Mirkwood Designs - Adventures in Creativity!

Eggs!

2011-09-18T17:40:00.000-04:00

My fellow choir member Mary runs a farm, and she regularly offers eggs to fellow choir members. Today I brought home two dozen. She has a variety of chickens, hence the variety of egg colors.

Did you know that the color of egg depends on the variety of hen that lays it? My absolute favorite is the pretty blue-green egg laid by the Ameraucana. (There is no difference in taste, though!)

Today she brought me a rainbow of eggs -- blue, blue/green, white, brown, pinkish-brown.

Thanks, Mary!

Dia de los Animales

2011-09-15T00:25:00.000-04:00

I couldn't wait to post this photo. I bought the fabric for this quilt two years ago or so, and "discovered" it in my stash a year ago. I designed and made the quilt top and sent it to my sister Pat, who quilted it for me "freestyle" using her neighbor Deb's longarm machine. I am so very thrilled with how it turned out!

The fabric is from a line called "Folklorica" by children's book illustrator Julie Paschkis. Unfortunately the fabric is no longer available (unless you're fortunate enough to find it on eBay or elsewhere).

I named the quilt "Dia de los Animales," or "Day of the Animals," because the fabric reminds me of the wonderful textiles celebrating the Mexican holiday "Dia de los Muertos," or "Day of the Dead."

This isn't the best photo, but at least you can see the way I used the fabrics. There was a large panel which I cut into different elements, a really lovely border, and several blenders. I love the result! Thanks, Patsy!

Simplicity!

2011-09-14T23:22:00.000-04:00

I had a long talk with Ted recently, seriously discussing my concern with my lack of creativity. He suggested that I follow my own advice and take one small step. So last night I rummaged through my UFOs (unfinished quilting objects) and discovered a pretty quilt that I pieced sometime last year, and it was already basted. Last night I quilted it, and today I bound, labeled, and washed it.

It is an incredibly simple four-patch on white using 30s fabrics. The size is just smaller than twin. For obvious reasons I've called it "Simplicity."

I particularly like the binding, a pastel stripe with which I made bias strips. It perfectly complements the 30s fabrics.

At this moment I am washing yet a second completed quilt that I call "Dia de los Animales." It is a fabulous quilt that I designed and pieced, and my sister Pat quilted. I finally found time (and the creative spirit!) to bind, label, and wash it today. I will take a photo within the next day or two to share. It's incredibly beautiful, and the complete opposite of "Simplicity" in its style and color.

So Ted was right -- I took a single step that led me to yet another, and within a 24 hour period I have TWO quilts completed! YAY ME!

'thann

Housewarming Gifts

2011-09-10T10:07:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know it's been ages, but my job has sapped me of my creative energy. (insert frowny face)

Ironically, it was my job (in a way, at least) that spurred a flurry of creativity this week. One of my bosses has moved into a new house and tonight is his housewarming party. I can't go empty handed, so I thought up a clever gift to present to him and his wife.

One of my favorite films is "It's a Wonderful Life." I'm sure you recall the scene where Mary Baily presents the Martini family three gifts. (I'm paraphrasing) " Bread that you may never know hunger; salt that your life may always have flavor; and wine that you may always have joy."

I created a card with those words:

The image is from Dover Publications and I used one of my favorite fonts, Albermarle, by Fontcraft. I printed the image onto watercolor paper and colored it in with watercolor pencils and then used a wet brush to activate the watercolor pencils. It turned out quite well, I think.

Then I assembled a gift basket with those three things. I baked a loaf of white sandwich bread, hand-mixed exotic salts (Pacific black and red sea salt, Atlantic white sea salt) in a nice crockery container, and added a bottle of Vineyard Tears white wine from my favorite Michigan winery, Round Barn in Baroda.

I know that Bryon and Jenn will appreciate not only the contents of the basket, but also the effort that went into making the gift!

Meanwhile, I still hope to get back to podcasting. If nothing else, I'll post projects here on my blog so you don't forget me!

Oh -- and excitement of excitements! Today when I was at my market buying the wine, I discovered that Honey Crisp apples are in season! Callooh callay!

'Til later (I hope not much later!),

'thann

Teddy's Knitting Has Far Surpassed Mine!

2011-03-05T16:37:00.000-05:00

Teddy was home this past week on "spring" break, and while home he finished this scarf for a female friend of his. He was inspired by a scarf he saw somewhere, but this is his own design. The scarf is about six feet in length.Yarn is a super chunky wool in cerulean (the iPhone photo doesn't do it justice).

Good job, Teddy! I'm putting my order in for fingerless gloves in avocado green!

'thann

Snow Day! Quilting a Little Gem

2011-02-21T18:22:00.000-05:00

I had an unexpected snow day today and accomplished a lot with the gift of time. Ted and I reorganized my sewing room to accommodate the treasures that my sister-in-law Michelle gave me Friday. I designed and printed the label for Piper Floriana's baby quilt.

When I make a quilt label I prepare fabric with Bubble Jet Set 2000, a liquid that makes regular fabric printable so that the ink doesn't wash out. Then I ironed the prepared fabric to freezer paper cut to fit my color ink-jet printer.

The prepared fabric sheet was 8.5 x 11 inches, and the label was only 4.5 x 3.5 or so, and I didn't want to waste all that space. I found an old image from a 19th century fairy tale book and pulled it into my computer program and printed it alongside the quilt label. I added a couple of borders to enhance the image.

Here is the resulting quilt. This finished gem of a quilt is about 10 x 12 inches, and it's embellished with Swarovski crystals and a variety of decorative threads. Not a bad accomplishment for a snowy afternoon! (and it's snowing yet again as I type this!)

Babies Cause Creativity!

2011-02-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

One of my recent blog posts included a photo of the cute little hat I knit my new grand-niece Riley Rose. Well, just two days ago I had yet another grand-niece, Piper Floriane -- nephew Adam and niece-in-law Kara's first baby. I started to knit a hat for her, too, but ended up ripping the stitches out three times. There's either something wrong with the pattern, or something wrong with me! (Hmmm, I wonder which it could be!)

If you're a Facebook friend of mine, you know that my wonderful sister-in-law Michelle stopped by yesterday with her SUV loaded with quilting supplies, from entire bolts of batiks to yardage of first-quality quilting fabric, and all sorts of quilting supplies, books, and patterns. (She and my brother are moving to a condo in Florida and she simply hasn't the room to store her enormous stash of quilting treasures! -- I suggested that they buy a second condo just for their hobbies and arts!)

She had one package of fabric all ready to be made into a quilt, including the book containing the pattern. The fabric is called Vintage Alphabet by Michael Miller fabrics, and the pattern is from the book "Sweet and Simple Baby Quilts" by Mary Hickey (page 60 -- and the fabric is identical to the quilt from the book). Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: Sweet and Simple Baby Quilts If you're looking for easy, cute quilts to make in a day or two for that new baby in your life, definitely buy this book! Unfortunately the fabric is discontinued (it was produced in 2002-2003).

Here is my quilt -- it took just several hours to make, including machine quilting -- easily a one-day project. It's about 33 x 33 inches square, perfect for a lap blanket in the stroller.

The fabric is so charming -- I love using the Snowball quilt block to showcase "conversation" prints. And here is the back showing the quilting -- nothing fancy, just functional!

I'm working on a podcast for February -- this time it'll feature a paper project for sure, and maybe a fiber arts project.

My Big Podcast Project for April is at my sister Patsy's for long-arm quilting. I'm so excited about the April podcast -- it'll feature an original quilt, a moving story, a history lesson, and a song or two, all rolled into one.

My thought for the day: If you're not feeling particularly creative, find someone who has a new baby -- talk about a creative muse! I feel so blessed to have these two little beauties in my life! Riley Rose and Piper Floriane, thanks so much for the inspiration!

'thann

Bonus Recipe: Ruthann's Blue Cheese Dressing

2011-02-07T19:11:00.001-05:00

I just had to share this fantastic recipe I developed today (after a shortened day of work when our roof caved in!). Unfortunately I ate the salad so fast that I couldn't capture a photo, so you'll just have to imagine it.

The recipe is quick and easy, and is by far the best blue cheese dressing I've ever had. The addition of garlic and cayenne pepper help to even out the sweetness of some homemade blue cheese dressings.

Oh my goodness, I think I need yet a THIRD helping!

If you're worried about fat content, use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream; you can also use a sugar substitute, such as Splenda. (Although I always use The Real Thing!)

Here it is:

Ruthann's Blue Cheese Dressing

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 large clove garlic
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
½ teaspoon table salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup mayonnaise (I make my own mayonnaise)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup crumbled blue cheese (I used Maytag)

Place all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor or blender and process until creamy. Thin with a bit of milk if necessary.

