Birthday Threads

I love the moment just before a quilt begins. The fabric is crisp and neatly folded. The floor is free of loose threads. Things seem organized and easy.

So I thought I'd capture this moment. Before I start snipping and messing. Because since we already have a Summer Quilt, and a Winter Quilt, that means I should probably get to work on an Autumn Quilt.

And thanks Mom, for the fun fabric. For knowing that this would be a nice gift for a girl on her Birthday. And for teaching me how to make things. Because that was a good gift too.

Embroidereading

I finally got around to finishing my Embroidereading Contest submission. I'd been thinking about it all month, wondering what poem/quote I'd finally settle on. And I thought I had decided, and then while I was doodling the layout, I accidentally changed my mind to a Tom Petty song. I know. It happens sometimes. Don't try to fight it.

I think I first heard this song when Evan and I had just begun courting. He put it on a mixed tape for me (how cute is that? And okay, it was actually a mixed CD. But mixed tape sounds more romantic), and I have loved it ever since. Because I think it's the truth. And nothing but the truth.

In fact, whenever I find myself out doing errands in a crowded store or out driving in crazy traffic, this piece of the song comes to my mind. It usually goes something like this:

* car swerves sharply in front of me, cutting me off *

"AAAGHGHH! I don't belong here! Not at all! I belong among the wildflowers!!"

* waiting in line at the supermarket surrounded by celebrity gossip *

"Wildflowers! I need some wildflowers!!"

And it doesn't necessarily make me feel any better. But I love it just the same.

And I felt like placing a 'T' in place of the first name Tom made it seem more legit as a piece of poetry. I don't know why. So just please don't tell Tom.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a patch of wildflowers.

You can view the rest of the submissions here .

Shooting Star

Miss Shooting Star is finally finished!

The photo she came from was taken on a rainy day by Evan. And she had some rain drops scattered about her petals. And I thought they were too delicious not to include. That's probably a 'no-no' in the botanical drawing world, but I just couldn't help myself.

How about a picture of the Shooting Star with the puppy?

Much better.

A Chair for my Pins

I am not much for trinkets. In fact, I really prefer a clutter-free house. Which doesn't make any sense, because I am an artist, and artists thrive amid chaos, right? I guess I'm a rebel. Anyway, that's what was so exciting about my latest trip to the thrift store.

I was casually waiting by the cash register with an armload of books, just minding my own business, and that was when I spotted a tiny chair stuck behind the tacky shot glasses.

I stepped a bit closer, forfeiting my place in line.

What is that, I wondered.

I mean, it is obviously a tiny chair, but what else is it?

I had an idea.

I grabbed the chair and ran back to the craft section. I looted around and found a packet of needles. They were mostly open already. And besides, this was an emergency.

Ahha! Just what I predicted. A pin cushion! It was love at first sight.

This chair has been following my everywhere these last few days, because it makes me soooo happy just to look at it. Not only is it old and tarnished and full of character, but it is so practical. And it is definitely NOT a trinket. So rest easy everyone, I can continue my 'no trinket' policy with complete honesty.

Some news...

Hello! It's been a while. But I have a really good excuse. Really good. And it's furry.

We have been looking for a dog for several months now. We really wanted to adopt/rescue a dog, and were having a hard time finding one that was a good 'fit' for us around here. So we decided to be patient about it. Meanwhile, last week Evan was headed on a 10 day business trip (frown) and so I had made arrangements to go hang with my family in Utah for a week or so. It just so happened that right before leaving, Evan's animal-loving Mom let us know about a little Rescue pup in her area.

And I brought him home with me.

We named him Gesso (pronounced: Jess-o) and he is such a little sweetie.

Little Gesso is approximately 8 weeks old. He is a Great Pyrenees/Border Collie mix. So he will probably be the size of a giant Grizzly Bear. Which would be super. But for right now he is pretty snuggly and is as soft as a bunny.

And if it's not too obvious by these picture, I'm a little bit in love. So I apologize in advance if this blog turns into a puppy blog. It just might happen.

Acid-Trip Owl*

That's what Evan has been calling my latest little project. But I think he looks so much more fun clad in crazy colors. So I don't care. Usually when I'm doing a little work of embroidery, I'll either just make it up as I'm going along, or I'll do a small sketch and then stitch away. This was the first time I'd ever traced a pattern. And it was fun having someone else do all the thinking for me. I'm not sure what to do with this little owl yet, perhaps a pillow? Or part of a bag? We'll just have to wait and see.

Free pattern found here.

* important note: Neither Evan nor I have ever 'acid-tripped'. Just thought I'd clarify.