"She Came To The Valley"

I shoved this book into one of the boxes with the old recipe books--

 remembered mother being so excited that a movie was being made in the Valley

and she and her sister were going to be extras--no pay though, just the experience of 

being in a movie.

I pulled the book out the other day and opened the first page.

There was a sweet note from the author of the book, dated August 18, 1977

and on all the other pre-pages, there were signatures from the actors (Scott Glenn and Dean Stockwell), other extras, directors and various sundry movie people!  

She certainly had a wonderful time being a part of Valley history.

I also remember that she and my aunt worked diligently  on their costumes--nothing in return

but a chance to be in the movie.

I can imagine that their days were filled with dust, hot temperatures, hours of just

sitting--all for the glory of being an extra

I found a photo of Mother (left) and Aunt Sue (right) all dolled up in

their handmade costumes.  I think of the filming time and can't believe

they wore those costumes during the heat of the summer--"She Came To The Valley"

was one of the highlights of mother's life.

I found a DVD copy of the movie recently, but I didn't watched it--

I sent it to Aunt Sue--maybe, she'll watch it with her grandkids

and they'll share some memories of mother and Aunt Sue in their big adventure!

For me, I think I'll read the book!

Vintage?

No one was more surprised than I was with this find!

Why did she save this?

I remember these from 1960's when I was in nursing school--

kidney shaped

why this one was saved--well, pushed back in the closet, buried beneath towels--don't know!

Mother had been in the hospital many times and she always took home those plastic basins, but she didn't save those.

I couldn't find a date on the box

I looked for the basin on the internet but no luck--nothing like this one--

you can buy stainless steel basins.

Oh, well...............

what to do with it now??

The Things You Find

We are still on the road to find what Mother had stored in her closets......................

This has been interesting to say the least!

Pull out a few towels and then you reach in and find

This!

Who ever in my family played this instrument?  I can only guess it was one of my

brothers, as I know I didn't!  Maybe, Mother played it--no reason to ask her, she doesn't remember

one day to the next.

Then you read Wikipedia description.......

The melodica, also known as the pianica, blow-organ, key-flute or key-ute, is a free-reed instrument similar to the melodion and harmonica. It has a musical keyboard on top, and is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece that fits into a hole in the side of the instrument. Pressing a key opens a hole, allowing air to flow through a reed. The keyboard is usually two or three octaves long. Melodicas are small, light, and portable. They are popular in music education, especially in Asia.

The modern form of the instrument was invented by Hohner in the 1950s, though similar instruments have been known in Italy since the 19th century.

The melodica was first used as a serious musical instrument in the 1960s by composers such as Steve Reich, in his piece titled Melodica (1966) and jazz musician Phil Moore, Jr., on his 1969 Atlantic Records album Right On. Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal developed a technique consisting of singing while playing the melodica, resulting in a wide tonal and harmonic palette. It is associated with Jamaican dub and reggae musician Augustus Pablo who popularized it in the 1970s. 

Well, you have it!  Popular in the 1950-1970! The time period of our household!  Maybe, one of my brothers can clarify why Mother would save such a thing.

come back tomorrow to see what else we pulled out of mother's closets.

Generation Gap!

Yes, we are still working to distribute mother's household items.  I don't want to give away anything that can be used by one of our family members.  So, as we cleaned out shelves, pantry, drawers, I would take a photo and text family--"Do you want this?"

I found a whole stack of Corning Ware in the cabinet, so texted granddaughter--"Do you want some Corning Ware?"  Her text back was "What's Corning Ware?"  WHAT?  You don't know Corning Ware?  I was shocked!  Then I thought--she's only 25 why would she know Corning Ware?

Corning Ware has changed over the century--the sets are more colorful and the smart blue flowers have been removed--and yes, there was a snap on-off handle!  

Okay, another one of those generation gaps--but This Corning Ware set will be loved and used!

And No, she didn't want the Corning Ware!  

