LOST:
Quilting MoJo
It's been over a year...
After spending many years caring for children,
then caring for my aging mom -
when she passed away just over a year ago I was left feeling
'Ok - now what do I do?'
As a constant caregiver once that need is gone -
it leaves a huge hole,
a hole I wasn't prepared for.
My incredibly supportive hubby would say (daily!)
'do what makes you happy'
but nothing seemed to be making me happy.
Until Now!
FOUND:
Excitement and Inspiration is slowly creeping it's way back in!
A trip to Texas to visit my daughter was the start.
She needed a visit from her Mum and I 'needed to be needed' ....
says the empty nest momma.
Plus I could spend some time with my
Grand Doggie ~ Stella!
Can you find her???!!!
Yes she's spoiled!!
So off I went to Texas - bringing with me three projects:
1. UFO from a Susan Cleveland class
2. a new applique project
3. the concept idea for my quilt guilds special exhibit
"A day at the Zoo"
(Quilt Show in September!)
I have a small very basic Janome sewing machine at my daughter's place -
making it possible to get basic Quilty items done!
Since all there was to focus on (quilting-wise)
were those three projects ...
A LOT was ACCOMPLISHED!!
When you finally accomplish something it really does inspire you to move forward.
First Project:
The UFO: it was just the center~
my travel zip lock bag had everything needed to add the
prairie points, ric-rac trim, inner and outer boarders,
would have made the piped binding (forgot the matching thread!!)
once it was all put together,
an afternoon was spent adding
embroidery and beads to the ric-rac trim,
and a bit of sashiko stitching on the pink fabric.
I love the calming effect of the Japanese taupes!
Second Project:
A new applique project!!
The pattern is called:
'The Raven' by Blackbird Designs.
It features 9 large blocks ~ great fall quilt!
This quilt reminds me of all the squawking Grackles
that are in abundance in Texas!
Each of the black birds will have the same body fabric,
and feature different fabrics on the wings.
Using a modern text print for the background
and Japanese fabrics for the grand, leaves and acorn,
it comes together really nicely!
I will most likely go back and add embroidery
onto some areas - just Because!!
Block 1 of 9 DONE!
Again another feeling of accomplishment!
Happy with the direction this one is going in!
Third Project:
Was inspired from a child's wall art picture found on Pinterest.
After a few sketches, some placement issues,
a few trips to Hobby Lobby for the B&W Zebra fabric
(Piped binding, Binding and Backing)
it was ready to be needle turn appliqued!
Then feeling really adventurous ~ I actually
quilted it on my very basic little Janome!
Once home I finished the piped binding, and binding!
Not my best work - but It's done!
Feeling VERY accomplished!!
While in Texas
Victoria and I visited the Texas Art Museum
mostly to have brunch at 'Hesters'
a lovely breakfast/lunch spot right inside the museum!
On the way in this metal piece caught my eye!
'CUT' by Christopher Plowman
He was an artist who taught at the Royal College of Art 1987-1999.
Taking mundane or disregarded objects and creating his unique style of art!
As a quilter - of course this piece JUMP out at me!!
Giving me the feeling of inspired whimsy!
A feeling that had been lost ~
and was seeming to find its way back into my heart!
This past week the feelings of
Enthusiasm, Joy and Inspiration
came flooding back in!
It all happened with a collage quilt!
A few members of the Silver City Quilt Guild
got together for a collage class at
Cape Cod Quilts and Cottages...
Pat is a fabulous teacher, with a keen eye for color
Laura Heine's "Bee" pattern
was my choice to start this collage adventure!
Admittedly I have purchased five of Laura's patterns and
the Bee seems like a nice one to start with...
or rather least complicated!!!
The Dream Big flower panel was the perfect back ground
Sitting in class pulling out all my fabrics,
adhering the Steam-a-seam Lite to flowers and cutting them out
arranging and rearranging the flowers...
I could feel it....
that feeling of excitement,
of inspiration,
of Quilty Joy~
it was filtering back into my soul.
Guess you could say ~ a Quilt Bee pollinated my soul!
~ Feeling Grateful ~
With the new found feeling of Inspiration
out came another UFO
'Flower Garden' by Kim McLean
My struggle with how to quilt this baby
had me so stymied - for a year I just looked at it.
Then while cleaning out an area of my sewing room
there it was ...
a stencil that reminded me of a trellis!
Out came my blue washout marking pen
and there she is, all ready to be basted and quilted.
The filler that's planned for the diamond areas
should make the 'trellis' and flowers pop!
That's the plan anyway!!
and my new favorite tool
Bohin's eraser brush!
It features a refillable chamber that you squeeze
and a perfect amount of water comes out onto the brush
so you can brush away the blue lines!
Love It!!
With renewed feeling of accomplishment, enthusiasm, inspiration
and pure Quilt Joy ~ I am moving forward!
Hubby words have come true...
I'm doing what makes me Happy!
Thank you my sweet man!
Have a great Quilty Day and enjoy the process!
Janet
