Things are getting more and more eccentric at Casa de la Swain. Changing styles in my textile work, falling in love again with painting and photography...and then there is the ever illusive quest for continuing creativity through working with Eric Maisel. Still on the road teaching, posting now at the Ragged Cloth Cafe and taking the pledge to keep handmaiden up to date.

Monday, October 31, 2005

A Halloween Treat

As you may have remembered I mentioned that I was approached by a fabric company at market, interested in my doing a line for them. Being the good business person, I call said company this morning to follow-up. I am keeping this close to my chest in case it doesn't pan out, but trust me you will be the first to know if it does.
Like again a good professional, I gave the product development director copies of my dvd's. Hoping this would be a good way for her to see how I work and some of my quilts, I was keeping my fingers crossed.
Tick or Treat! She loves the work...wants the line to look just like my quilts....at our first conversation she mentioned only six designs. Now she is saying send her all I would like for her to see and then they will start the approval process. Can you tell I am astounded, excited and flying without my broom?
Going to spend several hours every morning in the studio playing with designs before I send off the final selections for her approval. Quilting at night to get Sea Stones finished...and already started pulling fabrics off the shelves to give away for the studio clean up. Nothing like a little kick in the butt to get you going.
Don't scare too many of the kidlet tonight...it is cold and damp here...so we arent' even going to bother.

Finally I get to blame someone..It's Deb's Fault from RSR

Halloween Horoscope for Scorpio

Halloween is your favorite holiday for scaring and shocking others.
You like to bring out your alternate persona on Halloween - and have the night of your life.

Costume suggestions: A freaky monster or prince / princess of darkness.

Signature Halloween candy: Candy cigarettes
What's Your Halloween Horoscope?

BTW, I hate candy cigarettes just like Deb isn't crazy about candy corn. The may be right about all the other stuff but they blew it on the candy selections.....yuck!

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Can This Studio Be Saved

First, can you tell I am avoiding sitting down to quilt....sigh! Absolutely, the last post today. In a moment of madness, I decided to join Julaine's clean your studio challenge. Remember I am already in cleaning mode. However, until I veiwed the pictures, I had no idea what I was getting into. Isn't there some quote about creativity and clutter? If not, let's think of one quick.
My old motto was a cluttered studio is a cluttered mind....you know, can't find anything when you need it...spend more time hunting than working.
Of course, I have a good rationalization...trying to get several pieces ready to quilt and then getting ready for market. My grandmother would have suggested, "Clean as you go." Sorry grandma, I missed that mark.
Now you can all feel better...where I work is a 12' x 12' room and look at all the clutter you can get into such a small space. More importantly, we all share the same disease....somehow we can take comfort in that....or maybe we should be afraid.........very afraid at what is under all that mess.
Shutting up now....simply must quilt.

Only slight ashamed to show y'all this but I know you understand the disease Posted by Picasa

I could live forever and never use all this Posted by Picasa

Can this plant be saved? Posted by Picasa

The proverbial corner, you see from time to time, only worse now Posted by Picasa

Sheesh...books, slides, computer software and don't forget fabric Posted by Picasa

This is under the cutting table storage, yeah sure Posted by Picasa

And more shelves in disarray Posted by Picasa

Fabric stash out of control Posted by Picasa

A nest of something, not sure what but I do see some thread Posted by Picasa

South front corner of studio Posted by Picasa

Change of Landscape for Fall

Okay that's the good news. The above studio pictures will scare you right out of your socks. Doesn't yard guy do a great job? That is my one household indulgence; although, a maid would probably be a better investment. However, I just love driving down the cul-de-sac (our house sits in the center) and seeing the beauty of a well-kept and designed yard. Basically, it's a fake out....makes the neighbors think that if the yard looks that good the inside of the house has to be just as wonderful. Heh, heh, heh...fooled them.

Ah! fall..no more 90 F. weather Posted by Picasa

Are these mums and ground cover too wonderful, or what? Posted by Picasa

Need more pansies; zinnas still holding on Posted by Picasa

Fall comes to Texas Posted by Picasa

Collin and Cyrus Celebrate their First Birthday

Forgive me the proud grandma pictures but I couldn't resist. Yesterday was the twins first birthday....a good time was had by all. Didn't get any cleaning or sewing done but got to spend the afternoon adoring the boys. Promise to put up dirty studio pictures for Julaine's challenge soon. In the meantime, sewing today. Thanks for indulging me in the birthday photos.

Now I get it..yummy! Posted by Picasa

Okay, it's round a squishy but what's it for? Posted by Picasa

What are you thinking? I'm with Cyrus on this fire thing. Posted by Picasa

Hey, you adults, are you sure about fire being so close to me? Posted by Picasa

Let's open this one together Posted by Picasa

Cyrus knows what to do...eat your presents in Mommy's lap Posted by Picasa

Craig, the proud papa Posted by Picasa

Gaia, the boys big sister, gets her giggle box turned over Posted by Picasa

Collin enchanted with all that stuff on Grandpa's chin Posted by Picasa

Grandma with Collin chewing on Grandpa's finger Posted by Picasa

Birthdays...presents...okay by Collin Posted by Picasa

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