studio in the woods

Friday morning moment....

2012-01-27T08:08:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't love pink tulips in the middle of winter. Or anytime.

Another Project:

2012-01-16T08:45:00.004-05:00

DONE!!!
Since our new concrete countertops were installed last week, I was able to bring the rest of this mural down to meet it, finish grouting and call it complete. I wrote about this back in July if you check out my archives. Mine is a smaller version of the school's and working independently without the help of professionals, I think it came out alright. I certainly would do a few things differently, like blend the darks and lights a bit more along the edges. But, no regrets.

I LOVE Mail

2012-01-13T16:05:00.002-05:00

From my 6 nearly 7 year old Daisy scout who not only gets the message across but has to decorate it as well. Just like her Nana. And if you're not sure of your answer, it's right there in black and white for you.

Progress

2012-01-11T09:30:00.002-05:00

The colors, either from my camera or from blogger are very distorted because these are both the same brown background and somewhere in a shade between the two of these. It's a beautiful linen.
This little bird is based on a phoebe, but since I'm deep into The Hunger Games it is turning into a Mockingjay.

Two New Projects

2012-01-06T07:24:00.005-05:00

One: a new bird will soon land on this branch.

Two: a knitting project for a special birthday.

Having more than one project going at the same time is not unusual for me. Or for you, I imagine. When the creative spark hits, you just have to go with it.

And finally, a corner of our house this Friday morning.

Thankful

2011-12-24T07:00:00.009-05:00

Christmas Eve Day is here and we are finally settled into our new home. Most boxes are unpacked and I can say that UN- packing is a whole lot more fun than packing. There's a feeling of accomplishment when you can break down the box FOR THE LAST TIME and throw it into the recycling bin at the dump, oops, transfer station.

I've got a ktichen with a workspace that flows, and counters that are half done, but I guess with concrete it takes a month to cure after its made. Butcher block on the island. In the distance is the mosaic I posted part of earlier. It was a colossal error in measuring (ditzy kitchen planner lady) and because of that it has overflowed it's original boundaries. It's still pretty though.

I have a pantry. And lots of room for the dozens of vases I can't seem to be able to part with.

We even have a tree and little lights in the windows.

We will have a white Christmas after all. This field behind our house is now covered with snow and we have a houseful of family: kids, grandkids and dogs (4). Family traditions. I am hoping the same is in store for all of you reading this post, well, maybe not the 4 dogs! Peace to all.

STITCHED

2011-12-09T06:13:00.005-05:00

My friend and fellow Frayed Edges member Deborah has created a video for one of Alma Stoller's STITCHED series of workshops. If you've never taken an online class, this would be the perfect series to start out with. I looked at the long list of offerings and, believe me, there's something for everyone. Of course I'm VERY biased, but I think Deborah's is the best. Here's a little information about the series:

STITCHED is a collection of 20 online video workshops by 20 talented fabric artists. Students have access to all 20 workshops and can choose to view and work on the projects any time of the day, any day of the week. Registration opens on Dec 1 and the workshops kick off on Jan 1 and run through June 1. Registration is only $89. Deborah is teaching a workshop titled, "Branches, Buds and Blossoms: A Botanical Fabric Collage." She includes videos on selecting fabrics, adding surface design, composing and improvisational hand embroidery.

Above is a sample of her work. I happen to love it. If you can, zoom in on the picture to see all the details.

New Windows and Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-06T05:36:00.012-05:00

Here are two of the three window boxes lining our garage. I can't tell you how patient I have been, wanting to do this the minute we had vertical walls! There's someting about green greens and red berries that makes me so happy. We move into our new home this coming weekend. Even the thought of moving boxes one last time and unpacking is not so overwhelming. I've loved the whole process of building. Everything has gone so well, probably because we have a great contractor, and I can check in every day. Always there are questions.

We've been carrying on with our annual holiday preparations and one of them is getting together with friends to make gingerbread houses...this year is our - yikes!-31st year! That's a lot of houses, trains, lighthouses, you name it, it's been made. This year we added a fish to the lineup:

A lot of time is down time, like when you are in charge of holding the roof until it is firm enough to add the next piece:

and there are engineering feats that just never work out:

like the adirondack chair that never was. On the other hand, there's beginner's luck with this perfectly constructed, first house.

And always, there is wine and lots of smiles shared with good friends and family. Good holiday tradition.

Thanksgiving Week

2011-11-21T05:11:00.004-05:00

Hello! I've taken a little break from blogging, and I'm not sure I'm back to any kind of regularity, but I thought it would be a good idea to post something before I forget how it's done! Our new house is nearly complete: walls are being painted, built-ins are being built in, kitchen cabinets will be here in two weeks (fingers crossed) and our moving date is Dec.10. This is a week for being thankful, and I am, for many things, including a process that has been nearly perfect. No delays. A great contractor. No change orders.

Above is a piece of the mosaic I've done on the wall in the kitchen. It will be the backsplash behind the stove and below the fan. It's one inch glass tiles cut in half or quartered and arranged to look like islands in the ocean. When the stove is installed I'll post a picture of the whole thing. I'm hoping the whole package (cupboards, counters, stove) will deflect the errors I made in design, which I truly didn't see until it was all done.

One of the things I've missed since we've been on the move and living in rentals for the last 6 months, is gardening. Yesterday was such a nice day here in Maine I was able to plant some bulbs around our yard. And today it's 31 degrees. My plan is to head out soon and cut some greens to make a wreath and fill the windowboxes we installed last week. Decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite things, and using natural materials is my preference. Having a home to decorate helps too. Thankful me.

I hope your week leading up to Thanksgiving is a good one, with plenty of blessings to fill your plate. My plate is surely full.

2011-10-15T08:11:00.002-04:00

It's fall here. The wind and rain are wreaking havoc with the foliage and by the end of the weekend, it will probably be a thing of memory. Enjoy the warm winds and apple picking and carving those pumpkins...before we move into that next season that's already starting to show up in the stores. That's just wrong.

