HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 Goodness......'the husband's' up and down health issues have kept me out of the studio for several weeks now. I'm getting itchy!! These photos from a year ago just popped up on my Facebook timeline. It's a reminder that my sewing machine and never ending 'to-do' list of ideas will be waiting when the time comes again. Happy New Year to all..............may 2026 bring YOU the joy of quilting!!

January 3, 2025  

Shared with Public

Back in the studio after Christmas family time. It's not too soon to think about spring.....so here's a peek at what I'm working on

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

 I know it's been a minute since I posted......and I'm so touched by your inquiries wondering about my silence.

Yup, there has been drama here.  'The husband' had another heart procedure last week.  As is so darn typical, despite how well the surgery goes, there always seems to be unexpected problems afterwards.  This time it required a 5 day hospital stay.

I had expected to be sending our Xmas greetings sitting in front of a roaring fire with snow falling outside in Truckee.  To be sure those things are happening, but we aren't there to enjoy them.  Happily 'the husband' was released yesterday so we are enjoying a quiet Christmas at home.

Sooty, our 15 year old rescue Black Lab got to spend some time in Truckee which helped me to avoid having to run home to take care of her.   Grandson #2  loves spend time with this old girl who still loves her walks, especially in a surrounding that is WNC familiar to her.

Truckee is experiencing major snow.  After only a few hours, the heavy snow has weighed down a tree over the hot tub on our son's patio.  For those of us born and bred in Wisconsin.....having a white Christmas makes the season even more special.  

Best wishes, ho  ho ho....hope Santa was good to you.  Thank you everyone for checking in with me all year long.

 

PUTTERING WITH NEW DESIGN

Since I had the bin of vintage indigo block printed cottons out.....I started piecing some more scraps.  No real plan though I have vowed next time to use the actual "right patterned side" rather than the muted wrong side of these fabrics. The photos illustrate the difference. 

I'll bet everyone is in high gear with Christmas preparations......don't forget to take some time to relax with some bubbly..... it's my adult beverage of choice!!!

PROBABLY THE LAST PIECE CREATED IN 2025

 After a sun filled summer and fall with no rain, we have now been under gray skies, misty damp days for weeks.  Reminding me of Wisconsin winters....without the snow!

What better way to spend indoor time in my happy place sewing room then to dig out some of my Japanese fabrics to find inspiration!

With Christmas right around the corner, many readers have already filled their shopping carts.....however know that this piece is available for purchase when you are!  Check my online shop for my current inventory.

OCEAN VIEW

19” x 17”

Japanese cottons, appliquéd, machine quilted with metallic thread. Double fold binding & hanging sleeve attached.

DETAIL

SPECIAL PROJECT FOR A SPECIAL PERSON

 It's rare for me not to have one or more art quilt projects underway......yet I seem to have a pause now that we are close to family and can enjoy time with them during the holidays.

I was out and about in SF with our son's MIL & FIL.....I noticed she was giving a set of indigo Japanese fabric coasters a good look. The Japanese are such thoughtful gift givers....especially with small gifts for absolutely no reason.....charming trait!! That gave me an idea.

I created a set of 6 coasters using indigo block printed vintage fabrics to gift to Keiko. Most were 'Three Cats' by Spruce Manufacturing, printed in England for the South African market. The fabrics I own are small pieces, precious and quite rare and it's a pleasure to use them for such a special person.  

(Who doesn't not read my blog or Facebook so it's safe to disclose it here!)

NOW WE WAIT!!!

 

                 GO PACK GO

PACKERS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Packers WIN!!! AND the Turkey wins (if you weren't the turkey!!).

AND our Japanese milk bread pull apart rolls (new to me) were delicious too. Family holidays are the best!!

Gobble, gobble to all....

TURKEY DAY & THE PACKERS

Growing up 45 mins. from Lambeau Field made me a life long Packer fan......Thanksgiving Day activities always revolved around the TV since the Packers generally played the Lions each year. 

 So with the 19# Spatchcock turkey brined and in the oven....we will be glued to the big screen and cheering on our team.   GO PACK GO!!

 

ETERNAL JAPAN - NEW ART QUILT

 I've been working on a number of pieces that are now finished all at once! I'd been saving the finishing details of hand sewing the binding and hanging sleeve to do during my recent trip.

Check out my gallery shop for all the current available art quilts.

ETERNAL JAPAN

26” x 24”

Japanese cotton, featuring manipulated twisted flange inserts, 

Machine quilted, double fold binding, hanging sleeve attached.

NEW WORK FOR GIFT GIVING

 

MODERN PARALLEL LINES - 22" X 21

$199 - free shipping US destinations

Felted wool motifs, batik cotton, densely stitched with variegated rayon thread.  Double fold binding, hanging sleeve attached.