Lady Of Imaginative Sewing

Stole for Ordinary Time, two more views

2010-10-27T14:27:00.002-05:00

Full length view and reverse of stole, with free motion embroidery. This could be used for a baptism.

Stole for Ordinary Time

2010-10-24T20:32:00.003-05:00

This stole was given to our pastor this summer in honor of her 5th anniversary at our church. The stole was a gift from our church choir and was designed and made by me. The green of ordinary time represented growth and life, so I scanned some real leaves and printed them onto fabric, which was then cut out and appliqued onto the stole. The blue triangles represent the Trinity. Blogger won't cooperate and upload the full length view.

More stoles HERE.

Tick Warning

2010-07-13T19:17:00.002-05:00

SUMMER TICK WARNING

TICK WARNING!

I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it
myself a couple times unintentionally, but this one is real, and it's
important.

Please send this warning to everyone on your e- mail list.
If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks
due to the warm weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance
around with your arms up,

DON'T DO IT!! THIS IS A SCAM!!

They only want to see you naked.

I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid.

Our Resident Fox

2010-05-27T14:28:00.002-05:00

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

2010-05-18T08:37:00.000-05:00

Inspired by my Frustration

2009-10-21T09:19:00.005-05:00

I'm still here and sewing. Lately I've had some frustrations, which inspired this piece, called T'd Off. It was in response to a T challege given by the quilting guild.

Practice

2009-04-30T09:42:00.000-05:00

Practice might not make "perfect" but it does make for improvement.

Stoles

2009-04-03T12:23:00.002-05:00

At last I'm posting pictures of the stoles I've made. Pentecost, Guess the season??, and close up views of the Lenten Stole, made with free motion embroidery.

As valuable as gold.

2009-03-04T09:07:00.001-06:00

I did a little thread shopping yesterday for a free motion embroidery project that I’m intending to do. I needed some rayon thread in several shades of purple, as well as some heavier threads in variegated tans and greens. Wow. That little tiny bag of thread cost a fortune. But you never can have too much thread, right? Maybe too much fabric stash, but not too much thread.

Quilt Finished!

2009-02-06T22:16:00.006-06:00

Finally, after too many years, the Big Quilt for my daughter is finished! I originally bought the pansy fabric in about 1999, then spent a couple of years trying to decide how to use it without cutting up the pansys. Eventually, I bought 16 Moda Marbles for the cornerstones and trellis rectangles. It is queen sized.

The backing is hand dyed fabric from Primrose Gradations, Two Harbors, MN., a company no longer in business. It feels almost like flannel and looks like suede. The top was all put together in 2000, but then the big procrastination set in. Mostly, I had to learn better techniques of free motion quilting. And I had to figure out why I was having trouble with the tension of the quilting thread. The secret is to turn the top tension way, way down, I finally decided. But the biggest "technique" I learned was to use the Galloping Horse Technique: If you can't see the mistakes from a galloping horse, they won't be noticed by most people.

The design, fabric choices, and fabric arrangement of this quilt is original. The quilting design was partly based on a quilting stencil I purchased. The name of the quilt is Faithful Pansys.

I don't have to worry about it not being used, as we had so many people sleeping over at our house last weekend that it was put to use immediately. See my other blog for that info.

So Cold

2009-01-14T14:09:00.001-06:00

It was 38 below Zero when we got up this morning. I have hand work to do on my big quilt...burying threads. This is the just what I need on my lap in this weather.

Epiphany Wall Hanging

2009-01-08T14:13:00.002-06:00

This fabric said Epiphany to me, so I made six of these wall hangings for special friends (and me.)

The sun isn't working.

2008-11-21T10:04:00.000-06:00

I haven't seen the sun in awhile. The weather forecaster lady promised sun today and for a few days. It is sure dark around here.

The blog isn't working too well either. Blogger's computers keep tagging this blog as a spam blog. Excuuuuuuse me?

This is not a spam blog.

2008-11-19T22:56:00.001-06:00

Why does this blog show up as a spam blog? It isn't. And I am a real person posting.

Photo Challenge Bonus: Black, Week 2

2008-11-15T21:50:00.000-06:00

Graceful pot holder

Photo Challenge: Purple, Week 2

2008-11-15T14:30:00.000-06:00

Photo Challenge: BLUE, Week 2

2008-11-14T20:44:00.001-06:00

Snow Shover (yes, taken this week.)

