Quilt Corner

Tea in the morning.

2012-02-06T06:22:00.000-08:00

Jasmine Tea, stationary bike,design wall meditation.

Tidying?

2011-12-22T18:00:00.000-08:00

Tidying up the design wall, that is.

Tiding up the design wall as two projects are completed

2011-12-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

Feeling Happy this Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

Thankful and it's raining. Thankful and it's warm. Thankful and thinking of loved ones far and near. Thankful and receiving a call,"three more coming for dinner." Thankful and remembering.

Thankful and loved. Thankful and knowing all the help brings that much more thanks. Thankful

wholly, wholly, wholly thankful.

Not to mention pieceful. . .

Enjoyed a weekend of small quilt making

2011-11-16T07:40:00.001-08:00

Sept 1976-He says you could see the energy of the wind in the fabric

2011-09-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBVpgN4JAsE

Sewing Sunday

2011-07-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

Oops! It got cancelled. I was on the old computer class list and one on the new list. The new

list one got a cancel call and the old computer list not so. I did get a jaunt out to the quilt shop

and an invite to stay and sew. Instead I took the new Aug.1 block set, Miss Emilie's Garden by

Lori Smith home to study and start. These blocks are cute, cute, cute.

Also I'll be out to the movies. That's it for now.

Each of these will be going to a new home to join other little churn dashes

2011-06-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

Stitching on a hillside with wild flowers

2011-04-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

While at the sea otter classic mountain bike race, on a green hillside with wild flowers, some

stitching got done. Otherwise I was counting the racers, timing the racers and my blessings

to actually be out in the sun and the green grass with orange and purple wild flowers, tall

green grass and blue sky. Way off in the distance sat a cloud bank where the ocean hid. Glorious

glorious. I won't say that but a stitch or two got done.

Quilt Corner

2011-04-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

Quilt Corner

Something Quick

2011-02-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

I received Little Quilts Swatches in the mail on Friday. On my way out to my hair appointment

I grabbed them and stitched then I went to a bead shop and had a bracelet class. I made a fob for my sissors, earrings and a double strand bracelet. While I was getting instruction and doing the

steps and waiting for the teacher to return with supplies, I finished my stitching. Last night

I finished up a mug rug with the swatches. Love when things go together. Not a bead unused and

not a swatch unquilted. Finishing is freeing.

Lighthouse Challenge Quilt-so proud for many reasons

2011-02-17T20:38:00.001-08:00

Here is my Point Pinos 1854-2011 Lighthouse Quilt

I love everything about it. The original digital design

is by Joy Smallman,DD. I used Jo Morton,Hurrah.

This is a fabric line designed as a patriotic re-

production line. I love it because it is reminiscent of the

civil war era colors. Point Pinos is such a wonderful place.

Initially when I visited for the first time, I was in rapture of

the shear beauty of the ocean views and the natural setting.

And then when I heard the stories of those that had lived

worked and loved the lighthouse, I felt compelled to tell

the stories. I became a volunteer. The stories and records

of those who kept the light are somewhat sparce in the telling.

Some records and writings were available but there is only

enough information that it sets a mind to wondering about

everything that has not been written. For me it was about

wondering and thinking about those keepers. There is nothing

like volunteering at the lighthouse

2011-02-03T08:38:00.001-08:00

Just around the corner

2011-02-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

Tying up a few loose ends

2011-02-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

Love Melissa McCarthy-but I'll pass on Mike and Molly.

The PB&J was at work in the frig. I am over my PB&J craving.

I have decided I truely an appliquer. I love the look of patchwork

but it is a task for me. I will do both but applique for me is like

an ocean wave and me floating on it-very relaxing. It is my Om,

my song of the uni-verse,and glory to God. I had in a class last

weekend that was primarily applique and I throughly enjoyed it.

May a great day be had by all.

Where is the PB&J

2011-01-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

If it's not in the home frig it must be in the work frig. Where else?

I think this is called Lizzy's Quilt, design by Jo Morton

2011-01-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

I hope this says Merry Christmas and Happy Valentines Day all in one.

As always I looked to the quilt to guide my fabric choices. This is a fun

and playful quilt.

Melissa McCarthy. . . in Parade Magazine this morning says

2011-01-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

"To me, having 500 rolls of fabric around is the most calming thing in the world." You have seen her in CBS's Mike and Molly, Gilmore Girls and Samantha Who?

All I have to say is she is so right. Thank you Melissa McCarthy!

