Gray Barn Chronicles

New Bracelets

2010-06-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

I've been into jewelry lately, or should I say that what seems to get finished. Anyway, this first one is Tropics that I got from Fusion Beads. The lampwork bead in the middle I got from Etsy.

This one is a little blurry (I'll try to fix that). It is a floral wreath bracelet. I made the beads and then strung them to the copper rings.

This was actually the first one. I wish you could see the focal pendant but again only one of my pictures actually came out. I stamped a flower onto a piece of hand-dyed fabric. I then attached it to a brass circle and covered it with diamond lacquer. This was very easy. I made it in about 2 hours.

Enjoy,

Michele

We now return to our regularly scheduled program

2010-05-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

So, yes, I've been missing. It simply comes down to that I didn't have anything to show. Natalie has been keeping me very busy and I've been working on stuff but nothing show-worthy.

Until now...

Monday was my Pandora's Meeting. Unfortunately we were missing three of our favorite people but Alisan and I met, and did some fun stuff with UTEE and Lutrador.

First we painted our Lutrador and let it dry. We did one where we wetted the Lutrador and painted and one we left dry.

After one was dry we used a melting tool to burn holes and what not.
This is my piece. Very random.
This is Alisan's. She signed hers. Neat tool. It has many different points and melted the Lutrador like butter. (Feel free to giggle at the SNL reference.)

We also took a piece of velvet, painted it with Gesso, and then put on several layers of UTEE. After the last coating we applied a stamp. Once it dried we used Lumiere to accent the design. The pink one is mine. The glare from the flash is a little harsh but you'll have to see it in person.

This is Alisan's. We used gold UTEE as her last layer and we should have used more. The Lumiere really brought out the design.

Fun, fun.

Enjoy,

Michele

Knitting Away February

2010-03-02T15:23:00.000-08:00

February was a little crazy around here. The racing season got under way and Jason spent five days home all month. So, since Natalie wants an audience and that leaves little time in the studio, I've been knitting. These are my second pair of socks.

This is a knecklace. It is very delicate and crys for beads. I'm working on it.

This is my first pair of socks. I tried to tackle socks last winter and just couldn't get it right. For whatever reason, this time worked.

Enjoy,

Michele

Felted Bag Progress

2010-02-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Here is what I've been dealing with the last few days. Lots of this white crap they don't know how to deal with in North Carolina and a five-year old with cabin fever. This photo is from Saturday. She went out twice that day. Sunday she went out once and hasn't been out since.

Here is the finished market bag I've been knitting. It is much bigger then I thought it would be.

Here it is felted. I was hoping to work on the flowers but I don't have the appropriate size DPN. Since it doesn't look like I'll be getting out anytime soon, I may substitute the next size.

And I just had to share this. This was a belt when I was in high school. It was in a box next to catnip. Haley is enjoying herself. What better fun on a snowy day but to get your cat high!

Enjoy!

Michele

Eleventh Hour Cowl

2010-01-27T10:37:00.001-08:00

So remember the yarn from the last post. Well, here is what I made with one of the skeins.

It is a free cowl pattern I found on-line. I've actually had this finished for a little while but I want to make a polymer clay button for it. I didn't like the first one I made so I'll be making a new one.

I went on a retreat this past weekend and had a great time. Didn't finish anything, but had a great time.

Enjoy,

Michele

Yarn, Wondrful Yarn

2010-01-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

So I'm nothing if not unpredictable. My friends say I'm eclectic. Whatever, it could be worse, right? Anyway, I needed a change of pace so I went back to a knitting project that I started around Thanksgiving and put down because it called for something new and I needed to concentrate and didn't want to. So I picked it up again. But I needed a quick, instant gratification project so...

I came across a project on-line for a neck scarf (which I seem to be wearing a lot of lately) and needed a bulky weight yarn. Off to the Needlecraft Center in Davidson I go and came home with these bits of lovely. What a wonderful, warm place! I saw a friend from quilt guild there and even got invited to the sit-n-knit on Monday. Stay tuned for the results.

Enjoy,

Michele

The Latest on the Cardinal

2010-01-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest on the cardinal. I've now completed the left side of the pattern, very exciting! I'm very pleased with how he's coming along. Usually I stay seasonal, so I would have typically put him away by now but not so much with this project.

Enjoy,
Michele

Sunday, Sundae

2010-01-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

Here is an update on my WIP. I figure if I'm accountable to the blogging world I'll finish it in a timely manner.

My next recipe. I made a Shrimp Corn Chowder I saw on another blog I follow. The Sampler Girl posted this and I thought it looked wonderful. It was!!!! Too bad I'm the only one who eats it (not really).

I haven't posted a cat picture for a while. Here's my sweet girl, Haley, trying to hide behind a quilt no less.

Enjoy,

Michele

Things I've Made (of all sorts)

2010-01-07T14:33:00.001-08:00

Here's a WIP that I've been working on in between the Christmas ornaments. It is Blackbird Designs Tis the Season to Be Jolly. It is done with Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks and it is absolutely yummy. Sewing with silk is like sewing with butter. That is cardinals tail and he is surrounded by holly. The saying is in French. You could do it in English but I didn't want to.

So what do you do when you're tired of holiday leftovers and it's really cold outside? You start cooking. Yesterday I made a Garlic Chicken Stir Fry (sorry no photo). Really good, even Natalie liked it. I think it could rival take-out.

Today, I made a Slow Cooker Beef Stew. It had a bit of prep work but it was all worth. I seved it with some Corny Corn Bread. Excellent! Thanks to allrecipes.com for the recipes.

Enjoy,

Michele

Catching Up

2010-01-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays I needed portable projects so I finished several Christmas ornaments. Sorry I'm not going to rearrange them. We start with Six Geese A-Laying.

Five Golden Rings...

Four Colly Birds...

Three French Hens

Two Turle Doves...

And a Partridege in a Pear Tree. These are from Cricket Collection. The plan is to finish the remaining six before next Christmas.

This is Birdhouse Mitten, also from Cricket.

Michele

A Rose By Any Other Name...

2009-11-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

I present my latest finish. After the quilt show I decided I wanted to work on something that gave me a deadline. I have had this pattern for a little while and wanted to make it in time to take on a trip.

It is knitted and felted. The wool for the bag body felted so nice. The roses are beaded yarn (Tilli Tomas flurries). I then made it a lining (sorry no photo but very simple) and sewed it to the handle. I still need to hand stitch the roses to the bag so they don't flop around.

Michele

Quilt Show

2009-11-05T12:42:00.001-08:00

Halloween weekend marked the Lake Norman Quilters second quilt show. We had a great turnout and an overall great show. Here is my winning patchwork pumpkin.

This is a quilt by Sandy Palmer. I just loved it.

The Sailing Under the Harvest Moon Challenge.

The Roots Challenge.

We had 244 pieces. That is an amazing number for only 57 members.

The pink quilt on the far right was Best of Show.

The Flights of Fantasy Doll Club display. I am also a member of this amazing group but I forget my doll to add to the collection.

All in all a great experience but a lot of work.

Michele

Halloween

2009-11-05T12:38:00.001-08:00

As you can tell from an earlier post, Natalie was Dorothy for Halloween. Her costume was good (I found my own mistakes of course.) She did forget Toto for the parade.

Here she is with Daddy. He took his lunch early so he could be there. It was important considering he was in Talladega for Trick-or-Treating.

Here we are.

Michele

October Happenings

2009-11-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting to upload all of the happenings here at Casa Gray Barn. My camera is MIA and I was using Jason's and couldn't get the photos downloaded. Anyway, success, so here we go.

Natalie really wanted to carve pumpkins, so thanks to Pop and his garden, we have FREE pumpkins.

Here she is getting ready. Of course, she did not do any of the actual carving but she did enjoy slopping in the seeds.

Here we are carving.

Natalie with pumpkin number 1.

And pumpkin number 2.

After we were done, I figured out it had been at least 15 years since I carved a pumpkin. Needless to say, I had fun.

Michele

Spooky Fence

2009-10-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am definitely in the spirit right now. I've had this Raise the Roof chart for a couple of years and finally felt the need to make it. It is made with Weeks Dye Works thread and Just Another Button Company buttons. I'm seeing it as part of a quilted wall hanging but now I really need to finish my stuff for the quilt show.

Michele

Studio Tour

2009-10-03T04:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Studio! Here is Haley, the official greeter. My studio is located in the bonus room above our garage and it is approximately 250 square feet. When we built our house, the plan was always that this room would be mine while my husband has a detached garage for his "car things."

