Continuing on with Wensleydale

Before I left on vacation I cut a bunch more fabric for the Wensleydale blocks.  The pieces are all stacked on paper plates so I can pick them up in turn and mix the fabrics as I go.  I made five blocks in the last few days and took the papers out yesterday while watching TV.  There are now 21 blocks made.  I'll need at least 35 more, but I was running low on larger pieces of Christmas fabric.   Luckily, the fat quarter bundle I ordered before we left arrived, and I can cut those fabrics when I get a chance.

I don't usually work on one quilt at a time, but somehow Wensleydale is so satisfying to paper piece that I'm sticking with it for now.  The larger harp on my machine makes it fairly easy to maneuver the 6" x 11" papers; it would be more difficult with a conventional harp.  It's fun to see the variety of blocks as they develop.

Yesterday I took the teal tote bag I made a while ago down to Studio Place Arts, the local gallery, for their spring silent auction.  The director seemed thrilled with it (perhaps it's the only practical item in the auction so far?) and asked if I make them to sell.  Because it took me about half a day, I said it is a one-of-a-kind.  I confine my energy mostly to quilts anyway.

Then she asked if I was busy making spring clothes!  Ha!  I am lousy at garment sewing and haven't made anything to wear in many years.  Quilting is my jam!  I did tell her I bought some pink sneakers but haven't worn them yet as it still feels pretty wintry.  Anyway, I hope the tote will be a big hit for the gallery and bring someone joy.   A woman who "won" a little wallhanging of mine a year or so ago told me she loves seeing the little scrappy houses every day.

Some days are like that

It's an exciting day in the neighborhood... for some.  People are sawing wood across the street somewhere, the masons are moving their equipment to work on another chimney, and the people across the street are getting a new driveway.  I guess after all the time we've spent at home over the last few months, jobs accumulated.  Now that workers can be outdoors, they are, with back up beepers going all over the place.  

It's going to be an unusually hot day today - 90 degrees and humid - so I have shut most of the windows to keep it relatively cool.  I also watered all the flowers this morning so they won't wilt.  The black flies are out in full force, too, making it wise to stay inside and read.  We haven't put my AC unit into the sewing room window yet; these sorts of heat waves usually moderate in a day or two.  So I won't be sewing much.  Besides, I need to move the blocks for The Avenue around until I like them and then trim them to a universal size before putting them together.  Some ended up as much as 1/2" off width- or length-wise.  There is sashing between the rows, but not the blocks, so they need to be precise.

My Selvage Sampler quilt has been accepted in a virtual  show at Studio Place Arts, beginning June 1!  We took a few better pictures so that they would have higher resolution than they do with my phone.  I think they are going to take my Outer Space Ohio Star wallhanging for the next virtual show beginning June 17, too.  These shows are to replace the in-person shows they usually have, and the focus of each is to highlight what artists have been doing in this Stay Home - Stay Safe time.  Will post links when I know what they are.  I'm curious to see what else is in the shows.

A few places are open these days, and I did go to my local quilt shop late last week for a few things.  They are all set up for social distancing, but it was still good to see a few other quilters.  I miss seeing people beyond our little neighborhood.  We did play croquet with neighbors Saturday, and everybody brought their own drinks and chairs for a little social time afterwards.   I guess this is our "normal" for now.

Storm at Sea

My scrappy Storm at Sea quilt (60" x 60") was accepted and is now hanging in the local Studio Place Arts gallery show, Deep Blue!

 This photo came from SPA's website and shows the quilting which  I did on my trusty Elna.  It took a steady hand and good eye, so I'm glad they focused on a good section.  This quilt includes some dark blue scraps from my late friend Ann's stash, nice mementoes of a good neighbor.

We stopped in to have a look Thursday, and the other pieces in the show are great, especially two paintings with the most gorgeous blues.  My former colleague Frank has a couple of paintings in the show, and it's fun to see what he's been working on in retirement.  The knitted fish dangling from the ceiling are fun, too.