Quilt Show !

Every January I spend a weekend pulling quilts from one of the 2 large shelf units I have filled with vintage quilts. I collected most of these quilts at local quilt shows, back when quilt collecting was still somewhat affordable. I have collected what I like based on my tastes and emotional response to the textile. I have not collected a quilt based on future possible profit, or on some so-called "expert" opinion on what should be collected. The quilt at the top of this post was my "introduction" to quilting. This Dresden Plate was my mother's "wedding" quilt, made by her mother and quilted by the church ladies. It was always in our home, and in my teens, after inheriting that grandmother's vintage singer sewing machine and sewing paraphernalia .... I became interested - ok, ok, obsessed with quilts!

So, anyway, every January I pull the quilts from their shelves, unfold and lay them out on the bed in my spare room. I usually leave the quilts for a month or so, protected from the morning sun and the cats. In this way they "unfold" and when the month is up I begin the process of refolding - in a different pattern - so I don't get permanent creases in my collection! On the right is a 1930's Double Wedding Ring. I don't think it was ever used as the colours are nice and bright (for pastels) and in very good condition. I love the red!

On the left is a 1930's yellow Basket quilt, you can tell by the feedsack fabrics. And on the right is another Basket quilt, this time divided by blue lattices. I also it's circa 1930's because of the fabrics.

Next we have a Tulip quilt. I inherited the blocks from a friend of a friend's grandmother - or some such such connection I can't quiet remember anymore. Anyway, I was some what reluctant to complete this quilt top as the person who made the blocks used a stiff polished cotton as the background, and no matter what I do - when washed it wrinkles like mad and needs to be pressed, which is kinda weird for a quilt - but what can ya do ...

And on your right is a Kansas Star quilt top. The top was hand pieced, and after repairing some of the seams I patiently hand quilted this beauty myself. I'm rather proud of the fact that I have actually completed one of the many vintage quilt tops that I own!

BTW, if anyone out there enjoying this quilt show has other names for these quilts I'm showing please feel free to leave me a comment with this info. I base my quilt names on Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns . Above is a Lone Star. It's lovely, but stained. HOW'd THAT HAPPEN??? Did I buy it that way ? or did one of my feline beasties do something nasty and not tell me??

This blue and white Pinwheel to the right is another quilt I'm extremely proud of. I made this one back in the days when I was still producing large quilts. I wasn't too much concerned (or aware?) of piecing techniques, hence many a lost point ... but hey, the result is something pretty anyway! Of course it is hand quilted - and if I do say so myself, heavily quilted!! I added the pink inner border as I thought the blue & white alone was too boring.
On the right is a lovely fan quilt - circa - hmm, I don't really know, but my quess if anywhere from 1940's-1950's. How do I know??? Again, my information source is Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1800-1960 by Eileen Jahnke Trestain.

This one to our left is a Bethlehem Star (?) I think. Based on it's condition I'm guessing it was used and is from the 1900-1930's. Some of the fabrics are somewhat delicate, but it still shows rather well and has a great "hand" being nice and soft.

Below is an Autograph or Signature quilt I purchased at an antique store in Port Perry. It was one of those "got-to-have"s... Even with no autographs!Here's more Dresden Plate quilts. I kinda fell in love with this pattern (sorry I hope I don't bore you with lots of Dresden Plates). There's just something about the pattern that I just adore! It must be the pastel colours.

And another Double Wedding Ring. This one was purchased for a realllly good price at a silent auction at the GoodWill!!! Yes ladies - you can get bargoons there if you're on the lookout!I think this pattern is referred to an Wheel of Fortune. I really can't remember where or when I purchased it. I would guess it's from the 30's as I suspect it has feedsack fabrics . The Tree of Life on the right I also suspect is from the '30's. This time I'm basing that guess on it's provenance. It came to me through an aunt who had a friend, who had a friend who knew an old lady who died .... etc. etc. Sad way to acquire something beautiful, but maybe she's resting in peace knowing her hand made quilt is treasured by another connoisseur.
Here I have a BowTie quilt. It's the only one in my collection(that I know of) but then this is only 1/2 of the collection .... Again I think its from the 1930's/40's based on the fabrics.

