SETTING UP IS HARD TO DO

My gosh setting up this studio is taking forever. I didn't know that I had this much stuff. But...I am chipping away at it a little at a time. Still....I have to get sewing because I still have christmas presents to make and curtains to sew. I am not ready for Thanksgiving and it happened already!!!

SEWING MY WAY THRU MY LIBRARY

OK, so the idea isn't original but today I spent the day cleaning and organizing my studio. I have quite a collection of books in my library and decided that I am going to sew and knit my way thru every single book. It should be quite interesting and I will share it all here.

It will be fun to share this with my knitting group and my quilting group. The really exciting thing is that I will have the rest of my sewing room by this weekend. Hurray!!!!

A WONDERFUL GROUP OF WOMEN

Last night I went to the knitting group I joined. The meeting place varies week to week and last night we had it at the local coffee shop that has coffee, tea, and pastries to die for!! I almost didn't make it though because our new wood stove was put in and it took the two guys forever. But....not to miss out on creativity, I dashed out the door and away I went.

The women have been meeting for quite some time and of course, I am the newest member. Ruthie has lived here all of her life and she is an accomplished knitter who spends the evening attempting to bail each one of us out of some knitting mess we have made. Then there is Helen who loves to laugh and clown around. She is a really funny woman who has a wonderful personality. Dolly is from the south but loves it up here. She is new to knitting and has a gentle way about her. Marie is total New York and loves to be creative (as do we all). I haven't learned the others names by heart yet but when I do I will let you know all about them. I am lucky to have landed in the arms of such wonderful women.

Today...it is off to the quilting group for three hours. Apparently the Patchworkers have a reputation and a song has been written about them. I haven't heard it yet but I am told that it is really good.

My juices are beginning to flow again thank the Goddess!

THE STUDIO IS FINALLY GETTING PAINTED

Jay and I spent the morning painting the studio. We haven't finished yet but the color is a beautiful buttery yellow. I'll have sunshine even on cloudy days (hey wasn't that a song?). We are settling in slowly but surely. Once the studio is painted and I get my sewing room from NC, I will be good to go. How is everyone else doing? Cate?

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ARTIST BLOCK

The move to the new house kicked my butt! And I am finding that I am not being productive in the studio. As a matter of fact, I haven't even painted it yet. All of my stuff is everywhere and the disorganization is driving me crazy. Yet, I am so overwhelmed that I find it hard to make any progress. It is temporary I know, but I have got to get my projects done! Write to me and tell me how you get through these blocks.

Knitter to the left of me, Quilter to the right!

You are not going to believe this but my new friend Ruthie, who lives on the same road I do is a knitter. She is very good. I go with her on Tuesdays and Saturdays to a group of women who are wonderful knitters. The first night I went with her we met the others at a coffee shop. There were seven of us and it was great. Each of us is at a different skill level and Ruthie goes around helping each of us when we need it. They are a friendly group and love living on the mountain. I haven't been to the quilter's group yet but I am sure they are going to be fun as well.

On a not so happy note, Jay and I have had a blow dealt to us regarding our new home. We hired a chimney sweep to clean the chimney, only to be told that we cannot use the fireplace or the woodstove. The fireplace sold us the house and is absolutely beautiful but right now we are feeling angry and not terribly excited to be hear. Considering the fact that we were depending on wood heat to keep us warm. We will be taking steps to correct the situation but the whole ordeal has made it difficult to get motivated. On a happy note, our neighbors are wonderful and very supportive. They have kept our spirits up and have more than welcomed us to the mountain.

