Home Time !

Had this week off work (YEAH) and actually managed to get into the sewing room during the daytime (Yeah). Finally got to this home dec project, recovering my Eastlake foot stool. This is it's 3rd cover since I bought the foot stool, and I think I'll keep this one for a while. Me Likee :) In fact I like it so much I recovered my sofa cushions  ...

It's freezing outside today (4 degrees C!), not exactly springlike :( otherwise I'd be on the patio finishing up my latest book Havisham. Not the very best of writing, but as a preclude (to Great Expectations) not bad. As far as precludes go I did enjoy the movie Oz, The Great and Powerful, good visuals and cleverly done. My all time favourite book preclude is Wide Sargasso Sea. If you're a Jane Eyre fan (I am) this is a definite must read this book! Well, what else have I been up to this week? I've been to our local Quilts of Israel Quilt Festival, and here are some of the quilts I thought were fabulous! So, what else have I been up to? Took in a local Quilt Festival - Quilts of Israel. Here are some of my favourites :)

Apologies, I was running short of camera battery power so did not take pics of the quilt descriptions, so am unable to provide attribution. Must remember to charge up the camera next time!
I definitely love love love the one on the right - just love the colours in this one.

The bull rushes (?) on the right were done with yarn - nice.

Love the use of log cabin blocks for the water !

And of course you know I love applique :) The birds were very well done, but I'm not sure Israel has Mallard Ducks, do they? Perhaps they weren't meant to be representative of Israeli birds.

 

Street musicians, nicely done .

This one was fabulous from a distance .... up close it was raw edge applique. Interesting

Along with landscapes there were some "folk art" type quilts  with lots of hand embroidery and buttons. I can't say I'm overly familiar with Jewish/Israeli folklore, so not sure what this multi-armed person riding a Lion is doing. Hmmm.

I like the horse in this one - it  reminded me of a Chagall painting - perhaps that was the intent, what do you think?

Now this person had a couple of quilts in the show. I think she used multi-coloured fabric, a very sharp cutter and lots and lots of patience to cut out these patterns.

I don't read Hebrew, so forgive me if I got this wrong side round (I think it's right). I'm hoping it says something inspiring. Any help out there ladies?

I have to admit I have great admiration for  quilters who manage curved flying geese blocks. Since I am block challenged (aren't we all?) I liked this quilt!

So, there were lots more lovely lovey quilts, but these were my favourites. Hope you enjoy them too. 

Oh, and we met up with some former Library friends also!

TTFN

Ouch!

Ouch ! Oh, that hurt. I really tried, honest. I hate to clip the wings of such a beautiful Japanese Maple, but really, it just kept growing. Shade is nice, that's what it was bought for, but not to creep over into my sitting area so much that I really couldn't sit anywhere anymore! Below are the 2 branches I lopped off! Oh, it really hurt to do it, I had night sweats worrying about should I, shouldn't I? Ah well, it's done now!

 

Please forgive me tree !

It's the May 24 weekend, and the weather is FANTASTIC! I will finish my spring cleaning and gardening work sometime this week, I have been divesting myself of old electronics (yeah). I also plan to attend a local quilt show this week - should be a good one!

TTFN

Happy Mother's day!

So, two more water bottle carriers and two more mug rugs :) Every body but me will get a gift today :(
Oh wait! What am I talking about? I just purchased this Spicy Spiral table runner pattern. I got the ruler last year - maybe I'll actually get the runner done for Xmas? Oh, yeah, I also purchased these fabrics (shhhh, the local fabric store had a 50% off sale) Three white w blues - for that B&W (that's blue and white) quilt I've been going to make for, oh 30+ years ...... , and 2 nice pieces of line, FINALLY! Now, to re-find all those fabulous linen projects I've been seeing on Pinterest :)

I managed to get some grass appliqued onto the white cat - yeah. She's beginning to look a lot better. I have decided I will also applique a couple of bees/bugs buzzing up above his head. and I think I will outline the white cat with either some grey or black embroidery thread, something to make him stand out more. So on the right is the quilt top so far, I'm really beginning to like it and enjoying the process of applique as you go :). What to do next, hmmmmm

TTFN

Patio time :)

Yahoo!Patio time :) After our long dull grey April May has come through with some much needed sunshine and warm weather. Yahoo! My Hostas and Peonies have sprouted, the Hyacinths are in bloom and trees are leafing. I even found a "new" lavendar plant and have potted it up - YEAH :)

Last week I got so carried away drooling over Ragnar Lothbrok (oh yeah ....) I forgot to show you this small collection of Hexie blocks. Some of you may already be totally hooked on the Hexie craze. I have resisted so far, but resistance is futile! At our last Stitch-n-B our hostess pulled out a box of hand-me-downs from a former guild member. Well, of course we all plowed in to discover the hidden treasures ... and this is what I came away with! I'm not on the bandwagon just yet .... still in my cat mode, but I expect this will be a good carry-along for the next few summer months.  So, speaking of cats,  on the left is my accomplishment for the last week of so ...

Progress so far ....Next is the white cat in the middle right. I'm thinking some more greenery, then maybe that's enough greenery ? and time for some birdies or butterflies or mice or ??? ANy suggestions ladies?

TTFN