Projects and Progress

2011-09-23T06:27:00.003-04:00

I've had a hard time trying to decide whether or not to write this post, but decided I would, mostly so you'd know I really am up to something besides building a house and making 20 decisions a day that have nothing to do with sewing. The reason behind this hesitation is this: when I look at this piece, which I made for an animal shelter fundraiser called Woofstock, I get sad and mad...and then I think, lesson learned. The lesson is this: know your audience BEFORE you make something worth more than it will potentially go for. Start out with a minimum bid. And let it go. Which I will do once I get through with this post. Some lucky person walked away with a really cool 2'x3' folk art dog and owl for $30. Yuk.

On a happier note, our house has windows and a roof to date. No front door yet, but that will be soon. And no pictures because, really, the inside is just a bunch of 2x4's. But as soon as the siding is on I'll start boring you silly with lots of progress pics. Like pictures of the bathroom tile, and the concrete countertop I've chosen, or maybe the garage doors. Bet you can't wait for that one. But I will show you a progress shot of this:

My new studio space. Exciting!

Summer Mittens with Citrus

2011-08-24T06:14:00.005-04:00

Our "top chef" competition this year during our family vacation was another big hit. The secret ingredient, which had to be featured in each course, was citrus. It always manages to show up in the clothes everyone wears, or the music played during dinner, or the color of our fingernails.

We're not quite settled after a busy summer, but by Labor day life will be a bit more stable. We've been traveling from borrowed house to borrowed house until we can get into the winter rental on the coast we wanted. And this is the reason for all the upheaval:

Our new house has VERTICAL WALLS! Very exciting after waiting so long.

I've been dong a bit of sewing, but mostly by hand since my studio is in storage for the forseeable future. I've been looking at a lot of art though, in galleries and museums. I love these first friday (or every friday) night art walks in so many towns. What could be better than checking out all that inspiration with a glass of wine in hand and fellow art lovers surrounding you.

2011-07-22T07:11:00.001-04:00

Location, location, location. Wonder how much his taxes are?

Fish Galore

2011-07-18T10:03:00.007-04:00

I apologize for neglecting my blog for a few weeks. Unfortunately, it's probably not going to get any better until the fall. House stuff. But, in the meantime, I have these beautiful pictures to share with you. This sculpture was done by elementary school students, from kindergarten to maybe 4th graders. The smaller ones, done by the younger kids, are at the top and get larger as they hang down.

The making of this project was coordinated by one amazing art teacher. It was a year long in the making and hangs in the foyer of the Camden Elementary School.

This years project was installed in the Middle School and is a mural made of 47,000 small tiles.

Both of these are on my to do list...find out HOW (to tile), WHAT (are those fish made of), and then DO!

2011-06-06T06:52:00.002-04:00

A new little wren, done on a scrap of silk picked up at the landfill. I'm still working on the rest of the background so no pictures of that part yet. Maybe later. I do love the way these little birds hold their tails so straight up in the air. I'm trying to learn the different sounds the birds make, but I don't seem to be able to keep them straight. I remember the easy ones, cardinals, jays, ospreys, the ovenbird, chickadees, and maybe even a house wren, but the warblers, vireos, the sweet little titmouses and nuthatches I can't keep in my brain. I guess it doesn't really matter, but it does make it a bit more enjoyable to know which birds are talking to me or scolding me for getting too close. After a long, cold, quiet winter, it's so nice to have these singers back.

2011-06-02T07:02:00.003-04:00

After an early morning hike up Mt. Batty last week, these two aliens appeared out of the fog to greet us.

2011-05-29T06:59:00.004-04:00

For all my loyal blog readers (and I know there are a couple of you out there), I'm still here, though not there any more. Our second Sunday in our new temporary hometown, Camden ME. Temporary for the next few months until our house is completed. It's a lovely spot and very different from what we're used to. It's kind of fun to be able to walk downtown for breakfast, or to the art supply store which is no more than 5 minutes downhill. I have a new little wren I'm working on which I'll post pics of soon, a bit of fiber duff. In the meantime, I'm wondering if I have the expertise to do this beautiful eye justice in fabric.

Changes

2011-05-14T05:39:00.004-04:00

My life these days is a bit topsy turvy. Spring is beautiful here and so are my gardens, but, unfortunately they're taking a back seat to the rest of my life, which is this:

Empty rooms. And boxes.

What to put in storage for the next 9 months until our house is built, and what will we need to move to our rental house. One more week and all the hard work of moving will be behind us.

In the meantime, maybe we'll take a day and chill. Wine beside the water. Sounds perfect. Enjoy the weekend!

Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust

2011-04-30T13:04:00.003-04:00

...and a visit to the daffodil field. Hundreds and hundreds of beautiful flowers growing in a magical setting. Worth the 4 hour trip to southeastern Mass, but then of course that wasn't the main reason for my weekend trip. Visiting with a lifelong best friend is worth driving any distance.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T07:33:00.002-04:00

Family time. Lovely.

New pillows

2011-04-20T06:48:00.008-04:00

After 2 years and 2 months our house is finally under contract. (Loud cheering and jumping up and down here). And since then, our agent happened to mention she's had several more calls from interested parties. Go figure...where were they 2 years ago? Probably hiding under a rock waiting to see if they were going to have any money to spend in the future...

We are planning on building a new house, so of course this new development has set in motion lots of things for the last minute. Like find a place to live for the next 6 to 9 months. Packing 40 years of accumulated living. What goes into storage and what comes to temporary digs. Of course, I've tried to think what might I REALLY need from my studio, and ended up deciding I couldn't live without most of it. Thank goodness the house we found to rent has 4 bedrooms and a huge finished loft area. So, in the meantime, I really am cleaning out things and making trips to the dump (sorry, landfill)(sorry, transfer station). Like the other day when I took a whole car full of stuff, and as I was leaving I passed our 'recycle area' and my eye caught at least a dozen fabric swatch books someone had left. For about one second my mind said NO but only for a second. There were satins in lovely shades, silks, sheers, you name it. Of course I had to take them home. I did have this little talk with myself though as I left. It went something like this: "Okay, you're going to take these books apart and take ONLY WHAT YOU REALLY THINK YOU'LL USE. Then you're going to take the torn apart books back to the dump. THEN, you're going to sit down and actually MAKE something with some of these, right away, before you forget why you took them in the first place." And I did.

It was a good distraction from decision making.

Spring Tulips

2011-04-20T06:38:00.006-04:00

Here is a piece I finished a month or so ago. I say finished, but after a critique from my Frayed Edges friends, there's one more thing I need to do. Bring this line of white seed stitches down about another inch or so.

