"One Block, Very Dangerous": Part 2

Here is what the fuss was all about - one blasted Ohio Star block (click on image for detail). This pic proves that I did my homework like a dutiful student and can walk with pride into the classroom tomorrow knowing I followed directions and completed the prep work! 

The block is rather nice and would make a lovely small wall hanging or pillow, but because it is for practice purposes, I doubt that the result will be anything I will want to use.

To my purist quilting friends and mentors, please check out my nearly perfect points on the star. I hope you are duly impressed with my progress. Of course, this block took about 4 hours to make when all is said and done. Glad I'm not making an entire quilt from this pattern. I'd be working on it from my grave.

Packing up for tomorrow's class. I still don't know how to lower the feed dogs (it's not in the Janome manual), but I'm certain the instructor will know. Details to follow after class.

"One Block, Very Dangerous"

I have now spent what seems like hours doing homework for the free motion quilting class I am taking tomorrow. Specifically, we need to prepare one block of an Ohio Star pattern. At the time of this writing, I have ripped out seams 5 times. This is why I don't like quilts with little pieces. It's much easier to deal with long seams, big rectangles or squares. My aversion to small pieces is also why I am out of practice and had so much trouble making this block. It's ridiculous. Mind you, this is for a class; I doubt that I will do anything with the block once it is completed. But, my OCD kicks in and I have to make it perfect. Hence, "One Block, Very Dangerous," which is a take-off on one of my favorite lines from "The Usual Suspects." 

Around 9:30 pm last night, Dear Husband abandoned me while we were watching a great old action movie and he went to bed. I retired to my quilting room, committed to finishing this seemingly never-ending block before going to bed. An hour later and three more times taking out seams, I ran out of bobbin thread and called it a night. I haven't even opened the door to my quilting room for fear that during the night, my unfinished quilts came alive, ganged up on my one unfinished Ohio Star block, and demolished it. EEK! 

On top of this, the supply list for this class reads like an encyclopedia. Does one really need all of these things for free-motion quilting? Be that as it may, I am nearly done with my block (but there are many opportunities to tear out more seams, I'm sure), I have cut out my 6-fourteen inch squares with companion batting and backing, I have drawn the lines on four of the six squares (as directed by the instructor) and when I figure out how to lower the feed dogs on my Janome, I will be ready to take on the world of free motion quilting. 

One skating note: BIG "Congrats" to my skating buddy, Susan, who on Saturday passed her Silver level ice dances! She is officially a pre-Gold skater. I'm so proud of her! I still haven't passed my Ten Fox in the absence of 3 judges to test with in Roseville. I am not traveling all the way to the Bay Area for a test, so I am stuck in Bronze land for a while longer, I suppose. It's been so long since I have done any dancing that I probably can't pass the dang dance anyway. 

Finally, neither Dear Husband nor I suffered any damage as a result of our monster walk/run yesterday. Hooray. He is a little sore, but I am not at all. By 7:30 am, he had already done his hill walk and taken the doggies out for their walk. Makes me feel like a real slacker. Off to get out there on the road and jog for 30 minutes, even though I hear sounds coming from my quilting room that like the Ohio script. Onward. 

Progress Today

Dear Husband and I completed 90 minutes of fast walking/jogging. While we didn't make it the full two hours we had hoped we could, it felt great. When we finished, we treated ourselves to a light breakfast at our favorite little coffee venue, The Flower Farm Nursery, in Loomis. 

We are darn proud of ourselves (and tired), but also realize we have a long way to go in training to make it 4 hours. YIKES!  

Off to quilt. I've earned it. Dear Husband is already napping! 

Mission Accomplished, Skating Chaos, and The Big Walk

Irina, you would be proud! I set off for the rink today on a mission. I was going to find a solution to the problematic part of my dramatic program - back perimeter crossovers that didn't make sense, that I couldn't pull off with any aplomb, and that I just don't like. Period, end of sentence.