Serve over a wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with very thin slivers of sweet red onion, pineapple, and more crumbled blue cheese.

I dare you to eat just one helping! YUM!!!

'thann

And With February Came CREATIVITY!

2011-02-06T15:20:00.002-05:00

February is usually my least favorite month of the year, and I've often been thankful that it is the shortest.

Interestingly, this February dawned with a spark of the creative flame I've been missing since June.

Just this week I've completed two quilt tops and a skirt.

Here is the first quilt top, which is called "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier," and is dedicated to my Great-great Grandfather, John Emsch, who served and died in the American Civil War. I will offer this quilt pattern and a story (and one or two songs) in my April podcast.

My "little sister" Patsy (who is actually older, but is tinier than I am, hence "little") is quilting both of the tops I completed this week. Her neighbor, Deb, has a longarm machine that she allows Patsy to use -- wouldn't you like a neighbor like that?!?

I haven't taken a photo of the second top I completed yet -- maybe I'll take one before I send it to Patsy. I bought the fabric a year ago and when I was cleaning my sewing room this week I discovered the shopping bag! It was like a little gift! I had forgotten all about it. The fabric is called Folklorica, and was designed by noted children's book illustrator Julie Pachkis. I adored this fabric and couldn't stop myself from buying every fabric in the line. The quilt top I made (my original design) is fairly straightforward, and features the various fabrics. Yes, I promise to take a photo to share! Sadly, the line is no longer available. [Insert sad face!]

Anyway, I wanted to share with everyone that somehow, this bleakest of winter months (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) has sparked just a bit of creativity in my soul!

'thann

New Baby!

2011-02-02T20:19:00.002-05:00

We have a new baby in the family. My beautiful niece Christy Lee just gave birth to Riley Rose. She, husband Nick, and Big Brother Brady are thrilled to have a sweet little princess in the family!

I made Riley Rose a cute little hat using a kit by Debby Ware. The hat I made is called "Scrumptious Squiggle Beanie," although I added different embellishments than the pattern. Click this link to buy the pattern: Scrumptious Squiggle Beanie Pattern

This hat was super easy to make, and I know I'll be making more as gifts (another baby is due SOON!).

'thann

Podcast 20 - "A Single Step"

2011-01-08T18:49:00.000-05:00

Total length of this podcast: 29:56

CLICK HERE to listen to Podcast 020. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.

Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Valerie Swain Moss of Pastimes Online. Click the image below to visit her Web site, where you'll find blocks of the month, classes, fabrics, patterns, kits, and much more! Thanks, Valerie!

My Surgery Update

While I'm recovering quite well physically, I've had a few memory problems stemming from undergoing general anesthesia. Have you had memory loss after undergoing general anesthesia? You are not alone! CLICK HERE for information.

Craftication in San Diego!

The full moon setting over my sister's swimming pool.

The guest house on my sister's estate

A photo taken at Balboa Park --
I love how you can see the spiral staircase in the steeple.

Huzzah! Teddy is now a knitter!

A cowl and hat he made for his room mate,
the green scarf he made as a surprise for me, and a really cool "sunflower" hat

Here's a close-up of the sunflower hat. I love the detail.

Teddy's knitting has inspired me to begin knitting again.

I've gone crazy for hats! I'm donating several of these to charity.

The blue and yellow was my first -- I since learned to do a rib stitch

at the bottom because stockinette rolls.

Projects!

Click the image below to open the next of my Audubon redwork series, the White-Throated Sparrow.

CLICK HERE to download the free Audubon Redwork White-Throated Sparrow project sheet.

Click the image below to open the free project sheet for my Jeweled Bookmarks.

CLICK HERE to download the free Jeweled Bookmarks project sheet.

And remember . . .
every adventure begins
with a single step.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

2010-10-10T13:54:00.000-04:00

This is the time of year that every gardener and farm stand seems to have mountains of squash. When I was little I had no idea what to do with these oddly shaped vegetables, nor did my mom. We sometimes bought them to use as table decorations during the fall, but I never remember my mom even attempting to make squash to eat.

As an adult, however, I have grown to love all varieties of squash, from acorn to Hubbard, and especially butternut. I developed this soup today after picking up some butternut squash from a local farm stand. The recipe is easy and versatile, and makes as little or as much soup as you'd like (see the Notes section in the recipe).

CLICK HERE to download my recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.

A podcast is in the works -- thanks to the feedback I received, I am revamping things a bit!

'thann

"I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date"

2010-10-08T18:58:00.000-04:00

OK, so I'm not really late, per se. I've just been off the grid.

I just returned from a fabulously recuperative vacation in not-so-sunny Southern California (Rancho Santa Fe/San Diego area) and am refreshed. I have lots of fun stories to share, and will do so in my next podcast (mid-October).

I'm thinking about revamping my podcast a bit so it's not quite so overwhelming for me to do twice a month. Looking for input, if you have any!

Meanwhile, here's a fabulous photo of the moonset (as opposed to the SUNset) that I took very early in the morning of September 22, 2010. That's my sister's pool in the foreground. Oh, but it was a fantastic and creative two weeks!

'thann

Icon Quilt: Saint Anthony of Padua

2010-09-08T23:26:00.000-04:00

I was asked to provide something for a raffle at my church, and I decided to make a small icon quilt of Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of my parish (Saint Anthony of Bellville, Michigan).

The quilt measures about 8 x 10, and is thread traced with a variety of rayon and metallic threads. This is my 14th icon quilt, many of which were commissioned by collectors throughout the United States.

I am working on my next podcast, which I promise I'll record before I head to San Diego for a couple of weeks at the end of September.

'thann

Podcast 019 - "Full Moon Party!"

2010-08-22T22:46:00.001-04:00

Total length of this podcast: 52:34

CLICK HERE to listen to Podcast 019. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.

You can skip to whatever segment interests you -- check the minute markers for each segment.

INTRODUCTION
The bumper music for this podcast is I See the Moon, a traditional lullaby. Here are the lyrics as I learned them:

I see the moon and the moon sees me

The moon sees the one I long to see

God bless the moon and God bless me

And God bless the one I love

Program from the 2004 Full Moon Party at Mirkwood

Full Moon Party 2004 at Mirkwood
Singing the Moon Songs (while gazing at the full moon)

Songs for a Full Moon Party:

Moonshadow
Moondance
Moon River
Moonglow
By the Light of the Silvery Moon
Shine on Harvest Moon
I See the Moon
Blue Moon
Moonlight Bay
Fly Me to the Moon
Full Moon and Empty Arms

Audubon Redwork - Cardinal

CLICK HERE for the PDF of the Cardinal, or click the image below to open the next of my Audubon redwork series, the Cardinal. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

THE FIBER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker 22:22]

"Moondance" - a tribute to my mother and my sister Pat

CLICK HERE for the Moondance PDF, or click the image below to open the free Moondance needlework pattern. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

THE PAPER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker 28:32]

Full Moon Party Globe Invitation and Decoration

CLICK HERE for the Globe PDF, or click the image below to open the Full Moon Party Globe Invitation and Decoration project sheet. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

THE RECIPE [Podcast minute marker 37:57]

Full Moon Pie, developed by my husband Ted

CLICK HERE for the Full Moon Pie PDF, or click the image below to open the recipe for Ted’s Full Moon Pie. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

THE GRAB BAG [Podcast minute marker: 44:20]

Here is a list of the names of the full moon for each month of the year. This tradition comes from various Native American tribes.

Wolf Moon – January
Snow Moon – February
Worm Moon – March
Pink Moon – April
Flower Moon – May
Strawberry Moon – June
Buck Moon – July
Sturgeon Moon – August
Corn Moon, or Harvest Moon – September
Harvest Moon – October
Beaver Moon – November
Cold Moon, or Long Nights Moon – December

For more information on the naming of the moons, visit The Farmer’s Almanac.

And remember . . .

creativity isn’t a race
it’s an adventure!

Petit Fours!

2010-08-20T20:50:00.001-04:00

Petit Fours!

OK, I'll come clean. Those are made of wood blocks. I made them as stage props for The Drowsy Chaperone, a play my son Teddy is starring in. When he asked me to make these props, he also made me promise to make him some real petit fours.

Look for an original recipe inspired by an incredible cake that my brother-in-law Greg Link makes. This cake is so awesome -- I've actually had several dreams about it.

Speaking of The Drowsy Chaperone, it's "the best musical that you've never heard of." It won two Tony awards on Broadway in 2006. Teddy was cast as Aldolfo, the Latin Lothario, which is the funniest role in the show. I'll share photos in an upcoming blog post.

Meanwhile, I promise a podcast in the next day or two -- it must be before August 24 for reasons you will see! It's all ready to go except for the recording.

Stay tuned!
'thann

Podcast 018 - Summertime!

2010-08-03T19:32:00.000-04:00

I'm back and doing a happy dance!

