settlers peace

For The Love of Texas

A friend asked me to make a denim quilt with the Texas flag on the front and old jeans for the backing. This was the only excuse I needed to go fabric shopping in my husbands closet and rid it of the jeans that were not fit to wear in public. Mind you, I did have to patch some of the pieces to use in the quilt, and had, for some reason, been resistant to patching them for his continued use ;) I was really thankful for his long legs and the lengths of fabric I could get from each pant leg, something to definitely consider, should I ever need to purchase used jeans for future projects.

I did not use any batting, as the 'quilt' is already heavy due to fabrics, and I can't imagine trying to wash it with the added bulk of batting.

Another recent finish is this wedding quilt for my niece Cady and her new husband, Matt. The fabrics are an older collection of reproduction sugar sacks, sure wish I could recall the maker as I loved this bundle of fabrics. I also included a few pieces of a fabric that Cady shared with me years ago.

We just got back from the Round Top Antiques Fair. I was in great hopes of discovering a quilted treasure or two, but had never found one that really spoke to me. D's allergies gave him fits, as most of the vendors are in pastures under tents. Thousands of dealers from all over the states and what bothered me the most, was the lack of interaction the dealers had with shoppers, and even other dealers. For some of the dealers, it was day 2, others, day 7, and I didn't notice any difference in their behavior. They had their eyes glued to their laptop or phone passing the time away, and unfortunately sales, too. I LOVE to go to art and antique shows/fairs/sales as it is a time to get to interact with the dealers/artists on a personal level. Their story and/or the 'pieces' back story is often what will make me open my wallet, much like they say in an Etsy shop. It's really sad to say, but there may be more human contact via the web than in person. What the heck is society coming too? The other downside of the dealers on the web, it was eating up so much of the bandwidth that dealers that were trying to process credit card sales could not get a good signal to do so. And even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days with my man as we oohed and ahhed over the displays and antique treasures that wouldn't fit in the car to bring home, and we discussed a re-visit in the spring with a truck.

 

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All In A Month!

It's overwhelming to think about it all at one time, but day by day, we made it through S.'s final days of high school.

First there was prom.

Then there was graduation.

The very next day, paint roller in hand, she created a blank canvas for the next phase of life. Wow, can we say "Ready to move on"?

Moving on? Oh, yes, O. signed a lease on an apartment for the fall when she will be transferring to University. It seems like it's all spinning so fast, such a daily adventure.

Speaking of adventures, S. and I took a 'spontaneous artistic adventure' to Austin, Tx. and opted to stay in the heart of the "Keep Austin Weird" district. The Austin Motel is a step back in time, very cool. Every room a different theme, color all around. We had turquoise plumbing-sink, tub and toilet with pink tiled floor and walls and a lime green shower curtainin the bathroom, and this shock of pink on the main room wall.

I think she found her tribe in Austin, definitely a vibe that she can relate to and feed off of.

The idea of a trip had been bouncing around in my head, and the only fuel that it took to make us hit the road was a gift card to Jerry's Art-A-Rama, an on-line shop, that just so happens to have an actual store in Austin, 4 1/2 hours away! The rush? Austin Kleon, author of 'Steal Like An Artist' was giving a talk and book signing at Book People. We packed the car and were off.

Other stops of note: Roadside Relics-artist Todd Sanders studio, one cool guy.

Uncommon Objects-antique mall supreme! South Congress Cafe for yummy eats, and the thrift store next door for great vintage fashion finds (Bohemian something or other).

Jo's Coffee for morning power.

That pretty much covers the major bits, and I have been sewing, which surprises even me! I'll try and play catch up on that soon. Hope that you're enjoying the adventures of daily life, they are a blessing and fly right by wether we are paying attention or not.

Having Fun

We somehow get wrangled into puppy sitting occasionally.  A real arm twisting ;)

He is SO cute it almost makes up for all of the antics he is up to when he is here.  He looks a bit like a mini Jeffery, is as bull headed but with 10 times more energy. 

Everybody sleeps well after Diesel goes home.

D. has been telling me of these really cool walls painted in Dallas that we needed to go see.  When we were in town recently, we drove by and couldn't resist hoping out and taking some snapshots.

They were funny, jumping into new characters within each painting and adapting to the scene.  It was so entertaining watching them evolve and then bust out laughing at themselves, it was the highlight of the trip.