Mid-Century Cookbooks

Here is the stack of Better Homes and Garden cookbooks that were in Mother's pantry.  Mother wasn't the world's greatest cook to say the least!  She tried but after my father died in 1974, she was cooking for only one.  

I found only one handwritten recipe on a separate sheet--

"Babe's Italian Spaghetti"

Hmmm, wonder who Babe is or was?

I have been thumbing through all Mother's books since I've heard tales of seniors putting

money--so far, haven't found money, but this recipe could be considered 'golden'!

Cooking From The Ages

It has been a long haul--we are cleaning up mother's house.  She is in Assisted Living facility and we know and she knows there is no way she can live alone.  There is so much "stuff" to sift through.  I stacked her cookbooks in one section of the house till I had more dedicated time to read through them.

Here was one of her books--of course, it is mid-century (don't you just love that word?!), printed in 1956--even though I lived that period of time, I don't ever remember this book.

On the first page, she printed this.........

so I turned to age 293

Have cooking habits changed since this book was printed?

I think I might try this recipe--sounds interesting.  IN fact, I might take these "mid-century" recipes and update them--that's when I start cooking again!

Let's Do a Dragon Wing Cowl!

The Knit Dragon Wing Cowl uses dropped stitches that are picked up and re-knit in bunches to create fun ridges, and simple increases to give it shape. This pattern looks more challenging than it is. The trick is to make sure you count, and to not drop the stitches until the pattern says to! This pattern was inspired by the way I draped the Dropped and Found scarf in one of the photos. 

Contemporary Handweavers of Houston Annual Sale

The note says it all!  The best of CHH members work will be on display, just waiting for you! Check out the sale info here

Once again, more than 100 will be for sale, but remember they go fast, so don't wait until the last minute. There may not be any left. This year there's a limit of 20 per customer (Not that anyone ever bought 20, but you never know.) Handwoven and assembled by many members - Hope to see you there!

Crocheters--Here's One For You!

Check out these nifty warm crocheted mittens!  Super Cool!

Designed by Busting Stitches

Happy hooking y'all!

Another SS Knit Chance

This pattern uses two colors of contrasting yarn, and is worked in a slip stitch mosaic pattern. This is a great technique to use multiple colors and is and easy way to play with color in your project. You only work with one color at a time!  I love FLG--Fingerless Gloves!  And October is a perfect time to begin working up this pattern.  I have tons of left over sock yarns--and this seems to be a good use for those.
 Want to join in?  The pattern is Apex, designed Snapper Knits--and of course, my favorite--a mystery!  The pattern is free for the month of October.  Wish I had a photo--but you know, it is a mystery!!

Math? Who Needs Math?

Math?  Many a kid will ask me why they need math--well, it use to be hard for me to give them a logical answer because when I was their age, I was asking that question too!  But, now I can give the perfect answer!
You use math in every day life--and as a fiber artist, you certainly make good  use of your math skills--just wish I had studied harder in those younger years.

What many of these individuals fail to realize is that math is an integral part of design. In fact, concepts such as patterns,symmetry, positive and negative space, arrangement, and sequence that are so important to design all have a basis in mathematics.  Fractals are repeating geometric patterns that combine to form a whole. In nature, fractals make up leaves, snowflakes, geological structures, and ice crystals. You can even slice open an orange to see the repeating shape of the fluid filled pulp. These are also fractals.

I rather like to weave using this Fibonacci technique--Let's play a quick game. Take a look at the following sequence of numbers and try to determine which number comes next. 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55...

If you guessed 89, you are absolutely correct. The pattern in these numbers is a Fibonacci sequence. Take a look at the numbers again. Each number after the sixteen is the sum of the two numbers prior to that. To begin a Fibonacci sequence, you just need to 'seed' the sequence with a starter number and then double that number to start the pattern.