I'm really loving using grays for a ground (as I did in Tilly). It makes any other colors used 'pop'. The flowers are pieced with hand dyes and then enhanced with some fabric paints. I'm waiting patiently for my tulips outside to pop...but Mother Nature has given us back the liquid lake so it won't be long before the spots of snow in the woods will disappear too.

Frayed Edges

2011-03-29T06:15:00.006-04:00

My small quilting group got together yesterday at Kate's house for sharing and for food. Some day's there are a lot of quilts to share, new books to look at (not so many since Hannah left us :) and always food.

Yesterday was food and catching up with each others lives. We started out with sticky buns, Nana's roll recipe dressed up in brown sugar and pecans. I'll do that again. I've never met a sticky bun I haven't loved. I showed off my Tillie quilt which I posted earlier, and one other I had made of pink tulips on my windowsill...sorry, no picture yet. I left it behind by accident. Memory is a fickle thing when you hit...older. But there was the beautiful spring green tablecloth Kate had dyed from an old white linen one. Not to mention the spanakopita and green salad.

And this is the real color of the cloth, not washed out by my camera.

Talking, eating, catching up. All good.

Really???

2011-03-26T07:28:00.002-04:00

I mean REALLY?? i don't often stick my neck out to comment on the latest fashions that appear in my inbox, but, come on. WHO would look good running (or doing anything) in these? Am I just too old to appreciate 'designer?' As my friend Betsy would say, "I wouldn't wear these to the barn."

Making Nana's rolls

2011-03-24T08:08:00.005-04:00

My grandmother made the best rolls. As she got well into her 80's, some forward thinking daughter of hers asked her how to make them, and by doing so, preserving the recipe (and memories) for future generations. Like me. It takes all day, but they are so worth it. I remember watching them rise and she would always let me taste the warm, yeasty dough. I've had several flops, once when I killed the yeast and they never rose. Once I forgot the salt.

My favorite days to make them are the overcast and cold ones, when I can get the cookstove going and let them rise in it's heat. Those rolls are the best, always soft, with that delicious yeasty taste. And the bowl; I've used the same one since I've been making them...it's part of the ritual. I bought it for $16 at the home of Shard Pottery when they were still in business, not far from here. On the second's porch. I still haven't found anything wrong with it that would make it a second, though.
So, if anyone wants to try these here's the recipe, word for word. Here's to family recipes!

Nana Flanagan's Rolls

In saucepan heat to just below boiling-

1 cup sugar
1 stick oleo
2 cups milk
level soup spoon salt (1 TBSP)

Cool.
Crumble yeast cake in warm water- (I use 2 pkg. dry yeast and about 1/4 cup warm water)
When milk mixture is lukewarm add to it one beaten egg and yeast mixture- then add sifted flour until right consistency- I think it's about 6 to 8 cups- get it so you can knead it without it sticking to your fingers. Cover with plate-wrap it up and put in a warm place to rise- cut down after 2 hours- let rise again. Roll out and put in pan. Let rise again.
Bake about 20-25 minutes at 350 or 375 degrees.

Tillie Lays an Egg

2011-03-16T17:04:00.002-04:00

A while back I posted an in-progress picture of Tillie and a link to my granddaughter's favorite book. Well, she has many favorites, but WE (she and I) like this one. By Terry Golson, who generously gave me permission to use the name. Now it's done and I will cross it off my list. Hope you like it.

A Little Project

2011-03-11T06:28:00.005-05:00

A 4x5 inch birthday book. Why are circles so appealing?

Spring is coming....right?

2011-03-10T07:09:00.003-05:00

On my afternoon walk the other day I was treated to the sound of glassy wind chimes as the wind blew these ice covered branches. And today more snow, but I just know we're headed into something good. First step on Sunday morning: turn the clocks forward!

Little Birds...

2011-02-19T06:53:00.002-05:00

...that have nothing to do with math.

Today It's Gnomons

2011-02-16T07:10:00.003-05:00

Gnomons seem to have a lot of different definitions which makes it difficult for someone like me (one that needs clarity) to explain what it means. 'The part of a sundial that casts a shadow?' Or, how about this one: 'that which, when added to an entity (number or shape), makes a new entity similar to the starting entity.' And I really like this one because I can see it: Gnomon is the name given to an aesthetic process utilized by James Joyce, in his set of short stories, Dubliners, whereby the whole of the character is revealed by a single part. I only know I thought of circles when we discussed them in our class. And complimentary colors.

Next, we move onto symmetry and rigid motion...does that sound like an oxymoron to anyone besides me? You know, rigid (unmoving) and motion (moving)? We shall see. It's all about keeping an open mind, I guess.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T20:02:00.001-05:00

Oh, yes. Sugar cookies for Valentine's Day. Have a happy one!

Math and Nature

2011-02-09T05:57:00.005-05:00

So, here we are, nearly to the middle of my least favorite month. With the biggest piles of snow in a long while. And today, wind chills below 0. Spring is just around the corner, but the corner seems a bit far away about now. Thank goodness I'm keeping my mind busy with my math class. It is very stimulating and I find I'm putting a lot of time and energy into learning, or relearning something very interesting. When I'm not doing problems, I'm working on my journal...

This is the famous Fibonacci Spiral in fabric. The sequence of numbers comes up in nature often. The structure is very similar to the traditional log cabin construction, spiraling around a center block. The difference, though, is this spiral grows exponentially with each addition. Like the numbers: 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21, 34,55,89,144...adding the last number with the previous to get the next.

And then there's the rabbits. Fibonacci figured out that if a pair of rabbits, under ideal conditions, reproduced regularly, they would have 144 (a fibonacci number) rabbits at the end of the year..and every month up to that point will follow the sequence as well.

The center of many flowers grow in a spiral pattern. One set of spirals goes in one direction and one in the other...(I think I need to add a few more beads here). On a pineapple, there are 8 spirals in one direction and 13 in the other (fibonacci numbers). News you can't use, but interesting nonetheless.

