Friday, December 17, 2010

OH HAPPY DAY!!!

I am giddy...yes I am. BECAUSE.......I am putting a real quilt on my machine this afternoon. Not a practice one, a real one for my grand niece who is a year old. I actually made the top when she was about three months old.

Then I do the one for my granddaughter. And then the one for my husband. How wonderful.

I am so happy when I am in the studio. I haven't had a great deal of time to write on my blog. But once the holidays are over I am going to create my way through my library just like I promised a few months ago. I am rededicating myself to my art. And my resolution will be to post more pictures so that others can see the progress.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

IN THREE DAYS TIME A COUPLE OF HOURS GREW!

I almost seriously injured myself three days ago. All I wanted to do was extend the frame to my long arm. I looked at the long arm when it was only crib size and thought...."It won't be hard to extend this baby". I mean, I was thinking that it would be just a couple of hours before I would be good to go. Yeah, well......

On the first day I evaluated all that I would need to extend her....ahh yes, I put the tools that came with it in this drawer....yup there they are! Where the hey did I put the pipe extenders,...ohh yes, right here. This is beginning to look good. I need to pull the pipes from under the long table and line them all up and I am ready to go.

Have you ever seen a forty pound sewing machine come at your face while you are on your knees holding up the back leg of the table while the front one is collapsing? No?...well let me tell you it is a very scary feeling. See, I thought that I would be able to extend the table without taking the machine off. All I had to do was just unscrew a couple of screws and then swap out the front leg that slanted for the one that is straight. I was there for 10 minutes trying to hold the entire rig together while calling (ok, I was screaming) out my husbands name. The dog who is a puppy ran for his life down the stairs whining the entire time. Finally I realized that I had to make a decision and fast. I managed to put the sewing machine, now cradled in my arm, and place it on the trunk nearby. I got the frame stable and I ran down the stairs to find Jay. He came running while the entire time chastising me for not waiting to ask him for his assistance and helped me stablize the entire thing. You bet there were hugs and kisses!

Day two was trying only because the holes didn't want to line up. OK, so I put the end together backwards. Who knew?!!!! I was so tired but determined to get to a certain stage before I left the studio for the night. I need a drink!!!

Finally day three helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. When I left the studio that night I had the entire thing up and balanced. I must admit that it is truly a thing of beauty and I love her.

But if you think for one minute that I would do it again?.......I would but next time I will take the darn sewing machine off the frame.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

THINGS ARE GETTING BUSY IN THE STUDIO

I made a decision to extend my longarm so that I can do king size quilts. Unfortunately, that means that my studio is a disaster. It also means that this week I am going to spend trying t clean up the mess.

This month has been a busy one. I became a member of a wonderful quilt group in Delmar and went to the Saturday Art Quilt Study group that is a spin off. These women are amazing and their art is something to aspire to. I came home feeling invigorated and ready to create!!!! They are also the reason for my deciding to extend my longarm.

Well, as always I have lots of things to do but it is Sunday night so I am just going to sit here and knit.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY

The weather here in the Catskill Mountains is unbelievable. It is warm and the woodsy smells make me feel so wonderful. It has been a high energy day too. The weather has taken me out of the studio and into the garage where I am painting and staining in preparation for my friend Annie who is going to help me build a sideboard tomorrow. We are both very excited.

Last night was knitting with the Mountain Top Knitters. I love going because we get so much knitting done. Monica came in with a beautiful afghan that would have taken me two months to do but it only took her one week. She is amazing. But she isn't the only one. I really got lucky when I moved to this road. Karen loves to sew and Ruthie loves to knit. How more wonderful can it get.

Well, back to the garage to paint some more.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

THE PLIGHT OF THE UFOS

I am told that having several unfinished projects is part of the artistic process. I must be really creative then because I have more ufos than I care to admit. Christmas is coming, grandchildren to knit and quilt for. Holy cow.....I feel guilty sitting here writing in my blog instead of working on my projects. How do others handle ufos is beyond me. Sometimes I swear that I am not going to work on another project until I finish the ones I started. Trust me, that hasn't worked. Neither has denying myself a sewing goody until I finish something. Maybe I should just pick up the first one I come to and get it done.

I think that is what I will do.

Monday, October 18, 2010

A WEEKEND OF CREATIVE ENERGY

My friend Cate and her husband came up from NC for a visit. It was terrific seeing her and fun to go to the Rhinebeck Wool Festival. There was so much to see and so much wool. There were spinners and weavers. I almost bought a pair of glass knitting needles for $60.00 dollars. I really, really, really wanted them but couldn't convince myself that they were something I couldn't do without. I am proud of myself because I didn't. I am on a diet and eye candy is on the "do not buy" list!!