I've gotten a few more liberated baskets made. 

I'd love to hear what you have been up to lately!?!

Refreshed

North carolina was beautiful.  O. had a soccer game each morning and the rest of the time to do as we pleased.  We cruised the area and marveled at trees, lovely, tall trees, quaint neighborhoods, college campuses, and quirky shops.  A quick thaw after the game on Saturday, we headed to Chapel Hill and Trader Joe's.

As we were walking about, big huge snow flakes began to fall, so beautiful!  

We found the Clothing Warehouse and ducked inside for some shopping and fun.  Vintage clothing at it's best, and atmosphere to boot.  O. and C. tried on clothes, and I warmed my feet by the fire-this old console TV with a show of constant flickering flames, you can't help but smile.

So much fun and amazing kids to laugh with, but I had a my fair share of looking at this, too.  

It just does a body good to get out and see new things!  

Refreshed, inspired and ready to start on Christmas!

Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping......

into the future.  Man, time just seems to be slipping by.  Here it is December 1 and I've made no progress on any holiday preparations.  None.  No Black Friday shopping, no stacks of handmade items to giveaway, not a single decoration.  I've been tied up with O. and soccer tournaments and will be at 'the big one' this weekend.  Then, I think, I will have a bit of time, but I have to admit that I am already wondering "Do I really want to go through the effort for such a shortened time ?"  I'm hoping it's a yes, but only time will tell.

I am looking forward to our time away, and catching up on some girl time, maybe it'll make all of this time slipping a little more bearable.

 

 

Forward Motion

Well, I can't say that I've hit a comfortable stride yet, but I am at least moving in the right direction.  I am finishing some projects and have avoided starting any new ones.  First up was getting the binding on this quilt.

While it looks rather nice on my bed, it is a gift for my niece's 16th birthday.  

I'm trying to spend time daily in the sewing room, wether organizing or sewing, and I am constantly amazed at how much gets done with just showing up.  I am also reminded of the investment of time in these projects.  It is so often that I think "I'll just whip that together" and it sits unfinished because I lack the ability to forecast the time involved.  I'm getting better by forcing myself to spend the time to complete those projects, even though the intended deadline has passed.  And it feels so good when they are d-o-n-e.  It sheds new light on wether or not I want to start a new project, too.

With the start of school we have also begun a new soccer season.  The weather around here can be spotty, and since we live 1-2 hours from the games sites, our weather doesn't always look like the weather at the fields.  Last week, we were experiencing thunderstorms and flash flooding but at the game location 2 hours away, sunny.  Being the super prepared woman that I am, I packed beach towels for after the game, bags for muddy cleats, and hand quilting for observing as I watched from the van.  I am totally a sidelines mom, unless it's pouring like it was at home.  We drove for an hour and had stopped to get food when I realized that this super prepared mom had completely forgotten her purse!  No cash, no credit, no ID, no insurance, nothing, nothing but enough gas to get us to game and home.  What to do?  What to do?  As we travelled on, munching on almonds, hoping it will carry them through the game, I realized that I would be very close to a quilt shop and I just might know someone there.  Heaven smiled down and I found a friend.  With the biggest smile and warmest heart, she handed me cash and suggested I write my phone number on my arm in case of emergency.  Who does that anymore?  Oh yeah, middle aged, forgetful, over prepared and desperate women facing 2 more hours of driving in these storms.  Moments later, we've had a snack and get word that the game has been cancelled.  We turn around and head home, back through the storms that have followed us here.  Eventually we emerge the other side and see the most beautiful, full arching rainbow, with a faint double on the outside.

 The next time I hear myself thinking how prepared I am, I will stop and thoroughly question that thought.  God's amazing grace of friends in distant places is as precious as a rainbow after a storm.  Thank you, Carol!

Sweetness of time

We recently had a day to wander the back roads close to home.  Traveling down new highways we came across an estate sale sign and had to follow.  The trip there was full of anticipation and wonder as to what we would find, and just how far off the beaten path we would go to find it?

 We let it unfold before us and took in the beauty of nature and time at every turn.

 

The sale was pretty much sold out when we arrived, but I was gushing over some beautiful pink roses growing along the house and the homeowner came over and cut me a bouquet.  Don't they look lovely against the black console of the truck?  The generosity and kindness of the gentleman warmed my heart throughout the day and I smiled every time I opened the door to get in.