Total length of this podcast: 1:08:28

CLICK HERE to listen to Podcast 018. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.

You can skip to whatever segment interests you -- check the minute markers for each segment.

INTRODUCTION
The bumper music for this podcast is Summertime by American composer George Gershwin.

CLICK HERE for the Folkwear Vintage Vests pattern I use to make most of Teddy's vests.

First in a series of Audubon Redwork patterns: Indigo Bunting

Click the image below to open the first of my new free Audubon Redwork Series, the Indigo Bunting. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

Below is an art quilt I made inspired by a photo I took of an indigo bunting perched on my window sill.

THE FIBER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker 20:36]

Water Bottle Carrier - a really easy project!

CLICK HERE to learn about Water Joe, caffeine-infused, non-flavored water -- a favorite of mine!

Click the image below to open the free Water Bottle Carrier project sheet. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

THE PAPER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker 30:17]

Translucent Triangle Petal Card

CLICK HERE to purchase lightweight translucent vellum from Marcos Paper in a variety of colors. I used platinum vellum for my card.

Click the image below to open the free Translucent Petal Card project sheet. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

THE RECIPE [Podcast minute marker 39:47]

Maurice Salad, specialty of the old J.L. Hudson Department Store in Detroit, Michigan

Here is a photo of the old downtown branch of J.L. Hudson's.

Hudson's used to sponsor the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Detroit, and it boasted the largest US flag,
which was suspended on the side of the building.

Sadly, after J.L. Hudson's closed, the main store was was demolished, as shown in this photo.

Click below to open the recipe for Maurice Salad. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

THE GRAB BAG [Podcast minute marker: 52:51]
If you're interested in bariatric or the resulting reconstructive surgery, I highly recommend Barix Clinics. CLICK HERE for information. My bariatric surgeon was Dr. Jon Schram, and my reconstructive plastic surgeon was Dr. David Hing, both out of the Ypsilanti, Michigan, location.

And remember . . .

creativity isn’t a race

it’s an adventure!

Creative Procrastination - Bonus Recipe!

2010-08-03T15:02:00.000-04:00

Hot Pocket Sandwiches!

OK, for some reason I am diligently avoiding recording Podcast 018. Everything is ready, I just need to record! (That's on my agenda this evening when The Teds aren't home.)

We recently defrosted our chest freezer, and I discovered several boxes of puff pastry and phyllo dough hidden in its depths, and I decided to develop recipes to use them up.

Teddy loves toaster strudel, so I made my own version complete with the white icing on the top. I used up two packages of frozen blueberries that were also hidden in the depths of the freezer to make the preserves filling. They were quite yummy! And today I developed a recipe for my version of a Hot Pocket. These turned out so well that I need to run out and buy more puff pastry to try out all of the combinations that are filling my head!

CLICK HERE to download my recipe for Hot Pocket Sandwiches!

Later, 'gator! (And I do promise to record tonight!)
'thann

Finally! New Podcast This Week!

2010-07-25T19:39:00.000-04:00

First of all, THANK YOU for all of the continued notes and emails wishing me a speedy recovery! While my recovery from reconstructive surgery took far longer than I had anticipated, I am feeling so much better.

I will be recording a podcast this week! YAY! I have a fiber project and recipe to share, but I'm not sure whether there will be a paper project. We'll see. The theme will be (drum roll) . . .

Summertime!

I am so excited to get back in the podcasting saddle again.

Stay tuned!
'thann

Spicy Baked Pita Chips!

2010-07-19T20:11:00.000-04:00

This is a great way to use your leftover pita or naan. Experiment with a variety of spices to please your palate. I like the combination of zatar, garlic powder, and sugar.

CLICK HERE to download the recipe.

'thann

Yay, I feel CREATIVE again!

2010-07-19T18:46:00.001-04:00

Still recovering, but I'm feeling creative again -- both fiber-wise and cooking-wise!

Fiber-wise, I have plans for another free set of redwork patterns, and I know these will be a huge hit. I can't wait to stitch the first one. I'm not going to share what the series will be yet, but there will be at least 12 in the series.

And cooking-wise, I'm excited to share some new recipes with you. At this moment I can smell some fabulous pita chips baking in my oven. I'll draft the recipe soon and will share it, probably as a bonus recipe.

What precipitated this? Well, if you're a Facebook friend, you know that my refrigerator died two weeks ago, and we had a replacement delivered just today. So in going through all of the stuff in my freezer I discovered several partial packages of naan and pita bread. Rather than toss these partial packages that are a little freezer-burned, I decided to make pita chips. Easy-peasy! And SO delicious!

I'm feeling so much better, and am champing at the bit to get another podcast recorded. I'm aiming for July 31.

As I always say, STAY TUNED!!!

'thann

Surgery Update 2

2010-07-09T20:11:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am still among the living! I hit a snag in my recovery last week, and just haven't felt up to creating even the most mundane blog entry. I saw my surgeon today, and he assured me I am definitely improving. I've had all of my drains removed, all of my stitches (hundreds of them!) removed, and am now feeling a little more normal. I still have at least a month of recovery, but I'm back on the right track.

I can't thank all of you enough for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. I love you guys (um, that might be the Vicodin talking!).

My plan right now is to record a podcast August 15, but I just might record one July 31. I'll see how I'm feeling, At first they might be brief, but I promise to offer at least one project per podcast until I am fully recovered.

Until my doctor's appointment this afternoon I admit that I was experiencing "buyer's remorse" -- I thought I might have made a mistake in having this surgery. Now that I know all is well, and I am beginning to see the fruits of my surgeon's labor, I am happy with my decision. It's been a long 2 1/2 weeks, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel (and, contrary to popular belief, it's NOT a train!).

Again, thanks to all of you -- knowing that I have an obligation to you, my readers and listeners, I feel a renewed obligation to get back in the saddle.

'thann

Where's Ruthann???

2010-06-18T11:21:00.000-04:00

If you listened to my last podcast, you'll know that I'm heading into major reconstructive surgery on June 21. I had hoped to record a mid-June podcast, but didn't get to it, and I apologize.

I'm not sure how long it will be before I feel up to recording the next podcast -- I'm hoping mid-July. I do have some project sheets written, so maybe I'll just post one or two of those without a podcast.

Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I haven't abandoned my podcast and blog! Nothing can stop my creativity, and I sure hope you're all being creative, too!

Here's a photo of a small portion of the mysterious quilt I've been working on. This is fused and blanket stitched, and the little images are all freehand machine embroidered. The fabric for the cat is all Ricky Tims' hand-dyed fabric (except for the black, which is Kona cotton). The sky background is my hand-dyed fabric and is English paper-pieced. The checkerboard floor is entirely hand pieced. I promise to reveal more after recovery! (Many thanks to artist Phil Lewis for permission to make a quilt of his illustration, The Joker!)

Until then, always remember, creativity isn't a race, it's an adventure!

'thann

Podcast 017 - It's Wedding Season!

2010-06-04T19:41:00.000-04:00

Total length of this podcast: 1:24:00

CLICK HERE to listen to Podcast 017. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.

You can skip to whatever segment interests you -- check the minute markers for each segment.

INTRODUCTION
The bumper music for this podcast is The Gift of Love, in keeping with my theme of Weddings. (Yes, this is the same melody as Podcast 002's bumper music, The Water Is Wide, or Waly, Waly -- same tune, different words!)

Here I am 31 years ago with my matron of honor, Pat, and my flower girl,
her daughter (and my Goddaughter, and my son's Godmother) Kristin.

Ted and I are leaving the church.

Links of Note:

THE FIBER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker 37:05]

Bridal Garter

Garter Supplies

Tips:

Use good-quality lace, silk or cotton, or try to get late to match your wedding dress.
Use "plush"-back elastic (as shown above) so it is comfortable next to your skin.
Use blue satin ribbon to go with the "something borrowed, something blue" tradition.
Have a small charm engraved with your wedding date so the garter will be a nice memento of your wedding.

Click below to open the Bridal Garter project sheet. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

Open publication - Free publishing - More wedding

THE PAPER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker 48:50]

Bomboniere

The five sugared almonds in the wedding bomboniere symbolize

Health
Wealth
Happiness
Fertility
Long life

The white sugared almonds themselves represent purity and the bittersweet nature of life.

Click below to open the Bomboniere project sheet. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

Open publication - Free publishing - More wedding box

THE RECIPE [Podcast minute marker 54:25]

Antipasto Salad

Tips:

In addition to the lettuce, ham, salami, and cheese, you can also add black olives and cucumber slices.
You can use brick or jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
Buy your meats and cheese in chunks not thin slices, then cut them in 1/2-inch cubes.

