Edyta Sitar; my first 8-point star

My latest favorite quilt designer, Edyta Sitar.  I purchased two of her books, Scrappy Firework Quilts and Friendship Strips and Scraps.  Here's my first 8-point star in the making, from a pattern in Edyta's Scrappy Firework Quilts book.  The scrappy diamond pattern looks intricate but the technique is easy enough, provided you measure and cut carefully.  This is a little ambitious for my first-time, 8-point star, but I wanted a more challenging project, and I wanted to make something I really love.  My greatest challenge has been to distribute colors and prints evenly throughout the star.  Matching each point of every little diamond went quickly once I mastered the technique...again, a little care ended with good results.  Now it's time to piece the star together.  This will be a wall hanging when it's completed.

When I'm quilting, sometimes I forget to do simple things...like cook and clean, go to the market,  or get a haircut even! 

Chatelaine all done!

Here's my finished chatelaine.  Two flat pockets and two pouches make this a handy quilter's tool belt.  I use mine to keep my thimble, needle, thread, tiny scissors and other ditties close at hand while I'm quilting; very convenient. 

Chatelaine in progress...

My chatelaine in the making

The quilt block in the photo measures only 3 inches; it will become a pocket, and  I will make another one for the opposite side.  Those gathered pouch pockets are nice, too.  This is a fun project; small-scale elements provide a challenge, but are easy enough to do.  The best part is that I'll have a handy chatelaine to keep my quilting tools close at hand; e.g., thimble, tiny scissors, thread, even my glasses.

Chatelaine Pattern

Chatelaine is defined on Wikipedia as "a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it. Each chain is mounted with a useful household appendage such as scissors, thimble, watch, key, vinaigrette, household seal, etc."

Along that line, I am making a chatelaine for when I am quilting or doing needlework.  The one I am making hangs comfortably around the neck and has pockets to hold thimbles, tiny scissors, thread and other odds and ends.  The widest part of the sash is 3" across and 1-1/2" wide at the neck.  You can adjust the length to suit yourself.  This pattern is from Patterns by Annie, www.byannie.com.  Mine is almost done.  I'll be making one for my friend, Kathy who also does crafty things like me, and I know she'll love it as much as I do.  I'll be posting a picture once mine is completed.  I'm planning to make the scrap bag included with this pattern, for catching snips and loose threads.

L'il Sunbonnet Boy; better known as Overall Sam (or Bill)

Here's a simple quilt which I recently pieced together.  I appliqued a little Sunbonnet Boy in his overalls with a polka dot heart patch on his knee, onto the quilt to give it a little bit of extra love.  I did try to use what fabric I had on hand but ended up back at Joann's fabric store anyway.  Coupons come in handy for times like this to keep material cost minimal.

Idea File



Cherry Cobbler

Lemon Twist

I'm always on the lookout for quilt patterns that I'd like to make or add to my idea file.  Here are two quilt top patterns that are sweet.  I found these listed at www.shopmartingale.com under Quilting ePatterns, $4.99 per pattern.

Photo issues...

Recently my posted pictures have a dusty look.  It's the lighting, you see.  I need to find a good spot to take my snapshots.  : (  Where oh where? 

Colores quilt progress...

Colores quilt blocks in progress.  These are 14" squares once pieced, including 1/4" seam allowance.  I will make 20 blocks for lap quilt, two done, eighteen to go; approximately 54" x 67-1/2" when finished.

Colores

Cutting 2" strips for this Colores quilt pattern

Sampling of the fabric palette for Colores

Summer 2012; it's is my goal to complete several quilt tops this summer and then to quilt them by either hand or machine quilting for gift-giving at Christmas.  Today I started cutting two-inch strips for this Southwestern-style quilt top.  These blocks will be easy to piece together.  I have chosen a color palette which is uniquely Southwestern.  Choosing the right colors can be a task; however, it's a creative process that I enjoy.

Sunbonnet Sue

Part of my first and favorite quilt, finally completed after all these years.  Sunbonnet Sue and her friend Sam are warm and cozy additions to a variety of quilt block samples.  These are 12" blocks; all the quilting was done by hand.  I love to work on sampler quilts.

