Monday, January 21, 2008

REALLY early spring cleaning

It's 8 degrees out and I started spring cleaning last week. I don't like to spring clean in the spring. That's when I want to be working in the garden or playing with cement and broken ceramics in my little outside sculpture corner! I promised myself that after New Years, I would get organized and start getting rid of crap that I haven't used in ages (or ever), room by room. I've been pretty good about it so far. I went to Home Depot and bought a bunch of plastic tubs in different sizes. I finished the laundry room and the bathroom. How the hell did I wind up with 20+ kinds of body lotion? I don't think I've EVER bought any... Much to dispose of in there!
I organized my sewing studio (formerly known as a dining room). Oddly, there was nothing to get rid of in there...hmmm.
Then I started in the kitchen -- ugh. Five big bags gone and a bunch of stuff to Freecycle. But now I'm stalled. I found these. I am officially sidetracked!

Cookie cutters

Gift from a friend...6-7 years ago

Never used -- not even once

Over 100 of them...what to do, what to do?

Bake cookies? Nah, I don't think so. I've been wanting to try discharging fabric and I picked up some Soft Scrub, regular and gel type, with bleach a while back. I found some old black sheets when I was working on the laundry room. I think they're cotton. I could cut them into FQs and play with the bleach and cookie cutters... Hey, it's too early for spring cleaning anyway!

Monday, January 14, 2008

Thursday, January 10, 2008

QuiltArt Fractured Challenge 2008

WooHoo!
Todays mail brought me a package, 4 pieces of Art from Tomme Fent, who organized the QA Fractured Challenge. I got pieces from Betsy True (UL), Joan Potter (UR), Elaine Stone-Arthur (LL), and Judy Whitehead (LR). I just love everyone's work. I especially like the woven fabric strips that Betsy used for her background.
Now what to do next? I'm thinking of add more to the bottom, maybe a mixed fabric background with a stem and leaves...

All lovely!!

Here's what I sent in -- I hope people are happy with mine too!

Monday, January 7, 2008

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse

I had some time to work on my felted scene last night. I'm pretty happy with the way it's turning out, although the top of the light is a little crooked... (note to self -- wool yarn is almost impossible to remove from 4 layers of background -- get it right the first time!)

I think it's ready for some machine embroidery.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Janome Xpression from Santa

I must of been good....NOT!
TJay got me a new toy for Xmas -- a Janome Xpression needle-felting machine. This thing is so much fun!
My new baby!

Roving, angelina fibers and cutivated and soy silks -- I totally LOVE Joggles.com!

My first effort. A scarf from 3 kinds of wool roving, organza, angelina and silk. I did some free motion quilting on it too.

It's itchyStarted a wall hanging of the old Presque Isle light in Michigan. Hmmm -- so far it looks like a nuclear plant...

Xmas at Oma's....really late on this one



Brendan and Paulie with their hats from Oma













Buck with his new muscle shirt
















Tess












Bisquit






The gang at home in all their holiday finery. Trouble and Angus wouldn't sit still for a picture...
Coco

Pillows all around...


Made Xmas pillows for Patrick, my Mom amd my MIL. The moms got grandkids on theirs and Patrick got car-racing in a storm-st-sea block.
Hmmmm...NASCAR = Non Athletic Sport Centered Around Rednecks...
Look -- they're goin' left! :)