back in service

I brought Spooky Stories back home with me from NY.



I wanted  Dad to use it but made the mistake of telling him that it had been on display at a museum briefly. After that, it stayed folded and draped over the back of the chair by his bed.

It's one of my favorite "crossover" pieces. Fully utilitarian, (I even used  Silamide thread for the beading) I built it to be used, dirtied, then machine washed and dried.

I remember that it was fun to make, each foot square block composed independently. I do recall selecting all the fabrics and sequestering them in a project basket..my feeble attempt at limiting my palette.

Once the top was complete, it was layered over W&N cotton and backed with two beautiful Timeless Treasures  prints and then hand quilted with doubled 12wt. Sulky cotton.

home

my Goodman, '76?

I got home from NY late last night and was received by the grateful hairy horde. My son appears to have been dating Martha Stewart in my absence because  windows were washed, the microwave scrubbed and carpets vacuumed.  I'll just be thankful and not wait for the other shoe to drop.

Some dear old friends who came to the viewing brought some photos that I had never seen and, earlier,  I was tasked with going through my family's heaps, boxed and books of photos to make two collage boards for my Dad's wake.

moi in mouton

My sister Kitty looks exactly like my Mom. 

This poor photo had mold and blue crayon marks ..my photoshop skills are basic but I think I'll have a print made of this one.

Spring Snow

The TV says this area (Goldens Bridge, NY)  will have a foot of snow before it stops.

All the preparations for company are done. It remains to be seen how many will  be able to get here for Dad's wake today but then again, this is the northeast and more people are accustomed to and equipped for driving in this kind of weather. Back in Georgia this would be Armageddon.

Now there time for some quite stitching.

caesura

A very large box of the most exquisite treasures has arrived from New York.

Here is a heavy cotton damask tablecloth that I could probably cover my car with, four or five yards of the blackest fine, wool gabardine and three vintage woven towels. There is also an expanse of cream colored raw silk and at least a dozen other assorted damask tablecloths, all from the 20's or 30's, like my pop who was born in '26 or '24 depending on who you talk to.

It also occurred to me that I packed this box myself back in January on my last trip home when Dad and I had good, meaningful conversations and said our goodbyes.  I'll be taking a hiatus from this space for the duration of the memorials and celebrations and take inspiration from all these glorious pieces of pure potential. He's like that.

the aforementioned Bon Vivant

Word came this morning that my Dad died at home after a short illness and a long wonderful life. Bless my brother and sisters and all the friends who have been there to help him.



Charles Henry Useted 
1926(maybe) - 2013


(Like many young men of his time, Poppy fudged his age by a few years to be eligible to join the navy in WWII.
 He never would never divulge his real dob. Rest in peace Old fox.)

for my Bon Vivant

I've not been able to focus on any creative stuff for a while. My Dad appears to be slowly but surely wrapping up his earthly business. My sisters and brother are by his side at home and I get reports long distance. It's hard for everyone, there and here.

Later, there will be stories to tell dressed with tears and laughter.

To distract myself, I've decided to light up the shop with a party of vibrant color.
Three views of the same pile.....

From this steaming heap of exuberant damasks, linen and cottons I'll be making up a bunch of Party Burritos. More over at the store