Photo Challenge: GREEN, Week 2

2008-11-13T20:37:00.000-06:00

Plastic spray top

Photo Challenge: YELLOW, week 2

2008-11-12T05:00:00.006-06:00

Rope

Photo Challenge: Orange, Week 2

2008-11-11T05:00:00.001-06:00

Snow Shovel

Photo Challenge: Red, week 2

2008-11-10T14:53:00.002-06:00

Fire Extinguisher

Week 2: man made items.

Photo Challenge Bonus: White, Week 1

2008-11-09T05:00:00.003-06:00

Birch Bark

Photo Challenge: Purple, Week 1

2008-11-08T05:00:00.003-06:00

Viola

Photo Challenge: BLUE, Week 1

2008-11-07T05:00:00.002-06:00

Blue sky, as reflected in the river

Photo Challenge: GREEN, Week 1

2008-11-06T05:00:00.002-06:00

Cedar

Photo Challenge: YELLOW, week 1

2008-11-05T05:00:00.003-06:00

Dry grasses.

Photo Challenge: ORANGE, Week 1

2008-11-04T07:35:00.003-06:00

Carnival Squash

Photo Challenge: RED, Week 1

2008-11-03T12:50:00.002-06:00

I've challenged myself to take pictures of the colors of the rainbow and post them each week. Each week the pictures will be taken in one place or area. This week, the pictures were taken in my yard, after the leaves have fallen and we've had several hard frosts. High Bush Cranberries.

Salad

2008-10-27T14:15:00.009-05:00

Yum, Romaine lettuce, with carrots and onion Salad.

Yum, Chicken Salad.

[Scanned into computer; trapunto, and FMQ.] Life size leaves.

The Latest from the Dream Garden

2008-08-28T14:15:00.004-05:00

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

2008-08-26T09:20:00.001-05:00

Some friends of ours are doing great video work in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The link is here and in the Places I Love in the sidebar.

Chickens

2008-07-20T20:57:00.014-05:00

The Chickens visited my yard yesterday.
Chicken in the Lobelia

Chicken wonders if Pink goes with Purple.
Chicken lays an e gg.
Chicken incubates a egg .
Chicken visits the Pond.

Chickens subdue a Rhubarb Leaf

Chickens on a Log

Chickens in the Sedum

Chicken has the Blues
Chickens in a Basket

Chicken Checks out purple Pansy

Chicken in the Hosta
Chickens in the Nicotinia

Chickens are smaller than lettuce

Chickens discover the color of composted rhubarb leaves.
Chickens on Parade.

Chickens Look at African Seedlings
Chicken in the hanging pot

Chicken on the Web Pattern from Web Goddess.

Wild Strawberries!

2008-07-10T22:25:00.001-05:00

From our yard, in my hand. The season is late this year.

Tote Bag Conversion

2008-06-17T09:32:00.004-05:00

I converted a tote bag with a logo from my husband's work into a cheerful useful all purpose bag just for me using some methods shown on Sewing With Nancy by Mary Mulari. She puts a zipper on the outside of the pocket, which is an easy application method.

I also added one of those magnetic snaps by undoing the top edging (lap) seam, putting something thicker between the fabric layers, adding the snap, and resewing the seam.

I covered a piece of needle point plastic canvas with my fun fabric for a study base inside the bag.

Vibrant Contrast or Irises!

2008-06-15T13:49:00.003-05:00

Oriole and Rose Breasted Grosbeak

2008-05-26T16:55:00.003-05:00

Long Trip; Lots of Miles

2008-05-16T14:44:00.001-05:00

Traveling again, by car, to visit lots of relatives: We’ll probably be at 3 – 4 places overnight, visiting family in 5 – 6 towns. It is really hard to live so far away when family members are aging.

Nasturtiums

2008-05-07T15:13:00.004-05:00

I finished, finally, My Nasturtiums, Dream Garden 13. I got off track after the show, but now I'm excited to do more flower pieces. I've got flowers blooming outside, and more will bloom on my sewing table.

FIBERART for a cause. Collage Mania

2008-05-05T12:41:00.004-05:00

Today is the first day of the FIBERART for a Cause Collage Mania sale of art. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society through the relay for life. The above link explains how to view and buy the art work.

