How do Chains work?

Since the snow was impeding travel, we decided it was time for a chains demonstration. Everyone had to be trained how to install chains on the Golf and Jetta. This looks like a sales pitch!

Early Snowfall

I was bringing Calvin home from the dentist with a carload of Thanksgiving food when an ice storm hit. We couldn't drive straight through at Terry's Corner because a bus was blocking the intersection. So we decided to turn left. After a few hundred feet of moderate climbing, we stopped. No one could get up this hill without chains, and with a cliff to the left, the woman who is sideways wouldn't accept assistance.

So after a half hour, we were able to back down slowly to the bottom of the hill and turn around in someone's driveway. This was the view going the other direction. Eventually, we made it to 532, crossed over, and parked at the library. Since the weather was so bad, we figured the turkey would be fine in the car. Then we hiked back where we were and on to the Huff's. Dad came and picked me up (Calvin stayed overnight for fun) and on the way home he had to get out in front of the Zinkands to put chains on the car. I was so grateful for his strength because it was crazy blowing cold out there.

Quilt Design Class

I found a perfect class for me! Lorraine Torrence is teaching Art Design at Quiltworks in Bellevue. Although she's been teaching this for 20 years, I am now at the point of noticing. I want to do something original! So our first assignment was to make a few quilts showing symmetry and asymmetry. I used a simple leaf for each one so they could be a series. Then I manipulated them a bit to engage the viewer.

This is an example of radial symmetry. All of the inside pieces are fused. The blue is supposed to represent the earth.

The following asymmetrical piece was the hardest. How do you achieve balance without symmetry? I drew this piece in my sketchbook about 25 times. At the class, Lorraine suggested I paint a little yellow in the green leaves to add more color balance. Also, I should cut off 2-3" inches of the left side. I'm good with that.

Next month our assignment is to create 5 or 6 quilts with asymmetry by copying the masters. I think I will attempt a Cezanne landscape.

Quilt Photos

It's been years since I was able to take a good picture. I had a good camera, but all the hanging and the lighting is a pain to set up. So I put together my own little photo session.

Pattern from: Meadowbrook Quilts: 12 Projects Inspired by Nature. I created this using freezer paper patterns in three sizes. During General Conference I turned the edges under with Roxanne's glue baste-it. Then I took them to the machine and used monofilament and a tiny zig-zag machine to stitch them to background fabric. I love working with batiks because they don't stretch out of shape.

Pattern: Hip to Be Square. I didn't need this pattern, but just looked at the design and made it. These are all fabrics I have hand-dyed myself. I quilted it to death and gave it to my sister, Jerri.

Pattern: Eleanor Burns' Grandmother's Garden Quilt. Using lots of different appliqué techniques, it features 3-D flowers using batik fabrics. Some of the flowers are even stuffed with batting.