New quilt top...shades of yellow and green

Sampler quilt top in the making; shades of lemon yellow and dusty lime green.

This sampler quilt top is nearly done and ready for quilting.  I took most of this fabric from material in my cupboard.  I've read many blogs and clips from other quilters and we all seem to have a common thread that binds.  Ah, the old fabric stash thing.  It's in my mind to sort mine out; use what I have or let it go.  This quilt reminds me of a delicious, fluffy Lemon Meringue Pie.  One mitered corner left to go and then it's ready to be quilted.  I'm debating; should I hand-quilt, try machine quilting, or send it out to be quilted?  Sending it out is not an option.  I dread machine quilting, but maybe it's time to give that a try in the interest of getting it done more quickly.  We'll see.

Dresden Plate

New Look #6574; fabric from my stash includes natural tan linen, rusty orange cotton and black and white checked bias tape.



Created this Dresden Plate applique using the EZ Dresden acrylic tool, with bits and pieces of leftover fabric from other projects.

Here's a look, inside out.  I added pockets which are not part of the pattern.  I also quilted the bottom piece.

I am determined to use fabric from my stash and to try out some of the many patterns I have collected along the way.  June, is it?  Not to early to start sewing gifts for Christmas giving.  I selected a bag pattern, something I've wanted to try.  This is a simple  project which moved along quickly to completion.  The pattern called for interfacing to be applied to both fabric and lining for body.  Instead, I used an iron-on Pellon fusible fleece which I applied to the wrong side of the fabric pieces; I did not interface the lining pieces, to avoid bulkiness.  See the Dresden Plate applique which I created using the EZ Dresden acrylic tool?  Fun and easy to make.  I applied the applique using machine stitching.  I decided to quilt the bottom of the bag to create a firm fabric base that was not sloppy.  The black and white checked bias tape turned out to be a nice contrast and was not difficult to apply.  It covers up and finishes the raw seams around the bottom of the bag.  All in all, this took me two days to complete, working on it off and on throughout the day and night.

Her First Quilt...finished at last!

It's May, almost June 2012.  Earlier this year, I had been busy in the garden with my herbs and flowers, but now I have drifted into a pre-summertime slide and won't give full attention back to the garden until fall.  I'm quilting again.  In the back of my mind, I keep thinking of aprons and summer dresses that I'd like to sew this season, so that will be coming up as well.  Here's my most recent accomplishment, a sweet Sunbonnet Sue sampler quilt which has taken me over 25 years to finally complete, mainly because it kept getting set aside for other projects, other quilts, unexpected interruptions and those kinds of things.  Each block is 12" square.  The quilt should have another column of blocks for better balance, but I'm pleased that it is done at last.  The quilting part I did by hand and I discovered how much more I enjoy hand quilting over machine quilting.  This was my very first quilt project, the one I learned how to quilt on, how to make pieced blocks, how to applique, how to lay out a quilt top to prepare for quilting, and finally how to apply a binding.  Tah dah! 

Happy Birthday, Happy Spring...

See that chocolate cupcake in the picture above?  60 is supposed to be a BIG birthday year for the women in my family.  I spent the day quietly with Ray.  We visited Madd Potters (Emerald Growers) in Fallbrook, where I bought clay pots for my herb garden.  I made my favorite chocolate cupcakes, a batch of 12; not too many, but just enough.  A birthday treat; happy birthday to me!  I ate the very last one for breakfast today, with a cup of coffee.  Here's the recipe:

SIMPLE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tsp. vinegar
1 cup salad oil
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups cold water

Preheat ove to 350 F.  Notice there are no eggs in this recipe?  Put all ingredients in one bowl; mix together to make a smooth batter.  Spoon batter into cupcake tins lined with paper liners.  Fill tins slightly less than 1/2 full (otherwise cupcakes may rise and spill over while baking).  Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until done.  Allow cupcakes to cool and then frost with your favorite frosting.   This is not a very sweet chocolate cake recipe.  The sweetness of the frosting makes these cupcakes just right; chocolate fudge or vanilla frosting are my favorites.  Makes 24 cupcakes.  (Easy to cut this recipe in half, with the same good results).

