Saturday, December 31, 2011

For Auld Lang Syne

In many ways this was a great and wonderful year and in others, not so much.

My daughter, Erin finally got married!
Mimi changed positions at work and is much happier.
All my kids were together for Erin's wedding.
Rebecca moved to Illinois, boo!
I went to Minnesota and met up with Hunie after a 7 year absence and got to meet Amanda and Hannah who are both a hoot and a half.
Anne was diagnosed with cancer, more boo!
Jann and I enjoyed each others company more.


Things were accomplished, things were learned, things were left undone. More shall be revealed.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Damn the Gods

One of my dearest etherwebs people has been diagnosed with cancer. She's an artist, a style maker and makes me laugh all the time.

I have literally been there and done that. It's no fun and makes me so damn mad when I hear of another diagnosis.

I am going to light a candle and pray. I would jump on a plane tomorrow to go help if she needed me to. I really know what that means.

I love you Anne, prayers for you and yours. Thank the Good Lord we have our faith to sustain us. Now, commence kicking cancer's ass.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Another Missing or Stolen Quilt




This quilt went missing in Houston after Quilt Festival. It was made by my friend Sharon L. Schlotzhauer from the Piecing Partners Quilt Guild here in Colorado Springs. She would love to get it back. If you have any information, please contact me.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Sarah and Wendy's Lost Quilts



PLEASE help get these quilts home! This past summer, Anne Copeland of the Fiberarts Connection curated the exhibit “Then and Now” that was on display at the Mancuso shows in New Hampshire (World Quilt Competition) and California (Pacific International Quilt Festival, PIQF, Santa Clara). The Mancuso show folks returned all the quilts to Annie, who in turn packed them up to return to their owners. All but four have made it home; alas, it appears that two of Sarah Ann Smith's quilts and two of Wendy L. Starn’s quilts are currently lost and unaccounted for since about October 11th. That's over a month. If you see these quilts for sale anywhere, PLEASE let me know!!!!!!!

As far as can be figured, Annie shipped out most of the boxes on October 11th at an Office Depot near her home in Lomita, California; they are a postal acceptance facility. Those quilts were packed in Flat-Rate Medium USPS (US Postal Service) boxes; all of those for which she has a receipt and tracking numbers were delivered. Several days later Annie made two trips to the US Post Office in Lomita. One trip was for the international shipments (to Canada and the Netherlands) and another was for domestic mail. Annie had tracking numbers for six of seven boxes known to ship that day, and all are marked as delivered according to the USPS Tracking and the seventh box the recipient has said she received her quilts. Of those who answered my e-mail, everyone had opened their boxes and received only their own quilts (and with the size of the box it would be pretty hard to fit in extras).

That leaves the four quilts – as shown in these small images above that have gone missing.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Anne, Who Brings me Love, Laughter and Art


Audrey says it best:

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Our Friend Anne

...I see that the word is out that it is our dear Anne that is in need of our love and prayers. We all know what a trouper she is ~ a fighter ~ a survivor!! She will fight hard and we will fight with her. We, as a community of bloggers and sisterfriends, have united as one to pray for Anne. She has been there for all of us, it seems. I've read comments this evening that I could have written myself about how she reaches out, listens, understands, and makes us laugh. She is talented in many ways beyond her artistic abilities and God has to be pleased with all the majestic stoles and banners she has made over the years. There is no one else quite like her. She is truly our friend. We all want to see her well, happy, and creating in the studio she loves. God is good. He will listen to our unified prayers.
We love you, Anne. Be well.

♥ audrey

This post is from Leslie with love and prayers from Colorado...

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

15 June - Fan of Quilting

I am a fan of quilting. Today is quilt guild day at the Piecing Partners Quilt Guild.

Be it quilts I have made or quilts made by others, I appreciate them all.

My granny, Virginia Smith Blair was a quilter. I still have 2 of the quilts she made. One is a bible quilt, it was made when I was a wee child. The original wore out and she remade it. It has polyester double knit for some of the applique pieces. There is also a applique dogwood. She was into applique more than piecing. Her's were traditional.

I also own an antique quilt made in South Dakota that I found at a yard sale.

I have made and own both pieced and applique. Mine tend to be arty rather than traditional.

My girly, Rebecca does AMAZING crazy quilts. My friend Luana, owns e-Quilter. Nearly half my friends on Facebook are quilt related.

