Two Little Things

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

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

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

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

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

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

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