Here is the view from the top of the stairs as you come into the room. With the knee walls, I don't have flat space for a design wall. I use an easel and small design board. You can see the bluish piece in the background. Someone still hasn't hung my curtain rod.
I absolutely love these wire basket units. We got them in the closet organization section of Lowes. It took Jason 10 minutes to assemble each one. He hung the counter top on the wall. He did most of this work one evening after work. It took me longer to clean and then put it back. I will fill in the two spaces with drawer units.
A close-up of the counter. I love my pincushion from the Daily Pincushion. That is a matching emery in front. The set was my "welcome to your new studio" present to myself. I store brushes in old mugs.
He built me a high counter and then a low counter with a space for either a second sewing machine or my embellisher machine. The wooden box next to it is my lightbox. Jason built that for me. It has a great large top.
Here is an opposite view of the counter.
This is the far corner. There is a bookcase, some magazine organizers for my Australian magazines and a reproduction sewing box.

This is my grandmother's sewing machine and a spool holder that my dad built for me.
My messy sewing machine cabinet.
One of two steel tables someone was throwing away. It is a small ironing station or an additional workspace.
This is the nook next to the staircase. It is the paper station. There is another steel table. Next to it is my bookcase. There is a cube bookcase across from it where I have some UFO's.

Thank you for visiting.
Michele

Open Studios Tour

2009-09-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Cloth Paper Scissors is hosting an on-line studios tour on October 3. I know I just posted about my studio makeover but I'll take some new photos just for the tour.

Michele

Halloween Costume Part I

2009-09-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

So what do you do when you can't find or don't like the quality of an available Halloween costume? Well, you make it. Can you guess what she wants to be? She already had the shoes, of course. She started with a pair of pink sparkly shoes which she wore out on the top and bottom, literally. Now, I just need the dog. I found some Toto/basket sets on Amazon but the reviews make me hesitant. We have baskets, so I would rather just find the dog. Stay tuned for further developments.

So, everyone needs a helper when they are changing out the seasonal decorations right? Well, I don't know how helpful she but she's so pretty.

Michele

Happy Fall Y'All

2009-09-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

On this the first day of fall, I thought it would be fitting to show my latest creation, a Pumpkin Tablesquare. I call it a tablesquare because it is much smaller then a tablerunner, not quite 24". I used hand-dyed and felted wool on a brushed cotton background. I handstitched with some beautiful hand-dyed Valdani threads and needleturned the corduroy leaves. Finally, I pillowcased the backing. I may do some additional stitching once the next one is backed.

This piece is an original design, although how original can pumpkins be, but I didn't use a pattern. I had wanted something like this and couldn't find anything I like. The creative juices are flowing again thanks to the clean studio, so... It finished very quickly, less then a week, so the second one is already started.

As I was making it I realized it needed to be a gift. My neighbor helps me with Natalie whenever I'm in a pinch, which isn't very often but I still appreciate. So, it has gone to a new home.

Michele

Fabric Stamping

2009-09-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

At today's Pandora's meeting we partook in fabric painting as scene in the lastest issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. The orange and turquoise pieces are mine. The photo doesn't due the turquoise piece justice. It has great background circles.

Natalie painted for us. She loves her some pink.

Here is Susan painting her cylinder . She was hoping to make a pattern like corn-on-the-cob with a lot of texture.

Here is our supervising critter, Max. He liked being in the center of the action.

Now to figure out what I can do with it.

Michele

Studio Makeover

2009-09-12T05:04:00.000-07:00

I haven't done much creating in the last few months and part of that was because my studio was such a wreck I didn't want to be in it. I'd done some cleaning up but I needed serious help. So Jason offered to help with some permanent features.

This fabric on top is what I'm going to cover my chairs with. I bought it from a LQS when she still carried home dec fabric (which is long since gone). The middle photo is the valence I made for the window. Now on to the big reveal.

The first photo is the before and then the after. Jason put in permanent couter top and wire shelving that is primarily used for closets. There is a high counter and then a lower counter where I can put a second machine.

Again the top is before and then after. Notice my helper on the table.

I didn't do a before of this area, but I can tell you it was very messy. I had very little walking area. You can see it in the above before photo. My machine is in the back and then there is a great stainless steel table (someone was throwing away) that can be used for anything.

Here is the last set of photos. This area was particularly cluttered. Now there is a second stainless table. There is a cube system across from it that I can now get to. This will be a paper area.

I still have some work to do but I am happy to say I can at least get to it and it doesn't make me depressed when I think about going in there. Maybe once the valence is up I'll take some close-ups. I just couldn't contain my excitement any longer!

Michele

Small Finishes with Big Meanings

2009-09-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

This is a small piece I completed for a on-line group I'm in, Fast Friday Fabric Challenge. This is the first challenge I've completed on time. I'm so energized.

This is another FFFC piece but from two months back. I got a good run on finishing this but the beadwork slowed me down and I didn't finish it on time but I did finish it.

So, now I'm working on some other WIP pieces. I don't have that "I wanna start something new feeling" and I need to run with that. I'm still cleaning my studio. It was quite a big job but almost done. I can't wait to reveal it. The difference is shocking.

Natalie is enjoying school and I'm enjoying the peace and quiet.

Michele

Catching Up

2009-09-01T16:06:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day of Pre-K for Natalie. She was so proud because she did her own hair and got herself all ready. She gets to eat lunch at school everyday so hence the lunchbox.

On a lighter note, four hours without Natalie means I can get back to the business of creating. And Jason helped reorganize my studio so I have a better workspace. I'm almost finished cleaning and will post some before/after photos.

Michele

Where does the time go...

2009-08-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it's been a while. The summer didn't quite go like a planned in a variety of ways. But I've been stitching, so that at least means I'm shaking off the cobwebs and finding my way again.

I even entered a giveaway. If you go to The Daily Mel, you can enter her giveaway celebrating her blogaversary. I don't normally do these but she's giving away some great stuff and maybe she'll send my muse back to me.

Anyway, we made it to the beach this summer and many trips to the pool. But luckily for me school starts soon and then I can down to some real creating.

Michele

Beaded Flower Necklace

2009-06-27T04:15:00.000-07:00

I'm very happy with this necklace. I saw it on the cover of Beadwork Magazine Apr/May 2009 and really wanted to make it. The directions were very straightforward and it made for a very enjoyable project.

Michele

Playing with Clay

2009-06-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

If you remember, I experimented a little with clay when the Pandora's made clay charms as part of the Cloth, Paper, Scissors charm swap. Well, I wanted to try more so I'm making Dragon's as a part of class on Doll Street Dreamers. My mother-in-law bought me an oven for my birthday so I've got everything I need to do this.

So, here is my first attempt. I think he came out pretty well. His eyes are a little big but I was using what I had.

Michele

June Pandora's Project

2009-06-05T13:34:00.001-07:00

I'm a part of a small group called the Pandora's and June is my month to do the project. I'm posting these photos so my fellow Pandora's can get a taste of what we're doing on Monday. It is based on the "Art-to-Go" project from Quilting Arts Spring 2004. I call this "Sherbert". I counched different yarns all over the outside. The pins are holding the flaps in place. I thought I would have the prototype finished by now but I keep thinking of cool things to do with it.

Another view. The basting stitches will be removed.

This is cording I made to use as the handle.

Stay tuned. I think this will be a pretty neat project.

Michele

Completed Necklace

2009-06-05T13:30:00.001-07:00

Tuesday I showed you some felt beads I made. Here is the completed necklace. I used silver and frosted white beads in between each felt bead. I really like the way it came out and it's so light. I only hope it doesn't make me itchy (LOL).

And what post would be complete without Natalie, here modeling the necklace.

Michele

Purple Pansies

2009-06-05T04:20:00.000-07:00

In January, I happily posted about a project I completed concerning "pansies" that I was unable to show. Well, here it is and now I can explain. My friend, Susan designed a needleturn applique pattern called Petal Party and the publishers wanted to include alternate colorways in the pattern because it is all pink. You can see more about it on her blog. Anyway, she asked several of us to make samples and this is mine. I love to do needleturn applique. Susan is actually the one who taught me and I was very honored to be a part of the project.

