Memorial Day

I know I'm supposed to be writing about quilting and sewing and other crafty things.  But on certain days I feel introspective.  Memorial Day is one of those days.  So, I take the liberty of using my blog for something other than what is was created.  I guess that liberty is what Memorial Day is really about.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.  When watching the news about Afghanistan and Iraq and I hear about the fatality count for the day, I think of the son or daughter that was lost.  The brother or the sister, the mother or the father.  I think of how I would feel if that were my son, my brother, my sister.  I can't even bear the thought.  I don't know how I would live the reality.

Today I also think of my father.  He was a WWII vet and because I am 49 years old, you can surmise that he did not lose his life in the line of service.  Or did he?  I believe a big piece of him died in the Pacific Theatre.  He never spoke about the war or what he saw, but I do know that the Navy vet that returned was not the same boy that left his Indiana farm.  I once asked him why he didn't talk about the war.  He said there are things you don't want to remember. 

My father joined the service at the age of 17.  His older brother had already enlisted and was an Air Force pilot during WWII.  I remember my grandmother telling me that my father insisted that she sign the papers so he could enlist, or he would leave home.  I just see him saying that.  My father was very, very "ornery", to say the very, very least.  Could I sign those papers if it were my son, even with a threat of leaving hanging over my head?  I don't know that I could.

Tom Brokaw said that the sons and daughters of WWII was the "greatest generation."  I read the book and by all accounts, never was there ever before then such a sense of patriotism by all persons, not just those in the service, but also those at home.  This book is worth a read.  My grandmother had two sons at war.  She was very proud of her sons.  How does one bear that?

So, to all those who we have lost, no matter during what war or conflict, and to those who watch their loved ones serve our country, I thank you.

Extreme Makeover -- Sewing Room Edition

The new floor is installed.  The new sewing cabinet is in.  Time to add the equipment and fabric!!  It's hard to imagine that I sewed for so long on a dark green carpet.  The room now feels so much more open and airy.  I feel like I'm in a whole new house!!

Thanks to Tim, Dan and Brandon for installing this floor in one Saturday morning.  The cabinet was in after lunch on Saturday afternoon.  That was my Mother's Day gift.  I am the luckiest mom . . . ever.

My new desk area is no longer that dark green and horrible orange color that it once was.  I now feel like a sewing princess!!

I diligently folded and refolded my fabric stash to fit in my closet just the way I wanted.  Like colors together, themes together, etc. etc.  I discovered that I have way too much fabric.  One tip that someone gave at a seminar was if you find fabric that you love buy it.  Buy it all!!  Yikes!!  Where would I put it?  New plan . . . pick out coordinating fabrics from my stash and find a pattern to go with it, instead of the other way around.

I decided to put my design boards around my desk area and save my room walls for quilts.  I have so many folded in the closet and decided it was time to display them.  Here's the desk area.  The design boards act as a great "sound insulator" for the TV.  I just have to figure out a way to make those unsightly TV cords not so ugly.  Any suggestions?

Now for the best.  If you have two sewing machines, the Koala Craftpro IV is the best.  It is counter height so the extensions serve as a cutting tables.  One on each side!!  Tons of storage.  Everthing that was laying around is now stored neatly on the shelves under the cabinet.  You don't have to take up wall space for bookshelves or put in an extra cabinet for all those notions!!  I died and went to sewing room heaven!!

There is even now a wide open area to move around.  Lay your blocks out on the floor, and an ironing board.  My father-in-law made me the big board to go over my regular ironing board and the quilt hanger that you see.  It's wonderful to be in a family full of handymen!!

From Sewing Room to Sewing Studio

When we built our house 8 years ago, the room I now use as my sewing room was a designated "play room" for my son.  He picked out the wall color, carpet color, etc. etc.  It showed.  At that time he was  in love with the Packers.  So there we were. Yellow walls, dark green desk area, dark green carpet.  Not exactly conducive to a sewing room.  Nonetheless, when he got his drivers license, he was rarely home anymore.  So, I stole the room. 

Out came the Playstation, drum set, futon, and rock star posters.  I was so anxious to have my very own sewing space, I didn't bother changing anything.  Have you ever sewed for very long on a dark green carpet?  Not good.

I put on my best "pouty" face and told my husband that my sewing space needed an extreme makeover.  Reluctantly and with his best "pouty" face, he gave the green light.  Here's the progress:

Here's the first "before" picture.  See the beautiful dark green carpet and those vibrant yellow walls?  I cringe just looking at it.  As you can see, I tested out paint colors.  It couple me a couple of tries, but I finally found something I truly loved.  It's funny how colors look so different in the store than at home.  Thank God for those wonderful paint samples they have now. 

And here's the dark green "cubby" area.  You can see more paint tests.  This is a great area to set up my computer and store my books.  As it was it was way too dark.  I'll fix that!!

And so it began . . . paint samples . . . standing back.  Hmmm.  Brenda's opinion, Annette's opinion, Tim's opinion.  First I got the ceiling painted.  Feeling like Michael Angelo, I stood back and admired my handy work.  That was last weekend.  This weekend the walls. 