Tilling the soil...

I am one of those..."She who loves a garden."

There are gnomes in my garden, that's for sure.

Today I gave purposeful thought to gratitude.

I am ever so thankful!

I love to read...

I collect books on gardening, herb lore and other things. 

 Wonderful words and useful information.

Isn't knowledge devine?

 

Aunty's duck...

Here's Henry on Christmas Day; photo taken with new camera which was Christine's (me) Christmas gift from Ray (he's always updating me, you know).  This was Hen's absolute favorite present, from Aunty Donna, of course.

Question of the day...

Socks for Janet, Kiana and Kristen, in that order.

Christine, when will you be posting new sewing projects?  I hope to switch back to sewing very soon, especially since I finally just finished knitting these three pairs of socks; a promise long overdue.  Knitting these was on and off, and then on again; I missed the Christmas deadline.  They will go into the mail to New Mexico this weekend; it's still winter and the weather is cold enough for socks to still be useful.  The joyful part is completion;  completing projects provides a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Wishful fashionista...

Pictures I placed into Christine's style file...for fun; for inspiration.  So me thinks we can adapt and tweak these looks a bit to suit Chris better; because she's 60, because she's 5' 2-1/2" (note the extra 1/2"...every inch counts, you know).  In the the picture on the left, change the skirt to a pair of trousers or jeans, and the shoe to loafers, always with comfort in mind.  On the right, scale down this fabulous artsy jacket just a bit, in length and volume, to better fit her petite frame; we can sew this jacket easily, I think.  The styling is devine.  On referring to Christine as petite, this requires certain clarification; she is short but not slender (not anymore anyhows); she is sturdy but, nevertheless, petite...just for the record.

Today's reflection...

I took a class at Herd's Nursery and made this miniature fairy garden

There's me 'n Ray and, of course, then there's Henry; we reside together in peace and we are happy.  I cook and bake and sew and knit and do little artsy stuff from time to time; that's what I do, what I have always ever done, from the time I have kept a home of my own; sometimes in balance, sometimes in chaos, my core strength remains intact.  Ray goes to work and comes home and then goes to work again, but soon he'll retire.  I have two sons but they have gone away from us; grownup men now with lives of their own.  I am a better person than I once was.  Can't change the past, you know; learn to forgive yourself as well as others, and then move forward.  With that, growth happens, or at least I hope so.  I'm all for growth.

Oh Henry!!

See me hiding in the bushes up at Weinie Dog Hill? There's two of them, Sophie and Ruby, on the other side of that fence; weinie dogs, that is. I peek through the chicken wire to see if they are there. Sometimes they peek back and we all go crazy! "Henry, stop it! Come inside!"

2012 begins here...

A quiet New Year at the casita; appropriate time for reflection and contemplation. 

Goodbye 2011...

I enjoy whimsical things and simple living.  Did you know that?  I also love to sip on a cup 'o tea, brewed by me own self.  In 2012, I will grow a potager, a simple herb garden, maybe an apple tree.  Today, on the last day of 2011, I have socks on the knitting needles and a pair of pants cut out and ready to sew for my sis.  All in all, I'm in good shape, come what may.

Merry Christmas!

Can you believe it?  Christmas is here and 2011 is coming to a close.  As I get older, it becomes harder to let go; however, I'm a firm believer in turning pages and new beginnings.  That's what I love about each New Year...a fresh start, a clean slate; life is a series of possibilities.

Still sewing...

Well folks, sewing is still at the forefront of what I'm up to.  I just completed a shirt, the Plain and Simple Superfantastic Shirt by Hot Patterns, which I'll be posting soon.  That makes two tops in shades of lavendar blue that I've finished.  Now it's time to set sewing aside for a few days so that I can tidy up the Casita before Thanksgiving.  Visit www.mysewingbasket.blogspot.com to see Christine's most recent projects.

The Hula Years...

Christine at the Birthing Stones near Wahiawa, some years ago.