If you are in the Detroit, Michigan, area, you can go to Shield's and try the original inspiration for this salad! CLICK HERE

Click below to open the recipe for Antipasto Salad. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

Open publication - Free publishing - More salad

THE GRAB BAG [Podcast minute marker: 1:00:08]

Here is my small design wall in use.
These are just a few of the blocks I've made for a Baltimore Album-style quilt,
which will eventually belong to Teddy.

Tips:

You can buy Styrofoam insulation sheets at most home supply stores. I bought two sheets that were 2 inches thick and measured 4 feet x 8 feet. Because our ceilings are fairly low, I had the salesman cut my sheets down to 6 feet and I made a small design wall with the leftover portions.
While you can buy flannel by the yard, I suggest you use flannel sheets instead. If you do that you can avoid a seam. Make sure your flannel is plain white or off white.
You can use quilt batting if you want, but I don't think it's as sturdy as flannel.

Click below to open the Design Wall project sheet. You can save or print the file from within the viewer.

Open publication - Free publishing - More quilting

And remember . . .

creativity isn’t a race

it’s an adventure!

Quilt Progress and Podcast Update

2010-05-29T21:18:00.001-04:00

OK, so this silly virus has me feeling particularly uncreative, and so my podcast will be delayed a few days. I have most everything done, but need to finish writing the project pages.

In happier news, I am pleased to report that my new design wall is a HUGE success. (And yes, the upcoming podcast has instructions so that you can make your own if you don't already have one!) Every time I walk past my design wall, I get inspired to work on my current quilt.

I am not going to share much about my current quilt -- I want it to be a surprise. A few of you do know about it, but everyone else will just have to wait!

But I'm going to share one teeny piece of the quilt. Here's a close-up of one small area. This particular area is made of fused applique, and I'm doing machine blanket stitch around the edge of each piece. The fabric you see is Ricky Tims' hand-dyed. The bobbin thread is Bottomline, and the upper thread is King Tut variegated ("Pharaoh Tales"), both by Superior Threads. The pieces were appliqued using Steam a Seam 2 Lite, and the stabilizer is that gold paper that comes on a roll. This piece and two other that are similar will be needle-turn appliqued in place. VERY pleased with the quilt progress.

Don't despair! The podcast is in the works!
'thann

More Fabric Dyeing!

2010-05-25T14:53:00.000-04:00

I'm working on a very large art quilt that requires a wide array of special fabrics. As you recall, I bought 10 pieces of Ricky Tims' hand dyed fabric at the seminar a few weeks ago, but I still didn't have two pieces I needed for this quilt. One was the sky, which I dyed last week, and another was gray fabric to make a stone wall.

So this morning I dyed a yard of my handy dandy Kona cotton (which I buy by the bolt). I used a combination of Tsukineko alcohol-based ink in Cool Grey, Adirondak alcohol-based ink in Butterscotch (neither of which is actually a fabric dye, but in my experience they are colorfast when treated properly), and finally Pebeo Setacolor in Black. The cool effect that you see was caused by using a LOT of large-crystal salt as explained below.

Here is what I did:

I washed the Kona cotton with Synthrapol to prepare it for dyeing, then I splotched the two inks all over. That created a sort of pastel gray base.
Then I splotched (I think that's a technical term!) the Setacolor paint all over and squished it all around.
I laid the fabric on the lawn outside in the sun and sprinkled a LOT of salt all over it.
After it dried I washed it in Synthrapol again, and dried it on hot.

After I ironed the fabric, I cut it into strips and then created a sort of brick effect. Each "brick" is 5 x 2 finished. I think my stone wall turned out absolutely perfectly. What do you think? (I'm not showing it on the quilt in progress because I want to do a Big Reveal when that quilt is done.

'thann

Really Clever Graduation Card Idea

2010-05-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

One of my templates is featured in a very clever way on the Hero Arts blog today. Tami Hartley, the featured blogger, used my Square Petal Card template to make a graduation cap.

Here's a link to the Hero Arts blog page, just in time for you to make a gazillion cards for all of the graduates in your life! (I'm so green with envy -- wish I had thought of this first!)

'thann

Dyeing Fabric for a Sky

2010-05-17T13:25:00.000-04:00

I brought out a picture that I'm making into a large wall quilt and pinned it to my design wall. (YAY, design wall!) I received permission from the artist years ago to make a quilt using his image, and I took it to Kinko's to have it enlarged. The enlarged picture has been rolled in a tube since then.

Well, with my new design wall (YAY, design wall!), I am inspired to get going on this sure-to-be masterpiece. Part of the image is a summer sky, and I didn't have an appropriate fabric in my considerable stash, so I decided to dye a yard myself.

I buy Kona cotton in white, black, and ecru by the bolt because I use it for so many projects, and it's really versatile. So I tore a yard of the ecru and washed it to remove any sizing, and then I used four colors of non-traditional dyes (Tsukineko all-purpose ink, which is colorfast) to make large blotches all over it, then squished the ink into the fabric. Then I laid the fabric on the lawn and sprinkled sea salt all over it (which creates a lovely blotchy effect). After rinsing the fabric several times, first in white vinegar and then in cold water, and then drying it in a hot dryer, I ironed it with a hot iron.

Here is the result, and it's just perfect for my quilt. I'm going to cut it into circles and do traditional English paper piecing for the sky areas of the quilt.

'thann

Podcast 016 - Wonderful Babies! And My Report of the Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminar

2010-05-15T10:54:00.003-04:00

Total length of this podcast: 1:06

CLICK HERE to listen to Podcast 016. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.

You can skip to whatever segment interests you -- check the minute markers for each segment.

INTRODUCTION

The bumper music for this podcast is Brahms Lullaby, in keeping with my theme of Babies.

Hey, don't forget to use my Amazon.com store links at the top of this blog for ALL of your online purchases! I get a small commission for each click-through purchase you make. Please help me pay for my increased cost of hosting my podcasts. (Or you can make a donation via PayPal using the link along the right column of my blog.) Thank you for your support.

Here are some items you might be interested in purchasing after listening to the podcast today.

CLICK HERE to join the Big Tent Quiltcast Supergroup, a terrific place to meet other podcasters and quilters!

Here's a little slide show of my trip to Shipshewana and the Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminar, in case you missed it last week.

Shipshewana Links:

THE FIBER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 14:25]

Amish Puzzle Ball (made from my Alice in Wonderland fabric available HERE from Spoonflower)

Baby bib and burp cloth made from a cloth diaper and cotton fabric

Click the image below to open the Amish Puzzle Ball project.

Open publication - Free publishing - More sewing

Click the image below to open the Baby Bib and Burp Cloth project.

Open publication - Free publishing - More sewing

THE GRAB BAG [Podcast minute marker: 19:30]

Yours Truly with Ricky Tims. I don't think I could smile any bigger if I tried!

The stage set-up. From left to right: Libby Lehman, Alex Anderson, Ricky Tims.
You can see how huge the screen is on the right side.
This was taken from my seat, so you can see how close we were!

Ricky the night of the concert. Yes, that's a cowboy hat.
He's a Texan (now living in Colorado), complete with a drawl.

Ricky at the piano during the concert.
It was beautifully lit, with two of his famous quilts as the background.

Ricky playing a song, and the screen showing an accompanying video.
In this case, it was the video of the studio session making the recording of the song.
He has several CDs.

CLICK HERE to see where future Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminars will be held -- try to get to one if you can!

CLICK HERE to check out Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson on The Quilt Show.

And remember . . .

creativity isn’t a race

it’s an adventure!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T15:06:00.001-04:00

I hope that all of you mothers and "spiritual mothers" are having a wonderful day.

The Teds have been known to forget Special Days, or to give incredibly inappropriate gifts to me, making me fly into a rage or break down in tears. I mean, how can they be so insensitive?

Well, not today! This morning my son Teddy presented me with my gift. It is, in my estimation, the perfect gift for me. It's a cutting board, but not just any cutting board. It was hand made by a Michigan artist and is of beautiful birdseye maple and inlaid with black walnut. While it is, indeed, a work of art, it is meant to be used. This is the perfect crossroad of "art" and "craft." It is about 12 inches long, and is perfect for small cutting jobs.

CLICK HERE to visit the artist's Web site, Steve Uren Studios in Marquette, Michigan. His work is beautiful.

I already used it to cut strawberries for strawberry shortcake, and to mince garlic for my braised short ribs, which I am making for dinner tonight, along with yummy roasted asparagus and a lovely wilted lettuce salad.

"What!?" you say? "She has to make her own Mother's Day dinner?" The Teds would have taken me out to dinner, but I requested to stay at home and cook. After a few fairly disastrous dinners in local restaurants, I learned that I am a far better cook than any place they might have taken me, and I LOVE to cook. I just have to get them trained to clean up after me!

My podcast is planned, and I can't wait to get the projects finished! The theme was inspired by two recent events, and I am so excited to share it with you -- but right now it's a surprise!

