Today

I didn't intend this to become a weather blog.  Neither did I mean to document the dull and frankly, rather boring, details of everyday life.  So, fired up with the enthusiasm that results from a re-entry into the world after almost a month of hibernation at home, it's time to place a marker or two about where I am right now, creatively speaking.

Charlotte's Web is taking shape nicely, though I've got to the part where doing one row takes forever.  With only fourteen more rows to go, I'm aiming to get it finished sooner rather than later, because I have these in mind.

Or possibly these.  Who knows, I might even knit both!

Yes, it's that kind of day.

The Christmas Journal is complete and resulted in a bumper edition this year.  Finishing all the details on that, including a couple of pages from Mark about his week in Umea means that my "paper" workspace is looking pretty good right now.

That could be because most of the creative output of the last few days has been taking place elsewhere.

Spotlight has been on the sewing machine, which has been red hot, creating one or two samples for a little project I'm doing with some online chums.

When not sitting at the sewing machine, I've been at my computer, working through an online class exploring the nether reaches of Photoshop.  Time to get the Wacom out and get scribbling.

But my first few pieces of work bore a fair bit of resemblance to Athena posters of the 1970s, so I went a bit off piste, preferring the result of yesterday's creation to previous efforts.  Sometimes, I find it hard to strike out and do my own thing when a class is as prescriptive as this one, but if I'm to learn anything from it, then I have to apply the processes learned in my own way.

 

 The weaving's fine.  I've got myself a copy of a more helpful book.

I now need to work on my posture, for I find that weaving for anything longer than a few minutes leaves me with an aching back.  Not having back trouble of any kind so far, I don't want to start now!

Finally, there's the piles of guilt.  The larger-than-expected quilt top, which I'm building up courage to deal with.  Can I realistically expect to be able to machine quilt it myself?  Should I identify a manageable means of handquilting it?  Or should I cut my losses and get it quilted elsewhere?  There's also the halfway house option, of getting it professionally basted and then doing the quilting myself.  Decisions decisions!

There's also a pile of christmas fabrics sitting on my bench.  Now, wouldn't January be the perfect time to begin on a  couple of small Christmas quilts for 2010?  I have plans for something simple here....maybe a stacked coin design?

Not to mention the piles of books.

Recent reading has been easy, difficult to get into but fine when I did, quick and very entertaining and currently, thought-provoking.  I have my next book group title still to get into, never miind the pile in the photo.

Finally, somewhere in the middle of all of that, there's work to be done.  After all, who couldn't fail to be persuaded into exciting opportunities to hear about the latest vision, presented by dynamic practitioners?

You mean to say you wouldn't be influenced by the venue, a local rugby club?

Comments

[Sue]

I've been hearing good things about bondable wadding recently, though have no experience. However, lining curtains with bonded interlining/lining can't be so different and that's a relative breeze. Might be worth investigating as another quilt resolution option?

[Gill Thomas]

Hmmm...interesting suggestion,Sue. Certainly worth considering. I'm reluctant to take the "get someone else to do it" option if I can help it, for it will no longer feel like "my own work".

Thanks for the idea!

[jordi]

Those French press slippers have won my heart.. I am going to HAVE to make them, although felting has never been playing to my strengths......alas. But they are cute More projects, more projects. Perhaps there is a future in it for me to just collect projects and get others excited and then let them do it... how would you describe that job????? instigator?

[Marianne]

I personally do not like the wadding that is self-adherent. Before you settle for that option do try it out on a sample and do some machine quilting AND wash the result. The judge if you are happy with it before committing. If you are happy to quilt it yourself then your greatest help would be to have it basted professionally imho. Love the knitted ballet shoes btw. I will show them to the girls. I am sure they will want to make some.
Does the venue come complete with rugby players?

[Georgina]

What a brilliant post - loved all the links! Phew, I need a cup of tea now as just contemplating that work has exhausted me.
I share your quilting dilemma. My machine is less than up to a full sized quilt, although I have used it for several doing basic linear stitching. I have handquilted but it takes an age, although I love the results. I have no idea of the cost of long-arm quilting by A N Other, I just imagine it to be 'a lot'!!! I have just finished the top of a quilt due in July, and I have been working on a sampler quilt for myself that I plan to 'quilt-as-you-go' and use to practice some more challenging machine quilting befor I do the July quilt......... I will follow your decision making process with interest!

[Carol]

Lovely, cheerful, informative post, Gill. All so far out of my sphere but I find it really enjoyable, reading about your pursuits. I've been laid low with migraine for days, feeling now as though I'll live but it gave me the excuse to drop everything for a while and not feel guilty. I'm saving all the p'shop exercises and notes and hope that I'll get back to them sometime but right now I'm not risking my newly calmed head with doing the course. I'll keep reading your blog and I hope you drop in on mine now and then. Carol xx