From this picture it is hard to tell, but the walls are now a light and airy shade of pale green.  The room looks so clean and bright.  I already feel inspired.  And as for that cubby:

It is now a light sage green.  For a nice pop of color, I painted the desk a marine blue.  The red paper you see on the floor is the next big step to be completed next weekend.  Hardwood floors.  I am so excited I feel giddy. 

So what am I now using for my sewing room?  Well, my poor dining room looks like an explosion, but I am able to satisfy my need to sew little projects for now.

Needless to say I haven't invited anyone to dinner in a while.  I'll keep you up to date on the construction. 

Oh, by the way.  A beautiful Koala cabinet will be going in my space.  Check it out.  It will be the CraftPro Plus IV.  Check it out at http://www.sewingandcraftclub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=2919&category_id=303

Instant Gratification -- Compliments of Amy Butler

Sometimes when I work on a lot of quilt tops, I need a break.  It sometimes seems like I have nothing "finished".  When I feel like that, I look for something that will give me instant gratification.  That is usually a bag or tote. 

A couple of weeks ago I had to take a trip to Madison.  On the way home I stopped at Nancy's Notions to look for some inspiration or a new idea.  I came across a book full of bags by Amy Butler.  I LOVE her designs.  They are creative and original.  Not the same old bag, know what I mean?


Before I buy a book, I have to leaf through it and see if there is more than one pattern I want to make.  When I leafed through this book, there wasn't one pattern I DIDN'T want to make!!  I felt immediate inspiration!! I wanted to make them all . . . that day.

I finally settled on a pattern called the Fringed Hobo.  It was so much fun selecting the fabric for the outside, and I was able to find the lining in my stash.  It was really, really fun to make this purse.  I do, however, recommend finding a decorator weight fabric.  You want this purse to be able to maintain its shape. 

I sort of chose things backwards.  I found a trim that I really liked, and the selected the fabric to go with the trim.  The best I have to choose from is at my local Joann Fabrics store, and the selection there is not exactly primo, but adequate. 


What's up next?  Well, my sewing room is currently being gutted.  My husband is treating me to new paint, flooring and even a Koala Suite!! 

Stay tuned for the progress . . .

Look Before You Leap . . . or Applique

About a year ago, I signed up at my favorite local quilt shop, Piece by Piece, and signed up for an absolutely beautiful Halloween Block of the Month.  For those of you who love to applique, Baltimore Halloween will be right up your alley.  A word of warning for those not so good at applique, like me, or those who want to ease into applique, this quilt really is . . . scary.  I have eight of thirteen blocks now under my belt.  Yes, I am a bit behind.  The first few, not so daunting.  Absolutely beautiful when put togther.   Remember, I got behind, so when I picked up Block #13, I opened it with glee thinking that this is really, really gonna pull this all together.  That's when Baltimore Halloween got really, really scary.  Nearly 200 pieces in the center block to applique.  Yep, you read right. 

Okay, okay.  I did cut some corners.  I looked at the candy corn and decided to make little strips sets and then cut out the pieces.  So, instead of making the candy corn 3 separate pieces of white, orange, yellow, I made strip sets and cut curved triangles.  Then there were other ways that I cut corners by making things that should have been more pieces just one piece.  I thought I would just use my thread for definition.  It actually worked out pretty well and I was pleased with the result. 

This quilt is going to be absolutely beautiful when it is done.  Definitely a great wall hanging as it finishes out at about 58 x 58.  I have more stitching to do.  My ghosts need faces.  But I have definitely learned a lesson.  I have about 9 hours of work in this one 20 x 20 block.  Look before you leap . . . or applique.

2011 Quilting and Sewing Expo in Oshkosh, Wisconsin

I'm back from more learning!!  I LOVE taking classes, and I encourage all crafters to take as many classes as they can.  It is so much fun to learn new ideas and listen to others in the classes share their ideas.  I always get a refreshed urge to create!!  Great instructors and a variety of vendors.  Reasonable cost.  Five classes, breakfast and lunch was only $60. 

First class of the day was Threads Untangled with Chris Lynn Kirsch.  Not sure what to piece or sew with?  What the heck is thread weight?  What is color fast?  What is ply?  This class answered all my questions.  The instructor was fun and informative with many examples to show.  If Chris is in your area, make sure you check out her class.

I had Chris again after lunch for a class called Parallelisms.  LOVED this class.  I now look at my stash closet in a whole knew way.  I buy fabric.  Lots of fabric.  Some fabrics in my stash have been waiting for a quilt pattern with big blocks because I didn't want to cut up such a beautiful fabric.  Now I want to cut it all up!!  In tiny pieces!!  Look below to see why!!

This is what Chris calls Parallelisms.  The concept:  take interesting fabrics and add layers.  Some layers are cotton, some silk.  She even adds layers of sheers such as tulle.  Check out the bottom left corner of this quilt.  Gorgeous!!