 

Back to the highway and headed no where in particular, we came across a sea of cars along the road.  There was a huge car show going on and the entries filled the parking lot of this small town school.  We found a space along the road and hiked our way to the show.  

 

Can you imagine trying to park it in the tiny lots now, as I'm sure it was before power steering, and the gas bill for cruising it?  But what fun when it happens!  Next we spent some time shopping the isles of some antique shops in a sleepy little downtown.

The purchases were few but the treasures were many.  Time with Dean and the spirit of adventure will be with us for much longer than stuff.  A perfect way to celebrate our anniversary of 23 years of marriage, a treasure for sure. 

Workin'

Well, I have been working on some projects.  I have had an eye for leaves lately and decided to applique some onto brown linen.  Makes me think of a photo from Washington last year,when I realized that there really were pink leaves in nature!  I made a journal out of the linen piece for another project that is in the works.

I have also been helping S. with a dress for the Homecoming dance.

Note the green tulle, what a lovely first project!!!  Anyway, the dress was finished, and I'd love to show you a picture of her wearing it, but she couldn't seem to take a sane photo.  This is as close as I could get.  

At least her feet didn't hurt during the dance.  She hasn't worn matching socks in years now, but I do wish the shoes had been washed!

I had the opportunity for another 'joy' moment this past weekend.  I had the privilege of spending some time in a building that I have admired for years.  You know those old buildings that could tell stories of ages long ago, the mystery of what those walls could say, so intriguing.  A quick tour just won't work, it takes time to soak it in, that was the great part, I had time inside this old place.

While the outside is weathered a bit, the inside has been restored and is beautiful.  The woodwork is all original, along with many exposed walls.  The small windows on the fourth floor are all trimmed in metal and wood, as is much of the ceiling up there.

The first floor even has the original shelving for the mercantile business that was there a hundred years ago.

I just can't call it anything except a blessing, to have something like this just handed to you.  Pure joy and bliss, such are God's gifts.

 

Missing.....

I've been away at summer camp, a leader in the senior girls cabin last week.  It is always so fun and rewarding to spend time with teenagers, mind you, a break from my own.  I love my girls dearly, but time spent with other kids gives me a fresh perspective and new found appreciation for the life of all teens.  Days were spent on the beach, hanging out, knotting friendship bracelets, and competing in team events.  We had time for worship and Bible study and a time to share all that they are experiencing, along with the trials of NO computers, cell phones and ipods!  What a time to actually get to connect with others instead of through little technical gadgets, refreshing.  It's always interesting to hear how the guys entertain themselves, with what seems like self torture to us, when they are without all of the gadgets as well!  It was a week of hearty laughs and tearful sighs, a time to treasure as time goes by.

I'm feeling recovered and back in the swing and am completely absorbed with the idea of a sewing room re-do.  I'll keep you posted on progress.  Hopefully something creative to share with you soon.  Have a blessed day, I have missed you!

The challenges we face

Ahhh,  I'm back home from ArtFiberFest and re-entry into daily life is a challenge.  Well, honestly, a let down.  It is so much fun to go on a retreat with friends and get to be creative, and all the while spend the time laughing.  The dirty dishes and dog hair just don't compare.  I'll have some photos of my projects, probably next week, as they need a bit more embellishing.  But here's the crew.

Jeanne, Linda, Tammy, Cindy and myself.  And then myself and Lori.

It is so much fun to meet up year after year, and pick up right where we left off.  Jeanne was a newbie this year, and the cool table always has room to expand and welcome new friends, so make plans to be there next year, you won't be sorry!

And as a catch up, I have neglected to post my finished project for the guild challenge.  We were given 3 fabrics and allowed to add 1, making something approx 18" square.  My biggest challenge was not the fabric choices, but being limited to only 4 fabrics.  It was a challenge for this scrapper!  So I made two, one within the confines of the rules and one my way.  Here they are.

It was good to stretch myself, and Tracy was so excited to get them.  She is an amazingly supportive person, so positive and giving, a great role model in so many ways!  And boy can she crank out the quilts, she knows no fear in trying new things in quilting.

So, back to the unpacking of supplies and projects and maybe finishing them up soon.  Have a great day!