Enjoy the rest of your day!
'thann

My Trip to the Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminar

2010-05-08T12:52:00.000-04:00

My sister Pat and I attended the Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminar in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, last week. We'd been planning this trip for ages, and it was well worth it!

I took the Amtrak train from Michigan to Pat's house in Illinois, and we took a road trip through Indiana, where we stopped in Shipshewana, which is Amish country. Then we continued to North Olmsted, Ohio (near Cleveland).

The seminar provided so much information! It was all lecture, so we didn't have to drag sewing machines around.

Ricky was joined by Alex Anderson and Libby Lehmann, and between the three of them they covered so many techniques. Ricky is known for his incredible applique techniques, Alex is more of a traditional quilter and showed hand quilting techniques, and Libby is known for her innovative surface embellishment technique called "threadplay."

I'm going to talk at length about our adventure in my podcast next week, but until then I'll share the following slide show with you.

Baby Shower Gift

2010-05-07T10:01:00.000-04:00

While on my quilting adventure last week we stopped in a quilt shop in Shipshewana, Indiana (which is Amish country) and I found some fabulous Minkee fabric. I knew that I wasn't going to get my niece and nephew's new baby quilt done in time for her shower this Saturday, so I bought some Minkee and made a super-soft blanket. And yesterday at a local Bernina shop I found some different Minkee fabrics and got some to make a coordinating bean bag frog. The frog is filled with plastic pellets, so it has a nice weight to it.

The frog pattern is available for free download HERE.

I love Minkee fabric -- it's just so amazingly soft. The Teds wanted to keep the blanket, so I may have to buy some more and make a throw that they can fight over.

I was hoping to do a podcast this week talking about the Super Seminar, but I just didn't get to it. I'll talk about it in my mid-May podcast, I promise! So much to share!

Later!
'thann

Report From the Road

2010-05-02T07:45:00.002-04:00

As you know, I've been traveling this week and at the moment am at the hotel in North Olmsted, Ohio, (near Cleveland) where I attended the Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminar, featuring Ricky, Alex Anderson, and Libby Lehmann. It was a two-and-a-half-day EXTRAVAGANZA!

If you ever have a chance to attend one of Ricky's seminars, go for it! My head is so stuffed with information and ideas that I'm afraid it will explode!

I will be recording a short podcast when I am home mid-week -- it will just be a report on the seminar, and won't have projects (unless I find something small to present). Lots to tell, and I'd rather talk about it than type about it. I will have some photos to share, too.

Today my sister Pat and I are driving back to Chicagoland and Tuesday I take the train back home.

Happy trails!
'thann

Icon Quilt: Madonna of the Sweet Kissing

2010-04-24T18:41:00.000-04:00

Ted's Goddaughter Ivy is making her First Holy Communion next Sunday. Since I've already made her a rosary, I decided to make her an icon quilt. The icon is called The Madonna of the Sweet Kissing. I made a similar icon quilt for my sister Karen last year.

The quilt measures 11.5 x 15.5 inches, and is quilted using a variety of variegated threads.

I've made many icon quilts over the past few years, and have had commissions for them. CLICK HERE to see a gallery of past icon quilts.

I'm really excited because Monday I take the Amtrak train to my sister Pat's in Illinois, and then we're driving to Ohio to Ricky Tims' Super Quilt Seminar. We are going to have a fantastic time! While I won't have a podcast this week, I promise to report on my blog, and I hope to share a photo or two, too!

'thann

Silk Ribbon Dyeing

2010-04-19T21:20:00.001-04:00

I've been doing a lot of silk ribbon embroidery lately and have noticed that silk ribbon is getting difficult to find in my area. The other day I bought every package that Hobby Lobby had, and Jo-Ann didn't have any at all. Maybe silk ribbon embroidery is not in vogue at the moment?

So I had the bright idea of buying white silk ribbon in bulk from Dharma Trading and dyeing it myself. Three spools arrived today (4mm, 7mm, and 13mm), and I dyed eight lots of 3-yard lengths. I have silk dye, but I decided to use Setacolor fabric paint (which is a form of dye). After using a tiny amount of the Setacolor full strength on the cut ribbon pieces, I soaked them in white vinegar, rinsed in cold water, and ironed dry.

The cool thing is, I can now have ribbon in colors I've never been able to find in stores -- gray, brown, and black, and I can make variegated ribbon in any color array I want.

Here's a photo of the ribbon I dyed today. I made variegated blue/magenta, bright aqua, melon orange, black, variegated green, brown, gray, and medium blue.

I can't wait to try other color combinations! I have a ribbon embroidery project in the works for an upcoming podcast, and I'll also provide a tutorial on dying your own silk ribbon in case you, like me, can't find ribbon in your area.

Meanwhile, if you want to buy plain white ribbon, CLICK HERE to go to the silk ribbon page on Dharma Trading's site. I've ordered from them for years, and they have wonderful products, fair prices, speedy delivery, and excellent customer service!

'thann

Bottle Cap Pincushions

2010-04-16T09:56:00.000-04:00

Recently I've been making these adorable bottle cap pincushions, inspired by Jen Segrest. CLICK HERE to visit her fantastic Flickr page, which even has tutorials on how to make your own!

I've been giving these to friends and family (I have no plans to sell them). A word of warning: There is no way to make just one of these little sweeties -- they're highly addictive!

Thanks, Jen, for sharing your tutorials!

'thann

Your Host Isn't Going Anywhere...

2010-04-13T15:38:00.000-04:00

at least for the time being. I wasn't hired for the job I mentioned on the podcast, so I'll return to blogging/podcasting/creating full force!

Now that the stress of wondering is over, I can get back to my "normal" life and take care of stuff I had let slide a bit.

It's all good! And I will say that I'm heartened to know that there is a company like the one where I interviewed out there -- gives me hope for the future of software development!

'thann

Podcast 015 - Spring!

2010-04-11T12:35:00.002-04:00

Total length of this podcast: 38:50

CLICK HERE to listen to Podcast 015. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.

You can skip to whatever segment interests you -- check the minute markers for each segment.

INTRODUCTION

The bumper music for this podcast is a 150-year old song from the American Civil War called "The Housewife's Lament."

Here's the cover from Teddy's concert -- he is in the center circled in yellow.
And here is Teddy after the concert.

THE FIBER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 12:55]

Utility Apron

And here are a couple of closer views of the bib and the pocket placement on my apron. (Remember, you can make your pockets any size you want, and put them anywhere you want!)

Here are some photos of the pockets my sister Pat added to her apron. They are paper pieced following Carol Doak patterns.

Click the image below to view and download the free Utility Apron pattern.

THE PAPER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 20:10]

3-D Butterfly Card

Here is a photo of the card that Margit made. She sent me the photo, which reminded me of all the cool templates I designed years ago. I'm going to start resurrecting them and offer them as projects now and then.

Click the image below to view and download the free Butterfly Card template.

CLICK HERE to download the instructions to make an envelope (from Podcast 001).

THE RECIPE SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 25:55]

Tea Sandwiches

I recommend using Pepperidge Farm White Sandwich Bread for this recipe -- it's the perfect consistency!

Here's a photo of my sandwich prep. Remember, you can use just about any herb mixed into your cream cheese -- and try other vegetables or fruit slices! Be creative!

Click the image below to view and download the free Tea Sandwich recipe.

THE GRAB BAG [Podcast minute marker: 33:12]

CLICK HERE to download the MP3 file of "The Housewife's Lament." (That's me and my trusty ukulele.)

And remember . . .

creativity isn’t a race

it’s an adventure!

Bonus Recipe: Vermicelli With Basil and Garlic!

2010-04-09T11:55:00.000-04:00

I'm in the process of creating a second edition of my family cookbook (first published 15 years ago), and I've been soliciting recipes from family members.

My sister Karen submitted a recipe that I tried the very day she sent it because it sounded just so fabulous (and also because I just happened to have a nice bunch of fresh basil from my brother-in-law John and his wife Peg's prolific basil plant).

So, for your eating pleasure, CLICK HERE for my sister Karen's recipe for Vermicelli With Basil and Garlic. It's a a fast and easy delicious vegetarian meal, or you can top it with grilled chicken.

Buon appetito!

'thann

Easter Butter Poodle

2010-04-05T14:18:00.000-04:00

Years ago I saw a butter lamb, which is, I believe, a traditional decoration on the dinner table at Eastertime. I decided I wanted to make one, but back then (in the olden days) I couldn't access the Internet to search for a mold, and I couldn't find a mold in a store. So I decided to carve my own lamb from a pound of butter.