Then to I read a very refreshing piece in Quilt Magazine by Kaffe Fasset called "In Praise of

Old Age". Of note in his article, he is entering his 70th year. He is referring to his admiration

of two women in their 80's. One of themis the famousRosalie Goscoigne (1917-1999). There

is to much in this article to quote. If you want to feel really good, just read his article, have a

long life and quilt to the end.

The article on Melissa McCarthy says about fabric,"I think it's what football is to some guys."

I do to Melissa.

This is just some fun I am having on Sunday morning while I have my cookies and tea for breakfast. Now on to my stationary trainer so I can ride my bike in the house. Life doesn't

get any better than this. I finished my Lizzy's quilt from the Jo club last night and it's

not due until next month. Never mind that it's a hugely tiny, tiny quilt.

PS-Parking in San Francisco

2011-01-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today will include a trip to San Francisco today. Why? New Years day everybody is still sleeping

and leave there cars somewhere else. It is a free parking day on the meters and there is parking

galore. No lines at the eateries, no reservations required and no traffic. I normally take BART

rapid transit into the city. I must go to St.Anne's next to Britex. Barbara Brackmen featured it

on her blog. Even if it is not open I want to see the old sewing machines in the window. Sounds

like my kind of window shopping.

1/1/11 awaits

Hello 2011

2011-01-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Who knew?

First a note about ringing out the old.

I had an unplanned day off yesterday and I used it to clear out the old.

I boxed up at least 10 if not more clothes and house hold items and got them

to St.Vincent de Paul in two loads. Freeing, that was the experience. Then

I was invited to dinner with my sweetums. In our little town of approx 70 thousand

there are established restaurants and new start ups. We both read on Thursday that

one of the new ones featured an opera singer with dinner for New Years' Eve. That

sounded unlike anything we had done and it was 3 blocks from our house. The closest

thing we had ever done like this was listening to a operetta on the street corner outside

a restaurant in San Francisco. Not only were we entertained but visited at our table

by this lovely singer. She will be singing near Stanford in February and we will be

opera goers then. What a great way to go out with the old and bring in the new.

Today Sweetums, who makes the best tea in the whole world. His recipe is boil water

and put the tea bag in the cup and pour the water over the tea bag. He never

fills the cup too much. It's delicious every time. Well he made me a cup this morning,

lovely. Oh, back to ringing out the old. I actually got 6 quilts done this year and gave

4 away. That freeing too. Must do more of that this year. Giving is a gift in itself. I'm

hoping for an abundant heart this year as I have read giving is a gift of an abundant heart.

I also know that my spirit of adventure is up and am planning flying and travel. I have

had my feet planted on the ground for a while and flying sounds like a way to go in the

new year. The first time I flew, I was 7. I explored every inch of that plane and was

amazed that flying felt like sitting still. Languages a must, brush up on languages.

That's it for the new year the operative words are

abundant heart

flying

languages

Happy to the New Year

Sew love wherever you go.

Quilt Enthusiast

Enjoying the Season

2010-12-22T06:57:00.000-08:00

Just a little note. This year I attended a holiday quilt guild party. One of the party organizers

has a husband that has been playing the guitar and singing for a good long time. He sang during

the party and played his guitar. Everyone had a great time and there were lots of goodies and

other things to munch on. $1600 was raised for quilting scholarships for local organizations

to promote quilting. Hundreds of quilts were donated for those at the dialysis center and

baby quilts for 3 local hospitals. How very wonderful to be a part of all of this.

Just finished bindings on these fraternal twins

2010-12-21T21:49:00.001-08:00

Blogging Break until after the holidays

2010-12-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

One point of the eight pointed Star of Bethlehem

2010-11-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

Bittersweet Stars

2010-11-13T21:59:00.000-08:00

Sheep Fan/Sheep report

2010-11-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

I live one freeway exit away from the zoo. It is a lovely zoo behind rolling grass hills. In the summer the grass is golden and tall
unless the rent-a-hurd-of sheep have munched it down. This time of year the green is returning. The sheep were nowhere to be
seen the last time I passed by those rolling hills but I knew they had been there. No tall grass to be seen only nubs and sprouting
patches of green.
Another note about the rent a sheep hurd. If I want to go to the ocean for a stroll on the cliffs, I go over the coastal range to a
town that has Christmas tree farms, pumpkin patches, flower farms and a coastal easement that is full of tall grass and flowers
particularly thistle. My dog loves to run wildly through this area. Horses sometimes take the coastal trails and the last time
we were ambling through this are the sheep were on the south side of the easement clearing the thistle and brambles.
I love sheep and the out of doors.

