Desert Threads Etc.

This staying home is a new experience for me as I’m sure it is for you. I’m used to keeping a calendar and schedule in order to get things done or be ready or a class or event. All that is changed here as it has all over the world. First two weeks were a little stressful constantly wondering what I was forgetting but now its rather nice. I find myself saying I get to stay home rather than I have to stay home. Have finished a couple UFOs and been able to work on my free-motion and ruler work. Fully believe in the three Ps – practice, practice, practice and it’s paying off. Making lots of masks for family and community and enjoying a nice cup of tea on the patio in the mornings. The birds provide beautiful music and I enjoy my little corner of the world. Can’t change what has happened but if if this happens again I hope they make fabric shops an essential place.

What have you been doing to pass the time? Stay Safe and Stay Home.

Even before COVID 19 I haven’t posted much – especially about travel. Life always seemed to get in the way or my mind was blank and I couldn’t think of a thing to say. So I’m back… Blogging about events and thoughts and even listing classes once we can hold classes again. Wishing everyone patience and we travel through unknown territory together. Be Safe, Take Care of Your Family and above all Stay Home

Found this on another site this morning and have to say it made my day start a little brighter. I am enjoying the fact that I get to stay home and enjoy each day for its possibilities. I also worry about family and friends and how they are doing and am doing what I can to help flatten the curve as they say.

It makes my day to see how quilters and others are jumping in to make masks and help out in any way they can. Digging in to one’s stash is not for faint of heart but it’s being done all around the world in answer to a need. Through it all we also continue to take fabric and make it into beautiful pieces of art and a source of comfort for others.

Keep up the good work and keep the humor alive as well. This too will pass and I have to believe we will better because of it.

Don’t know how to describe IQA show in Houston.  Can’t wait to attend each year, not only to catch with friends and shop – there is plenty of that – but to be energized, and yes, sometimes disappointed, with the huge number of quilts on display.  Imagine the millions of stitches and hours of work on display.  It’s like visiting the largest art gallery in the world.  Some you like and some you don’t, some speak to you and some don’t.  The doll exhibit was so much fun.  I don’t know that I would have the patience to work with these little people but I am so glad there are those that do.

The Gypsy Challenge was especially colorful and entertaining.  Those little tiny fingers would drive me nuts but the artists have them posed just so and I admire the work.

Although the reason behind the quilt design wasn’t a particularly happy one I, for one, enjoy her quilt.

More later – another side of festival is sharing meals with friends and we are off to breakfast with my crazy friend Claudia Pfeil and her son Julian….

Feeling privileged to be attending the International Quilt Show in Houston again this year.  The quilts are stunning and the quilters are fun to be around.  Such a huge number of people who all love fabric, quilts, art and all the things that go with it.  How can you not have a grand time.

Close-up and full view of an amazing quilt by Claudia Pfeil, Krefeld Germany.  Not only is the design amazing but the detailed quilting, all on silk, is spectacular.  Original design by Claudia this piece is a work of art.

This quilt certainly isn’t the most beautiful but I grabbed my attention as a tribute to those coal miners of the 1940s.  Knowing the hard work and long hours these men put in every day to feed their families and provide the energy source the country demanded you have to look at this interpretation  and respect these men.

And now for a little whimsey.  Can’t you just imagine having this character in your barn?