Tote for Jodi

 

Tote for Jodi

10.25" wide x 12" high + handles

[Not happy with the first try, I added some trim.]

 

 

Is it possible to blame a new, short short short haircut for a 'bad hair day'? 

 

I have been working on a 'show quilt' since January.  It took 6 tries to get the central focus the way I wanted it.  After that it just seemed to flow.  However, it did seem to be shrinking.  YEP, it shrunk.  After photographing it this morning, I need to rip out both sides.  UGLY start to a beautiful day. Luckily, I have LOTS of fabric.  LOL.  I was gifted with a large collection of purples, my favorite color, which is the main color in my little quilt.  The problem is that I am getting more behind.  I have been working on 2 quilts.  Looks like I will be lucky to finish one.  I have a nagging feeling that I would be of much more use IF I were making more charity quilts.  Ever feel like that?

 

Taking a break, I happened across a fabric copy of my neighbor Jodi's daughter's art work.  With Mother's Day already on my mind, I decided to turn it into a little tote.  Jodi does not carry a purse, only a bill fold and her phone.  She likes plain, no frills clothes.  Therefore, using her favorite color, green, I made her a small memory tote for Mother's Day.  I had many mishaps sewing on the 'art work' piece.  Major one was running out of bobbin thread while stitching it on.  I seemed to re-connect rather well.  However, one corner was a big problem.  Trying to fix it made it worse.  Ever have one of those days?

 

I decided it is done.  I know she will love it because of the connection to her daughter.  It is also good for me to get my mind off my problem quilt for a bit.  Perhaps I will start ripping out tonight?  OR, maybe just relax and catch up on some reading?

 

This will be the first Mother's Day since I lost my Mom.  As those of you in the same boat know, all of these 'firsts' can be a challenge.  I got through her birthday on April 16 OK.  As we all know, our  Mom's are precious.  The loss is GREAT. 

 

This is seventy, number 22.

 

For more information on "seventy", please see the post below.

 

http://designerann.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-black-square.html

 

Fern Ballet

Fern Ballet

33" x 41.5"

 

The 'circle distortion' was caused by my camera.  I would appreciate knowing how to control this better. 

Fern Ballet, detail

 

I finished this enough to photograph last year.  I entered it in Houston, but unfortunately, it was not juried into the painted fabric category.  I made it my placing real ferns on the black fabric, covering them with a flour paste, removing the ferns, and finally using a thicken bleach to remove the desired amount of color.  Now it is 'ready for hanging' in an International Quilt Festival of Ireland 2013.   http://www.iqfoi.com/exhibits.html

 

Removing the flour paste turned out to be a BIG chore.  First I hosed it down outside.  Then I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed some more.  I had prewashed the fabric, so I am uncertain as to why the paste wanted to stick so very hard.  Unless that is its' nature.

 

I do not always like my experiments.  I am very fond of this one.

 

It is extremely heavily quilted to bring out the dimension in the ferns.  I was lucky enough to find this backing fabric with 'fringe' on the edge.  I utilized that on the bottom.  I finished the whole quilt in a similar technique I used for 'Quinceaneros:  The Dance'.   http://www.quiltart.com/15/   That is, I turned the backing fabric outside to become part of the trim.  Then I covered the edge with braid. 

 

This is seventy, number 21.

 

For more information on "seventy", please see the post below.

 

http://designerann.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-black-square.html

 

 

Necessary Sewing

For a long time I have been bothered by straps digging into my shoulders.  Finally I have made a set of shoulder pads into a cushion for my straps.  This is not an original idea.  Just one that I hope will work well for me.

 

 

Shoulder Pads

 

I used satin with a Velcro closure to keep them in place.

 

Shoulder Pads in use

 

This is seventy, number 20

 

For more information on "seventy", please see the post below.

 

http://designerann.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-black-square.html

 

Camp Sunshine and Quilt Installation

 

Welcome to Camp Sunshine

 

Entrance Doors address ALL who come here.  This is an absolutely amazing place.  The main building is huge because of all the needs it must address. 

 

Entry Walk

 

People may buy a brick to help support the work here.

 

 

 Donna and Me in the Main Entry

 

This is a very large area used both for  entry and circulation between pool, dining hall, and age related play and gathering areas.  Donna,  grant writer and wonderful hostess, is helping me hold my donation:  A Friendly of Five Fabulous Fishes Frequently Travel with Two Terrific Tag-a-longs. 

 

Right Side of the Entry

 

The cozy bench and animals invite snuggling.  The corners are round to flow into the 12' wide hall which is adorned with memory quilts.

