A UFO in the Making

Any quilter who tells you they have never met a quilt they didn't like is simply not being truthful. And so unfolds the story of a top that DH dubbed "Mayan Madness" (shown above).

I am a 'victim' of quilting photography as a marketing ploy (as a former marketing executive, I can't believe I am writing this). I saw a picture of this quilt in a magazine and loved the colors. I even consulted with DH, who agreed that the fabric was indeed colorful and that he liked it. "Eureka!" I exclaimed, immediately purchasing it online. 

I am not now - nor have I ever been - a Laurel Busch fan. (Sidebar, I am a huge Laura Bush fan!). I think all her designs pretty much look the same. So why or why would I buy a "same dog, different fleas" Laurel Busch quilt kit? Clearly, I was under the influence of Big Quilting (as in Big Pharma, Big Government, Big Whatever). I could probably find some law firm who is scouring the country looking for victims of Big Quilting who want to be part of a class action law suit. Hummmm, I've been married to a lawyer far too long, but I digress.

Kit arrived. I liked the fabric. Correction. I liked the colors. I didn't like the rather strange looking Mayan Sun God/Goddess, but thought I could look beyond that. I set to work on the top, frequently looking at that the sun/moon/star images and getting a little freaked out by them. Not really, but it adds to the story :)

This morning I added one side border (the checkerboard part on the far right) to see if it would deflect from the rest of the top. Ah, no. In fact, it only makes things worse. By this time, DH had wandered downstairs, entering my quilting lair. "What are you doing?" he inquired. I explained, he left seeking a caffeine jolt, and I continued, all the while thinking, "What to do, what to do?" 

Here were my options:

1. Finish the dang thing. 
2. Fold it up and banish it to the back of my quilting closet.
3. Threw it in the trash and pour coffee grounds on it so it can't be retrieved.
4. Give it to a quilter who might like it and actually finish it.
5. Stop obsessing about it for today.

I choose an Options 2 & 5 combo, with a strong likelihood toward Option 3. But, I'm a big believer in "Time between the stimulus and response," so taking any drastic action, such as this option requires, would be out of character for me. I folded the top, put it in the nice big purple project bag that my long-arm quilter, Jenine Brothers, gives to her customers and stowed it away in the closet. I may look at it again in the near future, but right now, I can't even think about it. 

Fortunately, I have some gorgeous fabric soon to arrive from Hancock's of Paducah that I love - truly love. It is perfect for our home. I can also work on a BOM from Country Sewing Center in Elk Grove, CA and I have my art gallery applique to pursue, so is certainly no lack of projects for me.


As for DH, he is busy putting my new cutting table together, bless his heart. What a sweet, wonderful guy he is. BTW, he didn't like the top either!

Onward we go in quilt land, without Mayan Sun/Moon/Star Gods/Goddess along for the ride (thank goodness!). 


Disclaimer: While some of this story is serious - like not liking this top and ceasing to invest any more time in it - most of it is posted in jest. I don't really believe there is a Big Quilting (Big Pharma, yes; Big Quilting, no) nor do I feel victimized by quilting magazine photography. But what would the story be without some histrionics added for flair? 

One Thing Different

For years, I've lived with this "What if it isn't perfect?" approach to things in life. As I've posted before, "Perfection is the enemy of the good" particularly when perfection stops you from exploring aspects of something you'd like to do. And so it is with applique. 


I've made one quilt with four hand-appliqued blocks. It was a nice top, nothing terrifically special, but I soldiered through and finished it. I presented it to a friend for Christmas who was over-the-moon about it. Funny how we see things through such different lenses. 


I've spent considerable time in the last week scouring the Web for art work to build my own applique design. My dear friend, Lori, suggested that I use these little Renoir reproductions (printed on fabric) to make an art gallery scene. Love the idea, but this is APPLIQUE! "Run away, run away!" that little voice in my head screams. 


Deciding that the "one thing different" principle has a nice resting place with this situation, I took the first step: I made the pattern! Won't go into details of exactly how I did this (does tracing from royalty-free artwork sound familiar?). The pattern looks silly right now, but I have sworn to myself I will try this, even if it takes me a year to finish it.