With the help of my best skating buddy, we came up with a great element: a long lunge down the ice with my hands in a prayer position (very appropriate for "The Passion of the Christ" music). My friend has this wonderful *signature* lunge that I have always loved in her programs. It's very dramatic and impactful. She pulls this off in a way that nearly makes me cry whenever I see it. I have always wanted to use this element, but considered it her property, as it were. Yes, there is something about skating and ownership of certain elements that defies logic and reasonableness in the non-skating world. 

When we started talking about a possible solution, the lunge move was ideal. My friend was very supportive of my using this in the program and, in fact, came up with the entire element, hand position and all. Bless her heart. There was absolutely no sense of "You can't use this because it's mine" (not that I expected there would be; she just is not like that in any way). 

Once decided and tested to make certain I could do this, next step was to convince Coach. No problem here. She loved the change and is fully supportive of it. So, "Mission accomplished!" on this front.

Now, the chaos part. Without Jill Shipstad at the session today, the ensemble practice was total pandemonium. How can 5 adults create so much chaos on the ice? A power struggle ensued, frustration ran rampant, whilst I watched, thinking all the while, "Why did I ever agree to be part of this group?" We were missing three members out of the Band of Seven, so it was difficult at best to practice. After 30 minutes, I was rescued by Coach to finish my lesson. Thank goodness. Hopefully, when Jill S. returns next week, these shenanigans will be gone and we will get something positive done. 

Today is a training day for Dear Husband and me. We're going to undertake what we think will be a 7-8 mile walk. Should be out for about two hours. I've been up since 4:15 am, when Merlin let a huge bark rip that nearly knocked me out of bed. Didn't want my better half to be awakened, so I got up, fed the dogs (yes, at that early hour), and now they are outside barking their heads off at 6:20 am, waking up the rest of the neighborhood. They really do need training! I will write tomorrow about our walk.

Monday is an "Introduction to Free Motion Quilting" class at Cabin Fever. I must complete the considerable homework before then, like figuring out how to lower the feed dogs on my machine and making an Ohio Star block. Lots of work, as well as cutting out binding for the Japanese Puzzle quilt. I feel overwhelmed by all this quilting stuff right now. 

As a side-note, I will try to remember to add a picture of a skater (as I have to this post) to future posts so a reader will know immediately when the primary subject is skating instead of quilting. This way, if one isn't interested in my skating adventures, you will know right away. 

Onward we go. 

The Big Skate

It's a "big skate" day today. I'll be meeting my skating buddy for the 9:30 am FS session. She and I are going to work on some changes to my "Passion" program that I'm thinking about making. I am grateful that she has the skill and willingness to help me out. These ideas may be completely hair-brained, but if they are, she will let me know. The benefit of having someone who skates and is totally honest with me. 

There is a section of the program that I have never really liked, despite the fact that I insisted that we include what are supposed to be big, dramatic back perimeter crossovers. They just look silly to me and I still cannot coordinate the arms with the feet. So - when in doubt - replace an element with something else; or, in the alternative, learn how to do it. I'm into the replacement mode right now.

Have a lesson at 10:30 with Coach, then ensemble practice at 12:00. Jill S. won't be there today, so the seven of us are left to our own devices and collective memories to skate what's been done on the program thus far. Should be interesting (and funny) to see what happens. 

BTW, if you are wondering if the above picture is me, "Ah duh!" It's Irina. If you don't know who she is, you're not a skating addict. Think Olympics, think Russian, think magnificent skater. Enough hints already? If you still don't know, Google her. If nothing else, I think you can find out who she has - or is currently - dating. Certainly important in the overall scheme of things. 

Off to the rink! Ta, ta. 

New Record for Sleep

So there I was leaving for my skating lesson yesterday. Boom! Migraine hit out of nowhere. I was excited about going to the rink and practicing the changes that Jill S. suggested for my dramatic program and working with Coach. Pounded down some migraine meds (which did nothing, truth be told), called Coach to let her know I wouldn't be at my lesson, rang my sister-in-law and asked if she could come down to take care of the doggies, and went to bed - for a total of 20 hours. I believe this could be a new record for me. Today, I feel like I was run over by a truck, but did take the pups out before it gets too hot. 