235 pieces of art were donated by 50 artists for this on-line sale. Artists listed here. FAQ here.

This sale is also listed on the American Cancer Society's page here.

Virginia Spiegel, who started the FIBERART for a Cause a few years ago has already raised $150,000 through her efforts to get artists to donate works for The American Cancer Society.

Art Show at Silent Prints

2008-04-18T08:44:00.003-05:00

A few pictures from my first show where I had work that was mostly photos on fabric and my friend SW had her many watercolors.

Iris Series

2008-04-18T07:50:00.007-05:00

I got this Iris Series done for my show. I used a different technique for each piece. Lots of people asked about the pieces and commented positively on them. I was really pleased with the pieces, especially with the vibrant colors. Iris Series, One: (purple Iris, dk green background) Raw Edge applique, many small pieces, background, heavily quilted. NFS.Iris Series, Two: (fushsia background, teal border, spring green iris) photo on fabric, thread painting, SOLD. Iris Series, Three: (orange iris on blue background) Raw edge applique, thread painting, black binding with lt. orange flap. 12 x 12 For Sale $50 plus s & hIris Series, Four: (Copper color iris, violet background) Stencil and outline stitching, dk green binding, For Sale $25 plus s & h.

American Kestrel (a bird in the hand)

2008-04-09T10:57:00.004-05:00

After the heavy wet snow storm we had over the weekend, our feeders have been busy, especially with the Common Redpoll. They have been flocking to the feeders in droves, not even scared away when we are on the other side of the glass.

A little while ago, I heard a thump and then the twittering of the flock of Redpolls scattering. There, upside down on the deck, was an American Kestrel. I got a couple of pictures of him in my hand and then I set him on the snow. One of his eyes was covered over. I wasn't sure if that was the bottom lid or if his eye was "blank." A few minutes later, he was gone.

Dog Bowl

2008-04-07T15:10:00.003-05:00

This "Dog Bowl" is for a 3D challenge posed by my guild for a meeting later this month. The dog is actually based on a photo I took of a wolf. I was inspired to make a dog theme by the funky dog fabric that my friend gave me.

Think Spring! New fabric postcards

2008-04-01T15:03:00.008-05:00

I'm working on a series of postcards, using my photographs as a base for the stitching. It's been great to look at all the spring flowers as I've chosen which pictures to make into fabric art. I'm thinking of doing one of the iris pictures in a larger, more abstract format. These will be in the art show I'm scheduled to be in later this month.
Dream Garden 6, Tulip Transparancy, 4 x 6 $20 plus s & h
Dream Garden 8, Garden Iris, Sold
Dream Garden 9, Blue Flag Iris, 4 x 6, $25 plus s & h
Dream Garden 7, Tulip Portrait, 4 x 6, $20 plus s & h

A little art show

2008-03-27T17:11:00.007-05:00

My friend SW was asked to have a little art show at a local gallery and shop, actually a very small gallery. She invited me to be part of the show. She says it is no big deal, just a way to show people what we "do."

It took me awhile to get on board with the concept. I actually don't have very many "quilts" that I would show. For one thing, I would only expect to show original work, but I've also given much of my work away as gifts. But I do take a lot of nice photos, so I've decided to make up some photo cards that I can sell. My speciality is close-ups of flowers, especially with the background obscured or from an angle that gives an unexpected background.

I've also decided to make a push to get some fabric postcards finished for this show. These will mostly be work based on my photographs.

Now I'm excited to see how it goes.

2008-03-26T11:42:00.003-05:00

Here's a blog article that details which on-line photo programs can share your personal photos with other people. In other words, when are you protected with a copyright?

Tulips, Sign of Spring

2008-03-17T15:10:00.002-05:00

Well, it is far from being spring weather here yet, but I've been looking at some pictures I took two years ago when my tulips were in full bloom. I am getting tired of the white landscape. Enjoy my web album; think spring.

It IS a WOLF (Grey Wolf)

2008-03-08T08:57:00.010-06:00

My neighbor has been telling me that there is a wolf hanging around this area. I've seen some tracks on the driveway now and then, but they didn't seem big enough for a wolf. None of the near by neighbors currently have a dog.

