Part One: Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition - Contemporary African American Quilts

Want some free entertainment? Want to partake some feasts for the eyes? Go to the Museum at Texas Tech! (just not Sunday the 3/14/10) We went last Sunday to see the "Textural Rhythms" quilts in galleries 1 &2. It was certainly something I'm glad we did. There were some fabulous pieces along with some of a dubious quality. But all in all, delightful. I tried to make sure I took a picture of the designer label, but noticed that I'd missed a few. I beg forgiveness.
The pieced background is so vibrant and fun.
And the playful stitching adds to the overall effect.

What a "plain" quilt from afar. But look close up...
threadplay that is exquisite...
central flower medallions with added glitz...
and delightful beads. What a delightful piece!


A fun piece in a non traditional format.

The singer's dress was all rows of glittering paillettes.

Look at all the buttons on this jacket! I'd have to go work out for a while to be able to wear this.. but isn't it charming?


Loving the cleverness of this piece.
look at the fabric manipulations carried out throughout the piece.
And I missed the name plate.. sooo sorry.
At first glance this quilt looks very simple, pleasing to the eye, well constructed. But let's take a closer look.
Exquisitely detailed stitching carried out with perfection.
Buttons and Swarovski crystals add another dimension to an otherwise flat surface creating sparkle and intrigue - they draw you into the piece.
A work of perfection. Most likely one of the two best pieces in the show. I was dismayed to not see it featured prominently. But that just leaves you to wander about and discover the best.

This creative endeavor used so many different fabrics and embellishments. I could have spent an hour just discovering the intricacies involved.
Aren't the fabrics lively? They certainly give you that Jazz feeling.
Nestled in the fabric collage, I found a hand painted face.


I loved the free-form shape of this piece.

Each of the squares was completed in this manner. Creative stitching and layering. But sadly forgot the nameplate again!!

Be sure to go by March 21st or you will miss this feast.

I love Tuesday Morning!

Bargains can make me very happy! Now that we spend most of our summer in the backyard, it was time to make sure that we had dishes that were yard-proof. I wanted something that was happy, at least 3-ply melamine, and dishwasher friendly. Found them this week. I walked into Tuesday Morning and after much digging and moving of items, I found a set of dishes that met all my criteria.
They are by Le Cadeux, Lisbon pattern. Although not current in the line, still readily available. Not at the price I paid, but available nonetheless. :-) Sign up for Tuesday Morning's mailings so that you too can find a great bargain!

First signs of Spring...

Although the ugly leaves from last year are still in the beds, they didn't deter the timely arrival of the first spring blossoms. Last Monday it still spit snow. It was cold and I certainly had no desire to venture out. Wednesday the buds were evident on the stems. Thursday after a day filled with spring sunshine, the buds began to blossom forth.
Like brave soldiers, the green spikes peek out from the ground, aligned as if to say "Winter, we have arrived."
Today whilst the sun gleamed upon the petals, I ventured out to capture the arrival of spring. Not by the calendar but by the arrival of Crocus, the first spring flowers.
Looking down the rows of planted bulbs, I can see tulips, narcissus, day lilies, and crocus.
Spring is a renewal of faith. We should remember the spring when we go through trials in our life. After all this is not our permanent home, but just our journey to our permanent home with our God and Savior.
Even the trees are budding out. Does this mean that we won't have our yearly Easter freeze? Hope springs eternal.
Vinca is blooming in a sheltered spot where it harnesses the warmth of the afternoon son.
The pots with the plants the squirrels demolished. Here comes the vinca.
The last flowers I had planted in those pots were mums. Here they make their unwanted come back. I guess I'll have to transplant them to another location until I will need them again in the fall.
Golden crocus stretch their petals towards the sun gathering warmth to make it through the yet very chilly nights.
Miss Priss has found herself a warm spot as well in the Liriope beneath some shrubs. She has so acclimated to our home that I do not even phase her wielding a rake!

Introducing the neighborhood....

cats! Last summer we noticed that there were several feral cats abound in our neighborhood. As the weather got cooler, old softy started feeding them. Old softy is the only resident male in this house just to clear up any misunderstandings this might have caused. Basically this is the core group. 2 pale face Siamese, 1 dark faced Siamese, Bow-tie ( the black cat with a white bowtie on his neck) and Miss Priss. Old Softy began by putting out one bowl of food. Now can you imagine what happens when 5 cats try to get one bowl of food? It's quite interesting and it brings out their personalities - but not always their best traits.
So when Mrs. Logical Thinker got involved (how could she not??), the piles started to appear and of course the bowl still had food in it, so plenty of food for the sweet faces. And Mrs. Logical Thinker decided that once a day was not enough. Especially when they were practically begging in the morning... so twice a day now, they get fed, watered and on special occasions are given milk.
Miss Priss appeared after the others. Very young and Mrs. Logical Thinker had to make sure that the other older cats would actually let her eat. Now she is the cat in residence. Still won't come inside, but doesn't mind if you are outside unless of course you scare her, wear a hat or the other cats skedaddle. Then she thinks she must too. Anyone need a cat?