Below is a damaged Indian Trail, least I think that's what it's called. Someone had an unfortunate accident and there are small blood stains in various spots. It was cheap probably 'cause of the stains. I purchased it as an example of a pattern I'm sure I'll never get to ....
To finish off this portion of my "Quilt Show" I have two utility quilts. On the left is a freebie 1930's Butterfly applique quilt. I admit to spending one whole month many many February's ago re embroidering the black blanket stitch, and replacing some of the butterflies. A friend found this one for me at a church rummage sale - you never know where great quilts will turn up!
On the right is a simple patchwork - no particular pattern name that I am aware of, but I liked it for the wonderful Baptist Fan hand quilting!

So, that's my Quilt show for today, Hope you enjoyed it. Next month, if I'm on schedule and still enthusiastic you might get to see the other half of my "quilt collection".

TTFN

murder Murder MURDER!

Sorry to get you all excited - I really should not be so dramatic - but I feel like a murderess. Normally I would coax and molly coddle the annual Christmas poinsettia from dearest Father well into February, and sometimes into March! But this year the teenie bopper Simone has decided she wishes to taste all my plants!!! So, although Dr. Jon (from petplace.com) reassures us all that Pointsettias ARE NOT poisonous, contrary to the urban legend stating otherwise ... the %#$* thing is losing leaves like crazy and I'm tired of chasing Simone all around the house to get those red leaves out of her mouth! So, I'm a murderess as I solved the situation by sticking the poor innocent plant outside on the step to freeze to death, which it did quite nicely overnight.

Now, if only I could find an equally easy solution to stop the feline adolescent in my home from eating all my other plants! Any suggestions??

Spent the rest of my weekend, when not chasing Simone around or playing "catch the ball" , putting this wall hanging together - I even got all the blanket stitching finished. Now, all I have to do is quilt the darn thing and I'll have something new for the front door, or for my bulletin board at work. I may even get it finished for the next guild meeting - ok, ok, lets not get too excited!

TTFN

Winter Blast ...

I HATE WINTER

... I believe I said this last year, and quite possibly the year before that ... and it still holds true. January, it seems, is the time for frigid arctic air to descend into my neck of the woods and make life miserable! I think I hate the cold even more than I hate the snow! I can honestly say that I'm not impressed and if it had been me that won the million dollar home last week instead of my brother-in-law's cousin you can betcha that I'd be a) retiring and b) moving to warmer more tropical climes!!!

Here's January's tablescape. Nothing terribly fancy except the angel in the center (pictured above) was a gift from mother at Christmas. I'd like to think of it as a message from her that I'm her angel ... maybe she just thought it was pretty. Either way it's nice and has found a home. Speaking of homes ... Simone, the wild one, is ..... yes folks another break through .... trying to make friends with Iris. For most of the holdiay season I thought poor Iris was being neglected and cowed by the hyper Simone. That was until the day I witnessed Simone being chased from the basement to the main floor, a hissy fit under the kitchen table followed by another chase to the upper floor where a further hissy fit occurred! It seems Iris can hold her own with this young wipper snapper! Anyway, this past couple of weeks as I return to my warm and cozy abode it's Simone who greets me at the door (she's fascinated with the outside and all that white stuff - especially when I stop to shovel the sidewalk - "What's mummy doing?") Once our greetings are accomplished Simone turns her attention to Iris and has attempted to rub noses several times. Iris, at this point is still playing the "I was here first, I superior" aloof game and merely hisses back! It will come to pass - I hope.
Here's a pic of the "scrap" blocks left over from the quiltop depicted in my last post. The cobblestone pattern has gone amok as there simply were not enough of the 4 patch blocks to keep it going - who cares - it will probably be made into a baby quilt for the kids as a community project. I was fortunate enough to find an appropriately coloured backing ( at $3.00/meter!) so I'm golden! Now all I have to do is decided how to quilt the whole thing - by hand or machine, by myself or pay someone .... Hmmm....
TTFN

Happy New Year !

Happy New Year !

