Small Works

I'm excited to finally be showing you the two small works I created recently.  I created them for a call for entry from my quilt guild and the Katonah Museum of Art.  Yes, after being juried, these have the chance to not only be displayed in a museum of art, but to also be sold.  I'm pinching myself!!  And I admit they were really fun to create. 

Both quilts were mounted on 6x6 canvases.  I also finished the edges of the canvas with fabric and ribbon.

And, yes, those are small pieced crosses.  The pieces finished to 1/2 inch -- wow!  And then it's hand quilted.  I seriously must be nuts.  And it's possible that I'm getting the make small quilts bug.

I'll keep you posted on whether or not they are accepted.  My fingers are crossed. 

Christmas Sewing

I said early on I wasn't going to do any Christmas sewing.  Didn't want to have the pressure to create and couldn't put myself on a timetable like that.  Then, I changed my tune and decided that any Christmas sewing time I normally would have spent I would instead spend assembling and quilting tops for Hurricane Sandy folks.  So, I went on my merry way and made up a whole Sandy quilt and still had left over time.  So, I did it... I gave in to some Christmas sewing which went like this...

We added a small two foot tree to the Christmas decor this year and it was in sore need of a wee Christmas tree skirt.  I decided the Sproket Pillow from Cluck Cluck Sew would be the perfect template!  I used a layer cake of Christmas patterned fabrics and went to town.

Finishing it off with a bit of red binding was the perfect touch.

I also had trouble resisting making a few Zippered Bow Pouches from See Kate Sew.  These are easy, adorable, and great for holding a little sweet or toy as promised. 

Did you get suckered into the whiz-whirl of holiday sewing?

Pure Unfiltered Bliss

Nothing like a walk/jog with the pups while it's snowing to clear my mind! I'm refreshed and ready to sew and they are pooped! Hello winter!

Happy Winter Solstice

Hi Loves,

Happy winter solstice!  Today marks the point where the length of daylight in a given day will increase.  And I'm all about more daylight to soak in!  I hope you're enjoying the hustle and bustle of the season.  It's been so much fun to think about Christmas surprises for those I love and I've been so enjoying the festivities.  I'm also looking forward to snuggling in for a few days and letting things be all about gatherings and family.

I am still making progress on the Hurricane Sandy quilts I've raised my hand to assemble.  One quilt is done with binding and all -- I want to snap a quick picture and hope to have it in the mail this weekend...off to it's new home where it can bring warmth and happiness.  And may it find a home where it can be treasured as a fort, picnic blanket, or used to gaze at the stars!

I also paused for a moment of silence this morning for Sandy Hook.  Over the last week, I have found myself searching for sources of inner strength and inspiration.  I found myself flipping through my copy of Eat, Pray, Love.  A well worn copy that has been dog earred to mark pages with bits and quotes I adore.  And I'll share this quote from the book, which I also shared to open my art quilters meeting this week:

"When you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt.  This is not selfishness, but obligation.  You were given life.  It is your duty and also your entitlement as a human being to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight." -- Eat, Pray Love      

And a small shining moment that really made me smile... an article, about comfort dogs -- mostly goldies -- bringing some relief to Newtown, CT. 

From my family to yours ... Wishing you a delightful holiday season filled with family and friends, laughter and joy; as you find those beautiful moments that happiness is made of!

The Silence

Two part meaning here.  One, I've still been fairly silent here.  I have found myself creating up a storm and not waiting to pause for any reason.  And when I am sharing, I find myself doing so through instagram -- it's super quick to post there (you can find me @cwiltex).  But, I miss this space.  I have given myself permission to be sparse through the remainder of the year and will hopefully pick things up again in the new year.

And, I've also been taking studio yoga classes.  Complete with soothing music, an instructor who is wonderful, and a body that is grateful for the attention.  I'm already stunned to see the difference between the first and second class.  In the first class, I was tense and jittery; my brain wasn't able to turn off, I was making lists in my head the whole time and was overly concerned with how I 'looked' to the person behind me.  Admittedly, I was even trying to pen a blog post about yoga and find a way to sneak a camera picture to share here.  Who is that person, ha!

Granted, I've only been to a second class, but WOW, what a difference.  I am finding peace.  I'm not gritting my teeth so much, my shoulders are much lower away from my ears -- which must mean stress is leaving my body.  I was able to soak in the silence of the last part of the class.  It was pure bliss.  So much power in that silence and I'm so happy to be reconnecting with myself this way.  Just imagine what it might be like after six weeks of attending?

