Something Wonderful!

Today was a near magical day in my clogging class. 

Think two hours of non-stop (except for very short water breaks) dancing, working on three different dances, but one that has won my heart. 


To "Two Girls from Galax" (sounds very Irish to me), this number is a formation dance (like Riverdance) with dancers moving in different directions, moving from rows into circles, splitting into separate circles, then coming back together again into one with a number of other elements thrown in for good measure. 

A great time was had by all including - I must point out - the 80-85 year old ladies who stayed the entire time, clogging their feet off. They are absolutely extraordinary and so humble about their amazing ability and stamina. 

A friend recently asked me what makes the clogging experience so unique for me beyond the obvious (it's a great form of dancing). Without having to think even a second, I said, "It's the people!" I thought more about this and realized that the reason the dancers are so great is very simple: there is a complete absence of ego in class. This is evident in three ways:

1. No one is looking at anyone else to see what they are doing. Everyone is focused on their own dancing. And we are all smiling during the entire class.

2. The more experienced cloggers are the first to welcome the newer cloggers to the group. They are welcoming, supportive, and so kind. No advice is offered, but if you ask a question, they are happy to help without being preachy or demeaning. They simply love clogging and want new cloggers to share that love too.

3. There is lots and lots of laughter. We laugh when we make mistakes, there is great hoopla when someone learns something new, we are able to congratulate ourselves as a group when we do a dance and get it right. 

After 120 minutes of flat-out fun, I left class feeling like I had learned something new, fun, and pretty darn fancy! As I was leaving, one of the older (she's 81), excellent dancers said to me, "You are doing so well." I was on Cloud Nine as I walked out of class. For the first time, I feel I can call myself a clogger! Yipee! 


You can use this link to hear the music Two Girls from Galax.
http://new.music.yahoo.com/nashville-mandolin-ensemble/tracks/two-girls-from-galax--30708908


Clog on! 

New Project for A New Year

One of the things I like best about quilting is the endless resources one can find online. I spend quite a bit of time scouring the Web for fabric, patterns, tips, answers to vexing questions, and more. I am rarely disappointed with my efforts.


Recently, I stumbled upon an online BOM project offered by Delaware Quilts (www.DelawareQuilts.com). Each month, the store will post a different free block pattern, for a total of twelve 12" blocks at the end of the year. The end product will be a sampler quilt, with many different block designs. 


I had some beautiful Asian fabric in my stash for about two years. "Eureka!" I exclaimed, when I realized that this would make a spectacular quilt when it is completed. 


Here is a picture of my completed January block. It's a very simple four-patch variation, but the black and red fabrics are so rich it makes the block just gorgeous. 


I ended up with a block slightly larger than the 12 1/2" so for the first time since I started quilting, I actually had to trim a block down, instead of bemoaning that it was 1/4" too small. Yay! I am one happy quilting girl.


It's a perfect quilting day - 37 degrees outside, fire going, doggies and DH napping, and I in my sewing room quilting to my heart's content. 


Back to work on our Winter quilt, "White Birches." Will post pictures of the blocks when they begin to look like something. 


Onward. 

First Quilt Top of 2011

Here is (along with DeeDee) my first completed top for the new year. The pattern is called "Homeward Bound."


I wasn't too keen on the fabric (a Moda jelly roll) that I bought online. I was disappointed when I received it because the colors are too "blah" for my taste and I don't much like the florals.


I decided to use the black and peach for high contrast and think it looks alright. This isn't something I would make for myself, but it's for a friend's guest bedroom where it will work nicely.


DH loves his dog quilt (with the Sammies and Collies and now included in the Gallery on the right). He wanted to hang it in the living room right away, so that's where it is displayed. It means so much to me that he knows what a true labor of love it was to make. 


I purchased some very small (2x3) Renoir pictures printed on fabric. With the help of my quilter and friend, Jenine, and her husband, we came up with a design for a nice size wall hanging. I am really looking forward to starting this. I have high hopes for it!


Onward we go!

Bring on 2011

I am ready, willing and able to tackle this new year. And, somewhat happy to have 2010 behind. Not a great year for our family and many friends. That said, we survived and had excellent opportunities for new learning and expansive experiences. Isn't that what life is about? 


I am so ready to return to clogging on January 4th. We've had a two week hiatus in class for the holiday season. I've really missed my clogging companions, the dance steps and exercise. Can't wait to slip back into my shoes and "Clog on!"


Started a new quilt with a Renoir theme, as well as working on a large winter quilt ("White Birches") and a couple of other UFOs that I've promised myself I will complete in 2011. My sewing room closet is a little messy right now, so tomorrow I will tackle cleaning and getting it organized for maximum efficiency. 


Skating is still very much a part of my life (see the new picture of SkatingKaren on the right). Hope to pass FD 6 by June 2011, so much work is ahead. 


With this posted, I will sign off and get sewing! 


Onward into the New Year with optimism, hope and confidence.