Machine Wrap Cording 02-23-08

These are some samples from the online class titled "Machine Wrapped Cording". The business is "Creative-Textile-and-Quilting-Arts" (add ".com" and you are on the website). This is the first online class I have taken and I didn't learn anything I didn't already know, but making the samples was a good exercise.

These are the best of them:

The top cord with the variegated thread is all bumpy because we were to try for that effect. But trying to hold on to the cord and feed it under the presser foot was very hard with my arthritic hands. I found that clamping on the cord with hemostats was helpful. I like the green cord on the bottom because it is flat.

The top cord is another flat one which I finished off with a straight stitch right down the middle - handsome, I think. The bottom is another lumpy one, this time caused by the twisting of the selvedge strip.

These are both very stiff and can be shaped into circles or whatever. The plastic wrapped wire is something I found in the garage and is marked "Motorola", so I guess it is something used for sound systems.

I opened a new large box of Quaker Oats last week, leaving me with this plastic coil that formed the pull tab. It has serrations on the inside curve and is smooth on the outside. I thought it might look like a fiddlehead from a fern, but it isn't malleable so the shape is static.

A cold walk in the park 02-22-08

It was cold and windy when we went on a walk in the park yesterday. So, Corky wore his new jacket and I wore three layers and gloves.

This is my view of Corky.

And here he is, unwilling to have his picture taken.

These guys & gals were also walking, but they paid us no attention and Corky paid them no attention. I always find it amazing that he has no interest in birds, no matter what size they are. And these geese are twice as big as he is.

Spring must be right around the corner. The mockingbirds are singing their mating songs and there was an Audubon's warbler in my rosebushes this morning.

FFAC Reverse Auction 02-21-08

All of the art work offered in the Fiberarts For A Cure reverse auction is now on view at:

http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/ReverseAuctionArtwork2008.html

This is the piece I contributed "Color Bowls - 2" which is 17"W x 23"L.

The auction starts on March 10th, but right now is the time to get the information out there to everyone I, or you, can think of. I hope you will pass the above URL on to your friends and ask them to pass it on to their friends. Curing cancer is an important cause, so help us as much as you can by letting everyone know about this event.

This is a different detail than the one I previously posted and it shows the stitching on the 'bowls'.

"Quiltcard" 02-20-08

"Bluebird for Karen" Del Thomas 2007 10"W x 7"L

My friend Karen had a milestone birthday last February, so I made her this quiltcard. It is a bird shape I have used several times, but I particularly like this version. It is actually a little brighter, but I've noticed that even if I adjust for brightness with Picasa2 the pictures are always a bit darker on Blogger.

I have been participating in an online class about machine wrapped cording. The site owner is giving this class to test students without charge. I think I have been spending more time on the computer part than the sewing part. I had hoped to have a photo of samples to post tonight, but I need to arrange them in some coherent manner before photographing. After I take Corky home tomorrow I will try to catch up with this project.

Not much 02-18-08

A busy day with not much of interest and no pictures. Catching up on bills and paperwork, taking Corky home to LBeach and, in lieu of a walk, digging up some weeds. It is a dilemma - get them out before the rain gives them a 'shot in the arm' or wait until after the rain when the digging/pulling is easier. Once they are watered I swear I can hear the sow thistles growing. I do have a gardener, but it is a mow and blow service, so weed pulling is up to me. Since rain is predicted for the rest of this week the dilemma with be solved and boots will be required.

A walk in the park 02-17-08

Corky is sooo good for me. He has to go for a walk every day and if he is at my house I have to go with him. He enjoys walking in Tri-Cities Park, I think it is because there is so much going on and so many good smells (to a dog, anyway).

There are a few odd things. Like this guy who lays on the ground and sprinkles some kind of avian food around him. He doesn't have to wait long for the geese and ducks to come a'running. Personally, I wouldn't lay on the poopy ground if Robert Redford came a'running. Which gives you an indication of my age, right?

But there are also lovely sunsets over the lake. And I do sleep a little better after even this little bit of exercise. Dogs are smarter than people sometimes.

He is ready to go home and have his dinner. Notice the oranges on the tree in the top right of the picture, these trees have been left to remind everyone of the now defunct orange growing & packing industry of this area.