As you can see - my table theme continues. This isn't my holiday tree - see previous post for that -it's kinda a Charlie Brown tree, on the small side and artificial but it suits me, at least I make the effort and decorate each year. The tree pictured above is my little twig tree which I also decorate as I like natural things, twigs, flowers, sea grass baskets etc.
Talk about making an effort .... here's a picture of one of the cakes I made to take to my sister's , this one's a Candy Cane cake. Even if I do say so myself ... it was pretty good! The other cake, a chocolate with green cream cheese centre was eaten too fast and I didn't get a pic , I guess that means it was good also! I got so wrapped up in making the cakes I didn't get much cookie baking done, just one batch of sugar cookies. Guess ya can't do everything, especially when ya leave it all to the last minute!

Here's a nice pic of Simone and Iris - together! Treasure it as they have reverted back to Simone dominating the main and lower floors of the house. She tolerates Iris on the main floor sometimes, but has become quiet the hyper child! The breeder I got her from claimed Simone was "spastic" ... well I think the woman used the wrong descriptor - Simone is HYPER not spastic - especially after any kind of food. Here's hoping this hyper activity is related to her youth!

Spent some great time with family and friends over the holidays as I enjoyed a full two weeks from the daily grind (YEAH). I even managed to get some crafting and sewing accomplished!
My friend and I finally succeeded in completing our Teacup pincushions = another big YEAH! Mine's the short squat one. I like hers better because the teacup is footed and there is room on the saucer for you to stash thread spools or scissors, etc. Mental note for next time , hmmmmm

And speaking of friends - lookee lookee what I got for Xmas ...... YUP a Jim Shore tree ornament in the form of a cat!! Normally I'm not a big fan of Jim Shore (dare I say that? ohhh I know he's sacrosanct with most quilters ....) but in this case I will definitely make an exception.

My Sewing accomplshments include completing the quilt top for a workshop by Heather Stewart from November called Cobblestones. What I'll do with this quilt top is another mystery yet to be solved, so for now it's going into my UFO trunk! I even got all the "extra" blocks put together and they might just appear on the back of whatever this becomes ... stay tuned!

TTFN

Ho Ho Ho Part Deux

Well, it's official. I'm living with a teenaged monster! Seriously folks Simone, the poor unfortunate, shy, timid, neglected, perhaps abused wee thing in the basement .... not only has come out of her shell ... she's becoming a holy terror!!!

Ok, perhaps it's just a phase (don't all parents of teenagers say that?) Simone has officially left the basement. Oh, she still frequents the nether regions for play purposes, but for all intents and purposes she has ensconced herself permanently under my kitchen table. Well, sort of. In reality she's running around the main floor like a maniac, chasing empty thread spools and a hot pink foam ball with a happy face on it, or the laser pointer, which drives her absolutely mad, Mad, MAD! Simone needs to learn some household manners - that's for sure... and mommy is determine to teach them via the squirt bottle method and a deep authoritarian NO! House rules are:

1. we DO NOT get up on the kitchen counter, china cabinet, or the kitchen table,
2. we DO NOT growl at each other
3. we eat what mommy gives you and no complaints!
   

If/when Simone encounters poor Iris she is stopped dead in her tracks. The feline standoff usually terminates in a hissy fit or deep growling . Iris responds by decamping upstairs to my bedroom where the living is easier... In my last post I discussed two new year's resolutions. Well, I've thought of the third resolution - NO MORE RANTS! I have resolved to totally ignore everything/everyone that annoys me (see How do we react). Simple eh? These acts/people have always been there, and unfortunately always will ... so why bother getting annoyed? I resolve to make next year a CREATIVE and HAPPY year! Wish me luck!

WHOOPEE!

TTFN

Ho Ho HO

I wish I could say the above image was something I made .... but to be honest - once again I haven't had enough time to be as creative as I aspire to be! BAH HUMBUG! It has become quiet obvious to me that if I ever wish to be the creative and productive individual my inspirations motivate me to be - well, I'll simply need to win the lottery so I can retire from this d#*& rat race. With the current economic situation and probable loss of pension savings (I'm afraid to look) I'm betting I'll never retire -

TTFN

Simone Update # ?

For all you readers out there anxiously awaiting news of Simone - the cat in the basement .... We've had a breakthrough !