Cate spins. brought me some wool and silk that she spun herself. Her spinning wheel is so wonderful. They make electric ones now. Just doesn't seem right does it. Well, anyway, Cate tried to teach me how to spin. It isn't as easy as you think but I can see how relaxing it can be. She makes it seem so effortless and fun. My other really good friend, Karyn came over and tried it. She looked like she was having fun and seemed to pick it up quicker than I did. I really enjoyed the three of us being together spinning and knitting.

Cate's visit really got my creative juices flowing and I spend a couple of hours in the studio today working in the studio. I finished the hat I was making. Yeayyyy!!!! The only problem is that my middle finger joints are locking up. If it isn't one thing its another. Just one more thing to have the doctor check out. Hey, did you know that drinking alcohol keeps Rhumetoid Arthritis at bay? Like is good.

Friday, October 8, 2010

IT IS OCTOBER ALREADY!!!!!!

OK, I know I don't need to remind everyone that winter is approaching. You wouldn't think so though if you were here on the mountain top. It is beautiful and warm; a healing place for sure. Even though it has been quite awhile since I posted it doesn't mean that my studio has been quiet. Quite the contrary; It has been a wonderful place of activity.

Jay and I were married in our back yard. We have lots of pictures. Friends and family made up family/wedding albums as gifts. It is so awesome what you can do with the help of the internet.

WEll, I guess I had better go because I have a chair to refinish.

Friday, August 27, 2010

IT IS A DOGS LIFE

I just came down from my studio after spending an hour or so cleaning up the mess that creativity seems to develop. I love it though. The space is so bright and big. When I am up there I feel like I am tucked away up in the clouds. What a great feeling it is. It is really cozy in the wintertime when the snow is falling. Yesterday, Jay and I went to where we bought our wood stove. They are going to fix our fireplace in September. How wonderful it is going to be to sit in front of the fireplace and knit. While we were there I saw a wonderful gas fireplace that is perfect for the studio., I just don't know where it would go but if I could get it up there it would save us tons on the electric bill.

Gibbs, our german shepherd puppy doesn't like it when I stay in the studio too long. Right now I am in the office and he is laying quietly next to me. He is totally different when we are up there together though. He runs around, plays with my yarn and generally wreaks havoc until he starts barking as if to say..."well, when are we going down stairs to play?" Sometimes he give up realizing that I am just in another zone when I am playing with my "toys". Giving up is hard for a puppy but giving up he does and with a big sigh he meanders down the stairs and plops on the rug in front of the TV which has animal planet on. Sometimes he actually watches it. But when I finally emerge he jumps up because he knows we are going out to play for a little while. The break does both of us good. What a life this dog has!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

NOT ENOUGH TIME

I have been trying to get into the studio every chance I get but somehow life in the way of housework and renovations seems to pull me out and away from my sewing machines. I do push to have my studio time though even if it is to steal a half hour away to practice on my long arm. I can't wait to finish the slip cover I promised I would make for someone. It is seven weeks and I am just getting to the point of putting it together.

There has got to be a way to corral my time and effort better than I have been. There is so much to do and to learn. I found out about a group in Delmar where they have an art quilt study group. I love it and can't wait to investigate it.

The knitting group is doing well. We have so much fun and I learn something new each time I go. The local quilting group seems to have stagnated long before I became a member which is too bad. I have had to make a decision about when and how often I can go. They like to meet every week which is fine but more often than not we don't do to much so I can not justify taking myself out of the studio for two to three hours a week. Still, I have made some very good friends there and don't want to leave all together which is why I decided that I would go to the business meeting once a month.

Time is of the essence so I had better get back to the slip cover.

Friday, August 6, 2010

QUILT SHOW

Well, I am participating in my first quilt show with the Patchworkers and it is confusing. Setting up is harder than you think, especially when you don't know what you are doing! It should be fun though.

I have been looking at the Delmar group. They have 150 members and even have a website. What is most exciting for me is that they have an art quilt study group as an offshoot. Definitely going to explore them.

Cairo seems to have a wonderful group as well. They only have their shows every two years. I thought I might look in on them.

I am realizing how important it is to have the support of other like minded artists. It is so important to be involved in a group that challenges your talents which helps you begin to push the envelope on your creativity. A group that doesn't continue to explore and learn gets stagnant and they loose members that way. I have been thinking about searching other groups for that reason. The group I am in is a group of very wonderful people who are great quilters. They have lots of experience and like the group the way it is. It just doesn't fit me and like wearing clothes that are two tight, I feel like I am always trying to break out.

