"Aha! Perfect Points" and The Real Thing

It is nothing short of a travesty to place a picture of the original "Sunday in the Park" painting (George Seurat) with a section of the quilt I am making with fabric inspired by this masterpiece, but I am hopeful doing so makes a point. If you haven't seen this amazing work of art at The Art Institute of Chicago, it takes one's breath away - well, it certainly did mine.












I am currently working on the side and corner setting pieces. The one shown here (right) is a side section. Note to self: Yes, Karen, you can produce perfect points and here is the evidence! I am so buoyed by my progress in quilting. Whilst this little piece may seem simple to many Dear Readers, it marks a major step for me. My Master Quilter friends won't be impressed, but for once I don't care one wit. The pattern is categorized as "Intermediate/Advanced" but my friend, Lori, scoffed at this. I agree with her. Perhaps Advanced Beginning/Intermediate, but certainly not advanced. Nonetheless, there are a number of techniques used in this top that I haven't done before, so I consider it a great learning experience.

So far, the piece is coming along swimmingly. But, I know that when I start adding sashing and the five borders, things are going to start to get more complicated. I will find out just how well I have squared my blocks (which I am doing one-by-one), how well I have sewn the ever-coveted scant 1/4" seam, and if I have maintained the integrity of the fabric despite the use of "evil steam" (considered so by some quilters, a Godsend by others - "Go figure!").

I love working on this quilt. The fabric is very peaceful and, now in the depths of winter in California, it brings to mind that spring is only just around the corner. I can almost feel the warmth of the sun depicted in the painting on my back whilst I sew away.

Now, if you look at the far left of the painting, you will see the sailboats on the lake. The section of the quilt top I have included reproduces this part of the original in the fabric. Lovely, isn't it?

Off to the health club to work on one of my 2010 goals. Onward!

My 2010 Vision

Photograph from the back of our home by Kenneth R. O'Brien. All rights reserved 2010.

On the eve of February 1, I decided to memorialize my vision and goals for this year. It's taken me a bit of time to sift through them (and talk with Dear Husband about them) until I could fully embrace each one. Now that I have completed the visioning process, I feel comfortable posting most, but not all of them (as some are quite personal/private and not included here). I have put these into categories for organization purposes.

1. Health & Fitness
- Work out at the health club three days a week, including attending group classes once a week (e.g., Zumba, Yoga)
- Skate as a form of exercise two days a week for at least 90 minutes each session
- Reduce migraine headaches to no more than 4 per month

2. Figure Skating and Ice Dancing
- Test and pass Ten Fox no later than end of April
- Test and pass one Pre-Silver dance by year's end
- Pass Free Style 3 (ISI)
- Create new artistic/dramatic FS3 program
- Pass Bronze FS (USFS; this is a stretch goal only)
- Compete with Coach Chris at ProAm in Vacaville in April (optional goal; but certainly would be fun)
- Attempt to make a skating dress
- Never forget who I am skating for; it's all about "me" and that's just fine. Don't let anyone belittle my skating efforts. Most importantly, have fun.

3. Quilting
- Make a king-size quilt for our master bedroom
- Learn to applique
- Learn to sew circles and curves

4. Creative Writing
- Conduct research for historical suspense romance
- Write first 100 pages of book
- Attend writer's conference in Sacramento in late summer

5. Personal Growth
- Get "out of my own way"; to wit, reduce substantially negativity, pessimism, lack of confidence
- Expand volunteerism with Mercy/Catholic Healthcare West
- Screw up my courage to get a cute, stylish and easy-to-maintain hairstyle (this probably translates into 'shorter' than my old fallback bob style (this isn't about vanity; this is about being willing to change).
- Reach out more to friends who need help and who I could support in some way
- Re-start (including consistent practice) my voice/piano/music appreciation class

My vision for 2010 is realistic, yet challenging in many ways. I had better stop blogging and start working on these immediately. Onward to QuiltLand today.

Of Music, The "Magic", and More

I went back to the rink today to skate after nearly two weeks off the ice. Yay! One of my skating buddies, Maddie, was there, so we had a great time just stroking around and chatting about everything and nothing, like comparing who we liked at Nationals, how sad it was that Sasha Cohen fell during her program, but is a second alternate, how Jeremy and Evan deserved their placements and that Johnny Weir's program was interesting (we agreed he is a very talented skater, as did Coach J, but didn't like his "in your face" attitude). Still and all, good for him to being able to go to the Olympics.