The neighbor called this morning, "Look out the window. there's a wolf coming down your driveway. See if it comes close enough to your house to see it." I did. It did. Here's a picture I took. Unfortunately, when it was closer, I didn't have the camera in hand.

Pine Grosbeaks

2008-02-14T17:03:00.001-06:00

Pictures from Uganda, links

2008-01-16T22:10:00.006-06:00

I've had to remove some pictures from my public album, so the original pictures I had posted here no longer showed up. I hope these links work for you.

My Pictures of Children in Uganda.

Market and street scenes in Uganda.

Batik, Purchased in Uganda

2008-01-15T15:53:00.000-06:00

Real Winter, Real Snow

2008-01-07T21:25:00.000-06:00

Christmas Stockings

2007-12-21T12:06:00.000-06:00

Last minute sewing because of new family members.

What Art Movement Are You?

2007-12-12T17:08:00.000-06:00

You Are Expressionism

Moody, emotional, and even a bit angsty... you certainly know how to express your emotions.

At times, you tend to lack perspective on your life, probably as a result of looking inward too much.

This introspection does give you a flair for the dramatic. And it's even maybe made you cultivate some artistic talents!

You have a true artist's temperament... which is a blessing and a curse.

What Art Movement Are You?

Street and Market scenes, Uganda

2007-12-10T08:09:00.000-06:00

Habitat House Build, Uganda (Global Village)

2007-12-07T09:08:00.000-06:00

Don't ever complain about the size of your house or the size of a room again! This little house will hold 5 adults and 4 children when the homeowner moves in.

Royal College of Kamuli

2007-11-28T13:06:00.001-06:00

I just started a new blog so that I can post pictures and information about a secondary school we visited in Uganda called The Royal College of Kamuli.

I'll be posting more general information about my trip to Uganda on this blog.

Safely Back!

2007-11-25T07:31:00.001-06:00

We have returned, safe and happy, with much to tell, but too tired to write and reflect right now. I met people of great faith, and I was inspired. I’m looking forward to some time to organize my thoughts and share my pictures. Thanks for your prayers!

May God richly bless you this advent season. Check back in a few days for some of my “travelogue.”

a Trip

2007-11-02T13:37:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow I fly “across the pond” and then I’ll fly to the Equator by Monday. Once there, I’ll be working and learning with other people on a Global Village house build. After seeing a national park and the source of the Nile River, I’ll be visiting an email friend at a Christian secondary school, then home with a stop in London. I hope I can post some pictures and commentary at the end of November.

Please keep us in your prayers!

Wisconsin Concrete Park, Phelps Wisconsin

2007-10-18T13:02:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin Concrete Park, Phelps Wisconsin
link
and link
and another link

Also in Wisconsin

2007-09-30T22:55:00.001-05:00

Wisconsin also has beautiful fall color! I'm a witness.

Autumn Glory

2007-09-25T16:50:00.001-05:00

Death on the Deck

2007-09-14T09:36:00.000-05:00

I heard a big BOOM! This guy was breathing his last, lying on my deck.

RAIN

2007-09-08T21:20:00.001-05:00

We had 3.75 inches of rain on Thursday! Hooray! We are still 8 or 10 inches below normal, but the fire danger is over.

You May Have Heard of The Floods....

2007-08-31T16:16:00.001-05:00

You may have heard of the floods in Southeastern Minnesota, but Smokey the Bear says we still have drought.

Losing Some Good Shade Trees

2007-08-31T16:11:00.000-05:00

Four very large Aspen trees had begun to have some internal rot. Since they were close enough to the house to be a danger to the building and us, we had to have a tree service take them down.

Blog Pause

2007-08-18T08:52:00.001-05:00

I’ve been out of town, busy when back home, and going away again. This is mostly for visiting family. By the time I’m back and blogging, the leaves may have started to turn to fall colors.

Turk's Cap Lily

2007-07-26T12:08:00.000-05:00

A wild lily is all its glory.

Mystery solved

2007-07-20T08:29:00.000-05:00

I went on the bird forum and posted a link to the pictures of the mystery bird on the previous post. Someone posted that the bird is an immature brown headed cow bird with the chestnut sided warbler as its foster mother.

Encountering Birds, one a mystery.