My first attempt in the pre-Internet dawn of time looked much more like a butter poodle than a butter lamb, and we all got a good laugh out of it. Over the years, I've had varying degrees of success carving butter lambs (even though butter lamb molds are much easier to find). Sometimes my lambs look like poodles, sometimes like labrador retrievers, and sometimes they actually look like lambs.

The lamb I carved for this year's Easter feast first looked like a butter camel, but Teddy urged me to refine it. It did end up looking something like a lamb. You can be the judge. The halo and banner are traditional additions, which you don't get if you use a store-bought mold.

So, how, you ask, does one carve a butter lamb (or poodle or camel)?

Start with a solid pound of butter (quarters won't do), and then carve away all the parts that aren't lamb (or poodle or camel).

'thann

Problems With Podcast 014 - iTunes not Indexing

2010-04-04T18:39:00.001-04:00

I just found out today that iTunes has not indexed Podcast 014 yet (and it's been a week!). Tomorrow when I'm refreshed I'll find out what the problem is and address it.

Meanwhile, you can listen directly from my Web site by CLICKING HERE, or you can always subscribe to my feed on my bloghost, PodBean by CLICKING HERE.

Thanks for your patience!

'thann

Easter Eggs

2010-04-03T19:05:00.000-04:00

Today Ted the Younger and I colored Easter eggs. Normally one uses white eggs and egg dye tablets. We buy our eggs from a local farmer, so all we had on hand today were brown eggs, and I worried that they might not take the dye well.

Teddy reminded me that we had good success last year using McCormick food color dyes, so I didn't buy dye tablets.

And here are our fabulous eggs! I think they turned out quite well. The brown eggs took the food color dye well and are very intensely colored.

How did your eggs turn out?

Aiea (aka 'thann, aka Ruthann)

Podcast 014 - Happy Easter!

2010-03-29T22:25:00.002-04:00

Total length of this podcast: 48:29

CLICK HERE to listen to Podcast 014. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.

You can skip to whatever segment interests you -- check the minute markers for each segment.

INTRODUCTION

The bumper music for this podcast is the traditional Latin Easter hymn, O Filii et Filae.

Spring has sprung!

For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of pruning the vines has come,
and the song of the dove is heard in our land. [Song of Songs 2:11-12]

This is a real spring peeper. They are TINY! (About 1 inch long!)

And this is my Spring Peeper quilt

Here is a cool African quilt that was at the quilt show at the Belleville Historical Museum this month. It had all sorts of found objects sewn to it, such as shells and beads. Unfortunately I neglected to get the quilter's name and information.

Here is a display of three of my quilts that were in the show. I am amused that the left one was hung wrong, but the display works!

CLICK HERE to join all of us quilty podcasters under the Big Tent! What is Big Tent? It's a large discussion forum where we can share ideas, and generally have a lot of fun. Once there, you can join any and all of the subgroups (such as Mirkwood Designs).

THE FIBER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 10:16]

Japanese Knot Purses

CLICK HERE to visit The Material Girls (Dearborn, Michigan) online sashiko supplies store.

Click the image below to open the Japanese Knot Purse tutorial.

Click the image below to open the very basic sashiko tutorial.

Click the image below to view the photo sequence of making the sashiko purse.

Click the image below to view the photo sequence of making the round-bottomed purse.

THE PAPER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 24:59]

Traditional Japanese washi eggs

CLICK HERE to check out Hollander’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan

CLICK HERE for Style of Japan.

I got a little carried away! That's a real ostrich egg among the chicken eggs!

Teddy and two of his geometric origami pieces. Hmmm, I wonder where these two pieces are now?

Click the image below to open the washi egg tutorial.

Click the image below to look at the photographic process of making a washi egg.

THE RECIPE SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 39:00]

Shirred Eggs

Click the image below for the Shirred Egg recipe.

Click the image below to look at the photographic process of making shirred eggs.

THE GRAB BAG [Podcast minute marker: 44:44]

Graphic created with Wordle [www.wordle.net]

And remember

creativity isn’t a race

it’s an adventure!

Big News - Big Tent!

2010-03-28T17:30:00.000-04:00

I alluded to this Big News in my last podcast. A whole bunch of us quilty/crafty podcasters have joined forces and have created a super discussion group called "Quiltcast Supergroup" on a site hosted by Big Tent. Once you join the supergroup, you can also join various subgroups, including Mirkwood Designs.

CLICK HERE to check out the Quiltcast Supergroup -- once there, I hope you join, and then check out all the really terrific subgroups. You know what's really cool? While we're all quilters (or crafters), each of us has a different viewpoint. There's something for everyone, all under one Big Tent!

Please come join the fun!

'thann

Bonus Recipe: Tortilla Soup!

2010-03-25T23:36:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I know it's between podcasts, but today I developed a scrumptious soup that I couldn't wait to share with you: Tortilla Soup.

OK, truth be told, I've never had tortilla soup, nor have I ever seen a recipe for it (until today). The other day I made pork enchiladas, and I had some leftover filling, and I had a brainstorm that it would be the basis for a great soup.

When I started thinking about the spices I would use, I realized that it was most likely a form of Tortilla Soup (I thought of using corn tortillas as the thickener). And so I arrived at my recipe.

It's really delicious (as Ted will attest -- I saw him eat three bowls!).

After developing the recipe, I decided to check out "real" tortilla soup recipes on the Web, and I discovered that mine is fairly similar. So I was on the right track.

CLICK HERE to download the PDF of my recipe. If you try it, let me know how you like it!

Oh, a side note: If you don't eat pork, you can use chicken. I recommend using thighs because I like their texture and I think they're more flavorful. But hey, it's up to you!

As Julia would say, "Bon appetit!"

'thann

Commission for a Birthday Rosary

2010-03-22T17:43:00.001-04:00

I've made rosaries (Catholic prayer beads) for years. I usually use Swarovski crystals, but sometimes use precious or semiprecious stones. I made my own rosary with real pearls (pearl is my birthstone).

At church Sunday a fellow choir member asked whether she could commission one for her husband's birthday, which is this Thursday. I'm glad I had all of the supplies on hand -- I usually buy the crucifixes and centerpieces as needed because they're expensive (I use only sterling silver).

Here is the rosary I made for Paul today. Most of the beads are onyx, but the Lord's Prayer beads are aquamarine Swarovski crystal with sterling bead caps -- aquamarine is the birthstone for March. The chain and wire are also sterling.

So, happy birthday, Paul! And, since you are Polish, I will sing, "Sto lat, sto lat, niech żyje, żyje nam!"

'thann

First Sign of Spring!

2010-03-21T23:31:00.000-04:00

It's fitting that the first sign of spring appeared just two days before the first day of spring. Thursday I heard the wonderful chorus of spring peepers from down in our meadow. That is one of the happiest sounds to me -- it means that warmer weather is on its way!

This year the first day of spring fell on National Quilting Day, so to honor both occasions, I designed and made this quilt that I call "pseudacris crucifer," which is the Latin name for the spring peeper. The quilt is raw-edge applique using batiks. The frog itself is made of 14 separate pieces. I added shadows to the frog with Prismacolor pencils, and I spatter painted him using acrylic paint. The glint in the eye is also acrylic paint. I added a piano key border and did free-motion quilting.

At right is a close-up of the frog.

Below is a close-up of the center section. You can see words on the background fabric. I ironed a piece of batik to freezer paper and ran it through the printer. I printed "pseudacris crucifer" and "peep" onto the fabric, making just the perfect background.

The quilt measures 14 x 16 inches.

Quilting Fame at Last!

2010-03-21T11:44:00.000-04:00

. . . well, at least locally.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I have six quilts in the Belleville Historical Museum's quilt show, which runs throughout the month of March. There was an article in the March 11 issue of The View, a local newspaper, and one of my quilts was prominently featured. The photo at right is a scan of one page of the nicely written article.

And here's the quilt, Funky Button Love. I made this quilt using scraps from another project, and the buttons were a little collection I had amassed just because they are so colorful.

This quilt show allows quilters to put prices on quilts they want to sell, and I decided I'd part with Funky Button Love, not thinking that someone would actually purchase it. Well, now that it's famous it might sell! And the spot on my kitchen wall will be bare until I'm inspired to make another "masterpiece."

Isn't it neat that something made with scraps ended up being successful? Before you discard those scraps from your next project, see if you can find a creative way to use them.

Have a quilty day!
'thann

Happy National Quilting Day!

2010-03-19T20:27:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow (Saturday, March 20) is National Quilting Day. The third Saturday in March has been designated National Quilting Day. I believe that the National Quilting Association started the tradition in 1991 -- if I'm wrong, please correct me!

My quilt guild, Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild has its bi-monthly meeting tomorrow, so I'll definitely be celebrating. How will you celebrate? If nothing else, if you're a quilter make sure to take at least a few stitches in honor of the occasion.