Here is a close-up. I was very pleased with how my machine quilting turned out as well.
Enjoy! (I did.)
Michele

Felt beads

2009-06-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today we embarked on the 2nd day of summer vacation with some crafts. Natalie got to try her hand at wet-felting.She was trying to make felt balls and she did the first two times. Then she started making what she referred to as monkey tails.

Here are my completed balls with the pendent I bought to match them. They are drying. The picture doesn't really show how pretty they are and that they sparkle with Angelina.

I bought the felt kit from Vicki Clontz of Annie's Keepsakes I want to say two years ago and finally got around to doing this. It was a good summer project that kept Natalie occupied for about two hours before she started to slop in the water. I can see the monkey tails used for something else, so no harm.

Michele

Last Day of School

2009-05-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

So, today marked the end of another year of preschool. Although Natalie was not among the graduates, she was a part of the entertainment. It was a nice ceremony. This means we have two weeks before camp starts or the pool opens for the summer.

Patiently waiting for cake.

Not a very good picture but the best out of the ceremony shots. They were singing.

Next year she goes to pre-K. She really enjoys school and should do well.

Michele

Tommy and Ashley's Wedding

2009-05-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

I know I've been quiet lately haven't had much to show or talk about. But this weekend we headed north to watch my youngest cousin get married. It was a beautiful service and I wanted to share some photos.

Here are the cousins. We have taken a photo like this at each wedding. From left to right: Steph, me, Tommy, Beth, and Andrea. Unfortunately we are missing Jennifer and don't have a complete photo.

The happy couple being introduced.

My grandfather and my mom.

What blog post would be complete without a picture of Natalie.

Michele

Easter

2009-04-19T08:01:00.002-07:00

Better late then never right? These are from last Sunday's Easter egg hunt. Daddy hid them all over the yard and then helped her count them.

These are from Saturday when we dyed them. She had such a good time.

Michele

A Little Bit of Beading

2009-03-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

After working on the beading for Lilybeth, I still felt like more beads. I started this button, which had been started quite some time ago. Then last Wednesday at our Lake Norman Quilters meeting, we had a great fiber artist, Janet Lasher as our speaker and she uses lots of beads, so I was inspired more. I am also going to be teaching some basic beading to my small group and needed more samples. Win, win all around. I can see that this piece is going to be part of something bigger.

Michele

Lilybeth

2009-03-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went on a quilt retreat and decided I wanted to work on a doll while I was there. I finished her in time for our Lake Norman Quilters meeting on Tuesday. Her name is Lilybeth and she is an elf.

It was so much fun to work on her for 2 1/2 days straight and really see her come to life.

Michele

Oh, where does the time go!

2009-03-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 20-odd days since I last blogged. It's not because I didn't have anything to show. I just don't know where the days have gone. It's also been nice outside, so we've shed our cabin fever and are enjoying the sunshine. More on that in a minute.

The first thing I have to show are some charms. Pandora's, one of my small groups, had a playdate and we made three kinds of charms. We used shrinky-dink material (I think the last time I played with this, it had Strawberry Shortcake on it), clay, and wooden coins. Lots of fun. I was more pleased with some then others but it was a good experience. Now, I just need to find a cheap, used toaster oven to make them in. Look out Goodwill, here I come.

Then I went on a Quilt Retreat. I was too busy working to take many pictures but you can see some on Grace or Joyce's blog. Stay tuned for photos of what I worked on there. Hint -- it's a doll!!! I'm going to unveil her at tonight's Lake Norman Quilters Meeting.

I also got to dye some fabric last week so I'll post some photos of that too.

Michele

Snow Day

2009-03-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Today we got snow in North Carolina. And as someone who grew up in with my mother refers to as the "tundra" this was nice, not alot. Actually as I write this the bright sun is melting it. It will be gone tomorrow and this weekend we'll be in shorts, working outside as it will be in the 70's. But as this is the first substantial snowfall Natalie has ever seen, we had to, of course, go out and play.

Here you can see we got quite alot by southern standards.So here she is all bundled up and ready to go out. We saw the beginning up of it last night before we went to bed and she was so excited this morning.Here she is in her sled. Our backyard has a hill, just enough to push her down the hill. She wanted me to get in behind her.So, one run in the sled and she was off. She was attempting to build a snowman. You can see what we refer to as the "River Sheets" winding through our yard. Mind you, before it snowed it had been raining since Friday, so the yard was good and sloppy already. The water always runs through our yard at this spot. After attempting and failing at the snowman building, we went out front to visit with some neighbors who were out. Daddy came out, too, to try to move his truck. He made it home from Vegas but the truck slid when it hit the concrete. Natalie was complaining about being cold, so we went in. She had snow inside her pants all the way up to her knees. So, after removing the wet clothes, she went back to her prissy self.

Hope you're enjoying the day, wherever you might be.

Michele

Two Completions

2009-02-28T16:07:00.001-08:00

We'll open with Natalie and her pig tails. When she was a baby and I could torture her with various hairstyles she had no hair. Now, she's a typical girl. One day she won't let you comb it and the next day we're styling it to stay home. This was a home day. Anyway...

Here is the WIP Love piece completed. I had a lot of fun with this, as I didn't think to hard. I just did whatever technique I wanted to try and made it work. I didn't quilt it very heavily because it's not very big and I didn't want to take anything away from the elementals. I satin-stitched the edges with a metallic red Sulky thread. I also used that to quilt.

I am very excited about this project and it will be an ongoing. This is the front cover of a fabric book that I've titled "Art of the Word". It was born from doing the collage and from an idea I've had for several years. Ever since I saw Bonnie McCaffery speak at Charlotte Quilt Guild I've been fascinated with creating Fantasy Fabrics, so much so I went on an obsessive hunt to find her out of print book. So, each page of the book will be a quilted collage representing one word. Stay tuned for more pages.
Here is a close-up of the fantasy fabric I made to be the book's cover. I foiled, used Angelina, some other sparkly fibers and sequins topped with tulle and quilted. The words I printed from my computer and aged them with Distress Ink. The back is the same batik without all the frills.

It feels so good to be back and creating. I can't believe just two months ago I was ready to invite my friends in to raid my stash and then burn my studio.

Michele

WIP

2009-02-20T16:14:00.001-08:00

So I've finally found my muse creeping back into my life. As soon as my friend and I finished organizing the Daniel Stowe exhibit I started to feel like creating again. It happened to be close to Valentine's Day and maybe that's the reason I chose this theme. But I highly doubt. I've never been a fan of this particular holiday, probably because it's better known to me as Daytona week. Jason and I have only spend three Valentine's Days together in 9 years and one of those he made me cry, so I don't think so. Love can be associated with so many images, I think I chose that word because it's easy. Anyway...

I found a piece of light pink fabric and painted it with magenta Dye-na-flow. I let that dry and then painted it with sparkly Lumiere. I again waited until it dryed (giving me ample time to plot my next move). I found a font I like, printed it in large enough letters, cut out the letters, and stenciled "Love" with Shiva paintsticks.

Next I took a piece of light pink felt and needlefelted red merino wool in a heart shape. I then attached an Artgirlz charm and beaded the heart.

Next I chose a stamp with a large surface area and applied foil glue. Let it dry and applied the foil. I then positioned the heart on the piece.

At this point, the heart is sewn down with hand-dyed variegated thread. I have added some vertical lines to the piece and I've started to bead around the letters. Stay tuned, it's coming out very nice.
Michele

Art of the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

2009-02-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

This morning, myself and several members of the Charlotte Quilters Guild hung quilts for the Art of the Garden exhibit at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. I've been planning this exhibit for several months and thankfully everything went really well. Saturday we are there for the opening weekend which includes some demonstrations by our members and our donation quilt. Below are some photos I took once the exhibit was up. My friend, Susan Brubaker Knapp has some more photos on her blog.

The exhibit is up for about a month. If you are in the Charlotte area you won't want to miss it.

Michele

Pansies

2009-01-31T07:16:00.001-08:00

I finished a stage of a project and normally I would be so excited to post it. But this project is a little different. It's for someone else and it can't be seen yet. So, I'll share my jubilation in having completed something. I've been in a funk lately. I think (and my friends have confirmed) that the job stress took a lot out of me and my muse is only just returning. I actually was on the verge of telling this person that I couldn't do this particular project for her when for whatever reason I was spurned on. Now, if I could just get some other non-sewing projects out of the way and clear my head for some good ole' creative flair.

