Do you remember my new custom Sizzix die? I used some of the little one inch squares I cut with it and made a mini version of Don't Fence Me In.
I love this design; even small scale it is a great way to showcase quilting motifs.
Rather than loading it on the longarm, I quilted it on my domestic Bernina. I stitched in the ditch around each of the little 1/2 inch half square triangles.
The tiny stippling around the wreath helps give the feathers and triangles a bit more definition.
After cleaning up in the barn I think I have located another quilt photography location! What do you think? I'll try some larger quilts there and see how they turn out.
The finished quilt is 12" by 12".Quilted with Aurifil #2021.The Ann Arbor Modern Quilt Guild is participating in a mini quilt swap with the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild. This quilt is for my secret partner in the swap. I hope she likes it.
Scenes from the Barn Basement
As part of the barn renovation, wedding preparations we are putting new wiring in the barn.
B was about to start taking out the old wiring this morning. Before starting, he came in and suggested that I take my camera out to the barn.
The lighting was low but I managed to get a few shots that capture the neglected state.
Who knows how long that Orange Crush can has been there?
I had a little company while I was working.
Don't worry, the wedding festivities will be on the main level, it is much cleaner and tidier up there. We'll also be giving it a final scrub down before the event. None of these photos show the area where the new flooring and supports have been put in.It is really difficult to capture the upper level of the barn in photographs. The space is so huge and open. I was in there the other day, sitting on the swing and enjoying the spaciousness and new floor. I had the idea that next summer I can use that space for kids sewing camp and maybe even some adult sewing workshops. I mentioned it to B and he is keeping that in mind when putting in the new wiring and outlets. Doesn't that sound dreamy? There is such a lovely cross breeze out there when the doors and windows are open.
Wordless Wednesday
Super Hero: Behind the Scenes Look at a Quilt Blogger's Son
He is my super hero.
His special skills involve being tall enough to hold
and help display quilts for photo sessions.
And being patient with the elements (strong winds, rain, snow etc.)
while I try to squeeze in multiple photo shoots
on brief and sometimes rare visits home.
It can be exhausting
and sometimes he thinks he's my butler.
What a ham.
What a ham.
He often has great artistic suggestions on how to show the quilts.
However, I think those ideas are just an excuse to use his super hero skills to go climbing in the rickety loft of the barn.
However, I think those ideas are just an excuse to use his super hero skills to go climbing in the rickety loft of the barn.
Here's a big thank you to M, my supermodel super hero.These photos are outtakes from the photo shoot for my Atomic Pinwheels pattern.
Meet Nancy
I'd like you to meet Nancy. (named by M)
D helped me with the photo shoot yesterday while M was fixing dinner. Since M will be living in an apartment next year he wants to learn how to make his favorite meals. One of his summer projects will be to copy the recipies and practice making them. I also told him that if he helps in the garden and with canning that he can take some of our yeild to stock his pantry next year. Yay for tall people being home. I can get double help!!
I just can't say enough how much I love scrap quilts. Really. They make my heart sing.
So many memories stitched into this quilt. In the photo above I see a bit of P's backpack, and some pink pajama fabric, bug fabric that I used for a baby sunhat for D....I also LOVE the backing fabric. That is such a pretty color of brown with the pink flowers. I also love the way it looks with the green. It has a sort of electrical "does it really go?" vibe going on.
I've had some questions about the quilting on this so I'll tell you how I approached that.1. I stitched in the ditch on all of the vertical block seams.2. I stitched in the ditch on all of the horizontal lines.3. I stitched in the ditch on the diagonal half square triangle lines.4. I stitched a serpentine line across the diagonals in the string pieced areas.5. I stitched the feathers in diagonal passes in the green triangles.I used aurifil 50 wt. for the green feathers, ditch stitching, and all of the bobbin thread. I used a vareigated King Tut thread in the string pieced areas.Nancy is 64.5 inches by 87.5 inches.Here are other posts about the making of Nancy:quiltingchartreuse as a neutralauditioning fabrics for the groundhalf square triangles
On Aging
Why do people fight the aging process when it can be very beautiful? We try to hide the effects of the passage of time with make up (first to look older and then later to look younger), dye their hair, and have cosmetic surgery. 
We try to hide wrinkles and keep everything looking the same.
Why don't we embrace the aging process? It is inevitable. I have noticedthat things usually develop a beautiful patina when allowed to agenaturally.
With aging, light is allowed to shine in and light up parts not exposed in youth.
Aging adds interest, depth, and character.
The bumps, bruises, and scars life left on my grandparents made themvery interesting people. I hope I can age as gracefully and naturallyas them.On a related note, we recently watched the documentary. "Young @ Heart You're Never too Old to Rock". I highly recommend it.