I like making traditional quilt blocks with a twist. Things like log cabins made from batiks or skewed/wonky traditional blocks.

I also have WIPs and UFOs that are quilt related, piles of them in fact...

Currently on the pile of UFOs are a Steampunk themed, a sheep grazing by a Henge, and a Japanese influenced one about Peace.

Most of my quilts tend to be small, more for the art of them than as a bed cover. I also use unusual embellishments on my quilts, such as nuts and bolts, scrap metal, etc. I use quilting in wearable art as in appliqued shirts, quilted vests and the like.

Where are the pictures you might ask? Well, they are mostly on my external hard drive and not accessible at the moment. If you scroll thru my older posts you'll see some of the ones that I have made and/or own,

Friday, June 10, 2011

10 June - Fan of the Colorado Renaissance Festival

I am a big fan of Ren Faires. They are seriously anachronistic and down right silly at times, but fun none the less. Of course there is also drama, intrigue and love connections... It'll will also be the 1st season I will have attended without our Scot/Viking/Roman/Renaissance Man Norman, who we sadly lost this year...

I worked at TRF near Houston for a season or so, demoing spinning and dying long ago. We had a lovely building with a balcony where we (Susan, Sara and myself) were wooed by the Three Musketeers (who were actually oil field explosives boys, dressed to play).

Now I am a playtron myself. I get dress up in whatever garb suits my mood and go play. The upside of costuming is showing off my skills at sewing and design. The downside of being in costume is that the other guests expect you to know where the loos, ATMs and drinking fountains are...

Tomorrow I will likely be wearing the gold with red and green stripe split skirt over a gold embroidered satin petticoat and matching ribbon tied doublet. It's a take on a riding outfit. Depending on the weather I shall either wear my new wee red hat with the silk rose and feathers or my big sun hat with the feathered hatband. Hopefully someone will get a picture as I am usually the one behind the camera.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

9 June - Knitting Fan

I am a fan of knitting, as you might know.

This year I have knit a Feather and Fan CYA sweater and a pair of Feather and Fan socks.

I have also knit a Zigzag Pullover. (just needs to be stitched together)

I am working on a Water's Edge Cardi. (waiting for the last skein of yarn to be dyed)

I have just cast on for another shawl.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

8 June - Sewing Fan

I am a fan of sewing. I have been sewing since I was a wee child and I have been on a re-newed kick recently. I remade some things, repaired somethings and re-vamped some other things

I have made or re-made the following items in last couple of months.

From Folkwear:
Prairie Dress in blue and cream calico
Victorian Walking Skirt in dark brown faille and taupe crepe-back satin
Big Sky Skirt - in black crepe and black and grey pinstripe satin
School Mistress' Waist - in burn-out velvet
Edwardian Skirt - in dark brown twill
Prairie Keyhole pocket apron in blue and brown calico
Prairie Keyhole pocket apron in muslin with a pinner bib

From Butterick:
White Linen Chemise - Handkerchief weight
Yellow Cotton Chemise - Calcutta Cloth
Corset (hand sewn eyelets, what was I thinking)-pink and cream satin with
2 layers of canvas

From Simplicity:
Bow tied at the knee knickers - dark brown chenille
Victorian long tailed coat - cream and rusty red satin
Bustle to match the Edwardian Skirt - multi-coloured plaid

From Kannick's Korner:
Women's Linen Caul from 1740s - white handkerchief linen

From no pattern:
Two opened sided skirts (where pockets would be) - green twill, cream
and rose print
Front Split Over Skirt - gold with green and red stripe and cream shields
Lace trimmed linen hankie - white linen
Denim work apron
Ikat cotton apron

Monday, June 6, 2011

5 June - Albannach Fan

On the 1st of June, I listed some of the Celtic Bands that I am a fan.

I stated in that post that I am a fan of Albannach, however I am really a fan of Jamsie Johnston from Pitlochry, Scotland, who is one of the drummers in the band...

He was assaulted by a fan last night after the Glasgow Highland Games in Glasgow, KY and is currently in the hospital. Prayers for healing and fast recovery as he and the band are scheduled to play here in Colorado in July at the Colorado Irish Festival and in September at the Long's Peak Scottish/Irish Festival and Games ...

Sunday, June 5, 2011

5 June - (I am a) Fan

I am a fan of:

Art - it feeds my Spirit.

