Monday, February 2, 2026

WHAT'S COMING NEXT

 Usually I work a faster than this.....but life here has gotten complicated with 'the husband's' recent health drama so I'm working when I can. Here's what's coming next....


I'm now auditioning s
ome of my gelli printed fabrics, cutting into flowers of varying styles and sizes. Obviously this is just the starting point.

It's still pretty chilly here, low 40's in the morning, highs mid 50's most of the time. Because my 'studio' is a spare bedroom, it's carpeted......requiring me to gelli print in the garage since my enthusiastic approach is messy! I'm hoping my inventory of printed fabric will be enough for this project.

A note about why I love working with gelli printed fabrics.....#1. I can print on demand if I need just small amounts #2. The textures that can be developed are so appealing for my style of art quilting.
#3. My motifs are often fused appliqué, so there's no concern about fraying edges, the painted surfaces are tamed when cut. I'm a neat freak and really dislike the look of frayed edges so it's a huge bonus for me.

The last photo is a detail of one of my framed gelli printed pieces which utilized gelli printed fabrics.....note how nice and clean the edges are.

Thanks for all your kind comments......it does a gal good to get encouragement! Come back soon.....









Saturday, January 31, 2026

PROGRESS - NEW LANDSCAPE

 

As I mentioned, this piece has expanded not only in size but in design as well.  Tree branches have now been added and fused in place, followed by hand embroidering long needle pine bunches.  This photo doesn't quite provide the dilemma facing me.  The sky was actually a darker blue than what it appears in this photo and no matter what combo of green threads I used....they barely showed up. 



  

What to do???  After much thought I got out my Prisma Pencils and lightened the pieced sky area.  Yes, it was a chore but it worked.  Of course it would have been easier not working around all the branches which then required some touching up using a brown pencil!!



Here's what the piece now looks like after hours and hours of hand stitching.  And NO...it's not finished yet...stay tuned.





Wednesday, January 28, 2026

PIVOTING

 Yikes, the more I work on this, the more it's growing into a major piece.  Obviously I needed a project that I can sink my teeth into and I'm enjoying every minute (or should I say hours)!?!








Monday, January 26, 2026

IT'S GROWING

 My current landscape project is turning into quite a project because I decided to expand the size......   stay tuned...



Friday, January 23, 2026

THREAD PAINTING

A little thread painting is good for the soul......love how it adds texture and movement to the sunset area of my new landscape piece.



Tuesday, January 20, 2026

LANDSCAPE ART QUILT IN PROGRESS

This project has been on my design wall since before Thanksgiving....'the husband's' on going health drama has consumed my time lately, however happily I've been able to devote a bit of time in the last couple of days.

After not finding the right colors/fabric styles in my stash.......the ability to print textured fabrics using my gelli plate helped provide a few sections of the sunset. What joy!!!



Friday, January 16, 2026

BABY QUILT

 I'm a great aunt!!  And what does any quilter aunt dO....why, yes....make a baby quilt.

The parents favor mid-century modern decor....especially bright colors......this is what I came up with.


Fortunately I had started the top nearly as soon as I learned of the pregnancy.....which left only the addition of the details to be added, plus layering and quilting.  It's been a rough month around here with major complications from 'the husband's' heart procedure requiring more hospitalization and numerous ER visits.  The actual cause of the extreme health scare is still unknown but with more testing scheduled hopefully answers will be forthcoming.  It's now safe to take my eyes off him for short bouts of sewing which I'm grateful for.  New posts should be more frequent now....... 

Saturday, January 3, 2026

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




Thursday, December 25, 2025

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.





 

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

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!!!