Christmas Log Cabin

I made this holiday quilt several years ago using my favorite log cabin pattern.  Poipu can't wait until I put this quilt on the sofa so she can curl up and sleep on it.

This is one of only 3 quilts I have ever had professionally quilted, I love the varigated thread and the perfect swirls.

Tis The Season

I must have been really good this year because Santa arrived early at my house.

Look at all of the wonderful goodies I received from my swap partner, Marlynne.  A Christmas quilt, holiday fabrics, antique buttons, jingle bell jewelry, a darling little teddy bear, a holly decorated light post and a Christmas card painted by Marlynne.  I feel very spoiled!

Marlynne made me this wonderful little folk art quilt using holiday colors and prints.  She hand quilted it and added a tiny row of rick rack along the edge. 

Thank you Marlynne for getting my holidays started with your creativity and kindness.

Seasonal Swap

I made a little cabin in the snow for my 12" x 12" swap with Marlynne Joy in Missouri.  The cabin and tree are made from fabric scraps.  The night sky is snowing with little snowmen while the ground is blanketed in joyous words.  I embroidered a wreath on the door and added tiny lights in the tree.

On the back, I added a label using the blanket stitch.

 I painted a poinsettia on the plain white delivery box.

Happy Holidays Marlynne Joy!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

6 Months Ago

I can't believe it's been 6 months since I signed up for the Block of the Month Challenge through "15 minutes play . . . Bumblebeans, Inc."  My 12 blocks are done and I'm ready to form my quilt top.

Yesterday, I started adding the sashing and I will share the completed quilt soon.

America's Cup

Yesterday, my husband attended an America's Cup race held on San Diego Bay.  Boats from America, New Zealand, France, Korea, Sweden, China and Spain participated.

These catamaran racing boats are 45' long and their wing sail stands 65' tall.  It costs over one million dollars just to get each boat into the water.

My husband really enjoyed the chance to see these magnificant crafts and was happy that one of the American teams won this leg of the race.

The day was gray, cold and windy with a chance of rain. I stayed warm at home, sewing and roasting a chicken for dinner!

Imported Autumn

When you live in Southern California, you get very excited when a package arrives from your sister in Texas filled with real autumn leaves.  Thank you Marcia!

Last Class

On Tuesday we met for our last session with teacher Jane LaFazio and her class "Sketching and Watercolor - Journal Style".  The six weeks went by too fast and we were all sorry to have to say goodbye.  The next session starts in January and many of us will be returning for new lessons.

Holiday Swap

I have been working on a 12" x 12" holiday quilt swap through the blog "15 minutes play ... Bumble Beans, Inc."  These are some of the fabrics I'm using and I will share the quilt after my partner receives her surprise.

Quilting Assistants

I always find it so comforting to hem my quilts but what really makes it special is the companionship of Poipu and Red.

Autumn Hues

Watercolor Tuesday

In yesterdays art class, we carved stamps to incorporate into backgrounds for our watercolor journals. I choose a little canvas kitty that my daughter had given me.  It was so fun to make and much easier that I thought it would be.

Fall

Here in Southern California the weather is changing.  It is getting colder and damper each day.  I made this autumn leaf quilt a few years ago, perfect to keep on the sofa for chilly days.

Charm Swap - Part 2

"from the blue chair" blog is holding the second phase of the color wheel charm swap.  I was assigned the color violet and I need to send in 56 blocks each of dark and light violet.

Once again I will mail my charms to Kati in Utah and receive 112 different color wheel charms back in a few weeks.  I already have some quilt ideas for my assortment of colorful charms.

Cowabunga

I am almost finished with my first cow quilt.  I used the pattern from Mary Lou Weidman's book "Out of the Box With Easy Blocks".  Her finished quilt measures 41 x 44 - I cut the entire pattern in half and my cow is 20 1/2 x 22.  I still need to add borders and quilt this cutie but isn't she fun?

Last Tuesday

Last week in watercolor class, we learned how to make our own small journals.  In this one, I colorwashed the pages and bound it with twine.  Now it's ready to be filled with art.

My second journal is made accordian style.  I collaged a cover for it.

I decided to paint some of my favorite shoes on one side of the journal and will use the other side for my favorite purses.