New Year's Eve with Batiks at the DMA

New Year's Eve is upon us thus Mister and I are off to enjoy a wonderful day together.  The Dallas Museum of Art opens at 11 a.m. and since that's our first destination, I guess I should get dressed and ready to go.

The reason for the trip is that there are two exhibits ending this week and we have not yet been able to immerse ourselves in them.  The first is "Divine Felines:  Cats of Ancient Egypt" and the second is "Art and Nature in the Middle Ages."  Both are absolutely wonderful and as we slowly work our way through them, find numerous items to peak our curiosity as well as get me questioning.  Yep, that's me -- always wondering.

After those two exhibits, Mister tells me that he learned about a batik exhibit here.  What?  Oh goodness, lead the way up to the third floor.  From the moment the exhibit is spotted, I am in heaven.  It's glorious and goes into depth on the process used in Java, Indonesia.  I am enthralled with the ability to touch and feel each step of the process and see the intricacies used in creating elaborate and beautiful wrap skirts.  Feel free to click on these photos so that they enlarge and you can read all the great information.

December Quilt Update

Any links that you click in this post will open in a DIFFERENT window, allowing you to continue reading this without losing the page.

The previous 2016 monthly update links are located at the end of this entry.  I hope that you make it that far.

Goals:  I am no longer even attempting to comment on those that were not touched.  They'll just stay on the list until they are achieved, even though life jumps in front of them now and then.

Easy Street (ES) - quilted, bound -
Old Tobacco Road (OTR)  - Clues 4, 5 - YES and backing, binding, label made

Roll Roll Cotton Boll - quilted and bound -  
Mad City Mama (MCM) - quilted and bound -
Weed Whacker (WW) backing/binding made, quilted and bound -
En Provence (EP) - Clues 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - YES

1st -  Happy December.  Oh my, another year-end is closing in on us.  Have you accomplished all you set out to do this year.  Remember, this is my year of UFO's.  I really need a bunch of finishes this month to even come close to making a dent in mine.  However, today is not a day for that.  I am back downtown with jury duty once again.  Please, please, please let this be the end today.  I'm asking oh so nicely.

2016 Finished Non-Quilty Items

Each year I have been trying to do a summary page here just so I know what I have accomplished in addition to quilts.  I want so badly to have a variety of tools in my toolbox and the only way to do that is to constantly try new things or practice skills already learned.  So, here's 2016 for ya --

January

I crocheted three scarves which are bound to become gifts.  Who knows.

2016 Finished Quilts

2016 has come to a close.  Really?  I am shocked at how quick it just whizzed by.  I set a goal this year to make it a year of UFO's, allowing myself gifts and learning moments.  Well dang, those far outnumbered the UFO's and the list is still oh so long.  Perhaps 2017?

January - We taught the Quilt As You Go method at retreat and that required me to actually learn how to do it so that I could teach it.  Sad, I know.  Here is the result of the two tables runners I put together while learning.  One is just "winter" and the other will be for my table next Christmas as Mister and I have decided to do a "blue themed" holiday.

Fronts;

En Provence - Clue 6 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

Christmas is behind us and we are rapidly approaching the beginning of a new year.  Whether you are happy or sad to see the year pass, it means one thing to me:  We are getting near the end of the En Provence mystery.  In years past, the big reveal came on New Year's Day, but this year we are two days away and have two colors that haven't even been touched yet.  Believe me --- THIS is a definite mystery for me.

As I wake and check the post this morning, I am once again shocked that we are not using all the colors.  Green is coming to play, but yellow is still waiting in the wings for it's big moment on stage.  I am stumped.  Oh well --- let's get this clue started.  We are making hourglasses.

My first step in today's setup is to pull the fabrics and it is fun to grab all the greens I have set aside.  I will likely cull them a bit with some help from Allison and we will share strips again today so will have a good variety to pull from.  Our weekly sew days have been so much fun and our quilts will share the same fabrics and yet I know they will look so different.  I'm getting excited to start building blocks and see where this one is going.

Cos That's What Friends Are For - Rocking Bobbin Day

The first of the month, my sweet friend (and incredible author of the best written blog ever, My Imperfect Life - yes, that's a link and YES, please click it to visit), Stephanie, had just a bit of a rough day.  Week?  Month?  I don't really know how long it was building but it was definitely time to put it to rest.  With a quick tap of my keyboard, we had arranged a get together as soon as both calendars could agree.  Wow --- I can't believe it took almost three weeks, but dang -- today is the day.

I scrambled a bit yesterday trying to find a "hang out" spot for us and then invited a few more to join us.  Well, if one person can help with the blues, perhaps a gaggle of us can cure them.  It's worth a try, right?

