Morning Glory Studio

Unraveled Wednesday | on knitting and procrastinating...

     

     Over the weekend, I read a short book on  a subject that is a perennial interest:  procrastination.  Nah, I wasn't procrastinating... but I do! One  tip encourages Procrastinators to deal with diversions, such as checking email, social media, by creating an implementation intentions chart for tackling those tasks  that fall in the  procrastinate category. (Ha! I thought, there isn't a piece of paper big enough.)  

The thinking is  when we don't feel like doing  that particular task, we could consult the chart and choose the next action . OK, that sounded quite reasonable  but a bigger problem for me is deciding which project to work on next -  so I decided I'd create a chart for a few of my knitting PiPs (projects in progress , e.g.,

•  a sock that needs the toe finished and the second sock started;
• several cowls that I need to swatch for gauge;
• the hat for the new baby, etc.).

I not only made the chart, I also transferred the projects into bright new plastic storage bags from IKEA: they come in a variety of colors and sizes. As for choosing which one to work on next, I think I'll close my eyes and just pull one from the lot.

I'll report next week on the progress...now, time to resume A Rule Against Murder, #4 of Inspector Gamache. Joining Kat and others here.

 How do you handle procrastination? 

Cheers~

tasting again...for the first time*

 

 

Shortly after I first started pursuing the art & craft of quilting, I took a class called "Accidental Landscapes," taught by Karen Eckmeier. The above (unfinished, still)  piece I made in that class. I need to add the backing and quilt the piece. At best, an afternoon's project -  it's on the list.

The class I took Monday was a repeat of the previous class - again taught by Karen. There were a couple of new techniques added. I really enjoyed the repeat experience, especially since I'd just returned from my trip to the Pacific Northwest, with scenes of majestic mountains: Mt. Hood; Mt Rainier; the Sisters' Mountains -  vividly  inscribed on my brain. 

On my way to class Monday morning, I remembered the above picture in my photos...and decided I'd use it as the inspiration for the class project. I had a few pieces of fabric with me that I thought would work and decided I could most likely borrow a bit from some of my quilt class mates. They were happy to oblige... 

 

And so, I made this little version, more to refresh the technique with my mind. I am going to make the last landscape, considerably larger . And luckily, I also found a whole box of landscape-type fabrics I'd conveniently pulled together in my stash, way back when. I'm ready to stitch...as soon as I finish rearranging my sewing studio. Watch this space.

Cheers~

 

* the title for this post is borrowed from a Kellogg's Corn Flakes ad - it's one of my favorite sayings. I love the play on words!

 

4 goals | nov 2014...

This morning, long before I went downstairs for MSQT, my eye caught  at a 72 years-old magazine: The American,  November 1942 issue. The lead cover stories : We Can Lose the War in Washington by Senator Harry S. Truman and What The Coming Elections Mean To You by Marquis W. Childs made me chuckle and think: what goes around comes around;   there's nothing new under the sun (or politics) and about a half dozen other sayings. Later, I logged on and really enjoyed Google's take on election day - and thought I'd use on my post for today which is not at all about voting, etc...

Today's Ten on Tuesday prompt invited us to share our favorite book series; well, that was a stumper for me since I  seldom read fiction these days, so I went back to my childhood and came up with these for starters: 

• Louisa Alcott's Little Women and sequels;
• Andersen and Grimm Fairy Tales;
• The Bobbsey Twins; and
• Childhood of Famous Americans, my all-time favorite.

So, that kindof depleted that list. What's next?

