Oh How I Love My Girl...

Hard to believe in only a few months she'll be gone.

We spend so much time together, there is really going to be a void.

Not sure how well that is going to sit with me.

Feeling Blue....

Recently I spent an entire weekend learning the art of Indigo Dyeing and Shibori.

The results....
...lovely!

 I decided that rather than work on only a few select larger pieces over the weekend, that  I would dye many 6 - 12"   samples from my natural fiber and organic fiber fabric collection - observing how each of the shibori techniques (wrapping, clamping, resisting folding, etc.) and indigo dyes would react with the different fibers.

For the most part I used a variety of  density of linens and lots of silks (dupioni, voile, noile and raw) with some cottons, rayons, cheese cloth and wools thrown in.

All fabrics were dyed with indigo and while the pictures are misleading - the shade of indigo achieved is best represented by the cheese cloth pictured above - which was taken without a flash, inside.  The other pictures were taken outside and seem a much brighter blue - but they are not.  They are true indigo.

I now have a wonderful stack of hand dyed indigo shibori that I am in the process of cutting up for use in a "special" quilt I have designed for  my little girl to take off to college in January.

On the second day of the workshop, the instructor went over some of the basics for creating Bojagi (Korean) patchwork.  I was immediately smitten with the translucent and ethereal quality of this magical textile.

Chungie Lee wrote a wonderful book illustrating the technique, and discussing the history of Bojagi.  I plan on making a Bojagi panel for one of my office windows this winter.

I knew I was going to fall in love with indigo and shibori dyeing.  There is something magical about this process - as well as the results.

The plan now is to research the chemistry involved and mix up my own vats of indigo for use in the fall - when the weather is conducive to spending hours upon hours working under the inviting canopy of trees in my backyard to create more beautiful sails of blue.

My List is Getting Smaller...

This month - I've crossed two MAJOR things off my list - I saw Elton John, and graduated from Harley Davidson's Rider's Edge Program.

SEEING ELTON JOHN IN CONCERT - CHECK!

I've been in love with Elton John since I was a little girl.   Our seats - only about five rows back - were situate where I could see the keys of his piano go down as he played, and see the emotion in his face as he sang.  He treated the audience to over 30 songs from his vast repertoire - ending the concert with a heartfelt and emotional version of "Your Song" - which, having heard that song as a young girl living in  Ohio - brought tears to my eyes.    It was a magical night.

LEARNING TO RIDE A HARLEY -
CHECK!

Last week I spent a grueling and empowering three days learning to ride a motorcycle.
Three days of reading, studying, riding, falling (ouch!), getting up and falling again,
wanting to quit - but NOT, and going back for more - I did it.  I passed the written test, got my permit, attended the school, passed another written test, and most importantly passed the driving skills - Definitely taking me OUT of my comfort zone.  But I am proud to say - out of a class of 13 - I was the only female, intimidating at first, but later empowering.

I've been riding for 20+ years behind my husband - and loving every minute of it.  But now - on to my next adventure.  And while I have no intention of giving up my seat behind him, I am looking forward to occasionally going solo.

Not now Gizmo..
Maybe later.

Silly dog.

With 2012 Fast Approaching....

I find myself reflecting
 on what was the
second most difficult year
of my life. 

It was full of sadness, emptiness, trials, tribulations, worries and a few wonders - each of which left me older, wiser and more aware of how precious every moment of every day is.

It is with this knowledge that I am going to rush forth into the New Year with a fresh perspective on life - no longer dwelling on what could be, what should be, or what isn't.

Instead, I'm going to
take a deep breath,
close my eyes,  and
run directly into the wind. 

I may or may not go it alone.
Bring it on 2012.  I'm ready.

Studio Remodel & New Projects...

Well Hello Autumn! 

 I can't tell you how happy I am to see you.  It has been a long, difficult year for me (for us, for our family), but with the onset of colored leaves, the completion of our outdoor room and the anticipated arrival of cooler weather, comes the notion of peaceful days and healthier mind, body and soul.

This is going to be a bit of a catch up post.

A few months ago I moved my studio from a teeny tiny room downstairs to a larger space. 

In between personal catastrophies and some "outdoor" renovations, 

I have spent quite a bit of time purging, organizing and primping the space  which has been painted and outfitted with some new shelving that I designed myself.  The once cement floor has been covered with beautiful hardwood, the walls have been painted and "daylight" overhead lighting installed.  I am in love!  

Finally,  the dust has settled and the studio is welcoming and tidy.  No clutter here!  Just a beautiful open space with  lots of room to spread out, and a stack of WIPs  (works in progress) just waiting to be addressed. 



