Guild challenge quilts revealed!

My guild, does a challenge every year.   We always have a theme, the quilts are due at our January meeting and they then hang in the Richmond Library, http://www.batavialibrary.org, in Batavia, NY for the month of February.    This years challenge was named...."That Was Then", based on the year of our birth.    This is mine.....arrived at in a rather backwards fashion!

I wasn't going to do the challenge, I wasn't inspired.   Sometime in December a friend forwarded a photo to me, showing what he was working on.....he makes outdoor decorations for his tree ( in Florida no less) using CDs and fishing line.   This is the photo:

There was something about the shine of the CDs and the fishing line, contrasted with the roughness of the wicker basket....and a certain challenge or dare to see if I could interpret in fabric.   So, when I was mostly done, I thought....."now what".   I'm not a process person, I like a finished product.   So I started to think could I repurpose for the guild challenge.  Since it was a Christmas theme, I decided to see if any Christmas songs were written the year I was born.  Turns out that "Santa C.aus is Coming to Town" was written that year,   The version of "White Christmas" we know so well was arranged that year....and the last song "Near You" was the number one song the week I was born.  

Here are some close ups....

I added the poinsettia, fused from Angelina fibers and some bead work to fill in the blank space in the quilt.   I think it is the perfect touch for a Christmas quilt....turned challenge!

So, all of this is why I say I came to the challenge result "backwards"!

Letchworth State Park ....my Quilt!

Quilt or Photogrqph?

This is my finished quilt for the Quilters Consortium of New York Statechallenge....."Stitching New York-a Quilters Perspective".   This is a photo that I took at the park this past October, manipulated it somewhat on my computer and had it printed onto fabric by Julie Brandon I then enhanced the landscape with many different quilting patterns, including some sheer fabrics to emulate the mist rising from the falls, 

I think I will call it "Homage to the Trestle", as it may soon be replaced.  The trestle bridge has always been an important part of my life since my years at Houghton College in the late 60's.  We would go there to escape the rigors of college life.   Many have walked on this bridge, including me....many while a train was approaching (not me).

Below is the original picture I used as my pattern and a photo showing that the train still does cross this bridge.

Another snow photo!

The snow is done for now and they are promising us warmer temps and rain by the weekend, resulting in flooding.   This is a picture of the mound in our driveway.  That little wood marker that the plowing guys use to mark the end of the driveway is about 3 feet tall.

It's a blizzard!!!

For the first time in 11 years, we have a blizzard in our little county of western New York State.   The winds are howling, it's snowing hard at times and it's COLD.  This is my clematis vine right outside the front door,   We NEVER get snow, or rain, this close to our entryway!!!!

This map shows how it is a direct hit for us.....very selective....in the lake effect path off Lake Erie!

Then there is the wind chill,   It has not been above zero degrees in over 24 hours now and the wind chill fluctuates between 20 and 30 below.   

The happiest person in this house??.?   My husband who just retired last month from his outside insurance adjuster job!!!

Challenge quilt done...and...the year in review,

We are in the middle of creating our challenge quilts for our annual guild challenge. This year's challenge was called "This Was Then....."  based on the year you were born.  Nobody reveals until January when they are submitted.  Sometimes we give teasers....here is my teaser,,,,for which you will garner nothing as to the finished product.   

Surprisingly, I am done...early, most are completing the week they are due, sometimes even the morning of!!!   I was totally uninspired until a chance photo sent by a friend intrigued me enough to do some experimenting to see if I could convey it In fabric.   It just happened I decided to turn it into a challenge.   More next month!

My friend Martha  always posts what she accomplished during the year.  I decided I would keep track.   I lost track of it part way through, but think I have remembered most.

-   2 birch tree art quilts...."Then...the Crocus" - for RAFA show, winner of art quilt award at GVQC               "Autumn Candles" - winner in art quilt category at Old Forge quilt show

- 2 quilts for Gem and Mineral show in Rochester.   "Footsteps" & "Where I "Stand" 

- "Inflorescence" - digital printed and quilted, hung in GVQC show and RAFA show

- guild challenge - "Butterflies and Bottlecaps", literary challenge

- ice dye challenge, stained glass windows for ArtCGirlz!

- 2 Mandela challenges. - "Where Words Fail...Music Speaks" and "Butterfly" For ArtCGirlz.

