elle in da coop

wow - a leaf

2012-02-01T09:09:00.000-06:00

In my attempts to help Nina with her bobbin ache, I have inadvertantly given her a tension headache so I shall definitely be taking her for a spa day and me for an advanced class on the Bernina 820. God bless helpful dealers!

In the mean time I am trying to turn over a new leaf! Monday's Refresh post documents my thoughts for focusing and developing my own style.

I am no artist but if I think in segments I am able to do a reasonable facsimile. I just draw the section, pause, and draw the next section. The size is arbitrary and it is not a traced copy. These would definitely be jumping off places for all kinds of quirky leaves.

I think these would be great to try some fusing on small art quilts. I've laid in a supply of fusibles and I'm ready to play. Green leaves will be on the new page for today!

What beautiful gams?

2012-01-31T07:51:00.000-06:00

My Dad used to speak of a woman's legs as 'gams'. Now I tried to find that in the dictionary but the closest I came was gammer, which is a rustic word for an old woman and gammon whose first meaning is a bottom piece of flitch of bacon including hind leg (gambe leg).

I am ready to send my 2 chairs and foot stool to the upholsterer. These are indeed rustic ladies. One chair has painted woodwork. I am using my new chalk paint and waxes to pretty up the woodwork. I'm just trying a couple of colours and experimenting with the light and dark wax.

How is that for a beautiful gam?

Refresh

2012-01-30T10:30:00.000-06:00

I think today is a good day to reclaim my life and my daily routine. The events that happen are not always something that can be predicted nor pigeonholed but I'm hitting the refresh button to remind myself of my Triple F goal for the year.

FOCUS: The ideal is not going to happen. While I rebel at same old/same old, I do recognize that I do my best with some sort of a routine. A rigid schedule seems to be too constricting and worse I lose abilities and momentum when I lay things aside. I can't do it all so I've chosen some. But the few I've kept need to be done more regularly rather than my usual sporadic bursts. So my question is how can I keep all my balls in the air and not let any roll off into a corner. I've defined the main players at least.

FIND?FIDDLE: Driving hither and yon these last few weeks I have tried to figure out how to be more creative in better ways. If I identified my style and could incorporate it into all aspects of my various interests I could stay current in most things.

I was reminded of a small book I had bought a couple of decades ago. It is a little Anchor book on Crewel Stitches and Patterns. I luv the asymmetrical positioning, the quirky motifs, the curves and swirls. I had thought I could turn the little diagrams into applique projects.

Sewing and fabric is a MAIN thrust. I need to get Nina to the spa for her tune up and continue my thread experiments.

But what if I used the patterns for free motion machine stitching?

I also like the Jacobean style of applique. What if I took the individual motifs as jumping off places for my own designs and incorporated them into some mixed media art with hand dyes, stencils, beads, etc.

What if my luv for words and letters could escape the blog posts and altered books and flow unto my fabrics?

FINISH: A great deterrent is my work space. I try to do the somewhat organized and dry stuff here in the Coop and Saucer Playroom. It isn't a large room, only 11 x 12 feet. It is the original master bedroom so this is as big as it is gonna get. I don't think there are any 'what if's...' left as I've organized and reorganized it for optimum use many times. My basement laundry area is cramped, cold and cluttered as well as being 2 flights of stairs down. I am just going to have to try to keep the wet mess to one side and the dry piles to the other. If the two meet well then, more creativity will have to happen! lol

I use creativity everyday to problem solve and now I'd just like to have some creative art projects to show for all my problems!

Slightly off centre with the WOW

2012-01-25T12:46:00.002-06:00

The bubble in the level isn't quite in the centre so this is not the post I was hoping for.

The hospital patient is improving but now the grand kiddies' mother is down with a nasty flu bug. 'Of course', I'll take the grand kiddies.

I thought an action packed and song filled dvd on my 'puter would leave me free but...

I lined up my supplies and did some cleaning in Nina's innards but seems Nina has a tummy ache as well.

I suspect this is operator error as I think I have the springy thing in her bobbin case in wrong. But she is really due for a cleaning and the tune up will bring her back to GO! I should also book another hour of instruction so I don't give her and me any more headaches. This makes perfect sense because the thread tests should be as perfect as can be.

And it is not as if I haven't other things I can do on my worktable. But I think I'll wait till I can get things not only level but quiet. Now where is that action packed and catchy music dvd???

2012-01-23T08:12:00.000-06:00

This picture pretty much sums up my life! I've also come to the conclusion that Normal is really only a setting on my dryer and I'd probably get pretty bored with only folding towels.

So where was I before I added hospital visits to the daily routine?

My thread testing is still top of the list. I got some stabilizers and fusibles to try. I also got a great number fabric. I'm counting the days for a lot of things.

I'm very intrigued by the new chalk paint that has become available. I ordered some and I'm anxious to give that a try.

First up will be the wood work on the 2 chairs and foot stool we nabbed at an auction sale.

I'm deciding fabric and have rejected the teal/aqua fabrics as that will make the front room too complimentary ( red/green) and I'm happier with an analogous colour scheme of red/yellow. I will be toning them down to gold and cranberry with some aqua accents.

I picked up a Quilting Arts magazine on my travels and the article on digital monoprints by Margaret Applin reminded me of my Photoshop program. I'm needing a graphic to 'make mine' and I'm considering the style of leaf depicted in crewel patterns. This little embroidery book was an early find when I began to do applique. I luv the Jacobean style.

Lastly, I'm considering offering my playroom for informal craft sessions to a young gal. We are thinking beads so I am long on beads, tools and ideas but short on a good basic beading book. If anyone has any suggestions I'd be most grateful.

So the dryer is set, ~~the surf board~~ the ironing board is at the ready, and the basket awaits. C'mon LIFE!

Weather happenings

2012-01-20T08:42:00.000-06:00

The problem with such a lovely early winter with warm temperatures and little snow is the terrible shock to the system when the windchill hits minus forty. Yikes! Talk about not being prepared.

But it isn't only the weather that changes nor our readiness for it. But that is life isn't it.

After a warm sunny almost vacation stay a little south of the border we immediately got some stormy weather as the youngest peep was admitted to hospital and now we have all the dynamics of that white world to deal with. But I'm optimistic the diagnosis will be a good one and the golden egg that this particular peep comes from will be paying off dividends for the future.

Thanks for the well wishes. Bloggers really are the best. I'm off to cuddle the grand kiddies today.

And speaking of flying...

2012-01-17T23:16:00.000-06:00

One of my dear peeps is having some trouble flying solo so Mama hen is gonna be doing some brooding!
It is all going to be fine; it'll just take a bit of time and some nesting.

The Colour of Happy

2012-01-17T07:20:00.000-06:00

My good friend and I were called south to babysit 4 great kids. We were happy to help out. We were 'in the Pink', so to speak. Emily Hannah came along to play with the youngest.

We did an awful lot of playing. These kids had their homework, both academically and chore related, all done. We had lots of time for play.

The birds were part of a Christmas sale so I went back and captured more of the flock. :) But the vase was a thank you present from the kids and was very sweet of them.

The grass wasn't too much greener but they did have a little less snow.

We upgraded from thrift shopping to Antique stores. Oh, my! My last runner shows off my cranberry crystal wonderfully and I was in pink transfer ware heaven.

My bluebird of happiness will remind me of time that just flew by and now I need to turn my thoughts to my threads project.

A fly by

2012-01-12T07:56:00.000-06:00

I did finish the bindings on all three runners. See how little snow we have, although I gather my first step out this morning will be into an inch or two of the fluffy stuff.

The third runner was done late last night and as I'm going to be flying the coop in the next hour I won't be showing that one. I'm off to spend the next 5 days south of the border while the Rooster keeps things well in hand here. I'm not sure what the plan is but top of the list is FUN!

wowing slowly

2012-01-11T08:13:00.003-06:00

To have a visual record of the samples I'll make during the journey through Threads- The basics and beyond, it is recommended to make little quiltlets. These comprise fabric, batting and a stabilizer. When the technique is done, pairs of the quiltlets are joined together back to back. I'm looking forward to trying the various edging techniques.

I can get quite stalled trying to coordinate colours and much as I enjoy that, this is about thread techniques not Art. So I decided to precut 6 inch squares from my black stash and I'll let the thread colours be the colour design element. I am using Pellon stabilizer to begin with and a strip of warm and natural batting that is in the leftover pile.I'm thinking 40 squares of fabrics should do it. I found a nice box and that determines my finished size, 5" x 6".

That is as far as I got. No excuses. Life just happens.

I have been doing some machine quilting. My thoughts on the walking foot and the stitch regulator are here.

Walking before galloping

2012-01-10T13:15:00.002-06:00

I have doubted myself. I had pretty much relaxed with my free motion quilting abilities. The basics I had and I could push those limits. Then Nina arrived with the Bernina Stitch Regulator as part of her arsenal. Surely that much money and that much technology must be right. But I have found the BSR awkward and well, intimidating. I think I will go back to what I knew to do all by myself. But first I have to find it! I can't find my old foot so I may be purchasing a new one. Drat.

In the mean time, I'm beginning to restore my confidence with some walking foot exercises. And actually, I do like the channels and the straight lines. I considered the backings as I thought about design. The centre runner is the channels. Easy Peasy. I moved the needle position because I like wide channels and I use the edge of the foot for guide lines. The narrow piece on the right is a spiral. The centre of the log cabin block is off centre and I like that contrast to the even spacing of the quilted line. The larger quilt on the left had sashing so I emphasized that and then did the centre square of the block and echoed the shape.

The faster speed of Nina makes this a real pleasure.

The wide space under Nina's arm makes turning a breeze,

even with the larger size.

Walking fine! Now perhaps a trot (?) canter (?) but perhaps not the gallop.
Same horse, different gaits.
Same foot, different paths.

Next comes the binding and the walking foot absolutely shines at bindings!

Back in the saddle

2012-01-09T11:32:00.000-06:00

A little trip over the horse's ears, so to speak but I'm back up and gathering the reins.

I'm starting off with some straight line quilting on the smaller of the three table runners I unearthed in the ufo pile. Kind of a slow start but then everything doesn't have to be at full gallop. Especially since my horse riding experience is pretty much limited to the kiddie track at the beach a very long time ago. Can you actually fall off one of those fat little ponies?

Wow, that's fine

2012-01-04T08:30:00.002-06:00

The theme for this Winter is thread. I want to learn all about this basic material and how it can be best utilized. I've chosen 'Threads- The basics and Beyond' by Debbie Bates & Liz Kettle. There is a web site for those who want to work through it and keep in touch with other like minded students of thread. I study better alone but it is certainly a good resource.

There are 8 main sections and a lot to learn. I began to read. I know thread comes with numbers and I did know it is not a world standard. In fact the numbering is quite confusing so many recommend just dividing thread up into 5 sections: ultra fine, fine, medium, heavy and ultra heavy. I must admit I thought okay, let's skip to the actual sewing but there is value in following the directions. So I needed to compare all these.

I had stored my thread by colour and I use little baggies to contain those slippery rayons and keep bobbins and thread spools matched. Thread does have a shelf life and should be stored out of the elements. I also don't do my creative best when I have sensory overload so I store mine in those clear plastic drawers, handy but not highly visual. I may go back to the colour system, in fact, I luv the artist's colour wheel and that is the way I sort fabric as well. I just never thought of thread as another 'paint' in the tool box. DUH!
But I am really lousy at deciding/analyzing nuances of thickness and colour. The pile almost did me in but then I figured ultra heavy shouldn't be too hard. It is mostly too big to pass through the needle's eye easily and is relegated to bobbin work or couching. Wow, I had a lot. Who knew? Then I went to ultra fine which is my silk hand applique thread and the mono filament invisible thread. Not so much ultra fine but by eliminating the extremes there is less in the 3 middle sections to do. The bulk of my thread is the regular falls into the cotton, polyester and rayon threads that define medium. Then there are some iffy's and some of the brand names listed in the book really help with deciding which designated pile.

Now that took some time and I'm quite the better informed for doing it. It isn't 100% but certainly a place to start and definitely shows what I lack. I learned that both the fines will show the least which is good for applique, stabilizing and fine work.. The heavy section is where you get the most bang for your buck in thread work. And that is where my biggest lack is. So is it off to fill in the thread stash? Uhm, no! Some of these brands I've never even heard of. Thank goodness for the give away I won that included new thread brands. More importantly, this will be all about finding the ones that Nina, my main sewing machine, and I like. I shall now be much more aware of my options and I'm not talking about colour which turns out to be in an whole other section. lol

And now I must confess this is not such a fine day, but more like a tea and blanky day. So,"Threads at ease. Be ready for your marching orders when things are fine."

In the beginning...

2012-01-02T18:35:00.000-06:00

First there was a void and then the light bulb came on! Aha, "now I see", says the blind man.

So a first thing to do is clean the clutter and open things up and let the sun shine in.

Next is to grab the new calendar and start getting things into manageable bites. 1 year, 52 weeks, 12 months, 4 seasons. Ooooh, that is almost 12 weeks per season. I knew 12 was a good idea!

It is fitting that we start with the land at rest. Winter's first day was on Dec. 22 but I have a few extra weeks left over from my guzinta's. That is, 4 will guzinta 52 twelve times and some.
It is a low light time and I'm hoping the January starting gun gives the slower body rhythm a jump start. This is no time to burrow under the hibernation quilts.

The winter decor is at its most traditional and most cluttered with cozy quilts within reach, books stacked and leaning crazily, candles dripping and hot cups within arms reach. I luv the richness of the colours and textures that winter evokes. Plush velvets, deep cranberry, shiny gold (brass) and sparkling crystal. I found 3 small runners ready for MQing. To tweak the decor I added some clear snow flakes and clear drops.