The second thing introduced in this class was what Chris calls Concentrics.  Instead of straight lines, add curves and other shapes for interest.

These quilts have so much interest.  This ain't your Grandma's quilting.  Afraid of trying?  I was, but my stash is large and mighty!! So, if I mess something up I guess its a great excuse to go shopping for more!! 

For the more traditional quilter, she had a display of adorable children's quilt.  So much fun and not hard!!  I highly recommend you check out this artist and author.
You may also want to check out her website.  You can find her at http://www.chrisquilts.net/

Another great class was Organizing Your Studio by Linda Halpin.  Boy, did I need assistance with that!!  Lots of ideas and an enthusiastic instructor.  I have two pages of my notebook filled with tips and ideas for organizing.  Who doesn't need help with that?  Linda's favorite item:  a labeler.  Take a trip to the Container Store, Ikea or just an office supply store.  But, don't forget to label those containers!!  I have the labeler she spoke about and love it.  But, you have to hide it from your husband and kids.  I have in my sewing studio two sets of 10-drawer organizers, all of which have a label on them.  Soon, it's off to the Container Store for me.  I will undoubtedly have to label all those containers!!

Now, although I enjoyed all of those classes and very much enjoyed all of those instructors, by far the most entertaining of the day was Fun & Done with Joyce Clark.  Joyce is a 14-year quilting and sewing instructor at Fox Valley Technical College.  She knows her stuff.  She is smart, funny and has a lot of moxy.  Fun & Done is a method that enables you to quilt your block sandwich.  Then you can sew them into rows, then rows into your whole quilt.  Done!!  Now you don't have to take that large, basted quilt and hassle with all that fabric while you try to quilt!   One block at a time . . . that's it!! 

I immediately went home and threw a sample together so I could remember how to do it.  It was easy!!  Check your local quilt shop or technical college for a class on this method.  You won't be disappointed.  There are no books out on this method, so a class is necessary.  Joyce also teachers a class called Cotton Theory.  Same idea, but you create a more dimensional look.  I found an entire list of Joyce's class.  Just go to http://www.fvtc.edu/public/content.aspx?ID=1801&PID=53.  A list of Joyce's classes are in the middle of the page. 

Many lessons learned . . . so much fun.  If you get a chance, try to participate in something like this in your area.  It really is great fun and you come home energized!!

Japan . . .

It's St. Patrick's Day.  I'm supposed to be thinking of Ireland, shamrocks, green beer, parades, etc., etc.  I can't seem to get in the spirit.  My mind and my heart keeps taking me to the haunting, sad and horrific pictures of Japan. 

I was in my sewing room, which is such disarray that it is hard to create.  So, I decided to do some organizing before starting anything else.  I went through the pile of new fabric I had just purchased and carefully folded each piece in a way it best fits on my shelves of stash.  My stash closet is organized in various piles.  Blacks, whites, florals, Christmas, etc.  I then came upon my stash of Asian fabrics and I immediately had tears in my eyes. 

As I am sitting on the floor of my in-tact and heated home, I think of those whose houses in Japan that are leveled.  Someone in one of those homes may have been doing what I was doing just the day before this disaster.  That someone may no longer be there, or may not have a home. 

I find that the older I get, the more introspective I become.  As I watch the news and see the video of earthquake damage, tsunami damage and now the possibility of a Chernobyl-like disaster, I think of how I may or may not relate to any of those disaster victims.  I think of the people who have perished and the loved ones left behind.  How would I handle such sorrow, or how would I be remembered?

If I had lost so much, would I be as gracious as the Japanese people?  I have not heard one report of looting.  I have had the good fortune to travel to Japan and can tell you first hand that this is a country of people who are kind, gracious and generous.  They are a people who seem to relish in giving.  It shows in the news reports.

So, here's a thought.  When we think of what is going on, not just in Japan, but in other disaster areas, do we think, "I wonder if they had designer clothes?"  "I wonder if they were a size 4?"  "I wonder if they drove a Lexus or Mercedes?"  I know I don't wonder those things.

If I were to perish suddenly, how would I want to be remembered?  Would I want to be remembered for what I had?  I think I would want to be remembered for what I gave.  Because I quilt, I think that I would like to leave a little "piece" of me wherever I can.  Yes, I donate my work to charities.  I've made quilts for victims of the Haiti earthquake, the Linus Project and other things.  It feels good to give. But could I do something more?  What other "pieces" could I leave?

When I was getting ready to go to my office this morning, I grabbed my coat and a green scarf knitted by my friend, Colleen.  This is a piece of her life she has left with me.  Colleen is also a teacher, which I consider to be one of the most noble professions.  Each and every day a teacher like Colleen leaves a piece of herself with each and every one of her students, whether she believes that or not.  We all leave pieces of ourselves.

With each disaster that I see, I feel the need to do something bigger than myself.  I think the challenge is to get more people to do something bigger than themselves.  I don't think it has to be a "change the world" action.  But I think that if we all think of something that leaves a little piece of our self; hopefully a piece of our best self, it can change our world.