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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!