January and Quilting 101

This month has been filled with so many quilting techniques I learned years ago that it feels like Quilting 101.  For me a new year doesn't necessarily mean resolutions as much as a clearing out and reorganization of my supplies and looking over unfinished projects. I shredded lots of paperwork, thinking "why did I keep this anyway?" I discarded lots of instructions and pieces of projects. But when I came across the box of foundation piecing patterns, fabric strips, and triangles, I remembered how much I loved foundation piecing. So I finished the 16 Square-in-a-Square blocks and assembled them with black sashing. I found a lot of smaller blocks on fabric foundations ready to be sashed and joined. I must have been fascinated with checks, plaids, and stripes when I cut these triangles and squares.

These 6" blocks will finish about 30" square

Detail of some 6" blocks

These are about 5"

I made a bunch of tiny houses and a row of flying geese. Only one row. These are fiddly, but batik fabrics make them possible. 

Tiny houses on an 8" x 10" quilt

Raw flying geese before adding border

With borders

We had several days and nights of below freezing temps, cold enough that my pot plants I had brought into the garage lost their leaves. I'm hoping they will make it. Elizabeth and Rahrah and I hibernated in the warm house. I warmed a blanket in the dryer for Lacey in the garage on the coldest nights. She would often find a patch of sunshine in the yard in the daytime.

Lacey soaking up some sunshine

Goodbye to 2023

 The year has flown by and if I had to reflect and report on the happenings I would be hard-pressed to recall most of them. Some do stand out as special and totally unexpected, like being included in Quiltfolk's Issue #26 featuring Mississippi quilters. Then there was being the FestivalSouth artist and creating my quilt "Prelude" and having a three-week long exhibit of my art at Downey Gallery at University Baptist Church. There were meetings with quilting friends in Pine Belt Quilters, Southern Fiber Artists,  and Mississippi Quilt Association. I attended several enjoyable and enlightening courses at OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and look forward to more in 2024. 

Elizabeth and I in Quiltfolk Magazine #26

Prelude, FestivalSouth featured artwork

I've made quite a few fiber art pieces and participated in SMAA's 47th annual show. Daughter Linda and I are making several child/adult-size quilts from my inventory of fabric. I am diligently cleaning out, donating, using up, discarding lots of art/quilt supplies that have accumulated in my closets and shelves. 

Cheesecloth Man with Pipe (at SMAA 47th art show)

Gruffalo in the Jungle at SMAA art show

There was lots of music at my church, in Meistersingers, and at concerts by USM students and faculty. I had lots of trees cut and trimmed in my yard so my house is more visible and I can enjoy an open view from my front porch. I discovered a new (to me) favorite writer--Ann Patchett--especially her "These Precious Days," "The Dutch House," "The Story of a Happy Marriage," and "Bel Canto." I have two more checked out from the library. 

My cats Elizabeth and Rahrah both had serious illnesses last summer but are doing quite well again after their tenth birthdays. Lacy has become my outdoor cat and has gradually become quite friendly, while understanding the other cats will not allow her inside. 

Lacey, my outdoor cat

Rahrah and Elizabeth prefer dripping water over water bowl

Having achieved my 88th milestone birthday, I'm looking forward to more meaningful times with friends and family in 2024.