Special Days!

We all have those special days that reverberate in our memories.  Yesterday was one of those days for me.  It was my son's 23rd birthday and just like 23 years ago it was also graduation day at the university where my husband taught.  A picture perfect beautiful day in May.  Our lives changed dramatically on that day 23 years ago.  It became filled with love and so much laughter.  Years of giggles from big sister because no one can make her laugh like he can.  Tired buns from sitting on bleachers across the state of CA and cheering on the best little center fielder in the game ;).  Today he is a most amazing young man with a bright and happy future stretched out before him.  Praise God for the blessings.

Another joy of the weekend was attending an open sew at a local quilt shop with my neighbor and new found friend.  I love when quilters come together and share projects, tips, laughter and encourage each other in our pursuits.  The food and company was wonderful!  I hope that each of you reading this has had those joy filled evenings as well and if you haven't I do hope you will make time to do so.  It is worth it.

As with any graduation weekend there are parties and festivities to attend.  Here is a dip I took along that was met with raves.  Hope you enjoy it as well.

Salsa

1 can kidney beans

1 can white beans

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1 jar of chunky salsa

1 package of mexican cheese

Drain and mix.  Good to let sit a little while to blend the flavors.

Hoping your day is filled with beautiful memories and laughter,

Dee

Quilting Outside of my Box

I've spent some time delving into what is going on in the contemporary and art quilting world.  It is interesting and exciting.  The top picture is a start on a traditional sampler with a contemporary feel.  The second is my first attempt at painting on fabric and using thread for texture.  I can see all kinds of possibilities but the question becomes-can I make any of those ideas reality?  

It was so much fun to be painting again.  Many years ago I took up oil painting and also quit many years ago.  This took me back to that time.  Only this time I used acrylics and water with fabric and even added some paper to the design.  Very fun.  I can't wait to put what I learned into my next project.

I encourage you to test the waters and dive into something you haven't tried before with your quilts.  It can certainly be inspiring and motivational.  

Old quilts are true family treasures.  They convey so much love and hold so many cherished memories. New quilts are also stitched with love and the start of new memories to be cherished.  Creating those memories by making a quilt cannot be successfully formed unless two pieces of material are purposefully joined together.

May you continue to find new ways to purposely join your materials into beautiful cherished quilts,

Dee

Adding Texture

Step 2:  I spent a good portion of the day doing research and then out came the colored pencils and graph paper.  It was fun to create new out of old. With my new fabric pieces I started sewing and am liking it so far. Now I need to find just the right fabrics and get er done.

Doing the research and designing some blocks today I tried to think of ways to add texture to the end product-my challenge quilt.  My texture will come in the quilting.  Other ways you can add texture to your quilts is by manipulating the fabrics into tucks and points.  Sawtooth triangles, prairie points, chevrons, etc add texture to borders.  Yo-yo's are another way to take traditional blocks and give your quilt a contemporary look and feel.  Applique and embroidery work can give your quilts that "wow" effect.  Try adding some texture to your next quilt. If you do, please share with all of us your creative ideas.

Keep finding ways to bring beauty into your life,

Dee