I've been head-down on a couple sewing room projects. The first was recovering my ironing table. The fabric is just a piece of white duck, which I like because of the plain background for photographs. The old one was quite stained.
This prompts me to share a couple photos of my sewing room. I don't think I've posted pictures since the floor was replaced, and several new pieces of IKEA furniture and the rug were added. I love this bright space, and particularly so now because the weather has been mild enough that I can open the windows and enjoy the fresh air.
My Wiggle Me Colourful (that's the spelling of colorful by the Canadian designer) is my first 2017 finish. It's 57" X 65" and pieced entirely with fabrics I had in my stash. I love the interest created by a variety of text prints.
I opted to quilt an all over design because the prints and backing are so busy that the quilting doesn't show.
Batting is Quilter's Dream Request Cotton, quilting thread is 50-weight Aurifil #2615, a silver gray, and the quilt design is from a tutorial shared by A Few Scraps. I came across this design, and many others, through a Pinterest search for "all over" and "filler" designs.
The quilting was finished on Saturday. On Sunday - for the #mqgsewday - I pieced scrappy binding, squared up the quilt top by measuring and drawing a straight edge around the perimeter, and sewed binding to the quilt. On Monday I hand-sewed down the binding.
I'm not digging into anything else because I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of a ukulele! After last Thursday's Ukulele Players Club get-together, where I took my first 40-minute free lesson on a borrowed plastic ukulele, and had a blast playing along during the song/singing time - as well as I could - I simply can't wait to get my hands on my own instrument!
A chat with a knowledgeable sales person at Sweetwater, an online music store out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, helped confirm that the uke I ordered is appropriate for me. I'm getting a Kala concert-sized uke made of Pacific Walnut laminate with Aquila Nylgut strings (for those of you who understand these things). (See picture.) Now, if you see me chasing down a FedEx truck on my street, you'll know why!As I've been impatiently waiting for my ukulele to arrive, I've been thinking a lot about the similarities between learning to play chords on a ukulele and learning to line dance. (I line dance at least 5-1/2 hours a week.) An analogy relates to muscle memory.
When line dancing one learns dance steps (coaster, mombo, jazz box, shuffle, charleston, lock, rock, etc.) Once-learned, muscle memory takes over so a dancer can recall those steps, and only needs to learn to put them in order for a particular dance. Playing the ukulele is much the same: practicing the chords so muscle memory of the fingertips of the left hand on the frets takes over, and learning to put chords in order for a particular tune.
I also find it interesting that not only were several line dancers in the Ukulele Player's Club, but also a few quilters. After all, it was quilter-friend Sarah who invited me to join her at uke club in the first place! It must be each person's need to create that prompts us to take on multiple expressions of creativity.
So you quilters out there - you know who you are who never comment on my posts! - please tell me because I want to know if my theory is true:
Does your need to create take any other form of expression besides making quilts?
Linda
And I've also read that FMQ is about muscle memory too! I love drawing and painting, but there is not much repetition involved in that.... Love your quilt finish! It is a fun and vibrant design!
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, you have shamed me into making a comment!!! I think your theory is very probably accurate. Because we are multi-faceted personalities, there seems to be a need to be creative in multiple areas. In my own case, apart from all the quilting and embroidery I do, I'm into photography and playing the piano. BTW your quilting, as always, is amazing!
ReplyDeleteUkulele! How fun!! Never would have guessed this would be an interest. Most of my creating comes in the form of handcraft: crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, quilting. When I was a business teacher and had to teach typing we talked a lot about muscle memory in relation to learning to type. It's an important concept. Now...about your flooring. Like it, don't like it? Whats the verdict?
ReplyDeleteI'm musically deficient. Can't carry a tune in a basket but I do various crafts on a regular basis. I knit, crochet, macrame, make cards, cross stitch, redwork and quilt.
ReplyDeleteIn my younger days I did leatherwork, crocheted, and played guitar; my fingers still remember some chords and how to crochet, speaking of muscle memory. I do a little woodworking, photography, knitting, picture framing, embroidery, pysanky, Zentangle, and miniatures, but mostly quilting nowadays. Tried to learn watercolor, but it's hard and I'm not very talented.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful quilt. I agree with you, that we have more than one creative outlet. I used to draw and paint, I used to play the piano, I knit a little sometimes and I like to crochet. But.....sewing is my fave ❤️
ReplyDeleteIt sure makes me want to! Always love a challenge! But sadly, that doesn't include anything musical! Not that I haven't tried! Good luck! XO
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a beautiful new quilt finish! Good luck with your musical adventure!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt! My need to create takes me many places; watercolor painting and now I'm into alcohol inks.
