Hello Again

As you might guess, nothing in the blog means no action in the studio.  Health issues have really been at the for front over the past month or so, and studio time has been quite limited.  A basement studio isn't readily accessible when stairs are difficult.  And some of the drugs seem to suck the creativity right out of your soul.

But--experts say that when the Muse is on vacation, do something.  Sort fabric, paint or dye fabric, or just tidy the studio--but do something.  On those days when I can get into the studio, I can sit and piece scraps just fine--especially when DH is willing to do some cutting for me.  ( I think he just wants me to get into the studio and out of his hair, so is willing to facilitate)

In December, I made a bit of money selling my art.  I have saved it for two things.  Firstly, to pay a long armer to quilt the scrappy tops I have been making, and secondly, to buy good thread at the upcoming quilt show in my area.  I got two of the quilts back this week.

The first one has been waiting almost two years to be quilted.  The colour, in the photograph, is poor, as there is not a lot of value difference in the quilt, and the colours are relatively pastel, and all of a similar hue.  I have no idea what the pattern is, as it is a block I was given at a gathering quite some time ago.  I plan to use it one the bed in the spare room--if I can convince DH to let me remove the Cat Quilt that has been on there for about 15 years. The quilting is a very curvy pantograph, done in a pale green

The next one was developed as part of an informal quilt group I attend at my local senior's Centre.  One of the ladies was having difficulty with value and colour, so we looked for a pattern that didn't worry about either.  It is a very traditional 16 patch, which looks wonderful sashed with black.  The quilting is swirling free motion design, and done in a fairly dark grey.

The last one is the most recent, and is not yet fully pieced.  I had made twelve blocks when experimenting with a "Mile-a'Minute" piecing technique, and finally put them together with a dark brown sashing.  I love the colour blending.  I had hoped to be able to quilt this myself, but we'll wait and see how much money is left after I buy thread, at the end of the month.

I have now started piecing yet another one, this time in more "Modern" colours. I.E. very bright pure colours with large stretches of white or grey background.  I had been collecting fat quarters of "Modern" fabrics since last fall and only now had a chance to use them.  This is another pattern found on the internet, with no identified creator, so no way to give credit.  Since I do not plan to exhibit or sell it, I am comfortable with that.  While all of the cutting is done, I only have two blocks pieced out of 24, so you'll have to wait for a picture.