Alright, back to "It's all about me." My friend is trying her very best to convince me that we should go to Adult ISI in Las Vegas in October. Today she was in heavy, heavy sales mode. My BSB suggested - and wisely so - that I needed a goal to get going again, with this temporary set back due to migraines, family health matters, and construction activities. I brought music to Coach J and gave her my goals: Test ISI FS 3 (by October), Pass USFS Bronze FS, and, most important to me, test and pass the Ten Fox and the 14-step. If Coach Chris and I compete at the ProAm in Vacaville in April that would be icing on the cake, but isn't on my 'real' goal list.

Coach J listened to music selections and settled on music from "The Mission." That was until Maddie heard me playing "The Warsaw Concerto" (TWC) and was just playing around doing some elements to it. She asked if this was my new program, I replied, "No, I'm just putting my boots through their FS paces." The next thing I knew, Maddie and I were with Coach J having her listen to the slow, romantic part of the concerto. BTW, if one is not familiar with this music, check this out on YouTube; it's a beautiful presentation. The slow section begins at 2:20 mins or so. Here is the URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPLWQInP1lo&feature=related

I left the rink with an agreement that Coach would listen more critically to TWC; she did think it could work. Ironically, this is the music my pairs partner and I were using to compete at Adult Nationals before my accident in '06. I have always loved this piece, but Coach has said thought it was not a good solo piece; it is great for pairs. I think when she heard it in the context of the parts that Maddie and I were suggesting, she listened with different ears. Have to wait to see what Coach says ultimately decides because she loves "Gabriel's Oboe" (GO) for my skating style. My guess: she'll come back with GO, which certainly would not make me unhappy at all as it is another of my favorites.

We started working on the dance sequence for FS3, which is much like the 8-step Mohawk pattern in Silver Moves. Then, we moved on to a change-foot spin. Yikes, this is a real challenge and will be the most difficult part of the test for me. I am so NOT a spinner. The other FS3 elements are alright except the toe loop needs polishing (as does salchow), leg position for the back spiral could be higher (but is passable now), but then there's the back pivot, which I can eek out if someone is threatening me with taking all my chocolate away. So, there is much work to do on this before a September test. If - and this is a BIG if - I were to go to Las Vegas, I'd compete with a FS3 dramatic program. Maddie wants to do a sweet little waltz number together because she doesn't feel confident doing the Paso Doble in competition. Oh drat; I thought we did it quite well.

The point of all of this rambling is that I did get back on the ice and if my blades weren't skidding across the ice something fierce, I would feel pretty darn comfortable with my new boots and blades now. Coach again told me how great I'm doing breaking them in and they are, without a doubt, much more comfortable than my last pair.

Then, I had coffee with my niece, who managed - despite her considerable health problems - to attend her first day of college at Sierra College in Rocklin. Bless her heart. This kid has got guts beyond belief. She liked her drama class very much. I think she is excited about being a college student, although I'm not sure she would admit it to me. DH and I wanted her to attend college but it has been a battle to get her to this point. At least it is a start.

Thanks to my BSB for all her wisdom, advice and understanding about my apparent lack of motivation for skate recently. This malaise fade away once I felt he wind in my hair and was skating to spectacular music. Funny how that happens!

Onward we go.

Grasp Exceeding Reach?

These pictures are a great example of how quilting can sneak up and take you completely by surprise. These are two blocks from the very large wall hanging I am making for our living room to replace Dear Husband's Christmas star, which has become "A Winter Star" now that Christmas is over.

This all started when I spied the "Sunday in the Park" fabric in one of my quilting friend's stash. It was love at first sight, as I have seen in Chicago the painting that serves as the inspiration for this fabric. I had to have it, so I immediately went online and purchased all the different fabrics for the quilt. I also found what was purportedly the pattern; "pattern" is too grandiose a word for the brief instructions on how to make the quilt. Here is an example of what I'm talking about, "Once you make the blocks, lay them out according to the diagram." O.K., but where's the diagram? No where to be found.

"No problem," I muse to myself, "I've been quilting for over a year now, surely I can figure this out." So I plunge in, cutting my beautiful fabric, a process that went quite well, with only a few glitches. Then I begin constructing the blocks, only to find out that I have a math problem on my hands. EEK! My resident mathematician (Dear Husband) comes to my rescue, even suggesting an easy way to end up with absolutely perfect 12 1/2" squares for the focus fabric blocks. He was brilliant so I have made him Chief Mathematics Officer of Karen's Cozy Quilting Corner, which is how I refer to my sewing room. With the exception of our first attempt which we cut too small, all other focus fabric blocks are stunning (see above).

Then, I moved on to Step 2, which required making what seemed like hundreds of squares from half-squares triangles. I don't know why this pattern called for making these "the old fashioned way," rather than the more precise method, but it did, so I - like the dutiful student I am - followed the directions exactly. O.K., this went alright. The product of this step is also shown above. Of course, unless you are a master quilter, your squares (mine at least) are not going to end up perfect, but I can compensate for this problem.

