WIP & Designs

Hello, been a few days since I posted, so thought I would show you what I am up to.

I do have a new quilt on my frame that I am part way through.  Today, I decided I do  not like my border design for this quilt, so I will take the time to unstitch the area, aka “frogging a quilt.”  It will take me many hours, but the final result will be worth it.

Then, I am in the midst of making some new class samples using current fabrics.  First up is my slash Therapy Quilt, I have finished the body of the quilt shown here:

The photo is a bit misleading, right now, the border stops at the navy dot fabric.  The finished border will be pieced and more interesting.  Here is this quilt in a different colorway:

My next project is a cool purse that has been in my head for years.  I need to hunt for the right fabric to create it.  Here is my working sketch design:

I also want to re-design this purse from years ago that I started with my friend, Lori:

Next WIP is getting my new class website together.  That is coming along nicely.  I am still on schedule for my Fall QW class.  I plan to announce the dates soon.  If you are already on my mailing list here  or the list at the QW Yahoo Group, then you should expect an announcement first.

If you want to get on my list, just leave a comment on my Class page.

Enjoy your week!!  Hugs, Carla

Good News From Nancy!

Nancy, who lives in Lenoir, NC, USA, called me this weekend to let me know that her Morganton, NC guild show judging had taken place- and that the quilt I quilted for her won 1st place in her guild’s professional division.  Here is the quilt that won:

Here is the back:

Here is a closeup of the front.  I had some challenges with this quilt as my stitch regulator and SID  feature on my longarm went cabooey, so I couldn’t do any straight line work.

My machine was fixed after this quilt, so life is good once again!

Nancy is a very sweet woman in her 80’s.  I do enjoy quilting her quilts; she is a dear friend!  I am glad she won as there was some issues with her entering previously since she used a quilter who did not live in NC.   That “rule” has been lifted by the current board members, so Nancy was allowed to enter this year.

I do wish Nancy had internet service so she could see how much you all enjoy her quilts! One time, I read your comments to her and she was thrilled!

Happy Quilting!  Carla

New Sailboat!!

Joe and I wanted a nice little sailboat and trailer to sail whenever we wanted and keep those sailing skills up for chartering.  We have been watching  Craigslist for about 6 months to find just the right boat.  We finally found one yesterday, and arranged to meet the boat’s owner down at the lake marina today.

Here are the pictures from the Craigslist ad for this nice little 1984 O’Day 23:

Above, shown in the marina yard.

and on the water below.  The person taking the picture is standing on the bow (front) of the boat looking back to the cockpit:

No photos of the interior.  It is clean, but the cushions are original to the boat, so I will get them recovered.  Same goes for the forward V- berth.  The interior is very spacious for this size of boat.

After a detailed survey, we bought it!!  We plan to keep it for few years, then upgrade to a bluewater cruising boat.  Joe and I are excited!  The name of this boat used to be ‘Tee-Time,” so Joe and I started talking about potential names for our firstboat.  Picking a name for a boat is harder than you think.   I’m sure the right name will come to us, but if anyone has any ideas, bring them on!!

I started making a list of essentials to buy at West Marine.  New anchor & rode, fenders, some extra lines, depth finder, handheld radio,  and boat hook to start.   Now I need to hunt on craigslist for a used dingy, too.  Life is fun!!

Hugs, Carla

10 Things To Do When You’re Bored

What to do when you have some free time and/or you are bored?  Check out the following 10 sites:

1. Obamiconme – Make fun posters of yourself or others:

2. Falling Sand– fun site to play with sand.  There is more to this site than you initially think.

3. Be Funky– photo editing special effects.  Here is how it works.  You upload a photo.  For this example I uploaded a picture of Oscar:

And here are some altered photos:

4. Tweeting Too Hard– Where self-important tweets get the recognition they deserve.  Here is a sample tweet by a young woman/princess:

“OMG i was saying how i couldn’t afford the gas to fly daddy’s jet to the riviera this summer, and this barista totally rolled her eyes at me!”