2007-07-16T07:45:00.000-05:00

I didn't have to go very far to see birds this weekend. When I got home at about noon on Sunday, two birds were flying around in our garage. We usually keep the garage doors shut to try to keep out the rodents (fat chance!) But they were open and in flew the birds. But they wouldn't fly out.

Our theory is that their eyes had adjusted to the dimmer light inside, so that the open garage door presented a blinding light to them. These birds were in there several hours, flying around, pooping everywhere. They flew out only after the sky became cloudy and the natural light dimmer.

We could tell that the small one was a Chestnut Sided warbler, but the other one is a mystery, even after comparing the photos to the bird book. Our best guess is that it is an immature Rose Breasted Grosbeak. It acted immature in that it would open its mouth and "peep" whenever the smaller bird landed next to it.

We also have a robins nest in a small oak tree near the garage. If the adult robins knew we were nearby, they wouldn't fly to the nest, but rather, they would sit on the peak of the garage, making an occasional chirp, probably telling me to hurry up and leave. They took turns feeding the young, which I could barely see through the leaves. I snapped this picture after Momma Robin had just taken her turn at feeding the young. That is one tired bird!

And now the Yellow Flag Iris

2007-06-26T14:14:00.001-05:00

Columbine

2007-06-23T14:49:00.001-05:00

Peonies

2007-06-18T07:22:00.000-05:00

These were given to me by a friend.

Pesky Visitor

2007-06-13T09:04:00.000-05:00

These guys can spell trouble!

Racoon.

The River is Up and other news

2007-06-09T17:21:00.001-05:00

I've posted pictures of our river before, when the water has been low. We've had some rain, which is a good thing because we've had a year long drought and we were in a forest fire high danger area, but no more.

The depth of the water isn't really a good indication of drought conditions or lack thereof. Well, really low water would be from a period of lack of rain. But this river rises about one foot for every inch of rain, so you can see that it will go up quite a bit from a normal rainfall that doesn't impact an on-going drought all that much.

We've been enjoying having running water again. The best part is being able to take a shower any time of the day I want to. The water has had some dirt in it, and it hasn't been tested yet, so we're still not drinking it. I can tell that it has a lot of iron in it just by the smell.

I've been planting flowers and my husband has been planting vegetables. I used to do all the gardening, but I never really enjoyed the vegetable garden. When he took an interest in it, I was sure glad.

Baby animals and birds abound. I even saw a yound pileated woodpecker flying across the yard. Today I got this picture of an eagle. It was on the grass. Actually, it wasn't in my yard, but on display at a local fair, on loan from the raptor center. It was a thrill to see an eagle up close.

We have running water!

2007-05-26T07:46:00.000-05:00

Hooray!

Water we Hope!

2007-05-25T13:51:00.000-05:00

We are supposed to be getting a lot of work done around here today: Digging a 8' deep trench between the old and new wells, hooking up a new water line from the new well to the old line, digging a shallow trench from the new well to the house, installing a new electric line from the house to the new well, installing a new pump. After all of that, we should have water!

Meanwhile, I'm home to "supervise." What do I know about all of this? Nothing. But yesterday I was here and discovered that there may have been some miscommunication between the various contractors involved in this work, which I dealt with by making some phone calls. So, we hope everybody knows what needs to happen today.

I thought about moving my car, since I won't be able to get it out during the digging, but I'm sick, so I'm not going anywhere anyway.

We're assuming that the water won't be crystal clear at first, but maybe within a few days, I can take a hot bath!

Signs of Spring

2007-05-25T13:43:00.000-05:00

Cheerful robin songs, optimistic reminders of spring renewal.

Lovely Trilliums, all over northern Wisconsin, by the tens of thousands.

Wild Plum Blossoms

2007-05-10T15:54:00.000-05:00

I wish you could smell these wonderful wild plum blossoms that are on small trees around about a third of my yard.

Drought, fire

2007-05-09T20:52:00.000-05:00

From a news report: Elsewhere, a wildfire near the Canadian border in northeastern Minnesota had covered more than 34 square miles Wednesday, adding more than 8 square miles in one day, authorities said. Since it was spotted over the weekend, it has destroyed 45 buildings, including multimillion-dollar homes, and firefighters said it was just 5 percent contained.

