Garments

I finished the two quilts I was working so hard on and have been sewing some clothing. Matching granddaughter dresses for Sammy and Val. 

Kaffe Fasset fabric and Oliver and S patterns. I also made a top for myself with Alpha fabric. I thought the vintage fabric was so happy! It makes me smile. But not sure how successful my top is. 

Here's just a peek. 

Farm photos

These were taken during our trip back east, which included a stay in central NY. The chickens and goats were out and about!

Sweet Sammy with daffodils from their garden. 

Ducks on their way to the pond.

Quilt challenge quilt revealed

Apologies, dear readers. I have taken too long to post. But here I am, popping my head up to share my art once again. 

Here is the quilt I made for my guild's challenge, which was All Creatures Great and Small. Surprise! I made another tortoise quilt. I call this one "Gramps in the Garden." Because of the tight deadline and other things I had to do, I incorporated some motifs I already had done or at least partly done: flying geese

strips, die-cut flowers, hexie flowers. I imagined my tortoise waking up from hibernation to stroll around the garden, on a beautiful Spring day.

 As you can see, I put clothing labels around the outer border of the tortoise shell. I made the shell segments by the English paper piecing method, but instead of sewing them to each other  I appliquéd them onto a herringbone wool fabric. I like how it turned out. 

There was an exhibit of the challenge at my guild's May meeting. I was on the committee, helping to stuff challenge packets, hang quilts, etc. My quilt didn't win any awards, but the judge had some nice things to say about my quilt, and what the heck, I am happy to have it.

Now I am putting the finishing touches on still another quilt. I can't talk about it yet, but I've been having fun with the process. What is more fun than playing with beautiful fabrics? 

Central NY - Some random shots

So nice to pay a visit to Central NY. Our adorable Sammy is in school now, but we get to see her at dinner. 

Some of her artwork on the wall:

It's huge and beautiful in person!

This was a hot ticket last night. Martine and I got to see Neil deGrasse Tyson speak at Hamilton College in Clinton. He was fantastic! Science rock star. 

Chittenango Falls, on the way to Cazenovia on a rambling drive. 

Artful tour of Cincinnati

After Chicago, we stayed in Cincinnati. My first time there! Dave has heard of the Museum Hotel, so we stayed there. Two floors of art. I was in heaven!

This floor changed when people walked on it. 

A skull made of wire. 

Body parts in the bathroom tile! Notice the black fixtures and the rubber ducky. 

These little plastic men were sandwiched between glass at the check-in desk. 

Can't forget this cool sculpture, carved from books!

Last view of Cincinnati as we got outta town. 

Quilt Festival in Chicago!

We flew to Chicago, and I got to visit the Quilt Festival there! The Dinner@8 Affinity exhibit was there, and here are a few photos. My quilt is called "Spring Comes Late."

I took a few photos of quilts in other exhibits that caught my eye. 

More baby love

Almost five months old. Both grandmas came to visit today, and Valentina loved it.