Project Completion

Today's post is brought to you by the letter 'c'. 'C' is for 'complete'; as in 'The project is complete.' Wow. I can hardly believe it. Two years went by rather fast!

Some of you may remember, I took a part time job as a project specialist in a research study testing curriculum focused on combating childhood obesity. That was two years ago. In that time the project grew from one grade level in four schools to multiple grade levels in four schools plus after schools; from there we even made it to summer camps. It has been quite a ride.

Today I took a moment to really look at what had been accomplished. There is the research assessment which says we improved nutrition and garden knowledge, improved vegetable preferences, and showed improvement in beverage choices and physical activity.  The office assessment shows thousands of educational contacts with expansion in the county and a diverse outreach base. Those are great accomplishments, but they seem rather impersonal.

The project took me to places I never thought I would be, to do things I could only imagine doing, with children who truly needed 'just one person' to be a change in their day. Amazing teachers, camp and after school staff have become work partners and friends. My eyes have been opened to the hearts of many families that shared their children with me- and I have grown to love them. It has pushed me to challenge my creativity and my knowledge base. I have grown and become better for it.

These past few months have been filled with data collection, documentation and finalization of all the hard work we did. There were speaking engagements and conferences; training dates and sharing moments. Now it is complete.

So what will become of 'Professor Go?' now that the project is complete? We won't know until the month ends; she might just be around a little longer or she may stay a while. Either way, I can confidently say, 'I did that and it is complete!'

A Quilty Finish for January- Just in Time

 

Okay. I know it seems a bit silly to celebrate something so small. This table topper quilt technically only took a few weeks to complete- but with my work schedule that is a miracle! Two color triangle squares set the blocks 'on point' giving the appearance of tumbling blocks. Some of you may remember this pattern was done in the exact same colors a few years ago, however, this one is much smaller and has different borders, backing and stitching. It is called, "Gazing Through my Window". It is a quilt for my mother.

For some time now my mother has been quite ill, spending plenty of time resting. Her home here with me is set so that from any place she rests there is a window view of different parts of the farm. Sitting with her one afternoon I realized that the position she often rests in lets her gaze through a tree top canopy at the blue sky. Quietly there my mind was drawn to the remnants of my previous quilt and the beauty of a blue sky with puffs of white where stark brown branches interrupt and hint at where beautiful leaves should be.

Sritching and scratching in my notebook, the design table filled with bits of this and pieces of that until the machine was called into action as snippettes of thread and tidbits of fabric magically came together in the form of this little quilt. The small size was important, as her home is dressed in small tables and little couches- perfect homes for little quilts.

The quilting stitches were the final puzzle I struggled to find. She loves flowers, but the are not in season and were not seen through the window. Farm motifs were out of place and leaves just didn't work for me. After days of doodling and moaning over the whole mess (I nearly gave up and said it would have to wait) when finally it hit me.. dogwood. She has always loved the dogwood. Looped petals along the blocks gave a gentle impression of breeze while lending the 'memory of leaves' that struck me as I gazed through her window.

It all came together at the very last minute. I was literally stitching the binding hours before our gathering- the pains of being too concerned with representation of the idea. Tucked in a gift bag, I was itching for her to see it.. of course, she loved it.. but the story has not been told.

So here, today, I share the imagery, the imaginary (the fretting) and the facts behind her quilt.. given with the intention of brightening dark days and bringing to mind all the wonder that can be found by simply "Gazing Through (her) Window".

Happy Birthday, Mom.

A Little Stitch Therapy (or The Day I Murdered My Machine)

The cold has finally won, driving me into the house in search of some color and life. Quilting seemed like a great way to get a little spring of life in my day. Everything was quite zen until everything fell apart and died.

Let me just say, if you hear a weird sound when you are stitching- if you feel resistance from the thread- STOP everything... and call someone not emotionally involved in the situation (i.e. a man). I did not stop. I attempted to repair the situation by starting over a hundred times before the poor machine just stopped responding to me.

