I hurt my thumb

I over used my thumb last and now its swollen and painful. I made a queen size flannel quilt which I am very pleased with but I pushed myself to finished the binding. In fact I then finished the binding on two lap size charity quilts. I now am suffering with a pre carpel tunnel sym. effect. I had hoped the swelling would go down by now. No such luck. Tomorrow I see the doctor.

I have several projects I want to work on, sewing or cutting in out of the question. Even holding a pen to write the monthly checks for bills is painful. Now, I understand the importance of a pose able thumb.

Lesson here is don't push your luck with hand work and wear a support glove. Take care of your body, it's the only one you have .

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all have your shopping completed and lots of fabric bundles with your name on them under the tree. You may be wondering why this lady is on the computer instead the mall or kitchen. My last gift was wrapped this morning and is tucked under the tree.

Our family will be having Christmas dinner at our daughter and son-in-laws' new home this year. I do not have to cook Christmas dinner! My contributions to the feast have been purchased (Costco makes better pies than I do) and put in the frig. Dinner tonight will be light and easy.

All this preparation left me with a few hours to spend in my sewing room. I am trying to complete some UFO's. If I can complete a few items this season, I might be able to clear some space in my sewing room and that would be a Christmas present to myself.

Once again I wish you a happy holiday with family, friends, and blessings to you in the coming year.

Pearl Habor Day

Today is the 7th of December, also known to baby boomers as Pearl Harbor day. I was born after the war ended and as with many boomers (as the term implies) my dad served in World War II. He was not at Pearl Harbor nor served overseas. He served as part of the support system in the states. He served proudly and the best of his ability knowing the results would effect the fighting soldiers.

I was and am still proud of him though he passed away many years ago. I have had the privilege of going to Pearl Harbor and visiting the Harbor and Arizona memorial. I can tell you there is never a dry eye when visitors finish the tour.

It troubles me when young people hear a term such as Pearl Harbor day they ask 'what's that?' however they can tell you who won the latest American Idol.

It brings to mind the saying of those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. I hope not. Anyway have a thought and quick prayer for those who are still serving to keep our way of life.

Room with a Veiw

There is a room where I look out a window for a few minutes each morning. This window is on the second floor and gives me a view of a huge maple tree. I can admire the seasons by this tree; autumn this year has been especially brilliant with color.

I hadn't expected much in the way of color this year. We had a lock of rain and record heat during the summer month. The maple with stood these problems and gave a beautiful display of color that lasted longer than usual. I have had this particular view for several weeks now.

I wish I could duplicate the depth and richness of color that this tree had. Quilters use fabrics to create depth of color just as paint artists use oils or watercolors do. Even with an array of rich fabrics I fear I could not do the maple justice.

The last couple of days have been breezy and I realized this morning that "my tree" is practically bare of leaves. Perhaps this winter I will try to capture its beauty from the picture in my mind's eye.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

2010 Houston Quilt Market

I just returned from the Houston Quilt Market. There is always an energy in the air. New fabrics, gadgets, old friends and new friends being made. Speaking of new 'friends', my friend and I walked out of our hotel to take a taxi. As it turned out Alex Anderson was staying at our hotel and was outside wanting a taxi to the same place as we did. We shared a taxi with Alex Anderson!

My fiend Renelda Peldunas Harter has a quilt, 'Sarajevo Rose', in the 'Text on Textiles' exhibit. That's me by 'Sarajevo Rose'. The text tells of the damage to the streets and walkways made by the motors (bombs) during the war in Bosnia. If persons were killed by the mortar the crater would be filled with a red dyed cement thus giving the crater the look of a rose. Sadly there are too many of these roses.

A sad subject but a nice quilt to honor those involved. Quilts have always been a way for the quilt makert to convey their thoughts or emotions.

More fun stuff in the next entries.

Autumn is in the Air

Autumn is in the air. It is here and the quilt season is picking up. Several areas around here are having quilt shows. The frenzy of preparing for the Houston Quilt Market and Festival is beginning. Reservations have been made for weeks if not months. Vendors are packing goods and attendees are checking weather forecasts for clothes packing. The excitment is building.

I too am attending Market and Festival. I am looking forward to what will be new in the way of fabrics and notions. I look forward to seeing the quilt exhibits and ponder how I can merge new techniques into my style. I look forward to the opportunity to expand my horizons with the thoughts of these possibilities.

Ladies who Lunch

Recently I had 'luncheon' with some former coworkers. The four of us have gone our separate ways but still keep in touch. We met at a large grocery store that has its own restaurant. I could sing the praises of this trend but that would be another blog. I will say our meals were excellent.

We talked of what we were currently doing. Our quilting and the quilting world in general. We spoke of the Houston Quilt festival - 2 of us are going this year. We even had some show and tell. I think the few people near us enjoyed this too.

'Jane' bought a quilt that her husband had chosen the fabric for, the 'Roy Rogers' collection. The quilt is inspired, her interpretation of a box television. She used fabric with a wood grain print for the television frame. Black and gray for the TV knobs and for the TV screen the focus fabric of the collection.

scatter about the 'floor' area were applique horse shoes framing vignettes of the collection fabrics The border was completed with cowboy print fabric.

What talent she has and a wonderful tribute to the memories of our youth.