Tree planting and sewing again 03-03-12

I am always bemoaning the loss of trees, but this time I am rejoicing over new trees.

The road crews have been working on La Palma Ave in Anaheim for at least a year.  Now the road work is done and the new center divider is being planted with adult palm trees.  As you can see, the trees on the flatbed truck have very small root balls which is part of the reason such tall palms can be transplanted - they just don't have a spreading root system.  Since there are only a few fronds at the top high winds should not be a problem as the roots grow out into the existing soil.   Sometimes a few of the palms die, but most contractors are obliged to plant new replacement trees. 

A very tall, very heavy crane is required to lift the trees upright. Since the roadway is now wider than before they didn't need to close the road - just the number one lanes.

The new palms are a different variety than those growing in front of the industrial buildings on each side.

 

After months of a silent sewing machine I am practicing my sewing skills again. 

Corky has a new pillow for his family room bed.  I bought the fabric months (maybe years) ago.

I didn't plan this matching seam!  When I turned the pillowcase right side out to press it I realized it was accidentally an almost perfect match.  Serendipity!

Friday Feet - Sergio Rossi 03-02-12

There is an entire world of foot coverings that I could not even imagine.  I would not believe it, but here it is! 

Another Trash Can Surprise 03-01-12

What is it with me and trash cans?  It is always a struggle and sometimes a surprise.  Some years ago I posted:
  http://www.delquilts.blogspot.com/2008/03/fairy-in-my-trash-can-03-28-08.html    
I later discovered the fairy comes back at a certain time of year to revisit the can, located in the same spot in the garage.  So the turban on the roof not only lets in air - it also lets in fairies.

Recently I was in LBeach with the Poodle Prince and went out to put something the trash can and nearly had a heart attack when this came popping out at me.  One cannot expect to have something with a shiny red face jump out when the lid of the can is lifted.  Of course, I had not turned on the garage light and was relying on the faint light coming from the door to the inside hall.  I actually struck out at it with my elbow - good training comes back when needed.   

 
I was tempted to deflate this scary thing, but figured "Hey, it isn't my trash can with a red faced thing popping up whenever I open it."

Wordless Wednesday - Two Corkys 02-29-12

An Exciting Monday - RAIN! 02-28-12

After I went to pool therapy yesterday I drove down to San Clemente to do some deliveries. 

This large Raphiolepis indica (Indian Hawthorne)  was almost solid flowers in the weak sunshine.  It grows along the driveway...

....at my friend Nancy's house.  The house with the fabulous view out over San Clemente and the Pacific.

A couple hours later as I neared home it started to rain - lightly.

This threatening view is the same that I posted on Feb 18th!

http://www.delquilts.blogspot.com/2012/02/posted-by-picasa.html

Beach Cottage block 02-27-12

I can't believe what a big deal this very small (6" finished) block has become in my life!  The first block is still missing - maybe the "Borrowers" took it away to make into their own beach house!  One would think this second block would be easier, but it has actually been more difficult to make.  There were things I wish I had done in block #1 that I tried to do here and there was trying to save time.  Previously I set-in the windows and thought that drawing them with fabric markers would be faster, but then I couldn't get them quite right and had to go over them several times, as you can tell.   I found the blue w/seagulls fabric in one of my many scrap bags, but it was only a scrap and required some manipulation to fit the pattern pieces on it.   I used a different color for the door (this one is better) which required a stop at the craft store for some different colors of floss for the flowers.   Since I had not yet photographed the first block I don't really know how they would compare - if I ever find it I will post a picture!  But the trash has been emptied several times since I pinned it on the wall, so I expect it has gone with the trash.

I can't seem to get the color right - this picture is a little pale, another is too bright and others have shadows or something else wrong.   

The speckled blue at the bottom is to represent both the sand and the ocean.

Some people thought the round thing was the moon or a balloon, so this time I stitched in a bluebird to show it is really a big round tree on the other side of the cottage.

 

I like the rock, part of the speckled fabric which I just continued onto the background.

 When I was trying to take pictures outside on this very windy, and eventually rainy, day the block flipped over.  When I looked at the images on the computer it occurred to me I should have taken a picture of the back to show that it is all pieced.  So, I'm including this "flipped" picture.

I haven't done any embroidery for years, so I am pleased at how well it turned out - using my arthritic twisted hands!

Deborah Boschert gift quilt 02-26-12

This is another of the quilts from the "Twelves" that didn't make it into the Visions Art Museum exhibit.  I was amazed at how dark this quilt read when laid out with the other 48 pieces.  There are three of Deborah's 12-inch square quilts in the Collection and her quilt "Meandering Home" is showing at VAM now.

"Cultivate"  Deborah Boschert 2011  12" x 12" 

This quilt has many of Deborah's signature techniques/motifs - the little white "trees" in a row at the bottom, the printed circles, the misty paint spray, hand embroidery and more.  I especially like the little quilted tendrils growing upward and overlapping the little house.    Instead of the long over the edge binding stitches she sometimes uses she has instead added a fabric printed with grass - clever. 

 
A gorgeous batik on the back and a dedication label.
And notice the soda can hanging tags.