This morning over coffee and staring at my pattern, I decided - on my own, BTW - that I would need to use the cutaway method for the larger pieces. How did I know to do that? Read it somewhere in the past and it stuck, I guess. Funny how the brain stores this information for the future and then delivers it in your lap when you need it. I like that, Ms. Brain. Thanks much!


I laughed at my crude attempt, but this is the creative process in action. I know the lettering on the awning is way too large, but that's a minor point. What matters is that I did "one thing different" and didn't let perfection stand in the way of creativity. That's huge!

Now for clogging news. I've been invited - or recruited - to join a clogging team. Check out www.traveling-shoes.com to see these women in action. I'm so excited about joining them. I had to miss my first practice :( with them as I needed an "emergency" root canal, which is now 50% complete. Still more to go in two weeks. I was very disappointed to miss dancing with them. They are wonderful cloggers. I will have to step up my garage practice to learn new steps. 


I'm off to clogging today! Yay! 

As for skating, my new Klingbeil boots (yes, this is a second pair, after my SP-Teri's didn't work out for me) are heavenly. Best pair I have had as long as I've been skating. Wore them two hours the first day I put them on. That's amazing! 


Focusing on my Free Dance 6 program with Coach Chris. Yesterday, we were doing back three's - with my leg wrapped around one of his - in waltz position. First time, I told him, "No way can I do this!" One of the things I love about Coach C is he doesn't let me off the hook. By the third try, I was getting the hang of it. This is a very tango like element, which it needs to be as the program is to tango music. The program is definitely forcing me to get out of my skating comfort zone. It is difficult and well beyond where I have been skating. I figure it's a year in the making, but as my dearest skating buddy/friend, Janet, says "There's no rush." Only Father Time tapping me on the shoulder, leering and noting, "Hello, Missy. Coming up on another birthday next month!" I have set a goal to have this program tested by December 2011. That's reasonable. 


Clog, skate and quilt on! 

Winter Quilt

At the rink with my latest quilt top

I screwed up my courage and tackled an "Advanced" pattern, a top entitled White Birches.


Things were going pretty well until I got to the flange (not shown here, it is a small border between larger borders, which is only attached on one side). 


Managed to attach the top and bottom pieces with no trouble whatsoever. I was on a roll - or so I thought. Ran into some major problems putting on the side borders. I spent hours trying to solve the problem. My rule of thumb: When one is crying over a quilt, it's time to stop! And so I did.


Off I went to my long-arm quilter and friend, Jenine Brothers, owner of The Meandering Needle. Jenine is a Master Quilter so I was embarrassed to ask her for help. Of course she was just as kind and helpful as always. We mused over the pattern instructions and decided to attach the flange differently than the instructions indicated. Problem solved! Brilliant Jenine to the rescue - again! 

This top would never have been finished were it not for the skill and talent of one of my skating friends, Karen, who is in the picture above on the far left (I'm the one in the blue jacket, BTW). Karen was kind enough to fuse and machine applique the three red cardinals. I know how to hand applique which produces a "folk art" look. I didn't want that for this top, so I asked Karen if she would help. She graciously agreed. Here is a close-up of her lovely handiwork. Isn't he adorable?


The challenging part of making this top was getting the tree trunks and branches properly aligned. The process for this wasn't easy, but I'm pleased with the outcome. White Birches is at Jenine's waiting to be quilted with a leaf pattern using white thread.


I am on to the next shiny quilting object, a Laurel Burch top, Celestial Dreams. Very different style for me, but I love the bright colors and high contrast. Also working on an online BOM from Delaware Quilts. I'm using red, black and white Asian fabrics, which are really striking. Just downloaded the February block on Friday and worked on it yesterday.


Finally - and not about quilting - I've decided to join a clogging team, provided they will have me. It's based in Sacramento, CA. I'm excited about practicing with them in March. I know their skill level is well beyond mine, but I want to push myself to learn more difficult dances. Clogging is definitely a team form of dance; part of the joy is hearing the sound of multiple shoes hitting the floor. The more shoes, the better! Also going to a clogging convention next weekend in Modesto, CA. There are workshops offered, which I am planning on attending. I will only go for one day (Saturday), but know I am going to learn tons and meet great cloggers!


Quilt and clog on!

