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