Oh yes, it's also the 4th of the month and I have more often than not, posted my goals for the month on this date; yeah, that will work, so here goes:

This month I plan to:

1. Complete decluttering my personal book collection. Off the books will go: to the library or Amazon or both! 
2. Create a better system for keeping track of and actually retelling my life's stories; I'm still not wedded to the system I've been using - it's rather haphazard and at times overwhelming. I enjoy the process of gathering and documenting but I need to take that next step...whatever that is! And along this vein, I am also resuming a regular rhythm to my blogging...coffee, Pat?
3. Experiment with audible books and podcasts. I find that I'm not reading as much nor as frequently - purely for recreational purposes - as I'd like. I'm also thinking that being read to might be the solution, so, I'm going to try that this month! 
4. Finish at least 3 quilting projects: 

• my Flower Garden blocks - I have three to do (seems like I've been stuck on that number for months!) 
• the Baltimore Album block (the class I took last month); I will finish the block this week.
• the bébé's quilt: it's  being quilted this week and then, I get to stitch on the binding and it. will. be. done. Just in time for bébé Chris to practice crawiling...

And there we have it! My November goals...and now, we're off to VOTE! and then the grocery store.

Have a great Tuesday!

Cheers~

 

 

 

serendipity...

As I was wrapping up MSQT this morning, rather late, I noticed the sunlight streaming on my reading table...and especially on my current kntting project. I thought it was especially interesting that the sun motif on the lazy Susan was sortof acting like an arrow, pointing towards the knitting project. Naturally, I  stopped to take a pic...and decided to share it as today's blog post.

Must be serendipity at work.When I first blogged about the poncho, my friend Mary wrote and told me she was also working on the very same pattern, only knitting hers with linen yarn. Well, guess what, today she posted the finished piece! Wow! It's lovely and so much fun to see what mine will look like...someday!

Yes, I am making progress - I have knit about 4 inches (about 46 inches to go)  - and, as Mary sez, you can only get so much done with straight stockinette stitch, even if one is using size 7 needles. I would undoubtedly make more  progress if I knit  4-6  rows at least daily. We'll see; I'll add that as a July goal ;-)).

Knittin' on...and you, have a great weeekend. 

Cheers~

looking for...

...the directions I have for making these: New York Beauty blocks.

In the house, in my studio/s, someplace...

This morning, I searched high and low, and in the process, rediscovered way.too.many. quilting projects in various stages. So, I promised myself that come 31 December 2014, I will have made progress on them or they will be relegated to my quilting group's peddlar's table sale in April.

And in the meantime: buy no more fabric. Ha!

Cheers~

gourds...

I've had it in my mind to make a quilt to hang on a living room wall. Everytime I look at the space...and that happens quite frequently...I think: someday/maybe! I have toyed around with different quilt patterns, themes and possibilities. I have purchased different fabrics, with the thought that eventually, they would make up the nucleus of the quilt. And the days/weeks/months have all transitioned into easily two, perhaps three years.

I know what I want: I have a picture of a group of gourds and bowls, with native American designs and icons. I want to replicate that. I want to use mostly batik fabrics. I had a pattern in mind and last week, found another one that excited me more, similar to the original but this one's different. I may try combining them. I may use them as the starting point and do some improvising. At this point, the sky's the limit.

Last weekend, I shopped my stash and found about a half-dozen batiks I could readily use. Today, I went to a quilt shop and had a delightful time auditioning additional fabrics - I will eventually need no less than 32 different batiks and I plan to throw some solids in, just to give the eye a rest and an invitation as it takes in the quilt (when it's finished.) I probably spent a couple hours in the store and got lots of assistance from the staff; for the most part, I was the only customer and staff were just as intrigued with my project, as I.

My quilt guild is having its biannual quilt show in April 2013; I plan to exhibit this quilt, along with a few smaller ones, which means I'd best get b-u-s-y. I will keep you updated on its progress, at best bi-weekly. In the meantime, here's a photo of today's buy (the fabric that stretches across the cutting mat is the backing) :

This is going to be fun! 

Cheers~

hello february...

(this image is from Stacy Julian's BPC Twelve email today) 

Honoré here: I find it astounding that February is here, already! Today is going to be another blockbuster one, weather wise.  

So hello February! You are rapidly filling up. I'm thinking it's a good thing there are 29 days 'cause I've a lot on the agenda, a lot...

a big month for scrapping: four BPC classes and LOAD 212...

an art journaling class, this Fri/Sat with Dyan Reaveley...

two afghan knitting classes and two quilting classes: the second one of the Fantastic series and an all-day learning journey with Deborah Boschert of the art quilting collaborative  Twelve by  Twelve. I've wanted to take a class with her for several years. At last...