Hibiscus

2007-05-03T16:47:00.000-05:00

I've had several hibiscus plants in large pots, indoors, for quite a few years. One plant, with deep fushia colored flowers, blooms fairly well, for a hibiscus. The problem with the hibiscus as an indoor plant is that they need lots of water and light. They tend to get very leggy, which means drastic pruning, which tends to inhibit the development of buds. And when they do bloom, the flower lasts only about 1 1/2 days.

This particular plant apparently hadn't bloomed in a few years, or, at least I didn't even remember that I had one of this color. We can enjoy it longer on the blog than we'll be able to enjoy it in real life.

Franklin Ground Squirrel

2007-05-02T15:47:00.000-05:00

Well, spring is here, sort of. Since we are in a year long drought, and nearly every storm of the winter and the spring has bypassed us, we aren't greening up very fast. But there are signs, signs of hope. I'm wondering if many of my perennials made it through the winter. Due to the low depth of the snow cover, the frost went deep into the ground.

So out I went with my camera today, looking for life. There are lots of camouflage colors out there: dry grass and leaves, dirt, rocks. Here and there, green is poking through.

Last year, we frequently saw a ground squirrel who we called "Frankie" because he is a Franklin Ground Squirrel. After a few months, we realized that there was Frankie, Mrs. Frankie, and Little Frankie. This year we've seen three at once already. Look how well he can be camouflaged. Cute? Maybe, depending on what they might burrow into. We won't think it is cute if the garage slab gets undermined. These animals are also called Whistle Pigs, because of their call. But last year, I heard that sound only a few times.

I also took a picture of the little creek that flows by our house. It is so small that I can walk across it with one big step. The water is low because of the lack of rain, but right now, it is the only "running water" I can see when I'm in the house because our well is broken.

The next few weeks will bring exciting changes. I love the sproutings of spring.

Blogging Against Disablism Day, May 1st, 2007

2007-05-01T07:43:00.000-05:00

and more info here.

Turkeys and Daffodils

2007-04-25T09:25:00.000-05:00

You'll just have to believe me....I saw a flock of about a dozen wild turkeys run past the kitchen window, at this house in a small town, this morning. I went outside, in my robe, with my camera, but those birds must be able to hear a sneaking woman from 50 yards. They left in a flash. So no picture.

I'm in Eastern Wisconsin, at a relative's house. We don't have wild turkeys where I live.

The grass is green and the daffodiles are up here. Wow, it is really spring. And I'll get a second spring when I get home.

No Snow, Just Cold

2007-04-09T09:12:00.001-05:00

We didn’t get any of the snow the last few days that some of you got. We did get the cold. Beautiful sunny days; really cold nights. The river refroze. Check out the picture taken on Easter Sunday with the one I posted from 3/26/2007. In thirty years here, living on the bank of the LF river, we’ve never seen a refreeze. Of course, the ice out was several weeks early.

Pileated Woodpecker; ice out on the river

2007-03-30T11:22:00.000-05:00

I've been somewhat camera-lazy lately, so I thought I'd better get outside and "record" the changing of the seasons. Monday morning, I could see that the river had risen, but the ice was still floating, in large chunks. But I had to leave for a few hours. When I got back, the ice was gone! That is not only fast, but really early. The state had record breaking temperatures, as much as 10 degrees above the previous record.

But the camera was out and I did record a few interesting sights; whether they are good photos is another question.

I could clearly hear the loud call of the Pileated Woodpecker. They are shy birds, but not hard to spot, since their length is about 16 - 19 inches. Their call reminds me of the wild sounds in the background of an old Tarzan movie.

The purple finches are back from their winter travels. The pine grosbeaks are just leaving for the north. And there have been ducks on the river.

Pine and snow.

2007-03-23T12:42:00.001-05:00

Not the end of winter.......

yet.

From New Zealand

2007-02-02T17:22:00.000-06:00

Post Card, showing back and front

2007-01-26T16:51:00.001-06:00

Another in my Dream Garden series, showing how I attempt to make the back of the card carry through the theme of the front.

Fabric Carrying Bags

2007-01-26T10:19:00.000-06:00

I neglected to post photos of these backpacks I finished in the spring of 2006. Better late than never.

