Wednesday, May 04, 2011

More hand-me-downs and a Naughty Cat


Here's more of the goodies I got from my sister.  This top is all put together and ready to go.  I think it's small enough that I can quilt it myself.  She washed it before she gave it to me, so some of the fabrics shrank more than others.  Which means, it's a little bumpy and I don't think it's gonna quilt out.  But so what?  Finished is better than perfect, right? *grin* 

Oh, and that light spot on the quilt top near the bottom left?  That's actually sunlight! Yay!  It hasn't happened too much in this neck of the woods lately.  We've had a very wet, late spring this year and all of us are more than ready for spring to show up.


Here's a closeup of the two blocks in the quilt.  I love that stripe!


Here's an odd collection of patriotic blocks.  This is just wallhanging size right now.  I need to add more blocks to it, obviously.  I made the Ohio Star in the upper left corner, and the three tiny blocks.  I don't remember when, but I remember the blocks.  Isn't that funny?


Sunday was a glorious spring day here, and my azalea just burst into bloom.  I love the color of this one, and it's where I can see it when I'm sitting at the dining table.  I actually got out and did some yard work.  That felt good.  I have more plants to get in the ground still.  Soon. . . .


Here is the naughty cat.  DH got in the cupboard where we keep the pipe cleaners and apparently didn't close the door securely.  Dunkel just helped himself! He loves pipe cleaners.  You can see the bag on the step below his tail.  Somehow he got it out and across the room and up the stairs.  Smart kitty.


And here's the rest of the pipe cleaners!  I think Dunkel had a good time with them.  (Please ignore the fir needles . . . they're everywhere all the time.  A constant battle.)

I haven't done any sewing lately.  My quilt studio is a total disaster, and I'm supposed to be cleaning it up, but I'm kind of in the mood to ignore it.  No inspiration, somehow.  I have made some pot holders (no photos yet), as my guild is making pot holders to sell at our quilt show this fall.  They're fun and pretty easy to make. 

However, I'm taking a 2 day workshop with Gwen Marston next week (Woo hoo!!!), and I need to get in there and get some stuff together to take with me.  I'm having a terrible time deciding what fabrics I want to take with me.  I've wanted to take a class from Gwen for about 25 years now, and I'm so excited to be able to do this.  So, I guess that's some motivation, huh?  'Cuz I know when I get home from the workshop, I'm gonna be all inspired and will need a place to work.  Time to get to it. 

What do you do when you need to get inspired?  Please share what works for you.  I could use some inspiration! 

I know I'm pretty late but . . . Happy Star Wars Day!  'May the 4th' be with you! (get it??)


12 comments:

  1. I love your Star Wars Day! Dunkel maybe likes the bright colors? Yes, I want to see a picture of the potholders you are making.

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  2. The colours of the pipe cleaners are your inspiration. Lots of solids. What's the theme? Solids? Parts Dept?

    Naughty Dunkel, but you should come here. The house is in complete chaos.

    Have a great time with Gwen. Say hi to her from me and do mention you're part of the Liberated Quilters web ring.

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  3. When I saw all the patriotic blocks...I thought so cool, then I thought.... patriotic words could be added. Sometimes just cleaning and straightening up fabrics and blocks and half started projects inspires me...like 'oh yeah, this isn't done!'
    Of course it can do the opposite too, it can grab you like a lead balloon.
    I am leery of cleaning windows, I am pretty sure my muse escaped for a holiday once. Have fun at the workshop!!!!

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  4. Yay-hey! Hope you had a happy Star Wars Day, too. People just roll their eyes (except for my partner, who knows it's coming every year) whenever I say that.

    Lovely quilt from your sister. I like the colours, but the stripes really add impact, and she has them all going in the right direction, so extra marks for her.

    Cats are experts at getting into things they're not supposed to. Like drawers and cupboards. Those claws are just as good as any opposable thumb.

    As for inspiration, it comes when it comes. I buy way too many quilt magazines full of lovely projects and dream about being able to create some of them. But mostly what inspires me is the opportunity to make a quilt for somebody else - either a special occasion or just because they need one.

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  5. Absolutely finished is better than perfect - I love that quilt top! The stripes are awesome. Love the patriotic blocks too, that's going to be a very lovely quilt. Love the pic of your azalea - another of my favorite flowers - and naughty naughty Dunkel! People talk about child-proofing your house, but you need to cat-proof as well, lol. They get into everything!

    Oh my gosh I'm so jealous you're taking a class with Gwen - my absolute hero of the quilting world. Clean your studio because you will come home BURSTING with inspiration. Cleaning mine does help me...but looking through Gwen's books helps more, lol.

    Can't believe I missed Star Wars Day - May the 4th be with you too!

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  6. Have a wonderful adventire with Gwen Marston!

    Inspiration? A LOT of it comes from bloggers like YOU! 8-)))

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  7. love to see Dunkel playing!!! those orphans look great together - that'll be a fun quilt. wooohooooo on the upcoming class. when I can't find my mojo I often takea break and just handquilt. or work on something new that I'm not supposed to be doing right now when there are so many other things higher on the list...

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  8. Oh, happy day! Please give Gwen my love and thanks for all the help with my quilting, even though I never met her in person!

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  9. Oh yes, that quilt will look great after quilting, and NO ONE will notice whether there are any bumps in it. As for inspiration ... if I think I should clean up and organize my studio, but don't want to, I put on funky rock music. Like - Bryan Adams. That gets me rolling ;-))
    Have FUN with Gwen Marston !! I'm only a little bit envious (read: green in my face ...)
    Take care,
    Frauke

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  10. Have a wonderful time at the workshop, looking forward to seeing the results.
    I've herded all my blogs together in one place so please pop over and see me at http://piecenpeace.blogspot.com

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  11. Dunkel is a very smart kitty. I get inspiration from taking walks in the woods, my garden, the beach, just about anywhere. Sometimes I get inspired by other works of art, either other quilts or an art museum. When my sewing room is
    heaving and I don't want to clear it, this is the time to get out of the house and find the inspiration elsewhere. Don't forget to bring your sketchbook or journal to take a few notes or sketches so you can recall the thoughts or feelings you had. I keep a purse size journal and carry it everywhere.
    Love the blue stripe star block quilt top.

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  12. Your quilts are great and I LOVE the font you use! (strange comment of the day, I suppose)

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