Late Summer Garden - Top Finished!

First things first...I have to add a picture of my NEW MAT.  Believe it or not, this is the first new mat I've bought since I had the shop!  I still have my two old shop mats, which are larger than this one, but they are getting worn out and "groovy."  I experienced a little sticker shock, though, when I initially priced them.  God, it's hard to buy things at retail when you still have all of the wholesale prices in your head.  Thankfully, I still have a connection and managed to get this one inexpensively.

I took this photo as I was piecing "Late Summer Garden" because I thought it looked pretty.  Thank heavens for chain piecing.  I managed to put the top together fairly quickly.  I counted how many 2"x3.5" rectangles it took to make it, but I was so overwhelmed by the number that I forgot!

Preliminary arrangements below.  When I got the initial blocks done, Bruce wanted something with a little more "interest," so I added the sashing strips in between the blocks, trying to blend the light to the dark a little more.  I added black Bali cornerstones.

Here is the finished top!  Now just dreading the quilting, which will be fast and simple, but still a lot to move around my dear Janome.

I really love Batiks.  As I was working on this, I got inspired to start another turtle quilt.  New pattern.  Stay tuned!

Physical Fitness Challenge

Remember the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge back in elementary or junior high school?  You had to do so many things: push-ups, chin-ups, 50-yard dash, etc., and to pass you had to do a certain number of reps and run in a certain amount of time.

Although it’s been a long time, I remember bits and pieces of this test, especially the fact that I couldn’t do a full chin-up.  Not even one.  Hence my latest training goal, which is to be able to one and then some!

I’m working through the program in the book: The New Rules of Lifting for Women.  I sort of limped through Stage 1, not exactly motivated, but started to pick up speed toward the end.  Now, near the end of Stage 2, I am feeling a LOT stronger!  I mapped out the seven stage program on my calendar, which will take me through summer.  I’ll finish Stage 4 in mid-May, which is perfect timing, since I’ll be able to take a break while I’m on vacation.  Stage 7 finishes in early August, at which time will be my test.  I wonder how many I’ll be able to do??  

At least 5 – that would be outstanding!

Cooking for Family

This is a shot of my well-loved special cookbook. It is a binder full of successful recipes from magazines, friends and the internet. I have all of the pages in sheet protectors and they are sorted by chicken, soups/stews, pasta, fish, dessert, etc. It is a great addition to my cookbook library.

I used to have years and years of Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines. Even though I had an uncanny ability to recall the issue for a particular favorite recipe, I got tired of storing so many issues. Hence, the binder.

One of the all-time family favorites is a recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie, which I made on Sunday, starting with fresh lemons purloined from my SIL's lemon tree:

The lemon filling is perfect, finished with fresh lemon zest and butter. It rests in the best-ever all-butter pie pastry (the recipe is in Apple Pie Perfect - I no longer use any other crust recipe).

I love TONS of meringue on my pies, so I use six egg whites.

Voila! Just before it goes in the oven.

FINISHED! There was only a tiny piece left...perfect for Bruce's lunch box.

Late Summer Garden

A couple of progress photos from Bruce's new quilt, which I've decided to call "Late Summer Garden" because of the dark, rich colors.

He especially likes the dark green blocks, so I'm going to make more of those.  Only 25 more blocks to go.

Orange...

...is one of my favorite colors.  Especially the beautiful blush on these fresh mangoes!  We are lucky to have them because it is very early in the year, but this woman's tree in Kihei has produced its first crop.  Can you believe we got these beauties for about a $1 apiece?  I've already eaten two.  These are destined for a mango shrimp recipe my mom sent me and, if I can eke out enough, for our favorite mango salsa recipe.  Delicious on grilled fish. 

One of my favorite kitchen pieces is my orange Le Creuset Dutch oven.  Bruce and his mom gave this to me for Christmas a few years ago and it gets A LOT of use.  From caramelizing onions to browning meat or making stew, this pot has see it all.  Last week I wasn't feeling too great, so I made an easy batch of homemade chicken soup:

Funny thing about the soup, though.  The recipe called for two cups of noodles.  I added the two cups, which didn't seem like enough, so I tossed in the whole bag.  Well, I was definitely out of it because I forgot how much they swell up - 10 minutes later I had a noodle casserole in my pot.  Nothing that adding a LOT more chicken stock wouldn't fix.  It made a ton of soup - enough for two dinners and two lunches.  I've had my fill of chicken soup for awhile.

Lei Project

My art quilt group, Maui Art Quilters, is preparing for a special exhibit at PIQF in 2010.  Rather than make a signature quilt where everyone works on part, we are each making individual lei to hang together.  The vision was that the finished quilt would be reminiscent of the lei stands you see (although, sadly, less frequently) here in Hawaii.