These headaches get in the way of my life. I had planned on quilting yesterday, in addition to skating. That didn't happen. So, I'm keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that I am fine today and will have the chance to finish my Shadow Box quilt. 

Will skate on Friday, with a lesson with Coach and ensemble practice. Skating once a week doesn't cut it when you have a competition coming up. Bummer. Oh well, "Onward."

Off and Running!

Today, Dear Husband and I began our *official* training for the Corelogic Cowtown Marathon which is held in Sacramento. He has been walking for the last two weeks at 6:00 am before work. As a morning person, this is great for him. I'm so impressed with his commitment to his health. 

Today, we combined power walking and jogging. This is the first time Dear Husband has jogged in years. He did wonderfully! We were out for a total of 65 minutes. We have until October 4 to get into shape for the event. Yesterday, I encountered my next door neighbor, a woman who is not only a monster runner, but told me that she is doing a triathlon next weekend. OMG, she really inspires me. 

An added benefit to this training is that it is great for my skating. I really need to build more stamina, so after I skate a 1 min 39 second program I don't need CPR!

Our exercise was *fab* today, but the best part is time together. We have different interests, so it is great to work toward a goal together. It was great fun today. 

Next weekend, we'll expand our training to include more mileage and time. As of today, I feel confident that we could fast walk/jog for two hours. But, I'm aiming to complete the half marathon, so we'll have to build up to 4+ hours. It is time together, fresh air and exercise. What's not to like right?

On the quilting front, I made excellent progress on my Shadow Box quilt. Here is a pic of the pattern (but I used different fabrics).

The windows (the long rectangles) appear to be floating, surrounded by the frames. The pattern is easy and fun to make. I am so enjoying working on it.

For the first time in my life, I have three quilts that need to be finished (e.g., binding, borders). Never thought this would happen. 

Yes, I am addicted to this craft. Is there a 12-step program for quilters? 

Today I'm doing a bit of shopping (not for fabric) and then home to work on the quilt. Would like to get the sashing done today and the borders cut and perhaps started. 

It's been a lovely holiday weekend for us. Hope it's likewise for any readers and their families.  

Block Exchange and New Perspective on Yesterday's Skate

Now I'm really in trouble! I agreed to participate in a block exchange to make a Christmas quilt. EEK! I'm looking forward to this, but many of the participants are exceptional, very experienced quilters. Here I am - a "confident beginner" - making blocks that they will use in their quilts. This is enough to make my hair fall out (which I really can't afford to have happen at my *advanced* age.)

I am also doing the Block-of-the-Month at Cabin Fever. This is going to be a real challenge, too. If I don't get better doing this and the block exchange I guess I never will, right?

After spending a nearly sleepless night going over my skating performance yesterday - and getting advice from my best skating buddy - I feel better today because I have come up with a partial solution to my problem; I won't skate my programs (if I can avoid it) in front of people who may be less than supportive of my efforts. This was part of the problem yesterday. And, the fact that at the very last moment, I switched one element for another, which started the downhill slide toward the end of the program. Lesson learned! I look forward to getting back on the ice next week and continuing to work on programs for Worlds. 

Thank you to all our veterans - living and those who have died (including you, Dad, O'Bie and Gary K) - for your service to our country and for our freedom. We are eternally in your debt.

Some Days Are Just Not That Great

. . . and the day I spent at the rink today was one of them. I feel pretty deflated and frustrated. I worked with Jill for 30 minutes on some basics. Didn't even skate my dramatic program until the last 5 minutes of the lesson. With the changes Jill made to the program that I haven't absorbed yet, it was a terrible run-through. Just terrible. I was mortified that anyone was even watching. The silence from Jill and Coach was positively deafening. Never a good sign. Even elements that I do well (like a back spiral) disappeared totally. Thank God my change edge spiral didn't abandon me; this is the only good thing I can say. 

