Hello again.

I have too many hobbies for the amount of time I have to spend. (and I have the supplies to go with them!) Just found out that my retired painting teacher is coming out of retirement and will again be offering classes. I haven’t done much painting in about 5 years. I think it might be the Irish in me, but I had just been thinking about how much I used to enjoy painting, wishing I could find another good teacher, when her letter arrived in the mail inviting me back to her class! Somewhat spooky, but not the first time something like that has happened.

I also enjoy rubber stamping-mostly making cards for myself to use and for Operation Write Home. Different, but related color skills, than those used in quilt making. Found this blog post at a site I’ve followed for a while now. I love, love , love the Japanese fabrics she finds and uses. She was living in the states when she began blogging; she and her husband are now living in Japan. (That explains the fabrics doesn’t it?) In this post she is including some stamping in her latest round of projects. Since I already have the inks and the stamps needed, all I need is a bit more inspiration–and I’ll have to dig around in the stash for fabrics that would be as cute as Ayumi’s choices. If you read Stitch magazine when it comes out, she usually has a couple of projects featured. Fun, fresh stuff.

Origami-paper folding. I did a lot more origami as a student, and then as a teacher than I do now. However recently I have begun doing the folding with fabric. Just taught a class recently using the new Clover gadget called a Kanzashi maker. There are several sizes and styles, similar to the yo-yo tool they have in several sizes and variations. The folds used in the Kanzashi flowers are just simple origami folds but of course the gadget makes the stitch placement so much easier. The flowers are impressive after you fuss with the folds a bit. I’m going to make some of the variations they suggest and try another style of Kanzashi maker. I think they could add a nice 3D element to a quilt or be used instead of applique on a border. Do you remember the folded flower quilts and garments that were popular a few years ago? I’ll have to get out some of those books and patterns and see what else these Kanzashi flowers might be adapted to do.

I could go on and on about other hobbies and interests that steal my free time-or is it free when it’s used for a hobby?

What interests do you have in addition to quilting?

PS: In case you’re not a member of our guild, please visit our website and read about our biennial quilt show which will be held this weekend. There will be about 300 quilts on display, vendors, a boutique of items made by our members, a “cafe”, etc. It’s a lovely way to spend some hours on a spring weekend. We’d love to meet you and share our love of all things “quilty”.