After a couple of false starts with another idea, I decided to create my lei using a version of the "lokelani" or Maui rose.

I finally finished mine, which was due last week.  I just couldn't seem to find a chunk of time to work on it, but last weekend my time opened up.  Here is a close up of the finished piece:

The rest of the lei from the group are really stunning.  For a preview, visit the MAQs blog HERE.

Quilter's Spaghetti...

...or what my friend Keri and I call "shards."  The little trimmings from straightening up your cuts.  Most are 1/4" wide or so, some up to 1/2", all batiks, from Bruce's quilt below.  Can you use these?  I hate to throw such a pretty pile away.  If you can use these in a project, post a comment (make sure I can email you through a link or post your address).  If there is more than one person interested, I will do a drawing this Friday and will happily pop them in an envelope and send them off!

Loss of Commission = New Quilt for Bruce

"Loss" probably isn't the correct word...polite "decline" is more accurate.  I recently declined a commission when I felt that the persons vision didn't really match my style of quilting.  Rather than have a client who may be disappointed in the completed work, I suggested they contact someone whose work more closely matched what they wanted in a quilt.

A quilt in the colors I proposed was destined to be made, however, because Bruce really liked them.  SO - here is the initial palette of batiks (above), then I added a bunch more to fill things out:

All the pieces cut:

Have you ever used a June Tailor "Shape Cut?"  It is a big piece of plastic(?) used to cut strip and other unit multiples.  It saved me a TON of time cutting all of these 2X3.5 rectangles.  I think the pattern said I needed something like 1600 pieces(!!), but I didn't count...it would have made me CRAZY.  So a tool like the Shape Cut is a wonder:

There are grooves at each measurement that guide your rotary cutter.  My friend Robin introduced this gadget to me years ago.  I hesitated for a long, long, time, but I find that I use it A LOT on the rare occasions that I make patchwork quilts.  After the monotony of cutting hundreds and hundreds of rectangles, I realize again why I like applique.

It takes me an hour to stitch four of these blocks, each with 18 rectangles:

Here are the 12 I made on Sunday:

By the way, the pattern I am using is from Successful Scrap Quilts from Simple Rectangles, by Judy Turner and Margaret Rolfe. 

Sorry about the picture quality.  The light in my "studio" is not that great and I was more interested in getting the pictures on the blog that going for quality.  I'll try to get some photos that are more true to color for the next progress pic!

In the Beginning…

It was just a pile of fabric.

Now, the background is finished and it’s time for the appliqué.

I’m getting back to work on “Sunday Morning” as soon as I’m done with the workshop I’m teaching this Sunday.

 

I can’t wait!

Cody Boy

  

I wanted to see how to upload a video from my camera, so here is a quick look at our Lab, Cody, reacting to sounds from Bruce's iPod.

More posts soon!

Life as an Art Quilter

I've had a couple of conversations with quilting friends of mine recently.  Seems as though they are going through a similar phase right now - realizing how many skills it takes to be an art quilter these days.

It's not enough to spend time perfecting your style and techniques as a quilter - you also have good skills in (not in any particular order):

1. Marketing
2. Writing
3. Design
4. Photography
5. Computer Software
6. Research
7. Persuasion
8. Inventory Management
9. Time Management
10. Accounting
11. Administrative Work

I'm going to stop at 11 because I'm already tired from making this list.  

You have an idea for a quilt - you take photos, sketch, research, and create your pattern (if you work in that way, which I do).  You gather your materials.  You use your Time Management skills to figure out when you are actually going to get into the studio to do the work.  You do the work.  Sometimes the project flows freely; other times you work in fits and starts.  Then you do the mundane stuff - binding/facing/sleeve/label.  You use your skills in persuasion to get your fabulous carpenter husband to make your hanging slats (which may necessitate a trip to Home Depot to get the boards and clear polyurethane along with whatever else may catch his eye) which need to be cut, drilled, sanded and sealed.  The quilt is done.

Then what?  Unless you are happy to simply hang it up in your house and enjoy it yourself, this is where the real work begins.

Is it for a show, sale in a gallery, a teaching sample?  Measure the quilt.  Take photos for documentation, publishing on the blog and/or website (make sure they are properly framed, lit, clear and square).  Take detail shots with equal care.  Upload to computer.  Post to website.  Prepare CDs for marketing and for show entries.  Decide which shows to enter and fill out mounds of paperwork.  Make sure show entries arrive by deadline.  Make notes as to when jurying and notifying decisions are made, and the dates the quilt will be out of your hands for the show if it gets in.  Make sure your show dates do not overlap with any other shows/exhibitions/commitments.  Send your quilt off to the gallery and hope that it sells.