Well, back to the studio. Does anyone ever read this?

Sunday, July 25, 2010

THE MASTER OF MY OWN FATE

My fortune cookie was delivered a few minutes ago. It says that I am the master of my own fate. I already know this but what the heck.....there is a certain intrigue with fortune cookies, don't you think? Let's see, what is my fate? I am not sure but my dream is to be free to create my own fate. I can handle that. So, I had better go back into the studio and work on my art quilt some more. Until the next time.....I should at least be the master of my long arm!!!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

WHY DID IT HAVE TO END

The weekend was awesome. I have some beautiful beading pieces and am excited that I have one more way to embellish my work. What fun. The food was awesome and the women were great. I have not been to a retreat where there have been any men but there is wonderful male designers out there!

Now I am home. Trying to get stuff done around the house but my heart is in the studio where I want to be. Jay is a real champ and loves my work, even if it isn't my best. It was so wonderful to work with eight other artists, sharing ideas. I love it.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

WHEN MY CREATIVE JUICES FLOW

......I have a hard time sleeping. My sewing machine is set up, beads, material, sewing tools are all in order. I just have to decide on the color scheme which I will consider while I am falling off to sleep. This class is going to be great and I was pleasantly surprised to be with artists that I have worked with before. This is going to be so much fun.

I am going to sign off and read Larkins book. I can't wait until tomorrow.

MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO MYSELF

Today I head off to Greenville to study with Larkin Van Horne. I am really excited because I haven't been to the Greenville Arms for quite some time. It is always nice to be with other like artists, sharing ideas and conversation. The food is always wonderful and the rooms are cozy. The studio is large and it is always filled with fun and laughter, and AIR-CONDITIONING. I will be taking pictures and will post them when I get back.

SPEAKING OF THE HEAT. I hope that everyone is doing well in this heat. I almost had air-conditioning in the studio but it was not to be. Oh, not that I didn't have the unit all ready to install but Jay was having quite the time with the one we bought for the bedroom and his patience grew quite thin. Between the heat, the terrible directions and Skippy and Buffy (the prior owners, don't ask!) I decided that it would be best to take both units back to Home Depot. Soooo...off the mountain I go to return the deadly units. The good thing was that I got to ride in cool comfort while I drove to and from the store.

On the way back I began to ponder my dilemma and before I knew it thoughts of being really wealthy so that we could hire a handyman to take care of these quite complicated tasks began to enter my very tired and hot brain. Next think I know, I am at the store buying $40.00 dollars worth of lottery tickets because we all know that the hope brought on by the possibility of winning is quite uplifting!!!!! (there has got to be a friggin' winning number in there somewhere).  Finally I arrive home just in time to make dinner. Tacos! Easy and he likes them.

Just as I am about to sit down to the table Jay comes in with the book to the air-conditioner (it never made it back into the box) and he says in a very low voice "We needed to use plan B". You see, there were two ways to install the unit, plan A and plan B. Apparently it was plan A that caused us all the problems we were having. Who knew you had to turn the page to see if there was another way????? Then he says, without missing a beat..."Why did you bring back the AC for the studio?". "Are you kidding?" I said to him. "Between the heat, your frustration, my frustration because you were frustrated, Skippy and Buffy, (stop laughing Brian!), and the fact we were going through this for a total of four days of summer before it snows again, I figured that there was no way on this earth that you were going to bring a much bigger unit up a flight of stairs!" All of a sudden I realized that he looked terribly confused and I just started to laugh and laugh. Poor Jay. "It is all good." I say to him. But I have a question for all of you men who may be reading this. Why is it that you begin a project thinking it is going to go right the first time? It never does. Why? BECAUSE YOU NEVER READ THE DIRECTIONS UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE!!!! Women on the other hand, have been conditioned to think we don't know what we are doing so we take the next couple of days reading the booklet and then going on the internet to do the research needed in order to complete the project.

Oh well, it is all good. Besides, all was not lost, I came home with an extra fan for the studio! Happy birthday to Me!!!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

SUNNY'S SEWING LESSONS

I can't imagine that it has been over a month since my last post.  That doesn't mean I haven't been busy in the studio because I have.  It is just that time gets away from me with so many things to do.  But the summer so far has been awesome and filled with friends and family to widdle away the hours with creative endeavours.