Forgot the picture

2010-10-21T19:37:00.001-07:00

Hat-lee

2010-10-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a girl just feels hat-lee.
Especially on vacation.

I wish I had taken a picture

2010-09-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

I went to a quilt show that was called Quilting in the Garden. There wer 250+ quilts and alot of vendors. The quilts were
hanging from these giant old oaks. It was a lovely setting. It was held at a nursery which was enormous. There was a huge
barn with all kinds of nusery flowers, gifts, china, pottery. Then the garden. There were oodles and oodles of flowers and
plants and trees to buy and gardeners giving demonstrations. There were vignettes everywhere of flowers. I didn't remember
one I saw until after I got home. It was a four poster brass bed and the pillows and bed cover were allysum, panseys, violettas.
In my minds eye it was so soft and lush. I will dream of sleeping in a bed of flowers.

Ready

2010-09-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Friendship blocks, ready. A count of 30 for exchange.

Just wanted to post something

2010-08-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a cool foggy summer but this area will be getting warmer in September and October.
I have been enjoying sweet corn of this time of year, tomatoes,my "ripe-when- they- stripe"
Gravenstein apples, and my strawberries.
Get outside. Capture the noon time sun. I can play with my snippets of time. Five minutes
here and five there.
On the way passed the zoo, the grass was dry last week. The goats were out early in June and
munched all the green grass. I knew those goats needed to get out there again.Passsed
again today and noticed the munchers had done there job. Love those rent-a-goats.

More borders for Keystone

2010-07-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the quilt leads us where we would not have gone.
I did not choose the colors of this quilt, the quilt did. These are
not my typical color choices but as this quilt came together one border at a time
I just played with it until it was done. I love the quilt because I learned alot while
it came together.

Here is a project I've been working on for JLW club tomorrow

2010-07-09T19:49:00.001-07:00

Cleared a spot in the garden for these

2010-05-30T17:17:00.001-07:00

I am enjoying some really lovely quilting publications this long weekend as well, Jo Morton's "Coming Home",Quilt Mania
Spring special edition,with Lucy Kramer Van Slus, Better Homes and Gardens American Patchwork and Quilting with Kathy
Holland's quilt. This a homey long weekend.

Spring is here

2010-05-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

Well spring is here and it is time to get out and smell the roses. Last week we went to the Berkley Rose garden. There were a few
roses in bloom but not every single bush. So on my walks throughout the neighborhood I am looking to see more and more
roses. My mom's roses are in full bloom on her white picket fence. Red. My neighbors white roses are showing off in bright
white in their drive strips. This gives me a clue that the Rose Garden may be in full bloom for the up coming weekend. The
Rose garden in full bloom is a breath taking sight.
On another flower/quilt note my daffodil hill needs a border and I will call that one done.
Spring, Spring, Spring.

Last year's Mother's Day present and the contest between Native Plant Strawberries and Hybrid Strawberries

2010-04-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

So last year I received 6 strawberry plants from my #1DS for mother's day. They were planted in an ideal spot and they yielded
a few strawberries last year. This year is my suprise after a great rainy season and ignoring them pretty much, I got a good
plate full of strawberries. Amazing! I also planted native strawberries this year a couple of months ago. One or two little
berries have been here and eaten. To make it a fair contest, I will have to wait until next year to see what both yield but for
now I have a beautiful plate full of hybrid strawberries. This was a great mother's day present and suprise. Thanks #1DS.

Baskets

2010-04-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here are two baskets. One from Blackbird designs and one slightly smaller that I thought I'd do for a group exchange requiring
a 4" block. Both sizes will be my on-going lunch time projects. I have wicker baskets all over the house and love to use them
for produce, garden harvesting, fabric collecting, quilts, towels, perfumes and the like. My favorite baskets have been found
while with someone special. I have a huge basket from the Napa Valley that I got with my daughter when she was 5. We filled
it while shopping for picnic treats and some herbs from a farm store. Another favorite is a huge basket that was filled when
I won it at my guilds holiday party. The fabric and the books in it I kept. The wine theme and accoutraments went to a co-worker
that has a hobby vineyard. Baskets are fun to get and give.

