Pondering ...

Reflecting back on where I've been

Thinking of new directions in which I wish to travel

Preparing for the new year to unfold.

Shall I list my resolutions publicly this year?  or keep them to myself?  or perhaps blaze forth without any at all?   I do confess, I have gone without resolutions before -- enjoying each day with whatever it brings.

Perhaps I shall simply ponder some more ....

CQJP 2012

It's official -- I've signed up with another group for a year of productive creating and sharing.  This group is the Crazy Quilt Journal Project 2012.  Check out their website for more information at  www.cqjp2012.blogspot.com 
(Note: The deadline for signing up ended yesterday, but you can always play along independently!)

My goal -- to make 12 new crazy quilt blocks, perhaps to incorporate beading in each as well as fun and funky embroidery with the eventual end result of a finished quilt/quiltart piece -- hope I can keep up with one a month ..... always good to have lofty goals, right?

Thoughts for the new year ....

Have you been pondering the new year that is fast approaching? 

Making resolutions for changes you hope to make ...

Serious revisions on your current life ... 

Or pondering how to add a touch of whimsy and fun ...

Whatever your thoughts and resolutions may be, my wish for you is a simple one: 

May your life continue into a healthy, happy place and may you be surrounded by loved ones whom you cherish dearly!

Here's to 2012!

cold toes

It's a cold day

I've got cold toes

but the cold feels so good 

and I wish I were there again

now.

Taken on July 1, 2011 on Mt. Rainier in Washington State while hiking.  It's cold, wet and chilly today, in Houston.

Alas there's no snow ....

Blue Vase

I realized that I have never posted photos of the first delightful quilt that I received through Kate North's Another Little Quilt Swap #4 (ALQS).  Click here to learn more about the ALQS swaps and click here to see my post about my quilt Big Foot, framed!, that I offered up for trade.  But enough about these details as this blog post is featuring the quilt I received!  Tell me what you think of this little detail view ....

This sweet quilt originally  came to life  in Victoria, Australia.  Sue McBratney is the quilter who pieced, stitched, embellished and quilted this little quilt which I adore.  Here is the full view:

Blue Vase

Thank you Sue, for swapping such a lovely quilt!  

I love the pieced neutral background as it adds such texture and interest without distracting from the focal point of the blue vase filled with flowers.  I love the embroidery details that enhance each flower's center (and how you covered the threads on the backside of the quilt with little circle appliques).

Sue, I am thrilled to be the owner of your art!

BJP 2012

It's official -- I've signed up for another year of beading with Robin Atkins Beaded Journal Project, my 5th year (is that right?)!

Granted I have only completed the first year, 2007-2008 with my beaded pieces 4" x 6" in size.  Below is one which I named DNA gone wild!.  This piece is in a private collection...

DNA gone wild!

In the second year of BJP, I have so far only completed 8 of the 12 pieces.  Here is my February piece, reminiscent of a Madam from the Wild West ...

Queen of Hearts

I haven't started pieces for the third series, and am contemplating sizes to use for it as well themes -- and then to get started on the 4th series as well.  I am looking forward to working with my beads once again!

Zinnia

 I love love love my new quilt! 

I received this lovely blossom through the Another Little Quilt Swap #6 (ALQS6), hosted by my internet friend, Kate North.  My quilt, Zinnia, was created by Nickels Pickles (aka Nicole), who lives across the ocean from me (in Germany).

 

Click here to read Nicole's blog posting about making Zinnia which measures approximately 19" square.

(perhaps you recognize the border print - it's a Kaffe Fassett fabric)

 Here is a view of the back --the dark triangles are the hanging loops, in lieu of a sleeve.

Don't you enjoy getting to see the quilting from the back too?  Zinnia smiles on either side, front or back.

This is a great swap, Another Little Quilt Swap, too.   Anyone can sign up with no fear of failing to finish their swap quilt .... because Kate North, our fabulous hostess, will only swap the quilts that have been finished with two digital photos sent to her via email.  You can sign up, then life interrupts your progress on your quilt-to-swap, and that's OK, no one is let down (but you won't be eligible to swap).
If intrigued, join me when I sign up for ALQS #7 later in 2012 (or email me with questions).