It is important in my mind to define the person that I am, how I came to be, those kinds of things. The Hawaiian word "halau" translates to "school" in English.  I once belonged to a hula school and during those years, it was my greatest pleasure to dance; however, I was more often called upon to be confidant and counselor, held in high regard by my Kumu, but never quite fitting in with the population at large; mine was an edgy position.  Toward the end, I commented to my husband that, instead of a dancer, I had become the turtle whose back they stepped on to get to the other side.    I wrote this piece shortly after phasing out of hula and the halau that had preoccupied my life for almost ten years.

Christine Leionaona Paz on What Halau Means to Me….

An excerpt from the book, “The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving-Kindness,” by Pema Chodron: 

 

          “I would say that for four or five years practically the only teaching Rinpoche gave, in many different forms, under many different titles, was, “Stop shopping around and settle down and go deeply into one body of truth. He taught that this continual dabbling around in spiritual things was just another form of materialism, trying to get comfortable, trying to get secure, whereas if you stuck to one boat and really started working with it, it would definitely put you through all your changes. You would meet all your dragons; you would be continually pushed out of the nest. It would be one big initiation rite, and tremendous wisdom would come from that, tremendous heartfelt, genuine spiritual growth and development.”

The question is what does an excerpt from a book written by an American Buddhist nun have to do with the study of hula and this brief bio about myself?

In participating and being a part of Hula Hālau Nā Meakanu O Laka O Hawai`i, I was in the canoe; a body of people, an ohana, where each dance step, each lesson learned, each moment of loving kindness between hula sisters and friends, each unkindness, disappointment and sometimes heartache were an initiation rite. Not all things come easily and dancing was not something I had ever done. My family’s roots are deeply embedded in the Islands of Hawai`i. All that I am began on the Islands of Hawai`i...my family, my heritage, my roots. The old people, my mother and father, grandparents, aunts and uncles, have all passed away, now safely nestled in the arms of O`ahu. I am a transplant and California is my home. Studying hula opened my heart and my mind to many things lost. A distant drum called to me as we stood at the Birthing Stones near Wahiawa, the place where I was born; my first ipu heke, Little Thunder, was a tribute to that moment. Rainbows appeared everywhere I went during my halau years, and they follow me still. These were magical moments. How does one define the wealth of a lifetime, encapsulated in those years I spent in the fold of a loving hālau? How does one give thanks to a Kumu who crossed my path and helped me to define myself? It is different for each of us. Perception is an individual thing. I perceive hula and life within the hālau to be something larger than what it appears. “Hula is life,” this is what Aunty Mae Klein told us. It is a noble thing, to “step into one’s shoes,” as I like to say, and also to know when to move on and how to let go with grace. Life is a journey of forward motion, always moving toward the Light.

Adventures of Henry the Yorkie Pup

Henry will be three years old in December.  Let's see...dog years equal 7 per every 1 people year?  That makes Henry a young adult.  These pictures are recent; ain't he cute?  Last season Mallard ducks visited our swimming pool regularly.  Quack, quack, quack, Henry would hear their chatter and charge the pool like a speeding bullet to chase them away (that's how we learned Henry can swim to save his life).  I  don't think he craves duck meat; I think he just likes to see ducks take flight; maybe he wants to fly.  But then again...he is a terrier, bred to...  Sometimes those ducks would bob and float purposefully, just out of his reach; poor Hen!  The ducks moved on and we haven't seen them in months.   For a long time after, Henry would sit at the pool's edge looking wistfully up at the sky; waiting, listening.  He finally gave up the hunt but, seriously, we can no longer say the "D" word out loud, nor can we quack.  Maybe we should have named him Bullet, as in faster than a speeding bullet.  Just say DUCK! DUCK!  and there he goes!  Poor doggie door!

Still sewing...this time a blouse

Here's the back view of the blouse I just completed.  See Christine's www.mysewingbasket.blogspot.com for more details.  At some point, I have to stop sewing and get back to knitting socks for Christmas gifts.  Oh boy!  Never enough time to do it all!



Still sewing...

Visit www.mysewingbasket.blogspot.com to see Chris' latest completed project, a fun frock for casual wear around town and at home.

Future garden project...Garden Path

http://www.sunset.com/garden/backyard-projects/great-garden-paths-photos-00400000043327/page44.html

A sampling of garden paths from Sunset magazines; a project in planning for the back half of our property.   