The machine I use.... the Janome Horizon -  I love.  My husband bought this for me for Christmas and with everything that has been going on around here  I have barely had a chance to test drive it.  That's gonna change right NOW!
I took it out of the case, attached the beautiful acrylic table and it's ready to go.  Janome really does make superior sewing machines.  This is my second Janome.  I still have my first one and use it on the tough stuff like leather, plastic and copper.  Which - by the way - it sews through like a champ.

 I've spent a good part of today puttering around, and working on a pretty little batik quilt in ocean colors.   I think I'm going to make about 30 blocks and sash them all in white with some intense free motion work in the white borders - at least that is the plan - for now.







It's been a nice quiet  day - even though today it's hot and humid.  A few more weeks and we should be firing up that fireplace on a daily basis. 

Boy am I ready!

Oh Yeah!

Meet Me on the Equinox...

 September equinox, autumnal equinox, autumn equinox, say goodbye to summer and hello to the shorter days and crisp cool weather.

I find this time of year magical.  Mesmerized by the giant moon at night - and the hot pink sun in the morning I long for the cool crisp  breeze and the scent of leaf burning laden air.  I anxiously await the metamorphisis  that shorter days and cooler nights brings to the beauty of North Carolina.

(Meet Me on the Equinox - Death Cab for Cutie)

How Many Days is it Until Christmas?????

Only 23 Days Unit Christmas (in case you didn't know!) Thanksgiving is over and now it's time to move on. As we do every Thanksgiving, the Recca family gets up early in the morning, has breakfast and then, husband, son, daughter, corgis (and me) rummage through the attic, basement and closets looking for the boxes upon boxes of outside decorations so we can decorate the exterior of the house - and light up the neighborhood on Thanksgiving evening.

It only takes a few hours, but sometimes it can drag on a wee bit longer - because let's face it -we are not an "all work and no play" family. There's corgis to play with, eggnog to sip and hugs to be had at any given moment - distractions abound. But we did get the job done - in plenty of time to have dinner, clean up, and get back outside before dark.

Here's a picture of Tobie for a change - because, where was Gizmo? He was out back rolling around in the mud. Very naughty corgi. It was bath day anyway - so both corgis enjoyed a luxurious bubble bath in the sink in the garage - before entering for Thanksgiving dinner.

Tonight another tradition takes place. As a reward for all of the exhausting Thanksgiving and Christmas preparation - my husband takes me to a concert during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year we saw the Trans Siberian Orchestra - and we loved it. So we're going again tonight. A nice way to take a deep breath before all the craziness begins. (If your not familiar with TSO - they are really something special. Let me put it this way - they play Metallica - so to hear this particular "type" of orchestra play a Christmas Canon - it's pretty cool.)

Tomorrow I will wake up and it will only be 22 days until Christmas. I better get in gear for there are still have cards to write, a tree to buy, cookies to bake, a quilt to finish quilting, pj bottoms to sew, a scarf to finnish knitting, and those socks - well, they may have to wait until Valentine's Day to get those socks!

But that's ok - because tonight... I'm looking forward to the company of my husband, a pomegranet martini, some shrimp cocktail, maybe a little steak and the Trans Siberian Orchestra! Now go get started on YOUR to do list. Remember - only 23 more days!

The Leaves.......

are falling.... and falling.....

and falling.....at the Recca House! We get 'em cleaned up, and they fall some more. Everyone loves playing in the leaves - even Tobie!

NOW... go out and jump in a great big pile of leaves today (when nobody's looking - if you care to do it that way!) It will make you (and anyone who sees you!) SMILE I promise!!

Sunday's Stitches - February 15th - on Monday!!

This week I played around with stitches previously learned (straight stitch, whipped straight stitch, broken chain stitch) as well as I added the seed stitch, tied cross stitch and straight cross stitch. Learning to execute the stitches is the first step. Learning to execute the stitches neatly, precisely and straight - is the second.

Stitch on!

Happy New Year - Finally

New Year's Day reminds me of a sunrise -- the dawn of of a beautiful day.


It's very invigorating to me - the start of the New Year. And, in honor of this renewed sense of energy -- I thought I'd start my New Year posts off with a list of my "hopes" for the future.

In 2009, I hope....

to be open to exploring new things (creatively, physically and mentally)
to become stronger and healthier
to spend more time with people I have things in common with
to increase my level of competence in activities I enjoy
to be a better wife, mother, daughter and sister
to learn to accept others for exactly who they are and not who I expect them to be
to experience deeper meaning in my faith
to increase my level of focus

I also sincerely hope that 2009 brings to you health, joy and deeper meaning to your own life.

Now let's get back to doing what we love!