Dream Garden postcards

2007-01-26T09:48:00.000-06:00

I've been doing a series of postcards called Dream Garden. Because it is mid-winter, I'm dreaming of warmth and flowers. I'm pleased with these two cards, Dream Garden 2 and Dream Garden 4. They are in the mail.

I like to make the back of my fabric postcards somewhat artistic and in keeping with the theme of the front, but I took the photos after addressing the cards, so I can't show the backs with the addresses here.

See my other postcards at the archives for 7/23/2005.

Magical Card Case

2007-01-23T16:31:00.000-06:00

Based on the article and pattern by NormaJean Brevik in Quilting Arts Magazine, Winter 2006 Issue 24

I also made another of these, adjusting the size a bit larger, so that my grandson can pull the ribbon and Up Pops a picture of the grandparents.

Flying Squirrels

2007-01-09T08:51:00.000-06:00

We knew that something, probably a flying squirrel, was on the bird feeder. I turned out the lights, pulled up the curtain, and shot blind. Four flying squirrels! I wonder where they hide during the daylight when the red squirrels are eating at this "squirrel proof feeder."

I've taken dozens of pictures of these guys on two different feederes, but I always get their back sides. I think that they have very sensitive eyes and turn away from the light. Any light. Because I have the house all dark except for a nightlight in the next room.

Saddle Bag for a Walker, Wheelchair or Easy Chair,

2006-12-20T12:13:00.000-06:00

Materials needed:

Two fabrics that go together, Fabric #1 , which will be the fabric that shows when this laps over the bar of the walker, and Fabric #2, which will be the fabric that shows when the pockets are folded up. Prewash.

Cut each fabric 30 inches X 10 inches.

This is an approximate measurement. It can be changed for a wider or deeper Saddle Bag.

Fabric #2 can be two different fabrics pieced together, but don’t piece them exactly at the 15 inch mid-point.

Thread, either to blend in or to show for the top stitching.

Velcro 3 inches in length.

Optional:

Very thin batting or interfacing.

Embellishments or decorative stitching.

This is a good use for the type of inexpensive fabric that never gets soft when it is washed. If you use this kind of fabric, you can leave off the batting, saving time and money.

Directions:

Place Fabric #1 and Fabric #2 right sides together [if using batting, place fabrics right sides together and the batting on top of that.] Sew around the edges, ¼ to 3/8 inch seam allowance, leaving a large enough opening to turn the “pillowcase” right sides out.

Clip the points off the corners, turn right sides out. Press the seams. Press in the seam allowances of the opening and sew closed, by hand, or (HINT) glue them closed with light fabric glue.

Top stitch across the short ends, plain or decorative stitching. You could embellish the last three or so inches of each end of Fabric #2. A name could be embroidered on the fabric.

On Fabric #2, mark the mid point {A} of the fabric, along the long side. Measure 7 inches from the midpoint, toward each end. Mark. Separate the Velcro and place a three inch piece of Velcro at these points, but centered {B}, parallel to the ends of the Saddle Bag. Sew the Velcro on. [Another way to explain this is: the two velcro strips are to be placed 7" from either side of the midpoint, parallel to the short ends, and in the middle.]

(HINT) A blind hem foot works well for Velcro. Don’t worry about stitching through both fabrics since this stitching will be hidden when the pocket is folded up.

On the Fabric #1 side, measure and mark about 5 inches from each end {C}. Fold up the ends (short sides) at that mark. That forms the pockets.

Top Stitch around the Outside edge, with an extra few back stitches where the edge of the pockets meet the “saddle” part of the fabric to secure them. The top stitching holds the pockets in place and also acts to slightly stiffen the bottom of the pockets.

Christmas lights for the near-sighted

2006-12-19T10:37:00.000-06:00

My favorite way to look at the Christmas tree is without my glasses. I've very near-sighted. I tricked my camera into taking a photo of this view. If you have perfect eyes, enjoy the lights in a new way.

Nigerian Clothing and Fabric Creations

2006-12-14T09:07:00.000-06:00

Look at the clothes these women are wearing in Nigeria and see the quilting that they are learning and doing to increase their income.

2006-12-11T17:00:00.000-06:00

Ah, the Christmas season…the Christmas shopping season. What to get; what to give? Who do I include on my list? Who do I lop off my list? What a problem: what do I get for the person who has everything?