My friend, Susan, was very kind to me afterwards and gave me the old pep talk, which I sincerely appreciated. But, I can't help but wonder if once again I have tarnished my love of the sport by agreeing to compete at Worlds. 

I can only hope that the two more months of practice will produce something much different from what I put on the ice today. 

Kathy, this one's for you!

I just spent two glorious days at Cabin Fever Quilt Shoppe in Auburn taking a Shadowbox quilt pattern class. Kathy Sanchez - quilter and instructor extraordinaire - taught the class. Unlike the Japanese Puzzle class which I felt was beyond my skill level (I don't think it is now, BTW), this class was perfect for me. The best part was that the class size was small, so the personal attention from Kathy was ideal. She is such a patient, supportive, and excellent instructor that it is always a pleasure to be in her presence and learn from her. 

At one point, two other women (I think one or both may be Cabin Fever instructors) came into the classroom, sat down and chatted. Kathy apologized later for the noise and said, "It's like 'Cheers' for quilters." I realized this was the perfect description of Cabin Fever, which is one of the things that adds to its charm.

The store has become a haven of sorts for me. Each time I go, I come away with a feeling of peace and of being restored. The added benefit of taking a class from Kathy is that you also learn so much and create a wonderful piece; in this case, a Shadowbox quilt that is beautiful. I used all batik fabrics and they came together very well. I will definitely make more of this pattern because it is contemporary, stylish, and has so many options.

I also got to pick up my finished Japanese Puzzle quilt. All I can say is "Wow!" Kathy did an extraordinary job of adding the flying geese and borders. Shari Bahr did the quilting, which is exquisite. I couldn't be happier. All I have to do is bind it and add a sleeve for hanging. Dear Husband really likes it, which of course makes me very happy!

Next class: Introduction to Machine Quilting taught by Jill Schumacher at Cabin Fever. Then, I get to take another class from Kathy at the end of June. Can't wait.

Will post pictures of the Japanese Puzzle and Shadowbox quilts when they are completed.

Onward we go to more adventures in quilting. 

Working with a Real Celeb!

Last Friday, Jill Shipstad was at our local rink, Skatetown in Roseville, CA, to work with skaters on their programs and to develop an adult ensemble number for ISI Worlds. 

I had the distinct pleasure of working with her during which time she made changes to my "Passion of the Christ" program that are so simple and yet incredibly impactful. 

Jill, whose father founded the Shipstads and Johnson Ice Follies, is a wonderful, gracious woman. She is down-to-earth, lovely (inside and out) and explains things in a way that you can instantly understand and apply them. For example, when doing a Mohawk, use your arms in a ballet way to emphasize that this is more than just a way to turn around. I did it the first time and "Presto!", not only was the move easier, it was elegant. 

She really *gets* my emotion for this program and her suggestions were great. I will skate today and put them into practice. Have another session with her this Friday to finish the work on "Passion" as we didn't get all the way through it. Can't wait!

I could not resist posting this picture of Jill some years ago when she was skating with the Follies. Believe me, she is just as beautiful and adorable now as she was then. It was truly an honor to work with her, although I was very nervous. When I first skated my program for Jill to see, Coach told me I was "over-trying." She was right, I know. Once Coach left and Jill and I were working together, I relaxed a bit, but couldn't help but think that she is used to working with very high level young skaters and that I was completely out of my league. That said, I loved every minute of being with her and listening to her suggestions. She never once made me feel that I wasn't up to her standards or that I was just an adult skater trying to eek out some measure of performance. She is one-in-a-million. 

As I am wont to observe, "Onward!" 

To The Nines: A Judy Sisernos Design (Doggie Not Included)

Today I finished a lovely Asian version of a Judy Sisneros design called "To the Nines." While I included it in my gallery on the right, I just had to post this picture too for two reasons. First, my adorable dog, Merlin, really wanted to get in the act when we were taking the picture. Second, this allows you to click on the picture and see the gorgeous detail in the Asian fabric. I haven't figured out how to do this when I post pictures in the gallery. 