CHANGES (and a GIVEAWAY!!!) ARE COMING TO CLEVELANDGIRLIE....

Like I do every year - I've been rummaging through, sorting out, purging, reorganizing, evaluating, touching and thinking.

Sunday it was my office, yesterday our studio and today my bedroom closets and drawers.

Also - with the countdown to the New Year, I'm hard at work reorganizing, redecorating, reworking, cleaning up and clearing out Clevelandgirlie.

Some changes are coming to my little corner of the cyberworld as I prepare for and look forward to stitching and painting my way through 2009 -- with YOU!!! I'm taking these last few days of 2008 to finish up (and ride my new bike!!) and will be back on line by January 2nd with a bit of a new look AND......

GIVEAWAY surprise to start the New Year off on the right.

So - What are YOU planning to do differently in 2009? Hmmmmm? Enjoy these last few days of 2008.

Make them COUNT!

C~

P.S. Oh, and Thank You Santa! Gizmo and I are sooooo happy.

It's Begining to Look a Lot Like Christmas......

No - it hasn't started to snow here yet (although it's almost cold enough at night to snow!) BUT - it's still beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Recca studio, as its full of bags, boxes and bolts of fabric.

It's been a busy week as I've been getting prizes finished and mailed out for the Pink Artist Project, as well as I am almost done with my 10x10 art quilt square made from the left over Love Squared squares. I'll be posting a picture of that as soon as I finish putting on the finishing touches.

I've also been clipping coupons and shopping for gift "supplies." All the patterns, have been purchased and studied to see what supplies were required. I made my list - Fleece, minky, flannel backed satin, flannel, thermal knit, elastic, etc., etc., etc. I don't know about you - but I can't stand running in and out of stores. I like to make my list, buy all the stuff, sit down and start sewing. No interruptions. Interruptions to make trips to the store for forgotten items and/or notions makes me crazy. As Sabrina would say, it's a "fun sucker" - it just sucks the fun right out of it for me. So I make sure I get everything the first time out.

It's also been a busy week as the North Carolina State Fair is in town which we spent the day at Monday, AND one of my favorite Quilt Shows (the Durham/Orange Quilt Guild) too place last weekend in the historic Tobacco Warehouse District of Downtown Durham.

At the quilt show, I treated myself to some really cool black and white Australian fabric (Paula turned me on to this fabric when she sent me some pieces of it a month or so ago.) I love the graphic nature of the design. Love the dots. I also spoiled myself and bought a gorgeous "Shaker" pin cushion. Made with birch wood, copper nails and filled with white sand, it's very heavy and I absolutely love it. Merry (early) Christmas - to ME!!

I have been checking in on you and as always am inspired by the creativity and love that you put into all you do. In fact, I'm so inspired by YOU, I've got a few things in the works for some very special blog friends, AND a Christmas"y" give away or two!

Doodling- the springboard for creation!

In the car, on the metro, in bed (????) - everybody's doing it - fiber artists, painters - poets and writers. Doodling! I am a huge lurker of art and writing blogs. I find them extremely entertaining and inspiring. It's become a hobby for me. I find that I am as interested in "why" they are doing what they are doing -- as "what" they are doing. And Recently I've noticed increased buzz about doodling as a practical exercise. So, always interested in trying things that are going to expand my horizons -- I grabbed a sharpie and my journal gave it a go. Sabrina tried it too -- and it was fun. Here are some links to some of my favorite doodlers - visit Andrea's blog AND Susan Sorrell's gallery on her website to see what they do with their doodles - it's amazing!! AND, if you are interested in giving it a try - visit http://www.zentangle.com/index.php and check out the gallery. It's really fascinating to see what these artists are doing with their doodles -- from watercolor paintings to intricately stitched designs -- they are really cool and the possibilities are truly endless. I'd love to try stitching a series of saturated doodles on a piece of linen or dupioni silk.

So Much Thread.... So Little Time.....

O.k. - it's official. In addition to my fabric addiction - I now am certifiably addicted to thread -- I can't get enough - silk thread, rayon thread, polyester thread, braided thread, twisted thread -- and my favorite - metallic thread - I love them all. Since begining my experimentation with free motion embroidery I have discovered that one can never have "too much thread!" Adding fuel to the fire has been my discovery of Threadart.com where I can find all my favorite variegated threads, rayon and silk threads at a fraction of the cost if I purchase from my favorite local specialty shops. I am really getting into free motion embroidery - it's like "painting" with thread. In fact, I just bought a book on "thread painting" and am experimenting on landscapes and doodling. I'll be posting on this in greater detail. Anyone who has done any doodling or threadpainting -- e-mail me privately and send some pictures.