- 2 pulpit banners for Church

- quilt for a  very good friend in Florida - a portrait quilt of his mother

- "Out on a Limb" from Wendy butler Berns workshop at guild

- row by row guild project....yet to be a finished quilt.

- silent auction donation , quilted tulip panel 

3 mug rugs,  3 purses, 3 fabric cards

- made blocks for and did the machine quilting on a comfort quilt for a very dear friend going thru chemotherapy....one of the highlights of my year.

- took part in Iron Quilter at GVQC.  Finished quilt in 3 1/2 hours.

Whew, I think I accomplished quite a bit....and there might be a couple more I didn't remember.

Here's to another successful year in 2014!

Merry Christmas! From me and Longwood Gardens

One of my "favoritest" places ever!   Longwood Gardens, decorated at Christmas!

Merry Christmas Blog Readers!

It's an Icy Day in Batavia!!

We've had an ice storm overnight! I love my Japanese Maple Tree.....here is stark contrast from Last Sunday to this Sunday!

The dogwood in the back yard.

And, the new little redbud tree trying to stay strong!

The neighbors tree before it went down.

Mr. Snowman is supposed to look like ice cubes with his white wicker dressing.   He looks even more icy.....icicles dripping from his hat!

Vox Lumine concerts

My husband belongs to a singing group called Vox Lumine.   It is a lovely choral group, small and madrigal sized that sings all different varieties of concerts.   Right now they are in the midst of their Christmas concerts and it is a very lovely "get you in the spirit" type of concert.   Because he is still on driving restrictions after eye surgery, I have had to drive him to all the rehearsals and concerts.   

Here is part of the group performing last night.

They also performed on WXXI.org classical radio station in Rochester yesterday morning,   You can hear the concert at 1:00 pm on Sunday December 22 if you go to WXXI.org click on radio and click on "listen live".

Tonight, Dec. 20, they are performing in Batavia, NY and Saturday in Orchard Park, NY.

So.....not much quilting the past few days, but hope to get back to it soon!

.....and still it snows! It's pretty, but.....

We have had snow almost every day of the month.   And.....it is cold!!!   Last night, this was the temp at midnight!

These are pictures of our property!   I always think Christmas lights look the best with a dusting -or more- of snow!!!   

Mug Rug exchange in guild!

Yesterday was our guild Christmas party.   As part of the festivities, Chris, our program person, arranged for a mug rug exchange.   Most of us had never made such a thing,   Coasters.  Yes!  Placemats?  Yes!   Mug rugs?   Not so much.   Described as larger than a coaster, smaller than a placemat!   Large enough for your mug and a snack!

This is the one I made for the exchange!

These are the ones I received!   The Christmas star mug right along with a mug full of chocolates, a Christmas ornament and a deck of playing cards were my gift in the exchange!   The tulip mug rug was  a gift from my good friend Martha, who had really gotten in the spirit and made many extras!   I love them!   One sits next to my recliner, the other in my quilting room!    I am now making a few for gifts!

It's very wintry here..... There is at least 12 inches on this bench in my front yard.   My lighted snowman is quite buried also....he sports a lot of attitude!

My winning gift has arrived!!!

A couple of weeks ago I posted that I had won a give away from Connections by Karen Musgrave, a blog I consistently read and follow!  I feel a real connection with her and was excited to be the winner of one of her journals!!!

Front and back!

Inside ready to insert my own notebook!

Thank you Karen, I will put this to good use!

Happy Retirement Day!

Yesterday was my husband's big retirement day after 30+ years in the insurance profession, the last 27 years, 6 months and 25 days as an insurance adjuster with New York Central.   They will sorely miss him as his work ethic is unparalleled these days.   He has been a faithful, loyal, conscientious and dedicated employee.  

I am so glad I arranged for a retirement "card bombing" idea for him because the party was small and because he had had a miserable week with the eye surgery etc.   It. has given him something very fun and positive to think about.

These are a couple of photos of Longwood Gardens right now....my favorite place and it is lovely at Christmas.   We were supposed to be there next week.....but that won't be happening after my husband's eye surgery.   Best case scenario, maybe we get there right after Christmas but that is very iffy unless he is able to drive by then.  <<big sigh>>

What a week!

This week was supposed to be so much different than it has turned out so far!   This is how it started!