From there, I still couldn't leave things alone. Instead I linked on to the troubleshooter web page and went into a full on panic at their advice to take the bobbin area apart for a good cleaning. After a few cups of coffee and a brisk walk- you guessed it- I braced myself and dismembered the poor machine one screw at a time.

It seems a small lamb had taken up residence there in the bobbin chamber and died a sad, lonely death leaving behind his fleece. The trouble shooter web guy assured me this would solve my problems. Doubtful, but in desperate need of finishing what I started, I proceeded to do what the back of my mind told me not to do. You guessed it. I murdered my machine.

No one was home to see the look of horror that surely crossed my face when the bobbin cover leaped out from under the fabric, followed by the bobbin case jumping halfway out- setting somewhat askew under the fabric where the needed was jammed down in the machine resulting in a giant hole in the fabric. There are no words people. No words.

A few deep breaths and a web cam pic later the trouble shooter guy completely gave up on me advising I stop touching the poor thing and let a professional handle it. This put me in "how to tell the husband" mode. You know the one. "Hey, honey, I know the car is broke down but, guess what- I murdered the million dollar sewing machine today and need to take it in." I know my man- this will not bode well.

Defeated and lying on the floor in tears, my phone interrupted the melt down. My mom with a little
'what's up?' text. Thumbs flew as I confessed my sins. Over pops Dad; long time sewing machine savior, confident he could resurrect my poor thing.

After quite a time of painful machine surgery and a little scolding about making sure I am not sewing with a bent needle (which, of course, I argued I was not doing- sigh)... he assured me the machine was up, running, and in perfectly good help. No further medical attention necessary. I was doubtful, arguing that the second problem was fixed, but there was a first problem that he hadn't dealt with. Not deterred by my fit, he left me- confident in his work.

Shamefully I confess there was a time of sipping coffee and pouting- putting off the inevitable 'test run'. Here.. for the whole world to see.. he was right. Clean bobbin case, new needle, and the thing works like nothing ever happened. I paid him in cake- home made, from scratch, pound of butter in the batter cake (and a hearty confession that he was right). I will never live this down.

In the end, stitch therapy did happen... along with a hearty dose of humility.

What Do You Do When?



 

     A funny conversation happened at my conference, right after one of my presentations. I was approached by an older couple who noted that, by my mannerism and enthusiasm, I had to be a teacher. It gets funnier.

You must be a teacher. Only a teacher speaks like that.

Why, thank you, yes I am.

What do you do when you are not teaching?

What? I am always teaching.

What do you do when you are not in the classroom?

I teach outside.

What do you do when you are home?

Teach my family.

And when you sleep?

I dream about teaching.

You are a strange, yet passionate woman- your husband has his hands full.

You have no idea!

       We walked away with a hearty laugh and a precious hug, seeing each other often though out the course of the week. While the conversation may seem odd, I treasure it, for it is encouraging that others see my heart when I speak. For me, all of life is a classroom and every one I meet is either teaching me or being taught by me. I am blessed by this sweet couple and their gentle humor at my goofy, yet very real way of being me. 

I'm Traveling- Can You Believe It?

     I woke up today facing the very thing that had been plaguing me for weeks; traveling. Not just a 'toss a few things in the bag and zip off in the car' traveling- I am talking pack your necessities, and your 'professional casuals' and hop a plane traveling. This body has not graced an airport in over 20 years and let me tell you, things have definitely changed!
     My first experience in the airport since my married life began left me absolutely perplexed. I was flagged- pulled out of line, patted down, hand swabbed, bags searched flagged. Separated from by traveling buddy, I proceeded to get lost in the airport for what seemed like eternity, but was most likely fifteen minutes. Wow. Off to a great start, I then managed to get pulled out of the boarding when my pass buzzed. After a few phone calls they allowed my passage with no explanation for the panic. Obviously I am a dangerous menace.
     Tonight I sit in a hotel, far from home, winding down after a long journey. Tomorrow will find me listening, learning, speaking and breathing. I don't often find myself surrounded by adults- so this will be interesting.
     For now, a little hotel room yoga, a soak in the tub, and goodnight!  

