Sometimes I make a quilt just because I can. So it was with this whimsical Halloween top. My friend and long arm quilter, Jenine Brothers of The Meandering Needle in Rocklin, California, found the focus fabric (the stylish witches on broomsticks) and I had to do something with it. This pattern is called "Simple Simon" and lives up to its name. I whipped it out in very little time. The only complaint was some degree of boredom that started after making the second or third row.
This is a great example of the importance of contrast, one of the most critical lessons I have learned in quilting. Really like how the black makes everything around it just 'pop' as they say on the television interior design programs.
I'm looking forward to having this up for Halloween. It will replace "Sunday in the Park" which is in our living room now. Between Halloween and Christmas I have a new top that is elegant and very Italian looking. Excited about having it as a design element in our home.
Now for the really silly part. I took one of the dumb quizzes on Facebook, this one entitled "What kind of historical woman are you?" Here is the result/summary:
Princess Diana
Your greatest strength is communication. Your elegant style and warm character make you appealing to all. Your goal is peace and your weapon is charm.
Go figure! Who would have thought I'd be like Princess Di?????? Dear Husband will get a kick out of this as he thought she was a superficial, vapid, attention-seeking twit. I, on the other hand, thought she was beautiful and charming. I cried buckets watching her funeral on the telly. Poor DH, married to a wanna-be Princess Diana. Now the truth is out.
Off to clogging class today. My shoes are scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. Then I will feel like an 'official' clogger. A new student joined the class so I am no longer the only beginner. Thank goodness!
Clog on!
As some Dear Readers may note, my blog title now includes the word "clogging."
Never one to let grass grow under my feet - and also planning for that inevitable day when ice skating is no longer an option for me - this week I started clogging lessons in Auburn, a lovely little town (for those who do not know) in the California foothills beyond Sacramento.
The first lesson was an absolute BLAST! Silly me for thinking there wouldn't be enough students to make up the class. Ha! Not only were there enough, there were nearly too many. I was the only beginning clogger. Some of the ladies (there were more than 25) have been clogging together for 20 years. They don't perform or compete; they are there to have fun, for the exercise, and companionship. How refreshing!
It was absolutely wonderful to hear the sound of taps on the wooden floor. I caught on fairly fast. All the ladies were so nice to me. They introduced themselves, told me I'd pick clogging up fast since I had taken tap, and how glad they were to have a new face in the class. The ages ranged from, I would estimate, 35 - 90 (yes, as in 90 years old).
I stayed and watched the intermediate class which follows my class and the women were extraordinary! I was so impressed. The class used to be free through Placer County, but due to the budget crisis, they now have to charge. It amounts to $1.63 per lesson (for 45 minutes) if you buy a coupon book. Can you believe that?
I also got a free pair of tap shoes. There was a pair (practically new) that someone had donated to the class. Bloch, size 8. Perfect for me. I will eventually buy clogging shoes (they are different than tap shoes), but for now the tap shoes are fine, the instructor told me. I had just given away my old tap shoes a couple of weeks ago. Oh darn.
Today I attend my second lesson. I am very excited and looking forward to it. Unlike ice skating, there is no fear in clogging, just pure fun. Cool.
Onward into clogging land.
