I'm putting this right here.
It's making me so happy right now!
It feels festive - not overly Christmassy - but subtly festive, and it's striking all of the chords for me at this moment.
It hit 53 degrees yesterday afternoon.
Anything in the 50s or above means "Get out and get a walk in!" unless it is raining of course.
However - even at 2:30 in the afternoon the sun can be making its way beyond the mountain ridge leaving me walking in areas where the sun doesn't shine long enough to warm things up.
There is ice on the creek. But the air was fresh and cool and it felt so good to sneak in a mid-December 2.25 mile walk.
Clear blue sky and long tall shadows.
And onlookers.
"What are you doing out here?" the asked.
It won't be but a few more minutes until that sun has gone over the ridge.
soaking up the last of the sunny rays.
I bet sun on black hide feels wonderful.
More icy creek - my van in the background.
Brrrrr!
It's crazy to think that in less than 4 weeks I'll be bound for Summer in New Zealand. I can't wait! But then, it's the coming back to this at the end of January that will be hard.
Back to working on phase 2!
Here at home the terraced steps project is still under way. It's turning out so nice!
And it's wonderful to have Jeff and The Hubster working on a project together.
That's my morning shadow this morning when I ran out to take a photo of their progress - I forgot to take one before it was too dark last night.
I've had some questions on yesterday's Part Four of Indigo Way.
Generally I will send people back to the post to re-read and find their issue. But I feel this will catch more folks and help them understand.
The cutting of quarter-square triangles as shown with the Essential Triangle Tool.
The Essential Triangle Tool has lines for BOTH Half-Square and Quarter-Square triangles. Green lines are for cutting Quarter-Square triangles as shown here.
If you are using an Easy Angle, that is half-square only and can NOT be used for this unit.
You need a Companion Angle. Or use the rotary cutting directions to cut them with a standard ruler.
My instructions are correct. They are not too small. You are making the wrong cut, or using too wide of a seam allowance if there is an issue.
As always - read, re-read, and read again.
And with that, Jeff & Casden are on their way over for Jeff & Dave can finish up those steps.
I get grandson time - so I'm off to play Nana!
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
I had to move out of my mountain home in North Carolina because of my husband’s death and back to Michigan, where all of our kids/grandkids are. Your pictures remind me of the mountains and make me homesick- but happy to see them!
ReplyDeleteI'm the totally opposite, I'm in TN to be near sons and love them and their families dearly but in the 16+ years I've been here I 've not made any close friends, all of mine are back in Michigan and miss my time with them. Thankfully I have quilting, don't know what I would do without it.
DeleteThat's the problem, people don't take the time to read the directions and look at the pictures. I don't know how much clearer you can make it! Is so easy and works if you follow the directions! Thanks for all you do. You have the patience of a saint to put up with it all.
ReplyDeleteRobin
Yes!! I agree 100%!!
DeleteSo true Robin! I don't know how Bonnie does it!
DeleteI love going on your walks with you!! The steps are looking great, and it is nice that the Hubs has help! So glad you get to enjoy time with the grandson... and I love the quote. Most days my steps do start out small! HA! Have a fantastic weekend!! :) P.S. LOVING the Cardinal blocks... can't wait until it becomes a top!!
ReplyDeleteI just love the red with gray star blocks. Looking forward to see what you will do with them. I am so enjoying Indigoway. I was brand new last year and learned so much doing Chilhowie. I feel more confident this year with Indigo way. I love your patterns. I have Grassy Creek in progress but stopped for Indigo Way. Keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteI've followed your blog since 2013. I love how you give us sneak peaks of what you're working on now. I remember the days when you were making quilts to be published in an upcoming book and you weren't allowed to show us the work in progress. Of course, in those days you were traveling more and teaching all over the country so your posts highlighted those travels. Now we get to see your works in progress, the annual mystery quilt, your retreat guests, and your world travels. Thanks for sharing your quilty life with us!!
ReplyDeleteFor those of us who struggle with written instructions, it took awhile for me to realize that the Easy Angle doesn't work, so I have ordered the Essential Triangle Ruler (and a few other items!). I still have clues 1, 2 and 3 to finish up so...... And, if you are a stubborn as I am, you measure, compare, add 1/2 inch and tape to make the Easy Angle work!
ReplyDeleteGlad you get some Grandma time! Yay for the guys to put in the work to make things better. Happy Saturday! Quilting Day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery! Yesterday I printed 1 page of your FPP pattern, cut pieces 1/2" larger than rotary cutting sizes like you suggested, and made 4 test blocks. Perfect. I had enough room to easily trim them to size. I cut all the remaining pieces last night and just now printed the other 35 FPP papers. Happy sewing for me. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI’m ready for #5
ReplyDeleteI love the gray and red together. I sometimes design quilts for a fabric swap at our guild retreats. Yours has inspired me. I love the blocks and can’t wait for your pattern to come out.
ReplyDeleteI like your *subtly Festive* Blocks - very pretty
ReplyDeleteand your terrace is coming along quite nicely!