Latest lunchtime endeavors

2010-03-06T19:30:00.001-08:00

The first is a 4"by4" patch and the second is now 7"x7" but will be squared up to 6.5"x6.5".
These were at my at work lunchtimes and today we drove to the native plant nursery in Tilden Park. Since it was
a clear, bright sunny day at the top of Grizzly Peak we had a treat and were able to see to the Golden Gate Bridge.
I got some edible native plants, some strawberries(very tiny berries) a flowering pink current plant that will have edible
berries come August and I had to get these, a thimbleberry plant. I actually got two thimbleberries( no thorns/sweet berries).
These will produce later in the season.
Looking forward to lots of berries but mind you all these plants are babies. I did have 2 strawberries today while weeding
the strawberry plants I got from DS last year. Thanks DS.

When the cold wind blows by Adams and Allen

2010-03-01T23:41:00.000-08:00

There is a cold wind blowing and the promise of thunder and lightening. Not the crash and boom thunder then lightening but
the far off distant sounds and then pelting buckets with small-small beads of hail. That is the forecast for tomorrow. The wind
is howling at my wndow seals and it's a burry day.
There is ginger in my tea again. Friday I showed off my hand made quilted treasures and today I found a place for them is
a 80x80 size quilt in WTCWB's by A&A. This all makes for cozy nites ahead.
I will go to bed with dreams of these.
And prayers and memories for the passing of my dear young aunt. Her wish was to live and she did. This I will remember
for all my days. Live while you are alive.

fresh ginger is peeled

2010-01-31T21:09:00.000-08:00

And put into a food processor then add a swish of water. Strain the ginger with a tea strainer and heat the fresh ginger
tea and add a constant comment tea bag. Instant goodness in a cup of tea.

Next, go to the closet where all the fabric for the quilts in planning await. Pull out blues. There I have it enough for 2 curtains
and muslin for the lining. It's a go.

Tab curtains.

I have a sore elbow from hand quilting fast. I for now I will let my machine take over. There is nothing like hand sewing for me
though. It is bliss.

Hand sewing for me is, sitting next to my grandfather watching tv in the afternoon. It is praying without doubt. It is the most
hopeful feeling.

Revelling

2009-12-31T07:30:00.001-08:00

Tontie I will be revelling. My daughter is the graphic designer for this poster and for the button for this event. We and she
usually watch TV and hang out at home for new years eve. But tonite we will be out revelling and attempting to make it to
see as many of the venues as possible. One of the venues will feature a film that will be shown at the Sundance competition
in January which was a capstone for one of the film majors at CSUMB.

Revell if you have the opportunity. Have a wonderful New Year.

Out with the old and in with the new

2009-12-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

In 1999 I took a quilting class at the community adult school. The teacher in the fall quarter of 1999 was all about getting
things done before the turn of the century and how the quilts finished in 1999 would be more valuable than the ones done
in 2000 and beyond. Um. Well that century is gone by, by 10 years and there will always be quilts to finish. My theme for
the decade will be out with the old and in with the new. I am hopeful that this will allow me to focus on finishing.

What is it like to finish a quilt? It is the answer to a prayer. It is a dream come true. It is many hours of work that actually
is visible. It is going beyond all the mistakes, miscalculations, procrastination, or a leap in learning and skill to put together
the tangible. It is a cozy nite under the warm cover. It is what started as play, fun, choosing, planning and become something
to enjoy for the memories it has made in the making and the giving or the keeping. Something of the maker and something
in the quilt itself.

It's been a wonderful Christmas

2009-12-25T15:32:00.000-08:00

Merry, Merry to all.

Two days after thanksgiving day

2009-11-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

I was not urged to repaint the living room and dining room after my company came for Thanksgiving.
Sweetums painted the living room mud green and the dining room a sandy green. The celling and trim
are varying shades of tan yellow. It all works suprisingly. And instead of painting while listening to sports
or talk radio, I was treated to session after painting session of classical music.
I went out shopping on black Friday later in the day and had a relaxing time. I had a tea cake and Earl Grey
tea. The only other things I bought were chew bark for the dog and a squeaky tennis ball. I think the pressure
is off this year to buy buy buy. My DD called and wanted me to look at the free section of Craig's list at an
amoire. It occurred to me that this is a pleasant alternative to shopping.
Life is always full of moments that simply cause me to pause and be thankful.

UtilitarianQuilt

2009-11-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

The remanent

The back of the utilitarian quilt

The front of the utilitarian quilt

PS. . . It is fun to have fabric in every nook and cranny on a day like today.
What is something that will take a while for my goiden retriever Poppy (the flower) to chew up?
Why a polyester remament from my halloween costume making era. This occured to me after I had
made a very quick utilitarian quilt for the bottom of her nite time crate. I am sure they will all be
chewed to bits when she is in a chewing mood. But for now it will be a utilitarian quilt and
blanket of the polyester remanent.