As we were driving to meet my nephew for lunch yesterday, Mister pulled quick into Rocking Bobbin (YES, another link and please check it out too) and told me to see if they had space we could use.  He's such a smart man sometimes --- yes, that's why I keep him around.  Hahaha --- no . . . .LOVE THAT MAN dearly.  At any rate -- we score and are ready for tomorrow.  A few quick texts on the phone and we are ready to go.  Woohoo.  Girl time coming our way.

The day starts out with COFFEE.  Yep, I have drug Stephanie and Allison down to White Rock Coffee with me and plied them with Merry Mint Mocha's and pumpkin scones.  Indeed, I'm a bad influence for sure.  But they are just so dang good --- BOTH items.  We are lucky enough to have a wonderful LONG visit before Rocking Bobbin opens.  Not only do we get to visit, but Stephanie and I manage to finalize an adoption while there.  I know, I know.  You are thinking, "Another machine?"  Well guess what?  You would be kind of right but it's a totally different kind of machine.  It's an Accuquilt Studio.  Yep, you read that right.  Joint custody and shared rights.  Just give us time --- we'll be cranking out strips like crazy women soon.   Oops -- look at the time -- let's get out of here.

En Provence - Clue 5 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

SURPRISE!!!   Bonnie released the clue a day early BUT since Allison and I are doing these together, I am waiting to start on it until after she arrives tomorrow.  See ya then.

Good morning!  I am up bright and early and straight to the shower in an attempt to get the eyeballs working today.  Now to set up the room, start water for tea, get the chicken going for the chowder we are having for lunch, and make some muffins.  I manage the first three before Allison arrives and then throw up my hands on the muffins -- opting out today.  We settle in for tea and a visit while I get to treat her to a Christmas present.  I have gone away from quilting for her gift and can't wait to see what she thinks.  Merry Merry.  She gifted me with my the quilting on my Razzle Dazzle quilt last month and what a sweet gift that was.  For her?  Tea stuff.  Lots and lots of tea stuff.  (I can't believe I didn't take a picture.  Ugh.)  I also receive another foot for my machine to use while paper piecing.  Okay, okay -- I know this is not why you are here -- onto the clue.

When Inspiration Strikes

The sun is shining, it's 77 degrees outside.  That is all supposed to change tonight.  The forecast states that we will drop to the single digits.  Seriously?  That's almost a 70 degree change.  CRAZY.  Well, what I'm trying to say is that we decide to take advantage of the morning and walk down to White Rock Coffee for a late breakfast (Mister slept til 10 - unheard of) and exercise all at once.  Moments of "just us two" are indeed treasured for me as this time of year doesn't provide many due to my sweethearts job.

After a delightful visit and walk, we arrive back home and I settle in on the sofa with a new book gifted to me yesterday by Allison.  I am content for all of about 10 minutes when my eyes light up and I just KNOW what to do for my kids/grands for Christmas.  Yep, it's the 17th of December and about time right?  Well now, in all honesty, we have selected a family gift for each home but this is just a little something extra and "made by Mom/Gammy".  Within moments I have located a layer cake AND 3 sets of sample cards with the same pattern on them - all treats I set aside from a recent Moda trip, just waiting for the right minute to come and play.  Today is the day.

En Provence - Clue 4 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

Another week has flown by.  It's crazy but I am not sure where it went.  Why is December always like this?  I know some of you thought it drug on and on while waiting for the next clue, but I really didn't have time to even think about it and now, here we are again.

Allison spent the night last night and we were able to work on UFO's all evening along with setting up for today.  It's nice to have a head start and just be ready to go when the clue posts.  Let's get to it.  Mister is up and it is almost 6 a.m. so I roll over and check Bonnie's blog to see if the clue has posted.  Nope.  A quick refresh and there it is.  Time to get up.

Less than an hour later, with tea and banana bread, we are off to the cutting table.  Allison has spent he last few weeks learning about Gilmore Girls and the story lines in it.  I have waited to watch the new episodes with her and we watched one last night.  Today we are onto the second one first thing.  Do you not LOVE what is going on in this picture?  It makes me giggle just looking at it.

We are doing a repeat of clue 2 with a different color this week.  Purple and neutral strips are everywhere and while I am using my tri-rec rulers, Allison is going to be using her Accuquilt cutter.  Old and new schools combine.  Well, not really.  I mean, after all, I'm not using scissors and templates.  THAT's old school.

