Kangaroo Paw Flowers - again 06-20-14

 

I think Kangaroo Paw flowers are wonderful!   They have not been common in this country for very many years and the climate in the Orange County area seems to be perfect for them.  They grow very tall when they are properly cared for and make ideal parking lot plants.  These are in the lot near Kappo Hana, a lovely authentic Japanese restaurant in Laguna Hills. 

 

See how fuzzy the flowers are.  Like real kangaroo paws.

 

The red stems really stand out against the bright yellow flowers. 

 

 



These plants are at least 6 feet tall.  That is my Lexus RX330 parked next to them.

 

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Last four quilts from Beach Cities QGuild QShow 06-19-14

I may try to retrieve some of Liz' pictures, she likes different quilts than I.  But I don't really know how to access her pictures and will have to "play around" with them.  When I have a bit of time, I'll give it a try. 

 

Here is another modern quilt by Nancy Gasparotti.   I love the diamonds, but haven't yet been able to adjust to all grey backgrounds.  They look a little dirty to me - I'll get over it!

 

This quilt is more effective in-the-fabric, the squiggly lines on the straight lines really made my eyes strain to see the design.  The flowers remind me of some I made lately, but I think these are more effective than mine. 

Interesting design done with impeccable technique.  But I don't think the quilting works well.

The outlines, beaks and legs are done with a precise satin stitch. 

I think this guy has a club foot - and just one! 

I know, I can't read it either, but I wanted to at least have the artist's name and the quilt title shown.  She says that she used "Backyard Birds" pattern by Piece O' Cake, but changed the colors and something on the birds.  A lovely little quilt. 

 

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Wordless Wednesday 06-18-14

Program for Canyon QGuild 06-16-14

I drove to San Diego yesterday (Monday) with Liz to do a program for Canyon Quilters in San Diego.  It was a lovely day and the blue Pacific was, indeed, BLUE.   Here are two views of what one sees from a car on I-5 South.

 

 

As you can see, even this close to the ocean things are very, very dry.  This is south of Camp Pendleton. 

 

"Getting my Ducks in a Row"  Pamela Allen  and "Middlesex Fells"  Ruth B. McDowell

 

I showed forty quilts from the Thomas Contemporary Quilt Collection and talked for just an hour.  The Guild elected their new officers and there was Show & Tell, along with committee reports.  It was just like every guild I have ever attended.  Just like home! 

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Beach Cities QGuild Quilt Show Part 2 06-15-14

Before the Thomas Contemporary Quilt Collection took over my life, I rather casually collected antique and vintage quilts.  Signature quilts have always impressed me and there are several antique ones on my shelves.  I was quite taken with Maggie Ezell's two quilts for her daughter's weddings.  

 

This one is very effective, despite her problem with the size of the signature blocks.

It also has great quilting done on a domestic machine.  

[I think this should read "Her friends 'made' the quilt with their great signature blocks.]

Another successful signature quilt using the very simple block.  Such a wonderfully loving tribute from friends, family and mother. 

 

Here is another bunny for my bunny lovin' friend.  Grace Errea is creating quite a name for herself and a loyal following.  This is another of her successful quilts. 

 

 

Is this a happy quilt, or what?!  It has all the elements to attract my attention - little blue birds, happy flowers and that lovely acid green.  The 'randomness' of the design is a delight.

 

I have a few more pictures to post later in the week.

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San Diego today 06-14-14

I drove to San Diego today for events at Visions Art Museum.  At 2:30p Michael Rohde, one of the artists, gave a tour of the tapestry exhibit.   I found it interesting, but wish I had heard the first part.  Unfortunately, due to it being a gorgeous day to go to the beach, Father's Day weekend, and the 2nd weekend of the Del Mar Fair, it took me almost four hours to drive from Placentia to VAM.  I expected traffic, but not bumper to bumper most of the way.  I tried to keep it at 30mph.  Instead of the usual 77mph.

 

At 4pm tea was served, featuring the new line of custom tea with the Visions label.  Other than Michael it was an all female group and I saw and talked to many San Diego friends I haven't seen for a while.  There was a small basket raffle and I pulled the names from the bags - including one of my own.  Lovely white teapot, tea, chocolate and a small cookbook (guess I'll give that to Liz!).   I didn't take any pictures at the Museum, don't really know why not!  But I took a few on the road.

 

I  picked up this truck on the freeway and he got off at the same exit as I did.  It appears to be an off road vehicle and my attention was drawn to the "Be prepared" accessories.

I was trying to figure out what this orange thing is.  To the left is a short handled shovel and a sort of rake.  So, I decided this must be a gizmo to help get a truck out of the sand - a traction device.  Anyone know for sure? 

On the way home on I-5 the sun was just going down.  This was taken about 8pm.  Must have been really cold at high altitude because there were a zillion contrails among the

clouds.   It was quite lovely and serene and the traffic was tolerable all the way home.

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