Gotterdammerung, the last of Wagner's Ring Cycle and the last Metropolitan Opera performance in HD I will attend this season...and of course,

holidays: Valentine's Day - which also happens to be my friend Adele's big birthday (her 70th) - and President's Day. 

And of course, there are all the other gazillion PiPs (projects in progress) that are constantly clamoring for my attention! I am the champion when it comes to starting projects but I rapidly lose interest...or, maybe it's I'm easily seduced by bright, new shiny things and adventures. I know that this is partially due to the fact that I'm a big picture person and find dealing with details a challenge. You've heard of people who can't see the forest for the trees? Me, I'm the exact opposite...but I'm working on changing that and striking a happier balance ~ one that enables me to have my pie and eat it too. Is that asking too much? I'll let you know at the end of the month.

Now, I'm off to enjoy some of this gorgeous June-uary weather. Hope you're having some too.

Cheers~

 

 

a december friday afternoon...

Honoré here: My quilt guild is sponsoring a 2-color quilt challenge; the idea was inspired by this exhibit in New York City last spring. For our challenge, we just have to choose two colors, not necessarily red and white.

Pat and I have been talking about creating complementary quilts  since we were in Sisters OR last July. There, we decided on the colors: green and blue  for her; green and purple for me. Today, we finally got together to plan the quilt and decide on our next steps---in other words, create a design and develop a plan. We did and we're pleased with our decision. Even though the quilt isn't due til September 2012, one can't get too early of a start. And It feels great, too, to have taken this step.

Over the next 9-10 months, I will share parts of the quilt, as it evolves ...because essentially, it will  be created  as we stitch...which is my absolutely favorite way to make a quilt...serendiptiously. 

Tomorrow we have our third sock knitting class, using the Addi  12-inch circular needles. These are really great needles for socks; I like them so much better than the dbl pointed ones - I say this as though I was an expert...these socks are  just my second pair. Nevertheless, I do enjoy using the needles and I can see lots more socks in my future.

This has been a really "wonderful" day - I am listening to For Unto Us a Child is Born by the American Bach Soloists on Pandora Radio - thanks Mary for leading me to this Internet radio station. It added just the right touch to a very nice way to spend a December Friday afternoon with a good friend, good music and lots of good creativity.

Cheers~

liberating...

Honoré here: I had to laugh when I read today's Ten on Tuesday prompt from Carole and I especially had to share it with Pat, my knitting partner-in-crime (or as Norman's dubbed us: Knit-Wits, to which I add a resounding: Indeed!).

For starters, the prompt is to share the ten projects to knit this fall/winter. I laughed because and  unless I count all my Great American Afghan UFO blocks (there are 25 blocks total and we're now on the second 25-months' cycle and I've only completed 2 blocks - wow, that's a major reveal!), there's no way I could list/share ten projects. I have sock yarn for 3-4 pairs of socks and yarn for another sweater - a kimono - from this book: Knit Kimono Too by Vicki Square (it is not the kimono sweater on the cover, just in case you are wondering). But the real source of my laughter comes from the fact that both Pat and I decided to quit and frog a sweater project we started in April. We  both experienced too much frustration trying to maintain an accurate stitch count. Seems like for every row we knit, we wound up tinking at least two or three... certainly no way to knit a sweater. We were just not making any progress and frankly, the project wasn't any fun. Totally against our mantra:  have fun. After all, it's just play. 

Making the decision to frog the project turned out to be very liberating.

Pat found a new sweater to knit with her yarn and I moved my kimono sweater up in the queue. I'll start after I  finish the socks I began in Jan (discovered I'd gotten off count with my stitches on #2 sock so I need to fix that) and a few more afghan blocks. There really is no excuse for not doing those blocks. 

So, even though I don't have ten projects on tap, I do have a plan for making progress on what's in my stash. And, not only do I have a plan, I also finished knitting my Tweed sweater yesterday! Left to do: block and stitch together. 

