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.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

In the Studio

Got this sort of minimal feeling last week, prompted by surface design and stitching. Pardon the crooked lines. It isn't pieced yet. Pieced? Is the world coming to an end...I do know how to use my machine but this may sorely test my patience. Have another couple of drawing for smaller pieces so we will see. Also not sure about the orientation but that can easily be fixed by putting the sleeve how you want it to be viewed.
I finished the last leaf applique and now have the surface design work to to. Hopefully, I can get it done in a day and layer it up to quilt next week.
Also found the sky piece in the stash and decided it needed more surface design and a couple of design elements in the upper section. Will try tackling that today but it is getting toward my Sunday night viewing pleasures.
My biggest regret during all this time, the DVD's and quilts, is that I have virtually stopped reading. One of my first loves. When I was I the third grade, we had all the pschologists come to our school. Seems that I could read and retain 1500 words a minute. They wanted to send me all the special places but mom said no. Wanted me to grow up normal.....she almost made it.
Long story short, I love reading but it has been put on the back burner. Maybe what I need is a good book and some bon bons. Posted by Picasa

6 comments:

Deb Lacativa said...

The NY Times book review just listed the top american fiction of the last 25 years. I was appalled to find that I have not read very many of them. Stopping at the library on my way home from the office to see what all the fuss is about.

Val said...

I've given up feeling guilty if I sit down and read a book. Often it will spark my enthusiasm for something creative so I now look upon it as necessary therapy! I like the linear piece! Good luck with the piecing!

Unknown said...

It's hard having to choose. I love to read and I love to cook, but both take time away from quilting. I don't buy many "reading" books anymore; instead, I get them at the library. But I'm finding that I'm returning more and more of them before I finish them.

I think these things go in cycles. So, for now, create. Later, when the creation rhythym is low, read!

Unknown said...

Don't worry you are not the only one. I took up quilting in January (a few attempts are at www.downthe well.blogspot.com) and have hardly read a book that wasn't about fabric since. (I used to be at least a two a week girl) Perhaps it has somthing to do with the 70 quilting mags I bought very cheap (25p) at a local quilts show. Just enjoy the flow - whatever sustains you and thrills you is what you should do with your leisure time.

Rayna said...

You definitely need a good book and some bonbons. I, too, have stopped reading and have been staring into space instead. Just yesterday, I finally got to the library and took out 4 books. Heaven!

Rayna said...

You definitely need a good book and some bonbons. I, too, have stopped reading and have been staring into space instead. Just yesterday, I finally got to the library and took out 4 books. Heaven!