Tip for An Amazing Read

I am taking a side-trip from my usual blog fare to include a review of Shantaram, a book that my Dear Readers may be interested in delving into. It's now on my Top Ten list. So, here is my review as posted on Goodreads:

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a big, magnificent, astounding book. I wonder why many people have not heard of it. Roberts paints a picture of India and the region that leaves the reader virtually breathless by its description. This story would make a great movie, but this is one of a handful of books I've read that could not be translated adequately to the screen. One must read it to appreciate the wonder and beauty of it all. I wait for the sequel with huge anticipation.

If you are looking for a book to consume you, Shantaram is it. Warning: This book is not an "easy" read; there is a lot of violence and Roberts' description of Indian prisons is quite graphic. That noted, this is a book about redemption, salvation and ultimately about love. I gritted my teeth and plowed through the unpleasant parts, knowing they are an important part of this autobiographical novel.

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.

Holiday Update

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2011.

Where has the time gone? Can it really be only a matter of days until Christmas 2010? And, finally, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."


I'm almost done with Christmas shopping, though I have a few more gifts to go. Typical behavior on my part, however.


Been quilting up a storm. The most important top is a Christmas gift for DH that memorializes the dogs we've had in our married life - Samoyeds and Collies. I absolutely love this quilt and cannot wait until he opens this gift. I believe he will really be touched by it. As I was working on it, I thought of Winston, our first magnificent Sammie, then Henry - our "once-in-a-lifetime-dog" as our vet called him, DeeDee, our beautiful Collie girl with the most fabulous looks ever, and then our dear, sweet older gentleman, Merlin, who touches our hearts every day when we look into those sad, wise eyes and wonder how anyone could not have wanted him. These four-legged creatures teach us every day the meaning of this season - love so pure and unconditional that there are few words that describe its beautiful and profound meaning in our lives. 


Amid the holiday rush is our annual cookie exchange and exhibition this Friday, 12/17. I will be skating my Free Dance 5 program with Coach Chris. I have come to enjoy this skating discipline so much; I wish I had discovered it long ago. The program is set to music from "Legends of the Fall" thanks to my best skating buddy and amazing friend, Janet. 


Janet gave me "Legends" for a solo program. At the time, I never imagined I would be skating to it in the arms of a 27 year old, Hollywood good-looks, extraordinarily talented ice dance coach. Were it not for Coaches Chris and Jayne this would never have come to pass. Can't wait to get back on the ice and skate this program, maybe for the last time. I'm working on Free Dance 6 to "Does Your Mother Know?" from Mama Mia. Quite a change from beautiful and lilting to near hysteria in a musical beat. Coach Chris is really excited about working on this program; I'm really nervous!


Merlin has been ill for quite some time with an e-coli urinary tract infection. His stupid human parents didn't "get" the concept that dogs just don't bark in a high-pitched, shrill sound and awake at 3:00 and 4:00 am without a reason. It took peeing on the Persian carpet and general mayhem for us (and the vet, I must add) to finally realize that something was seriously wrong (besides just being an elderly dog) with our sweet boy. Two days after being on antibiotics, he was an new dog! But, two days after his last dose, he was nearly back to his previous condition, so he is back on another round. We are hopeful this will knock out the infection once-and-for-all. 


Today is a quiet stay at home day, spent quilting and being with the doggies. I bought an adorable green velvet color with reindeer bells on it for Merlin. He looks so precious with it on. We went out yesterday and he proudly wore it, jingling away letting the world know that he is our "official" Christmas doggie. We didn't see anyone on our walk, so I'm hoping today we will. I know he wants to show off his new collar. 

As the poem goes, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

One Happy Clogging Girl

Having missed Tuesday's clogging class as a result of migraine miasma, I was anxious to take my new beautiful clogging shoes and dance today. 


What a terrific day to clog. Weather beautiful, class filled - but not packed - and feet encased in beautiful black leather shoes with fabulous double taps. What more could a girl ask for? Well, let's not get started on that.


After practicing steps, we did a really cute dance. I got through the entire pattern without one mistake! When we were done, I threw my arms up in the air and let out a "whoop" of sorts, catching the attention of our fantastic instructor, Kathy Kaplan, who came over and gave me a big hug. Then, others in the class gave me a round of sprinkled applause. Remember, I'm the only beginner in this class, so the other ladies (and one gentleman) have to put up with me not knowing what they do. They are so supportive, patient, and fun.


