Monday, December 29, 2014

Betwixt and between the old and the new

It's "that time" between Christmas and New Year. Still 2014, but there's not much of that year left, but we're not yet into the new year. We did lots of lovely visiting before and during Christmas and got to enjoy the season through the eyes of the younglings which just makes my Christmas. Then there were four of us gathered here at the house on Christmas day which made for a cheerful yet relaxing day. The Christmas decorations are still out, but those normally come down by New Year's day or shortly thereafter. I always love to decorate the tree and house, but then it feels good to take them down soon after Christmas.

I didn't get the DWR finished for Christmas giving.


The top is done and everything is loaded on the quilting frame, but I didn't have the thread I wanted...so in the calm and quiet after Christmas I placed my order with Bobbin Central. I used Glide on the butterfly quilt I made for my sister-in-law and I was very happy with it. For this quilt I'm going to try their trilobal polyester. The shimmer of the Glide thread was perfect for the butterflies. On the DWR I just want the matte finish so it gives texture and definition without attracting too much attention. I think Fil-tech's prices are reasonable and I really  like that it is an American-made product.

On the bird front, we continue to have bare ground with still-green grass. However, it's much cooler today than yesterday anand the weather forecasters are mentioning the s#@$  word so we may soon see some of the white stuff again. My DSL gave us a tractor shaped suet feeder for Christmas along with suet cakes (such a perfect gift!) and the woodpeckers, chickadees and titmice all approve as well.



So, here's to the days between the old year and the new. My Machine Quilting Unlimited magazine just came in the mail today. Lots of good reading and eye candy there! And I could always get started on piecing another Project Linus quilt. That would be a very good way to head into the new year!

Hope your days are filled with peace and piecing.

-Michelle


Sunday, December 14, 2014

Who knew I had it in me?!

The DWR quilt has officially been a flimsy for about a week, but it hasn't made it onto the quilting frame yet. It has taken a backseat to mission critical dolly clothes-making, which MUST be done in time for Christmas. Mind you, I've never made doll clothes before, and only made one simple blouse and one easy dress years ago when I was in high school. Nevertheless I decided I wanted to tackle this for loved ones. And I'm glad I did! They're not perfect, but it was fun to do, and I had only pennies in the fabric so even if I totally screwed up it would only be a loss of my time, not of "cash money" as an old auctioneer from my neck of the woods used to say. I'm really okay with the results, and think the younglings who will receive them this Christmas will be, too. I love actually having time to do this type of thing. :)


Ready for chef duties!

Pretty in pink...and white.

Bonjour, passport pouch and printed passport, map and guide book!

Tee time.

Baby's sleeper (see, I knew there was a reason to continue to save the leftover knit fabric from making bassinet sheets five years ago!)

Mix n match with bling attached.

Princess dress...check!


It's truly a joy to be one of Santa's elves for the ones we love!





Monday, December 1, 2014

A Day at the Museum

...the Cayuga Museum housed in the Dr.  Sylvester Willard Mansion.



Last week my chauffer drove me there and I really enjoyed viewing both the house (I had been there before but it had been several years) the quilts on display which were made by the Cayuga Lake Quilt Guild members. There is also a nice array of vintage sewing machines, sewing paraphanalia, and a few vintage quilts as well.

If you're ever in the Auburn, N.Y. area, there are several museums - Harriet Tubman House, William Seward House. Auburn is the county seat for Cayuga County and the numerous and beautiful old homes underscore the money that existed in that small city.Willard Chapel is another great spot to visit - numerous Tiffany windows there.

Here are pictures of just a few of the quilts currently on display through Dec 30, 2014:






There are also interesting vintage sewing machines and sewing paraphernalia on display so it's a nice exhibit without being overwhelming. If you go, be sure to cast your vote for your favorite quilt!