February Always Flies By

Sid and Gwyn enjoying some long awaited snow

 It has been quite an eventful month for me.  I have been working away on several quilts for Kerry of Commaworkshop.  I also attended three quilt events/guilds which were all very fun.  I have been working on a quilt for my aunt for 2 years now.  It is all hand applique block-of-the-month and named Empress Ohashi.  It is the type of project that I enjoy doing on cold, snowy days when I don't want to move more than three feet from the wood stove. 

Gwyn helping arrange Empress Ohashi

I just finished all the applique and pieced together as a quilt top the other day.  As you can see in the photo, my master of balance was helping me arrangement.  It is too funny how she sits in chairs like humans or the cats.  Now, I have to quilt it. 
I am, of course, nervous about this last step.  It is such a gorgeous quilt top.  So, yesterday, I had a play day.  I loaded the machine with pretty tie-dyed fabric and just played.  I think I learn more on a play afternoon than I do in months.  It is truly important to take the time to play/practice. 
I also just started taking a Zentangle drawing course.  I think it will really improve my skills as an artist.  I have never been good on paper, just give me fabric or frosting!  So, I thought it was time to learn.  The Zentangles are great and the style really translates into quilting quite nicely.  It is fun, relaxing, and educationally skill-building all at the same time. 

Bogie under pile of blankets

It is dumping snow on us today (finally!).  So nice and pretty looking out.  Starting to wonder if we should move the car to the bottom of the driveway.  It's about time.  We were really overdue and fire season just stinks of fear and anxiety around here in drought years.  Thank you for the snow!
Well, I am going to try to clean my house up today. I've been ignoring it for the sake of work lately, but let's face it, I'd rather be quilting any day of the week versus cleaning.  Glad my hubby keeps on top of things and I just go for the deep clean every few weeks.
Keep Creating and Quilting!

Quilt Pics

I have set some demanding goals for myself this month. I am working on either un-impressive or as-yet-secret quilts. I will share these projects with you all in due time. Meanwhile, I thought I would share some photos of quilts I have made.

This one is the perfect example of what my husband and I create together. He tie-dyes the stars and flowers and fabrics for me. I design the Celtic knotwork and put it all together as a quilt. My husband believes that I turn his pop-art into fine art. He attended Skidmore College. We were very proud when this quilt hung at the Tang Museum of Art in Saratoga Springs, NY for the Skidmore Alumni showing.

It was made in less than a month I believe. Well, by the time he finished making the stars to his satisfaction, I had one week to apply the knotwork and quilt it. I worked on it for 16 or so hours a day. He was at least a very nice guy to cook every meal that week. This quilt is now in the personal collection of one my best fans.

The snow is starting to melt rather quickly here at Mountainjoy. I so look forward to the spring and summer up here. The carpet of columbines can always make me forget the winter's 10' drifts and howling winds.