Sunny is here visiting and we have been out straight.  She has helped me with so many projects and we have a ton left to do!!! She loves pocketbooks and so she did decopauge on one.  It came out so good.  Then she sewed on my sewing machine and did very well.  We are going to do a skirt next.  Oh my goodness, she will  be leaving on Saturday for her next adventure and as she said...."Grandma, we are running out of time".  The story of my life.

Well off to see the movies.  We are going to see Eclipse.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

A MORAL DILEMMA

I have been asked to teach a landscape quilt class.  At first it was exciting but when I went to her with the description of the class and the material list she stated that she didn't want any of these classes to cost her money.  I was surprised to say the least because the materials were included in the cost of the class.  Boy was I confused.  I explained to her that I wanted to teach from a certain book that was a favorite and that the students were paying for it.  This didn't seem to make a difference to her and she said that she got stuck with too many books for classes that never happened.  She then asked me if I just couldn't copy from the book like other teachers had.  I told her that I couldn't do that because of copy write infringement.  She wasn't happy when I said that.  On top of this issue, I was told by another teacher that she takes half of what the student is charged.  I would think she would encourage classes which would help her sell kits, material, etc.

One thing is certain,  I am not making copies and am now considering teaching a smaller class in my studio.

Monday, April 19, 2010

THE LONG ARM IS COMING! THE LONG ARM IS COMING!

I did it!!!! I bought a long arm quilt machine to add to my design business. It cost a bunch and I was having a heart attack all the way home. My plan is to pay it off by making it work for me. It is going to be fun.

The studio is rocking but I will admit the the surgery knocked me for a loop. Today was tough but I got up there and did some sewing. I am designing a dress and I have to say that I absolutely love it. Tomorrow I will work on the sleeves, then hem it and place some beads on it. It is really wonderful to have a room big enough for all of my toys and I am very grateful.

Once I get my ufo's finished I am going to begin to sew through my library. It should prove very interesting.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

A STREAM OF THOUGHTS ABOUT LOVE, ART, GRANT

Today was a good day in the studio. I have several projects on the table. One is for a class I am teaching and the others are for art submissions or for family. I spent several hours working on designs. Some days I become so blocked but not today. My studio is filled with things that I love; pictures of my children and grandchildren help me to get past my blocks just by talking to them and whispering to them how much they are loved.

Tonight, I sat by our fire pit that we built by the stream that runs along the side of our house. I had such an overwhelming feeling of missing my sons and so I got up to get my phone which was in the house. When I turned it on Grant had called me and left me a message that he was thinking of me. No one can even imagine what that means to me.

Tomorrow I will design something that reminds me of him. It will be flowing and bright and gentle and strong. It will be warm and thoughtful just like he is.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

A FRIEND AND HIS ART

I have a friend Charlie, who creates wonderful works of art in wood, metal, crystal and found objects. He has asked me to make a sign for him and I am working on it. It has been trial and error making this sign because it is made entirely in fabric. I plan to quilt it and once I figure out how to post pictures of my work on this blog I will show all of you. Oh, yes, the sign will be quilted as I take any opportunity to practice a skill.

The studio is doing well. It isn't quite finished yet but I am getting there in between the art I am creating. Tomorrow I am teaching a science class (don't ask) but I wish it were an art class. It will pull me out of the studio for a few hours which will be hard.

Oh, did I mention that I am purchasing a long arm quilting machine? I am not sure where I will put it but it will be somewhere in the studio. There has even been talk of turning the large garage into the studio; that would put the upstairs open for the guys to watch the races!!!!

In any case, I think I am going to ask my son Grant to help me with this blog and a web project I have in mind. He is wonderful at these things...and I am not just bragging. He really is good.

After the sign I will be working on some quilts I need to finish. Until the next time; I hope everyone is pursuing their dreams especially not that spring is here!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL

But the sun is shining in the studio. My friend and I spent the afternoon in the studio sewing. I got one set of curtains up and they look good. Today I will work on the other one.

I will say that I don't usually get cabin fever but I am starting to get sick of all of this snow!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

SEWING IS A WONDERFUL THING!

I spent most of yesterday afternoon in my studio listening to Led Zeplin, Eric Clapton, The Dixie Chicks and Meatloaf! It was so much fun and I plan to do it again in a little while. My current project is the curtains for my studio. Once that is done I will begin sewing through my library. I have to learn how to post pictures on my blog so everyone can see what I am doing!

Monday, March 1, 2010

SNOW STORM OF THE CENTURY

It is quite a sight to see the snow from the studio window. It is like having a birds eye view of a major weather event. I can get into the studio with little difficulty now and am working on projects that were on hold because of the surgery. A little bit of work still needs to be done but the machines are up and out and ready to do my bidding.