Renoir, Manet, Manet, Picasso, Anne Huskey-Lockard, Rebecca Halley, the Celts, the Egyptians

Music - it feeds my Soul.

Classical, Opera, Rock and Roll, Celtic, World, Liturgical

Literature - it feeds my Mind.

History, classics, romances, childrens, fiction, non-fiction

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

31 May - Maybe

Maybe:

It's the last day of May.

The sun is shining.

I will have a new subject to be blogging about tomorrow.

I am half way thru the front of the Zigzag Pullover.

We will find out when we get the car back.

The tomatoes got potted in their big pots and are out of my bathroom window.

Monday, May 30, 2011

30 May - Maybe

Maybe:

I will remember the men and women who died in service of this country, that I might live free.

I finished the back for the Zig-Zag Pullover last night.

I cast on for the front of the Zig-Zag Pullover this morning.

I will get to the last day of Territory Days and hear a full set from Arvel Bird the Native American/Scot I really like and discovered last year.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

29 May - Maybe

Maybe:

It's Sunday and I forgot to post yesterday.

I had fun with Rebecca and Mary Beth at Territory Days in Old Colorado City, instead.

I got my picture taken with a Buffalo Bill Cody re-enactor.

I used some of my gift certificate from Mary Lou at Green Valley Weavers.

I bought a Polish Pottery spoon from Ginger Pokrant at the celebration.

I went to church this morning and looked at the gardens for the first time in weeks. Wowser!

I cast on for a Zig-Zag Pullover sweater in two shades of LBY Fishermen's Wool (brown and natural) and one of Paton's Classic Wool in Leaf Green today as I am at a stand still on the Water's Edge sweater due to lack of blue spots, as yet, on the very last skein of my custom dyed yarn that I need for it.

The month is nearly over and I might almost be back in the habit of writing to my blog again.

Friday, May 27, 2011

27 May - Maybe

Maybe:

I'll never get off Facebook now that the Quilt Mavericks have a group there.

It'll warm up some. Hoodie and wool socks on for the morning.

I will sleep in my own bed tonight.

I will miss Cosi and Dexter, but I will have the Saki-Bomb under my feet again.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

26 May - Maybe

Maybe:

I ordered a new straw hat from JAS Townsend yesterday.

I also ordered a spoon made from horn.

I got some sleep thanks to finding that electronic chirp and silencing it.

I will go to the Spin - Out at Green Valley Weavers for Territory Days on Saturday.

I will finish up Alyssa's skirt.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

25 May - Maybe

Maybe:

I missed posting yesterday cuz I am not at my home and then the 'puter froze at the home I am dog sitting at.

The shawl for my spoilee is blocking finally.

The car is in the shop again, sigh.

I am hanging with Cosi and Dex.

I found the right battery that was chirping ALL THE LONG NIGHT and I will get to sleep thru tonight...

Monday, May 23, 2011

23 May - Maybe

Maybe:

I got some sleep last night.

I finished the yellow chemise.

I finished my Pinner apron.

I got Darla's Pinner cut out.

I stuck a needle into my finger and it hurts like hell and I can't find my favourite thimble pads anywhere.

I start sitting for the shepards tomorrow.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

22 May - Maybe

Maybe:

The 21st of May was a non-event.

I still feel like crap and got no sleep.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

21 May - Maybe

Maybe:

The Rapture will occur at 6:00 pm this evening.

I will stay behind.

The potato salad will be a hit at Jes' graduation/going-away party.

It won't rain on said party.

We will not all feel so broken and can stay for a decent length of time at the party.

Merlin will have a fabulous birthday today.

Friday, May 20, 2011

20 May - Maybe

Maybe:
I got nothing done today.
The washing machine is finally fixed.
I bought some new knitting needles and a skein of yarn whilst waiting for Erin to see the dentist.
I found a lovely blue teapot for my ownie-oh.
I had a wonderful supper of London B with Parsnip Potatoes and an Artichoke.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

19 May - Maybe

Maybe:

The dentist in Pueblo will have a cancellation and Erin can get in sooner rather than later.
I will cut out my new linen chemise.
I will sew up my new Folkwear Patterns Victorian Walking Skirt.
My back will stop hurting.
The soil will warm up enough to get the tomatoes into their big pots.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

18 May - Maybe

Maybe:

Quilt guild will be a great learning adventure today.
Rebecca will be ready when we go to pick her up.
The photography class this afternoon will be very helpful to Erin's business.
I will get the tomatoes planted.
I will not take an afternoon nap.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

17 May - Maybe

Maybe:

I will get into the shower as soon as I get this posted.
I will get to knit today at the LYS.
I will remember to get Size 3 circs to finish Katte Beth's mitts.
I will get the hems on my new chemise done.