Another Snow Day

2011-02-02T07:39:00.001-05:00

Expanding

2011-02-02T07:15:00.004-05:00

True to my last post about growing younger in 2011 I've decided to start with "expansion." I'm auditing a math class at our local college. Math and me have always been like oil and water, we both don't like each other much. But this opportunity came along and the class sounded interesting: Ferns and Fractals, Math in Nature. And because I'm doing it for fun, there's no pressure to participate or pass tests, but I can if I want. It also happened about the same time I discovered Deborah's post on the Crochet Coral Reef. The math is challenging since I had to go back and relearn basic algebra before any of this made sense, but despite how terrible I am at it, I remember how much I loved the 'sense' of it, the thrill of coming to the right answer. There have been many 'oh my goodness' moments. Fibonacci spirals, phyllotaxis, gnomons. Symmetry is next as well as M.C. Escher...great fodder for quilt designs. I will do a project due at the end of class which is April. Spring. I'm thinking of something along the lines of the Sketchbook Project, a book with a page for each new thing I'm learning. Mixed media: fabric, paper, stitch and glue.

2011-01-13T06:53:00.005-05:00

Everyone is looking for something new to get them through the coming year. A word or a phrase, something to guide their movements or actions. Sarah has chosen a word for the year: breathe. And if you've read her blog over the last few months she's had a lot of stress thrown her way and is probably looking forward to a little clean air and deep breaths. I came across this blog, new to me but now on my list, and was inspired enough to adopt her thoughts for the coming year, I mean who wouldn't be after reading the title of the post: "Growing younger in 2011." Carolina says there are 3 keys to the process, Expansion, Contraction, and Completion. Without knowing it, I've been working on the first two (sort of) and will try harder on the third. Expand your mind, contract your body and finish your projects. But read it for yourself and see what you think.
And the tulips? A glimpse of color in the black and white of a snowstorm.

2011-01-06T07:40:00.002-05:00

Where do I start....any recommendations? Of course it would make more sense for me to 'start' finishing other projects left to loose ends, like the bookcases and trim I'm painting (paint drying =reading time), or the two full size quilts that need a bit of work, or the 2 small sewing projects, or removing the greens from the windowsill and the list goes on. Then after reading Joanne's blog this morning I realized I should give my geraniums some attention too. And dust MY lampshades. And go for a 3 mile walk. But January is a very long month followed by an even longer February, so it's good to have things to keep my mind off how far away spring is. Very good to be so busy.

Bright Stars and a Clear Sky

2011-01-01T08:14:00.002-05:00

A quiet night here, some of us made it till midnight and one was happily tucked under the down comforter dreaming about all the wonderful possibilities 2011 may bring. Hoping your new year is whatever you need it to be.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T06:23:00.002-05:00

Our Christmas card...postcard size with a painted full moon and printed words. Have a lovely holiday.

Something from our home to yours this Monday:

2010-12-13T07:40:00.002-05:00

We're getting ready!

Etsy Maine Team

2010-12-09T07:09:00.005-05:00

Our state Etsy team had a holiday sale this past weekend and it was so nice to actually see WHO, and WHAT, and from WHERE all these talented people came from. So many nice things could be picked up and admired.

I bought this beautiful handmade journal from PurplebeanBindery 'supposedly' for someone on my list, but really, I don't think I can part with it. I think it was for me all along.

I bought other beautiful things but nothing I can share right now, gifts destined for friends. That stop by this blog occasionally. Secrets.

Stilllife with Handheld Technology

2010-12-06T11:09:00.004-05:00

What's wrong with this picture??
In their defense, I think they're all playing scrabble together...remember when you used to play on a real board with real tiles?

More Birds

2010-12-06T10:56:00.003-05:00

We've been visited by a flock of birds.

I bought a pillow top from one of the catalogs I get and needed another to balance the couch. It came out alright though the green is a bit off.

I haven't bought a pillow top in years because I see it and I make it, but this one was so pretty and I didn't relish the idea of making all those big french knots. It was worth paying for it and having it come to my mailbox.

I did a FEW french knots but just a few.

Midday Visitor

2010-11-20T06:45:00.002-05:00

It's such a treat when this happens: sitting on the couch, minding your own business, when a movement catches your attention and you look up to find a beautiful owl sitting on a branch looking at you. We're surrounded by woods, but this has never happened in all the 32 years we've been here. According to some cultures, he is a harbinger of bad juju (well, death) but I am thinking only good fortune with this one. His head swiveled like crazy and when I moved in the doorway to take this picture he looked directly at me.

Bluebird

2010-11-14T06:28:00.006-05:00

I've almost finished another bird hanging save for a few more embroidery stitches here and there. I like this one a lot, the colors, the pieced tree, the idea of nesting especially at this time of year. The days are cold now; the yard is cleaned up from summer gardening and waiting for spring, same as me as I hunker down and wait myself.

I've seen Christmas lights outdoors already and one tree in someone's window. They must love these days...and the catalogs have started to arrive. My goodness,things are moving fast, except at 3:30 in the afternoon it still feels like it should be 4:30, bah humbug to the time change!

Spring Equinox

2010-11-04T06:57:00.002-04:00

Something to look forward to. Beautiful, Sarah, thanks!

Dog Collars...and cats too

2010-11-03T06:52:00.006-04:00

When my daughter, Sarah, was two she wanted a horse...she got a cat. When she was 6 she still wanted a horse...she got a dog, a sweet beagle from the shelter that made us all happy for many years. But the horse thing didn't go away. So when we thought she was old enough to care for a horse by herself we caved in and got her her first horse of many. Needless to say, her focus has always been towards animals, college focused on animals, and now a job that puts her in the middle of animals. It just seems natural she'd come up with a new project for me that has to do with animals. Pet collars.

I've opened an Etsy shop just to see what happens. You can check it out here.

Gourd-eous

2010-10-29T20:35:00.004-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone. I'll be back soon with new things to share...

Happy Fall, beautiful days..

2010-10-13T14:42:00.002-04:00

Lunch at Kate's.

Last Roses of summer

2010-10-06T06:36:00.000-04:00

Bitty Booties

2010-10-01T16:06:00.006-04:00

One of my former co-workers is having a baby. I have a store bought gift but I wanted to add a little personal touch. I like personal touches. I know not everyone appreciates it, but I don't care anymore; I don't do it for them, I do it for me. I started out finding this free down loadable pattern on line and printing it out. It comes in two sizes, 0 to 3 months and 3 to 6 months.

