Busy Week

I went to Queen Ann's Lace for a quilting workshop with Juanita Yeager. We were making the pieced background for the large flower quilt. At the next class in April we will make the applique, attach to the pieced background, thread paint the flower, and finish the quilt. That will be a lot to do in one day.

I know that is really looks ugly in the middle, but that will all be covered by the flower. Actually did not have enough fabric so Juanita said that we could just add a big piece of cloth in the middle. Also notice the small green triangles. I bought a fat quarter of light green to "add" something to my fabric slection only to realize after finishing the squares that it was not the same value as the others. So I got out my fabric paint and gave them a new color. The colors now blend. There is always a solution. The blocks were "fractured squares". I had lots of fun making them. I did need to make sure the pieces were rotated and put back in the correct order, but did not need to worry about making the squares perfect. They were squared up at the end. Juanita said that this technique would make for background "sparkle". What do you think?

Finally finished my piece for the Robert Kauffman challenge. I am not happy with the results, but it is done. After finishing the quilting I realized that I should have quilted the whole background and then attached all of the appliques. This is the technique that I will be doing in the large flower with Juanita. Every project is a learning experience.

Last week was typical for me. Cleaning up Path of Life with with garden club getting ready for the spring festival and knitting social on Monday, bridge on Tuesday and Wednesday, Lenten services at church on Wednesday, work on Thursday, garden club meeting on Friday, women's quiet day retreat on Saturday ending day with wine and cheese tasting with classical music presnetation. Whew what a week. No time for quilting. That is my goal for this week.

The best laid plans!!! It is that time of year to spiff up the yard. I am constantly rearranging my plants. I am determined to have a lawn that needs little or no care. I have spent the last few days digging and moving plants. My hands are getting really sore and my muscles are aching, but my goal is being achieved. Several more work days and I should be finished for the spring.

I am trying to improve my free motion quilting skills. My goal was to practice for at least thirty minutes each day. Well I did that one afternoon. Decided that I should practice drawing on paper to sink my hands and brain. I have read that should help. I will keep practicing. Parctice makes perfect.

Well here goes. My first post on my blog. How frustrating. I have spent the entire morning trying to add "things". Have had some success, but lots of frustration. I keep going to other sites to look at their content and arrangements trying to figure out what I want. I am sure the site will change as I learm more.

Day began with departure of "old" - long time friends. They came in yesterday for a short visit before beginning their journey home to Arkansas. They were the first couple that we met when we moved to Florida. Was that 48 years ago. My how time does fly.

Morning was then spent tying up loose ends on ads for program of Spring Fever in the Garden. Our local annual garden club festival. If you have the opportunity be sure to attend April 9 or 10 in downtown Winter Garden.

Tomorrow will spend day in Kissimmee in workshop with Juanita Yeager. I do admire her work. This will be the third time I have been in one of her workshops. Do I have a lot to learn. Trying to tell myself that a lot of mistakes will be made. It is a journey not the destination.