  

A Very Welcoming Quilt

 

Quilts Made by and for a Special Disease

 

 

 

Each Camp Session address One Disease

 

The quilts above were made by and for one of the groups.

This Support Post was turned into a Volunteer List

 

There is a little yellow shirt with a name of a volunteer.  One side is for 5 years or more; another for 10, etc.  Donna told me this place could not operate without all of the wonderful volunteers.  While I was there many volunteers were pulling wagons with a child in side going from one event to another.  There are lots of wagons for children to ride in because many have a difficult time walking, especially in such a big place.

These Guys Great Everyone at the Dining Room Entrance

 

Dining Hall - Theater End

 

They often have productions involving the campers.  Quilts are hung from the ceiling to add  warmth and absorb noise.  Although this is an institutional size building, many efforts have been done to bring it down to scale and add warmth and interest.  The lights overhead are people doing different things.  This is another work of art.

Dining Hall as seen from the entry

 

A Cozy Spot in the Dining Hall

 

 

The following murals are All by wall muralist Mary Bleackfeather, herself a cancer survivor.  As you can see, these add such a warm, wonderful addition to this building.  I personally loved them.  Everytime I saw one, I smiled automatically. 

 

Bathroom Entrance

This one is close to the one above.

Shower Entrance, Females

Shower Entrance, Males

Computer Room

 

Hall Leading to the Infirmary- starting corner

Hall to Infirmary - entrance is just around the corner

Infirmary Waiting Room

Shower Curtains Decorate the Stair

 

There are craft rooms for every age.  One popular project is painting shower curtains.  After decorating the stair, they go into the family room baths.

 My Guild Friend, Sharon

 

She drove me and the quilts [ Beside my wall quilt, 5 bed quilts were donated by our members.] out to this wonderful facility with a heart as big as its' structures.  Sharon posed just before we left.  We both have warm memories of our visit and plan to find ways we can contribute more.

  

 

 Play House

 

This is attached to a Play Room for Young Children-Toddlers

 

 

My Quilt Installed

 

The entrance to the Play House in on the left side of the photo.  In my mind my quilt might be a little high.  However, it is hard to tell from the photo as everything here is child size.

 

  

Quilt Hanging System

 

Before I delivered the quilt, I sewed Velcro to the back and also glued and stapled Velcro to a wooden 1x2 drilled to mount on the wall.  This way the children can touch the quilt, yank it down, get it dirty, yet cause no harm.  It will be easy to wash it when needed.

For more information about Camp Sunshine, please visit
http://www.campsunshine.org/

QUILTS NEEDED

Camp Sunshine needs bunk size quilts, especially for boys. They now use the same size for bunks and beds. Width 63" - 78"; length ~ 87" long. The new bunks are the longest ones. This 87"-90" length is the size most needed.  As true of most places, quilts for boys are in short supply. They would prefer long bunk quilts that are age appropriate, with a theme that might appeal to either a boy or a girl, especially quilts for teens. Of course, bright, cheery colors are always important for these special children age baby through 18.  Each family room has a futon for the parents [yes, that also needs a quilt] and bunk beds for the children.  There is also space for a crib or cot if that is needed.

As an example, the quilts of mine that she particularly liked are the 'Tinkerbell quilt' for a girl and the 'Musical instruments quilt' for a teen, especially a boy.

http://designerann.blogspot.com/2013/03/bed-quilt-for-girl.html

http://designerann.blogspot.com/2013/01/twin-size-boy-quilt-features-musical.html

It is not that these quilts are so wonderful.  It is just that they relate to a girl, boy or someone interested in music.  Donna said that she prefers quilts that are "age related" as opposed to a quilt that might be OK for anyone.  In my opinion, these special children deserve a quilt that relates to them.

If you would like to contribute a bed quilt or other work, please contact

Donna Leith

Development Team/Grant Writer

Camp Sunshine

35 Acadia Road

Casco, Maine 04015

207-655-3800 (telephone)

207-655-3825 (fax)

This is seventy, number 19

 

For more information on "seventy", please see the post below.

 

http://designerann.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-black-square.html

 

Beaded Coneflower

Beaded Coneflower Post Card

4" x 6"

 

I worked on the beading for several weeks since I can only do a little bit at a time because of arthritis in my hands.  I feel it was not worth the effort.  I think it is too heavily beaded.  This was a trial in preparation for a larger quilt.  Since it is too much beading, how else can I finish the flower center?  Comments very much appreciated.

 

This is seventy, number 19

 

For more information on "seventy", please see the post below.

 

http://designerann.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-black-square.html