Michele

Stamp Carving Workshop

2009-01-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

Today one of my small groups, the Gray Barn Girls, got together for a workshop presented by my good friend and fellow artist, Grace Howes. We had a great time and here are a few photos of what we did. The first photos shows our work area and you can see a lot of the stamps Grace has already carved on the table. We made an accordian book, which you can see a finished one on Grace's blog. I didn't take any photos of us constructing those but that's what we did first.

Here we are working away. From left to right: Alisan Royster, Cheryl Campbell and Cathy Johansen. Missing is Susan Dunne-Lederhaas.This is my first stamp. It is a portion of a clip art I found. I actually did this once before with Lyric Kinard and it is very addicting. This one is actually from a tracing that Alisan did. I liked hers so much that I brandished it on my eraser and carved it. The funny thing is that our two stamps look very different even though they are from the same tracing.

This is my work-in-progress. I'm not exactly sure where I'm going with it, so I have to think about it a little. I'm leaning toward more of a collage feel so stay tuned.

Michele

The Search is Over

2009-01-06T04:06:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time. I know we were only jobless for a short period of time and you're saying to yourself "she just posted he didn'thave a job" but I was holding back really, in denila. The turmoil during December's not-knowing was far more traumatic. I didn't really elaborate on that, but the short of it is, we've been afraid of the job situation since about Thanksgiving but no one at Petty's would tell them what was going on. So, we were like squirrels collecting nuts, just preparing for the worst.

So, on to the good news...Last night the crew chief at Penske called and offered Jason a job. We are happy with this decision. Penske is a stable team and Jason knows the driver. It is a bit of a paycut but that's really only in his opinion. The bad news...he's back on the road. It was nice while it lasted but really, it's okay. I never expected him to come off the road and something is better then nothing. Now I can get back to my Art...

Michele

A New Year, at least

2009-01-03T15:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a New Year! I hope this one goes better then it's starting out. I'll elaborate in a minute. The photos are of two more ornaments I made and forgot that I hadn't posted. I gave the Noel Candy to my Mom as part of her Christmas. I also made her and my MIL a set of towels and an ornament for my MIL that I forgot to take photos of. They are really cute if I may say so.

Anyway, we had a nice holiday. Jason's family came to town and we had our annual Christmas party. Putting a damper on the festivities and my reason for staying away from my blog (because I didn't have anything nice to say) was that Jason's job was in jeopardy. At the end of the NASCAR season a lot of teams were laying off and making changes which we accepted. But about two weeks before Christmas the investment firm that bought into Petty Enterprises about 6 months ago decided they were done with racing and wanted their money. The Friday before Christmas Jason and his co-workers were told to have a nice holiday because that might be it. Well, when they went back to work they were there Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday (New Year's Eve) they were told there was a meeting at 2 pm where they would turn in their keys and remove all personal property. So, welcome 2009, we don't have a job. He has been working on it and under normal circumstances this wouldn't be a problem, but these aren't normal.

So, I'm still here and surviving. I'm working on a knitted bag that is felted. Hopefully, my next post will have some happy news.

Michele

In the Spirit

2008-12-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

Two Christmases ago we had a real tree. We had decided that when Lowe's put their trees on sale after the holiday we were going to get an artificial. Well, we went to Indiana for the holidays that year and when we came home we found baby praying mantis' all over the living room, so that solidified the artificial tree purchase. Last year, we put it up where we normally put the tree and it was too big. It was like the scene out of Christmas Vacation, "Really full, a little sap." Anyway, I thought it could use some more ornaments and after hitting a speed bump with the blue stump doll I mentioned a few posts ago, I've been trying to make some cross stitched ornaments. These are two I've finished. There are two more whose designs are done and need to be sewn to background fabric, and I'm working on another.

They both come from Just Cross Stitch Ornament magazines of different years. I also got together with some girlfriends to knit a purse that will be felted. I will have the bottom finished for Saturday so DeLane can help me with the next step. If I get on a roll I can finish it next week. This has helped keep me focused on the holiday while dealing with Jason's job situation. They have laid off all but 36 people. We are waiting to hear if there will be a merger or they will close.

Michele

Happy Birthday Princess!

2008-11-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

Sunday was Natalie's fourth birthday. It is hard to believe she is growing so fast. For the last several months she has been asking for toys and what-not that she sees, and we've been telling her that she needs to ask for it for her birthday or Christmas. Somewhere along the line I invented the "Birthday Fairy" as the bringer of presents. Well, she woke up Sunday morning and came into our room with a sad look on her face. She said "I don't think the Birthday Fairy came." I asked her why and she said she just didn't think she came. Well, we retrieved the hidden "treasures" and then she kept asking when all the people were coming.

Mom and dad came for lunch because she had to work later. So we had cake once with them and then...
some friends came over for birthday dinner and more cake. Hannah Montana of course!

Michele

Kite Flying, a Tolerant Cat and a WIP

2008-11-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

This weekend was perfect weather for kite flying. We saw the neighbors out when we came home from running some errands and even though it was quite chilly, Natalie wanted to go outside and ride her bike. Daddy came in and got the kite and she was in heaven. I wish you could hear her laughing. It was so joyful!

I haven't posted for a while because I was hoping to show this doll completed. Well, I was doing really well until I started working on her fingers. On the first set, I used a new (to me)technique where you reinforce the seams with glue. Well, I used too much and couldn't get them turned. So, I tried again and this time I blew out a finger, really bad. Frustrated and angry, I needed to walk away. She will probably sit until after Turkey Day.

I haven't posted a cat photo lately. Here is my sweet fuzzy boy with two of Natalie necklaces on. He puts up with so much.

This weekend is Natalie's birthday. It is hard for me to believe that she is four already.

Michele

Wrapping Up Halloween

2008-11-03T04:02:00.000-08:00

So, I know this post is tardy but allow me to explain. I wanted to show a photo of Natalie and Emily in their costumes before we went out. (Every year we go to the home of friends who live in a cul-de-sac of young families and have a short walk with lots of candy.) Anyway, I didn't bring the case for my camera, just the camera. And guess who showed up, Murphy. I swear Murphy follows me and shows up at the most annoying moments. Of course, my batteries were dead. So, Patti took a photo and I was hoping she would send it over the weekend but she must of gotten busy. At any rate, here is Natalie with her haul. She looks quite pleased with herself, doesn't she? They had a lot of fun. She kept telling me that Halloween was her favorite holiday. I had a nice walk.

Michele

Halloween Party at School

2008-10-30T05:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Natalie's Halloween party at school. She was of course a princess (like she would be anything else).

Once she caught sight of us, she wouldn't leave our side. She almost knocked Jason over. They were all very cute in their costumes.

Michele

Gift Bag Challenge

2008-10-29T06:31:00.002-07:00

Last night at the Lake Norman Quilters meeting, we unveiled our challege pieces. This is mine and it is of a wysteria vine. The rules were you picked a gift bag out of a trash bag and you had to use the colors in the bag but not necessarily the photo. We got the idea on a trip to the AQS show at Nashville last summer. It had to be no smaller then 8 1/2 x 11 and no larger then 36 x 36. We had roughly nine months to complete them.

This is my bag.

A close up of my piece. I used fusible applique and thread painting.

The photo of my own wysteria that I used to make the piece.

Michele

Memories of Jane

2008-10-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

I participated in the EPU II Cultures in Cloth Challenge on the Quilt Art list and this is my completed piece. I decided to focus on the culture of women in a family and dedicate it to my grandmother. Being a cultural "mutt" of sorts, my family did not cling strongly to one particularly aspect of our geneological background (German, French, and Irish are the ones I know of). But being from Berks County, PA, where there is a strong Pennsylvania Dutch (or German) Heritage, and very close to Amish country, some of our traditions, especially food, reflected both of those cultures. The distelfink birds represent this as they are symbols of luck and good fortune and often seen in Hex Signs on barns in the area. The wording in the middle says "There is a thread that connects us all. Mother to Daughter. Generation to Generation. Woman to Woman."

The Pagoda is a symbol in Reading, PA, my hometown.

The photos are each of four generations, one when my mother was a child and the other with my daughter as an infant.

The jewelry piece in the right hand corner is one of my grandmother Jane's earrings. When she passed away there was an extensive collection of jewelry and a lot of clip earrings. I thought this piece would add a personal touch to the piece.

The connection I have to my mother and grandmother is the strongest and I believe that the culture of the women in a family helps to shape each new generation and is the best vehicle for passing down tradition.