Well, few of us have “everything” but many (most of us who would be at a computer to read this) have “enough.” Enough stuff. Too much stuff. What do I get rid of now? How can I get rid of that; it was a gift from my dear ___? But I don’t need more things.

I’m not a shoppaholic in the usual sense, but I’ve been known to have my moments. I will seldom come home with “too many clothes” but I’ve been known to buy more for ME than I buy for others if I get pointed in the direction of a store that carries items related to my hobbies, and you, dear readers, know what those are.

And so I’ve been reevaluating my own possessions. Yes, I have too much in certain categories. Compared to the closets of many Americans, my collection of clothes is small, but that is only “in comparison.” After all, I can only wear one pair of pants, one shirt, and one sweater at a time. There is a saying, “She who dies with the most stash, still dies.”

Back to Christmas shopping: How should I reevaluate my shopping in light of the too much stuff stuffing the closets of many of my giftees? Three ideas come to mind: Give the gift of time, give the gift of service, or give to a charity in the name of my loved ones.

A worthy charity that I have personal knowledge of and which puts the donations directly to service is The God’s Child Project. There are lots of links to follow. Please consider this group when you make decisions about giving to others this Christmas. We've found that some of our relatives have been pleased and touched when we've given in their name to this organization and others like it.

Instead of a gift this Christmas....

2006-12-11T14:19:00.000-06:00

Please consider giving to The God's Child Project as a way to honor a loved one this Christmas. This is a worthy organization that some of my family members have volunteered with in Guatemala. They have seen the needs first hand and they have witnessed the effectiveness of this organization on the ground.

ABC News recently profiled this organization.

What accent?

2006-11-24T19:05:00.000-06:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."
The Midland
The Northeast
The South
Philadelphia
North Central
The West
Boston
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Well, they have me pegged, almost. I WAS from Wisconsin. I still live near a Great Lake. But people from Wisconsin don't say "pop," they say "soda" just like it says on the can. You have to move a bit west to hear "pop."

Lady Of Imaginative Sewing

Stole for Ordinary Time, two more views

Stole for Ordinary Time

Tick Warning

Our Resident Fox

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

Inspired by my Frustration

Practice

Stoles

As valuable as gold.

Quilt Finished!

So Cold

Epiphany Wall Hanging

The sun isn't working.

This is not a spam blog.

Photo Challenge Bonus: Black, Week 2

Photo Challenge: Purple, Week 2

Photo Challenge: BLUE, Week 2

Photo Challenge: GREEN, Week 2

Photo Challenge: YELLOW, week 2

Photo Challenge: Orange, Week 2

Photo Challenge: Red, week 2

Photo Challenge Bonus: White, Week 1

Photo Challenge: Purple, Week 1

Photo Challenge: BLUE, Week 1

Photo Challenge: GREEN, Week 1

Photo Challenge: YELLOW, week 1

Photo Challenge: ORANGE, Week 1

Photo Challenge: RED, Week 1

Salad

The Latest from the Dream Garden

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Chickens

Wild Strawberries!

Tote Bag Conversion

Vibrant Contrast or Irises!

Oriole and Rose Breasted Grosbeak

Long Trip; Lots of Miles

Nasturtiums

FIBERART for a cause. Collage Mania

Art Show at Silent Prints

Iris Series

American Kestrel (a bird in the hand)

Dog Bowl

More Flower Postcards

Think Spring! New fabric postcards

A little art show

Tulips, Sign of Spring

It IS a WOLF (Grey Wolf)

Pine Grosbeaks

Pictures from Uganda, links

Batik, Purchased in Uganda

Real Winter, Real Snow

Christmas Stockings

What Art Movement Are You?

Street and Market scenes, Uganda

Habitat House Build, Uganda (Global Village)

Royal College of Kamuli

Safely Back!

a Trip

Wisconsin Concrete Park, Phelps Wisconsin

Also in Wisconsin

Autumn Glory

Death on the Deck

RAIN

You May Have Heard of The Floods....

Losing Some Good Shade Trees

Blog Pause

Turk's Cap Lily

Mystery solved

Encountering Birds, one a mystery.

And now the Yellow Flag Iris

Columbine

Peonies

Pesky Visitor

The River is Up and other news

We have running water!

Water we Hope!

Signs of Spring

Wild Plum Blossoms