Decorating is not the focus for this season but I did get the Rooster to put together an off white (winter white?) wardrobe for the bathroom. It was on sale at Canadian Tire and I'm really liking what I got for the price. I do collect white dishes- pitchers, soup tureen's, bowls, STUFF! ;^) This winter white wardrobe is making me think ahead to the kitchen and what colour the inside of the thrift shop hutch top should be since the cupboards will likely be a creamy mellow yellow. I do need time to consider things because I'm getting kinda tired of redoing things. :0

I will not be talking about food but in order to be moving instead of musing I need to eat better. And drink more water which means less coffee. vbsigh But that'll translate into more productivity.

The spotlight for the next 12 weeks will be Threads. I will also be using Nina's manual a lot and wouldn't you know it I see all kinds of opportunities to join all sorts of things to enhance my Focus. Who knew? They all would help but I'm afraid I'd sink under all the deadlines, fun would flee and I'd not have fine tuned my skills. Sew...

My main book will be Threads- The Basic and Beyond by Debbie Bates and Liz Kettle who have a site where you can join others to work through the book. That would be a resource if I had a question but I must remember not to type or cruise sites but stitch and stay focused. I've somewhat divided up the table of contents. Depending on time and expertise, I may add some of the books that I have that relate to the various sections. Intro tomorrow and some seriously fun fiber optics!

I'm starting to see the light!

Triple F for 2012

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

Apparently resolutions don't work and have inherent failures built in to them. But to draw on the resolve that is within oneself is another matter entirely.

My first word was FOCUS and I learned a lot, mostly about how hard it was for me to stick with one thing.

Next came FIND and I again learned that the scattered approach, as in multitasking, doesn't enable me to fiddle with a new technique, or even an old one if I really want to make it mine.

This year should be FINISH. I'm not sure I am ready to let go of the first two so...

This is a Triple F Year.

I resolve to Focus on specific books.

I resolve to give the time to Find out all about it and then Fiddle to get really comfortable with the fiddling.

I resolve to use what I've found and fiddled with to Finish.

I'm encouraged. I did get stuff done last year and also managed to not start too very many new things.

I'm dismayed that there is lots yet to learn and do while I do still have a few unfinished projects that are in dire need of finishing.

But I'm really excited about the book studies. I had originally thought I was going to commit to 12 books and go back to cluttering up the side bar with things that make me cast my eyes down as I scurry by. lol Honestly I did get some of those done. I just never up dated the side bar. It boggles my mind that some who will remain nameless, (pssst. think of he who crows and his first chick) absolutely dent the list paper in eradicating any sign of the item! :O Now I luv making lists. It makes me feel virtuous. But I NEVER look at them after I make them!

I'm firm and focused on the books but I'm fiddling with the particulars as I find pertinent titles for later in the year. But perhaps I'll list them as I Find/Fiddle and Finish them.

Fair enough?

The Eclectic Blogger

2011-12-31T09:03:00.000-06:00

Blogging has seriously affected my life!

There is a quote that we are wrapped in fibre from birth to death. But I see my life more as a thread that I follow. Not always smooth. There are slubs, tangles, knots, as well as splices and mends. The route is very convoluted and definitely not always smoothly flowing. But then that is life.

I have some definite zig zags along my pathway.

The first important zig was meeting and marrying my man, The Rooster, Michael! It is hard to believe I could have been so smart at the ripe old age of 18. lol He has encouraged me to grow up, reach out and move on. He loves me. He also yells at me,and so as not to lose my followers sympathy I don't disclose all the hair-brained schemes I come up with! ahem!

The biggest and best zag was when God asked if He could become involved in my life. I was brought up to be polite so I said yes, but I couldn't imagine what He'd find to change. That was 40 years ago. My thread was running pretty smoothly and the variegated colour flashed by brilliantly. Now, the truth be told, my life still flows and flashes wonderfully but we no longer have Walton Family status. :( But now I know what the difference is between living and being 'alive'.

Some of the more erratic spikes were little challenges I agreed to take on. I often found unknown, to me at least, strengths and abilities. Who knew... Sensory overload at a big quilt show led me to 'How To Make a Quilt' books. Misunderstanding a class description led me to lowering my feed dogs, twirling dials and loosening bobbin screws and "pedal to medal"! Gasp!!! But, it was glorious! There might just be something to evolution because I asked, "So you can paint on fabric?". "You can sew on paper???". And then the Michael's store came to the big city and on the same street is Artist's Emporium. 8^)

The dips in the thread aren't all down in the dump disasters. Most are just me weighed down with packages of mixed media art supplies. oops! In the interests of my Rooster's voice box, I no longer have access to the grocery money as he hoarsely points out that we can't eat beads and brushes. This made a series of skippy skips in my thread line because I hate grocery shopping and I'm sure my creative cooking gene got burned. The Rooster's creative cooking genes only swelled with steaming! So we study one an other's packages and agree to give each other creative license.

Blogging started out as a slow swing that has become a pulsing heart beat. I had no idea. It has taught me to articulate my impulses, count the cost and challenge my abilities. I luv blogging.

It is not about stats. Good grief, numbers are my Achilles heel and kept me from the coveted high school diploma. I don't keep track of my age (I was born 1949, you figure it out) but I've learned a thing or three and have the white hair to prove it. For me writing it down, making it fun, and learning something is what keeps my thread flowing. And I like all kinds of things. Some I find interesting enough to try and fiddle with as I incorporate them into the current thread weaving, fibre based, papered, painted and embellished work of 'art' that I'm currently playing with. Playing being the operative word.

And eclectic would be the word to describe my blogging.

eclectic

1680s, originally in reference to a group of ancient philosophers who selected doctrines from every system; from Fr. eclectique(1650s), from Gk. eklektikos "selective," lit. "picking out," from eklektos "selected," from eklegein "pick out, select," from ek "out" (see ex-) + legein "gather, choose" (see lecture). Broader sense of "borrowed from diverse sources" is first recorded 1847. As a noun from 1817.

an eclectic group of people, things, or ideas is interesting or unusual because it consists of many different types

an eclectic mix/collection/variety:

The song displays an eclectic mix of influences.

This blog is my journey, my discoveries, my pot holes. Perhaps the thread spool was placed in my hands at birth and I deliver it up at the journey's end. But I do know it is variegated and sometimes catches in the spool holder. I'm gratified to have people interested in reading what I'm up to or shall I say immersed in. The one thing I can promise is that it'll be eclectic.

Wow a merry mess

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

The plan to rejoin the parents so we could make a mess over at their 'holiday ready' house was stalled when the craftiest grand kiddie disappeared into my playroom as soon as I stepped into my 'dressing' room. ;^)

She was joined by her only slightly less crafty brother.

My job was to deliver them ready for photo opportunities. This meant no jam/glue, or smudgy fingers but clean, curled and cute! Josh insisted on a curler which I was counting on his toque to flatten! Eliana is a girly girl who wouldn't think of taking them out before time!

But now the party is over and the the mess on the worktable must be dealt with.

I LUV books. This is only a small part of my craft/hobby stash. And I can't even grasp the number of tutorials in the magazine stack!

A clean work surface means a brand new start and that is what is coming up. I am planning to do book studies in 2012. It made perfect sense to me to do 12 books in 2012 but the first book is 'Threads- The basics and beyond' and even were I to start tonight, I seriously doubt I could do it in even 2 months.

And then I have all my various interests! I tried breaking it down into a few main categories. Still daunting!

So I'm thinking I will still try to narrow things down to 12 specific books and give it the good ol' fashioned workshop 'try'!

I'll be working on the various books as I refine my artistic talents, which are many and varied.
I can see from all the different stacks that thread is a common link to just about all my interests. I had also ordered two sampler packs of thread. And I really should make an album of all of Nina's abilities and accomplishments. Kind of a brag book! lol I'll be posting the best efforts on TNTN each Wednesday in 2012.

Making traditions

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

Traditions definitely have their place in family history. And there is no time like the present for making family traditions.

So the 2 days before Christmas are for capturing the grand kiddies for a day or two to create memories and new traditions.

Crafts with Gram'elle who has an aversion to playing with food, never mind reading recipes.

Grand Dad is all about food, production, and rows of stacked and counted produce. What with all the spills, licking and laughing the count was down. lol

But then it really is about the process, whether they are traditional or not, isn't it?

HO Ho ho

2011-12-26T10:34:00.000-06:00

This is as complicated as decorating gets in our house

Because my daughter is in her first trimester of pregnancy and she has established the tradition of family day at her house on the 25th, I scooped up the grand kiddies on the 23rd. The race is on for the rush to Gram'elle's house for fun, food and fiddling around.

Now some are faster than others! And I don't have to be fast with the proper coins because these grand kiddies haven't yet figured out these big creatures actually move! ho, ho , HO!

It is elementary, my dear...

2011-12-23T09:16:00.002-06:00

I got the Photo Elements 10 loaded onto the computer. Easy Peasy, why was I sweating?
Then I was some frustrated because all those icons and I couldn't get a picture to come and play. A few sentences from a great blog friend and ...

Whoa! Now this is gonna keep the grey cells moving and the arteries from fossilizing!

I cropped and enhanced the above picture and maybe I should have saved it before I started fiddling as it doesn't want to come out and play either. Trust me, it is better.

This guy came to show off though. One click and... COOL! At least, I think so. No, I'm not entering a dark period, after all the solstice is ushering in the longer daylight now. This was a very brief foray into Photoshop Elements without the benefit of a read me manual on doing or saving. I'll be learning light and bright but abstracted and how to save and share.

I'm off to gather the grand kiddies. A new tradition is happening. The kiddies come for gift making and giggles and the parents do all the food stuff. We shall show up on Christmas morning with packages and appetites!

It is elementary!

Wow! What IS on my worktable?

2011-12-21T07:56:00.000-06:00

A mess actually!

The reason for the flurry of cleaning and rearranging was because I lost my wallet. I wasn't convinced it happened while I was shopping. So Monday, I did the first floor. Wonderfully satisfying rearranging that was spoiled by the the fact that my wallet was still lost.

Yesterday, I tackled the second floor. The playroom is of course the messiest so I left it till last. I piled stuff on the table and was shoving my vacuum into the very last corner behind my chair at the computer desk and...
voila!

YES!!! I berated myself for not starting upstairs but I thought I had left my purse downstairs and hadn't made it upstairs to sling into the corner or pitch it under the bed! ;^)

So I celebrated by stopping work, having a cup of java, and reading some more in my Digital Expressions book and examining the contents of my new Photo Elements program.

Last week I was working on my little challenge for the 3 Creative Studios. That's all done and laying on my worktable. (plus all the paraphernalia that I used.) LOL

Today I want to take the plunge and try to get my program loaded. I did find the pages from the Margaret Applin's tutorial for 3 CS's Technique of the Month and hopefully I'll be digitally ready for 2012

Comfort Zone

2011-12-20T08:27:00.000-06:00

Each time I rearrange my house I get closer to the ideal. Last night I was so happy I actually sat down and looked around. I even brought the stack of books I'm reviewing for 2012 and stacked them for browsing.

I couldn't keep my eyes from looking around. Ambiance! Even though it was only 5:30 it was dark but I took pictures anyway.

The colours are beginning to jell. The 2 large decorator florals are just pinned as I consider drapes. I'm thinking of a wooden valence over the top of this sliding door. The fabric has a dusky red that I once considered for the dining room but now I'm thinking sitting room which has a smaller wall area but should be cozy. I'm also sure the large mirror will stay in this room. The fabric has a green with some blue in which would be a good colour to recover the aqua chairs. The walls in the dining room would be pulled from the golden beiges in the fabric. That front window is a puzzle. Maybe a valence from the bit of floral fabric that would be left over or maybe I should use it for the foot stool.

But I'm definitely liking the comfort factor.

The quick peek I had at my first book is stretching my comfort zone though. I thought 12 books for 2012 had a nice ring to it. But Threads- the Basics and Beyond, is extensive. Even if I started tonight (2nd floor decorating today) and did Nina's manual at the same time, it would take at least 2-3 months. I'm probably being unrealistically optimistic, too.

More thinking while I pick up pins in the playroom.

Merry Motivation

2011-12-19T12:25:00.000-06:00

I don't decorate for a holiday; I decorate for a season and winter officially starts this week. And we have actually been having some snow fall. It has been decidedly brown lately, frozen, but brown.

I'm also feeling the pressure of the new year calendars that are piling up on the desk. In fact there are lots of piles now that I'm looking around.

So since it is good to be motivated and to move in that motivation, I am shoving furniture all about and changing things up. I'm doing a non spring cleaning. I'm also studying some of the piles of books I have stacked in various and sundry locations. I think that they will be part of the motivation behind the 2012 goals.

I'm always merry when I am motivated.

In my element

2011-12-16T17:09:00.001-06:00

Some months ago I enquired as to the price of Photoshop at a local store. My goodness, that was more eggs than my chickies wanted to lay. Not one to give up I tried again last week, using the handy dandy google. Surely there must be some mistake. Aha, there is a smaller program that is EXACTLY what my egg basket could handle. So I tried the shop again and there it is and even on sale. I didn't even hesitate and I'll worry about getting into the innards of the 'puter later. I brought back a cute little chick so it'll have to wait until she isn't unrolling bobbins and scattering pins!

I am in my ELEMENT. YES!!! Look out 2012!

Accepting challenges

2011-12-15T16:18:00.001-06:00

Deadlines are always motivating but the pressure of time is perhaps not conducive to the best work.

I had ambitious plans but I'm wondering if my style might not be found in the more simpler modes.

I do like blogging about what I do as I always learn when I try to describe my process and of course the photos often reveal details I overlook.