I believe this piece is my best work yet. I am finally truly pleased with the outcome of my efforts. While the design is not difficult to make, it does take some time. Although Judy's book suggests you can finish it in a day, count me out in that department. I spent considerable hours making this. There isn't a seam that doesn't match perfectly - at long last! And the quilt is nearly perfectly square. "Yes, Virginia, there is a quilting Santa Clause," who happened to appear for me in May instead of December. 

Because this is a gift for a friend who has been to China many times, I am very pleased it turned out so well.

This week I have a two-day class at Cabin Fever in Auburn on the Shadow Box pattern. I purchased spectacular batiks for this class. Kathy Sanchez is teaching the workshop, so I am really looking forward to this. Also, I will pick up my Japanese puzzle quilt on Wednesday. Thanks for Kathy's work on the finishing, I know it will be an extraordinary quilt for our home. 

More tomorrow about skating and my latest athletic challenge - training to walk the Cowtown Marathon in October in Sacramento!

Yet Another Prop

Lesson today was all about programs for Worlds. I made the mistake of bringing a black scarf/shawl thinking that it might be cool for my dramatic program. At the last minute, I decided that it would be too distracting to skate with. Coach saw it and loved it! So, guess what? Now we are adding this scarf as another prop for this program. We worked on the use of it during the lesson; during post-lesson practice, I continued to work with it. It does look very dramatic when I do the change-edge spiral move, but it's a challenge for some of the other elements. Coach is confident that we can make this work and really wants me to use this. Serves me right for bringing it to begin with! 

One of my skating friends who is quite knowledgeable about ISI told me that you cannot, under these rules, use props in an artistic program, so I will stay in the dramatic spotlight category as I now have two props.

Good lesson today, but like preparing for any competition, this is all one works on for months, so there wasn't anything new. However, after my lesson, I worked on loops and flips and see some improvement, albeit very small. 

Many skaters are preparing for Worlds. There are 150 participants from Skatetown, which seems a great turnout. Coach said we will start working on the ensemble number this week. I'm glad, because we have 2 1/2 months to put this together and get it ready for competition. We are cutting it pretty close for my taste.

Will spend the rest of the day quilting. I need the relaxation of being in a quiet space right now, working on beautiful fabric. Ahhhhhhh.

Last dress for Worlds; I PROMISE, Dear Husband

I couldn't resist buying this dress for my technical program for Worlds. I have dreamed about making my own dress, but realized that I don't have the talent nor inclination for clothing construction. This one is just so stunning that I HAD to have it. Thank you, Dear Husband, for being such a good sport and supportive "Skating Dad" for me. I promise, this is the last dress!

This dress comes from the same eBay seller as my black and white dress for "Passion." I had long sleeves added to this one too. Can't wait to receive it. 

Dress and Skate Update

The dress for my dramatic program arrived and it is GORGEOUS! With the addition of the sleeves, it is absolutely perfect for my "Passion of the Christ" program. I was hesitant to purchase this, but am so glad I did. I am taking it to the rink today to show Coach and my best skating buddy to get their 'final' approval, but am certain they will both like it very much. I am thinking of buying another dress from this same eBay seller for my technical program. It is every bit as lovely as this black and white one.

Yesterday, Coach mentioned that she thought my "Passion" program is actually more of an artistic program than dramatic. Now she wants me to use a prop to further convey the interpretation of the music. As I have never done this before, it's going to be a challenge - learning to skate around it but using it for its intended purpose - but I'm up for it. At first I was concerned about doing this, but the more I thought about it, the better I liked the concept. Yet another opportunity to learn something new in my skating.

Finally received comments yesterday from Coach that she could feel the emotion when I skated "Passion" at the end of my lesson. At long last! Now that the elements are set in my mind, I am able to think less about "what's next" and focus more on emoting. Still have 2+ months to work more on this before Worlds, but they will fly by so I really need to increase my practice time. Must skate 3 times a week between now and the end of July. Onward!

