Activities for passing time

Seattle, Washington

Lately I've had too much time on my hands while waiting for all kinds of stuff to happen. And then I finally happened upon the perfect combination of activities for passing some of these long hours: sewing napkins for a friend and listening to a new audio book. "Red Rising" by Pierce Brown is turning out to be a great listen and, while set on Mars, sounds all the world to me like an allegory of the history between the Irish and the English...

"Red Rising" by Pierce Brown

Quilting ladies

Seattle, Washington

On the way to my quilt group in Magnolia, I took a long meandering ride around Seattle--and then sat down to enjoy the company of fellow quilters, their lovely work, and some delicious flan. Thanks, L!

More "books on bikes":

• "Time Shelter" by Georgi Gospodinov

38.9 miles

Quilt Camp 2022

Lake Chelan, Washington

Our quilt group has returned once again to the stunning shores of Lake Chelan for Quilt Camp. Lots of time for walking, biking and visiting--and sewing, too! What a wonderful gift to be able to return year after year...Thank you, B & L!

Quilt Camp!

Lake Chelan, Washington

Just finished up several lovely days with my quilting friends. There was, of course, no Quilt Camp last year, and it was lovely to gather again this year. Did a bit of sewing (and a lot of remote work), ate good food, swam in the stunningly beautiful lake--and caught up on all the news. 

Even tried my first Espresso Martini. Living large!

Baby quilt #??

Seattle, Washington
Friday, February 3, 2017

Surprised myself this evening by almost completing another baby quilt. Something about winter just makes me want to sew...

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Seattle, Washington
Thursday, October 27, 2016

The small purse I bought in Thailand three years ago was finally TOO disgusting to keep using. So, I salvaged the very durable shoulder strap, and re-purposed it for my new bag. Very satisfying. And by the way, don't make a purse out of light-colored fabric if you expect it to be presentable for long...

Long-arm quilting

Seattle, Washington
Monday, July 4, 2016

Yesterday I got the chance to try using a long-arm quilting machine for the first time. Kinda scary at first, but I was pleased with the results. Thanks, S!

Quilt Camp, Day 4

Lake Chelan, Washington
Wednesday, June 29, 2016

The Featherweight is packed up and I'm almost ready to hit the road. One last swim in this glorious lake. A giant thanks to L & B who made it all possible--and to the other ladies for their fine company!

Quilt Camp, Day 3

Lake Chelan, Washington
Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Here on Day 3 my projects are continuing apace, even with time out for visiting, eating and swimming...

Quilt Camp, Day 2

Lake Chelan, Washington
Monday, June 27, 2016

I did get some sewing done today, but I also spent some time learning to pick cherries. Sticky, messy work perched atop a ladder, but I did gain a new appreciation for those who do it for a living. Hard work!

Quilt Camp, Day 1

Lake Chelan, Washington
Sunday, June 26, 2016

Arrived at Quilt Camp today, but found I could only sit and stare at the lovely, lovely lake. Sewing will have to wait a bit...

Rabbit #2

Seattle, Washington
Saturday, April 2, 2016

We decided to try making a second rabbit after the success of "Arnab." This time A wanted me to try "fur"--so we settled on some faux suede. This fabric was much stiffer than the stuff we worked with last time, and it has absolutely no "give." But I think it came out pretty well anyhow. This really is a great pattern.

Next step: stuff and sew him up!

Finally, a new bag

Seattle, Washington
Sunday, August 30, 2015

Alas, we did not make it to Lake Chelan for Quilt Camp this year: the wild fires were far too numerous and terrifying. We decided to make a go of it in Magnolia and, at last, I have a new bag. Good fun to see everyone!

The mittens live on

Fixed and ready to go

Olympia, Washington
Sunday, January 18, 2015

These mittens came home for a repair job after more than a decade of service. I wasn't entirely sure they could be saved but new thumbs were knitted and holes were darned. Mission accomplished. I think we will consider replacements in 2025: 52 in '25!

Getting a new thumb...

Darning the holes...

Sewing, sewing, sewing

T's baby quilt

Seattle, Washington
Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Two weeks of sewing and four projects complete. Happy to be home and reunited with my Featherweight...

Napkins for A

Curtains for the basement

A new dress for A

GEO 2014

Madaba, Jordan
Monday, April 21, 2014

I am just getting ready to assemble this year's Geometry class quilt. As usual, a very eclectic combination of squares--just as eclectic, in fact, as the wonderful students who made them...

Primary color mash-up

Madaba, Jordan
Monday, March 10, 2014

It's Spring Break at last, and I finally have time to just BE. After pawing through the remains of my quilting stash, I decided on a primary color theme for a colleague's baby. It's a pretty crazy combination, but after five years on the road, my scraps form a very random collection. Anyhow, let's hope it's a happy-baby combo...

Raggabirl gets a new outfit

Madaba, Jordan
Saturday, January 25, 2014

With a little help from a friend, I made a new dress for Raggabirl today. A matching dress for A is soon to follow, I hope.

The finished product

Lopez Island, Washington
Wednesday, August 21, 2013

50 stars turned out to be a bit much for the young artists, but everyone seem pleased with the final product anyway...

Sewing flags

Lopez, Washington
Monday, August 19, 2013

Set up a sewing project today to teach the kids some of the basics of sewing--and to have fun with shape and color. A diversion, too, for when they've had enough racing around for a while...