CATCHING UP AFTER 10 DAYS

Wow!!!! Time is going by way to quickly. I am in my studio that still isn't painted. I am grateful though and I want to take a minute to express how much hope I have for all of us in these trying times. Like many of us, my money is very limited so I am going to use whatever I currently have. And, like many new homeowners, we had a couple of surprises that have us scrambling for extra money in the budget (that isn't there). It will all level out in time. But I am not only grateful for whatever I have but am also grateful for all of my family and friends who have believed in me and continue to believe in me. The joy of moving to a new home is the ability to make new friends. So far every neighbor on our road has stopped by to say hello and I found out that a new quilt shop is opening in about a month. I met the owner and she has asked me to teach classes there. It is a beautiful old NY house that has been in her home for years and she is restoring it. I also met some other sewers and knitters, some of which I will be joining this evening in one of their homes. I hope someone out there is reading this. I plan to take you with me each and every time I go.

THE SERGER SURVIVED!!!!

It has been over a year since I have seen my serger because it has been packed away. Right now I am looking at it in disbelief because it is finally out. All of my sewing machines are finally out. I decided that I am going to make the right half of my studio the sewing room and the left half my knitting room and video education room. Despite the excitement, it has been hard on us emotionally. Lots of money going out and very little coming in. It will change and we are definitely counting our blessings. Jay and I have much to be grateful for and it never goes unnoticed. I can say that throughout it all I have missed my sons the most. Where ever you both are, know that the day never closes where I don't think of you. Speaking of which, I have grandchildren I need to make Christmas presents for so I had better get going.

THE MACHINES HAVE LANDED

It is hard to believe but it is true (pinch me and tell me I am not dreaming). We are finally in our new home and loving it. The studio is going to be up and running today (after we stack some wood). The rest of the house is beginning to take shape. Thank you to our family and friends who gave up their time to help us. Without them we would have been SEW in trouble. Once it is up and going I will take pictures and post them here.

SEVEN MORE DAYS

Everyone here is getting excited about the move. My sister is coming this Friday to help pack....OMG I had better finish the baby quilt for Aniya by then. My other sister and her husband will be coming once for the actual move, and my brother? What can I say, he will come when it is time to ski !!!!! Even my sewing group can't wait for me to move so they can come and visit my new studio. But, the time has come...I am in the seven day countdown and there are empty boxes staring at me, waiting to be filled with our belongings so they can carry us home.

A STUDIO REVISITED

Oh my Goddess!!!!!I am really going to have a sewing studio. I am so excited I can't stand it. Just the thought of it has me going crazy sewing. It won't be long before I move in...October 1st to be exact. Yeah, I know, Windham is 20 minutes further to Woodstock and I don't even want to tell you how long it is going to take for me to get to my ASG meetings but the sacrifice is well worth it. There are projects that I must finish and I will begin packing as soon as I get back from Woodstock today. Jay is happy because he loves the mountains and, quite frankly, I think he is mostly happy because my biggest sewing machine won't be in the living room any more. (Although I will admit sewing in front of the fireplace was unbelievable. Now I will have to go downstairs to sit in front of our fireplace but I can always do my knitting there. Sweaters anyone?

ART SHOULD NOT BE A POLITICALLY ENGULFED

This afternoon I went up to Windham on the invitation of a fellow artist. The whole way up was filled with excitement. She had asked me to bring some of my work with me so she could see it. In return I was going to get to see her artwork. She was a retired fashion designer in another life in New York City. Together, we were going to collaborate on a local project. Now I am not so sure that I want to continue with her because she went from art to marketing and mass producing something which is something I am not sure I am into. If that were the only concern I have now that I have had a chance to talk with her I might be able to work through it. But then she hit me with what I consider a major blow....she decides to tell me that she is a fan of Rush Limbaugh. How in the world did she come to tell me that? Because I made the mistake of talking about the possibility of finding some art grants to help save the local arts council. For her this was a natural transition to get political. I consider my art apolitical. Creative Meditations is the name of my work for a reason. When I create, sew, or plan a design it is a time to reunite with myself in a positive way. When she went on about her political affiliations I began to feel quite invaded upon. Thinking about politics is not what I want my mind to engage in when I am creating. There is little artistic about politics for me. And I certainly don't want my creative process being hijacked by Rush Limbaugh.

