Who Won???

I know.....this is overload.  I really hadn't intended to continue the car race talk....but since Melody asked, I was sure there must be others who were waiting for the news about who won the race.  There are numerous categories......kinda like quilt competitions, but the 'best of show' if you want to think of it that way,  was car #1 - a Lexus Riley Daytona Prototype.  (Hummm...a Lexus?  not a Porsche!) Interesting color combination.

Here's what may interest you though.....the drivers were:  Juan Pablo Montoya, Dario Franchitti (in case you didn't know is MR. Ashley Judd - she usually attends his races but wasn't there because she was ill.), Scott Pruett, and Memo Rojas.   So, now you know.....

Through A Quilter's Eye - Part 4

I know....this event seems to go on and on......believe me I KNOW!  You gotta ask....is this a car race or a carnival?  Yup, that's a water skier on the lake that's in the infield of the track.

During much of the daylight hours of the race.....this blimp circled the speedway.  Just after the national anthem was sung, there was a goose pimply 'fly over' of 3 huge jets from a nearby military station.  My photos only showed 3 dots in the sky, so I've spared you that photo.  It's one of those -  ya had to be there things.

And of course there is the food......huge sides of beef skewered on poles, smoking over an open wood fire.

What did I say....is this a carnival?  If you've ever seen the old Steve McQueen movie, Les Mans, this scene will be familiar.  If not....it's just another ferris wheel!  Pretty at night though.

Another shiny, decal filled Porsche in the garage area, just prior to the race, when expectations are high.

Garage area.....post race.......THE END

Through A Quilter's Eye - Part 3

Sorry, Dr. McDreamy was hiding himself very well....but here's his car....at the start of the race. Believe me, NONE of the cars looked like this at the end....all were banged up and extremely dirty.  The good Dr. finished in the 39th position....of 66 starting cars.

Boys and their toys.....maybe we should have signs that say:  Powered by Bernina or Powered by Pfaff!!

And, thinking about sewing.....how about these 'car strips'....they are even numbered!

What can I say??  Boy toys!!  With bought and paid for front ends??  There were lots of 'May/September' couples walking around.  Hummmm

The only kind of front end I hope 'the husband' is interested in.  Even if he thinks Lowe's is a 'girlie' hardware store.  Real men apparently prefer Home Depot!

One more day of photos to come.....stay tuned.....

Through A Quilter's Eye - Part 2

Day 2 - COLD (for FL) and a bit rainy....of course that doesn't stop the cars.  Wonder who ever decided.....hey, let's get in our cars and race around a track for 24 hours?  Definitely a guy thing!

No, Dr. McDreamy sighting yet.  Though we went to his garage area.  Nearby I saw this crew practicing getting in and out of their car....FAST is the word here.  Most of the drivers are quite small in stature.....not bad in the butt department though.  (Which was the action shot I tried to get here....they were too quick and there are sooooo many people everywhere, it's difficult to take pictures.)

 

What is it about guys in their fire suits.....not bad hey?

Auto art:  Incredible.....photos of celebrities all over this Porsche.  Though it may not show up well enough......the Rolling Stones are on the door.....but most of the images featured Jimmy Hindrex.

More art:  I spotted this portrait at the same booth with the auto art.  Gerry Garcia (in case you are too young to recognize this rock star.)  The image was a collage of hundreds of small photos (about 3" sq.)........amazing.

Here's a detail of the Garcia portrait.

Oh.....the race is still going on.....after over-nighting in sensible fashion -  at a hotel, we are now headed back to the track to wait and watch (oh my...be still my heart) for the finish of the race at 1:30 PM EST.  66 cars started.  It's always interesting to see how many manage to finish. When we left last night, Dr. McDreamy's car was still running, though I don't know which of the 4 drivers was at the wheel.  Again....stay tuned....

Through A Quilter's Eye

I managed to amuse myself today, while 'the husband' and I attended the first of 3 days of the Rolex 24 Hour Race at Daytona Speedway, in Daytona Beach, FL.  I spent my time viewing the activities with a quilter's eye to detail.  24 Hours, which begins at 1:30 PM EST......means 24 hours of continuous racing, with various drivers (cute butt photos already taken and hope to post tomorrow....you all need something to look forward to!)  BUT.....24 hours of racing does NOT mean we stay at the track that long....we camp out at the Hilton and return early on Sunday morning.

Patchwork seats!!  The top is your traditional layout, squint and it's a 9 patch.....below is random patchwork in primary colors.

Now, here's something for the machine embroidery folks.....since we are Porsche lovers....we wear this crest proudly.

How about this design for applique??

NOW.....here's something we can all understand.  And my mission tomorrow will be to spot Dr. McDreamy.  The car he drove last year (as I recall) retired after about only an hour or two on the track.  He didn't even get his turn to drive.  Stay tuned.......  

Where In The World Is Mary??

Believe me, I truly realize no one is holding their breath to find the answer to this question.  But if you are curious, tune in Friday night, I hope to find something of artistic  interest during the day to share with you....though considering what I'll be doing....that may be a challenge.......

Girlfriend's Blogs

My inspiration to begin blogging came from Melody Johnson's excellent "Fibermania" blog.  She's a very successful artist who is always generous with her design and construction advice.  I'm convinced her middle name is COLOR.  

Another pal from 'up north' is Mickey Depre who creates fun, whimsical quilts.  While Mickey begins her travel along the quilting highway, Melody has retired from teaching.  Both are talented quilters who specialize in one-of-a-kind art quilts and share a love of knitting.

Take a peek at their blogs.

  

FEATHERS

Daily "forced marches" up and down steep streets in our mountain environment (otherwise known as exercise) has led to lots of discoveries. I've noticed many interesting feathers scattered about and I've challenged myself to recreate their details using beads. I begin by sketching a rough design.

Felted wool is basted to a pellon interfacing marking the size I want my center square to measure. The shapes of the feathers are also basted through these layers. Next, with a variety of seed and bugle beads, I use various beading stitches to obtain the desired texture. This isn't immediate gratification, but so worth the effort!!!

The center square is machine quilted and trimmed to its finished size. The wavy cut grey 'mock' sashing strips (which cover the unfinished red edges) were bead appliqued to the blue felted wool foundation piece. The outside edges were finished with hand blanket stitching using wool embroidery thread.

The piece is called "Free Floating".....it measures 15" square. It's one of numerous "feather" pieces that is currently available for purchase. UPDATE - This piece has been SOLD

SAD!!!!

I'm with ya Brett.....what happened?  BUT.....like any loyal Packer Fan......we know there's always next year!!  Thanks for a great season!

Where In The World Is Mary??

Well, I'm still in Texas.  You'll need to excuse the quality of the photos on this post, my camera is giving me some trouble, but the subjects are worth viewing.  

The Ft. Worth Stock & Rodeo Show is going on here, and there are "cowboys" everywhere.  Hay bales in truck beds are commons in the parking lot of my hotel.  Blogging is making me so much more aware of my surroundings.

Dinner with my guild hosts was at the Blue Mesa (delicious and great company) where this adorable family agreed to be photographed.....aren't they the cutest?!?!  Is this a wonderful country or what......

A huge bonus for any traveling quilt instructor is gathering with friends.  My long time pal, Pat Campbell and her beau, John Van Pelt made an hour drive to meet with me for dinner during this trip.  Pat has completed her therapy at the Women's Stroke Center......it was great to see them.  They are heading off shortly on a road trip to Arizona in their motor home....they send greetings to fellow quilters.

My day can't end without these words:     GO PACKERS!!!!!!!