It's Finally Time!

        The anticipation has been building; nervous energy courses through my veins. It is finally time to get back in the kitchen with the kids! We have had a nice long break- four weeks to be exact- long enough to let me breath- long enough to remind me how much I'd rather not be in the office- long enough to make me miss those rowdy monsters:)
         This week finds me back with my team introducing kids to the concept of growing- not only food but in our knowledge of food, eating- old foods in a new light and new foods with an open mind, and going- outside or in, getting our bodies off the sedentary and on the go, go, go! So what does that mean?
          Growing: Preparing gardens for fresh fall plants; participating in learning concepts teaching us how plants relate to each other and the world around them while showing us how we relate to plants and the world around us. My specific lesson this week: parts of the plants/plants we eat. Professor Go gets her overalls, hat and muckers on!
           Eating: In the kitchen, Professor Go and Chef Plate are whirling up some green smoothies complete with baby greens and frozen fruits! Who doesn't love a slushy, purple drink on a hot Texas day?
           Going: It's time to walk, hop, and crawl as Super Jenni shows the kids her Wonderful WAT obstacle course and challenges them to best themselves as they do it all again.
            Yes, it is finally here. The moment my team and I have been waiting for; preparing for; packing and planning for. It is time to get our groove on and get back in the kitchen with the kids! 

Planning A Thanksgiving Garden

     Yesterday, around a large table in a children's library, there sat four creative souls with one purpose in mind: to create a thanksgiving garden. When the teacher approached me with the idea I was pleasantly fascinated by the notion of it (while slightly concerned about the timing). Sensing my hesitation she pressed the question, can we do it?- and me, well.. challenge accepted!
      The desire was for students in a particular grade level to apply their food growing/tasting/get physically active knowledge toward a particular common goal that could be shared with the entire campus. Okay, so that isn't daunting or anything. 1. Get a mass of fourth graders to work together, in soil. 2. Location, location, location- how do we place it in a communal area where all the school can see. 3. What on earth do we plant? 4. Funding. Everything costs something. Thus we found ourselves in the library; pens, paper, and plenty of coffee (one sweet soul thought to bring granola bars!). Address the mess:
        1. The majority of fourth graders at this campus already spent last year working gardens and preparing food with me; fortunately one of their teachers worked with me last year as well. This gives us a foundation to start with.
         2. Location took care of itself when we realized an atrium garden area was available since the class it was build for and maintained by was no more; a central location, seem by everyone who walks two main halls of the school. A little clean up, a little soil amending and we are ready to go.
          3. Funding (yes, I know I am out of order) will be on each team members shoulder. Some donations have already come in for seeds, and some plants. With a common wish list in hand, we can approach prospective supporters for donations not yet received.
          3. What do we plant (the best part for last)? Well, what do we eat at Thanksgiving? Teachers had already mentioned the notion to students who eagerly put some thoughts in: sweet potato, greens, corn, green beans, white potatoes, herbs such as sage and parsley- oh, and, of course, pumpkins!.. they were on a roll. The only concern now is to find the best variety for our zone and get those seeds in the ground!
           So how will this all play out? The mystery is the most amazing part. Seeing the beauty and chaos unfold is the stuff that fuels my madness! Hopefully, students and teachers will connect outside the paper and book zone in an opportunity to truly enjoy each other. Mentors will arise from the shadows and nurturers will shine. Agriculture will draw together with history as children face plant needs, nature's unpredictability, and the science of kitchen magic. I can hardly wait to get my muck boots on and meet in the garden.
            Will it be successful? It already is! Teachers and students have stepped outside the box; administrators have approved and are watching; the wheels are turning and there is no turning back.    

