Tags
Oregon, Pendleton, quilting, Richland, sewing, Social Justice Sewing Academy, travel, Washington, WIP Wednesday
Somewhere near Pendleton, Oregon . . . .
WIP = Work in Progress
Hello, everybody! I’ve missed you!
I’m still here, still on the right side of the dirt, as they say. Just busy with family stuff, car stuff, whatever stuff, but not doing much sewing. But I have a few things to show you today and a few stories to tell, so let’s do it.
First, I did finally finish the second block for the Social Justice Sewing Academy, and both blocks are now back with them to be included in one of their quilts.
I decided to stay away from the blanket stitch on this, as I don’t think it has the right vibe for these blocks–too cute, too down-home, too neat and tidy for artwork this sharp and cutting. So I’ve been doing running stitch, that zigzag backstitch I like so much, and a little chain stitch.
It occurs to me that you could use these blocks for a sort of research project–choose a book on the topic of the block and read along (or maybe listen?) as you do the stitching. I don’t know that I have the time to devote to something like that right now, but I should think about it some more. Doing this needlework has pointed out to me some gaps in my education.
Second, I made cat toys! A member of my Buy Nothing group was getting a donation together for the local animal shelter, so I took the opportunity to purge some old sheets and towels and make a few toys (it’s kitten season, you know).
At first, I tried to make some fish shapes, and, um, well . . . then I came to my senses and remembered I DO NOT DO TINY. If I’m going to attempt something small–these are about 1 1/2″ across–it’s gotta be simple. So I did a shape that I know I can cut and sew accurately and have it actually come out looking more or less like what it’s supposed to be. They have a few catnip pellets inside, so hopefully the shelter kitties will like them–I know mine were certainly interested.
Third, we took a road trip to the Hermiston/Pendleton part of Oregon in order to check the route for a 300k bike ride.
Lots of rolling hills, cattle, and tumbleweeds out there. And a little snow. That’s a cattle guard just visible at the bottom of the photo there; lots more cattle than cars on these roads.
I’m trying to get out for more walks. This is the walking path along the Columbia River in Richland up near the National Lab. Behind me just a few miles up is the Hanford Reach, including the National Monument, and a lot of perfectly preserved shrub-steppe landscape. It’s preserved because it’s owned by the U.S. Department of Energy and it’s full of nuclear waste.
Living here can be a little strange.
I also apparently found “where the sidewalk ends” out here.
And, finally, my latest project, a mini quilt for my sister’s birthday.
I’ve got the pieces all sewn down except for the eyes, which I’m doing by hand (I DO NOT DO TINY, well, at least on the machine). I kept to more or less the colors used in the pattern picture because they are bright and goofy and perfect. I hope she loves this as much as I do!
I hope all is well with you and you are moving along the road to wherever you would like to be.
STH
Living in Color 