I thought I would make it out of felt, but since I didn't have any and I found this piece of felted wool roving I had done a bit ago, I decided to use it.

I decided to put a few spots of color on the white BEFORE I stitched them together. Then I added some pink floss stitches around them. (It's a girl, BTW)

Yes, my expertise does NOT lean toward even stitches, but when you take a close-up picture anything can look off kilter. Excuses, excuses. I decided to add some pretty ribbon ties to the top edge to make them extra snuggly. I'm happy with the finished product though, and those little baby feet will be very warm this winter.

Many artists are taking the 'process pledge' and I love the reasoning behind it, but I have a hard time committing to something...wonder what that says about me. I prefer to do it my way. Sometimes I will, sometimes I will forget to take photos, sometimes my thinking is just too convoluted, but I'm going to give it all a try. Like this little practice piece.

Ganache

2010-09-23T11:44:00.004-04:00

I am 'ganashing' my teeth after my first ganache failure. Never made it before but I know my mistake and what to expect next time. My beautiful blue hydrangeas are doing nothing to hide the disappointing texture of the ganache. Yes, I left it in the fridge overnight BEFORE I spread it. A good lesson, actually, when you take something positive away. These may not look as pretty and shiny as my sister-in-law Heidi's gorgeous car bomb cupcakes, but we'll enjoy them nonetheless.

2010-09-16T07:53:00.002-04:00

This is what I'm thinking about this morning. A window of an old department store (remember those?) on the main street in Eastport, ME. I think this image could be used in a piece, but what I'm pondering is digital transfer? silkscreen? fabric? Too many choices paralyze me and I do nothing.

Our Labor Day weekend

2010-09-07T07:23:00.005-04:00

We had a fabulous weekend, thanks to our kids who decided we should not let our 40th anniversary slip by unnoticed. Quietly, I said. So all 7 of us went for a 3 hour cruise (my choice) out of Portsmouth Harbor to the Isles of Shoals (location of The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve). One of the islands, Appledore, is the home of the famous poet Celia Thaxter, born in the early 1800's. It was a beautiful day after all the hoopla Earl created along the eastern seaboard. We were able to get off the boat to walk around and explore for only an hour which wasn't long enough, but while there I stumbled on this gorgeous pot.

Little did I know that the color for this month's 12x12 was patina, or rust. Just loved this. I wanted to take it home, but then, really, do I need another pot?

Gifts

2010-09-03T06:25:00.000-04:00

Japanese Temari Ball made by Kate...one of a kind and beautiful.

2010-08-31T14:25:00.007-04:00

I had a great birthday yesterday...turning 60 wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. It helped to celebrate with friends and family over the previous few days, along with a few glasses of wine and an occasional hazelnut martini. It started with my Frayed Edges friends Sarah and Kate and lunch overlooking Muscongus Bay.
The only one missing was Deborah, but she's getting closer. And besides some great artsy conversation she missed this:

To continue the celebrating we had dinner with my sister and her family and another cake along with flowers and balloons. We ended last night with a "happy hour" on the lawn at the Camden Yacht Club with good friends after it was closed for the night. Talk about a drop dead view. Sorry, no pictures...we were too busy laughing and toasting. Toasting the fact that FINALLY I had joined my 3 companions into the 60th decade.

In the run up to the end of summer, I actually finished a new small bird, all done by hand while sitting in a chair by the water:
The colors are a bit washed out from my camera, but hopefully you can get a good look at the stitching. I stopped doing a lot of hand stitching several years ago when I began to have some hand issues, so it's refreshing to do a little here and there, during times when a machine would be difficult to move around. Enjoy!

New Framing...

2010-08-10T11:25:00.004-04:00

Well, new for me anyway. I've been mounting small pieces (this one is 12x12) on gallery wrapped canvas. I use my 40% off coupon from any of the craft stores, or wait for it to go on sale, which is often it seems. The sides are painted some color that will coordinate. In this case the paint is an off white that matches the binding even though my photography shows something completely different. I think it gives the piece some much needed 'bulk' and it is less likely to get lost on the wall. I think it looks more professional too.

On another note, I've finished this piece. New birds. Actually, I THOUGHT it was finished until I took this picture and realized one leaf has only one sequin. I never noticed it. Maybe we can pretend it's just budding?

Adventures in Vacationland

2010-07-28T15:08:00.006-04:00

I have the most clever nieces and nephews...they decided a few weeks ago they would hold a camp for little kids while we were on vacation in Bayside. So, they made brochures, handed them out the first day we arrived, and started bright and early on Monday morning. It runs for an hour and they do a craft, a game, a story and snack. It's held in the public park overlooking Penobscot Bay. And kids have come! Even Bayside Bunny has spent a fair bit of time there.

Ella does the reading. She's 'camp director.'

Charlie is the 'athletic director.' He's in charge of anything physical.

Katherine is the 'arts and crafts' director. She carries the big box to the park every morning.

That's Katherine in the scarf. She's 7. Ella is 12. Charlie is 9.

Family Vacation

2010-07-27T08:31:00.003-04:00

Aren't they great? Nothing like being surrounded by nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers, sisters, and friends. Bayside Bunny walked down to the park to get the paper one morning....I don't think we could have planned a better headline if we tried. Just perfect.

2010-07-22T14:12:00.002-04:00

Dear Declan,
Look what I found on the shelf in my studio! Of course he was all in pieces when I discovered him, but with a little ingenuity on my part, he was put back together in no time! And right now, he's tucked into my suitcase between my bathing suit and my pajamas, excited to meet you in Bayside on Saturday! The last Bayside Bunny!

Love,
Aunt Kathy

What to do with that rock collection.....

2010-07-20T13:34:00.005-04:00

I think I'm going through a very 'scattered' time. I go from one thing to another. Planning things to do on road trips. Planning menus for a week at our rental cottage. Keeping our house in 'show shape' for prospective buyers. Weeding, weeding, weeding. Exercise? Maybe. I don't have the concentration to start on any one new piece of quilting, so I find myself surfing the net for quick, satisfying things to keep my hands busy, something with almost instant gratification. Something beautiful. I found an article on knotless netting, and this one blog with some incredible work. There are also some good videos to help you get started if you're interested. Buy some cording, find a rock that speaks to you, get a darning needle, and that's it. In less than an hour you could have one of these too.