My Hand Quilting Journey

   Long arm quilting, machine quilting- these are the trends of today. Many quilters and consumers firmly stand by the machine movement..they have their reasons. Some say the machine work is much stronger and gives durability and long life to their projects. Others believe it is faster and more efficient making hand made quilts more available to the consumer. Me? Well. Machine work is fine and I am working through a class to improve my machine quilting skills, but it isn't my favorite method. I have my reasons.

   Years ago when I started my quilting journey my heart longed to connect with the women of my past..those strong, sturdy women who's creativity and love of family was translated to and preserved in their beautiful hand made quilts. My heart yearned for the same lack of idleness..the same flowing creativity to preserve and pass on to my friends, family and loved ones.
    My journey began with small simple 'sandwiches' printed with random designs..a Noah's ark, for example. Hoop and needle, thimble and tread became my 'down time' friend. On a bench by the playground or the table during lessons..even while my husband and I watched the news my hands worked busily at this new task giving purpose to my time and a pace to my whirling thoughts.

     I started with the basics: hand positions, the rocking motion. My stitches were long and wide spaced, but as each little project came to completion my technique became second nature..like breathing. From the motions to the meanderings my next focus was stitch length. Careful to concentrate my attention to loading the needle with tight concise stitches with as little spacing as possible. Piece by piece it came to be  more consistent and routine. The familiar rhythm brought relaxation and contentment.
     Several years of simply stitching random fabric sandwiches were the basis for my work. I bought cheater cloths preprinted with designs and taught my children the skill of hand quilting. We made several and gave them as gifts to loved ones and friends. It wasn't until much later..only about five years ago that I found my way to actually piecing quilt tops. That journey took much the same path..simple and slow gradually finding my way to more complicated designs.

     The urging of my husband and a few dear friends gave me the courage to take my work online, creating a shop stocked with hand made things...all representative of my love for those skills so quickly fading in our hurried world. Every so often I still question that decision..hand quilting is not in high demand it seems.
     Admittedly, I do list machine quilted items..I am even taking a class to improve my skills. Why? I can. The reality is, I love to learn and explore new things. Will my shop change? No, because my passion lies in hand quilting...that will not change. It is a journey I have enjoyed traveled and will continue to connect with as the years press on.

     Have you dabbled in the hand quilting journey? Would you like to? Currently I am pondering a series of tutorials and possibly videos to teach the beautiful art of hand quilting. Let me know if you are interested in working a project with me.

What's In My Sewing Room...

   Dreary grey rain kept me tucked inside today, venturing out only when necessary (seems my animals like to eat). The day found me in the sewing room working and cutting. As you can see two prairie dolls are eagerly waiting their pretty dresses, which are pressed and cut. On the bottom of this stack is a 'practice sandwich' I am using in my online free motion quilting class. Today..'wiggly lines'..or, better known as 'stippling'. Tension and speed are my focus right now..keeping my foot and hands moving in coordination- challenging.

   The first prairie tot has come together with a few kinks and glitches, but she came together none the less. I have some notes and adjustments to set in place for the next one.. already waiting for my attention. Seems a good idea to work the problems out if the little girl design before tackling the little boy tot, although I can't wait to see him sporting his hat and broad fall pants.

   Way back on the table sets three Dresden blocks I am playing with. They were started a few years back when all my kids were heavily invested in 4H..thus the white clovers on green fabric. I can not remember the original idea in my mind, therefore the blocks sit there for me to rearrange and mull over. In reality, I like the layout above..possibly using it for my free motion class section on quilting a running clover design.

  Here the blocks are spread out a bit more..not my favorite. To me, it seems the 'buds' should be closer to the full 'flower'. No hurry, there is plenty of time to run it around my mind some more.

   The crumb quilt is still on the frame and moving right along...those Baptist fans are time consuming, but working. While not my favorite quilt, it is growing on me..and my Jen; she seems to have a heart for this scrappy little ditty. We'll see how it goes..she may sneak this one into her hope chest.

   Oh, how my heart desires to go spend some more time stitching and creating...I had better not. Classes are in session again tomorrow so some reading preparation would be a real good idea. Thanks for visiting the sewing room with me..now, what's on your project table?