I must confess that I like this better on the wall than in the photo. Aqua is a hard colour to capture and the light/dark balance seems off in the photo. I had originally been so thrilled with pillow ticking for a base fabric for dyeing. It dyes wonderfully but the more I work with it the more I find its tight weave a detriment to fibre art.

In the new year I hope to do less challenges and more technique series.

wow Art, is that you?

2011-12-14T07:52:00.000-06:00

Blogging brings many beneficial things into my life and unto my work table. I began following 3 Creative Studios a couple of years ago and I've learned lots and actually have some finished projects to show for it. That is always the making of a snoopy dance. :) But nothing stays static and this opportunity is drawing to a close. The final challenge is due for the 16th.

I had thought to do something to incorporate much of what I've learned but I think I'll stick to KISS and use a lighter touch.

The digital stuff intrigues me and I want to explore that more. I bought a book, Digital Expressions by Susan Tuttle and I'm ready to shop for Photoshop. I printed this out but it is too predictable.

So I cut it up and scanned and printed it out unto some of my hand dyed fabric. hmm, I'm not sure why it printed blue/green but I am low on ink. I shall be reading my new book with a pencil, paper and a highlighter! lol

I stamped some more, I carved a stamp and I rubbed a paint stick over a portion.

I had ordered some new thread, went searching for some of the goodies I've been saving and I'm asking Art to rise from the work surface. lol

He is not a genie, is he? I need to put together the things I've learned, the inspiration I've found and set aside time to experiment.

Which brings me to The Needle and Thread Network. Every Wednesday Canadians are invited to show what is on their worktable through the blog set up by Monika. I'm enjoying all the inspiration. I'm appreciating the discipline that this brings as I keep the Wednesday commitment. There is also the benefit of feed back as well as seeing your work through the 'blogging lens'. And once we reach 100 followers, special guests will be invited to post so the learning will continue.

And who knows? Art just might be a regular workmate on the ol' Wednesday Worktable!

Party Mix

2011-12-13T07:54:00.001-06:00

Party time for the Common Threads gals. Nothing done but lots of talking and show and tell.

I should have taken the fabric my daughter brought me back. This is not quilt fabric but I do want to make a crazy, blingy, throw for the winter theme in my bedroom and pillows are what makes any room look ready for a photo party.

Many are still working on the spiral table runners.

This had been brought back from the Maritimes a few years ago. Apparently an elderly lady embroidered the blocks which depict images from Newfoundland. The work is lovely and detailed. The sampler is sashed with the provincial tartan. There is a very low loft batt and minimal quilting but I found it very charming in its simplicity. Might be a good thing to remember during this holiday season.

The little town I live near is celebrating their centennial this coming year and our group is encouraging the making of little quiltlets, 12 inches square and bound in black binding. The idea is to display these and showcase familiar scenes or memories.

Somehow quilting and quilters is where my memories want to party!

Art, where art thou?

2011-12-12T08:48:00.000-06:00

I'm happy to have the decorating phase finished and although it sparked lots of chagrin that I have my own home to do and why haven't I got it done, I'm contemplating my next deadline.

The 3 Creative Studios blog has issued its final challenge. I appreciate it takes a ton of work to organize and execute these monthly challenges. The last challenge is due this week and while I had some grandiose plan lurking in the nether regions of my brain, reality dictates that I focus on what I was able to download and experiment with. This week is gonna be all about Art!

And so I'm wondering, Art, where art thou?

Above and Beyond

2011-12-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

I'm so glad that we decided early on to leave the two bedrooms alone. My son in law had decided to remove the 2 tiny closets and put in one straight wall. He will put a new closet on the wall at the foot of the bed. Even if a drywaller had stepped in, we wouldn't have had the time to paint.

The master bedroom opens off the living room and is small. Cari always has one of my quilts on her bed but with the taupe walls and all her battenburg lace duvet and pillow cases I decide to just use the white for this photo. I spray painted the thrift store lamps gold and I need to find bigger and hopefully rectangular shades. I'd seen them a month ago and didn't realize shipping and storing lampshades is risky business. They dent easily. So now I know, if you see one you like, buy it!. And these lamps need big shades. Rectangle would put them further back on the bedside tables and contrast the curves in the bed and lace. I used a battenburg bedskirt to make valences over the sheer curtains.

This new wall will be a perfect photo gallery wall and all the frames should be white.

The kiddie room had bunk beds that overpowered the room and the reality is that the kids aren't ready for them. So Willian had put one away. They each have their own end. Their dad is South American so the theme incorporates that and is also suitable for either gender as growing things and flowers figure prominently in their lives.

I took the two bookcases from my house and they'll each have one to store their stuff. Now I've learned a lot about spray painting since I first did this. sad, very sad. LOL And their Dad is an excellent spray painter and has serious spray equipment so he can improve on them. I did organize a play area in the basement for trucks, trains, blocks and kitchen. The kids' Papa is a carpenter. He made a kitchen for his daughter.

He also made the bedside tables and this hutch which we moved from their room because the new closet will go in its place. The chair is being stripped back to natural wood. Oooh, blurry but all I took.

I was in such a rush to get finished I neglected to take a photo of the Rooster work in the tiny hall. A corner holds some triangular shelves that has baskets with white liners to hold stuff. I also used some curtains my DD made to cover the basement pantry. The basement has a revamped laundry area and an area for the kids to play. An old coffee table is the new Thomas the Tank play station.

That pretty much wraps up the make over. I enjoyed the creative challenge. I hope they enjoy the change.

I would like to say that it has taken years of trying different things, reading lots of magazines and decorating books to get to the place where I can pull together a cohesive decorating scheme. I'm reluctant to take on projects for others because a home is so personal and should reflect what the owners lov. I'm not sure why decorating held such an interest for me even as a youngster. Perhaps it was my first doll house. Notice Elaina's. I gave it to her for her first birthday. Some pieces are put away so she doesn't swallow them. I think if one is interested in something, then one notices things, analyzes why it works and pursues and learns all about it. This encourages me to continue to pursue creative things whether it be decorating, sewing, arts or crafts. Notice I didn't include cooking! I ain't THAT interested. lol

The family returns today and I'll be spending the weekend visiting and relaxing. Monday will bring new creative challenges.

No place like home

2011-12-08T10:48:00.001-06:00

If you came through the front door you step right into the heart of this home.

Welcome

This is what you would see. Lots of dialogue on the picture placement. I am surrounded by symmetrical people. I'm okay with any changes that are made after I'm done and the almost empty paint cans are available for the odd touch ups.

The kitchen is very visible. It is amazing what a coat of fresh paint and new door knobs will do. It was while I was doing these cupboards that I smacked myself for taking on such an ambitious undertaking. ;(

This hutch was placed last and I wish I'd more time to style it. I'm not feeling the luv. Painting is not an option as the home owners don't want painted furniture. Painting the window trim was done because the window insets are white as are the baseboards and doors. I'm also leaving the decision to mount it to the wall to my kids.

It was 10:00 PM and I was switching things around and thought enough already. But this is a house with little people. The 4 cupcake plates I bought a couple of years ago are for tea parties. But I wanted to add some fun and casualness to a house that is taking on a bit of a formal touch. The cloth covered stool by the sofa will indubitably be denuded and moved to under the window for the kids to monitor the school playground across the road. Same with the table cloth as play dough rules here.

This bathroom saver cupboard was to add storage and as my Rooster was putting it together Sunday afternoon, I realized his pantry addition in the basement probably made this unnecessary but we/he was committed. lol

If you came through the back porch this would be what would greet you on a perfect day. :)

Maintaining two places is exhausting. Dear daughter's house may look great but mine has serious gaps from missing furniture and saggy piles leaning all over the place. I'm happy to be home and restoring some order. My Rooster is wanting something other than chicken scratch for supper tonight and clean socks for tomorrow.

Yikes, I see paint on that chair above! Here's hoping that only the grand kiddies will be seeing things down low until I can get there, drop my spoon and surreptitiously scrub it off!

So enjoy the tea I promised when you came for a visit. Sit, sip and sigh while I gear up for one last dance with my vacuum for this week.

PS the bathroom

2011-12-08T10:33:00.001-06:00

Hmm, PS may not have been a good choice for the title. LOL

But to do a quick sum up:

This is the inspiration for a custom shower curtain. This family is all about flowers and growing things.

While the sewing is going on, I've past on an old favorite from many years ago. Actually, I'm thinking that my daughter, Cari, is behind me about 15- 20 years in her decorating so a lot of my older stuff works great for her. Isn't it neat how our style evolves and becomes age appropriate.

It is very hard to nail teeny tiny nails in a tiny recessed spot. They could use adjusting. I had two dancing geese but I managed to knock their heads off in one fell swoop! I tried, and tried, AND tried to glue the heads back on, even with stabilizing green tape but I realized I was wasting time on a minor while the majors were standing at ease. So there will be no cute dancing geese even if the gal's periwinkle bonnet matched the paint perfectly. The other pair has ordinary blue. vbsigh

WOW Delegating a WHIMM

2011-12-07T05:38:00.001-06:00

The line up for the bathroom at my DD's was so long I neglected to take a picture of the wonderful world of periwinkle and white. Gone are the fishes and hello to flowers. I shall add an edit for the new bathroom when I return from my last long day.

I had given my daughter a piece of fabric with embroidered flowers on it. She fussy cut each one with the intention of making a quilt. She and I both have collected periwinkle fabrics. So the bathroom colour sparked all kinds of happy thoughts. It was my intention to take these squares and surround them with the various periwinkle fabrics for a shower curtain. Patchwork shower curtains are so much fun to make in simple block patterns with the serger. I add a folded strip of fabric across the top and space button holes for the shower hooks. They can be hemmed or even finished with a binding for a quilt look. A clear liner keeps it dry.

With all the cleaning and redecorating completed my daughter will have time for sewing. :^) I have decided to take this particular WHIMM (work hidden in my mind) and transfer it to my DD's worktable. I shall take the embroidered squares, the fabrics, and my serger to her newly organized laundry/sewing area and she can oversee the kiddies playing on the other side of it while she plants her flowers in the periwinkle bathroom's shower curtain.

And me, I'll spend the morning hemming the kiddies' curtains, making the 2 valences for the master bedroom and one cushion for the piano bench. Then it will be off for the final tweaking.

Little e and I joke about our new business. When my Rooster commented on how the periwinkle bathroom added the bit of sparkle to the house colour scheme we were so impressed we invited him into our newly formed company. ( another whimm) No. Did he want to think about it? He had and NO! LOL

Yesterday we were joined by a young gal and her mother. We had lots of fun. Mum was stuck cleaning the bathroom while her daughter organized the kids' toys and decorated their bulletin board. Little e touched up the painting and I tried to get the oops off the floor. We were invited to come over in the new year to their house. High Five! Our first job! ROFLOL But first I'll have to put my own nest back together as I've done a lot of robbing Peter to pay Paul!

And while you await the peek into the bathroom, please find a seat. I'll be putting my feet up and serving tea tomorrow!

I had this shower curtain from years ago and it'll be the stand in until the real flowers arrive. LOL

A warm welcome

2011-12-06T07:18:00.001-06:00

It is cold outside so c'mon in and get warm.

This back porch is level with the ground so one looks up towards the kitchen door or down into the basement from the entry door. The picture sets the the theme for the whole house. Actually we started in the porch first but chose the colour last. Green didn't seem like a good fit and I wanted something that wouldn't show too much dirt. Cantaloupe was an inspired decision. This is a stucco finish and took 2 gallons of paint and could use more! whoa!

The kitchen door is at the top of a few steps and has a nice landing. Hmm, when I go today I'll be checking the length of those curtains. Hopefully it looks like that because the windows are at different levels. I had bought the two candle holders at Michael's for a bargain price but could never find the right place for them. They work great here. I don't begrudge the holders which really were cheap but the two round candles... yikes! They better throw a very warm ambiance!

No, I don't have to check. I folded them together when I took them. It is an optical illusion! lol I was almost getting too warm, like hot under the collar, as I've no time to redo things. It is on into the kitchen for some hot tea. But first...

My assistant is getting the new door handles in place and you can't quite see the steam rising from her ears as she, herself, heats up!

But it was a long trip so you may want to use the bathroom first. I think you'll find it very refreshing.

But you might want to wait a minute till I can find and put the door handle back in place. It was a very warm feeling when the door shut and there was a latch but no knob. oops! I hope the line up doesn't get too long for this very tiny little room.

And while you are waiting I'll just hang some curtains in the kitchen and find some cups and saucers.

EDIT:

It is not an optical illusion. But I had made two identical valences. I had also made one for the kitchen door until I realized I wanted to put a white battenburg hanging inside the kitchen door instead. In my haste I put the old door curtain on the window. sheesh

Here is the better but late at night photo.

Rolling along with the Rooster

2011-12-05T06:58:00.001-06:00

The days of this month have been rolling along fast and I'm starting to lose boulders, never mind the keeping track of dates, supplies, and work lists. These boulders arrived sometime on Wednesday because Friday everything seemed to be finished and gone. They spread these along the new sides where the bridge supports had been. Now we are having an odd winter. The snow comes and the snow goes. So I'm not sure how much snow will melt and run off to give all these big boulders a good wash come spring. But it is good to be prepared.

I enlisted the Rooster for all the big projects on Saturday and he has been most valuable. Our friend, little e, joined us and helped keep any blue smoke to a minimum. My rooster is all about taking time for meals and we chicks are all about getting the things done. NO! We are definitely not going out to eat. Besides, look at us! So he settled for going for a late take-out and a cosy grouping around the step ladder. BTW, this was my mum's step ladder and the most useful heirloom she gave me!