DONE!

2010-07-20T12:57:00.005-04:00

It's only been 3 years which in my knitting world is not really that long to finish a project. As a matter of fact, according to some of my knitting friends, it's not long at all. The sweater is not perfect, but it FITS and it looks pretty good. You can't see any of the mistakes. And, yes, it was supposed to be long sleeved, but I opted for finishing it in this decade.

The pattern is one I got on line from www.justonemorerow.com. So I can cross this off my list of unfinished projects and move on to yet another UFO. My bird in the previous post is in danger of becoming one of those. I get to that point in creating something where I KNOW what it's going to look like and somehow the 'discovery' element is resolved, therefore I don't have the desire to complete it. Mystery solved. I'm working on this though, because I do like to have closure almost as much as I like to create.

What's New....

2010-07-10T05:27:00.003-04:00

Yes, she will have legs eventually, as well as a nest to stand on the edge of. Slow hand. Made from the dyed avocado skins and pits. The eggs are made of some fabric I had dyed (procion dye) previously. This will be my car project for our very long drive to Prince Edward Island tomorrow.

2010-07-02T08:02:00.002-04:00

I was reading some blogs yesterday (yes, I have time to surf other blogs but don't seem to be able to post often enough on my own), and found that someone, and I'm so sorry I can't remember who or where, had dyed some fabric using avocados and the fabrics were these beautiful shades of pink and peach. I didn't believe it so I had to try it for myself. One avocado peel and one pit later this is what I had this morning. Next time I'll use a bigger container and maybe more peels and pits and try for a more even dye. I wasn't very careful because I really didn't think it would work. Avocados. Imagine such a pretty pink. (The photo doesn't do justice to the real thing). They say you can get a nice green from red onion skins. I'll try that next.

Morning Glor-iousness!

2010-06-18T07:45:00.001-04:00

2010-06-13T06:28:00.002-04:00

Trying to figure out the best way to print this painting on fabric...I learned it all once and now I have to relearn it. I even wrote it all down in a book. Which is packed away. Somewhere. Seems a bit overwhelming to me right now. Is this about the project or the fact that I have stuff here and stuff there and a house for sale with plans for a new one and neither is going anywhere. Nor am I. This patience thing is wearing thin.

Like a moth to the light....

2010-06-04T07:21:00.005-04:00

We left our outdoor light on by accident last night and found these visitors. There are so many different kinds and one big Luna moth.

This one, all curled up, looks like a piece of wood. Amazing.

Golden and beautiful.

A little bird

2010-05-20T12:18:00.005-04:00

Funny little thing. Done with a slow hand...

What's on my design wall:

2010-05-09T08:13:00.006-04:00

After a visit to one of my favorite fabric shops, and after choosing a color palette outside my comfort zone, I decided I could use this time ( what I consider a quilting slump) to make a twin size bedcover for our new house. IF we ever get to build it. But that's another story. After I saw all these fabrics I thought about just cutting squares and stitching them together, but the more I looked at it the more it reminded me of one of my favorite children's book authors, Dahlov Ipcar. She's a Maine author and illustrator who is still painting every day as she heads further into her 80's. Here are just a few of her books:

I'm planning on 6 or 7 large squares with some sort of animal applique (machined), and the rest will be small squares within squares, or strips of fabric. I think this project is just what I needed and I'm really happy to be excited about seeing how it comes out.

Running Chickens...can't see where he's headed yet. And...

Kitty without a mouth, only temporary.

What's up:

2010-05-06T07:44:00.003-04:00

I've done something artsy. It's not much, but its a start. This 2 month hiatus from creating is getting me down. I wander around the house purposely avoiding my studio, but now I see the door has opened a crack. I sigh a lot, and talk to myself a lot, reminding myself that it's SPRING and what can be so bad when everything is so beautiful. And it's true. Life is good. With more to come!

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

2010-04-29T06:35:00.003-04:00

...for a children's classroom quilt, my latest journey back into the quilting world. Something easy, mindless. The children each drew on a white square with fabric crayons and once it was together I spent the day yesterday machine quilting it. Like I said, easy. Apparently, these little bugs are classroom pets, along with the birds and gerbils. Progressive, eh?

Back for Now

2010-04-23T18:07:00.004-04:00

Sorry I've been away for a while. My husband and I spent a week of vacation in Florida, sitting on the beach and sharing meals with very good friends. It was a much needed vacation, as if there could be any other kind. My father passed away almost two months ago and in that time we've emptied his house of 60 years of belongings, (his wishes in his will, asap), plus stripped wallpaper and painted to update things for a hopefully quick sale. "We" refers to my 7 siblings and many grandchildren and a couple of great grandchildren. For anyone who has had to go through this process, I know you know how difficult it can be. But I sent a note to our real estate agent today and said we'd be ready NEXT WEEKEND!!! So good, and so good to get back to real life and quilting. IT feels like it was all another lifetime ago. Time to put it all behind me and move on.

Martha, Hannah, in foreground and Ella Jane in the back. All hard workers!

2010-03-30T19:25:00.004-04:00

I'm practicing curves. 'They' make it look so easy.

Tuesday view from my kitchen window

2010-03-23T08:29:00.001-04:00

Daffodils ready to open, birds at my feeders and April showers in March. I'll take it.

Birthday gifts

2010-03-05T07:34:00.003-05:00

I've been keeping my mind occupied by making a birthday gift for my lovely niece Jess from a recycled black oil sunflower seed bag and an old table runner of my mothers (see red square in the middle of the card?) . One with a big stain in the middle making it not so good for it's original purpose. The bags of birdseed these days are so pretty, at least this one was. So this bag has two sides and two different colored handles depending on which side you look at. IT also has a couple of pockets on the inside which I think is one very important necessity in a carry-all.

A Conversation in the backseat

2010-03-02T17:29:00.004-05:00

Me to my 5 year old granddaughter:

"So, Charlotte, do you know what we're doing now?"
"No."
"We're on our way to the cemetery to bury Papa." ( my father) Do you know what a cemetery is?"
Silence.
"A cemetery is where you bury people who have died."
"Yeah, like we buried our cat, Rosie?"
"That's right. You can bury people or cats or dogs, or fish....."
Pause.
"Actually, Nana, fish get flushed down the toilet."
Oh, sorry Charlotte. I forgot.

p.s. for all that have read my previous post, my sister and I finished our socks and they are keeping our father's feet very warm for all eternity.