New and Busy Start

   Deary wet and cold..that is how this first day of the new year started for us..just a bunch of nasty not niceness. Topping off the list of not niceness- two sick kids.. Justin and June. My farm boy is still fighting a feverish congestion and my little goat is just not thriving. Slippery trips between the barn and the living room to care for my charges..that was one busy start to this new year.

    Another busy start to the year is a new quilt on the frame and a new design to go on it. It's no secret I love traditional quilts..their style and design connect me to the past and my wild prairie home. To start my year with my prairie close to my heart a pretty crumb sampler style quilt was pulled from the unfinished bin and set in the frame. To continue the connection to my past a motif was chosen to link my two heritages together. My father's family held in it a Baptist pastor..therefore the Baptist fan motif will grace the yards of my churn dashers and flying geese. Already a challenge, row one is done..now to manage a second.

   For one more crazy start to this year..new thimbles. I have used the same worn out plastic thimble since as far as I can remember..but my hands have been killing me so I ventured into new territory with a whole new set of thimbles. Deeply dimpled and custom fit to my small hands and nubby fingers, the Thimble Lady thimbles arrived under my tree and quickly made their way to my fingers. Can you believe I am learning to quilt with my thumb as well? Ever so helpful in this particular pattern.

     Finally, one more busy start to the new year..changes and revisions to our shop. Jen and I have been busy at work with fresh new photos and spiffed up write-ups..even a few new items to be seen. We have designed business cards and flyers, redesigned the banners and are still working on the custom price listing. For me, the absolute hardest thing about the shop is putting a price to my work. On one hand it seems so odd to value my work, and on an other it seems invaluable..I don't know how other people do it.
      I will lay my head down tonight with colors and motifs dancing in the darkness. Sounds of coughing and little goat cries will keep my ears attentive..and the collision of my family past will great me anew in the form of a waiting quilt. It has been a wet and new and busy start, but oh what a good start it is.

End of One Start of Another

This weekend saw 

the end of the Vintage Doilies quilt project:

beautiful lace doilies

appliqued onto while panels

framed in blue

with Celtic gable stitching

and little doily shadows

framed in dark blue print.

It is now pressed and packed

ready to ship home.

This weekend also saw

the start of a new Holly Lane Houses project:

six lovely pieced houses

set in a snowy season

surrounded by holly leaves

on a warm cream background

encased in red trim.

Now, off to read some directions and make a plan!

Today, Off the Frame

This blue and white lacy beauty comes off the frame today...

to be pressed

and dressed...

trimmed and slimmed

in preparation for the final touch;

..binding so blue and true..

with dainty leaf prints

in just the perfect fit.

Do you have a project that's almost finished?

Simple Sewing Saturday

Vacation Bible School is behind us-

it was a wonderful time..

I learned to stretch a bit and watch God work.

Garden harvest is in-

washed and sorted..

waiting for my attention.

Dishes are washed-

laundry is sorted...

dinner is in the crock.

Now it's time for a bit of

simple sewing

this Saturday.

Have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

New WIP & a Tip

   The ending of an old project brings in the beginning of a new one. The vintage stars and triangles quilt is heading to its new home, but the frame didn't stay empty for very long. Here is a new work in progress: Vintage Doilies.

   Beautiful thread work makes its home on white cotton panels framed by aqua blue sashes. Hand quilting will accentuate the lovely thread work in echo outlines while a gable stitch will give detail and form to the frame. All stitching will be done in cotton thread matching the fabric; blue for the sash and white for the squares.

   Now, tip 1:
   When basting or pinning a quilt, my fingers get absolutely shredded by the points of the pins. To relieve this little annoyance, I use an everyday kitchen spoon to catch the point and lift it up. This makes the end easy to see and easy to grasp.

   And, tip 2:
   Size is an issue when it comes to laying out a quilt- table size that is. No matter how many tables I seem to set up, there is often a little length lacking. To remedy this situation I use my ironing board.