Upholstered Headboard...diy

http://www.designsponge.com/2009/09/diy-video-graces-upholstered-otomi-headboard.html

Do check this out...a fabulous upholstered headboard project; very do-able, I do believe.  I want to make a headboard for the queen-size bed in our guest room.  The biggest challenge for me will be to find someone to cut out the shape of the headboard from wood.  A headboard template is provided as part of the article.  Credits go to Grace Bonney at www.designsponge.com for this DIY project.

Still sewing...

When I sew, I love it best; when I knit it is my favorite thing to do.  Right now I'm sewing.  Fabric stash is out; pattern boxes are on the counter.  So far...one sleeveless top completed, one dress in the making.  Visit www.mysewingbasket.blogspot.com to follow Christine's most current sewing projects.  Right now, I have it in mind to make a variety of stylish dresses, using knit fabric; one in progress, more to come.

Time for Sewing

Visit www.mysewingbasket.blogspot.com to see Christine's most recent sewing projects; a skirt, a dress, about Paris Chic styling.  Still thinkin' on how to consolidate my blogs; keep it to only one or keep separate as they are (I have three which are linked together but separate nonetheless).

Socks for Kiana Paz

Kiana's Socks

I've been working on these socks for Kiana using a Magic Loop pattern.  My BFF Kathy G. and I took a sock-knitting class a couple of years back and this is the pattern we were given for that class.  The socks are knit on a circular needle where both socks are knitted on a big loop continuously, one after the other.  The end result?  Both socks are finished at the same time.  Following the pattern instructions without a teacher to guide your every step is tedious at first; however, her instruction sheet is clear enough and I was able to work through the confusing parts.  See?  Kiana's socks are nearly done, then I'll start on Kristen's.  Kiana and Kristen, our nieces from New Mexico, chose their colors from a big bag of sock yarn from my stash when they came to visit during last Christmas/New Year.  These will be Christmas gifts, I think.  As for the dusty purple knitted handbag that I showcased in an earlier blog, the knitting is complete and now all I have to do is sew it together.  I'll post pictures when it's all done.

About Those Tomatoes...

It's the end of tomato growing season at the Casita.  The very large grape-type tomato is of the Juliet variety and provided a bountiful harvest.  I have read that the Juliet is somewhere between a plum tomato and the smaller grape tomato; meaty, excellent flavor, keeps well for a long time after picking.  The other tomatoes pictured are Brandywines, picked from my garden; See them ripening?  These Brandywines are almost ready.  I only grew one plant of each kind so there would not be an overload of tomatoes to deal with; I had only enough to do small batches of this and that.  From the Juliet I put up a Spicy Tomato Jam as well as making oven-dried herbed tomatoes packed in olive oil.  We also roasted the Juliets, skewered shishkebob-style, on the BBQ.  Mmmm good!  I'll definitely look to grow the Juliets again next season.  The Brandywines ended up in a Beef Tomato dish, using my alltime favorite recipe from Madame Wu's Chinese Cookbook.   Also cooked up some Fried Green Tomatoes for dipping in Ranch dressing.  The Brandywines were delicious in sandwiches, too; I fixed mine very simple; sliced tomato w/a little salt and pepper, bacon and mayo on toasted bread.  This is truly a yummy tomato but it is an heirloom variety and therefore subject to the persnickety variances that are the hallmark of old-fashioned tomatoes.  So there you go; my homegrown tomato season is coming to a close.  I'll be thinking and planning for next year's bounty.

Know what you love...

A person will dedicate a good chunk of time and money to those things closest to his/her heart or things he/she loves to do.  Think about it.  I know my passion.  Do you know yours?

Hobbit Shoes

In pursuit of cozy house slippers to wear, I sewed up a soft shoe from a free pattern I found on the internet; soft denim, calico lining, applique flower and covered button to match.  It is adorable I think, but not a good fit.  Never give up says me!  So I tried another pattern "Oma's Slippers," a crochet slipper which I think is very nice.  See the result?  I have made only one side of each of these...prototypes.  Result?  Another loose and goosey fit.  What's up?  Not to worry; simply size down the crochet needle, tighten the stitch and work it until proper fit is achieved.  I'll try again.  Friends and relatives beware; these could be gifts in the making.