Yes, a real, honest to goodness breakthrough. Simone has - voluntarily - come upstairs into the main part of the house! Last Friday when I arrived home from work - there she was - Ta Da! Just as nice as you please. She moved around various locations in the living room and finally settled under the kitchen table for the evening where she could contentedly watch me doing my kitchen chores. She seemed quiet happy and, knowing how food driven she is I naturally rewarded her behaviour with a variety of treats. I now know Simone does not like yogurt!

So, thinking that she had finally come out of her shell (silly me) I naturally ran downstairs and put the basement room back into human order (aka I put the loveseat back down on the floor from it's up ended position). So, naturally when Simone retreated to the basement once more and found the loveseat horizontal she immediately reverted back to her old ways and proceeded to hide UNDER THE COUCH for the next 3 days! Post weekend I did manage to get a play reaction from Simone as I patiently dangled a fur ball in front of her for close to an hour. Yes - an hour ... none-the-less this too was a great leap forward in that she PLAYED with me = interaction with the human!

Well, as usual, my personal schedule has been totally insane this last 2 1/2 months, and I'm at the end of a very long 3 week stretch, so haven't had any where near as much time with poor baby in the basement, but I've been worrying about her. Much to my very great surprise and delight didn't Ms Simone come upstairs this morning whilst I was breakfasting. Whoopee!
Simone wandered about briefly and snarled loudly at Iris who meekly retreated upstairs and pouted. Simone then made the rounds of the living room, jumped up on a chair then onto the table to look out the window then looking back at me she discovered I was eating oatmeal! That means there will be leftover milk! Smart kitty that she is Simone then leapt down from the table and waited patiently at my feet for the dregs of my Scottish breakfast!

Progress at last!!! Maybe - just maybe by Xmas, when I can be home for several days in a row, maybe just maybe she'll come upstairs permanently?

TTFN

Retail Therapy

"Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it." - Jane Wagner

Ain't that the truth!!

Lately I've been dealing with, or at least attempting to deal with stress. Where does it come from anyway - really I don't think my life is all that complicated ... I know I like to keep busy 'cause I hate just sitting around, but me thinks I'm a wee bit too busy for my own good! Anyway I've been trying to get other people to take over some tasks and/or just let certain things go... 'cause it just isn't worth it anymore!

So, this past weekend a friend and I did a little retail therapy - Whoohoo! It was a quilt shop hop, but the weather was not kind (major snow storm), so the driving wasn't fun, luckily it wasn't me driving. The company was great and we got to visit several "new" stores which is always fun, and we both got lots of new fabric and books! Now if only I can find the time to put all this retail therapy to good use! HA!

Simone updates ..... she has been coming up the stairs and peeking over the threshold into the main living area. I thought I might just tempt her into coming all the way out when the mighty Iris decided to defend her home turf and scare poor Simone back into hiding in the basement. She now comes out of "hiding" when I enter the basement in anticipation of the treats I'm trying to tempt her with - er I mean train her. Like I keep saying ... two steps back one step forward!

Tablescape for October
note the 2 devil cats!

TTFN

Full Moon Crazies Part Dieux

So, last night was another guild meeting, and my personal full moon crazies were in full bloom! Not only did I forget the two library books I had earlier in the week very carefully placed on the bench at the front door - my quilt bag was placed on top of them thus neatly hiding them from view, but I also managed, upon leaving the meeting, to decamp sans the fabric postcard donations. Yikes! panic struck the moment I entered my doorway - what will happen if I can't retrieve them - how will I ever explain this to the ladies! What kind of dork am I, have I totally lost my marbles ??? Ok, deep breath, breath, breath, relax ..... follow our fearless leader's example and blame it all on menopause .... That works for me ;).

Now for all you out there in radioland, if you're still concerned re the previous full moon crazies entrée let me reassure you that a truce has been called and we are now on speaking terms again and all is well in quiltland ... Tomorrow is another day and we'll be deep into this year's first workshop. Why do I sign myself up for these things - it's just going to become another UFO/WIP .... I ought to know better, and even though it is supposed to be another scrap lap quilt I still went out and bought co-ordinated fabric. So much for using up the stash!!!

