I’ve been slowly adding stars to the wall for this WIP and I ALMOST have enough for the quilt I’m making. Here’s a closer look at some of the reproduction prints I’m using.
Toledo Museum of Art
Once a month my friend, Debbie Grifka, and I try to have an art and inspiration outing. This month we went to the Toledo Museum of Art. We had advance tickets to see “Fireflies on the Water” by Yayoi Kusama.
While there we also got tickets to see “Between Light and Shadow: by Anila Quayyum Agha.
We also saw/listened to "Everything is Rhythm", pairings of mid-century art and music - well done and interesting.
Trying Something New
I’m trying something new with this project. I’m free form quilting which I have done before but this time I’m leaving the knots on the top. I think it suits the theme of this little quilt.
In looking at the photo it also appears to me that I should try adding some variation in the density of stitching.
Polka dot knitting
My second grandson was born last January. I recently remembered that I hadn’t made him a Christmas stocking. I made his parents the stockings below.
My first grandson got the striped stocking. This time my daughter-in-law requested a polka dot stocking. At first, I wasn’t sure how it would go but I love the finished product. Now we are all set with the stockings.
I have already moved on to the next knitting project.
New Christmas Stockings for Grandchildren
I’m expecting a new grandbaby. The due date New Years Eve but I made him Christmas Socking just in case he arrives a few days early. The striped stocking is for the baby, the red and green stockings were made a few years ago for mom and dad.
Family Time - Holiday Weekend
We had a fun family weekend. It involved cookie baking, holiday lights, and lots of music.
WIP Wednesday
I’ve finally been spending some time in my studio this fall. I’m back at making these little star blocks. I have 81 out of 100 made.
Rage - Domestic Abuse Quilt Series #16
Rage 16’’ x 16’’
Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. National Domestic Abuse Hotline
“Domestic violence doesn’t look the same in every relationship because every relationship is different. But one thing most abusive relationships have in common is that the abusive partner exhibits varying types of behaviors to have more power and control over their partner.”
“In fact, many abusive partners may seem absolutely perfect in the early stages of a relationship. Possessive and controlling behaviors don’t always appear overnight, but rather emerge and intensify as the relationship grows.” National Domestic Abuse Hotline
Rage, the feeling or expression of violent uncontrollable anger is one thing that can grow over time in an abusive relationship.
For the abuser, rage might be a symptom of his/her emotional problems/lack of control/etc. The abuser’s rage allows him/her to gain control over the abused.
For the abused, rage is a reactive symptom of other feelings/emotions/circumstances. For the secondary victims, rage is a reactive symptom of anger/frustration/fear.
If you have a friend or family member who is experiencing abuse here are some things you can do to help. The most important thing to remember is that the choice to leave or not is theirs. You can't make them leave a bad situation but you can be supportive and helpful in their choice. They will need someone they can count on when/if they do decide to end or leave the abusive relationship.
Domestic Violence knows no boundaries when it comes to race/gender/sexuality/age/socioeconomic status/geographic location/culture.
Remember, domestic abuse affects ten million people in the US every year. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that the folks at the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1 800 799 SAFE or thehotline.org) are ready to listen and support you, as well as refer you to a local program or organization. If you observe someone being abused, you can also call the hotline. A good samaritan call can save a life!
--
All of the quilts in the Domestic Abuse series so far can be viewed here.
Secondary - Domestic Abuse Quilt Series #15
Secondary 16’’ x 16’’
An abusive situation usually involves more than one victim: the primary victim and a number of secondary victims, such as close friends and relatives.
Secondary victims are often isolated from their loved one. They may exhibit worry and anxiety and understandably fear for their loved one’s well-being.
"Often, secondary survivors feel so conflicted; they want to help their friend leave their abusive partner but their friend isn't ready yet. And they also don't want to continue to expose themselves to abusive behavior, or it pains them to hear their friend talk about abuse and staying in the relationship. Or, if their friend refuses to talk about the abuse, they often feel anxious not knowing what's going on. I advocate for someone to take whatever steps they need to take in order to ensure their own personal safety and well-being. I also think it's important to let your friend know you'll be there for them. Leaving an abusive relationship is so dangerous, and often connections have been severed so a survivor has few people to rely on. You can make it clear, "If you need anything let me know. I really mean that." But if you also have to reduce contact to keep your sanity, do it. Most secondary survivors feel drained trying to affect a certain outcome. " Ruth Spaulding DomesticShelters.org
If you have a friend or family member who is experiencing abuse here are some things you can do to help. The most important thing to remember is that the choice to leave or not is theirs. You can't make them leave a bad situation but you can be supportive and helpful in their choice. They will need someone they can count on when/if they do decide to end or leave the abusive relationship.
Domestic Violence knows no boundaries when it comes to race/gender/sexuality/age/socioeconomic status/geographic location/culture.
Remember, domestic abuse affects ten million people in the US every year. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that the folks at the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1 800 799 SAFE or thehotline.org) are ready to listen and support you, as well as refer you to a local program or organization. If you observe someone being abused, you can also call the hotline. A good samaritan call can save a life!
--
All of the quilts in the Domestic Abuse series so far can be viewed here.
Halloween 2019 - Admiral Holdo
Admiral Holdo - Star Wars, The Last Jedi.
P and I have been working on her costume for a couple of weeks. We purchased a pattern for the Admiral Holdo dress from someone on etsy. It was laughably large so we had to make quite a few adjustments.
We ended up using the Made by Rae Flashback Skinny Tee as a base. The back shape, sleeves, and arm holes are from the skinny tee pattern. We used the front shaping plan from the Holdo pattern but sized it to better fit miss P.
We made the cape three different times, finally ditching the pattern and making up our own shape that worked better.
We purchased the wig and arm pieces online. P made the head piece from some wire we had in the basement. We stitched it to the base of the wig to keep it in place.
We are thrilled with the overall look.
Miss P is interested in theater and has learned a lot about costume design the last couple of years.
Her brother suggested this location on U of M North Campus for our photo shoot and it did not disappoint.
I got one photo when she cracked a smile.
