From Here to There

As I said earlier today I'm sorting fabrics by categories. Small bits of silks and poly sheers go into my new fabric. Ashley said I should show what I do. I call this "reconstructed" fabric. It's mostly done with the Embellisher and then free motion quilted.

One of the finished products I make is a purse/pouch similar to the pattern Mellie Testa published in Quilting Arts magazine last year. I do also use it for postcards and as elements in quilts.

Now back to sorting.

Abundance of Riches & Retro Cuteness

If it's the day after Labor Day, it must be fall. I just wish it felt a bit more so. I stayed home over the long weekend while Karl went off hunting in East Texas with Elliott and friends and then detoured south to visit Karlie. He is definitely a smitten Grandfather.

I mostly made small steps toward new projects. Sept. is always like a new year for me so it's time to get busy from the summer lull. I broke down and got on Facebook (easier than I expected); that's where I'll see the most recent pics of Karlie and keep up with other family members too. Please be my friend if you're there.

Aren't these silk luscious? I am blessed with a angel at a decorating store who saves swatchbooks for me. These work since many of my projects are small and I get a huge variety at a tiny fraction of the cost of yardage. I take them apart during tv time so I discount that labor. Now I'm putting together "project" boxes - some for scarves with my dyed fabrics; a bullseye and a white quilt in my head; and the tinyest bits for collaged fabric. I also got in on Susan Lenz's felt give away that will be part of the collages.

I took time out for dinner with a girlfriend on Sat. evening and the opening of Cross Timbers Gallery. It is a great addition to our newest and nearest shopping area. They also do an inspiring studio tour in Nov. On Sunday I celebrated family with Ashley & Frank at the Cervantez reunion. Thanks guys, it was fun and, of course, the food was fabulous.

How is this for cuteness? The pattern is old enough that my mother probably used it and now it's a reissue. I made 2 pairs from a felted wool sweather; one is for Karlie and one for Lu's Meg. I hope they wear them with a smile.

Memories

A long time ago when I was young I spent lots of happy time with my cousin, Judy. Our mothers were sisters and made us dresses alike among other fun memories. The photo above (middle) was made at Easter 1952 on the steps of our Grandmother's house where I also lived with my parents. Tragicly, Aunt Peggy, Judy's mother died that fall and life changed dramatically for Judy and her baby sister, Cathy. My mother and grandmother were grief stricken in an age that didn't know how to deal with such tragedy so my life was impacted as well. Judy and Cathy came to live with us for a while until their father took them to east Texas. I don't think I ever forgave him for that. We grew up to live different lives but I will always feel that we are "Stitched Together" by memories and love. That is the title of the book I created some years ago using the old photo and other memorbilia of our common history.

Week before last Judy came to visit. It was a wonderful treat; it had been too long since we'd spent time together. I hope she had as much fun as I did. We had great fun laughing and playing and then on the last night we recreated our childhood pose with her sister's grandchildren, Julianne and Thomas, joining us for hugs. I hope they'll have great memories to hold on to in the years to come.