SOMETIMES TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

Today has not been a very productive day so far. I really can't figure out why. Some days are just like that I guess. I wonder if Linda Lee, or Eckhorne ever have days like this and if they do how do they snap themselves out of it. Reading the ASG newsletter hasn't helped much though I thought it might. Let's see, I went for a walk, I read the ASG site, am entering on my blog. Nothing, absolutely nothing. Perhaps if I just sit in front of my machine and stare at it something may come. It isn't like I don't have projects to complete. How do others handle blocks when they come?
I wish I could find just one other person who likes to sew, then maybe we could get together once a week and just sew whatever we wanted to. Maybe even collaborate on a piece or two. Actually, now that I am thinking of it I might give my new friend Linda a call. Perhaps she would be interested in something like that. Hey maybe there is still hope for this day after all.

THE JUICE IS FLOWING

For whatever reason, unknown to me, I am in such a creative mood. I really enjoy it when it happens. Sometimes it is hard for others around me because all I really want to do is sew or knit or sew beads on my newest art quilt. I can get so involved in what I am doing that I don't always want to stop and eat. I find that having to stop for anything really breaks up my rhythm. Do others find themselves so involved they hate to stop and eat? Or am I just going over the edge. who knows but I am finding that I am not taking care of myself the way I should. So much to do between my job, my art, my nc house that I haven't sold yet, the house I am buying with my partner......no wonder I feel as though I am going over the edge. With all that I involved I am amazed that the creative juice is flowing so hard.... Who knows except that I am enjoying what I am doing.

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE TEXTURE

I am in love.....yes, crazy in love with creating texture with fiber. This is what happens when I go to Woodstock and take classes that keep my creative juices flowing. There is so much texture around us that I wonder why taking a class in texture and design would be so earth shattering for me. Probably because it makes me feel as though I am harnessing the creations of the Goddess whenever I apply these techniques to my work.

I do have to mention that Jay and I are a bit closer to moving into our new house. We are so happy and excited. My studio is going to have a fireplace in it. I am in heaven.

THROW OUT THE PATTERN

So I made this dress two weeks ago and it came out just awful. It wasn't the material, I really like it. The fit was terrible and even though I could have tweaked it more I just didn't want to. So here is what I am thinking. I am going to cut the top right off!!! Yupp! Right off with the top. I am sure it will make a nice skirt and I won't have to deal with the straps coming down every five minutes. I was going to throw out the pattern but you know what?.....Maybe I will just cut the top off the pattern pieces too! What do you think? Anyone?

55 AND NOT TO OLD

Lately I have waking up around three am, with a slight bit of anxiety. I decided to start this blog as a way to explore my journey in the world of art but slowly I am realizing that in order to do that I have to take the plunge and do it full time. You see, my dream is to create wonderful works of art that can be worn. Not a new concept I know, but it is my dream non-the less. What stops me? Money. Isn't that what usually stops us from following our dreams?

My partner and I are buying a new house that we both love. It is in the Catskill Mountains and the possibilities are endless. I will have a real studio....space to set up all of my sewing machines (I have five) and I will have a design wall. The land that the house sits on is quite beautiful and is surrounded by a stream. There is an art gallery in the town where I will volunteer my time and get to talk to other artists. Even though I am fifty five years old I am not to old to follow my dream and start a new career. I just need to be courageous. Is anyone out there reading this?

BE FEARLESS

My friend and I just got back from the movies. We went to see Julie and Julia. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, it is a must see for all of us who can identify with how important and rewarding it is to follow your bliss. Julia just wanted something to do. Julie just wanted to do something noteworthy. Both wanted to share their bliss with the world and both had wonderful partners to spur them on. The movie struck such a chord in me that I became part of the movie. I was there when Julia walked into that classroom ready to be taught and eager to learn.

The message for the artist is to never give up, never give in, and always always always follow your bliss. Most important, be fearless.

Time Goes By When Your Having Fun!