Then you can write articles, prepare teaching materials, pay bills, pay your taxes, file paperwork, preparing shipping labels, buy more materials, get more ideas, make more quilts. Oh, I forgot read and answer email, exercise, work your day job, do laundry, spend time with family and friends, cook and eat.  Love your husband and take good care of him and your pets.

Sleep.

Good thing we love what we do.

You Are Invited - Celebration of Hawaii 2009

From Viewpoints Gallery:

Once a year, Maui’s heritage is honored as Viewpoints Gallery hosts one of the most anticipated events of the year: A Celebration of Hawai'i – featuring inspired artwork from the island’s premier artists.  Over fifty artists explore the essence, power, and allure of their island home through art: The results are extraordinary, culminating in an exhibition of historical significance.

This exhibit offers a rare opportunity to become immersed in the culture, the people, and the heart of the island, as they are immortalized through hand, spirit and talent.  The entire gallery is dedicated to this event and is transformed into one of the most comprehensive displays of contemporary Hawaiian art in mediums as diverse as the culture.  

The exhibit opens on February 5th, with an Opening Reception on Sunday the 8th, highlighted by Hawaiian chants, instruments, and dance performed by Kamehameha Schools’ Maui Hawaiian Ensemble under the guidance of Kumu Kalei Lorenzo-Aarona.  Throughout the exhibition, workshops related to Hawaiian culture such as quilt making, lei making, medicinal plants growing on the island, and more will be offered.

Viewpoints Gallery is located at 3620 Baldwin Avenue, at the Courtyard in Makawao, and is open Monday – Saturday 10 – 6, and Sunday 12 – 6.  For information, call 808-572-5979, e-mail artinfo@viewpointsgallerymaui.com, or view a vast majority of the collection at www.viewpointsgallerymaui.com, as well as for listings of all artist demonstrations, events and workshops.

Please join us for this inspiring event...

Work In Progress

Attempting to get one more quilt done before drop off day, next Tuesday! This will be a jacaranda themed quilt, again using silk.  

Although I will undoubtedly keep making quilts with cotton, there is something very beautiful and exciting about using silk in quilts.

Top Chef - How Could You Send Rahdika Home?

Top Chef was a little bit of a disappointment last night. The content was great, as usual, but I do not know what compelled the judges to send Rahdika home over Carla last night!

I understand that she didn't perform well in the front of the house, nor as a general manager, but I think she was completely overwhelmed by the whole thing. She is a chef, first and foremost, who may be content to remain an executive chef in someone elses organization. Carla, on the otherhand, is just not cutting it as a whole and is becoming more belligerent about it!

I don't think either one of them has what it takes to make it to the final, but to send home a talented chef who has a unique take on food over one who continues to blunder is beyond me.

Unfortunately, I think Stefan is the one who is going to come out on top, but Jamie could take it if she gets down to business and kicks some but.

Go, Jamie!

Morning Bamboo

I'm getting work done in little bits.  I guess my theme this year should be "persistence."  I'll have to think about that one.

"Morning Bamboo" is approximately 16"x16" in the beautiful koa wood frame that Bruce made.  I wish you could see this lovely wood.  I'm going to have to sharpen my photography skills this year, too, so you can see the fine details.

This uses one of the last pieces of the beautiful golden silk that my friend, Robin, hand dyes.  It is quilted with silk thread.

It is available for $650 through Viewpoints Gallery.

Day Job Happiness

I have a new friend at work.

Over the holiday break I had an opportunity to play pool and ping pong with some of the kids at the club. Keep in mind that I remain somewhat of a mystery to most of the kids since I usually stay in my office all day with the "accounting stuff." I don't have kids of my own and usually feel awkward when interacting with them - but I guess I made a good impression on one of them!

My new friend gave me this card she made for New Years. I was really touched!

I usually pass through the day seeing the kids as a blur since I don't work directly with them; now I take a step back to see them more as individuals. I think that's a good new year's resolution, don't you?

Christmas Posts

I have a Christmas memory post I want to write, but in the meantime, here's a little Christmas MeMe that seems to be floating around:

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Egg nog thinned with a little milk. I don't like it thick and gooey and don't really like it homemade. One time a junior high school friend made homemade egg nog, which I thought was great until she took a sip of hers and the little string from the egg white was stuck to her lip. EEUUWW!!

Colored lights on tree or white?