Speaking of food, I envisioned a small pantry for extra cans and the Rooster obviously thinks WAY bigger than I do. What a guy! I remembered two curtains DD had made that I could use to cover it. He is puzzled as to why I'd want to cover such a nice thing! :)

Sunday afternoon he finished up his projects. Now this space saver bathroom cabinet he is putting together to fit by the fridge was, in hind sight, a bit redundant after the large pantry went in. But I thought it not a good idea to mention that fact until we are on our way back home!!! lol

A few curves still ahead. My new rug is liking the daughter's place better than mine. We are on our last half cans of paint so the hallway may be a hybrid colour. The stove is getting fatigued from being rolled in and out and in and out. The wee shelf I had my good guy put above the stove and just under the cupboard was the result of my insistence and I'd brought a board which met the width and the depth requirements. Only problem is the darn salt shaker is too tall! oops! So she can lay spoons and spatulas there! sheesh!

I plan on knocking off the finishing touches as the week rolls along to its culmination with the returning family. I'll be posting the finishes as they occur.

Time to get this old boulder moving down the slope!

wow But is it art?

2011-11-30T06:28:00.001-06:00

I am learning to be creative but is it art? Probably not; what it is, is a mess!

My work table is often a mess when I'm in the throes of creativity. This is my workspace this week.

I am stretching my creative abilities.

I am limited by space- 600 square feet
I am limited by time- 30 days
I am limited by budget- egg money
I am limited by resources- 2 chicks and a part time rooster
I am limited by my ability but not by my vision- no formal training

I can add storage by getting the Rooster to build a pantry in the basement and by placing and adapting an over the toilet cabinet alongside the fridge. I can re figure the furniture layout. With just about everything primed we are beginning to see the end. Brown has become white and I'm making mid course corrections as I go. Timely sales and the thrift shop have been very handy. I slept over one night but those were very long days and I wonder if you gain when you push too hard. But I did have time to experiment and say, "what if...". Saturday will be a big push with the Rooster.

I think if you push creativity in every area- food, decorating, writing, sewing, crafting, budgeting, etc; you will be enhancing your art at the same time.

The long road ahead.

2011-11-28T07:30:00.000-06:00

I have a deadline. The grand kiddies and their parents will be walking through the door of their newly redecorated home in 12 days. I hope somebody has a deadline for our new access. :(

Sometimes when you live with things there doesn't seem to be any "what if's...". They have always been that way. That is just the way things are. But then a closer look and what worked fine before no longer is working. There are serious flaws. A better way has to be found. What are the what if's...?

In record time a plan was devised for the temporary access road. And so have I been figuring and re figuring the configuration of a tiny little 2 bedroom house that is home to this young family. Some ideas couldn't work. What else could? This labour of love has pushed me creatively. The colour scheme has been finalized, the floor plan has been pushed into place, and a few new storage solutions lie in their boxes awaiting filling. No curves were expected.

The halfway point has been passed and I can see the end. Things were quite the mess as dirt was piled off to the side and a culvert was set in place. The kid's home is looking quite a shambles as the contents of cupboards are spread around. I've found some more possibles for curtain materials and there will be some switching taking place. The glorious cantaloupe in the entrance is still wonderful but the curtains are making me wonder if they might cause a few bumps. Time for a second opinion.

Hopefully some of these questions will resolve themselves as we begin to have an unobstructed view of the last half of the journey.

Oooh, that last turn up onto the road is narrow and a bit inclined. That ditch is very deep.

Oh, by the way, mum; we will be adding to our wee family this summer!

Of course I'm delighted!!! However it did cause a slight mis-step as I considered the basic plan for the whole house. But not to worry, I'm up on the road and headed for the home stretch.

Half way to the end

2011-11-25T08:56:00.001-06:00

Winter has been backed up again so my Rooster can get some more work done on the front steps. The workers have also been making great progress on the new access road. They have the barricades for the bridge ready for positioning today. I'm hoping to dash across it one last time this morning.

I'll face that long drive (half a mile) on the new road when I see my Rooster at the home end cheering me on! YES, you can do it!!! LOL Amazing how we'll face the old (and dangerous) rather than the new and untried. vbsigh

Speaking of new ways, I did add bigger flowers to this old wall hanging but I need to seriously raise the bar. I know I can do much better than this. Even the flowers could still be more somehow. But I do know you can't always be going back to fix old stuff because you'll never get to new and exciting projects. I've learned a lot about design, balance, symmetry, etc. by doing these small projects. But it is time to try a bit more sophisticated work and I think I need to work slower so things can gel. Maybe stop halfway and really look at what I'm doing and where I'm going and how best to get there. Hmm sounds like a life lesson!

Besides, if the kiddies pick flowers and pluck coconuts I shan't mind. It is not like it is an heirloom!

I have been seeing the value in duvet covers. My aunt gave me a few and they often have wonderful yardage suitable for long gathered curtains. I found a perfect one for the kid's room on Tuesday and DD had found one that will work well in the entrance which has 4 windows, 2 in the walls and 2 in the doors. I have them ready for hemming but because my math is often inaccurate and I am really a visual learner I will take them and try them before I finish up the hems.

So I'm off to make happy noises at the redecorating project. We are halfway to the deadline. My Rooster is about ready to add his expertise to the 'must do's' and he'll keep me from tweaking the small details while the major events hang in the balance. ;^)

If I'm not back any time soon, it'll be because I'm bogged down halfway from somewhere!

Wow, so what's a worktable?

2011-11-23T10:58:00.001-06:00

If my whole house and garden (yard) are a work space, then this morning I have heavy equipment making a temporary road while they replace our access bridge. I'm losing some time watching and especially when I hear. "WHOA, watch that hydro wire!". :o

Another workspace is the work happening at my DD's. The theme for the kids room is this jungle animal fabric panel. I found the duvet cover at the thrift shop and I'll make curtains for the 2 windows. The walls will be the aqua of the sky, the bedspread a brighter lime green and then some coordinating items my DD and I have made.

This small wall hanging was a Common Threads fabric challenge a couple of years ago. It needs a hanging sleeve as does that large baby quilt above.

The wall hanging has some 3 D work on it. I folded a flap, ruffled some leafy fabric, fused some leaves, embroidered some stitches and added some beads and buttons. It'll hang at the end of the bed.

On my own worktable, after I dothose sleeves and curtains, I'm hoping to get some time to free motion some roosters and sunflowers.

A touch of Jacobean

2011-11-22T08:50:00.001-06:00

I have a fondness for the quirky look of crewel work, hooked rugs and Jacobean styling. I saw this rug as a full sized wonder and got it as a 4' x 6' rug. The asymmetrical aspect of it delights me. It has no aqua which is the accent colour for the hallway but not everything needs to be exact matches. The hall wall colour may need tweaking though. And I'm not sure how the Rooster's boots will affect it. :( It seems to me it could also work in DD's living room but she is all about clean and bright. But I like it which is good as it is a special order.

I'm off to work at the local thrift shop again. I am on the hunt for matching bedroom lamps for DD. Then it'll be off to DD's again for some measuring and list making. I got a cupboard to fit by the fridge. It was not what I was looking for but the next best thing. I'll get the rooster to cut it down, add a shelf and the storage unit that fits over the toilet will be perfect. I luv it when creative things leap out of store aisles and say, "what if...".

One more woe!

2011-11-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

We began with the back porch. I think it is called cantaloupe! We are just so thrilled with how it is looking. My friend painted while I did the TSP on the kitchen cupboards. The finish in the porch is a stucco and we needed a second gallon to finish. We were running out of daylight so I began to help with the edging.

Oh dear! I'm not sure what happened to the drop cloth but I pulled back the carpet to dab at that bottom edge and tipped over the 3/4's full paint can! Double drat! :( So she is back painting on her own and laughing lots! I am rolling up 4' by 10' brown shag carpet and grunting lots to get it into the bath tub. What a soggy mess! And heavy! Thank goodness for a hand held shower fixture. The rug finally quit releasing cantaloupe and it is slowly releasing water. It is not quite as shaggy and the rolling pin needs some drying time as well! Dear Daughter may wonder why we turn down her next pie! lol We'll check on everything tomorrow. So much for me helping to save some time! Maybe we need to reconsider handing out business cards for our new career!

Talk about the Perils of Pauline, we have the Emergencies of Big E and Little e
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Lots of snow going home. Winter is here for sure.

Whoa Week

2011-11-18T06:47:00.001-06:00

Well, the week is winding down. I'll be catching my breath a wee bit and then winding back up for next week.

The mqing on the last rooster quilt is a good part done. It is one of those quilts that requires 'one' more line but I do like it. I've paused for an evaluation of the border. I can do more straight lines, a diagonal cross hatch, or I can free motion around the roosters and some of the flowers. I'm wondering.

I got a wonderful package from Roni, over at Ink Stains with Roni. She sent a tin she had made over and it was full goodies. Roni has written Teach Yourself Visually Collage and Altered Art. I never put it away. Then to be even more helpful she does wonderful tutorials on her blog.

I hauled various and sundry things over to the kid's house and tried various things. Some worked and some didn't so I hauled them back but I'm quite encouraged by how it is coming together. The 'piece de resistance' would be a bookcase which I'm not seeing at the thrift shop but I do see two in the Canuck Truck store flyer. (That is Canadian Tire for non residents) So it is back today to check out the flyer and finalize paint choices. When my Rooster arrived he looked around and asked if I wanted a doll house!!! Too funny. It was my favourite toy as a child.

There was one more woe to finish off my 'Woe is me!' week. The hose that takes grey water away from the house froze and the water backed up all over my laundry area. awk! I am usually on guard for things like that but it is still a bit of a mess.

I think we now have the chicken coop secure so if Manni doesn't actually get the critter, he'll have to leave because the grocery store is closed for business!

Now I have to whoa all the playing and gear up for next week when the work begins.

Woes of the Woman on WOW's

2011-11-16T09:25:00.001-06:00

I had been practicing carving and decided to try to make a few African themed stamps for a fun wall hanging I want to make. I used ideas from the theme fabric.

The stamp I thought was the worst turned out to be my favourite so one really needs to just do/try different things.

I used the exacto knife for straight cuts and also to remove background. I can see I need to go deeper. The other tool gouges and takes some practice. Heck, it all takes practice. :{ I need to see how to make a darker impression on fabric as well. But it may be my stamps have been 'saved' way too long. lol

Also on my worktable is the plan for the kids' house. I first shoved furniture into different arrangements. I have a general idea and the colours come from this picture which I'm thinking I'll be hanging in their back entrance as they have a bigger and better one that goes over the little apartment sized piano but works also.
.

This little house needs painting. Browns are definitely old and out and so 'not' this colour loving family. The love seat was a give away.

The kitchen is a challenge.

I was a bit worried by the many colours they wanted but I found a decorating book that used their palette somewhat and I remembered this quilt I'd actually made for my daughter when she was working in the Dominican. It is more muted than they want but it works as a throw over the very brown recliner. Why do men insist on big dark recliners??? lol So I've been gathering stuff from my ornament stash, sorting curtain and pillow fabrics from my fabric stash and bemoaning the 2 lamps I left behind during a virtuous moment at the thrift shop! :(

Now if you have been following the Woes of the Woman this week, you will know that I have a chicken killing critter under the hen house. Yesterday I looked out the window when I heard squawking and saw him bold as brass in the middle of the pen. My dog, Manni, and I arrived too late. The thing actually hissed at us from under the coop! I think it is a river otter or a fischer. My Rooster gets home when it is quite dark. Lots of the chooks had said forget it and went to roost in the trees in the bush.
But, wonder of wonders! My Manni !!! This morning I looked out and he is sleeping by the coop and near where the critter goes to ground. You can see a few of the chooks have come out from hiding. The rest are locked inside. It is a while later and snowing and he is still on guard. These particular dogs sleep during the day and prowl and guard at night. And they don't mind weather. Well; cold ,wet weather, at all. He doeslook for cool corners in the heat. I hope that darn critter gets good and hungry and desperate for a breakout!!!

So I have lots of things happening here and round about. Happy Wednesday!

Besieged without and within

2011-11-15T06:36:00.001-06:00

Looks like an interesting week, judging by the first day.

We got a call just before retiring that our bridge was condemned on Friday. They want it closed ASAP. But it is the only access we have to the road! They are prepared to make a temporary road along the ditch down to the corner and widen a small grassy access. That is half a mile away and then a ninety degree turn up onto the road and in winter. Hmmm!

So as we were staring at the ceiling pondering this newest development, I heard 'noises'. My rooster doesn't wear his hearing aids to bed so it is up to me! I'm up, on my feet and in the hall. awk! Someone is in the guest room! Definitely. And behind the curtain! UP! Never mind all the explanations you can't hear. Here is the broom. Go get him! oye!

It was a squirrel. We don't see a lot of them but this was a smallish, light coloured guy and came through the 2 inches where I'd left the window open. Screens are off for the winter. He got on top of the curtain rod. Enter my hero. Squirrels can climb old metal beds. I never knew that. Anyway when he went to ground under the dresser, we decided to open the window higher, close the door, and hope for the best.

So far so good!

I wonder what the rest of the week holds???

Idle hands...

2011-11-14T19:00:00.000-06:00

...so they say, get into mischief. Heaven forbid I fall into that particular pit. So I'm keeping busy. One set of deadlines stroked off and I'm off onto another.

The TOM is stamps and they are encouraging us to making our own so I'm trying that.

Then I want to be more consistent in my journal work. I have lots of techniques to try and new supplies have arrived. I could even try my new stamps in it.

