25 January, 2007

In Preparation...

…for this weekend’s retreat I have all the crunched up, wrinkled, stashed and stored scraps-of-old neatly pressed and cut into strips. It took me days and days to do this! That’s a big relief, as these were only taking up space, and had been doing so for years. The background triangles and foundation papers are patiently awaiting their place in the bin, too. These will be transformed into String-X blocks, hopefully MANY; I’ll take pictures. I am deeply grateful to Laurie Ann for turning my attention to Bonnie’s blog and the multitude of helpful scrap-reduction patterns available there, Bonnie is a wonder! Check it out, her machine quilting is incredible!

The bin of strips is being accompanied on the trip by the fabrics for setting my BOM from last year! The BOM teacher from our LQS just so happens to be going along, she’s in my small group. Several of the Miss Bee Havens are in need of her assistance in setting theirs, too; at least I’m not alone… I hate being the cheese. I’m bringing her a bottle of wine for her trouble! (Not that I am any trouble, of course!)

All of this work, the cutting and preparing for a weekend away can be quite tiring. My studio assistant dozed off during all the excitement. He crawled up and over the sofa arm to gain this vantage point; when your legs are only 6” high you need to do what you can to see the world outside the windows! Living the life of a German guard dog is so rigorous that naps are a required daily activity!

Update on "Can This Quilt Be Saved"? Quiltkeemosabe helped me figure out that the eye needs a place to rest. I cut out some solid red cornerstones and placed them in position on the design wall... (compare in the photo below). I think this helps enormously. Kyle thinks that this project is dated and should therefore be abandoned. My plans are resuscitation; I think it is worth finishing out with a narrow black inner border followed by a wider red one, it deserves a chance at a FIESTA! life.


Life is Good!

12 comments:

Lisa said...

The red makes a big difference. I think it's worth saving. Looks like you wore your assistant out. Poor thing. :)

Ancestor Collector said...

I like the red cornerstones and I'm glad you're going to finish the quilt. Put it away in the "For My Grandchildren One Day" box and when you pull it out in later years, you'll be so glad you completed it.

Have a wonderful weekend away with the Miss Bee Havens. Hannas will miss you!!

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

Am just a tad jealous of your quilt retreat. Mine isn't for another two months. Waaaah! Have a wonderful time . . . .

Laurie Ann said...

Have fun on your retreat!! I am glad I could point you to Bonnie's site and especially those x-string quilts. They are so fun to make and so versatile! Love the picture of Hannes. He's the most beautiful dachshund I have ever seen.

His Office, My Studio said...

Yes, the red corner stones are much better. You should finish the quilt.

Have a great time at your retreat.

Teodo said...

I like the red. I had never seen blocks like these in your photos.
Good weekend.ciao ciao

Sheila said...

I'm glad you will finish this. It's too good to be abandoned, and does have a charm all it's own..

meggie said...

Yes, I like the quilt too! Do finish it, it is very novel.
I also love your handsome Hannes!
I dont know what I have been doing of late, I have just caught up with your blog again, & added you to my blog list.

Sue Seibert said...

Hope your retreat is wonderful.

And, yes, that red is wonderful. Great idea!

The Calico Cat said...

About your comment onmy blog - I Spy quilts are a favorite of mine too! I have another cat charm quilt, I have to keep it folded up otherwise I sit and stare at it!

Shelina said...

The red does make a big difference on this quilt. It looks great. Would you unsew and repiece it or would you applique the red pieces on?

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

The red pieces being added in seems to be the way to go, thanks everyone! I guess this quilt CAN be saved... Shelina, I would piece them in, that would be preceded by a little un-sewing!:(