to see what I could see. Not much, to tell you the truth.
However, I did hear some shouting and laughing nearby and followed my instincts to a viewing spot next to Lake Gem Mary, the small lake at the end of our cul-de-sac. Sure enough, there was a large group of young people swinging and jumping into the lake!!! On January 1, no less! They saw me with my camera and did a bit of showing off for me. Now, it has been warm and all, but swimming in January?
There was even a girl there--see them standing at the water's edge under the tree? Too bad I didn't have my zoom lens!
Meanwhile, Mr. Bruce and I have been creating...me, working on a quilt block that has stymied me for a while....called Card Trick it is multiple triangles that have to line up just right.
For Christmas Bruce got me a little tool that neither of us were quite sure about. I am totally sure about it now. A thread cutter made by an artist from Japan, it works like a charm!
He took a few days off which means he finally had time to make some gorgeous frames for two canvases I'd hung in our bedroom once I quit going to the market. Here's one...
and here's the other. I love how they look so finished now.
I always feel terrible for my family having to provide birthday gifts only six days after Christmas. Nonetheless, I did receive some lovely fabric from Ray and Jane, Tom's folks in England, as well as some super neat notecards from Tom and Matt. Michelle had the super idea of taking us to brunch at the Grand Bohemian yesterday and it was spectacular. Bruce wore his new handmade tie from London, given to him by you know who.
It has been forever since we've eaten there and during our absence they have redone the dining area. It was glam before, however, now it is over the top glam!
The brunch offerings were out of this world! And, as you can see above, it has finally gotten chilly. This morning is wonderful, the cold front that brought rain yesterday has given way to a bright blue, sun filled sky, with the temperature reading at 51!! I was beginning to think I would never see sweater weather again!
If ever there were a year that embodied my saying about Florida weather, this would be it. "Greater and Lesser Summer. The high tomorrow is slated to be 88 degrees. Simply incredible!
Incredible too that tomorrow is my 62nd birthday, as my computer was so helpful in reminding me!
Not only does this photo show my birthday reminder, it also shows some texts from Hilary about the flooding in Paducah. Remember how it is at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers?
There will be no parking in this area for the foreseeable future as the river has risen some 30 feet! So high, in fact, that the gates had to be put in along the wall, filling the open space.
So, while I'm complaining about wearing the same clothes as I've pretty much worn all year, people in multiple states are suffering from the weather in far more dire ways. I can't promise you won't hear anything more from me regarding the heat again, but I will promise not to write another word about it this year!
Speaking of clothes, which sometimes is one of my favorite things, I went to the mall yesterday with the express purpose of buying some new clothes. I will not, or so I say now, be wearing anything like this anytime soon.
The dresses are pretty, but if you could see those zipped in the back socks in person...
Shop windows at the high end stores found at Millennia Mall are always entertaining,
however, don't you think this makes the handbag look as if it were the holy grail? By the way, the circles surrounding the object of desire not only light up, but change color as well. What will they think of next to market a handbag, or purse as we used to call them before they became fetishes?
So, where pray tell are these favorites my title refers to? This was the year of the owl for me wasn't it? As such, Matt gave me an adorable little owl book by Matt Sewell, a UK artist who is just the best! The subtitle is "our most enchanting birds." I could not have said it better myself. Without specifically mentioning the heat as promised, the unseasonable weather has been just that with hydrangeas blooming in Cheryle's yard,
leaving me to wonder if the birds would be off schedule with their nesting. For most of the summer and fall, whenever I've had a peek at the "owl trees", I was lucky if I saw one owl. This week I've been better about my morning rides, and thought I'd check things out regarding my owls. Riding up, the sight of a hawk low in the Cypress tree was quite the surprise. I'm seriously loving this lucky shot! To tell you the truth, I'm unclear if this is a hawk or a falcon?
In the adjacent Cypress tree, Papa owl was kind of low himself. High above, Momma Owl was peering down on the proceedings, which became very interesting as I stood there. A young woman, visiting her parents for Christmas from NYC, stopping running to see what I was seeing. The hawk squawked loudly for some time while Papa just stared. After a bit, the hawk flew up towards the owl, feathers were flying before the hawk flew into a nearby oak, still squawking like mad. Mama stared throughout.
All the while, the young lady and myself watched in amazement at the beauty and wonder of nature in front of our eyes. She said she could watch all day! After the hawk flew away, we both took our leave, wishing each other a Happy New Year.
While on the subject of bird sightings, looking out the window in our bedroom I saw something I'd never seen before....a great blue heron flying into one of the giant Oak trees across the street. Grabbing my camera, I ran out front, hoping to get a shot; wishful thinking is what that was. In any case, I watched for a bit and before long the heron flew out with a big branch in his beak, flying toward the lake. In the spirit of hidden pictures, do you see what I see in this shot?
Let me know what you see in the giant pines in another neighbor's yard, lakeside.
Another favorite is my beloved husband who is always so thoughtful in his gifts. He went to two quilting shops looking for supplies! The day after Christmas he called me into the garage where he'd set up this little display.
A sweet French pot, freshly planted, a work table lamp, and a little vase with berries. I'd been saying I needed more light for my sewing table and he listened. I changed the set up in my office in order to make better use of the natural light for these aging eyes!
Although he could take the easy way out, buying me a piece of jewelry like his Dad always did for his Mom, or, he could buy something I'll appreciate every day. I'll take the later, every single time.
Then there is college football. Bruce's brother Cris called, wondering if we'd like to meet for lunch, followed by attending the Russell Athletic Bowl game featuring Baylor and NC State. You bet!! The folks that own these RVs had hope at this point.
Later those hopes were smashed by Baylor, whose band did this before the game. I told you Texans are super proud of their state!
I'd pretty much forgotten how different it is being in the stands at a football game; the young men look so much smaller and younger than on television. Apparently there are two ways to look at things--I was going crazy because a group of about seven preteens would not sit still, blocking my view, and in general making me almost as crazy as the heat. Bruce, on the other hand, said they were there to have fun, so, nicely he told me to get over it. :)
Sadly, I left home without thinking about bringing a second battery. Bad move.
On the domestic front, I've learned something useful, and I hope you will find it useful as well. As I've written in the past, putting the bottom sheet on the bed always stymied me. Now, however, I've learned the secret. Put the corner with the tag on the right bottom corner of the bed, do the opposite corner next, and so on, and it will be right every time. Wisdom gained after a lifetime.
Recently I cleaned off the bulletin board in my office, coming across a card Matt gave me for my 60th birthday. He wrote something sweet about how vibrant my 50's were, and hoped my 60's would be the same. Two years in, I can't determine if I'm heading in that direction, but I hope so.