Michele

Nunofelt Scarf

2008-10-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my friends Susan, DeLane and I headed to Winston to take a Nunofelt class with Vicki Clontz of Annie's Keepsakes. It was a labor intensive process but we had a great time. The first photo shows me applying Merino wool to my silk scarf.

Here is an in-process photo.
Here I am rolling my scarf. We did this probably 2200 times.
This is my finished scarf still wet.And a close-up of it drying in the driveway.

Vicki was to teach this class to the Lake Norman Quilters in August but it didn't happen. I was actually in the process of teaching myself this technique when Vicki made the offer and I'm very happy she did. We got to see what it should look like when it's finished and when it's not (very important). I will definitely be doing this again. Thanks Vicki for a great class!

Michele

Yes, I'm Alive

2008-10-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

I saw some girlfriends on Monday for a "grown up playdate" and I was immediately asked where I've been. Well, last week we traveled to PA for a visit with the family and a wedding. And the week before that I was sick. So my productive juices have been seriously curtailed. Throw in a busy week with the Charlotte Guild and an unfinished Fast Friday Fabric Challenge and that's where I've been.

Now for the splaining, the mosaic photo. I was visiting some of my favorite blogs and Stephanie on Novablossoms had a the mosaic and how she made hers. I had wanted to do this when I was working on the Studio Journals class and didn't so I thought today was as good a day as any.

And be sure to visit the Fast Friday Fabric blog. I joined this group (as did my friend, Judy Whitehead) and I'm really enjoying it. The rules are the fourth Friday of the month, a challenge is issued and we have a week to complete the piece. Due to my guild responsibilites and then leaving, I didn't finish mine yet but I did get the top done.

That's about it for now. Trying to get back in the mode. Traveling, especially by car, always wipes me out, plus her highness isn't sleeping well (shocker). No dancing pictures of Natalie because she doesn't cooperate. Imagine that! Hopefully, some wedding pictures soon. She didn't cooperate there either so I didn't get many of my own pictures. And a photo of what I made at my playdate.

Michele

A Little Bit of Fall

2008-09-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time of year! Everything is still green and the afternoons are warm, but gone are the sticky, HOT days of summer.

So, I was inspired. I saw these foundation pieced leaves in a magazine (which one escapes me at the moment) and copied them in a variety of sizes. I then made the corresponding areas to make it all fit.

We've had some excitement here in the last few weeks. Jason finally left Chip Ganassi Racing after 5 years and a lot of turmoil. In June, they laid off 70+ and we decided he needed to seriously look elsewhere. Once his driver made the announcement that he was leaving, Jason knew he needed to get out while he had an offer. So, this past week was his first at Petty Enterprises. In addition to the team change, he will no longer be on the road so for the first time in the 8 1/2 years that we've been together, we will both be home. A REAL LIFE! His being around is still a novelty to Natalie but hopefully that will wear off. He still goes on Sunday to change tires and now we root for Bobby Labonte. He is also working with his brother, which is proving to be entertaining.

Michele

New Doll Finished

2008-09-10T08:15:00.001-07:00

Here she is finished. I still don't know what to name her so suggestions are appreciated. Her pashmina was originally going to be a jacket but the paisley was overpowering. It is lined with the same velvet as her top and there is a pipe cleaner in it so it stays on her. Notice the bead fringe on her sleeves.
Feet and shoes are definitely something I need to work on. Her feet are ugly, no toes, and the shoes posed a problem for me. Nothing I can't handle.
The pattern on her dress is taken from the paisley on the pashmina fabric. I only did the front because eventually she is going to sit. I bought what I needed to make her a chair but long story short, don't go quickly into Michael's with Natalie. It's never quick. So I didn't get what I needed but I have it now and it will be made soon.
Here she is standing.

I saw a bracelet with inspirational words on it in a catalog but I couldn't justify several hundred dollars for an artisan quality bracelet. I saw these beads at Michael's and figured I could make my own.

Do One Thing Every Day

2008-08-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

I found this chart during a trip in Indiana. It was an obscure needlework shop found by accident while heading to a hobby shop. (Obviously this was a trip where either I went and was bored, or stayed behind, alone, and bored.) I ran in, while a car full of men and Natalie waited. I found this in the bargain bin and aside from the whimsical cat, I was drawn to the statement, "Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy." I put it in the "do real soon" bin and set about finding the specialty threads. The whole time I worked on this it made me smile and reminded me of what I'm really all about. I am a creative person. I am an artist. I need art to survive or I am miserable. Literally. If life gets in the way and I can't work on something, I am miserable, even venturing into the witch (with a b) arena.

In my former life I was creative through writing, not because I didn't like art but because I didn't think I was very good at. So, I became a spin doctor if you will. Someone who made the mundane sound exciting, someone who took the bad and made it sound quite refreshing, someone who took a person of questionable character and made him sound like a lovable, ever-so-lucky, down-to-earth everyone will love him kind of guy. I also wrote poetry, still do actually, but not in the same proliferation. It filled a hole in me that I didn't know was there. Until I found quilting.

Now, this little piece is something I can see everyday and remind me of what I am and want to be. I have morphed so to speak in the last few months. I'm venturing out and doing things I'm afraid of and even thinking long term. I feel empowered because every day I do one thing that makes me happy.

Michele

New Doll

2008-08-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

I've finally got caught up on my guild responsibilities and have had a little fun (with rust). But I wanted to show a work in progress. She is my next doll. She hasn't told me her name yet.

She is the from Patti Culea's first book, Creative Cloth Doll Making (as was my first doll -- see May 25, 2008 entry). I only showed her head, as to not ruin the surprise. She needs a little more makeup and I have to finish her hair. The next two photos are of her skirt. The beadwork and ribbon embroidery mimic the design on the fabric I'm using for her pashmina. It was originally going to be a jacket but I'm so proud of her outfit that I hate to cover it up. I'm hoping to have her finished for my next doll club meeting on Sept. 11, so stay tuned for the unveiling.

Michele

Rust Dyeing

2008-08-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Several artists on the Quiltart list and my friend Susan have done rust dyeing with some really great results. So I asked Jason to find me rusty things in the garage. He graciously accepted this task without asking too many questions. With the first piece, I wrapped the vinegar soaked fabric around very large washers and placed it in a plastic bag.
The second piece I shoved in a large jar and put smaller objects in it. I pushed the fabric and rusty items around with a spoon handle and sealed the jar. I let them both sit for about 24 hours.
I was very happy with my results and wanted to see what would happen if I overdyed. Now not wanting to mix up Procion I used some diluted Jacquard Dye-na-flow on the pink one (this, of course, is Natalie's favorite because it is pink).
The second one I used diluted Tsukineiko ink and it's a little more subtle. Since this one had more prominent rusted images I wasn't really concerned about the color.

I haven't decided what I'm doing with them yet but it should a lot of fun deciding.

Michele

Cuddle Quilt, Natalie and Butterflies

2008-08-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm in finish mode right now. This is a Cuddle Quilt for Charlotte Guild that I can't remember when I started, I loaded it on the longarm in the spring, Mom got tired of looking at it and quilted it for me, I bought the binding fabric a while ago and I finally got around to finishing it. It's terrible what happens when you are less then enthused about a project. That happened with some other guild items that I'm also finishing. Anyway, I'm also working on a doll. She's coming along quite nicely. I keep a list of UFO's (unfinished objects) and when it makes me cringe is when I guess I get to finishing.

I can't believe the summer is coming to an end but I am ready for school to start again. Natalie has grown so much and is 3 going on 13. She really enjoyed the pool and playing outside. She is excited about school though. Her teacher made a home visit and it's all she could talk about.

And I've gotten some really great photos in the garden. It is amazing what Mother nature has brought us this summer.

Michele

First (completed) Art Quilt

2008-08-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

First let me say that the idea for this piece struck me in the spring. I sketched and wrote details in a journal (before I took the online class) and when I found the right background fabric in May I started it. I used Shiva paintstick to rub a circular design on the background. I then hand appliqued the circles. The project then came to a stand still. I didn't know where to go next. I had bought the dragonfly button for this but could not decide if I wanted to use it or not.
Well, I did. But then it was a while until I finished it because there was just something I wasn't happy with. The three embellished circles were not in the original sketch and that may be what threw me off. I'd appreciate any comments and/or criticism.