Now, here is the kicker! Poking around online, I find out that this quilt was featured in a 2009 issue of a quilting magazine, which contains the detailed directions for making the piece. And, of course, one has to buy the back issue, because right now I am doing the simple stuff; I sense the Creature of Complexity is right around the corner. Further, I see that this pattern is categorized as "intermediate/advanced." Wait! I am still a confident beginner! Oh rats! I have purchased the back issue, which will likely take 4 weeks to receive. In the meantime, I am consulting with my quilter friend whose stash was the original genesis of this project, who is a member of the Roseville, CA guild. Thank goodness the Calvary is on the way!

I am absolutely committed to completing this quilt and know the end product is going to be stunning, assuming there is an end product in my lifetime.

Non-quilting related news:

1. My niece's health continues to stress and perplex everyone involved, including her physicians apparently. Her seizures continue after her brain surgery. But we are finally going to Stanford's Epilepsy Center, where we should have been when we started this journey. Her neurosurgeon has added yet another major med to her regimen. This poor girl. But, she is tough as nails, and even registered for 2 classes at our local community college. We are praying that she will actually get to attend them, as she is very excited about college (I think more for the social contact than the learning, but that's alright; I think I went to college for the same reason, or was it to get away from home? Probably a combo of both).

2. I'm stuck in migraine miasma and not happy about it. Three last week. Dang this weather! It is not helping one bit.

3. Construction chaos continues unabated. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor migraines will stop our contractor from his intended work. Yes, he is truly the Pony Express of the construction industry. The shower pan was hot-mopped on the rainiest day of the year. Ah, doesn't everyone just love the smell of tar in one's master bathroom. But, things are moving along and perhaps this week tile will start to be set.

4. Skating is the last thing on my mind right now. Too many other pressing problems and activities. I miss the exercise and my skating friends (especially my BSB and Suzee) and do hope to be able to get to the rink on Tuesday. I have an ice dance lesson with Coach Chris on Friday, which always gives me something to look forward to.

So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. In the meantime, I will fumble my way through "Sunday in the Park," with my lesson learned as follows: Sometimes knowing too little can end up causing one to plunge in where angels fear to tread. Or, "Trust the process," as we used to say in my strategic planning days, or "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing," or any one of myriad other trite expressions that aptly apply to this project. But, hey, I am having fun - along with some frustration - so "Onward," we go, deeper into Quilt Land!

Japanese Puzzle Celestial Theme

This is my first "real" quilting disappointment. I made this quilt out of celestial theme fabric that I really liked. However, there is too much white as one can immediately see. I am hoping that once quilted with a colored thread and appropriate pattern that this might cut down on the stark nature of the white. Lesson learned: Use white sparingly in a quilt top.

Additional, the whole concept of contrast is lost on this piece. There is too much blue; not nearly enough contrast to make anything really pop.

I really don't like the Japanese puzzle pattern on the horizontal (instead of vertical). All of these things not withstanding, I did finish this piece, even though I was tempted to give up before adding any of the borders. The pattern called for two, but I added a third, hoping to detract from the center and all that white fabric.

I'm deep into cutting out my most ambitious quilt top to date, using "Sunday in the Park" fabric by Exclusively Quilters. Seems like I've been at this part of the process for days and days. I have now received all the fabrics (there are over 12) and they look wonderful together.

Onward, not to be discouraged that my most recent piece was certainly no "star" in my collection. I hope that the recipient of this top likes it much more than I do!

What's Happening?

So, a quick update, Dear Readers, as I have been most remiss in my postings. Here's what happening at our end of the pond:

1. Master Bath Remodel. The demo is in full force with all manner of construction equipment. Dust everywhere, despite a plastic sheet over the door to the master bath. What a mess! Workers have made good progress in a short period of time. Our contractor wanted to come today (Saturday), but didn't (more later on this matter). Dear Husband went to plumbing supply company today to look at fixtures (faucets, sinks, etc.) for the new bath. Sweet guy to do this alone, but I did resign from making any decisions based on my last disastrous one (the tile for the bath) that started this ball rolling downhill and brought us to this remodel to begin with. Think next week will bring progress on beginning to build as opposed to tearing down.

2. Skating. Actually made it to the rink to skate with new boots & blades for third time. Had the blades sharpened at the rink pro shop, as the left one was sliding badly on the ice. Coach even said this wasn't my lack of edge! Took the group lesson during which Coach Jayne taught a social dance, the Festival Quick Step. Very cute, very fun dance. Had a good time in the lesson, didn't even think about having new boots/blades.

