Stitches of the Sea.... ten down!

 So Mr. Nautilus was on my original list of sea creatures for the Stitches of the Sea Block of the Month (affectionately known as "Seafood of the Month" here in the studio) I first jotted down in January. 

Now that push has come to shove and the list is getting shorter, I hesitated because apart from the beautiful shell, he's kind of a homely looking guy and maybe even a bit scary...

This is what was in my mind...

But part of the joy of doing these is looking and learning about these wonderful things. The Nautilus lives in the tropical waters of Southeast Asia and Australia-- mostly in the columns of deep water almost a half a mile deep-- 2600 feet. For perspective, our most advanced nuclear sub only goes 800 feet down. He uses gas inside his chambers to move up and down-- at night, you might find him riding up the side of a coral reef to graze. Okay, yes, I have to admit he's a carnivore, but he tops out at 8 inches, so our diver above is safe!

Now look at this cutest ever baby nautilus picture-- he's getting hand fed in an aquarium!

 Don't you just want to hug it?

So that's my sales pitch-- the sets are now on the website, both quilted with a beautiful coral reel and also as a single design.

I have to admit it's a relief to have ten of these designs done--

they are the most artistic and complicated of my sets. I'm really happy with how they are progressing.

Stitches of the Sea

Take another look at my list up top and weigh in with a comment if you have an opinion on what the last two should be. I have to be honest and say the finishing kit won't be out until next year-- but I remember how long the Cloud Club finishing kit took-- and honestly, that one design is probably my master work of all time. I know you will be patient with me. xoxo

Cloud Club

Yesterday, I picked up my award-winning coffee quilt from the art gallery-- it was a thrill to see it hanging with all of the beautiful watercolors and oils. Everyone there was so kind with their compliments-- I'm not sure they know the quilting world exists.

I told them how much the blue ribbon meant to me and how I appreciated that they opted to go on with the yearly show in spite of the difficulty-- how all of the quilt shows are cancelled for 2021 and MQX is no more.

It just keeps making me sad-- while on the one hand I am grateful that my creativity has not been crushed as others' spirits have been, when will we ever get to show and to see all these wonderful things made behind our closed doors?

xox

Carol

Sew She's at it Again...

I am attempting to get "back to normal" around here-- whatever that means anymore-- and I really don't feel like too much deep thinking right now so we'll just leave that sentiment where it stands!

Slow stitching is always such a comfort to me. I have been working along my old cross stitch kits from 20+ years ago recently. There is the illusion that things were better then. While I'm sure those times also had their hardships, I just enjoy seeing my old things, like old friends, that have been with me all this time.

So this is where my "Snow Circle" from Sudberry House designs stood when I threw it into a drawer for the last time so long ago! Actually, it wasn't in a drawer the whole time-- it followed me through two cross country moves and spent at least two years in a box-- LOL.

I pulled it out a couple of months ago for my morning hand stitching time-- and here it is as of now:

I was going to put it away again, but it's moving along quickly, so I might just persevere until it's finished. You can see in the first photo, it gets inserted in a black tray. I didn't buy that tray at the time-- I wasn't in a financial position to do that, being home with two young kids. But I was delighted to find Sudberry House still makes the trays, so I might treat myself now that I'm sure this will be finished! They tray has glass over it-- so the design is protected. Why you would put anything IN a tray over this beautiful work-- that I don't really understand!

Speaking of treating myself, I've been on a total fabric buying binge lately. An absolute addiction. Thank God, I have started buying charm packs instead of fat quarters, or my studio would have exploded by now.

Here are two new collections from Moda I just had to have. One is Brenda Riddle's and one is 3 Sisters'. Lately, my taste has moved a bit to the ornamental-- I don't know why-- it's a style that certainly does not lend itself to embroidering over it!

You can make two or even three quilts out of a set of 40 fat quarters, but to make a decent table runner or throw out of charm packs, buy two.

If you don't have a pattern in mind, I'd also buy a yard of a background print like one of these. I'd probaby go with the white one, but if you feel more adventurous, there's plenty of choice in most of these collections.

Then, for a nice backing, get a yard of what I call the "signature print" of the collection-- it is the large scale print they all seem to have. These prints are not meant for a 5" square-- see how the poor bird's head is cut off! 

The "signature print" usually has a choice of three of four colors and if you don't want to condemn it to the back, they make a stunning outer border for your project, too.

So that's my formula for irrestible fabric collections-- two charm packs and two yards of fabric will get you a nice throw for $40, instead of $125 the set of fat quarters is costing these days.

But wait! There's more...

The excuse I bought these charm packs to begin with-- I noticed that one of them might have a beautiful print to finish the Cottages of the Month quilt!

I used the Fairy Frost fabric in the color "Baby" for my blocks-- then I picked Robert Kaufman Quilter's Linen in "Mist" for my sashing. That is the middle print above with the cross hatching pattern in it. The sashings are going to have cross stitch embroidery on them and this is what I have so far:

Then I saw this print in the "Dover" fabrics and now that I see it in person, I think it is just PERFECT for the final border. A bit subtle, but I really want the cottages to be the focus and it will show up some really pretty quilting very well, don't you think?

I can't wait to work on this, but today's job is Stitches of the Sea-- October is a Nautilus and if you know what that is, you are better than 75% of my family. He's a bit scary looking, and I hesitated, but I think I will be able to pull it off! Thread makes everything beautiful.

He lives in the deep water, drifting up and down in the columns of hot and cold water. That doesn't bring to mind any ideas for the background, but I imagine that there's not too much to worry about down there!

So these are all my little happy things I'm thinking of today-- no deep thoughts for me. I hope you have enjoyed reading about them, and will now pull out a thing or two to make your own joy today.

xox

Carol

Loss

 2020 continues its bitter course...

my extended family has had a loss. 

Not like a grandparent, who you are sorry to see go
but who has had a full and joyous life... 

...but someone who had years ahead of them as a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle-- that will now never be enjoyed.

After two years of suffering, when you think you have no tears left, 
you can always surprisingly shed a few more. 

We went back to the part of the country where we shared so many years together.  It is comforting to see things that have been there  even before that person was still alive. 

Nothing lasts forever,

but we still hope.

And I always come back to my sewing room, where the stitches bring comfort, hour after hour.

xox

Carol