Colored, please, and NOT BLINKING. I am the official light stringer in our family - I have a very TypeA approach (or perhaps it's the artist in me) - each branch has to have lights all the way to the center and they must be evenly balanced.

When do you put your decorations up?

Depends on the year, but usually the first week of December.

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

A couple: sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows, toasted to a nice golden brown; Bruce's grandma's jello salad; and now, a new favorite - Turkey Roulade from the Barefoot Contessa's "Back to Basics."  It's the best way to cook turkey, IMHO.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I think it was just one of those gradual understandings. Nothing dramatic or traumatic.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Sometimes.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

I like sparkly decorations and balls (you already read about my light fixation).  Some keepsake ornaments.  A nice variety.  I used to like tinsel, but not so much any more.

Snow! Love it or Dread it?

Love it!  Wish we could be in it right now!

Can you ice skate?

Have in the past when I was a kid, but not so sure now.

Do you remember your favorite gift?

Hard to remember the kid gifts - wether you got them for Christmas or your birthday, but usually anything Barbie was fine for me. 

What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?

Spending time with family.  Wish there could be more of that.

What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?

Anything as long as it's tasty.  

What is your favorite tradition?

When I was a kid Santa always put an orange in my stocking, and sometimes nuts in the shells.  This year I started a new one with my mother-in-law - a cookie "throwdown."  This year we made Snickerdoodles; hers from the classic recipe and mine from my Baking Illustrated, highly scientific, chef-tested recipe.  She won - hands down!  Now we have to think of what to make for next year!

Which do you prefer, Giving or Receiving?

Giving, especially when it's just the right thing.

What is your favorite Christmas Song?

Burl Ives, "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas."  It always makes me smile.

Ever recycled a Christmas present?

No, but definitely recycle the gift wrap!  This year is the first year in about five that I actually had to purchase a roll - but it was only one roll!  Now if I could just figure out something to do with Christmas cards.

New Work - Breakfast Ti

This is one of my pieces for the upcoming "Celebration of Hawaii" show.  "Breakfast Ti" is inspired by the variegated Ti leaf plants in our yard.  It's 24"x44", created in silk, and quilted using silk and polyester threads.  Available through Viewpoints Gallery - $2900.

A Shootin' Good Time

Today was the Oliver Ricketson memorial trap shoot at Maui Trap & Gun Club.  There were about 25 shooters overall, and I competed with another lady for the Ladies Championship.  Last year was the first year I shot in the tournament and I came out with a dismal 50 out of 100. This year was a different story all together!

With a score of 86, I won the Ladies Championship and I beat all of the guys in C Class to win the class - 16 yard trap. Even more exciting...I shot my first 25 straight!

Last February was my closest - a 24 - and I really haven't seen much of the upper 20's for most of the year.  In fact, during the last couple of months I've been lucky to hit 20 at all.  Today it was one target at a time, with 21, 21, 25 and 19. WHOO HOO!

It was a great way to finish the weekend.

Way to go, Ina!

Ina Garten is coming to my house tonight to help me with tomorrow's dinner. Ha! I wish, but she WILL be visiting in the form of this book:

I bought it as a gift recently and, after thumbing through the pages before I wrapped it (I didn't USE it, I swear!), I ran right back out and bought another copy at Costco FOR ME.

I think my SIL bought me my first Barefoot Contessa cookbook and I have steadily added nearly every one she's published to my library (I don't have "Parties," and apparently that is a HUGE oversight on my part after what I've been reading on the Internet, but that's another story).

Keep in mind that you do not buy Ina's cookbooks for their diet-friendly recipes (although there are a few that are passable). I buy them because no matter what recipe I try, it always comes out delicious (with the exception of Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic, which was downright nasty, but I'm sure it was something I did, though I have no idea what).

Last night I made "Baked Shrimp Scampi" for dinner, because Bruce loves scampi and I've never made a truly successful scampi. Not only was it easy (despite quite a bit of prep and chopping), but it smelled delicious and tasted equally so. Bruce said it was the best he'd ever had and my MIL said it was better than going out to dinner! I served it on spaghetti drizzled with a little olive oil. And like Ina says in the cookbook, that last little bit of lemon spritzed on just before serving was the magic touch!

Tonight we're having Roasted Pear Salad, and tomorrow for Thanksgiving we're having Roasted Turkey Roulade as our entree and Pumpkin Roulade with Ginger Buttercream for dessert. Last week we had Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Apple Cider Vinaigrette. That particular salad has become the house favorite - and we're having that tomorrow, too.

If you love to cook, I highly recommend this book. Now, if I could just find pancetta on Maui, I'd be set!