ReplyDeleteI have dabbled in acrylics and oil painting. I crochet and attempt to knit; I'm not so successful
in knitting. I've designed rag rugs, sewed my own clothes, my two daughters', and my
Granddaughter's clothing and costumes thru the years. I love helping my only
Grandchild with creative crafts! When you are a secretary and then
an executive assistant to the Director for a State Treasury department, one has to look for
creative outlets to keep from going crazy! Monthly reports and spreadsheets
can only take you so far!
Good question Linda!!!! Becky
The quilting was finished on Saturday. On Sunday - for the #mqgsewday - I pieced scrappy binding, squared up the quilt top by measuring and drawing a straight edge around the perimeter, and sewed binding to the quilt. On Monday I hand-sewed down the binding.
I'm not digging into anything else because I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of a ukulele! After last Thursday's Ukulele Players Club get-together, where I took my first 40-minute free lesson on a borrowed plastic ukulele, and had a blast playing along during the song/singing time - as well as I could - I simply can't wait to get my hands on my own instrument!
A chat with a knowledgeable sales person at Sweetwater, an online music store out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, helped confirm that the uke I ordered is appropriate for me. I'm getting a Kala concert-sized uke made of Pacific Walnut laminate with Aquila Nylgut strings (for those of you who understand these things). (See picture.) Now, if you see me chasing down a FedEx truck on my street, you'll know why!
As I've been impatiently waiting for my ukulele to arrive, I've been thinking a lot about the similarities between learning to play chords on a ukulele and learning to line dance. (I line dance at least 5-1/2 hours a week.) An analogy relates to muscle memory.
When line dancing one learns dance steps (coaster, mombo, jazz box, shuffle, charleston, lock, rock, etc.) Once-learned, muscle memory takes over so a dancer can recall those steps, and only needs to learn to put them in order for a particular dance. Playing the ukulele is much the same: practicing the chords so muscle memory of the fingertips of the left hand on the frets takes over, and learning to put chords in order for a particular tune.
I also find it interesting that not only were several line dancers in the Ukulele Player's Club, but also a few quilters. After all, it was quilter-friend Sarah who invited me to join her at uke club in the first place! It must be each person's need to create that prompts us to take on multiple expressions of creativity.
So you quilters out there - you know who you are who never comment on my posts! - please tell me because I want to know if my theory is true:
Does your need to create take any other form of expression besides making quilts?
Linda
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Love seeing your creating room--aka sewing room. Fun to imagine you there, working up a storm. I say if we don't have another outlet for creativity, it's unusual (but then you and I have already discussed this).
ReplyDeleteI took a rulers/domestic machine quilting class at Road this week, and boy-oh-boy did I wish it was you up there, instead of our teacher. She was lovely, sweet, knowledgeable, but basically she was a long-armer giving us sit-down machine people her longarm knowledge. Both Lisa and I wished it had been you. Even though the ukulele is calling your name right now, I'd love to see you teach at Road! (I'm a fan.)
I agree that quilters are more apted to have other creative outlets to express themselves. I love to dance too, and at one time I wanted to learn to play a guitar. My mother let me take piano lessons, but that didn't fly since I did not have one to practice on. My only practice was 30 mins. before the scheduled lesson at the music shop. lol Really like your first finish.
ReplyDeleteDid you find my quilter/uke playing friend Jan S yet??
Yeah for your first finish. I need to get on the stick. Your sewing space is lovely with all that big surface area around your machine. Must make it easier for all your free motion work. Have fun with your ukulele.
ReplyDeleteI think my need to create also comes through in the kitchen - occasionally. ;-) And btw, I think it's cool you are learning the Uke. My daughter in law plays!
ReplyDeleteLinda, your sewing room Looks really great as your quilt. I love light rooms :-)
ReplyDeleteI really love how that quilt came out and have added it to my to make someday list. And I love your bright and sunny sewing room too.
ReplyDelete