Ray's Quilt

Here's a photo of the Underground Railroad quilt (reference Harriet Tubman) I just finished. We call it Ray's quilt since it will hang in his office at work. The finished quilt measures approx. 30" x 44". Each quilt block is only 6" square. Miniature quilts can be a challenge to piece together but, with precise measurements, accurate seams and a little patience, they work up pretty quickly. After finishing the quilt top, I sent it out to be quilted for a more professional polish. If you click on the photo you can see the quilting in more detail. I really enjoy making smaller quilts like this one.

Today I am spring cleaning my sewing room while trying to make it a visual feast for fun and inspiration. What a mess! It's all because of Henry. Henry the pup is napping...he's like a baby that way. With a "baby" on board, I find myself cleaning every nook and cranny that he can get into. Despite the doggy-ness of Henry, the casita is nice and clean-smelling. All this spring cleaning keeps Henry healthy and Papa Paz happy.

Oh Henry!

Today it's raining and cold outside, not typical for sunny Southern Califorina. Henry, our new Yorkie pup, is tiny and got the shivers when I took him outside first thing in the morning. Mean old me! Right now, Henry's wrapped in an old orange and white stripe beach towel in his doggie bed napping, quite comfy now that he's warm again. I have learned that little terriers can be oh so stubborn and this Yorkie loves my time and attention. Henry and I are working out the potty training. One for me, two for Henry so far. I think I have confused him with all the fuss. Henry has taken away from my quilting time, but he's a positive addition to the Casita. I DO WISH he'd get with the program! All projects are on hold until then.

Goldie's Bowl

WHILE AT THE FABRIC STORE..."You're a quilter?" I nodded. "Leisure World. We meet on Thursdays, 2 to 4 p.m., in the big rec room. I've rounded up a bunch of us." Giving me a once over and nodding her head thoughtfully, she stated emphatically, "You should come." I smiled. "Thanks, ummm...I'll think about it." The little lady shrugged and wandered off in search of batiks, leaving me alone with the calicos. Join a quilting group? Mmmm...maybe not yet.

Lemon Thyme Poundcake

I am a a quilter, a grower of herbs and flowers, a baker of bread. The house is quiet and I get a few more stitches in before calling it a day. Tomorrow I will make a delicious Lemon Thyme Poundcake using fresh thyme from the garden and a lemon from our tree. Here's our semi-dwarf lemon tree which is still young and currently about 3 ft tall. Daily sunshine is typical for California.

Morgan's Quilt Update

Here's Morgan's dolly quilt still in progress. I am working on the matching quilt and it is going very fast since I am doing simple rail blocks. I quilt at night as well as during the day - so much to do, so little time! Good that my garden is taking care of itself for now.

Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Sampler

I am handquilting this Sunbonnet Sue quilt sampler, which I pieced using a variety of block patterns from a learn-to-quilt book. I added Sunbonnet Sue and Calico Sam appliques on a whim and love the result. It is my very first quilt and I have been working on it for a very long time, off and on over the years. I also added tiny Prairie Points, way too soon way back when, and may have to remove them to finish this quilt properly. I'm not sure yet. It's been like that with this one. This sweet blanket is my favorite, already soft and old from handling; it is the quilt that taught me how to quilt.

My Garden

It's early spring and my garden is already in bloom. I fancy herbs and tiny fairy gardens. The plants in these photos survived the winter without much tending by me. I'll be planting tomatoes and peppers in no time at all.

Goldie's Bowl

Adios winter; hello spring!

Morgan's Quilt in the Making

I quilt and cook and do artsy things. Sometimes when I am quilting (and sometimes just generally speaking), I forget to cook dinner, but Papa Paz is very understanding and on those days he brings home takeout. On any given day, you might find me puttering around the house, in my sewing room, in the garden or out and about, shopping. Morgan will be six years old in April and I am making a simple quilt for her and one for her dollies to match. Morgan likes Strawberry Shortcake. These are the prints I am using (see photo).

Welcome

Welcome to my world, aka Calico Quilter's Casita. So much to do, so little time.