UFO's

2010-02-22T07:10:00.003-05:00

I just spent a few days with my sister and her family in Northampton, Mass., an interesting and unique town. But while I was there we decided to do a joint knitting project for our father's 80th birthday. We're each going to make one sock. Talk about interesting. Interpreting directions in our own particular style. He won't care if they don't look exactly the same, as long as they keep his feet warm.

Tricia decided to pull out her old knitting projects and I have to tell you, I felt more than a little glee at her unfinished projects, because, well, I have my share as I know many others do too.
The baby sweater was done, (so close to done!!), a while back. She didn't say how far back, but my guess it was at least 9 years ago. She calls it the sweater for the "baby with gorilla arms", which may be why she never completed it? The stripey blue mitten was for nephew Ian, who is now 24, started when he was maybe 9 or 10 I'm guessing. The solid blue is for nephew Stephen who turned 22 this year. Same story.

Need I say anymore about why she's only making one sock for dad's birthday?

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T16:51:00.008-05:00

We spent the night in Portland last night and woke up to a town decorated by a secret Cupid:

All the shop windows along Commercial Street in the Old Port were decorated, as well as
a big heart hanging from the roof of the Museum of Art,

a symbol of love in the window of the Children's Museum, and

love at Starbucks. Even our cups had pretty red hearts on them.

I can't say I get excited about Valentine's Day, but I do love hearts. And here are some more for you.

Hope you could spend the day with someone who means 'love' to you.

Walking

2010-02-07T07:14:00.002-05:00

Every afternoon I try to get out and walk for an hour. Sometimes I walk along the road, but in the winter there's too much to explore. I'll be walking along the road and suddenly a snowmobile trail will shoot off across a field and disappear into the woods. Hmmm. It's like discovering a whole new world that was there all the time. And quiet. In Julia Cameron's book, Vein of Gold, she talks about walking meditation. It's just that, meditating while moving. I've solved a lot of design problems on this deserted narrow gauge railroad bed, leaving some work or another on my design wall in exchange for a breath of fresh air. I always come back refreshed and calm. A bit tired sometimes, but always a bit better than when I walked out the door.

Photo EZ

2010-01-30T10:53:00.004-05:00

I've had this in my fridge for a while, quite afraid to use it...silly me. It's SO EZ! It's also expensive and I didn't want to waste it since I had no design in mind to try, but when I saw this leftover fennel frond sitting on my counter, it seemed like just the right thing to try it out on. Silkscreening has never been easier. I remember using time intensive and chemical-ly intensive materials in the past and never wanted to go there again. Follow the directions carefully and it's a piece of cake.
All you do is put your design, which can be printed on a transparency or regular piece of paper ("developing" times vary depending on which you use) on top of the film, sandwich it between plexiglass, and stand in the sun. If you can find some. Soak the film for 10 minutes in water and that's it. Ready to use.

She'll soon be 5....

2010-01-26T13:09:00.002-05:00

..and will have a new dress to wear. As long as it's not TOO pokey, TOO itchy, TOO tight, or TOO buttony..too buttony?

Hot Cookies

2010-01-24T15:02:00.001-05:00

Care to join me on this beautiful Sunday afternoon?

Surrounded by Beauty

2010-01-20T07:02:00.000-05:00

And No School!

Photoshop 101

2010-01-10T07:11:00.002-05:00

This is just me playing, not part of my class. I do like the idea of laying text on a background though. It gives the boring words a little kick in the butt. I can see at least three things I could improve next time...well, maybe more. Learning curve is BIG on this venture.

Sign seen during recent N'oreaster

2010-01-05T05:30:00.002-05:00

ayuh.

Cousins

2009-12-27T09:08:00.001-05:00

What could be better than three girls cousins waking up together after a great Christmas party the night before?!

2009-12-27T08:59:00.003-05:00

Three postcards sent as a series, taking the idea from my good friend Deborah.

Red and Green

2009-12-18T08:33:00.004-05:00

I've been working on something a little different for me. A small break from all the birds that are taking over my mind. I found inspiration by accident, at a local gallery in Portland. It was a full sized quilt, hanging on the wall, twenty large red squares with circles of green moving out from the center circle. Like a pebble dropped in the water. They were all machine sewn and mostly from solid fabrics. But it was red and green, complimentary colors that I think have gotten a bad rap. Christmas colors. But they are stunning together. You SHOULD be able to look at them and not start singing 'here comes Santa Claus' under your breath.
Random cuts, raw edge applique, hand sewn with embroidery floss. I think I'll sew them together without lattice and then machine quilt the red parts somehow.
My colors are a bit washed out, but you get the idea. This handwork is very relaxing, done while listening to Barbara Kingsolvers newest book, The Lacuna. A great read from a master wordsmith.

Bunnies

2009-11-20T07:07:00.002-05:00

Made from a damaged quilt found at a local salvage store. They're multiplying. The little pocket in front will hold a small handmade journal soon. Hopefully.

Peg Bag

2009-11-13T14:10:00.002-05:00

Made from old linens and hung from an antique wooden hanger. Cross stitch was already there. I know somone who will really appreciate this.

Vegetable Bags

2009-11-12T06:33:00.002-05:00

I received a huge box of old linens from a friend who was on her way to Goodwill with them. Hand towels, napkins, tablecloths. I shared some with friends and then started using some to make bags like this. I sewed one of those green plastic bags inside, but then realized the limitations of that so next time no bag. Green bag can go inside pretty cotton bag, then the outside bag can be washed if needed. I also noticed Soulemama has made some cotton bags to store her homemade bread in. Today, another project and hopefully tomorrow, pictures.

2009-11-06T11:12:00.001-05:00

Okay, Deborah. your turn.

Morning Weather Report

2009-10-24T06:55:00.000-04:00

With 'suggested' overnight snow, this seemed appropriate.

Trouble Focusing

2009-10-13T06:12:00.009-04:00

It's a rainy, dreary day here in Maine, the kind of day you hunker inside and keep the fire going. And take stock of all the projects one has going on. For instance, I have 4 new books that when I ordered them I VOWED to myself that I was going to go through them and DO THE EXERCISES. Have I? I've looked at them. The end.