Sorry for the blurry photo but I am moving at a fast pace. This was also basted when I did the last two. I'm kinda set up for mQing and I am thinking straight lines which should be fairly quick while I do some other multi tasking. lol

My friend and I have taken on the task of painting and generally helping with some updated decorating ideas for my kid's place. We'd like to get it all finished before the holiday season gets into full swing. Today was a brainstorming time.

As an added surprise I'd like to get their wedding quilt on the bed for the final reveal. Yes, I know. I'm quite a few anniversaries behind but that deadline got pushed back and it just never seems to get to the top of the list. vbsigh

Typically when I'm feeling a bit stressed about all I have to do I add another project. I was viewing blogs and a blog friend posted about her African collage which is put together in a free wheeling design as you go format. It reminded me that somewhere I have a similar project that was set aside because I was unable to take my class. Feeling inspired, I dug it out and flapped it up on the wall. We have a free evening at Common Threads tonight so I thought I'd try some spontaneous patchwork myself. This has no immediate deadline, just something fun. But I'm tickled that it is actually an old ufo!

But I spent too much time brainstorming so I'm home late. Now I have some kind of critter chewing on the chickens and my Rooster is working late. So it is a flash light and an attempt of sicking the dogs on the varmit!

Parcel Pick Up

2011-11-12T04:25:00.001-06:00

My package of paint sticks and various things to use with it arrived.

The parcel inspectors just happened to be another pink and blue set of parcels I picked up as well. Not sure I'll be able to inspect them myself any time soon but I'll be looking forward to it and I'll be ready when the opportunity presents itself! :)

Just in time delivery

2011-11-10T09:36:00.001-06:00

I washed up the quilts and I'll be taking them today. The rippling in the outer border is all gone. The photo is showing the doorknob. I was so intent on checking for straight and everything I forgot that doorknob. But I'm pleased and so very glad I paused and rethought that binding. I hated to use up that fabric for a tiny binding but it was the very best choice.

This is probably more vibrant and the quilting is a bit more exciting than it looks.

I'm so thrilled to be getting stuff out of the closet, under the machine and off to serve its purpose.

Wah on my Wow day

2011-11-09T15:45:00.001-06:00

It is going to be back to basics for me! This quilt is very ripply and I'm kinda puzzled as to why. It is probably due to sloppiness; a loosening of the all the details that are necessary for quality control! It isn't terrible but it is a wake up call.

I approached this quilt with a desire to work in a less controlling manner. That's okay except I am seeing some problems. I like it overall but it has caused much angst! ;^) So here is my critique:

First I could have thought out the fabrics better. The more colours the more skill needed to get it right. I had a palette but the proportions of colours should have been adjusted. I might have been better to fore go the blue which is not so prominent in the theme fabric. The blue border ties in with the tiny bit of blue in the sashing. which is purposely offset and made sense when I did it. LOL

Then I used stash fabric for the backing which was great except I never thought about the binding. Not good. Pink seemed the best but I went to sleep last night with an uneasy feeling.

In the morning I dragged out more fabric. aha! My theme fabric.

This also solved another problem. It added bits of red which I spent considerable time trying to spread all around the edges but particularly where there seemed to be a serious lack. Another accent gone amuck. I seem to like accents so much they start to assume a secondary position. :{

I did go back and applique a pink bud in the centre of the lower left green block. The dark was a coordinating fabric that wanted to be another accent. sheesh! (I'm assessing as I type and I'm learning lots!)

I like asymmetrical and hence the wonky sashing. It solved a fabric deficiency for the final border and I'm cool with that. But I should have been measuring the sides, not sewing and cutting which seems to be what I must have done. Bad! Dock 20 points! The machine quilting is fairly evenly spaced. First thread I used was very linty, a variegated Wonderfil. Nina coughed at one point. I tried some Invisafil from the same store and all I can say is I'm anxiously waiting a Machine Quilting Sampler of threads from Superior Threads. I used some scarlet cotton threads and the thread has bled some. grrr

So this is not an award winning quilt but I feel okay about my kids giving it as a gift. It'll be used and loved.

I have another quilt up for MQing. But for me! No pressure and no pressing deadline. I'm set up to do it and I'll work on it at a more relaxed pace.

But I also have some little projects cluttering the worktable. I need to make some stamps. And I need to do my snippets challenge. Until next week...

Quilting

2011-11-08T13:22:00.003-06:00

Common Threads quilt group last night. Show and tell. Many are still working on the spiral table runners and some got the latest 'snippets' challenge done. It was all about hand piecing and hand quilting and I've been there, done that, and have realized if I'm to finish anything at all, it'll be with the machine. I do like hand sewing bindings and hand applique. But time constraints will have me looking for better options for those as well.

Home stretch with the sampler. Two more sides to go! No time to slack off now so I'll be back for a look at my work surfaces tomorrow.

Blizzard Warning

2011-11-07T08:00:00.002-06:00

The weather warning may be premature but I do have a 'blizzard' happening in the playroom. I have 2 quilts to have completed by Thursday and not much chance on the weekend to get to them.

I did get some help from the grand kiddie to hunt, gather and put away my summer toys. We got a lot of them before we had to get onto other things.

I have hand binding to do on the smaller quilt and more MQing on the larger.

I'm trying not to look too closely at the first stitching because I am definitely feeling much more confident as I stitch along.

It was hard to put the bare feet on the cold floor this morning because the wind howling as I went to sleep prepared me for the beginning of the white stuff. I'm ready for the slower pace of winter but not quite ready for the cover it provides!

WOW Deadlines

2011-11-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

I am finishing things for my daughter to take on her visit to her hubby's homeland. This hand applique was done some time ago and I never did get the rest of the blocks done so... bind and give away.

This lap quilt is ready for hand stitching the binding down. Blue is tricky in artificial light so I hope this conveys the vivid brightness of it.

I am free motioning leaves and considering the individual blocks as I do that. I got some different thread, Invisa Fil and I'll try to do curved outlining in the sampler blocks.

I'll be taking a few moments to check on The Needle and Thread Network participants and then it is back to my work table. The deadline is looming!

Favourite treat

2011-10-31T09:52:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin pie is my favourite and while mellow yellow is my favourite, orange is starting to lean on that choice. But then orange is right next to yellow on the colour wheel so that would make them kissing pumpkins!

Green, the chartreuse shade, is fast becoming my favourite 'neutral'. Again, another close relationship on the other side of yellow.

And the crisp air of autumn and the hint of wood smoke. Now there is a real treat!

The bunny in the cabbage is the latest thrift shop find and I'm out looking for the perfect thread. Not a lot of choices locally so I may need to treat myself to some on-line shopping.

It would be a real treat if this gorgeous weather would hold for a wee bit longer and them I'll be quite happy to curl up with a cup of the hot stuff. In my case that isn't hot chocolate but coffee. A warm pumpkin slice, a dab of whipping cream and a few sips of hot black coffee is all the treat I need!

The worktable- wow

2011-10-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

I have gotten all the straight line quilting done on this lap quilt. I used the guide on the walking foot to make sure I stayed straight through the bigger squares.

I changed the thread from variegated blue to yellow and zig zagged a few lines thought the gold squares. Then I free motioned in the largest squares. I went around the rooster and added flowers. I also free motioned a rooster in one blue square. kinda fun!

Before I bind the first quilt I was anxious to get started on the sampler. I've stabilized the straight seams with invisible thread. I'm doing the sashing because I have the right colour. I may need to buy something for the actual blocks. I want subtle when I try the curved outlines in the sampler blocks.

I really like MQing and I can see I've gotten rusty so I'll need to keep my skills up. It is very true- use it or lose it!

Slow Going

2011-10-25T10:18:00.001-05:00

I've survived the change. I needed to upgrade my browser which is challenging on dial up and everything is quite different. It is also slower to do what seemed so familiar. But you know what they say about tides and times, they wait for no blogger. LOL Good old progress! This is my 500th post so I find it ironic that this is the time for this major curve in my blogging. I'm not sure how the ol' grey matter likes it!

The ladies at Common Threads were sent info on this next challenge. We were to draw something on our page sized foundation and then bring fabric scraps and glue to meeting. I originally had picked two birds on a tree and I'm so thankful I changed my mind and found the sample of a cropped orange slice. This is very fiddle diddly and we were all trying to figure if we should do the background first or last. The jury is still out on that.

One thing I do know, I haven't time to fiddle with it anytime soon.

Back to MQing and I'll try to figure how to move these photos around another time. I just latched onto them before and moved them but they are definitely not cooperating. I also need to see how the font looks as well.

Slow and steady seems to be the mantra for the jobs ahead.

Comparing

2011-10-24T11:32:00.004-05:00

I opened blogger in a different window/tab so I could write a post. I decided to try the updated blogger interface. uh, oh! That might have been a mistake as I'm back in the first window/tab and I'll be definitely comparing things. And if I am missing for a bit it'll be due to technical difficulties! yikes! I gather that ready or not, a change in Blogger is definitely coming.

I started off this morning with a quick Internet check then right into laundry. I grabbed the vacuum and started to clean. I am so happy to find like minded people in the blog world. Some of my acquaintances feel too much changing around is the sign of a frustrated female. :( But I've found kindred spirits who feel if you need to move it to clean it then have a happy time rearranging things. I like that! 8)

So I shoved the chairs around in the sitting room and the table and then I pushed the brown wood-look bookcase from the kitchen into the sitting room. It used to live there and seems happy to be out of the heat and steam and back to calm repose. I'm definitely going to change that blah door to a glass paned one. I'll need to have frosted or painted glass but I've never changed my desire to have that glass door.

The old china cabinet enticed the fridge to move up and over a bit and hunkered down to her new command position in the doorway. Much better than always having the bathroom door blocking her view. I'm beginning to really like painted furniture. I'll keep my wood floors and a few table tops but I'm thinking I'll be painting everything else. The trim will be an antique white because I've learned with this white/white china cabinet that mellow is better. I will be changing up the innards of the cabinet and bookcase but tomorrow. I'm not procrastinating I'm trying to stick to the schedule. I am supposed to be machine quilting in the afternoon and preparing for the new challenge at quilt group tonight.

While I'm quilting away I'll be entertaining a few more push, shove moves and then I'll be comparing all the what if's ...

And just because...

here is the grand kiddie comparing the view from a little higher up and a lot closer in! Fuzziness, grape juice mustache and droopy jammas, not withstanding! ;^)

Analyzing

2011-10-21T07:21:00.003-05:00

I have been analyzing my quilt and my work area. There is always room for improvement.

I remember this top. It was a pattern that has a cut, sew, recut and turn all about and resew. Not doing those any more!!! It is well nigh impossible to control what goes where. So I spend the time saved ripping! I'm very happy putting patches in place and then walking back and forth to sew and keep things as best I can where they should be. But the most frustrating thing is the chopping off of corners. I can clip off points rather easily without actually doing them on purpose. :(

Then there are all the bias edges which if you look at the edge of the first picture of the quilt are significant. So significant I decided to remove some excess surgically. It would have been easier before I basted but I figured the grief of the puckers would be more than the discomfort of the operation. Aghhh!

Then I did my primary quick basting around the perimeter to see how flat it would be. Not too bad. I always use straight pins on the edge because I always do the edge first and it is quick and easy with relatively no loss of blood! ;^)

I also shifted my sewing cabinet to the side for better positioning. Nina's bed is flush with the cutting table. Then I dragged up the leaf on the table to get some more level surface on my left. My cutting mat makes for better sliding. I'll be getting the Rooster to help come up with a more permanent and larger work area sometime in the future.

I did end up putting my stool under the quilt that hung down as I feed the quilt. I think the ideal is a large square work surface with a cut out on the corner for standing. That would be just about perfect.

But that might take a bit more analyzing and I need to just quilt right now!

Seriously fun

2011-10-19T18:17:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to try stamping/rubbing on fabric. I have 3 small shiva paint sticks and this was the moment. Seriously, I need to fine tune my technique but what a lot of fun. YES! This will get designated space and time. I'll be looking to buy some more. Not sure where I got these but surely they must be in the city somewhere.

I taped the fabric down and slid the rubbing plate under. It can be taped down as well. Then I peeled the dried coating back from the paint stick and rubbed.

I moved things around by changing plates and colours to get a layered look. Then I dug out a few stencils and a stencil brush. The leaf is too 'in your face' and the faeries look a little sun burned.

As I was stenciling I had a thought about brush clean up. Stencils? hmmm? Well, I used the ubiquitous baby wipes and so far so good.

Everything is curing and then I'll heat set it. It'll be ready for the next layer, thread painting.

WOW again, TAP

2011-10-19T07:05:00.007-05:00

Last Wednesday I posted about my For the Birds challenge using Transfer Artist Paper. I felt something was wrong so I tried again and I got it figured.

I tried transferring images from my computer onto fabric using transfer sheets.

The first sheets I used were from the package of 5 on the right. These were old and TAP has a shelf life of 3 years. The directions say the sheets are smooth after the transfer and mine were not. The good news is that I have a blurry image that I can add layers of mixed media surface to and I have a stiff paper that also has a blurry image I can play with so all is not lost. ;^)

The package I recently won from 3CS's contained the package of TAP on the left. It had 16 sheets, a great value pack. The process went extremely well and I had used up my quota before I knew it. I do wish I had thought a bit more before I got carried away as I'd have chosen the best images and then positioned the images better.

The blue fabrics were because I want a collage of quilts for my playroom wall. The colour of the background is definitely a huge factor.

I began to try lighter fabrics.

The ink jet printer worked well but uses huge amounts of ink so my last prints are not as clear because some of the colours are not at optimum levels. Again this can be okay if you like a faded look. But a good understanding of photo editing will do the same thing, I imagine.

I am no techy so the positioning, tweaking and enlarging of the image itself was very amateurish. I have a lot of waste pieces because it is recommended to trim off any white edging. These can be reused.