 

Designers use fractals in everything from clothing design to website backgrounds. Zigzags and paisley are two examples of the ways in which fractals can make their way into design. Here is an example of fractals used for design purposes.  So, you do need MATH!  It can make lovely art pieces!

SSS--Sock!,

Slip Stitch Stripey Free Sock Pattern

Free pattern courtesy of Simple Notable 

Here’s an easy and free sock pattern I worked up for daughter in law Cindee! These fun cuff down socks use the Tweed Rib Stitch Pattern to add a lively texture. The slipped stitches create fun little dashes and dots of color. This pattern would work well to break up unwanted pooling in variegated yarns. I love the effect with self striping yarns!

Welded Quilt?

Little Miss Shabby is hosting a free tutorial for this interesting quilt--Welded is the name!  Although set on point the pattern is easy to follow and will showcase any lovely fabrics you have.

This is the third in the series.  Check out another one of the free quilt tutorials and pattern.
Birchen Quilt

Today We Celebrate--------ME!

Today is my birthday!  But, I'm not telling you how old I am--Let's just say, I'm older than The President, Younger than Edgar Allen Poe-- I was a war baby!  Oh, chuckle all you want--but I was born before WWII ended.  The story goes that my dad, who was stationed in France, named me----I think somewhere along there--maybe nine months before, he had a leave!  Anyway, I'm a war baby!

So today, I'm celebrating me, myself and I!  There will be no big fanfares in the world!  No tooting horns!  Just a quiet time--celebrating the fact I'm here!

So, in honor of my birthday--please celebrate yourself!  Take the time to think about your life!
Then if you have a moment--silently, wish me a Happy Birth-Day!

Knitting Without Needles???

Can you believe--no needles?!  Well, why not? 

Kids have knit with their fingers for years.  Why not knit with your arms or fingers using chunky yarns.  This isn't a review of the book--haven't seen it, but just a concept that might work 

in a pitch if you don't have your knitting needles handy.

Check This Out--Nick Cave's Sound Suits

Many moons ago, I was privileged to see and "hear" Nick Cave's magic exhibit!  At that time, I didn't have the foggiest idea that Nick would be the artist of the era..................Now, there is a stationery exhibit of his sound suits at the Cranbrook Art Museum.

If you have a chance to see this exciting exhibit--take it!  I'm happy I was able to see the Sound Suits; only wish I could see them up close.

Nick Cave is a prolific artist and dancer, famous for his sculptures called sound suits, which he often stages in public spectacle. The artist conceives some as fragile sculptural totems, and others as wearable performance suits designed for sound, mobility, and dance. Though influenced by a vibrant palette of African art, armor, found objects, fashion, and textile design, the origin of the sound suit is rooted in social critique. Cave first created a suit in the aftermath of the Rodney King beating in 1991, envisioning an emotional shield that protected one’s race or gender while still expressing individuality. As Cave’s artwork began to resonate with vast audiences, the artist saw the sound suits as powerful agents to capture the public imagination on a monumental scale. Cave’s artistic practice now advocates the vital importance of collective dreaming, which he actualizes through large-scale performances.

One + One = Pair!

Several weeks ago--who can remember? Not me for sure...............anyway, I had knit ONE sock from this pattern--Mally, designed by Rich (that bald guy that knits).  Yes, only one sock lingered around the house.  I kept putting back in a box but it always turned up again--it was saying, "where is my mate?"

So--it nudged me to knit the second sock!  It took some energy too!

I haven't the foggiest idea why I knit only one sock in the first place.

Knitting two at a time is the way to go.

so, here is the pair--look happy, don't they?

I will never knit only ONE sock alone again!

Ancient Stitch

Recently, I saw a knitted scarf pattern from Purl Bee that was called Ancient Stitch Scarf.  This was interesting--as supposedly, ancient stitch was called Dora-Europos, named after the Syrian town situated along the banks of Euphrates River.  This textile was the earliest known 'knitted' piece of fiber that had survived from that time period.

