crazy quilting

I had mentioned the crazy quilt kit I got from the Quilt Show:in this post , and am just getting around to taking some pictures of the fabulous ribbons & kit, including the silkie or ciggie image on cloth. I picked the bride & groom as DH+I celebrated our 25th anniversary Oct 1st. I thought the ribbons so beautiful, I've pinned them to the wall!! Don't forget to swing by Pat Winter's blog, blog link here, for beautiful photographs & a showcase of her artistic talent. I bought her book, link here, and have enjoyed every page. I've gone thru it several times. Not sure I'll ever be as good at this as she is, but then again, there is always her Etsy store for finished projects, and more supplies.

I browsed my closet & did unearth a couple books on ribbon embroidery, crazy quilting stitches, and seam decorating. In addition to that, I pulled out a past Indiana State Day project where blocks were passed out & stitchers encouraged to embellish. I didn't get very far!! Now that I have some inspiration & a sack of lace from GF Sue, I think I'll have to give this a try.

Bent Creek WIP & Alex's Crabbies

Managed a few stitches:Autumn Rowc.2000 Bent Creek- - - - - - - - - -Our son, Alexander, has a few hermit crabs. He took these pictures.
Now that the season has changed, the humidity was becoming an issue for his pets. Even with a heater under the habitat, the humidity wasn't high enough. Alex tried to put rocks, sand, distilled water in the habitat. The problem was that all the sand was damp all the time. Spent some time re-thinking the habitat & changed from this:
To This:I found an old tray & put brand new, special sand inside. That way, the rocks and water stay clean -- the sand stays dry -- and the humidity so far is constant. Should be easier to clean, too. Just need to take out the sand tray, wash the gravel & put in fresh distilled water. I think there are five in the habitat -- at night, they like to go under the piece of wood (tunnel).

Thank You!

The Pink Artist Project raised $3,028.34 for Susan G Komen for the cure and breast cancer research. I would like to thank everybody who participated, donated their artistic talents, created squares, donated hand made gifts, added a blog post, put a group button on their web sites & blog pages, donated money, and supported the project. More Information Here.

I was fortunate to be one of nearly 40 people to have their name drawn for a gift. I just love my new vase. The vase is Red Maple w/Black Walnut Rim. The photograph doesn't do justice. I tried several pictures & this one seems to be the best. I think you get the general idea of the size and exquisite shape!

When I opened the box, this is what I saw: This treasure was made by William Burroughs, Jr. in Henderson, NC. I enjoyed seeing the pictures & reading his web site! Thank you very much : ) Included with the wooden vase was a letter from his wife, Thearica, explaining the use of orange oil 2x/yr & buffing to keep it looking great.

She, Thearica, has a quilting studio. (and you all know how much I love quilts) I'm gobsmacked by her talent! Quilting Studio, web site link here.

The Lacemaker

THE LACEMAKER
(De kantwerkster)
c.1669-1671
oil on canvas
9 5/8 x 8 1/4 in. (24.5 x 21 cm.)
The Louvre, Paris

This web page not only showcases the fabulous art of Vermeer, I found several links to lace & lacemaking. Loads of lace photos, lace pillows, background, links, and MORE. Web Site Here Follow the many links : )

Making Lace With Vermeer - Link Here - - - - - I can see why this book is an award winner.I checked it out from the public library & am enjoying it. Book Excerpt here. Web Site Here. I seem to be on a roll selecting some awesome books!

So, no stitching to report : (

SAN-Q & The Lace Reader

Delighted by the new issue. The spot sampler (one of 2 parts) has loads of interesting texture - they would be awesome in the sampler or just one motif stitched for a sewing small. Plus, the article on crewel embroidery is awesome.


Wendy asked about this book, and I can only say, I really, really liked it -- It was interesting, well written, strong (wacky) characters, and an odd drama. Of the many I've read this year, these are my favorites:

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry *****
Lauren Groff: The Monsters of Templeton*****
Kate Jacobs: Friday Night Knitting Club *****
(I requested the sequel from the library - Knit Two)
Maeve Binchy: Whitethorn Woods *****
Paulo Coelho: The Alchemist *****
Amy Bloom: Away (read it & listened on audio book -- I felt like I missed a few turns in the story - tho, even the second time around for this novel, was confused, would be perfect for a reading circle)

My 2008 Book List - link here

As for younger readers, I've enjoyed the Doll People series by Laura Godwin & Ann Martin. Link here. I came accross these books while browsing the book store. Alex wanted a french text of The Little Prince & I had a blast going thru the shelves in the youth section.