Thursday, December 21, 2006

little baskets...of what?

This little basket quilt is one I found in among the UFOs(what UFOs?) in the closet of shame. It's one of a couple that were done several years ago and before I got a 1/4 in. foot and didn't think it made a difference(wow). Of sourse it means everything or at least the difference between a piece you are proud to have displayed or one that someone will one day refer to as naive or country-crafty or some other words for something not very well done. The fabrics are much like the ones in the little houses I showed the other day. It was bits and pieces of really nice fabric I hated to throw away and so I paper-pieced these baskets with the intention of eventually doing some sort of applique or needlework in the baskets. I'n not sure that I can manage to do that now since my hands are geting more arthritic by the day and embroidery and applique and even hand quilting are not high on my list of things I can do comfortably now. That's not to mention the eyesight. I take a medication that effects my eyesight and there's no way around it. I have a lot of trouble focusing sometimes. It's not too bad but just bad enough that it makes trying to see small work a struggle sometimes. Can't see up close with the glasses on and can't quite focus with them off. I've gone the bifocal route and it made me crazy. Maybe I'll just fuse some flowers and call it done.I'm in awe of you ladies who do the beautiful crewel and french knots and such. How pretty would that be? Any suggestions?
Among the many things I plan to do very soon is learn to machine quilt and I think it will make life with sore hands a bit easier.
I signed up for the 12x12x4 challenge today and my theme is going to be Asian shoes and purses. I have seen a lot of really fun quilts this year that have a theme of handbags or shoes and I have a large amount of Asian fabrics so I'm going to have fun playing around with that idea(cause I really need something else to do-heh) It's good to venture into a new area though and I need to loosen up in the art area so I'm hoping to incorporate those two things into these pieces.
Well...packages to wrap-tea to drink-cookies to eat. Have fun everyone.

5 comments:

Jo Raines said...

Oh, Dee, you crack me up! The 'closet of shame'. I should have one of those--mine are out on my shelves where I can be constantly reminded of all my glaring begun-and-never-finished projects I was so excited about at the time! Merry Christmas!

Debra Dixon said...

Your comment about eyesight focus reminds me of men: can't live with them, can't live without them; or is that chocolate?
*wink*

dee said...

You're right Debra-it does sound like that but I'll be predictable and go with the chocolate-I adore my guy and I know you love yours too. Good thing no ones is asking us to choose though...gulp...life without chocolate wahhhh...wahhhhhh

Rian said...

Closet of shame--too funny! Thanks for bringing a smile to my face this AM. Hey Dee, try Tylenol Arthritis Formula. I have arthritis in my hips and ankles and have found it helps.

dee said...

Rian-Hi hope you're doing something peaceful and with less pain. thanks for the tip. I do use that stuff as well as Tylenol 8 hr. It helps somewhat. Are you hooked up to e-mail yet I notice yours doesn't appear anymore and I hate to gunk up your comments with long winding stuff(as is my habit)The rest of you make my day-such fun!