Now on to the important updates ... its seems one step forward and three step back for sweet little Simone. I recent located a wonderful site on the web from Best of Friends which provided a 51 page (yes you read that correct) a 51 page pdf on Socializing Very Fearful or Timid Cats. I think Simone fits into this category (pardon the pun). I thought we were making pretty good progress as I had begun to coax her out from under the couch using kitty treats (she is definitely food motivated), and allow my finger to remain next to the treat as she ate, not touching me, but she did sniff my finger several times. Pretty good eh?
Well, Iris decided to come for a visit and silly mom (must be those full moon crazies again) decided to kiss and hug and make a show of Iris in front of Simone. It seems this was not my best idea, and now poor Simone is back under the couch! Darn ! I feel so sorry for the poor thing. When she does eventually stand up she appears to be rather stiff (from all that crouching under the couch) and she comes out of hiding she always, always always backs away from me, frequently she won't even stand up but remains in a hunched position as she backs away. What's even more disappointing is that I went out and bought her a nice plush bed - just for her - and some of that cat pheromone spray to help her understand this is her bed. Will she get into it? NO, she'll eat the treats out of it then go crouch on the floor! It almost makes me cry to watch her, but I am inspired by the above linked pdf to continue to work with her. I may perhaps have to revise my original deadline of December though. Let's see, maybe February or March or next Easter ? (Wha wha wha - I want my basement back!)

Wish me luck
TTFN

Colours of my Gardens

I didn't know how much I love red Maples until I bought my condo.
I moved in May and spent that first summer making minor improvements to the insides and trying oh so hard to overcome my personal feng shui issues 'cause the address was an odd number ... totally silly I realise, but it did take me several months to overcome a definite sense of I don't belong here.

The next summer I got busy landscaping, important as the previous owners (university students) had merely been interested in how many people they could stuff into this place!

So, with the University's contribution I went out and dropped some bucks on trees. Now at first the brainless secretary in HR argued that I couldn't spend my 25 yr award on something as useless as trees, the money was supposed to be spent on a gift of "lasting value", you know like a golf club or a barcalounger. What? The university is supposed to be an Arboretum and they don't think trees have lasting value? DUH ...

As you can see I won this debate. Building on the empty garden beds I planted a couple of Peonies, a "Burning" bush, a dwarf Lilac, a couple of Weigelias, two different varities of Weeping Caraganas, a couple of Forsythias, some Rose of Sharon donated from a friend and .... a red Maple. That's probably the best gardening decision I've ever made!

Since then I have added a garden in the lower portion of my property planting a salmon coloured Rhododendron which flowers for too short a time, more Weigelia, a climbing Hydrangea which has yet to flower to cover the wall and a white snowball Hydrangea to hide the AC unit.

I also invested in several garden architectural pieces, a couple of tripods, two trellises and several other misc pieces. This summer I added a Hibiscus shrub in the same bed as the red maple, a rusty old milkcan rescued from the garbage and now proudly displayed on the front step, and a wrought iron flower urn to house the non-perrenial flowers I choose to purchase for the front step.


All in all I'm rather pleased with the gardens I've created for myself. Having lived in apts for 20+ years with no balcony or access to the grounds, I think I've created a somewhat lovely garden scape for myself and hope my neighbours enjoy it as much as I do!

TTFN

Bugs on a Screen Door

Update #1: the number of Simone sightings have increased. The couch in the basement is now propped up against the wall so she can not truly hide under the couch, although she still takes shelter -in the "shade" of the couch. Since she appears to be food driven I have increased the amount, variety and times for food treats, and have started to use them to actively attempt to coax her out from the shade into the sunlight! I have also begun to move her food/water dishes out of the basement room and will slowly move them up the stairs, thus coaxing Simone into our society. Iris has been going downstairs, voluntarily, and it seems the growling has stopped. BIG Step!

Update #2: I have finished the Bugs on a Screen Door baby quilt, YEAH . It is now bound and awaiting inspiration for the label. Otherwise DONE. The quilt is hand appliqued, and hand quilted and will shortly be off to the family to help celebrate the birth of their one and only son (they already have a girl). I hope they like it!Update #3: I have been off work sick with this nasty cold that's making the rounds. Working with the public can be fun, exciting and stimulating, but it's not always good for your health! For me it started as a cold just after Thanksgiving, morphed into a sinus infection about a week later, and has now upgraded into laryngitis - ah well, people tell me I talk too much anyway!!!