My goal: finish no later than  September 24, 2011! To be continued...

Cheers~

tomorrow is today...

Honoré here: Well, well! I've been aware that it's been awhile since I last blogged- hadn't realized just shy of  a month. Each day I've said to myself : "remember to post..." and you know the rest. Every day has gotten away and I found myself saying: tomorrow! Which hasn't come...Trying to think what got my attention:

For starters, I've been reading some new blogs (along with my favorites) in the morning and gathering ideas. I have it on my mind that I'm going to revise Morning Glory Studio...actually, that has been on my mind/to do list since last September. No need to rush.

As I mentioned in my last post, I kinda got caught up in the Feb LOAD Challenge...truly enjoyed it and so, I've been revisiting scrapbooking - beyond my One Little Word (OLW) Big Picture Class - with a different eye. Part of that revisit has included purging and reorganizing supplies and tools and  space. That takes time and energy and manages to eat up the day.

Speaking of OLW, one of my goals for this year is to put more time into walking, preferrably daily for at least 30 minutes, weather permitting. Most days, I've been fairly conscientious about sticking to my plan. On one of my walks, I managed to step down on this...

...as I was lifting my other leg. Gravity took over and I wound up on the ground - where I stayed for about 5 minutes, wondering if I would be able to get up. I did - thankfully - and managed to hobble home with a scrapped knee, a bruised thigh and a slightly sore left instep. I'm grateful it was no more than that.

This month's OLW prompt/focus is  taking action. Engaging in an act that will move us further along with living out our intentions with our word. At the back of my mind, always, has been this desire to do more art journaling. Off and on over the years, I've toyed with adding this to my daily journaling routine - well, to be honest, I've also slacked off on journaling, too, over the past month. One reason I don't engage in art  journaling  in the manner that I dream of - or so I tell myself  is I can't decide on the size and/or type of journal to use. That is just plain poppycock! A ruse to hide under, to delay taking that step. I have in my possession any number of journals I've purchased for art journaling, in a variety of sizes and with a variety of paper types. In my quest for the perfect journal, I  ordered: The Art Journal Workshop and Art at the Speed of Life.

Both are excellent and the latter has instructions for a "10 minute  journal" that one can make using a single sheet of 22" x 30" piece of 140 lb watercolor paper. Result: an 8 x8 12-page journal. I have the sheet of paper and I am going to make that journal and  create/journal on those 12 pages during the balance of this month. You read it here, first.

My quilt guild's annual quilt show is the end of April and of course, we're all encouraged to display at least two quilts, any size. For months (for nearly as long as I've been returned from my trip to Sisters, OR last May), I've had  a piece on my design wall, quietly sitting, waiting for me to decide how I want to finish it. I finally did and all that I have left to do is add the backing and quilt the piece....

I'm also going to display Christian's quilt - she said I could.

Last weekend was a fun one. Friday, Kayla participated with her elementary school's cheerleading squad in a city-wide cheerleading competion. Her squad placed second in their division. They looked really great and did a super job with their routine.

During the competion/evening, Kayla had lots of fun, as best we could see watching them from across the room. She was disappointed (she cried) that they didn't win first place but she got over it, learning that the race is not always to the swift nor the contest to the strong...As for me, I've attended my last competition (did so for her two older sisters when they were cheerleading): the seats are too hard and it's just too noisy!

Saturday, I had lunch with my two VA friends, Laura and Antonette, at the city's popular Ben's Chili Bowl.

Laura and her husband - squinting his eyes -  stopped over for the weekend  on their way to Massachusetts (from FL). It was a beautiful day and great to see them.

I am nearly finished with my sweater - adding the button and buttonhole bands - and am halfway through my second sock. I hope to get both those items  completed by the end of the month too. A new group begins the Great American Afghan next Saturday and those of us from the first group plan to continue right alongside them...after all, we have catching up to do, too (at least I do ;-))

Hopefully I'm back on track...time will tell. 

Cheers~