Thanks Giving

2009-11-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

Is the operative word Thanks or Giving?
In my mind both are cherished.
To all be blessed.

Jo's Little Women

2009-11-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Oct 3 and Oct 4

2009-10-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, last nite and this morning these were done by hand.
We were at the light house yesterday during the day and it was a beautifully clear day
and there were tons of visitors. I told the Emily Fish story and reminisced about
1855 through1914 many times. Those are my favorite American history times to
go over from the distance of 2009. I would not have wanted to chop wood for warmth,
cooking, and live life without electricity, indoor plumbing, lack hot indoor running
water. I could not have lived without roads and grocery stores and restaurants near
by not to mention quilting supply stores.
Well does this bit of writing read like I'm a 1855 through 1914 wan'a be that is appreciative
of the time period of now.
I have always loved to reminisce and imagine and so I did at Point Pinos yesterday.

I didn't post for Oct 1st so I'll post 2 times on Oct 2nd

2009-10-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

The national parks

2009-10-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

PBS has had the Ken Burns series of the national parks.
I'll be watching tonite. Absolutely wonderful.
I've been carrying this sandwich bag with a quilt square to sew all
day waiting for a snippet of time to sit and sew it together.
I guess this is finally the time.

Routine

2009-09-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

I awake before sunrise. It's a gift, I used to awake singing. I would do it again if I had a supportive fan club.
Teapot is filled with water and the automatic boil is set.
I fill another teapot with water and go first to the front porch, water the tomato plants, few lettuce sprouts,
geranium, Christmas cactus, panseys and marigolds. Then go to the back to water the eight geranium that
hang from a wrought iron plant holder that stands in front of the wood pellet stove vent.
The tea water is poured into the teapot and one tea bag for steeping.
Two minutes and 1/2 cup old fashion oatmeal with 3/4 cup water in to the microwave. Tea and oatmeal
done but taste better later. I talk to DS on the cell as he journey's to work.
Qi Gong, 40 minutes. Rejuevation in the works.
I sewed before work and at lunch, I love the days that this happens.
I pray about the things that remind me this isn't heaven and remember only certain things are routine.
The peppers are from the garden and the quilt squares are from last week and one from this week.
With love and appreciation.

On this day we remember

2009-09-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

those who did not loose hope, who did what they could to raise us all in dignity, sustained in faith, hope and love.

The answer to the question

2009-07-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

for the post on June 26:
How many of these can I make on my vacation.

That is how many 2 inch turkey tracks blocks can I make in one week of vacation.
Well, it is 3.

I love this little patch, however, I made 3.
They are for pincushions.
One for Nancy, the lighthouse docent co-ordinator.
One for my Aunt Anna, just turned __ in the middle of July.
One for me.
I went to a rock quarry for emery (aluminum oxide)
to keep the needles and pins sharp and rust free
I will be making more. I just had more going on during
the vacation than last year when I put together about 3/4
of a tumbler quilt.
I did manage to go to that lovely tea house that I went to
last year. Now I am thinking I can make tea sandwiches,
tea cookies and of course tea for tea time at the drop of
a hat.
Make believe can be heavenly.
Back to work and squeezing in laundry, lunch and dinner prep
walking the dog, Qi gong and quilting in the hours not devoted
to work away from home. No complaints, just going at a quicker
pace than vacation/mostly a stay-cation except for 2 days
away in the mountains.

My newest project

2009-07-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

Fun

2009-06-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

This was fun. How many of these can I do in a week of vacation? I begin tonite.

Itty Bitty probably pin cushion

2009-06-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Experimenting

2009-06-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made madeline cookies for the second time. DD and I bought the madeline cookie pan at the city wide garage sale
May 16. This weekend I made the first batch. Eaten in no time. Yesterday I made the second batch and substituted honey for
sugar. I would not recommend this. Instead of light and airy they were heavvvvy. Then I added fresh lavender. Next time I will
make them with sugar and serve the honey on the side with the lavendar in a very small flower vase on the serving tray. Might
I say this batch is taking 2 days to consume instead of less-than-a few minutes for the first batch. But if one does not experiment one never knows how these things will change the product and consumption.

Now for the quilting being done. What I will say is 1-1/2 inch HST's are another experiment. At some point I know I will begin to
enjoy the process but for me this is not the potatoe chip of my quilt world.

Good nite and sweet dreams

Donation Quilt done

2009-06-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

2008-01-05T08:21:00.000-08:00