On Wednesday, my golden girl turned eight years old. It’s perfectly symbolic of Stringbean’s year that she made her own birthday cake. I gave a few directions, put things in and out of the oven, and did the dishes, but other than that, it was all her. She designed the cake shape and frosting. I … More Stringbean Turns Eight
If you’re visiting this blog for the first time, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here, and I hope you enjoy what you find. This little spot is my virtual living room, so to speak, so feel free to make yourself comfortable. I do try to keep things tidy around here – at the bottom of … More The Thaw
Stringbean’s quilt followed a pattern by Christa Watson, from her Craftsy class “Startup Library: Quilting.” It’s a singularly well-designed project for an ambitious beginner, with lots of little touches that grow skills without adding difficulties. I know how difficult it is to design a piece like that! This was especially evident in the quilting. The … More Friendship Stars Quilted
I didn’t even think to post yesterday. Too busy basting a quilt and fighting a migraine. This morning I remembered the round up post! So without further ado, here it is! Spinning I started the year determined to get some spinning done. I’ve spun nearly every day so far this year. At first it was … More January 2021 Round Up
So, Stringbean’s quilt is finished. It happened a little faster than I thought. I didn’t take as many pictures of this process, partly because getting it done required my phone to be in the hands of a small person. But I’ll take you through the process, as there was lots of learning that I want … More Friendship Stars Assembled
I spy a rainbow in my sledRed gas canYellow diesel canBlue tarpLittle green parkaLittle pink parka And my big indigo-purple snowpantsWith orange lining. Outside my sled Is monochromeUntil my eyes adjust to the contrastBlack rocks on white snowSage lichen on black rocksOrange fungus on sage lichenSlate ice with aqua fissuresWhite sky with a rim of … More I Spy in January
The next step in Stringbean’s quilt was the other half of the blocks. These are called “Friendship Stars,” a block that has a similar nine-patch construction, but with a twist. Out of each set of nine squares, four are half-square triangle blocks! HSTs are a special kind of fun to make. You just stack up … More Friendship Stars
It took years to learn to dress myself. Mass-produced underwearSweatshop shirtBut then it gets interesting. My hat is a handmade gift from an parishioner Who was blessed by my predecessor. My sweater is self-made Using knowledge from booksAnd a friend in Vancouver. My boots are brand newTop of the lineA Christmas giftFrom generous in-lawsWho reach … More Dressed
Anyone remember when I made these Blue-Footed Booby slippers for Stringbean and MiniMighty, when the latter was six days old? The larger pair is now on the feet of my youngest. That is all.
I have a deep love for efficiency. One of the biggest draws to quilting, for me, is the way quilters have developed techniques and tools to produce huge textiles with great efficiency. The moment that I learned about chain piecing was the moment I knew I had to try quilting. Chain piecing piles up this … More Irish Chain
