Quilt(s) for Sale

 A few years ago, I was a member of SAQA, Studio Art Quilt Associates.  As a member, I enjoyed participating in their trunk shows and fundraisers.  I am no longer a member, but I received an email from them earlier this month.  I kept meaning to post it, I'm finally getting around to it.

I made a little quilt for the 2017 SAQA traveling trunk show.  The trunks have finished their travels, and some of the little quilts are now for sale.  When I say "little," I mean 10"x7".  Very little.

"Sunset Sea"

This was my contribution.  It is now for sale on the SAQA website, through the end of February.  The remaining quilts for sale are listed in alphabetical order, by artist.  You can find them here.

I love seeing the myriad of designs and techniques that are exhibited in such a small space.  After looking at the web page, I want to make more small art quilts.  But for now?  I have a few larger, more traditional quilts on my cutting/sewing tables.  I'd best finish them before starting something new.

Thank you for looking!

Be Mine, Valentine(s)

 For a change, I realized that Valentine's Day was quickly approaching...in early February.  I made plans to make valentines for my grandchildren, then realized I was running out of time.  Quick!!  Stitch those hearts!

Above shows the tops, below are the backs.  There is a bunny, for P, who was born in the year of the rabbit.  There are puppies for A, who LOVES dogs.  There are street signs for truck-loving J, books for F, and balls for the youngest, H.  Hopefully each will recognize his/her own valentine.  If not, I will.

Not wanting their parents to feel overlooked, I also made cards for my sons and their wives.  The boys will be here for breakfast with the children.  Two of the wives will be absent because of work.

As with the cards for the grands, I went with themed backgrounds.  Patriotic for A, cowgirl for A; strawberries for M, wood for A; woods for M, and measuring sticks for D.  A well-rounded bunch, for sure!

As I was sewing, I ran across this red background for a card, which I began in December.  I decided to finish it off as a valentine-ish birthday card for a friend.  I usually make winter-themed cards for her, since her birthday is in early February.  This one is quite different.

On Friday, I took part 1 of a Zoom class with Jean Impey.  The class is called "Twinkle," and it focuses on making Liberated Stars.  My design wall already had a UFO in residence.  hmmm.  These seem to play well together.  I wonder if they'll end up as a single piece?

Yesterday, I realized that with all of the valentines I'd already made, I'd yet to make one for my Valentine.  I spent the morning piecing this little house (the color of our big house), and trying to personalize it a bit.  Each year, I make a valentine for him.  You can see more of them here.  I'm sure I had another post with ALL of the valentines I've made for my husband, but apparently I neglected to tag it.  sigh.

In other news, I went to an estate sale on Friday, and had happy hunting.  I found this cement pagoda, that reminds me of my mom.  She had one similar, in her front yard.

I also found this pair of iris lamps.  I bought them for Cambria House, but may end up keeping them here.  I really like them!

And speaking of Cambria House, work continues.  I pulled up carpet last week, and found that the floor beneath the window is squishy and falling.  Not only does it need to be replaced, but the subflooring as well.  But first, the foundation.

All in all, the vacation home will be an adventure.  It may look like the above today, but that will change.  In contrast, it is a mile or two from the ocean, which also changes...but is always there, should we wish to visit.

And with that, I've got a breakfast to assemble before heading off to church.

Happy Valentine's Day!

And, Blink! It's February!

 Where do the days go?  I wish I had a pile of quiltie pictures to share, but I do not.  I have spent some time with fabric, but not much that has been productive.  Well, there was one old UFO, that was "fixed."

In 2014, we made basket blocks for our outgoing guild President.  I finished my basket, but did not find the time to fill it.  I turned it in "as is," and thought I'd either fill it later, or make a replacement block.

Last month, Leslie returned the basket, with the request to "fill it with flowers, please."  Alrighty then.  No more procrastination, (though you'll have to admit that 6 years was a pretty impressive delay, right?)

Above is the "before."  Below is the "after."  I think it finished well.  I am glad that I was given a second chance to improve it.  I no longer cringe when I see it.

I've been working on Bonnie Hunter's Grassy Creek Mystery.  Though the last clue was revealed a while back, I am still working my way through.  This picture was taken a few weeks ago.  I'm currently plugging away at clue #5.

Cambria House is a work in progress.  When we first bought it, I thought, "It just needs a bit of TLC."  But now?  It's not so much Tender Loving Care that is needed...it's Tough Love.

Following our noses, we've tried to find the source(s) of a lingering musty/mildewy odor.  When I pulled up the carpet in the front bedroom?  I think I found the culprit.  The floor and subflooring are collapsing under the window.  We have foundation experts scheduled for ASAP, which might still be a month out or longer.  Once the foundation is stabilized, we'll be hiring an expert to work on the subfloor and floor.  We'd like to replace the wood floor with another wood floor.  It really is beautiful, though it is showing its age.  (This part of the house is at least 80 years old.)

Our other big news is the recent announcement of grandchild #6, due in September.

Many people are ruing these days, but I've learned it is much better to learn to give thanks in ALL things.  When one learns to do that, eyes are opened, and abundant blessings are found all around.

Happy February, quiltie friends!