   Good for any height, the ironing board also allows me to pin fabric in place (or pin the frame poles- they tend to roll off and slam my toes!).

   I shared my WIP...what are you working on?

A Quiet Day

Hoping to spend a quiet day putting some rows into the quilt.

Fiber Arts: WIPs and Tips

   A beautiful quilt has been waiting for me on the frame..so patiently it sat there encouraging me to get better. As my days improved the vintage quilt and I had little meetings together; a stitch here, a stitch there..just happy to be together for what ever amount of time we could manage.

   This vintage beauty was purchased in an antique store on one of my mom-n-me outings last summer. Completely hand pieced, this full size top has pastel cottons, muslin and wonderful flour sack fabrics. Starts dot ever corner of playful triangles..such whimsy and fun!

   In order to keep the beautiful piecework the focal point of the quilt, hand quilting is in the ditch..following the white muslin strips. This give both the starts and the triangles a little puff to draw the eye to them.

   Now a few tips.

   My home is open air..meaning windows and doors spend the day wide open letting in the glorious out doors..and, unfortunately, the dust. To keep my quilt work clean and neat I cover it with an old muslin scrap that was amazingly just the right size. As I work, the cover is pulled back just enough to expose the area of I am working on, keeping the rest safely protected. Before I walk away, the quilt is covered over and 'put to bed' until our next session together.

   Another handy little thing is having all your little supplies close at hand, yet not rolling onto the floor. To keep my thimble, thread and spare needles close at hand I use a small container..easy to move around, yet big enough not to misplace.

   Here's my work in progress...what are you working on today?

   The old saying is all too true; there's never enough thyme (or time) in my garden.

Hoping to spend some real quality time putting thyme (and many other wonderful things) in the garden today!

New WIP On the Table

There is a new project on the table! This beautiful vintage quilt top is our new WIP.

Delicate pink and blue stars dot the landscape of tumbling triangles and muslin sashing. Each intricate scene is beautifully hand stitched..hand stitched!

The quilt top needs one small repair to a section of flour sack triangle...otherwise it is in excellent condition. In order to make the quilt fit the client's bed, six inches of 'antiqued' muslin will be added to all four sides with a decorative blue patch in all four corners.

As of today: the backing fabric (a vintage muslin sheet) has been aged with a tea soak, side pieces are cut, the top is pressed...we are ready to get started!

The plan is: piece and press the top and back, baste the layers together and start the wonderful process of handquilting this wonderful treasure.

Time to get busy!

One Off the Table!!

   Today we pull one off the table! The vintage star quilt is finally complete- quilting, binding and all. Today my oldest farm girl will fold it gently and place it in her hope chest. One day this hand made treasure will grace a bed in her own home..a piece of history, a piece of her family lovingly brought to completion by both our hands.
   Now....off to pull off one more!!

Fiber Arts Monday- WIP

   It has been a little while since I put up a Fiber Arts Monday; today seemed like a good day. Last week I mentioned the Vintage Star quilt came off the frame and is ready for binding. Warm brown cotton with a chocolate floral print was chosen by our oldest farm girl (owner and layout designer of the quilt); this weekend I managed to get it measured and cut.

   Today the binding strips are on the table; making a continuous binding strip is on the to-do list. I lay each strip right sides together at diagonal ends (like in the picture) and stitch corner to corner. Extra end is trimmed and pressed; the diagonal joining seam is less obvious and lays better on the quilt edge.

   Next we have a new 'quick-quilt' on the frame today. Holly Hobby and I are spending time together getting a quick little panel off the pile. Marked and basted this quilt now sits on the frame for my afternoon sewing hour. A quilt just like this is already listed on our Etsy shop; this one will be as well.

   In addition to these wonderful projects I have a photo of a quilt I am trying to create a pattern for (as per a customer request). Sample blocks will be put together soon so plans and prices can be discussed. At least my hands and mind have plenty to do!

   How about you...what fiber arts are on your table today?