I drew on some with a marker and they transferred just fine. The directions say that you can draw on the TAP with other mediums.

The best use of the sheets is full sized images or a mosaic of images that can be cut apart and then ironed onto the preferred background.

I did try on paper. It does work although I see that the iron also heats up the glue if you are adhering to a layered page. The green fabric was not a good colour for the background of the eggs. Again, another creative opportunity waiting to be tried to improve this. LOL

One transfer had some water from the iron bubble onto it. Awk! A favorite image and I've no more ink or sheets! Fortunately it was at the bottom left edge and again gives a kinda cool effect. But my ink is also fatiguing. :(

So that is my recap from last week's what if...

I did quite enjoy this and will definitely be doing more of it.

But this is really what is on my worktable. I am going to be immersed in machine quilting just as soon as I get this last quilt basted.

The B word

2011-10-18T14:16:00.009-05:00

Yesterday's errands had me kinda frustrated with a lot of the traffic and construction in the city. But a 'mid course correction' made me stop and grab my camera. I AM supposed to be taking more photos. Winnipeg has some very lovely tree lined streets. The trees are fighting disease and environmental hazards but a view from the higher buildings shows lots of lovely green spaces. The canopy on this street said, Whoa, stop and sniff the crisp fall air! Breathe deeply and relax!

I was particularly searching for specialty threads and art supplies. Some for me and some for the grandkiddies! Didn't do well on finding thread but I did see another possible store on my way out for next time. I need to save up more money for paint sticks and I see they also carry the new pan pastels.

I joined the homeward hustle, picked up my stuff for the Monday quilt group and hustled right off to our bee. Lots of show and tell from the spirals class and the bird challenge. I forgot my bird challenge at home and totally forgot about using my camera. We basted one of my quilts and a couple of others.

This morning I found a dusting of the white stuff. BRRR

So for a good warm up I got the next quilt ready for basting.

I had friends for lunch and while I stirred the soup, they basted! It was a good trade.

I showed them the leftovers from the French Chicken quilt but with more blues. It is smaller and I should do it at the same time as it will use similar threads.

And that brings us up to date and ready for Wednesday's reveal

Stepping up

2011-10-17T06:36:00.005-05:00

Stepping up on the calendar is November. Definitely I'll be expecting the white stuff. Is it okay to say, hooray? I'm looking forward to a slower pace as the light decreases and the time softens.

I was hoping to wash windows Saturday but I was the Rooster's 'gofer'. We used the flashlight to finish up the very last turns on the 3 short beams that will transfer the shifting veranda's weight to new supports. But we made it and they are in place. Next will come a creative solution to disguising the ends. I can hardly wait to see what we can come up with! :(

With fall fleeing rapidly I need to do a yard clean up and put all my garden accessories away so my little bunny will have to step down as well.

My son in law has chosen 2 of my finished quilt tops to give as presents when he visits his family and friends. This'll be great for crossing off projects on my list but I've not stepped up to the plate quickly enough and the deadline is fast approaching. So yesterday I began in earnest.

This photo is taken from the stair landing.

The top on the wall was a BOM at 3 Creative Studios. I can give it up because I still have some fabric and can try again. It was quite fun to do and only needed a backing. I had just enough fabric for the backing and to make sure it fit I tried layering it on my design wall. I was thrilled. This may become my preferred method for basting quilts.

The top folded wrong side out on the floor was made from a collection of Bali's, sunflowers and roosters. It possibly confirmed my luv for and fascination with the colour orange. I also really like this top but I do have some leftovers in a smaller quilt top. I did have the backing all ready to go and I'll be basting it at quilt club tonight.

Now I need to step into the car and cross off a whole lot of errands!

I got it figured!

2011-10-13T09:02:00.004-05:00

But then I ran out of juice.

I tried the TAP technique again and got way better results.

And boy, did I get results. Like 16 sheets! Now I need to get some more printer ink!!!

I shall be ready for the next WOW post.

For the birds!

2011-10-12T08:41:00.006-05:00

The group challenge is birds. Not wanting to do the obvious, I did bird eggs.

I thought I'd try a digital transfer on some of my hand dyed fabric.

I printed the image from my computer onto the Transfer Artist Paper with my printer. That went swell, except I forgot it prints reverse image. Not too much of a problem as the fabric was darker than the little bit of lettering.

I ironed it on and should not have stopped to take a photo as the colour is lighter after I continued removing the paper backing! ;^)

Then I thought to stencil a bird on the fabric. The stamp was great on the paper but a little bit indistinct on the fabric. I needed a bit of a coarser stamp with deeper grooves, I'm thinking.

It gets a bit softer with a wash but I was anxious to try stitching on it.

Nina no like! :( And when Nina isn't happy I tend to get a little crabby myself! ;)

Now it is possible that part of the problem is the tight weave on my base cloth. I'm thinking I may have to find another fabric much as I like the price and the feel. I may also need to experiment with some different needles.

So I have sat down to think about what to do next. And while I am thinking I shall probably begin to baste the first of two quilts that need quilting asap!

Please feel free to add some "what if's... ".

Ducks in a row

2011-10-11T06:15:00.006-05:00

I'm looking forward to the slower, more creative time of winter. But there are a few things that need doing before then. Hence the getting of all the ducks in a row. We only have three this year and it took them a long time to actually leave their home pen but now they regularly paddle back and forth from the south of the yard to the north to check out what the chickens are up to.

A current goal is yard beautification. Most farmers have a stash and my Rooster is no exception. But it is time to purge the stash as his plans to restore some old tractors has hit the time crunch. So many hobbies and so little time. I understand. I have that problem myself. So a scrap dealer has been summoned. But before he takes things away we had to get some parts. He always comments on my selection of rulers. Wow, you should see all the wrenches and sockets he has!!! And it takes very good scrubbing before I can handle things in my stash! LOL

I shoulda been working on sewing projects but the day was very nice and I was sure there was things in the barn that we could purge so I spent some time sorting and hauling. There is always one who wants to know what is happening. This is our ram. He is concerned about the downsizing as he used to have 3 companions to butt heads with!

I ran into a young gal who is working with an upholsterer. This has made me think about my two auction sale chairs. What should I be considering for fabric??? So I flapped my samples out for viewing. I luv blogging and putting it out there. I now see that the paint sample (bottom left) for the sitting room is way too light! And a wall paper border I got a number of years ago seems to have the colours I'm considering. I'm thinking a medium blue green.

I'm also thinking this is my last day to help at the thrift shop and then I'll be setting up the playroom for some major machine quilting. Deadlines! What if I actually didn't wait till the last moment??? Here ducky, ducky!

The Giving of Thanks

2011-10-10T06:32:00.005-05:00

I'd like to think that I view a glass as half full rather than half empty. There is always something to be thankful for.

I'm beginning to carry my camera and take photos of the ordinary things rather than just my extra ordinary grand children and works in progress. This shot reminds me that one tree makes a difference in the city block where it is planted. One person makes a difference where they reside.

We've been having wonderful weather and we had a great meal.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Your house or mine?

2011-10-07T07:09:00.001-05:00

My friend and neighbour has projects just like me. Only a river and a few country miles separate us. We are trading work days. We work on a project for me and then a project for her. We'll be able to keep ourselves busy for a good two years!

Interestingly enough she has a house very similar to me. Her house was dropped off at the railway station as the #1 Fir Special from the Hudson's Bay Company for a ridiculous sum by today's standards. Her house is 100 years old.

Our house is a newer version of the same house, built in the 30's and dropped off by the railway as well. There is one more like it also in the neighbourhood. My house is a wee bit bigger and this particularly shows up in the two hallways. Her floors are wider planks, her trim is wider and the interior doors are one recessed panel while mine have two.

She has hallway envy and I have front door envy!

She enters from her back porch. We have no back porch and our back door was closed off and the kitchen plumbing was brought up through it by the previous owners. (???) Hmm, we had a side door at the basement stairway. She doesn't.

Old houses are always needing something. So we learn together. We also have very different decorating preferences. But it is great to dream and talk and work and problem solve together.

Where was I?

2011-10-06T07:30:00.001-05:00

Tuesday is thrift shop day. There is a great advantage to be part of the sorting and setting out crew. Hmm, actually a few disadvantages if you already have a goodly supply of your own stuff. VBSIGH

These sparkly things were cut from a pair of jeans that were not redeemable for wear. The hanky has the tiniest petit point hand stitched in a corner. The necklaces just seemed to round out the mix.

I'm just a temporary helper but it is amazing what passes through this little out of the way shop.

Then I hurried home and tried to make my benches vintage. I waxed them and I think they look kinda cool. There is also a bench/toybox that had 3 hearts cut in front from a passing phase of country. So I nailed a thin panel on the front and painted. I distressed a little and added the paste wax. It isn't too great, BUT... I'll add another colour later and vintage it with the current colour showing through. I tell you that this is such a freeing thing. If it doesn't work, just cover it up, rough it up and try again!

It dawned on me that the quilt rack is seen from underneath while the shelf is low and viewed from the top. So I sanded a few blobby paint runs off, attached it with the prominent part facing up and sprayed away. I'm getting smarter.

Then because the wind was up again, I put the little cupboard in the barn for its second coat. I hoped the overspray wouldn't antique my other 2 projects and sprayed away. I tried to be patient as light coats are way better than, "I'm gonna coat that sucker!". So when my grin was too fixed from the fumes, I stopped and went out to breathe the windy wind! lol. I only got one drip and it looks great. I'd drawn a sketch of a wonky cupboard for my DSIL to make for me. I'd have liked actual curves from bottom to top but we settled for slope. It fits between the 2 bedroom doorways in the upstairs hall.

All the furniture is in the barn and I'm waiting for the veranda floor to cure. It is looking good. I'm hoping the lone rooster will not want to roost on any of my stuff and that the new kittens will be away with their mama and not playing tag over and around any of my smooth and scratch free stuff. :O

Today is trade day. I'll be over painting at my friends.

Art Journaling one WOW

2011-10-05T08:32:00.000-05:00

I've been following Roni Johnson over on her blog Ink Stains for a while now. My primary interest is fabric with altering books secondary. I'm hoping to combine the two.

Roni has started a series that combines journaling with a different technique for the various pages. I am a bit stalled in my own journey so I'd like to lace up my running shoes and continue the run. Her journey is about Discovery and I want to discover a whole range of techniques.

I do have an altered book that I want to use. I have been collecting all kinds of things that intrigue me with their possible uses. I found Roni's book at Michael's and I figure that will really give me no excuse. So this is a mission to discover all about myself as well as what the heck I've bought!

The first technique is The Faux Rubbing Technique. I've dug out some rubbing plates.

First the basic with paper from the book. Hmm, I need an old white candle??? a white crayon? Then I did a wash of fluid acrylics. This I like.

Second is the challenge of discovering from Roni's blog. But this is with a twist so I need embossing powder and ink- If all else fails, read the instructions!

The suggestion is to use the raised surface as the etching. I could have done a better job, me thinks. The Glimmer Mist I sprayed with didn't really reveal much.

Then last night I decided to turn the pink page in the journal into my geranium challenge.

I practiced a bit on the scrap papers. I used a quilting stencil, a foam stencil, various pens, and crayons; some water soluble, some not. I oversprayed with some glimmer mist and glued down the doily. I'm not sure I'm even finished. Oh, I'm supposed to write something. Cool!

I have to say altered books for me so far has been all about making some backgrounds. This is my first altered page. WOW!!! I get it. Too much fun. I want MORE!!!

I'm going to be sorting thru my drawers to find all my stuff and get it slapped down on all those backgrounds. Just looking for a stencil uncovered some very neat STUFF! Gesso and washes of colour are only a very small tip of the iceburg and now I see it is the boring part. lol

So third will be to try this on fabric. But that'll have to wait for next week.

Here a little, there a little

2011-10-04T07:36:00.010-05:00

I really am managing to stay focused and do some of the daily chores as well.

The veranda focus has kept me from painting every darn thing I can think of. So I hauled the stuff I'd forgotten that goes with the veranda over to the designated paint area for phase 2. okay, plus 2 or 3 possible veranda candidates! I sanded the benches and washed them down. The neighbour caught me looking my worst but...

Then I tackled the porch floor and almost got myself in a corner. I even felt this paint went on better. Maybe because of the previous coats? YES! The rust flows better into the house with its fir flooring. And not to mention the rug I bought for the veranda!

This is an early morning shot through the screen window.

I worked through lunch and got going on all the rest. Out of sight is the orange cupboard for the upstairs hall and it is there because I have a spray can for it. (another goal is to reduce the paint supply) It might need some sanding and another can of spray. (one can gone, one can coming) :O

I ran out of the paint I wanted on the benches. Why don't I do the most visible parts first??? But this could be a serendipity. They were planks my Rooster made into benches 35 years ago. I relegated them to outside about 20 years ago and at some point stained them a green and a blue. The grandson practiced on one with cobalt blue and lime green paint this summer. So some of that colour remained after sanding.

I think I can get these to look vintage like that old trunk. The sun is going to be hot tomorrow and I'll try to wax them. This is definitely a 'what if...' project!

Then I hit the shower. No sign of my rooster.

I arrived late for our group's meeting. Everyone was quite busy working on a spiral table runner. Good thing I'd decided NOT to add a project to my list. They had already got their instructions and the next step was Greek to me. But I bet they turn out wonderfully. But I was hungry and tired so I went to see if my Rooster had returned to the roost.

All the while I have 2 challenges on my mind. This journal page needs to develop a Geranium theme. And then I need to do 'something for the birds'.

This morning I do my last stint at the thrift shop. Surely there can't be much more for me to find and bring home!!!