5. Free Rice.com– play a vocabulary game and for every correct answer, you  earn rice for the poor.

6. Winterbells– cute bunny game.  Reminds me of Doodle jump with bunnies and bells.

7. Throw Paper–  I actually have this game as an app.  Here it is free.

8. You Tube– Watching videos on You Tube is a big Time Waster.  Here is one reason why:

9. The T.W.I.N.K.I.E Project– Take some bored college kids, a box of twinkies, and viola! Time to experiment.

And, finally- a classic favorite:

10. Redneck Neighbor- Read this classic humorous site written about a redneck neighbor.  Funny!

Have fun!  Carla

Doug’s Sierra Nomad Quilt

Doug always gives me fun quilts to do for his artisan-built trailers.  His latest trailer is called “Sierra Nomad,” and it is stunning!  I lifted borrowed these pictures from Doug of his hand-built trailer:

Here is the picture of the other side:

Pretty cool, isn’t it?  Doug also makes a quilt for each trailer he had made.  I quilt them all with fun motifs and items quilted into the quilt.  The quilt matches the curtains, and the detail inside the trailer.

Here is the finished quilt:

I quilted a simple, but effective border for this quilt.  Here is the back side:

I also “hid” many fun motifs and wording into his quilt.  Besides the name of his trailer, “Sierra Nomad,” and “DougKraft,” his logo, I quilted a bear:

I decided the bear needed a name, and what better name than “doug!”  LOL

and some trees.  Here is an easy quilted tree:

This one is a scroll with the words, “Blah, blah, blah.”  It has a hidden meaning that is funny to Doug and I.  Look close to see it:

These type of trailers are nicknamed “canned hams,” so that explains this motif, shown from the back:

Doug had a wonderful dog named ‘Daisy,” who he lost back in May, 2008, due to cancer.  Doug loved that dog, who was his faithful companion.  I decided to sneak in a memorial to Daisy within the quilt.  Look for a dog and some daisys:

I hope you have enjoyed my story behind Doug’s quilt.   Some quilts, while not show quality or award winners; are truly special for other reasons.

Regards, Carla

Purse for Linda

I thought I would give you a sneak peek into a purse I made for Linda James.  Linda was the door prize winner in a class earlier this year and this was what I made for her:

I learned to make this purse from Lori during one of our Creative Week Adventures.  This is where we get together for a week and just create.

Here is a shot peeking down:

See the pretty flower?    Anyway, I love this pattern, so a shout out thanks to Lori!

Linda, if you are reading this, I plan to mail it off tomorrow.

So, what creative goodness have you been up to?

Hugs, Carla

Freeform Scarf-in progress

I have been busy of late.  Quilting during the day, and freeform crocheting at night.  I haven’t shown you any freeform crochet in awhile, so I thought I would show you a picture:

Here is a picture taken in the sunlight, which does tend to distort the color, but does show you the texture:

I tend to give most of my scarves away.  I even gave one away as a Grand Doorprize when I taught at MQS.

I have also been doodling some more…. but that is a future post.  LOL

Enjoy your day, I am meeting my DH for lunch today.  I think we will go to a dim sum place on this date.  Enjoy your day!!  Carla

New Class Logo

I decided to draw up a birdy class logo this morning:

Click Here

This will replace the chicken one I used the other day.  I am more in a birdy mood these days than a chicken mood.

Click the link for information on my upcoming online classes.  Yes, an online class so that you can take it from the comfort of your own home!  I have a notification list going on the class page, too.  Just leave a comment.

I also have a “Quilt Whisperer Yahoo Group” as a place to talk about quilting and design, too. You are welcome to join.

Enjoy your day!  Carla

Wildlife at My House

Over the years, you have read about  the wildlife visiting  my house; including turkeys, cougars, raccoons, deer, skunks, rabbits, and more!   The latest addition to the list is a red-shouldered hawk:

I watched this hawk while he hunted from his tree perch.   I grabbed my camera and took the following pictures:

and this shot:

When we bought our homesite 10+ years ago, we only saw one couple of red-shouldered hawks and their nest.  Now, they have multiplied to dozens of nests.  On any given day, we will see them hunting, soaring, or using their distinctive cry.

I love where I live!  Hugs, Carla

New “Classes” tag

If you look above my Blog Title art, you will see a new tag labeled “Classes.”

I added the new “Classes” tag today to update blog readers, and also potential students who are interested in my upcoming Fall online class, “Quilt Whisperer” and/or the next class in the Quilt Whisperer series: “High Tech Designing for Quilters.”  Students who want to be notified of any future classes may also leave a comment there and I will add you to my list.

When I set the date(s) for both classes, I will also give you more info about how to sign up and pay, class supply list, and other basic information about taking a class online.

Keep watching for more info!!  Carla