The huge difference between clogging and ice skating (besides the obvious - no ice involved) is that there is absolutely no pressure, no competition, no stolen looks to see who is doing what. I love the tons of laughter and the ladies who continue to introduce themselves and tell me how fast I've caught on. Bless their hearts. They are so welcoming and friendly. 


The second dance we did wasn't so easy. For the most part, I kept up, but there was one section that I just couldn't get the hang of. During the break, this sweet woman (who is 85) motioned me to join the front line. I felt like I had somehow arrived (I usually dance at the back or in the middle line). Maybe I went from total beginner to "confident beginner" (as we say in quilting). 


I stayed a few minutes to watch the intermediate class. Wow! The dance these ladies did was quite fast and included adorable steps from the Charleston and Lindy. It was so cool. I know someday I'll be able to do these dances and really look forward to joining the intermediate ranks. 


I have some friends who want to come clogging with me; one used to ice skate but gave it up to go back to work to "launch" her daughter's college education. She is not working now and loves to dance. I spoke with our instructor today and she said they should wait until January when the new class starts. I'm really hoping some of these people take the class. 


Just read on the Web that clogging burns 400 calories an/hour, so it is great exercise. Doubt that is how many I am burning, but who cares when you are having so much fun. :)


Tomorrow is a skating day. Working on a program for our annual holiday cookie exchange exhibition at the rink. Don't know if I'll be ready to perform, but it's fun to work on. 


Clog, quilt and skate on! 

Applique Quilt & Las Vegas

I finally finished the Country Sewing Center Block-of-the-Month top that I've been working on for what seems like a lifetime. 

There are only four applique blocks - at each corner - because I ran out of time. This is a gift, so I need to get it to the long arm quilter's studio by November 1 to have it in time for Christmas. 

The design called for all the blocks to be appliqued. I adjusted the pattern once I determined I wasn't going to complete all nine using this method. While the top isn't as pretty as the original design I really like the contrasting colors and feminine look. The French feel of the Moda fabric is lovely. I think the pattern was something like "A Breath of Avignon," but don't go looking for it using that name. 

I did the applique by hand, which took longer than I anticipated, and truly enjoyed the process. I know machine applique goes faster, but the in-and-out of the needle that goes with hand applique was very relaxing for me. The first block looks a little "primitive" but by the fourth block, my technique had improved significantly. This project turned out to not only be a good learning project, but opened up a whole world of possibilities to add to my quilting activities.

I signed up for the fall BOM at the Country Sewing Center, which also features applique blocks. This time I will finish the top completing all the blocks using applique. 

As for the ISI Adult Championship in Las Vegas, the experience was great fun. I skated "clean" which was my objective. As the field for my category was small, I was lucky enough to come in first and brought home a blue ribbon to prove it. Had a great time with my friend Maddie, with whom I shared a room. We saw "The Lion King" and "Phantom of the Opera" and both were fantastic and very over-sized, over-the-top, overly expensive, typical Las Vegas experiences! Glad we went even though I had seen Phantom before in Vegas. Worth the price of going again just to see Maddie's look of total wonderment and joy. Tickets to shows: Too costly. Seeing Maddie's enjoyment: Priceless. 

So, my competing days are over, over, over. BTW, my friend Maddie took first place in both her events, despite the fact that she is turning 69 next week. She was radiant on the ice; the skating director at the event rink even told her that he gave her 12s for each event (the maximum being 6). She loves to perform, is very talented, and it really shows in her skating. 

My three other skating buddies also did extremely well in their events, so many blue ribbons and points were accrued by Skatetown in Roseville. I was proud to represent the rink. In addition, I made some skating friends from across the country, which was an added benefit to attending the competition. 

I was very happy to leave Las Vegas and come home to the peace and quiet of our country setting. And, while I am writing about "country" while I was walking the dogs early yesterday morning, we spotted a bobcat in our development. He was about 20 yards away from us. Pretty darn amazing. From now on, I am waiting until it is completely light before taking the doggies out. They absolutely froze even before I saw the bobcat; they obviously knew something was amiss! 

Back on the ice later today. Had a great time clogging yesterday. Learned two dances, so we are now beyond only learning steps. Still completely entranced by this dance form, but still don't have my shoes :(

Clogging onward. 

This Is It!