I love the fact that the designer took inspiration from this piece to knit a soft, comfy scarf.  Upon my further investigation, scholars think that this isn't knitting but Nålebinding.  Below is the main stitch--using only one needle instead of two.  Is it worth a try?  I don't know--I think I like the knitted version better!

National Spinning and Weaving Week

300 Authors!! Oh My!

A record 300 authors are coming to the 2015 Texas Book Festival, Oct. 17 and 18, the largest number in the 20-year history!

Nationally renowned authors include Margaret Atwood, Taye Diggs, Nick Flynn, Linda Gray, Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), Gary Hart, Luis Alberto Urrea, Margo Jefferson, Attica Locke, Marie Lu, Chuck Palahniuk, Tavi Gevinson, and Adrian Tomine.

Other headlining authors include Sandra Cisneros, Steve Inskeep, Azar Nafisi, Leonard Pitts, Jr., Mary Helen Specht, Jonathan Lethem, Lauren Groff, John Sununu, Scott Simon, and Robert Christgau. You can see the full author list here.

One of the nation’s premier literary events and longest-running book festivals in the country, the Festival continues to be free and open to the public thanks to sponsors and volunteers. In addition to the record number of authors, the Festival brings 40,000 attendees, live music, kids’ activities, food trucks, book signings and sales, and 100 exhibitors all in and around the State Capitol over two full days

Let's Be Aware!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. We have made a lot of progress but still have a long way to go and need your help!

Two From Jessica!

Two of my quilts came home from the awesome quilting machine of Jessica!  These are two that I made last year--2014.  Everyone is surprised that I dye my backing.  Yes, I'm a lazy person--rather buy 120" plain muslin (get it on sale at Jo-Ann's Fabric--I use a 50% off coupon).  Then I decide on the color I want for the back and dye with a union dye.

No seam down the middle--just solid!

This is my Row by Row BOM from Quilt Doodle Designs, who has an applique quilt blocks this year.

and my penguin quilt--everyone loves!!  These patterns are available from Fatcat Patterns for a small fee.  If you join at the beginning of her BOMs, you can pick up each month's pattern--free!  But, you must make sure you come back each month to save the pattern.

I love Sindy's patterns!

Oh Those Bonnie Hunter Gals......................................!

Finally!  I was able to meet with the Bonnie Hunter Club!  It is held twice a month at Wooden Spools.  The gals meet under the direction of Jessica, who makes sure we are on the right path with our BH patterns.  The next quilt is called "Hopscotch, Butterscotch" from Bonnie's Adventures with leaders and enders book.

We had show and tell--YES!  Always fun when you have one of BH quilts finished. 

This one is "Lazy Sunday"

So colorful!  

Jessica was given a gift--What fun!  turtle alive!

Pat had this 30's sampler to show off--she was asking if other borders needed to be added--

we all agreed--nope!  It looks perfect now.

Here's Krissy's quilt--love how she uses her colors

and how about this one?  How colorful is this?

and she found this great backing--dental paste fabric!!

She also showed this wonderful log cabin small quilt.

It was a super day for sewing with friends!

Color Fulfills The Soul.............................................

What is your art medium?  Do you work with Styrofoam, plaster or paper mache, clay, acrylic paint, wax or maybe watercolors?  Do you fashion dolls?  Make felt?  Create landscapes?

Whatever your media, everyone has the same thing in common

COLOR!

I love to collect those wonderful catalogs found in tourist areas--the ones that advertise the fancy shops in the region.  I also like the slick publicity ones that feature upcoming exhibits.

COLOR!

Work by Rebecca Brady

Work by Jenn Ashton

COLOR!

And the world opens up with this website!

Have a Colorful Day!