So far So good

2011-10-03T06:49:00.008-05:00

I put the paint brush down to pick up the car keys. A lovely day in the city. And I mean day. We, DD and the grand kiddies put on lots of miles, accomplishing much.

We did take time out to play! These little cars are so great, very easy to move about. Both kids were all over the place. Unfortunately, I own neither a good basement nor a cement walk or drive way! We enticed them off with 'rides' up and down, and up and down, and... on the escalators!

The Rooster declared Saturday a town day so we, a rooster, a hen and a chick, were back to stock the pantry for winter. Food is a rooster thing. I'd rather feather the nest. ;^)

This grey floor is not going to work. It shows every little thing. I'm all for low maintenance and this would bother me.

So I'd gone into our little town and got a rust colour mixed up for me. I should learn to listen to my first intentions! Now I was anxious to finish all the painting. But reading the fine print I read that I needed significantly warm weather for 48 hours. Night temperatures were letting me down. Today starts that time frame. I also have recalled a few more pieces that I can paint up that fall into the category of veranda work. ;)

The Rooster has been mulling over the whole step issue. I reworked one set of pavers and I'll need more for the other side when I where see the foot steps will fall. I need to give the Rooster credit for creativity. His is a very practical creativity.

Tonight is quilt group and I just cannot start a new project. I'm not too sure what to work on but it won't involve the sewing machine because the main doorway will be locked for painting and the secondary door has no steps because it awaits another design decision and some deck construction. vbsigh

Except for the possible digression of one kinda small cupboard which could someday end up in the veranda, (???) I'm very happy to report that I'm staying focused on the veranda! That has got to be some kind of record breaking happening! yahoo!

It's all good

2011-09-29T07:43:00.006-05:00

Perfect day for painting, my friend told me and paint we did! We worked on the furniture that will be in the veranda. I used up old paint and a goodly number of spray cans that I'd accumulated. I'm not too good a sprayer so I stuck to the paint brush. I was also the one wearing the most paint!

This bench was sprayed aqua inside and painted a blue green on the outside.

The highchair was sprayed with 2 different cans of yellow. The car and we gals have evidence of over spray. oops! But she's a blonde so it was her moment!

The wind came up and I had a very 'happy' sprayer of antique white in the spray chamber!

I sent her home to sing in the shower.

The man came with his machine to put the piles in at the veranda. I knew things were not going to be so very good when I overheard my Rooster telling him not to worry about the plants, they'd come back up next year. Good bye cottoneaster shrub. :O

The machine has tracks which crush kinda softly but it is the pivoting of the tracks that raise my eyebrows! One cement paver is toast. To be fair he chose the path of least resistance and so the plants/shrubs that were in jeopardy were the ones that have been not exactly thriving.

Now the Rooster will have to refigure the step and handrail as the piles are further out than he'd hoped. But we need to refigure the whole gate, walk and entrance area. This flowerbed will have to be revamped in the spring. The plants look kind of horrified at the moment as it is. But I do hope the weather holds, particularly as I found another chair we should have painted.

I'm also looking at the veranda floor. The light grey is not looking so good with all the traffic. It is showing everything. If I'm going to change it, now is the time.

But it is looking like a rain day. We were so happy to get the machine in before it delayed him again. The poor plants are probably pretty thankful for the rain. And I'm thankful I that I just may get a play day. ;^)

small wow

2011-09-28T06:52:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I spent the morning at the local thrift shop. A bag of knitting and crocheting material yielded some treasures. I brought home some cotton crochet thread and the heavier cotton perle. I'm thinking couching! I found 3 fat quarters as well.

But perhaps I should keep my mind on today's agenda which is painting outside while the great weather holds.

I had a senior moment yesterday afternoon. First I forgot my camera. Then while I was at the playground with the grandkids I decided to join them in their play. I loved swinging as a youngster. Could I still get to see over the cross bar? Awk? What is that funny feeling in my tummy? Slides now have bumps and dips that produce a similar feeling. :( Then my monkey girl wanted to twirl. OH, stay on your feet, Gram'elle!!!

Good thing my Nina has her feet firmly on her sewing table. I'll be making dips through a field of smooth cotton. And we can twirl with the best of them without getting dizzy!

Happy WIP Wednesday

Falling into good weather

2011-09-26T20:20:00.005-05:00

With all the changes in weather patterns, I must say we have been perfectly delighted with the gorgeous Falls we've had these last couple of years. Just marvelous! These daisies that I brought from my parent's place always mark fall for me. They seem to come into bloom just as everything else is succumbing to the first frosts. They actually make a nice hedge, about 4-5 feet tall. They are perennials but the stems are very tough and are very hard to cut back. So I have only a couple of clumps in a few strategic places.

Our trees don't colour up too exceptionally. We get a few shrubs that are kinda red but the majority are the yellows. This year the trees seem to be keeping their leaves longer.

I figured a quick clean-up from the weekend and then some playtime before I gathered up my paint supplies. I got busy editing our bedroom of all the blue greens that were confusing my attempts at a golden rose colour scheme. I was interrupted by a call from my friend to come help edit her 'man cave'. We got a goodly bit accomplished and she will be helping me later this week to get my veranda painting all finished up. We did have a lovely coffee break out on her deck which looks out onto the river that meanders about our municipality. I should have taken my camera! I really must learn to carry it to capture momentous moments!

Getting ready to play

2011-09-23T08:29:00.006-05:00

A busy week.

The Common Threads quilt group met for another year in town. Some new gals and it is always nice to have new inspiration. First meeting is just to get acquainted and write down all our needs, wants and desires!!! Each year is different and this year has a number of things to keep me busy. Also this year I think I'll do white bindings and kinda have a theme for some art in the 'problem' corner of the playroom.

Lots of craft stuff coming into the thrift store as people organize and plan for the fall. I scooped up some books to disperse to our group. I also have my eye on all the bits of wool. Couching???

The monthly sewing club met in the city. This is at my sewing machine dealer and I always learn lots. But I went in early specifically to get some stuff for my kiddies.

I had a drawer of 'STUFF" but another blogger's posts on including children had me rethinking some things. First, I shouldn't wait till they are old enough!!!

So the kids have 2 drawers each and Josh will have aqua blue themed supplies and Eliana will have lime green. I'll colour code the drawer fronts.

I'm very happy to share my stuff. I have LOTS of glue and crayons and paper to get us started.

Their mum was a kindergarten - grade one teacher and I grabbed her art book. If kids can learn to draw so can I! I also have some pattern books for tracing and 'ta heck' with colouring books. I'll scan, enlarge and print on the scanner. I've been saving paper for some time! But I also found a book by InkStainswithRoni at Michael's. Roni's blog is all about 'how to' so this should be most helpful as well.

Now today I have a run to see the kiddies. Josh is awaiting his new winter long johns! I hope he likes the cars on them. Although I could have got pink 'beauties' for his sister she has claimed and is only too happy to wear the old Thomas the tank ones!!!

My, the seasons are flying along and now so must I!

wow

2011-09-21T06:51:00.008-05:00

With a recently reorganized and clean studio/playroom I'm anxious to start some new/different/exciting art!

But I don't have anything ready for show and tell.

So I've continued with the doodling. I need to try out the lower position for my sewing machine. Standing up works best for when I'm piecing and ironing and moving back and forth from my design wall. I really do prefer to stand whether I'm working in the kitchen, watching a workshop demonstration or even explaining something exciting. I have more room to wave my hands around. LOL

I enjoy free motion on the sewing machine but I must admit that 'use it or lose it' is very much a true saying. And I haven't been doing too much free wheeling lately. So I'm going to have to make it more of a daily exercise. Maybe a daily doodle with Nina needs to be more of priority than zentangling on paper.

elle in da coop!

2011-09-20T07:43:00.002-05:00

When they announce the 'chicken dance' at a wedding I am not among the participants.

But a snoopy dance for a completed quilt project... totally a different matter. ;^)

So this morning I am doing a few struts, a skip or two and a slow twirl around my playroom. I am in my happy space and it is looking good and feels clean. vbsigh

I'm sure there are more nice days ahead for outside work but it is time to be thinking about the creative opportunities that lie ahead.

What if...

Better than a B +

2011-09-19T14:12:00.006-05:00

Not quite an A+ but I'm dealing with the B's!

BOOKS- The editing and cleaning of the playroom left a pile of books on the floor which lead to this fine mess. I decided to deal with all my books. Well, the ones necessary for my hobbies. ;^)

It makes me cringe when I see the price tags on these 'just had to have books'! Now some I've used, some I've referenced and some I've even gone through a couple of times. But I've also moved on. I've better defined what I like best. Tiny bits of layered applique which I can do and is nice is just not my style. I prefer a simpler look. Folk Art and Country has to make way for moderne! This hall closet is not too accessible so I'll give the garment making books and fabric one more year reprieve. I didn't dare take the time to refold, pat and generally get side tracked by the fashion fabric! My mum's old Elna is a nostalgic keepsake and a few other bits of memorabilia will hide out till the next purge!

The closet is inaccessible because I usually have my design wall flannel draped over it.

I sorted the unwanted books according to where they'll be going. Some to my Common Threads Quilt group which begins again for another year tonight. Some will go tomorrow to the local second hand shop where I've been helping out. Some will go to the Mennonite thrift store in the little city where I visit my kids on Fridays. I'm kinda embarrassed to dump it all in one place. LOL
Then I dispersed the 'can't bare to part with' books to appropriate parts of the play room.

I'm hoping that the remnant will be easier to remember and find for quick use.

The sewing machine cabinet/wash stand was cut down level with the cutting table. Its lower than I like for general piecing but I know it needs to be level with the larger surface for machine quilting. I put books that I'll need for quick reference to some specific sewing machine techniques behind the sliding doors.

The books weren't in the plan but I am quite tired of half done jobs. The room isn't an A+ because I still have a few piles on the floor and the small ironing station is overflowing. But the hall closet purge gives me a lighter heart because I have never had it so empty before. That good feeling will make me reduce the last few piles of clutter.

I did do the other closet which holds my roll of batting and the quilt tops that are awaiting finishing. I was so surprised to straighten them out and count the number remaining. The end is in sight! B++

I'd hoped to get to the Basement which is another area that is always amassing clutter but it'll have to wait for another day. B for bad! :(

I'm also really hoping to bee quiet at the meeting tonight because I can't afford another whole bunch of little projects. vbsigh

But now is not the time to settle for only a B. After all...

Good, better, best.

Never let them rest.

Till the good is better,

And the better is Best!

EDIT: I shoulda refolded the fashion fabric now that I see the photos! B-

Both sides against the middle

2011-09-16T09:06:00.004-05:00

The Rooster sawed off the top shelf and with Ds's help we got it up! I'm definitely not going to be putting the thread all back where I had it as I wouldn't reach it. My guys were saying it wouldn't fit and they know all about my math skills. LOL But it did come from there! I was just a tad alarmed at how high it actually went. ;^)

Now I need to figure where to put my books. I have edited my books once already. I reduced by half. These on the floor, with no place to go, amount to about a quarter of my hobby books. I shall be doing some more editing. I think I'll only keep technique books. I'm past pretty pictures, I think.

So with the sides relatively done, I face the middle. The sewing chest, which my old timer Rooster says is a wash stand, needs to come down about 3 inches to make my sewing machine's work surface level with the cutting table.

I do luv the benefit of viewing the pictures once they are uploaded. See that far left corner. The sloped wall. It isn't right.

Better, but I need something bigger, squarer! I shall consider my options as I deal with the middle.

What if I got a fancy frame, painted it white and made it into a chalk board???

WOW new tools

2011-09-14T11:38:00.008-05:00

One work surface has been cleaned off, decluttered and is almost ready for being crossed off as done.

I watched carefully as my DH raised the board on the back wall to hold tools. After 'conquering' the BIG sander I figure a drill should be easy. So I did some 'tweaking' this morning.

I mounted an IKEA bar to hold things. I thought of painting it white but I have a few things that are black. I do need serene but not sleepy. The splash of black adds some GO to my white, aqua, lime green palette.

I was thinking I'd not have time for some more of the zentangle look but I really wanted to see how the white thread would stitch out on black. The lint is a problem but I think this will work. I used Mettler silk finish 50 wt. top and bottom just because it was readily at hand.

I did try some Pearl Crown Rayon through the #39 Brenina foot.

I have run out of bobbin thread and my 'real' work table is hidden under lots of stuff so it is time to get back to cleaning. One thing I am noticing is that not working at my usual rushed and "I'm late, I'm LATE..." pace certainly has some benefits as I contemplate where I want to go and how to find the best way to get there. That is an important work in itself!

A never ending story

2011-09-13T06:51:00.005-05:00

Tis the end of summer.

Well, we all had very red faces as we tore down the fence and threw it into a very large container to burn on Saturday. The temperature was 31 celcius and the fire burned hot. The burning ban lifted as we have had a bit of rain and we had to be vigilant but I am so glad that it is all gone. Yard clean up is never ending. The new fence will go back in spring with a few changes.

Then Sunday afternoon I tackled the veranda floor as the week ahead looks cold and rainy.

The son in law's big sander is almost more than I can handle. I pressed the trigger and was half way down the length of the veranda before I could even yell! But my, it does eat away the layers. It also ate the cord. oops! Joshua is learning about smoke. Smoke from fire, smoke from the tractor muffler and smoke from Grand Dad's ears!!!

Josh also came to see what I was doing. I was also smoking after he stepped on the door jam and then started back down the hall! The above photo is from this morning and Josh's foot prints have been removed! ;^) My muscles are sore. That sander does vibrate! I also sanded down the sills and repainted them. I'm so messy so now I'll need to touch up the walls. I really hope the touch ups can end there! lol

I got the playroom rearranged so my guys could just slip the newer chest into place.

