Finally Learned How to Sew Curves

After quilting for over a year (more like a year and a half), I finally took a class to learn how to sew curves. This picture is of the quilt top I made in the class. The design is by Judy Cisneros, who taught the class. She is an excellent instructor and I enjoyed finally being able to sew something other than straight seams. At long last! Seems as though I should have learned this a while ago.

The theme of the quilt is olive oil, which may seem strange to some, but our development recently started pressing oil from the olives off our own trees. I wanted to make something to honor this accomplishment, as well as have some wall art for our kitchen area. As Dear Husband is the chef in our home, I thought he might like this fabric. You can see the detail of the center panel but clicking on the picture. I really like the colors, as they are ideal for our home.

This top was actually quite challenging to make. I am not altogether pleased with the outcome, but once it is quilted, I do think it will be very attractive. I learned so much making it also. It look me a long while to complete this. I kept putting off the final touches because of my general displeasure with the lack of perfection of the piece. Finally - today - I decided to sew the very last seam so I can take it to be quilted. I am happy it is now off my list of UFOs.

Onward!

The Wait is Nearly Over

Last night, I started watching again the first three seasons in great anticipation of Season 4, which begins April 11 (which also happens to be our 23rd wedding anniversary).

Whilst I must comment that all the really interesting wives have been "disposed" of one way or the other, at least we have Catherine Howard - toying with, then betraying Henry - to captivate us.

Onward into English history (or some facsimile thereof). Here is a link to this season's trailer:

http://tudorswiki.sho.com/page/TRAILER+for+season+4+of+the+Tudors

Quick Note

Dear Husband pointed out this morning that I hadn't blogged for a while. Yes, he is right about this. So, in the interest of anyone who actually reads my blog, here is a very quick update on what's up, not in order of priority:

1. My niece: Has been without a seizure for one month! This is a record. She's now on a new medication that appears to be having a positive effect. She continues to attend her college classes and is having a ball making new friends at Sierra College.

2. Skating: Have two new programs I am working on. FS3 Dramatic and Technical. Love the music for both. Just set the program for "Crying," the Roy Orbison and K.D. Lang duet. These are for competition at Adult ISI in October in Las Vegas. So much fun working on these. Our ladies' ensemble will also compete with a program to Tango music. Should be great.

3. Quilting: Hit a major plateau. Made two tops that I am not happy with. Like skating, I am forcing myself into new territory and what comes with that is something less than perfection, so I have gotten discouraged. But, I will be back at it this weekend, working on "Sunday in the Park."

4. The Big Dig: Is done! Yes, we now have a beautiful new master bathroom suite. Two months of dust, dirt, strangers in the house, upset dogs (actually, they did really well given the circumstances), and people arriving in the morning whilst I was still in my Scottie dog PJ's was no fun, but the outcome is well worth it.

5. Migraines: Let's not go there. Suffice it to say that they are firing right-and-left. I am waiting for my appointment at the UCSF Headache Clinic, but it is not until June. Government medicine at its finest. A portend of things to come perhaps?

6. Volunteer activities: I continue to volunteer one day a week at the animal-assisted therapy program at Catholic Healthcare West/Mercy. In fact, I had better sign off now and get moving because today is my day to go there.

Onward we go!