Monday, May 16, 2011

16 May - Maybe

Maybe:

I missed posting yesterday. Again!
Certain plans are FINALLY coming together.
I will get my room re-do finished today.
I will get the BOMs for the Piecing Partners Quilt Guild meeting on Wednesday done.
I will get over this dang cold.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

14 May - Maybe

Maybe:

I will get my bedroom rearranged.
I will like the new dresser I am going to get.
I won't wear myself out trying to do the above.
I will get my tomatoes planted.

Friday, May 13, 2011

13 May - Maybe

Maybe:

It's Friday the 13th.

Blogger fixed it's issues.

I can get back on track to posting every day therefore.

I am finally feeling better.

I found someone to fixed the washer, so I don't have to drop the better part of a $20.00 bill at the Wash-a-teria again.

I will finish cutting out the new chemise and put the last hand stitching into my new costume for the Renaissance Faire whilst watching the Season Finale of Blue Bloods.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

7 May - Maybe

Maybe:

This post will automatically post itself while I am sitting and spinning at Fort Lupton.

Friday, May 6, 2011

6 May - Maybe

Maybe:
I will sleep like the dead whilst camping out at Fort Lupton (I always sleep better when it's cool).

I will get all of the mohair spun.

I will start to get pictures posted to my blog.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

5 May - Maybe

Maybe I missed posting yesterday...

Maybe:

I will get my laundry done today.
I will get the packing finished for the weekend at the Heritage Fair at Fort Lupton, CO and the Kirkin' o' the Tartan at St. John's Cathedral in Denver.
I will sew the buttons on my new blouse.


It's the Revenge of the Fifth.
Happy Cinco de Mayo.
Good luck to Guy Grandison in in his first election today.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

3 May - Maybe

Maybe:
I will go to knit group this morning at the Yarn Outlet.
I will finish packing my kit for the Heritage Day event at Fort Lupton on Saturday.

Monday, May 2, 2011

2 May - Maybe

Maybe:

I will go to church to say a prayer of Thanksgiving that the #1 terrorist is gone and buried at sea and that our Seal Team got the job done with no casualties except for a helicopter.

The PTSD I have suffered from for the last nine and one half years will lessen it's grip on me.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

NaBloPoMo - Maybe

The NaBloPoMo Suggestion for the month is Maybe...

As in, MAYBE I will try to post to my very neglected blog daily this month.

Here's to 1 May.

Thoughts on MAYBE:

Maybe it will warm up soon. However, we had snow flurries off and on all this day.
Maybe I will get to my friend Sharon's knit group tomorrow.
Maybe I will finish the hem and put on the buttons of my newly made Prairie Dress sooner rather than later.

Friday, April 1, 2011

My Apologies - Olio

Obviously, I have not posted in aeons. FB has fulfilled the need so often to express myself or vent, that this wee blog has suffered as a consequence.

I have been to England since I last posted. Istill need to sort out the photos. However, I have sketches for two new quilts. I have started the quilt based on a section of floor at Winchester Cathedral with the Stonehenge Line to mimic the slabs of stone used in the section I sketched. I also am planning a new quilt based on a section of Stonehenge. I made one with Hale-Bopp in the evening sky already. The new one will be a fall tree colour in the daytime...

Been making costumes for Steampunk events,here's the Wiki Link explaining it. Steampunk. I have also beeen knitting on many various items, some of which are even complete.

I bought a new spinning wheel this year as well. It's the Thurmaston Suitcase from Timbertops. We are still getting to know each other however.

I finally finished painting the wheel of my Louet with a Celtic Knot and thistles. I think it turned out well.

For a gal who had only one spindle up to three years ago and who now owns two wheels and 4 spindles, I'd say I've been bitten hard by the spinning bug.

Have been busy as well helping out the dear daughter with her yarn business. I have also been nick-named the Mama Minion but the other minions.

We went to Garden of the Gods with the Judd Family the other day and it was a treat as always.

I am sure that there is lot's more I should tell you about, but that will be left for the next post.

How about that, this is a post with NO pictures taken by me, LOL