It has been several weeks since I have written here but a great deal of sewing has been going on! I am working on another art quilt, finished a dress (that I hate) and am getting ready to start on Christmas presents this year. A sewers work is never done. But I am hoping that soon we will be in our new home and I will be having a studio to play in. My muses are ready.

SARATOGA

My partner and I headed up to Saratoga yesterday. It was beautiful. The sun was shining and there were so many people outside walking. I am thinking of going to hat day where I am told, you can see the most interesting and beautiful hats collecting in any one place. It will be fun I am sure. I made a dress for the day, wore it and decided that it wasn't comfortable to wear so it will be back to the machine to alter it again. I have lots of sewing to do and designs to consider. I am hoping to get to the farmers market this month. But most important, I am hoping that we will be packing for our new house and a new sewing studio.

A PATTERN NOT WORTH FOLLOWING

Those of us who sew garments know how frustrating it is to try to use a pattern that does not fit together well. It appears that no matter how you attempt to piece it it will not sew correctly. Having to rip out over and over again is not a sewers wish but a necessity of the craft. And, if you are an accomplished sewer, and persistent, you will eventually end up where you are suppose to....with a dress that looks like it was a piece of cake to make. Isn't life the same way? I cannot count the number of times I have tried to piece together situations, relationships, life events, for example, that did not fit. A lesson in futility every time. Wouldn't it be terrific if all we had to do is simply take it apart and start over? The problem is, we aren't always clear about what we are suppose to end up with. At what point do we decide that a pattern simply isn't worth following.

Another day in Woodstock

I am a slow learner. I never said I was fast at anything. I have decided that slow is good. Class was four hours today and it took me three hours just to finish one block. But I must say, it was done well. I never knew that I was such a detail oriented person....who knew. This project will never get finished though because it is a class all about process and not about the finished quilt. Actually, sewing itsy bitsy pieces of cloth together is not my idea of the ideal sewing project. It is a bit like sewing Barby doll clothes. Not my cup of tea. I will use the technique somehow I suppose.

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

My fellow creators....what are you working on? I have several projects on the table. To many in fact because I want to complete all of them at once. While I create, I spend time dreaming about my perfect studio. How wonderful it will be when I finally have it. What is my perfect studio you ask? Talk about a room with a view, and everything is so organized. A magical space to play alone or with another co-creator. A place to laugh and learn and sing and dance my way through fabric, paint, thread, and who knows what else. A place to let my inner child come out. I bow to her and giggle and together we are cutting shapes and putting them together. Let's see....oh how delightful and imaginative you are! I love it when you come out and play with me.

Quilting Arts Adult content?

Sometimes art can produce big surprises in the most unusual places. Got an email from quilting arts that the series I had ordered (and received) had adult content and that a new dvd was being sent to me and would I kindly destroy the one in my possession. Now, I don't know how busy you may be but when I got the dvd, I was in the middle of other things so I put it to the side for later viewing.....Well, you know I have to watch it now. How in the world could quilting produce adult content. Stay tuned...I will let you know.

A Sunny Day in Woodstock

What a busy day in Woodstock. I sewed my way through the sunny afternoon. My mind is going a mile a minute working through what I am going to do with my art. As much as I love my art, I would also like to be known in the fiber art field so that I could financially support myself. Well it will come in time.

Stone Houses

I have an unbearable love of stone houses. Probably because I grew up in one in the Catskill Mountains. A 200 year old beauty with 250 acres. Today is my birthday and the love of my life is taking me on a stone house tour in a town that boasts the most stone houses in one area in the country. God, I love my man.

It Is All A Work in Progress

Those of us who are the creative type usually have more than one project going at a time.  I don't know if it is true for others but it is true for me.  Keeping several projects going at once, allows me to keep my creative juices flowing.  When I reach a block on one work in progress I move to another project so as not to stop completely.  Sooner or later, I come back to the original work with a new prospective which could mean a complete design change.  The journey is a wonderful one for me keeping me aware that it is all a work in progress.