Thomas Contemporary Quilt Collection 05-14-23

Some viewers ask how I decide what to add to TCQC and I don't really have an answer.  The piece must "speak" to me in some way, but there is a great variety in topic, size, color, technique - well, in every way.  Some pieces I would like to add are way out of my price range, some are too dimensional and would require special storage, some are just oo large.  I don't know what appeals to me in this work by  Pamela Allen, but I do like much of her work and there are about six pieces in the Collection.   I love this one, despite  it's weirdness! 

"The  Cherry Picker"  Pamela Allen  2005  20"W X 25"L

This is the first of Pamela's quilts I purchased at an online auction in 2006.  I was surprised when it arrived that the cherries are actual round, hard cherries that hang by their plastic stems.   Her hand is a glove that Pamela cut out and the eyes she printed on fabric and cut out.  The applique is all hand done and many of the fabrics are from the 2nd hand store.   You can see what I said about this piece in 2009  at this page:

 https://delquilts.blogspot.com/2009/03/pamela-allen-quilt-from-tcqc-03-15-09.html

                 "Watching TV in Bed"  Pamela Allen  2014  9.5"W x 7.5"L

This is a tiny piece, only 9.5"W X 7.5"L.  It hangs in the guest bedroom, where I do my PTherapy exercises, and it always makes me smile at the memory of my late husband.  

Here is what I said about it when I purchased it: 

https://delquilts.blogspot.com/2014/08/another-new-pamela-allen-quilt-in-tcqc.html

Check out the quilts that Pamela has for sale on her website.

www.pamelart.com 

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KoKo 05-08-23

 NOTE:  Unable to post on Monday, computer went on strike, I guess.  

My constant companion and his friend Froggy.  You can tell this is a seven year old picture because Froggy looks in good shape - his feet are white instead of grungy.  And KoKo is much lighter, guess instead of getting grey he is getting dark brown/black.  

May 6, 2016

May 6, 2023

Every now and then he will dig out another toy and want me to toss it for him.  But it never satisfies and he brings Froggy.  This grinning snake has been around for as long as Froggy, but is just not the BEST toy in the box.

I rather like this rooster with long flappy legs, but KoKo is indifferent. 

Other than tossing toys he likes to tear up tissues, napkins, bookmarks, and any stray piece of paper he  runs across.

What a guy!!

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Trees in TCQC 05-07-23

Our current challenge in the San Diego group is trees.  I have done a lot of tree quilts over the years and there are quite a few in the Thomas Contemporary Quilt Collection.   I looked through the 12"X12" pieces in the Collection and picked out these six to post tonight.  As you see they are mostly parts of trees; roots, leaves, fruit, and whole trees.  Everyone sees the subject in their own way and I am always delighted to see someone's vision.  The bottom quilt by Caroline Higgs is an amazing fused applique which is machine quilted around each leaf, twig, and trunk.  You can find the artist's name on the sidebar and click to find more information about the maker and the quilt.  

Village Series #7 Kristin La Flamme  2007

Evergreen  Brenda Gael Smith - Australia  2011

Rainbow Trees  Nikki Wheeer -   2011

Gingko with Fruit  Aileyn Renli Ecob - California  2014

Lake in the Woods   Sandra Hart -   2011

Essence of India  Caroline Higgs -    2018

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Miscellaneous 05-05-23

Had enough roses?  Just want to add this image of white landscape roses used as a sort of hedge .  There are six bushes here, all covered  with blossoms.  No fragrance. 

The oral surgery is doing just great.  No bleeding, no real pain, just a tenderness and  then you probaby understand about disciplining one's tongue to 

LEAVE IT ALONE! 

My phone would not charge last night.  It dropped to zero and stayed there even as I tried all three charger cables.  Went to Best Buy to see the Geek Squad guy.  He diagnosed it instantly, my charger cords were dead.  After buying two new cords I took a  stroll around the large store and saw things I have no knowledge of.  Perhaps I isolate myself too much.  One thing they do not have is a plain old toaster oven - might have to go to a resale shop for that.  Air fryers, air purifiers, air coolers, ... just to mention the "A"s.  Many things I have no idea what they are used for.  Do you think I should get out more?   I would like a "Ring" doorbell installed, but the choices are more than I could sort out.    I went on the gas up the car, shopped at TJoe's where there is an abundance of flowers.  Purchased some lilacs for myself - how I do love them and they do not grow locally.  And some bouquets for friends.  It is a special treat to have someone buy me flowers and I think everyone deserves that now and then. . And it is May! 

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Those roses! 05-04-23

I don't know about all the roses in last nights post, but the white ones are some variety of "landscape roses" which require very litte care.  Pruned once a year in Jan/Feb they put out blossoms all year, but with the rainfall we have enjoyed this year the bloom is indeed a "super bloom".  They don't have much fragrance, but they are gorgeous to look at.    We did have a pretty good rain last night so everything was a bit droopy this morning.  

  I had a dental procedure this morning on my lower right gum.  My doctor is very good at giving just the right amount of deadening shots, which is admirable because  I can't take epinephrine and the numbness starts wearing off quickly.  No pain even now, however I followed the ice pack routine and took the Tylenol.  The area is just a bit tender and I hope will be normal tomorrow when he calls to see how I am doing.  Such a good doctor. 

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Wordless Wednesday 05-03-23

 

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SLOOOOOOW Internet 04-31-23

Breakfast out this morning.   I met my bookie friend Verna at the Mini Gourmet, a rather "throwback" little local breakfast/lunch place.   It reminds me of places I knew in the 1940s and 1950s growing up in Portland, OR, but they were not carpeted! .  When we first arrived there were just a few people seated, but it soon filled up and many of the customers are regulars.  Verna says that when it is very busy some customers will put on an apron and help out.  It is run by five guys who all look like they belong to the Mexican mafia plus one young woman (shown) and they are all related in some way.  The prices are moderate, but still quite a bit more than they were five years ago.  I had pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee, and had to leave part of the pancakes.  

Beside the long time Book Group Verna and I share our love of quilting, we are about the same age, both widows, and exchange information about dealing with our various ills.

I shared my "electricity" post on the Elder Orphans Facebook group and it turned out to be a great opportunity for many to share their electric outage experiences.  Most of them live in places  that have many outages for very long periods of time due to hurricanes, tornadoes, winter  storms, etc.  My five hour experience  is almost laughable.  However, there was a lot of information shared about keeping supplies and equipment ready and different ways they have prepared or recovered from their experiences.  I wish I could share the 89 comments with you as there are some valuable ideas there.  Almost everyone mentioned having lots of batteries on hand and keeping your cell phone charged.  I do have a solar charger that is about the same size as my cell phone and always sits in a south facing window . But i am diligent about keeping my cell  charged.  One person pointed out that I could have toasted bread using tongs over a burner on the gas range and others mentioned keeping the outside grill in good shape using gas or even charcoal. 

I don't know why, but it has taken more than an hour to prepare this post.  Very slow response when I type - I have to stop and let the letters catch up and  I am NOT a fast typist.  Hope it is well tomorrow! 

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