I haven't been able to visit the new quilt shop for the past three weeks and plan a trip at the end of the week. It is wonderful to have the Patchwork Co. in Windham. Have I mentioned that? Well, it has been a hectic day and I need to rest. I will be posting pictures of the studio when it is finished.

Until then....Happy sewing

Sunday, February 21, 2010

SURGERY TAKES ME OUT OF THE STUDIO FOR 2 WEEKS!

I can't believe it is nine days since I had my surgery. Hopefully the next week will go by more quickly and I will be back in the studio in no time.

It is hard though.....I keep looking up those stairs knowing what is waiting for me. In the meantime, my knitting will keep me going until then.

The first quilt class was held yesterday. It is one of two classes. I heard that it is a really good class and that the teacher is equally as good. I almost went but my neighbor convinced me that it was too soon for me to go to something like that so soon after surgery. I suppose she is right but I came so close...

Sunday, February 7, 2010

TODAY I SEW!

I can't believe it. Today I am actually sewing in my studio. It is a beautiful sunny day here on top of the mountain and I am feeling on top of the world. I love it here. Unfortunately, I wish I could say that Jay is having as good a day as I am. He is putting up tongue and grove pine but it isn't going well at the moment. He is still singing though so that is a good sign.

The new quilt shop in town is just beautiful and I look forward to the classes that will be coming. I am also looking forward to trying out a Gammil long arm sewing machine in April. Speaking of which, is anyone going to the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in April? It will be in Worcester Ma from April 8 through the 9th. I am going so if anyone in the Catskill area wants to go send me a note. I will be driving in so hop a ride. It will be so much fun!

Just a reminder.....come and visit The Patchwork Co. in Windham. You won't be sorry.

Happy sewing.

Friday, February 5, 2010

HALF DONE

It is hard to believe that half the studio (the media section) is set up. The other half of the room is almost there. I will be sewing in the studio by the end of the weekend. And then I will begin sewing through my library.

Jay has been working on the tongue and grove pine that he has been putting up. It looks wonderful. He is amazing and I love it!!!!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

TWO ORGANIZERS PUT TOGETHER AND LIFE IS GOOD

I won't be long now. Fabric, fabric everywhere and finally a place to put it. How much fun it is to play with my fabric. It is where I can see it so I can create without having to take everything out. There are still some things that have to get done but I should be up and running before the weekend is over. Once it is done I will begin to post pictures. It is snowing and it looks beautiful out there.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

IT WAS LIKE HITTING THE LOTTO

Today was a wonderful day! My girlfriend Ruthie picked me up at 9:45 am and together we went to our knitting group. The sun was shining and it felt like a beautiful spring day in the Catskill Mountains. Let's see.... Betty, Pam, Monica, Ruthie and I all sat around talking about our grandchildren and the silly things they say. Then Dolle (doll aye) came with her daughter and granddaughter to add to the mayhem. Ruthie wanted me to tell the group the little knitting rhyme that my niece Emma Rose says when she knits. I couldn't remember it so I called my sister who put Emma on the phone. With the phone on speaker she was quite pleased to share with us this little knitting rhyme...."under the fence, catch the sheep, back again and over we leap". Betty had to write it down which caused Emma to recite it several more times. She was really adorable and seemed pleased to help Auntie's knitting group out. We said a group good-bye and thank you to Emma and then after a bit of knitting, we packed up at noon for our next adventure which waited for us down on Main Street.

WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL QUILT SHOP IN WINDHAM, NY. All I can say is wow!!!! Ruthie, Betty and I walked in and drooled over the many bolts of fabric. We had arrived at Patchwork Quilt Shop. The building itself is spectacular. Fran and her daughter did a wonderful job preparing the shop and all the goodies it has to offer. The collection of fabric is amazing and will capture a wide variety of quilters and sewers. I know it is going to be my second home! The Patchwork Quilt Shop is a dream come true for many a fabric worshipper.

After shopping at Patchwork, we went to Woodstock Quilt Shop which was having a 30% sale. They are moving to Glenville and will be teaming up with another quilt shop where they will spread their own brand of quilting magic. Good luck Bob and Jim. I will be seeing you both soon in April.

Right now I am sitting on the couch, surrounded by my goodies. I am enjoying this moment. If only I could get Jay to stop laughing at me as I examine my stash. Until the next time!

Friday, January 15, 2010

I AM GETTING CLOSER TO MY ROOM!!!

The studio is almost done. Jay is putting some beautiful touches on it. He is adding knotty pine to a sun shiney wonderfully cozy place. I should be able to begin to finish projects. Hope all is well.

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