a sticky problem

I found this chestnut on a walk the other day. The texture caught my eye while walking and then upon examination the depth of it inspired me to think about our natural defenses — protecting ourselves, our environment and our sanity. Sometimes I wish I could don a coat of thorns and recede into the wild. Other times I want to shed the thorns and open up to the light. This little natural wonder speaks to both those urges.

Now if I could just remember where that tree was I could go collect a few more of these wonderful nuts and roast a little happiness into this cold cold day.

chestnut

getting to know your ground

Since it usually takes me 4-6 months to create a large piece I have to choose carefully what my ground fabric will be. I am working on a challenge piece that will be 72 x 72 which presents SOME CHALLENGE let me tell you. I have chosen this luscious linen tablecloth as my base. It is supple, worn, stained and wonky and it feels right to me. Love the shadow of the pins in this shot. I may have to do a series on shadows in the future.

tis the season

It has been difficult to get into the spirit of Christmas this year since the temp has been hovering around 70 degrees and every thing seems to be crowding into too few days. As I was taking a walk the other day while mentally clicking off all the things I needed to do before the holiday I saw this lovely tree with it's natural christmas ornaments on it. This is the tree I want in my living room. very graphic, very simple...less is more.

so much fabric, so little time

I went to a sewing sale over the weekend and lucked in to some great fabric finds. Silk, linen, cotton -- it was all there. I purchased great heaps of inspiration for the grand total of $18. Now to find the time to work with it (and still stay focused on the challenge quilt I am working on for a SAQA show). I might have to take a little detour to play with these soon.