Michele

Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet

2008-08-10T15:23:00.001-07:00

This is a close-up shot of the bracelet. I enrolled in an on-line class on Joggles to make this bracelet. Now unlike the Studio Journals class, this one was more follow the directions provided (which were very good) and make the bracelet without any teacher interaction. I've really been enjoying beading. I've used it to accent, as well as to stand on it's own.
Now, I did mess up the measurements but it all worked out okay. It is supposed to close with snaps but like I said, I messed up, so hook-n-eye it is. It is also supposed to be beaded all the way around. Chalk it up to impatience but also, I know how I am and I didn't want to take the risk of what would happen to the beads on the bottom. I only had one casualty while finishing it and glue-willing, it will hold.
Now I know I talk about my cats too much, but Harley really is a good sport. I was trying to tempt the fat two-some into some sort of activity but Natalie thought it looked better as a scarf. I swear she is going to try to dress him one of these days and depending on his mood he just might let her.

More Critters

2008-08-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

This morning we found this beautiful specimen on the side of the house. It is a luna moth (info courtesy of http://www.dpughphoto.com/moths.htm) Incomparison of the site photos and my moth, he is missing his tail wings. We had one on the house several weeks ago and I would say it is the same one but the site also says they don't live very long, so it must be another.
This little critter got stuck in the garage. It's a hummingbird.

This happens several times during the summer. I don't know if they are attracted to the white walls or the shade. We hear a simultaneous squeaking and buzzing noise, and there is a tiny bird struggling to get out by only going up. They respond nicely to the broom and off they go.

I must add that this past weekend Cathy, Susan and I went to the quilt show in Asheville. It was wonderful as always and we had a really good time. We made quite a day of it, 13 1/2 hours from start to finish.

And Monday we made a trip to Carowinds. Hard to believe the summer is almost over. We're planning our last trip this Monday before the pool closes on the 17th. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Michele

Petal Purse

2008-08-01T16:20:00.001-07:00

Let me start by saying I know I need another bag like I need a hole in my head but oh, well. So every now and then, I get overwhelmed with projects. I don't how to finish something or I'm not happy with it and then I get stagnant. So I turn to something functional that I can finish quickly and have that feeling of satisfaction. Sometimes it's cross stitch or a small piece and other times it's a bag. This is my friend Susan's Petal Purse pattern.
It's a nice big bag that I'm taking to the Asheville Quilt Show tomorrow. It has plenty of room for my stuff and anything I may buy. And I've made the strap just long enough to wear messenger style.
The highlight of the piece is it's beaded button. I love making these!! This bag also gave me a chance to practice freestyle machine quilting so it was an added benefit.

Michele

Stitchin Fingers

2008-07-31T09:38:00.001-07:00

View my page on stitchin fingers

Hand Dyes

2008-07-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

I've been silent. We were gone for a week and then it always takes me a week to get back on track. But before I left my friend Grace had her annual dyeing party. I was really happy with my results this year and I wanted to share some photos.

This is a piece of Shibori. Last summer we didn't get this quite right but I was so happy with this.

These two pieces are for my Studio Journals class. Sharon wanted us to play with design. It is just like making snowflakes. I'm slowly catching up with my class. The good thing is that we work at our own pace.

Michele

Treadle Sewing Machine

2008-07-15T09:48:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited about this and wanted to post some photos. I picked it up last Thursday but it had been in the car until Jason came home so this is the first chance I've got to post it.
I bought it at a yard sale in Lincolnton a little over two years ago for $50. Jason refurbished the wood case and we had the metal pieces powder coated. Then it went off to Danny Wicker to have the sewing machine refurbished to working order.

Now it sews and works great. It's really a gem and Danny, who has fixed and seen everything, had never seen a National Treadle Sewing Maching before so that was interesting. It really looks like a piece of furniture. It's even going to be allowed in the main part of the house, probably the dining room.

Michele

Hodge Podge

2008-07-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

This is for my Studio Journals class. It is a complimentary color study. I wanted the blue circles to show up better and I wasn't really satisfied with my watercolors earlier in the week, so I got out my watercolor crayons which gave a much richer effect. I would like to try the crayons with the salt technique and another where you use cling wrap for a different effect. I didn't do the fabric/fiber additions because, well, today is Friday and the next lesson is out, so I'll save it for later. That is the great thing about this class. All of her exercises can be used over and over to spark creativity.

Sharon also wanted us to explore the color wheel. One of the ladies shared a photo of a thread wrapped wheel which intrigued me and another showed a sample of one she had stitched years ago from a free pattern, which unfortunately was no longer available. Well, I searched for a stitched color chart and found one for purchase but it won't be finished for the class. Anyway, I was struggling with using the correct colors. I know this sounds silly but if they aren't labeled how do you know. (The ladies from my class know what I'm talking about.) So, I was coloring with Natalie and have some older Crayola's with the right names on them. I figured this was the only way I would be happy. I think it's pretty.

Now for some piffle. This is my latest finish. Sometimes when I can't focus or am stuck on a project I find a small cross-stitch in my stash and I usually finish it within a couple of days. Sometimes I feel better and sometimes, like this time, I find another little one to start. I should just post it here and ask for help but I guess I haven't reached that point yet.

So, it is July in North Carolina and what does Natalie want to wear with her customary dress...tights. Winter tights. We went to the grocery store like this today.

Here she is sitting at the table with me while I worked in my journal and what she was working on. She was also into her watercolors today. It seems only Crayola offers her the vibrance she desires. Anyway, she started to paint her hand and I had her make a handprint to put in my journal. One of the ladies in my class is staying with her daughter and grandchildren, and someone suggested she do this. I thought it was a great idea and as soon as I saw the paint on her hand I knew I had my opportunity. I should put her piece of art in my journal, too.

Michele

Studio Journal Color Study

2008-07-08T16:16:00.001-07:00

I wanted to make sure that I got to work on at least part of my exercise for this week. This week Sharon has us working on color. The first photo is a watercolor wash that I then sprinkled salt on. The salt is supposed to pull the color away and create a very interesting effect. The green worked but the red was already drying. I then thought it needed something so I added the stamps. This was kind of my warm up and I wanted to try the salt technique.

Next was a color study. We were challenged to find colors in magazines. I started with the multi-colored one in the left hand corner and built from there. I can see how helpful this will be when planning a project. I to often work strictly in my head and then I get frustrated. Sharon tells us that ideas don't necessarily have to be seen through and to often I've felt that everything I think of has to come to fruition. I need to stop doing that and I reall think this class will help. We have several other exercises for the week but Jason leaves tomorrow so I never know what time I will have.

Michele

Studio Journal On-line Class Part I

2008-07-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

I started purchasing supplies from Joggles.com when I made my doll and I religiously read Barbara's newsletter each Sunday. I noticed the listing of on-line classes and perused them with some interest. I'd never taken an on-line class before but I felt like the available classes at my LQS were not feeding my creative mind. Then my friend, Susan and I were talking about Joggles and she mentioned this Studio Journal class. I went back and read it's description again, and thought this was just what I needed to get my mind working in a different way.

So far it's been great, although I can see why I don't get anything done. Natalie doesn't like when I do anything, so she really doesn't like this. And reading the Forum (where students can interact with the teacher and each other) is very addictive. Our instructor is in Australia and the students are all over the world, although there is a large NC constituent.

The first lesson invited you to decorate your sketchbook to your liking. I decided a collage and an inspirational saying would help take the "blank page" stigma off the project. I chose a magazine picture that I liked, something that made me smile and an uplifting saying. It says "You know that feeling when you've called your mother, balanced your checkbook and folded your socks. That's how I feel"

The second page I outlined the page with what Sharon uses to describe the studio journal. I left the inside blank so that I could note how that statement makes me feel. I've added two statements with room for plenty more.

Next in the lesson are some rubbings, or frottage. I've been looking at things in the house differently and found that most things are smooth. I plan to do some more frottage but as lesson two was released yesterday I need to move on.

Next Sharon wanted us to draw like we stitch. I found myself doodling but in a good way.

Finally, she gave us a picture of Van Gogh's Starry Night and wanted us to draw in black and white how we would stitch it. I would like to work on this some more, eventually. I also printed out a photo of a Cezanne picture that I would like to work like this. I also found an interesting picture of a spiral staircase that has striped carpet on the stairs. I think it would interesting to work in a drawing. I used to draw extensively as a child and I'm beginning to see why. It is very releasing. Just prior to starting this class I started keeping a small journal of doodles and ideas that, just like this, may never be anything but are on paper. I also have written some poetry and liked quotations in there.