So then, I find an old book of embroidery stitches at the library and think I'm going to make a sampler and LEARN these stitches once and for all....this is it so far.

So then, after not seeing the results I want, I have moved on to papier mache. Papier mache??? I have a lot to learn, but probably won't because I don't have the patience these days.

(I think it will be a pumpkin.)

So on to knitting. This has been very rewarding. I can sit and knit and watch an episode of Lost and before you know it I have a finished mitten. OR sock. Maybe I should just stick with that.

Short attention span. Wonder what it is I'm trying to avoid??? Need to think about this.

2009-10-03T07:02:00.006-04:00

I'm back for a one night stand. I have something I want to share because it has come out great and I'm excited about it. This:

Despite the fact that I haven't been blogging,I HAVE been reading others and catching up on books and magazines. I find myself looking for blogs that are similar to Sara Lechter's and Jude Hill's, ones that reuse old and thrifted fabrics in a way that gives a rich new life to them. Not as new garments but little pieces here and there for arts sake. And the handwork element. The quilting stitch done by hand, sometimes with thread, sometimes with floss. The results are magical.

To me anyway. So this little bird for October is done with some curtains and old linens I had hanging around as well as a perfect nubby pair of drapes I found at Goodwill (all that of white in the background). THe pumpkin and table are bits and pieces of commercial and found stuff and the bird is all commercial fabric.

I found the frame at goodwill for $3. It framed some sort of heavy cardboard poster which I covered with gesso, glued the fabric around the edges, then glued the bird to the center after all the handwork was completed.

Bruce and I have been watching the first season of LOST for the past few weeks. We're a little behind the rest of the world it seems since season 6 is coming up in January. Anyway, for all you LOST fans out there, I'm calling this, 'John Locke' and hopefully you'll see the humor and remember HOW HARD he tried to get into that hatch.

Off to Freeport today to pick up my purse I left hanging on the back of my chair in the restaurant the other night...I hate it when that happens.

Leaving for a Bit

2009-09-04T07:27:00.003-04:00

In case anyone has noticed, my attempts at blogging a bit more have failed, so I'm thinking I need to take a break for a little while and lessen the guilt of so much time between posts. I will be back, though. Sometime.

Lazy, Hazy Crazy Days

2009-08-19T13:10:00.003-04:00

I've been lazy this summer, not posting very regularly. But the weather has turned nice for a change and I just go through the day doing this and that and before you know it, it's time for bed. I know I haven't blogged in a while when I have to put my user name and password in. We've done a lot of family stuff, and I' ve NOT done a lot concerning anything creative. Except for this day:

when frayed edges spent the day at Sarah's dyeing fabric. This is one of my pieces which I have no idea what I'll do with. But it's pretty and gauzy so it will work well in something. Sometime.

Happy Birthday, Bruce

2009-08-06T07:51:00.002-04:00

There's a birthday in our house today. Next year he'll be able to sing the real words to "When I'm 64". Yikes, we're old! But isn't this the best mug? Chalk talk. Just write your message, erase and write another depending on your mood. Hmmmm, you may see a lot of this. Thanks, Trish.

End of Vaca

2009-08-03T07:28:00.017-04:00

Our vacation at Bayside is over for another year. We had a blast and made the most of all the family time together. We Tie-dyed T-shirts.

played wild and crazy games with our cousins,

attended a dance class,

decorated and flew the BEST gliders, a dollar store deal which provided HOURS of fun,

someone got engaged under the stars sparkling on the ocean, and we had a:

TOP CHEF COMPETITION!
(secret ingredient: blueberries)

Borrowing the idea from my friend Deborah, I planned one of our many dinners to be a friendly competition. A couple of weeks ahead, I told all 8 couples what course they were responsible for and what the secret ingredient would be. I was not disappointed with the wide range of entries. For appetizers we had Stilton Blueberry Cheese and Crackers, and fruit kebobs with blueberries (of course). We had two delicious green salads with blueberries and different dressings. For bread we had mini biscuits and blueberry butter, along with blueberry and ginger muffins. We had three entrees: pork with a blueberry sauce, black and blue sliders (delicious!) and chicken crepes topped with a blueberry sauce. Dessert was either a chocolate chip cookie topped with fruit and blueberries, a blueberry tart, or the most amazing blueberry cheesecake thing. Oh yeah, the special cocktail of the evening was pomegranate-blueberry martinis. Gone in a flash!
During the cocktail hour I had made up different games to entertain the kids. We had three 'write the answer' games: Identify the cooking implement, identify the pastas, (Deborah's idea) and a taste test consisting of 5 different potato chip flavors.

(guessing the chips)

The last and best game I called, "Play with Your Food", a take-off on the original game. Each kid got a base of a rice krispie treat, some toothpicks, and a bevy of building blocks. Marshmallows, gum drops and candy corn.

And prizes were awarded in a number of categories:

most delicious

stickiest

tallest, without falling over

most toothpicks

another stickiest

widest

most celestial

We also had prizes for the least toothpicks, best first eaten, and best hairdo on a structure. Silly games but lots of laughs and memories.

2009-07-26T11:45:00.002-04:00

This is a very small part of the lovely village of Bayside on Penobscot Bay. My family rents several cottages during the same week and we have kids, bikes and meals from one end to the other. It's the sort of place where you can still let the kids go and just BE KIDS. Our cottage is the white one behind the far left porch. This is the first time in this cottage and it will definitely be the last. We have a very grumpy neighbor. He and his wife either don't like kids, are very territorial or maybe just don't like us. We're quiet and respectful, but everything is just so close together, it's hard to not be seen or heard using even regular voices. His porch is right above ours so it feels like he's right there. I think he exudes hostility just so we won't sit out on ours. He's the exception to all the other friendly, smiling, welcoming people we chat with on our walks. Bruce says not to give him the power to ruin our time here, and of course he's right, but why do people need to be nasty when it takes so little effort to be nice? It might also help my mood if the sun would just stay out and warm things up for more than one day....I left my down jacket home. And it's nearly August.

It's Done!

2009-07-11T08:32:00.004-04:00

Grand Manan Herring Gulls, hand dyed and hand painted fabric using fabric paints and oil sticks. Thread painted. Machine and hand quilted. A little bit of everything. DONE!!!