Here is an original Baltimore Album-style block for you. It's called Lilac Time, and was inspired by my huge lilac bushes in my yard. It's from a quilt I'm making that will eventually belong to my son Teddy. If you are familiar with the fabulous books on Baltimore Album quilts by Elly Sienkiewicz, you'll recognize the format -- the pattern is the same size as her blocks.

CLICK HERE for the free downloadable PDF. Enjoy!

HAPPY NATIONAL QUILTING DAY!

'thann

My Amazon Bookstore

2010-03-15T09:33:00.003-04:00

To help defray the cost of my podcast and blog, and the supplies for all of the projects I create, I decided to become an Amazon Associate. If you're in the market for a book, check my bookstore. I've separated it into categories (fiber arts, paper arts, and cooking), and will add a miscellaneous category soon. Click on a book you want and purchase directly through Amazon. (I'll receive a small commission.)

Also, if you have book, movie, CD, or other recommendations, please let me know and I'll add them!

Edited: My little store can sell anything that Amazon carries. In the market for a Rolex watch? Let me know and I can hook you up! (just kidding -- or not!)

[I don't want to get really commercial, but I realized that the costs are starting to pile up little by little.]

Thanks so much!
'thann

Podcast 013 - Happy Saint Patrick's Day! ♣

2010-03-13T22:41:00.004-05:00

Total length of this podcast: 44:16

CLICK HERE to listen to Podcast 013. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.

You can skip to whatever segment interests you -- check the minute markers for each segment.

INTRODUCTION

In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, the bumper music for today’s podcast is the traditional Irish tune The Lark in the Clear Air.

CLICK HERE for a link to Loreena McKennitt's Web site. She's long been a favorite musician of mine.

I love M.A.C eye shadows and always order directly from their Web site [CLICK HERE to visit M.A.C Cosmetics]. The cool thing is, they package their stuff really well in fabulous black tissue paper and a thicker black paper. I like to iron it and save it for projects. Here's a photo of the latest packing material (with a piece from some other package, too). Don't toss those wrappings away--surely you can find a crafty purpose for them!

CLICK HERE for a link to Cindy Ferguson's scherenschnitte (papercutting) blog. She offers a free downloadable papercut template each Tuesday, and her work is stunning. CLICK HERE to purchase the book Paper Cuts (in which some of Cindy's papercuts are featured) from Amazon.

This is the papercut I did using one of Cindy's free papercutting template. Pretty cool!

This is the last of my Alice in Wonderland redwork series. You can use it as a centerpiece in a quilt,
and use the others in the series to surround it.

CLICK HERE to download the last of my free Alice in Wonderland redwork patterns. What's next? Who knows? I'll be just as surprised as you!

THE FIBER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 12:45]

Fabric Postcard

Make sure you take your fabric postcard to your post office to verify postage. I really think it depends on the mood of the clerk what he or she will charge you. I ended up having to pay the same amount of postage as I would an envelope, almost twice the cost of mailing a postcard, even though the post card is the right size and was light enough and thin enough to meet postal regulations according to the United States Post Office Web site. (CLICK HERE to go to the USPS site.) Ah well.

Click the Issuu viewer below to view the tutorial. You can also save it to your hard drive and print it just like a regular PDF file.

If you'd like to see photos of the process, click the viewer below to see the photos.

THE PAPER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 22:44]

Artist Trading Cards and Envelope

Here are some of my early ATCs. All use my own carved images.

CLICK HERE for a link to a great ATC Web site called ATCs for All. You'll find lots of great information there, and will find many opportunities to swap your ATCs.

CLICK HERE for the Carving Consortium if you'd like to join a soft-block carving group.

Click the Issuu viewer below to view the tutorial. You can also save it to your hard drive and print it just like a regular PDF file.

Note that there is no photographic process for the ACT tutorial because you need to use your own creativity to design your cards!

THE RECIPE SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 27:05]

Traditional Irish Coffee (with an origami sculpture by Teddy)

INFORMATION ON COFFEE BEAN ROASTS and caffeine levels

History of Irish Coffee

CLICK HERE for the recipe.

Click the viewer below for photos of the process.

THE GRAB BAG [Podcast minute marker: 39:10]

The above image of the Irish Blessing was made using the free online resource Wordle.
CLICK HERE to create your own Wordle.

Traditional Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

And remember

Creativity isn't a race...
it's an adventure!

More Papercutting

2010-03-05T12:47:00.000-05:00

I'm still enthralled with the German art of scherenschnitte (papercutting) -- I LOVE how Teddy pronounces it (he's minoring in German at U of Michigan).

I subscribe to a graphics service called ClipArt.com, and they have a lot of the Dover Pictorial Archives images. I downloaded several silhouettes today and am practicing. I'm really terrible with the X-Acto knife! I've put in new blades and have tried two different handles, but I don't have the control I'd like. I'm much better with a little pair of scissors I bought for applique, so I'll probably stick with those except for the tiniest inside cuts.

Here are today's papercuts. I particularly like the boy reading. The butterfly was a pain in the backside! I know, I know -- practice makes perfect! (And please don't tell Teddy that I'm raiding his origami paper stash for this!)

'thann

A Very Knotty Day

2010-03-04T18:58:00.000-05:00

I've been so taken with the concept of the Japanese Knot Purse that I'll be offering my version as a project in an upcoming podcast. That project will also include instructions on how to do the traditional Japanese quilting method of sashiko.

Today I made my version (curved bottom rather than a round bottom). The fabric is one I've had for years, left over from pajamas I made for The Teds in 1995. It's designed by Phillip de Leon for Alexander Julian and is called "Mr. Toad Gets Dressed." Isn't it absolutely adorable? Ted the Elder still wears his pajamas. Teddy has, of course, long grown out of them. I also made him a vest when he was in second grade, and I have the school photo to prove it.

So here's today's Japanese Knot Purse. To give you a sense of scale, the second photo shows my iPhone. I can't believe how cute these purses are, and they're so quick and easy. The cool thing is, my curved-bottom version takes only two fat quarters. Imagine the possibilities! You could make these for craft fairs and bring in a bundle o' dough!

Now I just need to write the sashiko instructions and finish the tutorial. I'm thinking this will be in the mid-April podcast . . . but it may be earlier.

'thann

Inspiration on a Walk With The Teds

2010-03-04T17:51:00.001-05:00

Today The Teds and I took a walk in a park we've often driven by -- we could always see it off of the I-94 freeway in Ypsilanti, Michigan. For some reason I had the idea that it was part of a country club, but a little investigation revealed that it's actually one of Ypsilanti Township's little parks along the Huron River.

North Bay Park is a series of tiny islands connected by pretty arched bridges. As you can see from the photos, it was cold but sunny. I can't wait to check out this park in spring, summer, and fall!

I was really taken with the beauty of the ice formations on the lake (which is actually just a wide portion of the Huron River). I can see a couple of photos I took being inspiration for a quilt or other piece of art.

I hope you enjoy my little slide show.
EDITED: Just noticed that I put the date as "3-4-20" -- no, we didn't do any time traveling today! Just a slip of the finger...

The Crafting World Is in for a Treat!

2010-03-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

The ever fabulous Mark Lipinski finally made his Big Announcement this week. He has been named Creative Director of All American Crafts, Inc. He's also taking over reins of the magazine Fabric Trends beginning with the Fall 2010 issue -- I hope it has the tone of his former magazine Quilter's Home, which just isn't the same sassy magazine since he left.

His new concept is, "Mark Lipinski's Create (. . . When one craft isn't enough"). I can already tell that it'll be right up my alley!

Read the entire announcement HERE.

Congratulations, Mark, I'm waiting with bated breath to see what you do next!

'thann

AIW Japanese Knot Bag

2010-03-03T16:54:00.000-05:00

My, it's been a crafty day today, and the day isn't over yet! First the truly wonderful papercutting experience, and now this cute Alice in Wonderland Japanese Knot Bag. The free pattern can be found at this link: http://showyourworkings.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/knotbaginstructions1.pdf. The fabric, is, of course my own Alice in Wonderland fabric available from Spoonflower: http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/145566.

Isn't it cute? I'm using it as my purse tonight for church, but I think it'll probably end up as an occasional bag since I'm so used to a purse whose strap goes across my shoulders.

Have a creative and crafty day!

'thann

Alice in Wonderland Papercut

2010-03-03T11:54:00.001-05:00

Podcast listener Anne gave me a heads up about the fabulous papercuts of blogger Cindy Ferguson. Right now she has a beautiful free Alice in Wonderland papercut template on her blog. I'm going to try my hand at it today and if it's not too embarrassing, I'll post a photo later.

CLICK HERE to go to Cindy's blog -- you'll be amazed at her work! Also, she has a video tutorial on how she does papercutting, and that gave me enough courage to give it a try.