All the practice, the time, the concerns - and did I mention $$$? - come to fruition next Saturday, October 9, at 10:10 am in Las Vegas. Two minutes on the ice, that's it. In preparation for this skating event, I found this quote that I will print and keep with me, next to a beautiful one provided by my best skating buddy, Janet. Truly hope this will help as I practice on Friday at the event rink and perform my program on Saturday.

"Think big and your deeds will grow. Think that you can, and you will. It's all in the state of mind. If you think you're out classed, you are. You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize. Life's battle doesn't always go to the stronger or faster man; but sooner or later, the man who wins is the fellow who thinks he can." Author unknown

I am so grateful to Dear Husband who has put up with my fears, complaining, funded this expensive hobby, and been a stand-up guy while doing all the cooking, too! What more could a girl ask for? 

I am skating to "Home," music from The Wiz. It's a beautiful song with an equally lovely message: "When I think of home, I think of a place where's there's love overflowing." So true for me. 

My friend, Madeleine, and I leave on Thursday mid-day, to give us plenty of time to get to Las Vegas and settled in before others arrive. Friday night, four of us are taking Coach Jayne out to dinner at The Venetian as a "thank you" for everything she has done to help us prepare for this competition. She is THE best. Should be a really great evening. Sunday night (after all the hysteria of the event is over), Maddie and I are going to dinner and then to see "Phantom of the Opera" at The Venetian. Really looking forward to that. I've seen it already in Vegas and it's absolutely incredible. 

I so appreciate all the support I have gotten from my skating friends (especially Janet) who have been in the thick of this with me from the moment I said "Yes" to Madeleine's idea that we participate in this competition. What would I do without you, J? 

Onward with confidence, optimism and excitement! 

Witches in Stitches and Something Silly

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! 

All Fun, No Fear

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. 

Good Week for Quilt Tops And Forging Ahead

Despite this only being Wednesday, this has been a productive week for completing some projects that were time-bound.


This picture is a wall hanging I finished today for the Sacramento SPCA's big fund raiser - Reigning Cats and Dogs - that is held in October. It is not a large piece, but a dog fancier may take to it and bid on it during the auction portion of the event. I am delivering this to my quilter tomorrow, so there won't be problems with getting it to the SPCA in time for the event. 


I also finished the t-shirt quilt I made for my friend's daughter. That top is quite large and is nearly reversible. It turned out to be very sweet, whimsical, and unique. I am so hoping that the young lady for whom it was made will cherish it. It was created from t-shirts given to her and her classmates when they went on field trips during her elementary school years. 


Finally, I am over the ice dance test "retry" experience of last Saturday and am now focusing on some serious practice to prepare for the ice skating competition in Las Vegas in October! It won't be long now.


Onward. 

Some Days are Diamonds, Some Days are Dust

I had one very dusty day yesterday. I did not (again) pass my Ten Fox test. I had a good, relaxed warm up, but got nervous when it was time to dance in front of the three-judge panel. 


After warm-up, I saw my freestyle coach sitting in the stands. I asked her if she saw my warm-up, she replied, "Yes." That was it; just "Yes." I knew at that moment what she thought - "No way is she going to pass this test." I asked her what she thought. Her response was "I don't know. It's the Mohawk; it's a problem." I NEVER should have had this conversation with her right before the test. Lesson learned: Don't ask a question if you can't handle the answer. Ah duh!


One judge passed me, the other two, including his wife, gave me the big "Retry." I'm not surprised. I knew the minute I got off the ice that I had not passed the test.


Here's what I got from the test:

• I skated *clean*, meaning no falls or major mistakes, like missing steps, falling out of pattern, etc.
• I certainly got judges' feedback (read BIG criticism) that I wanted. To wit: "No expression," "Edges too shallow," "Walking steps, not running." Oddly, no comments about the outside Mohawk and drop three-turns, although as my friend Janet said, "It was probably the whole picture that they were looking at" (or something like that.)
• I did get to dance with a drop-dead stunning *fab* ice dancer, great human being and friend in Coach Chris. He was amazing yesterday. So supportive, stayed with me the entire time from when he arrived until I got the results, tried to keep me calm. Coach C, you get very high marks for being there for me!
• I did get to listen to "Slow Boat to China" for the last time. I will never use this music again for anything.
• I know what I need to work on, but don't know if I will ever be able to accomplish what the judges are looking for. I will never ice dance like a 40 year-old. Just isn't going to happen, I fear. 