Update #4: Speaking of October, you may remember my recent Full Moon Crazies blog entry. I am determined to take the high road on all this schoolyard silliness and not be dragged into unproductive discussions. It is what it is, no one is right, no one is wrong. I may have over reacted (I'll admit I can be drama queen), but the "incident" was the culmination of months of unsophisticated behaviour I have endured patiently from this person, and does not excuse her use of physical force.The point is it doesn't have to leave a bruise to hurt my soul.

TTFN

Simone Sightings

I hereby cheerfully announce two, not one, not three but TWO, yes TWO Simone sightings - today. For my dear readers who are as yet not introduced to Simone ... she is a beautiful, yet terribly timid Siamese/Ragdoll cross I "adopted" from a cattery on Oct. 6th, 2008.
I was informed that Simone was "spastic" (no evidence of spasms so far), had only produced one kitten, hence was being given away for free by the breeder, and was bullied by the other free roaming cats in the cattery. I was Simone's "last chance" at life, so she immediately came home with me as I have an oh too soft a heart.
Simone has been in hiding in the basement since Oct 6th!Most "experts" will tell you to keep cats separated while the new one adjusts to her surroundings, hence the basement. Being extraordinarily timid, Simone immediately picked a hiding spot behind the TV in the entertainment unit! I allowed this for 1 1/2 weeks since she seemed comfortable, but have since pushed back the TV forcing Simone into a newer - more accessible hiding spot. She is now residing under the loveseat. Each week I pin up another portion of the skirt on the loveseat to reveal her more and more. We currently have the loveseat pulled away from the wall so Simone can not back up against the wall. Every day 2-3 times per day I go down and lay on the floor and talk and purr and sing and make all kinds of silly (but quiet) noises to Simone. I have attempted to reach out with my hand, but she has quickly reminded me (claws in luckily) that she is not yet ready for any touchy feely stuff.

Soon I will have to upend the loveseat so Simone can not hide under the couch at all! Iris at first was taking this all with great difficulty, hissing and growling and much tail wooshing! Now she goes downstairs into the basement and looks at Simone then walks away. It seems to be a Mexican standoff at this point. Wish me luck - here's hoping that lovely Simone comes upstairs by the holiday season.
TTFN

The Generosity of Friends ...

So, for our friends at sea, and those who might wonder Does this woman have any friends left? YES, I am very happy to relay that I have many many friends, and most of them are very supportive, sensitive, thoughtful, and in this case very generous. I was recently overwhelmed with the gift of this fabulous Eastlake parlour table, which as you can see immediately received the place of honour in my front window! The time of its inaugural portrait was our Canadian Thanksgiving, hence the pumpkin decorations. I expect I will be auditioning several fine linens/crocheted tablecloths until I find just that perfect one! This could take months ... so expect a possible series of pics. How did she know ? How perfect for my room? How exquisite! How do I say thank you?

By bragging about it to everyone I know!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU ! THANK YOU !

I must admit I have been remiss in expressing my gratitude as at the time of the table receipt was also the occasion of adopting psycho Simone, my new 18 month Siamese/ragdoll cross. In hind sight I should have taken the more friendly Flamepoint Himalyana/Scottish Fold cross, but Simone was just so beautiful, and I hope will in the end be a better friend to Iris. No pics yet as psycho Simone is still hiding under the couch in the basement - we're going into week three now .... stay tuned - it's going to be a bumpy ride!

My Messy Life

So - here it is ladies - MY creativity room (or at least one part of it). As you can see I need lots of visual and auditory stimulus, hence the TV, the bulletin board with way too many notes, and all the rest of the clutter. BUT - it's organized - sort of, cobbled together over the years! My sewing table is actually one half of my former dinning room table (a garbage salvaged piece of furniture) the other half extends off to the left under the TV tower. On top of the TV is a vintage porcelain lady pin cushion I purchased at a local auction.
Behind the sewing machine (one of 4) I have a vintage paper stand which now holds my freezer paper role 'cause I do a lot of applique and like the freezer paper method. The small wooden plaque on the wall above me is from Moscow, a souvenir from my father's last trip to Russia. You can just see my little Babuska doll on the small doll's table.
From a former bathroom I am re-using the toothbrush holders, and glass flower frogs, to hold some of my frequently used sewing utensils, like my seam ripper, tweezers, tube turner, and mini iron. I also use the soap dish to hold current bobbins and threads, and finally a cotton ball holder to house all my various sewing machine feet (hidden behind the sewing machine). Tucked beside the sewing machine is a former treadle sewing machine drawer which houses several varieties of pins, and a pamphlet box with my machine manuals. The drawer unit contains some of my ribbon collection, button collection and other odds and sods which we all collect!