EDITED: OK, so I tried my hand at my very first papercut, and it didn't turn out as badly as I had anticipated. Here it is. It's a little raggedy, but I had fun with the new (to me) technique! Check out Cindy's blog and give it a try!

Ruthann

Podcast 012 - This and That

2010-02-26T19:40:00.002-05:00

Total length of this podcast: 39:02

CLICK HERE to listen to Podcast 012. Right-click on the link to save it to your hard drive, or better yet, so you don't miss future podcasts, subscribe via iTunes or PodBean using one of the links on the right side of my blog.
You can skip to whatever segment interests you -- check the minute markers for each segment.

INTRODUCTION

It's been a beautiful, snowy week here in Belleville (even considering a fall on the ice which resulted in pulled muscles and a bonked head!). Here's a photo of our meadow. Yes, that's all ours. Down in the meadow is a stream that runs to the Huron River, which is about 1/4 mile behind our house. Our house is tiny and humble, but the beautiful property (called, appropriately, "Mirkwood") more than makes up for it.

I just finished knitting myself a scarf using beautiful lime green merino wool. The fringe is a pretty lime and aqua novelty yarn. The pattern is my favorite, "sea foam."

The local historical museum contacted me last week asking if I'd submit some quilts for their show in March. Last year I entered two of my icon quilts and as a result got a pretty hefty commission because one couple loved one of the icons so much they had me make one for them. So I entered six quilts this year, although they're not as special as my icon quilts. If you want to see the ones I entered, CLICK HERE to check them out.

The quilt below is one of them. It's called "Hideous Kinky," and I made it by challenging myself to use the ugliest piece of fabric from my stash. Believe it or not, I had bought 5 yards of this truly hideous stuff! The fabric was not only ugly, it was also completely off-grain and was a pain to sew. But the quilt is pretty cool. I actually got a commission to make a copy of it! The center was made using Ricky Tims' convergence method, sort of a bargello technique. It helped disguise just how hideous the fabric really was!

The quilt show, called "Patches & Patterns" is March 2 through 31, 2010, at the Belleville Area Museum on Main Street in Belleville, Michigan. Admission is only $2, which is a bargain. It's a small show (the museum is tiny), but I've seen some of the quilts and they're beautiful. Two, in particular, are antique quilts made by African American women and handed down in the family -- I met the woman who brought them in.

My sister Kathy had hip replacement surgery this week and is doing remarkably well. Isn't modern medicine marvelous? In preparation, someone suggested that while recovering she wear aprons with a lot of pockets to hold stuff so she doesn't have to get up to find things like her cell phone or the TV remote or whatever. My sister Pat and I made aprons for her based on a pattern I designed. I'm going to present the pattern in the March 31 podcast, but here's a sneak peek. This one is mine, but wait until you see Pat's! She paperpieced all of the pockets and it's just beautiful.

Podcast listener Debby Siccardi's quilt "Morning Has Broken" was one of only 50 chosen for the competition portion of the Quilt Fest New Jersey VI. It's also in the Show and Tell section of the current issue of the National Quilting Association's Quilter's Quarterly magazine. Congratulations, Debby! Here's a photo of Debby with her beautiful quilt.

CLICK HERE to download the eleventh of my continuing Alice in Wonderland redwork series, "Queen Alice." There is only one more, and then I have to decide on a new project series!

Check out THE GALLERY to see recent submissions. Remember, there is a real reward I will send to anyone who submits a photo of a project inspired by my podcast or blog. This offer is good for a limited time only, and only one to a customer. I'm not sure when I'll stop the reward, so send me your photos soon so you don't miss out!

THE FIBER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 9:50]

Handy Zippered Wristlet

The Fiber Arts project is a handy zippered wristlet purse, just the right size to hold your keys, cell phone, and other essentials. You can also use it to carry your digital camera or your makeup.

NOTE: I'm using a new format to present my tutorials and photo documentations, so please let me know if it's not working for you!

Click the image below to see the tutorial. You can download and print from the viewer.

If you'd like to see step-by-step photos, click the image below. Again, you can download and print the photo series.

THE FIBER ARTS SEGMENT [Podcast minute marker: 16:27]

Paper Doll

Today we're playing with dolls -- paper dolls, that is! This past week two different Mirkwood Designs fans emailed photos of their projects, and they were paper dolls using a template I had designed at least 10 years ago. I hadn't decided on a paper arts topic for this podcast, so I took it as A Sign. This is such a fun project. The really interesting thing was, as I progressed with each doll, she began to take on a persona. The doll above is named Mathilde, le Mademoiselle Avec des Tatouages, accompanied by her faithful Capuchin monkey, Choux-Choux. (Hey, every creation needs a back story!) I used some of my son's "good" origami washi paper, and it reminded me of tattoos. So Mathilde travels with the circus.

Click on the image below to view the tutorial, or to download and print it.

If you'd like the photographic process, click the image below.

And here's another paper doll I created. Her name is Mad Margaret after the character I played in Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta Ruddigore.

I know you'll have fun with this project, and I hope you'll share pictures of your creations!

THE RECIPE [Podcast minute marker: 23:15]

Chicken Pot Pie

CLICK HERE to download the recipe for Chicken Pot Pie, the ultimate comfort food! I made enough for a small army, but fortunately it freezes well.

If you'd like to see the photographic process, click the image below.

THE GRAB BAG [Podcast minute marker: 29:05]

Here's the jigsaw puzzle we'll be working on when our son Teddy's home for spring break. It's made by Pomegranate, one of my favorite jigsaw puzzle companies.

Teddy sings bass with the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club, and 2010 marks their 150th anniversary. He's been touring with them, and they're preparing for their huge spring concert held at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor. Here's a video from their 2009 spring concert performing Sound Off composed by their director, Professor Paul Rardin.

The University of Michigan Men's Glee Club performing Sound Off

On a more somber note, my thoughts and prayers go out to so many of my friends, relatives, and acquaintances who are struggling with great hardships right now. It's said that bad things happen in threes, but right now it seems they are happening by the dozen.

Current events brought to mind my favorite Stephen Foster song, Hard Times Come Again No More, written in 1854. If you watched the Hope for Haiti concert last month, Mary J. Blige sang this beautiful and poignant song.

CLICK HERE to download my rendition sung with banjo accompaniment.

Here are the lyrics:

Hard Times Come Again No More
by Stephen Foster

Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears,
While we all sup sorrow with the poor;
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears;
Oh Hard times come again no more.

Chorus:
    Tis the song, the sigh of the weary,
    Hard Times, hard times, come again no more
    Many days you have lingered around my cabin door;
    Oh hard times come again no more.

While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay,
There are frail forms fainting at the door;
Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say
Oh hard times come again no more.
(Chorus)

There's a pale drooping maiden who toils her life away,
With a worn heart whose better days are o'er:
Though her voice would be merry, 'tis sighing all the day,
Oh hard times come again no more.
(Chorus)

Tis a sigh that is wafted across the troubled wave,
Tis a wail that is heard upon the shore
Tis a dirge that is murmured around the lowly grave
Oh hard times come again no more.
(Chorus)

Stay safe, people, and hold those whom you love close to your heart. Life is so fragile.

And remember

Creativity isn't a race . . .

. . . it's an adventure!

Trying Out Some New Technology!

2010-02-21T08:47:00.010-05:00

I'm giving some new technology a try -- a more pleasing way to view PDF files. The files are still downloadable, but look better on the blog, sort of like a magazine. What do you think? Good? Bad? Helpful? No?

I'm going to use this format for the detailed photos of my projects, in addition to the tutorials. That way I won't waste so much blog space for the step-by-step stuff. LOVE IT!

Thanks to Facebook friend Mike Fisher (a really cool instructional designer-type person). If there's new technology out there, he's the go-to guy!

UPDATE:

So the deal is, from now on I'm going to have my projects and all of the accompanying photos in this really cool magazine-type viewer, rather than clutter up my blog with zillions of photos.

The "magazine" is still completely printable and downloadable, and that is a huge improvement when it comes to the photo series. (Before, you'd have to print out the whole blog to get the photos, and it wasn't a pretty sight.)

Take it for a spin! Click the links below to see how the Pressman's Hat project, the Beaded Sachet project, and the Beaded Sachet process photos look in the ISSUU viewer. (These projects were from Podcast 011.) You can zoom in and move from page to page like you're reading a magazine. You can also print and download the documents just like a regular PDF file. Pretty slick!

Note: Each link will open up in a new window so you don't get lost!

CLICK HERE to view the Pressman's Hat project.

CLICK HERE to view the Beaded Sachet project.

CLICK HERE to view the Beaded Sachet process photos.

Again, please give me feedback if something isn't working -- I'd hate to jump into this only to find out that the viewer isn't compatible with a particular browser or platform.

Ruthann (always looking for a better and more creative way to share information!)