Finally

something new, something completed as a result of the Quilt University class I took - Working in Series with Elizabeth Barton. An excellent class that I recommend. I learned a lot from the class and then about how I work.

Two exercises from the class had us sketching, first with pencil, then with watercolors. I loved both exercises, but I get carried away and keep playing well after I have plenty of sketches for quilts. I used the sketching as one more way to procrastinate doing what I say I want to do.

So, after the two anxious days waiting for Sandy when I got very little done except for eating, I decided it was time to stop wasting time and make something.

I pulled out lots of fabrics - Stonehenge textures and hand dyes - for marsh studies. Put them together, did raw edge applique (fast and adds texture), then started my special OCD FMQing to add lots of texture to this little marsh. I think I like it.

Here's a bit of detail.

Is it marshy enough? I think so -- for now.

Things I learned with this: I can get distracted so easily, even telling myself 'it' is past of my process. I can work small - the marsh is about 14 x 19", a challenge but I can do it. I design best when I play with the fabrics and use the design in my head. I can sketch or make patterns for parts, but playing is my best method. As Nike says, Just Do It.

It's November, cold and darker. I am never happy when we leave DST and it's dark at 5:30. I keep reminding myself it's only 135 days til the first day of spring. Time to turn on lights inside and get things going. It's also National Peanut Butter Month - maybe I'll make some cookies early this year to celebrate the PB. Hope your have ways to stay warm and bring out your creativity.

Karen