Next is color. I have my magazines at the ready and will hopefully get to start working on that tonight.

Michele

What a Productive Week!!!

2008-06-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

So they are all little things but, hey, a finished piece is a finished piece. The first one is another scissor fob. I'm trying to pace myself so I don't wind up with 50 of them. Like I said in my last post, they are SOOO easy.

Then I wanted a case for my ipod. Just something to put it in in my purse. So I came up with this little nugget. I can't decide what button to put on it, so that's the reason for the pin.

After the Surface Design class, I was flipping through a recently purchased beading book by Larkin van Horn. She makes these beaded buttons while she's on the road. I thought it was wonderful so I made one. The bad part was while I was putting it on the button form I loosened some beads, so I took the picture before I took it off so I can fix it. The good thing was I found out why I like Silamide better then Nymo. This was really fun to do and definitely helped me practice my beading. This might become the centerpiece of a new quilt.

Finally, it was mentioned that Altoid tins are good to transport beading projects. Well, I've had this kit (including heart tin) for quite a while and decided it was time for it to be made. Anyway, real easy -- a little cross stitch, some embroidery and a few beads. Hot glue onto the tin, add the cording, and a piece of felt on the inside -- PRESTO, bead tin!

Michele

Two more finishes

2008-06-17T07:10:00.001-07:00

Before I get to the pretty's I must show a Natalie picture. Last Saturday we had a few errands to run and we needed to kill some time before one place opened. So, we went to a little bakery and someone wanted a chocolate cupcake heaped with frosting. It was early in the day to run off a sugar high, plus she was spending most of the afternoon with my mom. This is her with a frosting mustache. Can you tell she's quite proud of herself!

A few weeks ago I got the chance to take a workshop with Lyric Kinard. We all had such a great time learning to carve our own stamps and use them, paint, foil, screen print, bead, photo transfer. The cover of my book is stamped and foiled with the large cabochon and beading in the center. The inside of the book cover is screen printed. The photos don't do the final piece justice.

The other little trinket is something else for my guild's Christmas in July. It is a scissor fob made with Art Girlz wool beads, buttons and a silver charm. There will probably be more of these then anything because they were SOOOO easy to make.

Michele

Two Little Things

2008-05-31T10:59:00.001-07:00

Here are two little things I did this week. The heart on the left is needle felted. We had a great speaker at our Lake Norman Quilters Guild meeting Tuesday. Vicki Clontz from Annie's Keepsakes did a brief lecture and then showed us all how to needlefelt. Vicki is a really great teacher and I think we're bringing her back later in the summer for another workshop. I've put a pin back on it so I can wear it.

The other piece is a pin cushion. We've decided to have a "Christmas in July" craft donation event (we can't call it a sale) for the guild. I'm planning on making some little things like this, so this is the first of many.

Michele

Peach

2008-05-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

In what started as a new project quickly became one of the funnest things I've ever made (to this point). Her name is Peach and I still can't believe how easy she was to make. It all started at Hancock's. I saw one of Patti Medaris Culea's books and flipped through it. I couldn't stop thinking about how much fun they looked. I checked it out on Amazon and then ordered her first two books. As soon as they came I started studying them until I felt ready to try it.

In her book, Patti dyes the fabric for the doll and I thought that was a little intimidating, so I went to my LQS and bought a piece of peachy-pink hand dyed (thank you, Judy). Her dress is silk hankies I bought from Janet Lasher at Barnful of Quilts. I beaded the top of the bodice. Her shoes are sewn on her feet. Her hair is chenille yard which I ran out of, but thanks to Rene I will be able to fill it out. The headband is, I think, temporary. It was placed there to help cover up the "bald spots." I may make her a hat though. I just got Patti's third book and it includes a hat pattern. Here are some other pictures of her in different stages and a closer look at her face. I was really intimidated by her face. I did the one practice piece and then unfortunately some time passed so I felt I needed to practice again. I did another practice face and then immediately did her face. Patti gives really great directions throughout the whole process but the face was the best. I have admired the dolls at the Charlotte Quilt Show before but never thought I could do them. I have since bought Susan Oroyan's books and although they are wonderful eye candy, I'm glad I found Patti's books first because they fit my style.

I so enjoyed this process! I can't wait to do the next one. And really I already own most of thethings I needed so dollmaking is just another way to create. Natalie thinks she's pretty.

Michele

A Kind of Anniversary

2008-05-23T04:17:00.000-07:00

Today is a very poignant day for me. Ten years ago I loaded a moderate amount of stuff into my blazer and waving good-bye to my grandmother, headed south. I had just finished grad school and I had a job. I moved 500 miles from anyone I knew or anything familiar. I remember being excited, anxious, and a little apprehensive. But I was so looking forward to being on my own. I arrived in Mooresville, NC at about 4 pm. Tomorrow was my first day of work.

It is amazing what has changed in 10 years. I literally left a life behind. My parents were in Florida and everyone else in PA. The relationship I was in came to a dramatic end a few weeks earlier. But I remember I didn't care because I was doing what I set out to do. This is me at Dover my second weekend on the job. Now that seems so long ago and far away.

Beautiful Day

2008-05-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Natalie is very excited to wear sundresses. Who knew that such a sweet little girl could get so dirty. She has comandeered my necklace, even to the point of wearing it to school. Speaking of school, Tuesday is her last day. I think she made a lot of progress this year. She's enjoying her time outside, smelling (and picking) flowers, chasing butterflys and dancing in the sunshine. This summer should be very interesting. We're excited about the pool opening this summer and I think we're going to enroll her in some sort of gymnastics.

We've had some more visitors of the four legged kind. Last weekend, I went out the back door to put the trash out and was unexpected greeted by fowl.

Yes, quack quack.

And then, Natalie was playing in the backyard while I was pulling weeds and I saw this little guy hiding from me.

I'm working on several different projects but not one long enough to finish. Plus, I lost last week being sick. But things are looking up and the sun is shining!

Michele

Lessons from Nature and Something New

2008-04-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

When the weather warms we start to hear the familiar croak of frogs and toads. There is a farm pond and a stream not far from our home and the little buggers come out of the woods in the spring to entertain us. We have found them in the fish pond, burrowed in the mulch, clinging to the side of the house, living in the closed deck umbrella, and desperately trying to get in the French doors.

This morning I went out on the deck to get a read on the day and spotted this speck (which honestly looked like a big spitball) on our fire pit. I'm always wondering if the neighborhood kids reek havoc on the surrounding homes during the night, so my initial thought was the aforementioned spitball or maybe gum. So I had to get a closer look, with the ever present shadow in tow -- "What's that momma? Can I touch it? Can I play with it? Why's he sitting there, momma?"

Well, look how cute he is!! He (or she) is very smooth and looks just like a rock. I couldn't tell if he was looking at us or not because it's eyes were the same color as the skin. Natalie refrained from touching him and at last check he was still there. Whatever possesses them to choose such odd sleeping places is beyond me. I mentioned the deck umbrella earlier...last year we had one take residence there all summer long. Whenever we went out to open it up we got the hairy eyeball from a toad. Excuse me...Anyway, funny critters. Soon they'll be all over the driveway at night and one of us will unknowingly run one over.

Fun stuff...I'm working on a particular project I think I mentioned (a doll)and tested drawing the face. She's not bad for the first attempt. I know some things I need to do differently next time. I may do another practice before I do the real thing. The book I'm using is really specific which is helpful. I used watercolor pencils, which smudged but I think I could blend them better. Still testing this, lots of fun, can't wait to finish her.

Stay tuned,

Michele

Reflecting

2008-04-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday and no matter how old I get I still feel the same way about "my day." I anticipate it's arrival with great excitement. No matter what I do that day it's special to me and whether or not anyone else knows doesn't matter. When it's over I'm a little deflated because the fact of being another year older sets in. But nonetheless it's a fact of life. Saturday Jason surprised me with a special evening. We went with some friends for a nice dinner and evening out. I celebrated yesterday with my family. Mom cooked lunch and made a cake. I bought my own birthday presents but that doesn't really matter because at least I got what I wanted. Today I reflect on who I am and who I want to be. I cut out my horoscope yesterday because it was quite profound and struck a nerve with where I want to be going. I'm going to hang it in my studio, somewhere I can see it to remind me of what I want to accomplish.

Now onto the fun. I have completed a project which I say that way because for a while there I didn't seem to be making progress on anything. It's called Charm Party purse and I'm quite pleased with it. I bought the kit at a show almost a year ago and finally got around to finishing it. I have enough fabric to make a wallet and a cell phone case.

