.png){kind=small}
I am saddened by the devastation of places that I love — New York and New Jersey. I lived and worked in New Jersey before I was married and spent a lot of time in NYC. What they are going through is unimaginable. I survived 5 hurricanes when we lived in Wilmington, NC, with much damage, but nothing like what has happened in the tri-state area.
I am happy that my family members in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and West Virginia are all ok with minor damage. I am thankful that my sister came through surgery in upstate NY today and is recovering at home. I am slowly hearing from friends in the area who are fine. I am so proud of our President who has been managing the relief with a steady hand and a comforting heart.
I am also thankful for a good night’s sleep and more energy today. The larger dose of Aleve seems to be making my achy joints feel better. The incessant cold rain, however, is not helping.
I decided to get outside my comfort zone and do raw edge applique on my organ quilt. I had a terrible time getting the tension right. I am using Superior Bottom Line for the zigzag stitch and it took some trial and error to get the tension just right. I was not a happy camper. I also realize why I like fusing. When I get the fabric on the batting, it does not move or wrinkle!!
I first pinned the pieces in place. I haven’t used my basting pins in ages!
Here is a section that is stitched down. I have several colors of Bottom Line on bobbins so I was able to match the fabric.
So, I have set this in motion. It will either be a wow quilt or a huge waste of gorgeous fabric. I wonder sometimes why I wander off into uncharted territory, but I keep doing it.
Sending love and good thoughts to all of you on the east coast. Keep the faith!
I have not had the best day because I had a bad night. I didn’t sleep well at all and then Mr C got up early to drive to Corvallis to work today. So, I have dragged through the day.
I had a Dr appointment this afternoon, regarding my aching knees. I have had x-rays done and have a physical therapy appointment. I was told to double up on the Aleve.
Despite all that, I cut up the piece of fabric that I wanted to use for the pipes for the organ.
Here is the layout. I did all the cutting from the sketch, following Elizabeth Barton’s method. I also have not fused the fabric. so I don’t know if I will piece this or do raw edge applique.
The machine quilting is going to be a big part of this piece. I am getting excited now. The filigree will be the same fabric as the upper left corner. The pipe openings, will be foiled. I have to decide whether I want to foil directly on the pipe fabric or on another piece which will be laid over each pipe. Decisions, decisions.
Ok, I am so tired, I must go to bed early.
First of all – Yay Giants – World Series Champions, 2012!
What am I afraid of? Cutting into some beautiful hand-dyed fabric that I bought from my friend Bonnie, of Handwerks. Tomorrow, I am going to just do it. I have been dragging my feet for too long. It looks like a good week to stay in out of the rain and be in the studio.
It has been pouring rain today. We went out to get gas in the car and pick up some groceries at Trader Joe’s with Scooter along for the ride. Mr C dropped me off at TJ’s and drove off. Scooter started crying. I guess he thought I had been dumped!
I took this photo of my little Japanese maple on my studio patio. It has suddenly gotten fall color.
It has been a soggy, dark day here in Portland. I have to get used to it, but when it is dark and cold, I find it difficult to get up and go. We finally took Scooter for a walk in the rain. I spent most of the morning dorking around on my computer, trying to make a signature jpeg have a transparent background so that I can insert it in a newsletter with a gray background. There must be a way. I finally gave up.
I did some clean up in my studio so that I can get back to work on the organ piece. I also made two 3 x 3s so that I am up to date.
I decided that it was best to work out the filigree pattern that is distinctive on the organ. So I enlarged it and printed it on freezer paper. Now, I can iron it to fabric and cut it. I have a few more pieces that I need to do. I think that once I anchor the piece with these, I can move on to the pipes and the wood casing parts.
As a reminder, this is the crop that I made of the pipes.
Here is the othe 3 x 3. It is a weird one. I am having trouble getting through this month as I don’t really have a lot of fabric to choose from.
Hope you are having a great week-end and if you live on the other coast, I will be sending you some positive vibes for getting through the Frankenstorm.