3. Quilting. So excited to be signing up for a class in February. Feel like I have reached a plateau in my quilting, so this is just what I need to move me out of being "stuck." Also, found some spectacular fabric, called "Sunday in the Park" (by Exclusively Quilters). Am going to make a large wall hanging for our living room. Found a pattern from the manufacturing. Had to order the fabric from two online sources to get it all, but the first shipment arrived. It is absolutely magnificent (here it is the URL to see the fabric: http://www.fabricparadise.com/fabricshop/categories/5/optional/park-L56B.jpg). I can't wait to get started on this piece. It is going to be so beautiful hanging in our living room, with our new furniture and tile work. I am truly inspired to create this quilt artwork. I LOVE the impressionist period so this fabric is "right up my old impressionist alley."

4. Our niece's health status. She seems to be recovering well at this point. The lack of information from "up the hill" indicates that there are likely no major crises at the moment. I even got an invitation to go with my niece and sister-in-law to see "Up in the Air," which tells me that Alicia is doing better. Praise God.

5. Migraines.. Continue to plague me. Got one yesterday immediately after I skated and was talking with a friend. She was very kind to me and helped me out to my car, where I sat until the meds I had taken kicked in. Feeling pretty punk today and skipped going to the Block-of-the-Month session at Cabin Fever Quilt Shoppe because my head is still painful and stomach doing a quickstep of its own. Ugh.

Got to see my best skating buddy yesterday at the rink, which was a great treat. Delivered her birthday gift, but - sadly :( - didn't get to talk with her because there were so many adults at the rink getting ready to skate or leaving their skating session. Bummer. Hope we can see each other next week and have some quality time together.

Onward, despite headache. As Glinda would say, "Begone, you have no power over me!"

Happy New Year, Happy New Decade (or is it?)

Out of respect for Dear Husband, I must include my support of his position that 2010 is the end of the current decade, not the beginning of a new one. Here is the exercise to prove the point. Take 10 index cards. Begin counting with one, then two, three, etc. When you get to 10, that's the end of the set. Now, instead of cards constituting the set, imagine that the set is made up of years. Q: What is the first year in the set of ten? A: Year 1. Now, proceed with this exercise until you get to the tenth year in the set. Q: Is that last year, year 9? A: No, it is 10. Point, set, match. Ha! Calendar purists unite, we have nothing to lose but our years.

With that out of the way (it's important in our household to ponder these matters), Happy New Year to all. 2010, we hope, will prove to be a great year. Here are some of my early signs (some more serious than others, BTW) of promise:

1. Our niece has not had a seizure for over a week. This is big news based on the experience of having grand and petite mal seizures a week after her surgery. We are praying this is the beginning of a trend toward eliminating or dramatically reducing her seizures. She is healing well now and her mother has even managed to fashion a hair style that covers her "bare" spot on her head, the result of the surgery.

2. I ushered in the New Year (yesterday) migraine-free, despite feeling that old familiar twitch in my fingers that is a little alarm that one is approaching. After a steady stream of these headaches pretty much since Thanksgiving, I am ready to be done with them for a while.

3. I finished a quilt on New Year's Day. Despite my concerns that I had a migraine lurking in the shadows yesterday, I decided to press on and complete an African-theme quilt for my friend, Bobbie, and her husband, Gary. They went to Africa and loved it, so I offered to make a quilt for them. The fabric is stunning, but I am not completely happy with the end product; the four-patch center is a bit - well - "off center." I was thinking about deconstructing the piece and re-making the center, but, as Dear Jane would say, "Finished is better than perfect." Once quilted, I don't think this problem will be noticeable.

4. I got Dear Husband to eat a yam (well, only a quarter of one) for New Year's Day dinner. This is a big step for a man who I would characterize as practically a ""yam hater."

5. I started to meditate. I am trying this technique to help with my migraines. I am up to a whopping 9 minutes/day. Now that may not seem like much, but if you haven't tried sitting absolutely still and silent for a full 9 minutes, you can't appreciate how difficult it is. I frequently have "monkey mind" with my thoughts jumping from one tree to another. Must work on improving my technique to master this challenge. I intend to meditate every day this year, but I refuse to announce this practice as a resolution.

So, good-bye to '09, hello '10. I'm looking forward to a *fan-tab-u-lous* year with good progress in my skating, quilting and other areas of my busy, rewarding life. As one of my previous co-workers used to say when I asked her if she was stressed, "Nope. I'm too blessed to be stressed." I always thought that was a cute expression and it made me feel appreciative of all I had whenever she would say it.

Onward into a new year with enthusiasm and optimism.