There are a couple other things I'm working on that I'm really excited about including a doll. Hopefully I'll have some pictures of her posted real soon.

Michele

Escape from the Sick Ward

2008-03-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

Natalie has been sick since Thursday, hence my absence. So, since she's not photo worthy, how about some quilting.

These two are part of a series of 12. For my quilty friends, they are from the Piece O' Cake Ladies "Through Grandmother's Window" series. I am really enjoying coming up with the colors of each block and they are done in all batiks. Love it!!! I've started the third one, which is supposed to be cactus. I'm doing it in orange and a softer yellow.

And I want to introduce you to Fiona. She's not technically done yet, but all of the pieces are appliqued on. I'm going to do some fancy embellishing before I quilt her. Again for the quilty friends, she is a Mount Redoubt pattern but ya'll know I don't fuse so she is all needleturn.

Enjoy!
Michele

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

We hope everyone had a Happy Easter. We celebrated with my parents and Jason's brother's family.

Natalie enjoyed her goodies. She was devastated Sunday morning, though, when her basket wasn't out in the open. I was too tired Saturday night to stuff it, so I told her the bunny hides the basket and we would find it.

She then hunted eggs in the front yard. She kept looking out the front window, thinking she forgot some or others miraculously appeared.

The joys of childhood: when sitting on the lap of a bunny means a basketful of all the stuff she asked for.

Michele

Eggs for All

2008-03-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

Well, we've survived another week. What am I on race 5?

Thursday was the Easter Egg Hunt at school. Natalie is finally adjusted to school. No more crying, no more sitting in the little chair in the doorway, no more boy-phobia (which isn't entirely a bad thing). Surprisingly it only took four months. Lord, I hope the summer doesn't mess it up. I've signed her up for three days a week and I'll be screwed in the fall if she starts crying again. "Mommy, why do I have to go to school aggaaiinn?" Daddy got to go to the hunt. Which is good because the teachers thought he was imaginery.

Later in the day, we enjoyed the beautiful weather. I asked her to try on her new swimsuit before I cut the tags off. She wouldn't take it off for three hours. She even went outside to say 'good-bye' to Daddy. The neighbors probably think I'm nuts. I'm surprised DSS wasn't here first thing in the morning.

Finally we ended our day with roller skating in the basement. It takes her longer to put all the padding on. Then she stands up makes me help her for minute and she's done. Who could imagine 120 seconds could be so much fun -- for her anyway.

Michele

Monday, Monday

2008-03-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Wednesday we went to have lunch with daddy but more importantly we saw the Easter Bunny. Silly rabbit! We had already tried to meet up with the elusive hare but he was not at the first mall we visited. We found him though, and he's gotten me out of many a toy section lately without a fight. I'll guess after Easter I'll spend the next eight months using Santa. It's good Natalie has no concept of time. (Photo courtesy of Holiday Photos at Concord Mills Mall)

Thursday I took an incredible workshop with Kristi Steiner. Of course, I forgot my camera. If you're really interested check out her website at http://www.kristinsteiner.com/ It was all hand applique which was like a dream day for me. Then Saturday, I took a hand quilting workshop. Also forgot the camera but learned a lot and had a great time.

We're so looking forward to Easter weekend. It's the first off-weekend of the season and I know Jason is looking forward to being home. He said that when he figured it out, since Jan. 1 he'd been on the road for 31 days. I say since Jan. 27 he's been home 10 days. I don't know which is worse but it's funny how we see things differently.

I hope to have some quilty pictures to post this week. I'm itching to finish something. I've got to turn in my challenge for Charlotte Guild on Saturday, so I will at least have that. With a three year old, I say that like its a bad thing.

Michele

Reincarnation and Pajama Pants

2008-03-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

Whether you believe in reincarnation or not, I believe Mother Teresa lives at my house and her name is Haley. She does not like to have her photo taken nor will she look at you when you call her name.

Harley is also someone important but I haven't figured out who. I'm sure he'll let me know when he's good and ready. You would think seven years would be long enough to figure it out.

For those that have pets who own us, I'm sure you can relate to cats and their staff.

When I was a child I remember in my dress up clothes a blue velour skirt with an elastic waist that I used as a skirt, a bridal veil, nun's habit, whatever role it served. Natalie put her jammies on the other night and decided to put the pants on her head. I couldn't help but remember that skirt, maybe it was the color. She ran around for a while before putting the pants on inside out.

Ahhh, childhood.

Tonight she requested a peanut butter and marshmellow sandwich. I think the face says it all. She looks the same after she brushes her teeth. I think she asks for these sandwiches, or franches as she calls them, so she can play. She spreads the peanut butter relatively well, in between taking swipes of it with her finger off the bread.

Daddy comes home tonight, Yaaaa! Ah, the life of a NASCAR widow...

Michele

Birth Control

2008-03-01T15:34:00.001-08:00

Today we went to a birthday party for some friends' daughter. I was completely prepared for telling how much liquor I needed when we got home but thankfully it was nice out today so most of the activity was outside.

Anyway, Emily turned 4 on Thursday and I vividly remember the day she was born. Jeremy had called early that morning to tell us Patti had gone into labor. Jason was home that weekend and we were excited for them. I can't remember when we got to the hospital but Patti had just had her epidural. I think Jason and Jeremy went out while Patti rested. The boys got back and Patti had progressed enough that it was time. It was really amazing but what is even more amazing is that I had Natalie after seeing someone else give birth. When I was having Natalie the nurse asked if I needed the mirror to see what was going on and I quickly said "no, I've seen it twice. I know what it looks like." I should mention that I watched our nephew Tyler's birth so I knew what to expect. I think the first thing I told Jason about it was "wait until you see his head and you think about the hole it came out of." That was traumatic!! Isn't she cute. She's in the middle with the red hair blowing out her candles.

Okay, that's enough reminiscing. There were boys there and Natalie has issues, so at first she curled up and screamed "I don't like the boys!!!" (Diagramed in photo) She eventually calmed down and anxiously watched presents being opened. I wanted to take a picture of her and Emily but she wasn't into it. Actually, she wasn't into leaving. I guess I can't blame her. Who wouldn't want to stay at a house where someone just got a whole lot of toys and there are left over cupcakes.

Michele

TGIF -- sort of

2008-02-29T05:04:00.000-08:00

I planned on posting last night but after the day we had (a short synopsis of that in a minute), I decided to wait until this morning, and thankfully I did because I would have missed this picture. Check out the shoes!! Natalie decided on her outfit and yes, her shoes are on the wrong feet.

Anyway, yesterday in a nutshell was expect the unexpected. In a very short span of time, I found her sitting on the counter in her bathroom washing her feet after she bumped it and insisted it needed sunscreen to feel better. Next, it was dental health week at school and she must have brushed her teeth four times after we came home. Well, I then found her in her bathroom and she had squeezed a good amount of toothpaste in the sink and was "cleaning" the sink with a toothbrush. And the last one I'll mention is the wardrobe change. I have the winter crud. She had it, too, but it lasts half as long. Anyway, I took something for my grueling headache and asked her to lay down with me, so I knew where she was. Well, I must of dosed off and when I woke up she had changed out of her jeans and long-sleeved t-shirt and into shorts and Hannah Montana t-shirt and then wanted to go outside.

Now I must point out she does these things very quickly. I could be switching out laundry or unloading the dishwasher, or going to the bathroom, but she sees her window and takes the opportunity. Hopefully today is less exciting but I doubt it.

On the creative front, I made this little piece I call Pond Study. I had some techniques I wanted to try before I made a big piece. Don't ask how long it will take to make a big pond, that depends on Natalie but I did spread the fabric out on the pool table so I could look at it. As the quilting friends can relate, we sometimes do that for several days. Hopefully this weekend I can get some fish cut out.

Speaking of the weekend, Jason is in Las Vegas. He's already called this morning, 5:12 am his time. She's doing well with his absence, better then last season, but then again we just got started. Or maybe it never ended...

Michele

Hello from Our Corner of the Nation

2008-02-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog. We are a family of five: three people and two furries. My hopes for this space is that our faraway family members can keep up with us. I also enjoy quilting and want to share my creations. So, one day there may be stories of what has happened and the next I'm showing pictures of what I've made. One thing it will definitely never be is boring. I'll share more as I go along but for today I just wanted to say "Hello."

Michele