Sunday, July 31, 2011

New beginnings and work in progress

The first day of the second half of the year is here. Lucciano is celebrating with a clean cage and new tail feathers. He is still working on new wing feathers and I miss his usual amount of singing. I gave him a nail trim and he certainly deserves an A+ in patience. I keep wondering how long this old cage will hold up. I have not seen any like it for many years. Long ago it had a stand that could be moved around the room but for this tiny room, the window is perfect. He has a good view of the wild birds on the feeder and the neighborhood cats on the garden wall.


Over the weekend I did a bit of baby sitting. It felt like old times rocking my little sweetie in my comfy chair and using the time for a bit of quilting.


Leia leaps into life at full tilt, always on the move.(I call her "the blur" because every picture of her shows her in motion... if you can get a picture at all...) Then comes the crash. A few songs and she is out. Ah, to be three!


I still have a long way to go on this big quilt and it is going to have to step aside this month for a banner that has a deadline of September.




I am quilting the flowers in the border fabric with colored thread and repeating the flower in the 8inch blocks. I have yet to decide what to do with the large blocks.


Plan A .. a larger flower

Plan B.. the same size flower with an outer ring of petals

Plan C.. four smaller flowers

Plan D.. a cluster of the smaller flowers as seen in the border


There is still plenty to do while I am mulling this over in my mind. In spite of its summery look, this is a very warm quilt. My daughter knows she will not be getting it any time soon, still, the idea of having a nice sunny quilt on those gray Portland winter days makes me want to push a bit harder.

15 comments:

  1. I'm sure your little "Pavarotti" will soon be singing again, with such a neat cage ;>)
    Oh, such a wonderful picture of you , handquilting with the sweet baby asleep on your shoulder! Really full of grace and sweetness...
    Enjoy tis new week and sewing, dear Julie!
    XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
    NADINE

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  2. I still think this is such a beautiful quilt - so bright and cheerful. And the little darling keeping you comfort is a beauty too!

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  3. Gorgeous quilt and great photo or you quilting with the little miss!n I really like the quilted flowers! They really add to the quilt!

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  4. Sweet, sweet image. The quilt is lovely, too!

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  5. What a sweet picture Julie! There's just nothing to compare with rocking a little one. The week after I get home I'm keeping my three youngest grandchildren. I'm hoping that the two year old will occasionally let me rock him. He's a whirlwind too. :) blessings, marlene

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  6. Your Lucciano looks happy with his window view - and the photo of Leia in your arms while you quilt is priceless!! On quilting your quilt - I vote for Plan B - but whatever you decide will be perfect, I'm sure. ^..^

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  7. What a feast of colour and what a lovely little girl. Mary in UK

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  8. What a wonderful quilt and beautiful hand work. I love the photo of you and your granddaughter, she is so precious. Then again, they always are, when they are asleep;)

    Debbie

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  9. Such a serene and beautiful day. All stress would is left at the door of your house. The quilt are very cheerful. I love the colors. Your granddaughter looks so sweet. Sandy (quiltincats)

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  10. Julie, I love your bird cage! I miss my birds... maybe I'll have to get a few more in the future. Their singing always made me smile. Your quilt is so colorful - can't wait to see it when it's finished! Happy snuggling with your little one. Hugs!

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  11. What a lovely photo but I'm amazed you can quilt and cuddle at the same time. That's really multitasking! Your quilt looks beautiful. Irealy like those bright co ours.

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  12. Wonderful photo! I, too, used to quilt with a babe on my lap, doubly peaceful.

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  13. Those vintage birdcages often show up in $$$ decorator rooms... minus the bird, of course. The pic of you and Leia is lovely. And DDs bright quilt is perfect for Portland winters. If you are taking suggestions... I'd like B with maybe a leafy vine and/or some leaves. ...Karen

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  14. I love your nickname for Leia--the blur. Quilt is looking lovely. Perfect quilting motifs to tie the blocks to the border.

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  15. What a beautiful photograph of your quilting and gorgeous Leia asleep so peacefully, what a joy.

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