Here's what I didn't get from the test:

• Being able to recognize that not passing is not a metaphor for my life. Going to have to work on this one. I'm feeling pretty down right now about this result. So much hard work (not to mention money) for a less than positive outcome is hard to accept. 

I am spending the day at home licking my wounds from yet another "Retry" and working on a quilt for a silent auction for Sacramento SPCA's big fundraiser in October.

Onward through life. 

A Long Haul

Today is the culmination of what seems like a very long, arduous journey to retry an ice dance that I had tested two years ago. 


After receiving an "Invitation to Retry" the Ten Fox when I tested in San Jose so long ago, I've been working toward taking USFS up on that offer. 


As the expression goes, "Be careful what you ask for!" when you do things like submit an application to re-test thinking to yourself, "The Club will not be able to find three dance judges in August in the Sacramento area who want to spend a Saturday afternoon watching, among others, a mature, adult ice dancer try once more to pass a Bronze level dance. Come on - certainly these folks have others things to do during the dog days of summer, like watching their zucchini grow or watching paint dry."


Apparently that is not the case because at about 2:30 today I will take the ice, with some shred of pride that I am even testing this dance again, knowing that at least I will be dancing with a drop-dead stunning young man who is a *fab* ice dancer and great human being/friend. Sidebar: Thank you, Coach Chris, for getting me to this point. You've been THE best about all of the travails associated with getting to test day.


What do I want from this test? Not in this order, here's the long answer (there is no short one, I'm afraid):

• I want 2 of 3 (although 3 would be totally-over-the-top cool) judges to mark the "Pass" box so I can put this dance behind me. 
• I'd like Coach Chris (and Coach Jayne) to be proud of the job I do.
• I don't care about overs, but I do care about getting feedback (read 'criticism') to improve my dance skills. 
• I never want to hear "Slow Boat to China" again (and I picked that song "Why?").
• I want to skate a clean dance, put out the best performance I can, and leave the ice with my head held high. 
• I want to accept that if I get another "Retry," it doesn't mean that I'm not a great wife, good dog Mom, loyal friend, and/or decent quilter. In short, not passing this test is not a metaphor for my life; it is a point-in-time event over which I have little control given the highly subjective nature of judging (maybe the judges will hate having to listen to "Slow Boat to China" and mark me down because of that - who knows? could happen!)

That's it in a nutshell. So, onward through a day that, like any other day, is 24 hours, during which less than two minutes will be spent taking this test. Nameste.

Work-in-Progress

I am not a fan of quilts with millions of small pieces; in fact, I manage to avoid them at all cost, but when it was time to decide on a Christmas quilt for our living room, I plunged into the fray, purchased a Thimbleberries pattern (top photo) and am now firmly ensconced in this sweet Village Patchwork design.


Yesterday I constructed the first row (bottom photo). I've been working on this top for what seems like an eternity. You can't really tell from the picture, but there are probably 30-40 pieces - maybe more - in each house and star block.


I started on the tree blocks and have made 17 of the needed 60 branch pieces to construct these. That translates into 60-1 1/2 inch x 4 1/2 inch rectangles and 120-1 1/2 inch squares. I have half of the sections (30) either sewn or pinned and ready to sew. This afternoon, I will work on the other half. 


This top isn't so difficult to make as it is tedious and unforgiving. You can't squeak by making small mistakes the way you can when working with large pieces. I've re-made a number of block sections, but the work paid off when I made the first row and everything fit together perfectly. "Whoopee!" she cried. 


I am also working on a t-shirt quilt for a dear friend's daughter. Today, I go to my long arm quilter's home for the second of private lessons in how to make one of these tops. We are designing it together and it is quite an enjoyable experience. I have all the interfacing fused to the back of the t-shirts, so today we'll probably get out the design wall and put up the pieces to see what we have. The creative process in action!


Tomorrow I have a dance lesson with Coach Chris. Only one more lesson left (after tomorrow) before I test the Ten Fox on August 21. Passing this test is a roll-of-the-dice. Given what has happened to my best skating buddy with her last two dance tests (completely unfair judging) I am going into this test with a good deal of trepidation. But testing with a Hollywood good looks, Gold-level ice dancer helps a lot! 


Onward in quilt land.