the last one for now-
the group-
I couldn’t make up my mind which group photo was better so here are both of them.
I was having some camera aggravation- batteries not charged when the sun was good. Then later, very dark. And it is suppose to be a very stormy weekend and I wanted to get this little one posted today… you know how it is. So, not perfect photos, but you get the idea.
These babies are 11″ high.
This is the first quilt that I made that I considered a success- I was happy with the design and function. I made it in 1978, 30 years ago. The top and bottom edges were originally navy and white stripe. I also used that fabric in the dark areas. The design has changed because of how it faded but not ruined. I used another stripe fabric from an old dress that has completely disintegrated. This quilt has seen a lot of use and it is stained, torn, all around pretty ratty. If I get inspired to make another quilt, I might use this design as a starting place. I’m going to put this photo onto flickr so you can see it big if you are interested.
I am in a funk. I did my taxes over the weekend. Every single year I have the same experience- I add it up, do the subtraction and think- why am I doing this art thing? I know perfectly well that it’s not for the money, but still- It is so depressing. And I know I will wallow in self-doubt and criticism for a few days, and then I’ll get over it and get back to work. I’m just not there yet.
Have you seen this post on Screaming Lulu? Click on the link and watch the film. I feel like this all the time.
And I agree with a lot of what this Crabby Old Lady has to say. Good advise for making your blog user-friendly. Via, In a Minute Ago. My particular peeve is music… I read blogs by opening up a lot of tabs and when one starts playing music- argh! I unsubscribe.
I started out the New Year with a lucky win- from Yummy Goods! I received my prize- a VERY big package full of fabric- I can’t wait to start playing with it!
Melissa has a new line of fabric coming out- how amazing is that?! She lives on Cape Cod, which isn’t all that far for me so I am hoping that we’ll be able to meet up sometime soon.
Phew- I really wanted to be able to post at least one doll before the end of the month. Thank goodness for the extra day!
Two little woolly babes.
This one is the day baby with an orange cashmere bird.
This one is the night baby. I guess I needed to try my hand at owl imagery… so much owly goodness around the internet- I was inspired!
A moon “hat”-
The owl is cut from an angora-blend printed sweater. I have found several printed, natural fiber sweaters. I always grab them. There is something odd and wonderful about them. When I found this one, I thought it would be perfect for a kitty or wool hair. Instead, an owl!
2 more babies with trees to finish.
I love pollarded trees. Â It is something one rarely sees in the US.
I noticed a lot of these trees in London- they look like they have ornaments hanging from them.
And here is what I’ve been working on. Trees on the mind. I didn’t get much done on my travels.
This photo is from my walk yesterday. Chilly flamingos!
I spent most of one of my days in London at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Since I didn’t have to be concerned about anyone else being bored, I could spend as much time as I wanted pulling out drawers and looking at textile samples- mostly embroidery and lace. My arms were actually sore at the end of the day! Taking photos is allowed (unlike most US museums), but the dim light combined with the glass cases, made it almost impossible to get a decent photo. These photos will at least remind me of the treasures I saw.
I have a page full of names of artists to research. The day at the museum will give me a starting place to find more inspiration. I love the internet!
I’m back! There is so much to catch up on- isn’t that always the way.
It was Spring in London.
It was hard to come back to this-
I had a great time- went to the Victoria and Albert, Liberty’s, the Tate, walked my feet off, got my money’s worth from my Travelcard, met up with Shashi, did very little shopping but lots of looking.
This is what I brought home-
fantastic Liberty fabric – a vacation indulgence.
and nostalgic yumminess-
some of that bunch will be sent on to kiddos. I am trying to catch up on my sleep so that I can think clearly again.
I will be away from my computer until next Monday. Then I will give you the London travel report- Yep, we are off tonight! As usual, I have been crazy ever since hearing about the trip- I am not a relaxed traveler… I might have mentioned that before. One thing I worry about is having nothing to work on. That happened on one trip we took. Since then, I always try to bring a project to work on, just in case. Even if very little ever gets done. The picture is of my work table with 4 swaddled babies started. I thought I could bring them along to work on the embroidery. I will be happier just knowing I have them.
Thanks for the blog birthday good wishes! See you soon!