Texas Quilt Museum Exhibits

Texas Quilt Museum

Autumn in Ohio by Noriko Endo 
Contemporary Quilt Art from
the Marbaum Collection.
This exhibit will feature 41 studio art quilts, dating 1984-2008, from the
private collection of Hilary and Marvin Fletcher.
These quilts were acquired from entries in the Quilt National
Competition, where Hilary served as project
director from 1982-2006.
Gallery II will feature 10 quilts from Texas quilter Cynthia Collier.

Cynthia will give a free gallery talk on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m., with Museum admission free beginning at 2 p.m.

Teresa Wong will give a free lecture on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 3 PM on the history of Japanese
Quilt.  
 The lecture and PowerPoint presentation will highlight the fascinating story from her new book, Japanese Contemporary Quilters and Quilts: The Story of an American Import. Museum admission is free beginning at 2 p.m.

Forty years ago, Japanese quiltmakers were heavily influenced by American quilts and quilters. Today, there are two to three million quilters in Japan, making it the second largest concentration of quilters outside the U.S. Wong’s lecture will take visitors through this remarkable transformation and explain how it took place.

In 2014, Wong was named the first Faith P. and Charles L. Bybee Foundation Scholar by the Bybee Foundation and the Texas Museum. The honor was awarded in recognition of her research on Japanese quilts in conjunction with her Master of Liberal Studies degree at Rice University.

Spinzilla!

On your mark!  Get Ready!  Spin!  Here is your chance to jump on the spinning wheel and create that perfect yarn--During the week of October 5-11, there will be an opportunity to join in this giant spinning challenge!   Hand Spinning News is one of the sponsor.

Shetland Wool Week

Oh, to be in the Shetland Isles September 26-October 4!  You know why?  Here's why.....................Shetland Wool Week! 
Shetland Wool Week is a world renowned celebration of Britain’s most northerly native sheep, the Shetland textile industry and the rural farming community on these islands. Shetland wool is a world class natural fiber, with a long standing reputation for quality, strength and excellence from the fleece to the textile products. Shetland knitwear has a deserved respect gained from many generations of hard working knitters and crofters producing some of the finest lace and Fair Isle knitwear. There will be classes in knitting, spinning, weaving as well as lectures and tours!  What excitement!  And as an added bonus, you can receive this free knitting pattern from their website. Baa-Ble Hat - designed by Donna Smith.

And

f Britain's most northerly native sheep, the Shetland textile industry and the rural farming community on these islands.d textile industry and the rural farming community on these islands.

Texas Book Festival--Poster!

This is the official 20th Anniversary Texas Book Festival poster, which features the work of artist Fatima Ronquillo. Ronquillo is a self-taught painter whose classical imagery is inspired by literature, theater, and opera, evoking a world of serenity and charm. Her intimate works play with the style of European old masters coupled with a magical realism rooted in folk and colonial Latin American traditions. The Festival poster image, a boy with a goldfinch perched on his hand, suggests an inner world where art history meets with nostalgia and imagined storybook characters.

The Festival   . The festival is on the weekend of October 17 and 18 at the Texas State Capitol in Austin and benefits Texas public libraries.

Need A Hat--Of Course!

Okay--I'm knitting that cardigan but I need a hat--maybe, one that will coordinate!  Let's have a matching outer wear ensemble!  Woop!  Woop!  I found the perfect way to do that--through Knit Designs by Tian 

Knitting begins October 2nd!

The concept for the Design-A-Long is similar to a "choose your own adventure" where for each section of the hat, you decide. For each section of the pattern, I will send out to newsletter subscribers 2 or 3 stitch patterns and you, the knitter, get to choose which option you want to make. 
Here's how it will work:  Each Friday for 4-weeks, starting October 2nd, I will send out to subscribers-only instructions containing stitch options. 

Week 1: Cast On stitch amount for multiple sizes along with brim stitch options.
Week 2: Body of the hat
Week 3: Crown decrease options
Week 4: Finishing and Project page update.

At the end of the Designs-A-Long, you will have a completed hat, or 2, 3. Based on the number of stitch patterns, you will be able to easily make 3 different hats.