Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Manic Monday

Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon making a horrendous mess, dragging out what seemed to be every tool, spool of thread, and small scrap of batik I own. This photo only shows part of it.



Here's the partially completed result. The tiny little trees you show prove that you should never throw away a bit of batik. I cut them from a scrap of leaf print less than six inches square, and they solved the problem of how to make those trees--in my mind anyway. I hope to finish this today, after I find a replacement for the bottom fabric. That means more rummaging. Does everyone do this?


Two interesting things came in the mail. One is a Supreme Slider, a piece of teflon which attaches to the bed of the sewing machine and claims to make fabric move easily during free motion stitching. Two good quilters have recommended this, but I wouldn't have bought it except I had a gift certificate. I'll report when I use it.

The brochure for the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show in March also arrived. I'm going all out this year, and signing up for classes all three days--if there are vacancies.

I also worked at the soup kitchen, bought a new pair of jeans, and watched Dancing with the Stars: what you can do when your husband goes out of town!

11 comments:

Finishing Lines by K.Sperino said...

Ahh-I LOVE your mess!! Really, I do and can relate! -- my husband is a frequent traveler...

Vicki W said...

There's nothing wrong with a creative mess!

Rian said...

This is a delightful picture!

Nellie's Needles said...

ooooo... I like it a lot! Your sky fabric is perfect as well as the ones for the trees and houses. You may like the one you've chosen for the water if it were cut into strips (wavy?) and reconstructed. Those big shapes would be fractured to look more like reflections.

*karendianne. said...

You're so cute! I love the mess and the results, too. Very community oriented to donate your time in the Soup Kitchen. Definitely something I can see you doing. I am surprised to note you actually bought yourself some jeans though. If I find out they were more than 50.00 I'll stroke out. That, now that would blow my mind. And hey - three days of classes - that's going to be fun. Can only imagine what's grabbing your attention...

Joyce said...

Rummaging is almost the most fun part of quilting. It really paid off for you. THe trees are very nice.

Vivian said...

Creative messes produce lovely projects. I think that's a quilting & crafting rule, isn't it? You've made such sweet houses in a pretty scene.

Libby Fife said...

I am not so crazy about the messes so I try to keep that to a minimum:( Doesn't always work:(

I just love your results on this piece. I think those pastel colors for the houses really capture what was in the photograph. That water bit is a tough but I am sure you will find something in your stash that you like:):)

Debra Dixon said...

Throw fabric away?

hahahahahahha! that's why I have the creative mess I have at my house!

Your row houses are looking good!

Barbara C said...

I love your quilt design. Rows of houses are one of my favorite motifs (and I have a collection of embroidery pattens to prove it).

Enjoy the mess: lots of great ideas come from them.

Liz in Kansas said...

Rummaging - and the resulting mess - is the best part of the creative process! Especially when you end up with that kind of result. Love the houses!