An Unexpected Moment of Gratitude, then Singing Reality

Arriving at my voice lesson (during which I could hardly sing my throat still being sore) yesterday, I saw - above the piano - the 'Music Madness' quilt I made for my instructor. Seeing this took me by surprise because it means so much to him that he hung in a place where all his students and others who visit his studio can see it.

He went on at length about how much this gift means to him and that he sometimes sits and just looks at it, finding so many different things about it. For example, he told me, the fabric featuring names of classical composers doesn't just include one or two, but a number. He also told me that many people had commented on its artistry. In particular, one of his adult students - a quilter herself - told him how much work had gone into making it. She mentioned that she would not have used the fabric for the binding I had, but when he told her that I used it because it reflected his fondness for Mardi Gras colors used in his guest bathroom, she looked at that room and understood. 

I felt so good hearing him talk about the quilt. From my perspective, it's not a 'great' quilt; I'm not sure it's even a good one, but he loves it and that's what matters to me. He said he would cherish it always, which nearly made me cry. 

Now the reality noted in the headline. After this talk about the quilt, he told me that I will definitely be performing at the June recital. I'm to sing "Show Me" from 'My Fair Lady,' which I have been working on for a couple of months between headaches and the virus I have. As a back-up, I'm to learn the theme from "Titantic" in case, as he said, "Mr. Migraine strikes and you have to miss some lessons." He seems to think that this song is easier than "Show Me." Really? Doesn't feel that way to me. So, I have one month to prepare for this recital, after not singing one note for the past two weeks. Better crank up the old practice schedule, as I am certain that Dear Husband will attend this performance, as "My Fair Lady" is his favorite musical. I must do a far better job than I did at my first recital (shudder to even recall that experience).

It's a shame (not really) that a fabric/crafts store is directly in my path home from voice lessons. Yesterday, I was just stopping to snag one *50%* off fabric. That's all I was going to buy. Saw this spectacular Asian red, gold and black fan pattern fabric. I had to have it. Then, I decided I needed to buy 8 companion fabrics also, so I could make a "To the Nines" quilt. $50.00 later I was on my way home, feeling a little guilty, but excited about the prospect of making another Asian-theme piece. I am now officially addicted to Asian fabrics. Who would have thought?

Skating lesson today. Certainly hope I do better than last week, which was a complete, utter disaster. 

Skating Costume, 'Worlds' Events and Migraine Update

The two skating dresses I ordered from China have shipped. I purchased them on e-Bay and cannot wait to receive them. The prices were unbelievably reasonable, but $25.00 for shipping really irks me. The seller has a 100% satisfaction guarantee so hopefully everything will work out.  Here is a picture of the dress I ordered for my "Passion of the Christ" program for ISI Worlds. I had black wrist length sleeves added because I don't like skating sleeveless. I get too cold, even for a short period of time on the ice. And, unlike my best skating buddy who lifts weights, I don't have great looking arms; mine look more like chicken legs. Ugh. 

Before my lesson this week, Coach asked me if I wanted to participate in the 'ensemble' program (involves 7 skaters) at Worlds. I was a member of our synchro team for one season and did enjoy skating in a group. I didn't know if I really wanted to do this, but agreed because I want to support the rink as much as possible. I think it will be fun and another former member of the synchro team is going to participate also, so this should help. She and I went to Lake Placid Adult Skating Camp a few years ago and had a blast. But, this is final; no more events at Worlds, no matter what! I've invested as much as I can in this competition and this doesn't include the costs for the hotel room and meals. EEK! Dear Husband, don't pass out at this news. 

These migraines are most annoying and disruptive to quilting and skating. One on Monday and again yesterday. The weather here is changing - rain expected this weekend - and I am convinced that the shift in the barometric pressure affects my headaches. 

Only got 45 minutes of skating in this week and I can't skate today due to my migraine 'hangover' (the effect of the medications the next day). I am praying for a headache-free day so I can finish cutting out fabric (using my great slotted ruler) for next quilt.