Antiquing/Shopping with Mister

It's a "enjoy each other" kind of day.  We really don't have any set agenda and Mister doesn't have to work tomorrow so we are just chillin' around town, doing some shopping and enjoying all the day has to offer.  After a LATE breakfast out, we stopped in at a local antique mall.  I found a few items that might give you joy or a chuckle at least.

First up:  Santa out of a vintage quilt top that I'm choosing to believe was unrepairable.

Mugstateer Day at Fabric Fanatics

Back in the beginning of October, several of us took a class taught by Eileen Urbanek at Fabric Fanatics.  It was decided that we would get together there once a month on the day that Janet works to not only sew but keep her company as well.  I was on a trip with my sweet Mister in November so missed the gathering, but am in town today thus blessing the gals with my presence.  Oh yeah.  I'm in just that mood today.  I leave Mister deep under the covers staying warm on this chilly day and soon depart for our initial meetup spot - the 1418 Coffeehouse in Plano.  I can already taste it while driving.  It's calling me . . .  Allison and Elizabeth hit stumbling blocks for the coffee meet, but Elisabeth, Mariah, and I have a great time.  Marian just stopped in for coffee and now must say good-bye but it is fun to see her.  Perhaps next time she can stay for the day and sew.

En Provence - Clue 3 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

It's Friday, it's Friday, it's Friday.  We all know what that means.  It means get out of bed around 6, check the clue, make scones, set up for sew day, prep lunch, and greet Allison at the door.  Woohoo!!!  It means it is a FUN day.  I so look forward to Fridays, not just for the clue release, but for the friendship that it entails.  (Oh, I NEVER remember to do this and I always mean to --- If you want the recipe for these wonderful scones, please click HERE)

I am ready and ironing fabrics by the time she arrives.  Mister makes a joke that I just can't wait for her, but I am.  Ironing doesn't count.  Right?

Old Tobacco Road - Label and Backing - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

I am on a roll with this quilt and do not wish to have even one bit of it left other than quilting.  I also really WANT to get my house decorated.  That means the living room floor MUST be void of fabric and that means this backing needs to be made today.  Now if truth be told, I really do like making backs.  To me, they are freeing.  Just be creative and see what you get.  Now, time to work.

Yesterday I found some dark brown fabric in the stash that will work beautifully if I cut it in half.  It is short though and the best way for me to use it is horizontally.  It leaves me a gap between the two pieces.  What to put there?  Let's start with the flying geese and bricks that are leftover from the top and there is a bit of the inner border fabric left as well.  After playing, here is my start.  I KNOW, the one brick is upside down and there are two similar blacks together.  It's a BACK.  I will make sure the one panel is right side up, but as for the black --- pshaw.

Old Tobacco Road - Clue 5 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

7/2/16  I am working on the center medallion block for my upcoming mystery and making these flying geese as leader/enders as I go.  I need almost a hundred of them for Old Tobacco Road.

Old Tobacco Road - Clue 4 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

5/2015  I'm at retreat and have stayed up late to lay this out the best I can.  I really don't understand how it will all go together, but I'm liking it for sure. ---- Fast forward 1 year 7 months

En Provence - Clue 2 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

It is December 1st and I am serving on a jury in which I just found out we will be back again tomorrow. NOOOOOOOO.  Don't they understand that I have a mystery clue coming out?  Do you suppose there is even a chance that the clue will post at around 2 a.m. and I can get a little start before court starts?  If I wrote a letter perhaps?

Dear Bonnie,

It's little old me -- Deb in Dallas -- and I have a bit of sadness right now.  They are making me go into jury deliberation tomorrow morning and I won't be able to start on my clue.  Do you think you could just email me the clue?  I promise not to tell anyone.  I'd do the same for you.  Honest, I would.  Thank you so much, Deb.

Now surely that would make a difference, right?  NOT.  It's all a joke and I would never even dream of sending this but I really, truly am sad.  My daughter will be sitting in the airport in Dallas killing time for 3 hours tomorrow and I won't be able to go see her.  AND, I am losing my day with Allison on top of it all.  What yuck.  Okay -- enough whining.  Onto to tomorrow . . . . . . . .

Sleep?  Whose sleeping?  Definitely not me.  I am so much on my mind for tomorrow that I am up at 3 a.m.  Is there a clue?  No, guess I'll work on blog posts.  4 a.m.? No.  Keep writing.  5 a.m.?  Still nothing.  Dang.  Now to get retreat emails written.  6 a.m. and there it is -- the clue.  Well thank heavens it is a fairly easy one (triangle in a square units - think Celtic Solstice) and I will get caught up quick.  Now, it's time to shower and head downtown for I'm sure will be a most disturbing day.