~ Big News ~

It's here!  This week is finally here!

I am not good at secrets, but I have kept this one for awhile.

In case you couldn't tell, my blog is in the next issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks that will hit the stands this week.

Eek!

My block is on the cover ... can you guess which one?  To find out, join me this Friday, May 3rd for my leg of the tour.

In the meantime, stop here to join the tour every single day this week. GiveAways will be involved.  

Feel the vibes.  Be inspired. 

(Now ... please excuse me while I go soak up some inspiration myself.)

~ Mer-ternal Twins: Finished at Last! ~

 

I have to explain why it took me SO long to finish these latest additions to my Etsy Shop.

Number One:  There were two of them.
Number Two: About two weeks were taken out due to travelling and illness.

I might add a Number Three which was the fact that the hair on each of my little mermaids, took as long to design, cut, arrange and quilt as the rest of the quilt combined.

But when all was said and done, I was thrilled.

Each wall hanging is made exclusively with batiks, with the exception of the backs of the scales which are a variety of dupioni silks.  Each sister faces in a different direction, has her scales arranged in her own way, and has a somewhat unique hair style.

I am selling them separately.  Here.  And Here.
However, I would love it if they weren't separated. 
Twins hate that.

What do you think I should name them?

~ My first Sea quilt ~

Almost a decade ago ... 9 years to be exact ... I made this quilt.
This was long before the idea of making Sea Quilts was even a glimmer in my eye.

I had received a book on paper-piecing for Christmas and I wanted to try my hand at some free-form design that encorporated some of my new paper-pieced blocks.

I chose the sea as my subject because I have always loved the sea.
Even though, at the time I lived smack dab in the middle of the desert.

As the quilt came together, I wanted to show how the light from the sun was so strong as to penetrate to the depths of the ocean.

I named her "Free Utilities".

I found her in the closet a couple of weeks ago, very grateful that she made the move with me since many, many of my quilts were sold or given away in that process.

After 3+ years of sewing nothing but the sea, this affirms to me that I was on the right track long before I knew that I was.

Because I do so love the Sea.

~ Fabric Painting: III ~

So this little swimmer is the third in my Deep Blue Sea series.

Each one more fun than the one before.

 I loved the chance to sew with some bright pinks.

You'll note the presence of the  green ... food ... in this one also. Each "painting" measures 25" wide by 36" long.

You can find this one here on my Etsy Shop.

Right now I am working on a series of two ... sisters.  I'm thinking of calling them
"Merternal Twins".

Stay Tuned.

~ Spring has definitely Sprung ~

I interrupt my regular Sea Quilts broadcast to showcase some land-lubbing beauty.

I spent last week in the great state of Oregon, surrounded by a great deal of color.

One of the activities on the agenda was a trip to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, OR.

The tulips were magnificent.

Even more beautiful were some of the tulip admirers ...

Like the sweet 19-month old pictured above who may or may not be related to me.




She really loved those tulips.

Her sisters enjoyed the views as well.

And just because I want to offer you even more in this post than just exquisite color and precious faces ... here is a piece of advice that should not go unwarranted:

Do not ... I repeat, do not ... fly on an airplane with a sinus infection, because your ears will punish you beyond measure.

And that's my PSA for today.

Your welcome.