Have you taken a yoga class, what was your experience like?

Sandy Blocks are Coming Together

I was excited to find Sandy blocks in the mailbox!  So far I've received blocks from Beverly, Max, and Susan... I've trimmed the blocks and am beginning to layout and assemble quilt #1.

This is going to be a really cool quilt!

Happy Moment #55: Natural Dyes

{Starting this back up!}  A Friday ritual with Soulemama.  A single (or a few) photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.  A simple, special, extraordinary, happy moment.  A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.  If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments too.

 

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”

~Omar Khayyam

Quilts for Sandy with Quilting Gallery

Welcome back to Me!  November has been a full month to say the least:

::  We had a storm or two roll through
::  I am still working through medical things for the Mister (sending healing would be awesome)
::  I have kept busy fingers on many little projects -- can't wait to show you over the next few weeks
::  Thanksgiving was lovely and I enjoyed lots of family time!

I've also been puzzling out how to lend a hand to help heal the NY/NJ/CT area from all the chaos that Sandy created.  I had one of those moments where I know I have gifts to share and I want to.  I am openly acknowledging (to the universe) that I am here to help somehow and I will.  So, after looking around a bit I decided to join in the efforts at Quilting Gallery.

Here's a snip from Michele's call for help on her Sandy Block Drive:

"I know many of us are devastated by what we’ve seen in the news as a result of super storm Sandy. My heart goes out to all of those affected. I also know that many quilters are wondering what they can do to help. With that in mind, I’m organizing my first-ever Quilt Block Drive and I hope you’ll join in and help out too."

Michele is organizing quilt volunteers into block makers and team leaders.  I've raised my hand to be a team leader and assemble, quilt, and bind two quilts.  Exciting and nerve-wrecking... I'll just remember to transfer all this energy in to healing-loving thoughts for the quilt recipients. 

If you're interested feel free to jump over to Quilting Gallery and read about the effort.  We quilters know that many hands makes light work... and we also know what it feels like to wrap yourself in a quilt and know everything will work out. 

I look forward to seeing the blocks trickle in, so I can begin assembling them.  I will be sure to share bits of the journey along the way!

Also, thank you for the notes to say hi and see how I am -- means a lot to be missed!  We're fine here; the break from blogging was welcome and at the same time it feels good to be back!!  We'll catch up more over the next two weeks!

Happy Halloween

Want to wish all the ghost and ghouls a happy and safe Halloween!!

We are still without power but safe and trying to get in the festivities. Thank goodness for smart phones!!

Bonus Storm Prepping

I guess everyone knows by now there is a gigantic storm headed for the east coast.  Here in NY we are bracing for what looks like a lot of wind and rain (crossing my fingers there is no snow) and power outages.

I encourage you to use the FEMA website to follow their storm preparation advice and check lists.  I have.  But, I wanted to share some of the other things we do to get ready. 

::  Charge the Kindle ::  Nothing like having a good book to get lost in during a power outage.  I'll be most likely finishing "The Dragonriders of Pern."  And reading the kindle by candle light sounds marvelous!  Yes, you could also run to the library and have a nice new book on hand.

::  Tire Out the Pups ::  We are very outdoorsy people and dogs... so one of the bummers of a storm like this is the cabin fever of not being able to really go outside.  Yes, we'll run out for puppy business, but we will probably have to forgo long walks or playing ball outside.  So, this morning we had the pups outside running, chasing, romping in the leaves and any other form of getting them tired.  This afternoon I'll also take Sammy for a doggy play date to squeeze out every drop of energy possible.  A good healthy tired will keep them more relax during the storm and keep them from getting too bored.

::  Do all the Laundry and Dishes ::  If someone sneezes around here we loose power, so we more or less expect to loose it during the storm.  Nothing like having a full drawer of clothes and a cabinet of dishes to use during the ordeal to make us more comfortable.  I may also wash up a quilt or two for optimal snuggling!

::  Have Board Games Handy ::  Nothing worse than sitting in a dark house, with no power, and everyone whining that they are bored.  My cure for keeping entertained is a combination of board games, books, sudoku puzzles, and hand sewing.  I make sure these are all out and handy so that they are easy to grab when needed. 

Wishing everyone a safe and uneventful storm.  Please be sure to check on your family and neighbors -- together we are all stronger and more resilient!  Catch up with you soon!