I'd carried the drawers but the the chest is well made as there are dividers between each drawer so it is heavy. I need to use that sander again to get old paint off the drawers so they slide easier.

We had taken the base off and Josh screwed in the new metal foot pads.

It is a tad tall but I'll be okay with that. I'm going to remove that overhead shelf. It is way too cluttered and I'm learning to reduce surface areas where things collect. I think a few hooks and holders will be better. I'm sure the drawers will be crammed though. lol

These are 2 very old IKEA chests. They hold a lot and aren't deep so I CAN find things.

This is an old IKEA media cupboard. It is nice to have but a lot of space is wasted so...

Even though The Rooster has been busy with repairs...

The pump for our well, the hot water tank, the bathroom sink. He also had an argument with the grinder at work. He won but it did get a few licks in. I think Josh will have a hard time settling for those little coloured bandaids now! ;)

But now he needs to re-purpose my old media cupboard so it can sit on my two very usable and sturdy chests. Then I can begin to put stuff back. After I purge, of course. And that is really a never ending story!

Prezzies!!!

2011-09-10T07:47:00.004-05:00

I got my parcel card in the mail that my package was in so my friend and I scooped it up and had the grand opening at my DD's. She was shocked I wasn't opening it. On a busy street??? I might lose something! The kiddies oohed and ahhed along with all of us but I think the box was the biggest hit! lol Thanks to Sew We Quilt and a generous Madame Samm!

I got the big wheeled bag for transporting a sewing machine and supplies to class. I got a cotton quilt batt, a calendar, a magazine, some self stick thimbles thimbles, 3 bunches of FQ's, and 2 kinds of Prescencia thread. The batting and threads are new to me so I'm curious to try them.

In the mail was also a book I've been waiting for. There is a lot of talk on the DIY blogs about Amy Sloan Chalk Paint and I found a Canadian supplier and I'm drooling over her book and lovely colours and techniques.

And to top things off a visit to the thrift shop got me another white pitcher with its bowl. This is very lovely.

I brought one grandchild home and we are having a work bee outside so no playing till next week!

Phooling around!

2011-09-09T11:04:00.007-05:00

The 3 Creative Studios Technique of the Month is fascinating. What I know about photos and what you can do with them is infinitesimal. But I'd like to know.

So I am 'phooling' around with my sketch book, my scanner/printer, and my camera. Now that I've had a quick taste which has also included some lip chewing, LOL, I will go back and reread the instructions better and give this a better try. Very Fascinating. This was some stamping on paper that I scanned and then printed. The fabric and freezer paper caught a bit but it sure looks like it can be done.

I drew sketches of shapes. This one was with a Sharpie.

I scanned it into the 'puter.

I used the editing section to colour one block and that isn't as easy as it looks.

I used a photo layout to get this grid. Then I printed it out on white fabric that I backed with freezer paper.
There is ALL kinds of room for improvement but this sure opens up an whole new world of 'what if's..'!

WOW

2011-09-07T09:38:00.007-05:00

First to find my work table!

I had to do some serious cleaning.

I got the first auction sale cupboard upstairs and into position. The cupboard's top is even with the cutting table but I'd like to have Nina's actual work surface even with the cutting table because this makes free motion quilting just so much easier and better. I prefer to sew standing up so this height works for me. I could cut out an insert as there is another shelf just below but this top is thick and I'd like to keep this heavy machine on a good solid surface. The base is actually workable and because it is worn it will probably be even sturdier if we trim off the bottom 3 1/4 inches. I'll still have an open toe plate for my toes and to push the foot pedal out of the high traffic area.

When I machine quilt a big quilt I'll push the cupboard around to the side of the cutting table so I can spread out the weight. I took this picture from inside the closet and behind my computer chair. What if I had more space??? ;^)

Last Wednesday I'd done some programed stitches to experiment with the zentangle look.

This week I did use the more open embroidery stitches but I moved my fabric from side to side to vary and open up the patterned stitches for a more organic look.

Then I tried my #43 free motion couching foot. I could only find some dark grey hand embroidery thread and it is another auction sale bundle so I don't know how good it is. Anyway I didn't like the result so on my town trip today I'll see about some better and heavier cording. I was wondering, what if...

I used white string on black fabric!!!

Exercising mind and muscles

2011-09-06T06:57:00.006-05:00

Well, the rooster came home, looked around, and exclaimed, "Well, you've had a fun day!".

He does know what makes me happy. LOL

I decided the best place for the elm cupboard was the bathroom. It can use some humidity. It is a temporary spot while I consider my options.

The two chairs are perfect for each corner of the north stove wall. They also fit nicely at the ends of the table. Luv that! Then I remembered that at one time I had considered two glass fronted cupboards for each side of the stove. Those metal book cases were also auction finds and also temporary. YES! hmmm? This is beyond rooster work. I may need to enlist my DSIL. :0

One chair was sent back up to our bedroom and the wooden dining room chair replaced a smaller wood one in the sitting room.

I switched the recliner and the rocker so the foot stool was not hampering traffic flow too much. I did sit and stretch out. YES! It looks full but not unduly cramped. The recliner is the roosters and he did like that corner. oops! The 2 chairs can be used while I consider what colour to reupholster them. The foot stool is very much worn.

The jelly cupboard found a new home in the kitchen. This chased the 'soon to be a bookcase' wine cupboard up to our room which also meant the matching tall table went as well. I'm pleased. The jelly cupboard is too small for the bathroom and fits well on the kitchen wall. This put back a small table, phone table(?), back to the small nook which is its best spot.

That wine cupboard looks good between the two doors and isn't very deep.

The lower matching table actually fits down by my side of the bed and can hold my books. Finally, I have bedside table that kinda hides because the dresser needs to be on that sloped wall which doesn't leave much room.

That only leaves the other taller table to find a good place for and that isn't a high priority.

The two remaining cupboards are for the sewing room. I tried to get the smaller one up but I ran afoul of the handrail on the stairs. So tomorrow I'll post those changes which require some considerable 'rooster work'!

A Score and an edit!

2011-09-05T08:50:00.006-05:00

An auction sale for a local quilter! My rooster and I ran away for the day. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. And we scored some great stuff.

Well, I did. My rooster wanted a book box. He got it for a dollar. So he laughed all night as he read his book and I plotted and planned where all my stuff would go and what would have to leave to make room for the new stuff! lol

My friend says reupholstering is easy. I guess 'we' will be finding out! The foot stool turns out to be a good match for the chairs and I'll be spray painting the lamp. The chairs are the same and I quite like the fabric but it needs recovering. One chair has been painted and I'm thinking I will paint both. I originally thought of a bedroom chair but having both has made me think front room where they can be drawn up to each end of the dining table. YES!

I'm so excited about this elm cupboard which was our most expensive piece but so cheap I am still pinching myself. It looks like it is a kitchen storage piece as it has two wire rods on the inside doors for tea towels. ??? I may need to 'store' it in the bathroom while I work on the kitchen. That means the jelly cupboard in the bathroom needs a new home. I'm going to need to be very creative to keep things from getting too cluttered. ;^)

Then I really didn't need more fabric, notions, or books. But who can resist repurposed storage. I'm thinking this sturdy piece can support my sewing machine which sits at the end of my cutting table. The cubicle storage I am sewing on now will need a new spot. hmmmm?

I was quite excited about the wide drawers in this piece for paper, stencils, etc. and I will possible remove the kick plate section on the bottom to lower it a tad. The future spot for this heavy piece is puzzling me a bit but it will go in my playroom, possibly under the cutting table or the 'wet' counter.

In the book box was a couple of good books for altered book making and especially this one which has a number of blank pages with the wonderful borders around them.

I doubt as any of this was absolutely necessary. But we have done no auction sales this year and who can resist 'deals'. We had a marvelous time. The cost wasn't huge and the enjoyment will pay dividends far into the future.

I have just been SO blessed this week!

But now I need to spend the day wiping down my finds, shuffling furniture and editing STUFF in general. hum, hum, hum, HUUUMMMMM!

It's a pink and orange kind of day!

2011-09-02T16:56:00.001-05:00

I'm kinda speechless, but thank you's are in order.

I am a follower of Sew We Quilt. Madame Samm is doing a wonderful promotion for 'want to be' quilters, quilters, bloggers and sponsors. And I won on the guest post #24. This post intrigued me because Laura is Spanish and of course my DD married a lovely South American man and my grand kiddies are bi-lingual and I need all the help I can get speaking and relating to them and encouraging them to come play with me in the Coop and Saucer Playroom.

So I am also Following Laura over at Coisas da Laura. She did a tremendous job on her ruffled draw string bags tutorial.

I'm luving all the orange over at Madame Samm's blog and I'm definitely in the pink over my big windfall.

I'm thankful for the sponsors who donated the prizes and I'll post when they arrive and as I use them.

I am so blessed! VeryBigSigh

Ups and Downs

2011-09-02T07:38:00.002-05:00

In life there are ups and downs. The ups build muscles, the downs get the adrenalin flowing. Usually I enjoy the flat lander experience so the random ups and downs add that bit of spice to a pretty normal life.

We have had a bit of a drought so I'm not sure where the water on the road came from but boy, I feel like I'm hydro-planing along here these last few weeks. I'm certainly in the fast lane. Toot, toot! Excuse me, I flying by.

September is here so perhaps the furious rush of clouds, trees, and pavement will slow a bit as fall settles in before the white stuff arrives. Yikes, no ice, please!

Ah, a deep breath of the crisp fall air. Now what is next on the everlasting and always revising 'to-do' list!

Joinings

2011-08-30T07:38:00.006-05:00

We were off to a wedding over the weekend. I'm amazed at all the creative ideas that one can gather on these occasions.

Not only were two people joined as one but many ideas can be wedded to our own use.

My eye was drawn to the centre pieces on the table which were burgundy grapes and large plums on glass tiers with white candles and silver Hershey Kisses sprinkled over pink granules. The tables were white cloth and dishes and sparkling glass. Very classy.

Creative ideas are ours to 'steal' whether it be the font on invitations, pattern on the hotel's rugs, the colours of a painting, the swirl on the desert plate, the diamond drop on a guest's ear or the metal grid on a stairway.

Gathering inspiration is for those with eyes to see it and that can be cultivated. Joining it to our works in progress is part of the creative process. What if...

WOWing

2011-08-30T06:40:00.000-05:00

It has been a very hectic few days and doesn't look to be letting up for a few more.

I have been thinking some about the zentangle aspect of black and white works. I do like the programmed stitches in the home sewing machines. They do it well so they should be allowed to do their thing.

The embroidery stitches can be manipulated as they move over the fabric as well. I'm thinking to let the programmed stitches be the first fixed lines. Then maybe some gentle curves applied in the midway of the project and maybe even some fast swings. I could finish with some free motion stitching for fillers.

But not right now. I do like free motion but the push of happenings and deadlines is NOT conducive to free flowing stitching. I'm quitting while I'm ahead and proceeding with the next emergency. ;^)

Happy Hump Day!

How's that for a welcome!

2011-08-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Warm welcome!

Way back when I bought the veranda paint I had white trim, pale yellow for the house wall, medium yellow for the veranda walls and a deeper golden yellow for the door. All exterior porch paint. These were part of the paint collection I want gone by fall. I tossed two when I was done. :)

So I've touched up walls, trim, and broke open the unused can for the door. Why was I thinking a different colour? I think the golden yellow is perfect. I also put a quick coat of white on the small shelf and the quilt rack. But it was too hot and the paint was drying on the brush. So I'll be thinking antique white or maybe some other can that I've forgotten the colour of! Now I'm wondering the old terra cotta colour for the floor or a newer shade of dark chocolate brown.

I hope a busy weekend doesn't hinder the roll of paint inspiration.

Works On Wednesday

2011-08-24T09:17:00.007-05:00

If 'the little black dress' is such a staple for the well dressed gal, then I'm thinking 'the little black line' needs to be a part of my style repertoire.

The black line can be written words on stationary, or the back of an envelope.

The black line can be quick strokes with a fine tipped brush on watercolour paper or the mixed media art journal.

The black line can be thread stitched out on fabric; fabulous, smooth, tactile fabric.

I quite like the zentangle phenomenum but I think I'd rather stitch than sketch.

My first post on finding my artistic voice has caused me to set aside Wednesdays to pursue my style. Check out The Needle & Thread Network for this week.

The 3 Creative Studios Technique of the Month is all about Creating Personal Imagery in black and white.

And to further confirm that I am on the right track, Leslie over at MarveLes Art Studios, has absolutely wetted my appetite for stitching in black and white.

Lots of links, but this is also about inspiration, so be inspired as you work wonders on Wednesday!

Rubbing it in

2011-08-23T06:58:00.002-05:00

My friend and I rubbed and reminisced as we worked on this old auction find. Good therapy and the blanket box revealed a blue stain hidden in the depths of the very weathered wood.

I am familiar with paste wax on floors but I'd never thought to use it on furniture. I'll definitely be waxing furniture from now on.

We are back to hot which worked well for washing down the veranda. I'll be touching up the walls with some leftover paint.

Sunday sight line

2011-08-22T07:14:00.002-05:00

Maybe 30 years ago we added a rough lumber fence to separate the house and farm yards. It made a huge impact on the property. Kinda settled us into the land somehow.

But it is needing some serious help as wind and weather has combined with time to challenge its right to exist.

One thing missing in the design was the focal point. People wondered where the opening was so I decided to incorporate one of those cute insets with an overhead arch.

Well I don't know about the arch but we did make plans for the inset.

But the proportions are just wrong. So my rooster has given me a temporary visual to study while he makes arrangements to bring back the post pounder. Bless him! But that makes 2 projects started and stalled. Acckkk!