I planned a party to get the family together to celebrate my husband's 65th birthday,   We had a great time and it is always fun when we are together.

My gorgeous granddaughter, Samantha!

My middle grandchild, Aaron,

My youngest grandson, Jcob!

From there it all went downhill.   Monday, the actual date of his  birthday, we spent in doctors and specialist offices because it was discovered my husband had a detached retina,  at 5:00 he was taken into surgery for repair.  A gas bubble now sits behind the retina, on top of the optic nerve to hold the repair in place.   Other than shapes, colors and forms, he sees nothing out of that eye.  As the bubble dissipates on its own (a 4-6 week process), he will gradually see more and more, to where we hope original or close to original vision is restored,   The days are now filled with keeping his head down at 90 degrees for 30 min, of every hour, and a bizillion eye drops at varying times throughout the day,  we both had a full week of activities,,,,All cancelled.   Vacation next week....cancelled!  Amazingly, he is in good spirits....probably better than mine.

Tomorrow.....Friday.....is his retirement day.   This was supposed to be a week of excitement as he winds down his 30+ year career in the insurance field.  He is still excited,  but it has taken on a whole different tone.

It's a "niveous" day in the neighborhood!

My favorite little Japanese Maple tree...in all seasons. !

My friend Patrick and I have been playing a word a day game for the month of  November.   We give each other a word to interpret with a photo or art or a quote.  Recently my word was "niveous".   It means "white" or of a " snowy" nature.  Being in the northern part of the U.S. I've used the word a lot....he being from the warmer southern half of the country.  Anyway we have had our first measureable snow and it is pretty.  This is what I like for Christmas Eve and day...and them it can be gone 

I won, I won!!

I follow a lot of blogs.... It is a good way to connect with other artists and see what new things people are doing.   One of my favorites is Connections by Karen Musgrave.   I have thought for awhile now thwt we share many common thoughts, feelings and ideas....   This week many have been a part of a "blog hop".   You can see all new kinds of things and people and register for their giveaways.    Karen isn't new to me but I registered for her giveaway because I like her stuff, and......I like to win.   And so, I won, I won.   It is a journal with a butterfly on the cover and anyone who knows me, knows I love butterflies and what they mean.    There is a photo on her blog, but I will wait to post a pic when I receive my prize.    (The picture above is NOT the journal....just a butterfly photo that I like)

Saturday I went to see the RAFA show in Clifton Springs,   It is awesome and I don't just say that because I'm a part of it.....it showcases everyone's work to a really high level.

While there, my husband fell in love with a Beautiful wood table crafted by a local artist.   We now enjoy this table in our living room.    A wonderful day!

RAFA opens a new show in Clifton Springs, NY

Rochester Area Fiber Artists show opens this week in Clifton Springs, NY.   I will have 3 pieces entered along with 27 of my artist friends.     The reception will be Saturday November 9 from 4-7 and we will be doing a trunk show on December 6 as part of the Festival of Lights display.   Come and visit our show if you are in this area.   I promise you will not be disappointed.

Out on a Limb - Wendy Butler Berns workshop

Wendy came to Batavia a couple of weeks ago to do workshops and a lecture.   I took her Out On A Limb class. This is my completed piece...I think I am done!

Wendy uses a freezer paper, gluestick appliqué method that was great fun.  We also worked with texture magic for the tree.  

A close up showing some beads I added for leaves.   I say I "think" I am finished because with me and beads...you never know!

My Art Quilt Show winner!!

I found out late last night that my quilt "Autumn Candles" is a winner at the national quilt show held at Old Forge Arts Center.   I entered for the first time in the art quilt category!   Awards are tomorrow, but alas, too late for me to plan to attend that event.   The show runs from November 2 - January 5.   I saw the watercolor show that was there before this show, and that was excellent.   I hope to get back sometime to see my quilts hanging in this show.

This quilt was my second quilt using the birch tree theme.   The green rectangles are fused mosaic style onto an autumn print batik.  Birch trees were cut from appropriate fabric and raw edge fused...some fraying of threads gives texture to the trees.  Snippets of red fabric are machine quilted to give the appearance of falling leaves.

The best part was when we were driving to take the quilt to the arts center we kept going by forests of trees and I would exclaim - Look - there's my quilt"!"   It was neat to see the effect after the quilt was done instead of before as for inspiration!