Under the sewing table tucked beside the counter I keep two large wicker baskets. they were originally purchased for under the bed "out of season" storage, but quickly became fabric storage!!! One houses all my Batiks - which quickly overflowed into two more sea grass baskets under the ironing board. The other holds my "favourite" UFOs ....... To my right is a shelf tower which holds a couple of treadle sewing machine drawers filled with thread, plastic organizer boxes filled with misc much needed supplies, like buttons and bobbles and ribbons and lace, and fastners etc. Just before the window you can see one of my door knob hangers I made last holdiay season! I used a vintage glass door knob and decorative brass washer (is that the name for it?), drilled a hole thru a painted wooden plaque and Voila! I have one in my bedroom where I hold recently worn scarves or necklaces ... very handy object d'art!

Here's a front on shot of my cutting counter (cutting mat leaning up against it!) As you can see I have this month's fabric postcards arrayed on the white metal fan a friend gave me for this very purpose (shout out to C M-R and Thank You). The counter is also a salvaged kitchen unit my father dumpster dived for one day (he'll never admit that he dumpster dives ... but I got the bug from him), then repainted and resurfaced with a useful but ugly arborite top. It's just the perfect height and width for cutting fabric, and since it backs up onto the room's window - it's wonderful to stand at and rotary cut on a beautiful sunny day.

On the left is another cobbled together book shelf with way too many quilting books - but how can you get rid of any??? In front of the bookshelves is my wooden ironing board, currently draped with my 2008 "Blue Hawaii" challenge piece. Behind the ironing board is my design wall ... 2 pieces of styrofoam insulation with baby flannel stretched over top and held together and held on the wall with large alligator clips. The pressback chair is one of a pair I purchased while garage saleing one day - a real bargoon - $25.00 for the pair whoohoo!

So, that's my sewing room, messy as it is. It goes together with my messy life...
TTFN

Lost Brains

So it's official ... I have finally and perhaps irrevocably lost them. I don't really know where I put them but they have definitely left the building.

This past weekend I had another one of my all too frequent I Don't Know What I Was Thinking episodes - you know the kind, where you go out, and against your better judgement purchase something/ volunteer for something, or, in my case adopt another psycho feline!

WHAT WAS I THINKING ???

Well, I was thinking that poor little sweetiepie Iris is driving me crazy wanting to play all the time, and I, lazy mummy that I am, want to sit and quilt...
So, now that Iris is all settled in and happy and well adjusted, I had better find her a companion. When the Kijijii cat deal fell through silly me then responded to a Penny Saver ad to "give a home to a wonderful Himalyan/Persian/Ragdoll - FREE" . Yes ladies - you guessed it, I once again got taken in by the "FREE" word.

So, now I have psycho cat (a beautiful cross between a Siamese and a Ragdoll), ensconced somewhere in the nether regions of my basement - ohhh I hope she's still in the family room and not in the laundry room where she can get into the rafters and hide forever ....

Ok, ok, calm down. I must remain calm. Let us remember back to the early days of Iris
(named after the famous British woman writer Iris Murdock) who hid under my bed for 2 weeks and would not come out! Maybe we'll get lucky again and this baby will warm up to Iris and me tout de suite. In eager anticipation I have decided to go ahead and name this new, as yet unseen baby ....... wait for it ....... Simone, after the famous French feminist Simone de Beauvoir. From what I can remember seeing of her at the kitty mill - she looked French. I know - she's half Siamese ... so I suppose she's actually Indochine which means she must then be related to Margeurite Duras, another favourite French feminist writer.... Come to think of it I did have a all white cat one time named Pearl which I always associate with Duras' famous novel The Lover. Oh .... don't get me started down that existential path!

Pics will be forth coming whenever Simone finally decides to come out of hiding and pose for us!
Wish us luck!!
TTFN