Creativity Reigns

A chaotic blend of creativity reigns at the Casita.  Quilt sew quilt sew knit knit crochet embroider sew draw/paint carve gourds quilt sew sew read read read quilt sew sew quilt embroider; research research research; hunt down patterns; hunt down recipes; put up preserves bake bake cook; grow tomatoes grow herbs; blog a bit; draw a bit; paint a little; Netflix documentaries and PBS series.  Out of all of this comes bits and pieces of artwork complete.  There is no schedule; this then is creative chaos; I think my sis thinks I am crazy.  I think I am.  It is my most recent goal to quiet the mind and continue with what I do.  Today and for two days past I am knitting a purse in a lovely cable pattern; the color...dusty purple.  It will be done soon.   

Adventures of Henry the Yorkie Pup

Then and now!  Henry was only 12 weeks old when he came to live at the Casita.  See his puppy picture?   Henry has turned out nicely but I remind him from time to time, "Handsome is as handsome does."   Sometimes I call him Mister Dog because he is independent of spirit.  Henry loves to rummage through his doggie toy box to find squeaky toys with which to make a merry sound...eee-eee-EEee!! Henry has a big, big backyard to explore.  His favorite haunt we call Weinie Dog Hill, at the far corner of the property where the fences meet.  If he kneels down he can peek through the bit of chicken wire at the bottom of the fence to view the other side.  His mission?  To see doggie neighbors peeking back, for there are two little Daschunds that live there.  It is a sight to see Henry hopping and skipping backward down the slope of little Weinie Dog Hill in shock and surprise.  How in the world can there be little round eyes looking back at him?

Little knit nightgown

Here's a nightgown, Kwik Sew #3034, my most recent addition to Chloe's closet.  Chloe loves nightgowns.  I used a pink knit fabric, white stretch elastic for neck and arm bindings, and a roly poly elephant applique (Juju Designs) machine embroidered onto the front using bits and pieces from my fabric stash.  I especially like children's Kwik Sew patterns which I find easy to work with and make adjustments to.  Their range of styles are very limited, very basic; but that's what I'm looking for in children's clothing.  Chloe happens to be petite in body size, but long.  This pattern was cut according to her unique measurements (1T body size, 3T length).  Most all patterns come in a multi-size format, and I always copy my pattern pieces onto tracing paper, making the adjustments as I go.  It's extra work but allows me to keep the original pattern intact for future projects.  I am finally, finally making good use of the machine embroidery unit that is part of my sewing machine (Bernina 830 Series), as well as the serger (Husklock 936), both of which I have had for a while now.  I love my serger which provides perfect finished seams; great for wash and wear, quick and easy to use.  See the machine embroidery applique detail on this little nightie?  This was fun to do.  My next sewing projects will include sundresses for Jaden, and for Chloe and her new baby sister, Natalie.  My sis would like me to sew something for her granddaughter, Morgan.  Measurements; I need measurements!  And then it'll be back to struggling to create a wearable, artsy wardrobe for me, me, me.

Sites that I like...

Looking for children's fabrics?  Two sites for a good variety of print fabrics; I've had good luck with these.  Plus, Burdastyle provides outstanding articles that are current, cutting-edge, interesting, fun to read.  My opinion:  A+

www.fabricworm.com
www.thefabricfairy.com 
www.burdastyle.com 

Pants that I made...

Me in the garden, in pants that I made

It's true, this is me.  The green pants are for real...pants that I made; soft, washed linen.  My sis says I look like a Dutch boy in these; they are very boxy and non-descript, but oh so comfortable.  I do these caricatures of myself because, well...I can take photos of many things but I have yet to figure out how to take snapshots of myself, by myself.  Early June 2011; cutting roses in the garden.  First blooms are already done with; too bad, because I'd like to make rosewater using petals from my garden.  The recipe is simple enough; it requires vodka as well as rose petals (vodka acts as a preservative).  Maybe with the second bloom of roses; we'll see.