More What Girls Want quilts, 122-125.

The next 4 What Girls Want quilts. I can't see the end yet. 118-121.

The first four What Girls Want quilts. They are about 5" x7". I'm having fun, can you tell? Numbers 113-117.

Alright, I must be out of my flippin' mind, but I am going to start a series of small quilts, featuring what women want. I have assembled all I need, including new markers, which are essential for all endeavors. And I will spend some time today writing down the dreams of girls. Then I'll begin the sewing, my favorite part, soon.

I made a purse from some painted fabric, this is number 112 for the year. It has a magnetic clasp under the red leaf.

Today I went to get a haircut. I was in the mood for a change, so I tried Vicki's Wash and Wear Haircuts, in downtown Ann Arbor. My friend, Linda Klenczar, got hers done a few weeks ago, and I admired it. So, this is my story.

My hair looks like a shrub. If it has nothing on it, you can clearly see the layers, like it has been cut around 4 different size bowls. I blew it dry before these pictures, and fluffed it. Before, front view.




















Before, left side.





















Before, right side.





















After, right side.





















Left side.





















I like it. It is short, but I think much more flattering. And I expect it will grow out well, without having to be tortured with round brushes and gel. Plus, the shop, Heavenly Metals is a wonderful candy box of delights. There are all sorts of beautiful things to use and wear. I found at least 6 things I wanted, a couple scarves, embroidered, and silk ones, some jewelry made with buttons, (that was not country style,) at least 2 felted purses with tres cool flowers and or spots. And I had husband in tow, so could not look long. I recommend going.

This is the inspiration for a new challenge. The fiberart piece must use these colors, and the subject is to be chickens. Due May 6th, I'll post.

A Mexican Marigold stool, and a Dog Dreams stool, painted today. These are mine to keep, for use in the mosaic room. Numbers 110-111.

Numbers 99-109, fused glass. I will drill holes in the large ones, and hang them in windows. Some of the small ones will go in mosaics, some will be drilled for jewelry.

A necklace, strung on braided cord, then another cord, not strung through the beads, was tied after each bead on the necklace. Number 98.

I added a flower and some buds. And I did more thread sketching. I think this is better, do you?

Number 97, Plumeria Flowers.

Number 96, tote bag for grandsons' piano lessons.

When we have most of the clearing done, we'll plant more trees. But there are tall maples you can't see here, that will give a lot of shade this summer. This house used to be surrounded by tall pine trees on all sides. But we had several years of drought, and beetle attacks, which killed most of the trees. They started falling down a few years ago. There are still about 80 trees, but none near the house.

This is what my yard would look like if we didn't cut all the fallen trees, and stack logs, and clear out brush. This picture was taken of a neighbors' property a few lots down the street.

This is another area we worked on clearing out. There were logs that we cut a few years ago, on the ground. We stacked them up last fall, and started cleaning up the branches and underbrush this week. I think I used up 6 weeks worth of muscles in 2 days.

I cut out all the brush that filled this space while I was a lumberjack. There was enough to take 5 big loads to the fire pit.

This is what I worked on in the car, another Lady of Guadalupe. She'll get a fringe of beads soon. Number 95.

Just back from laboring as a lumberjack, in the great north woods. I'll post soon.

I finished quilting this big blue flower today. The light blue strips at the bottom will be binding. number 94

These are the great people and flower quilts they made in class. It was a productive day.

I showed the Tropical Flower series at this talk.

During my lecture, I had a lot of helpers to hold up quilts.

This is the beautiful circle quilt my friend Gail made for me. I love it, it's on the corner table in my living room.

Just got home from the lecture and class for the Great Lakes Heritage Quilters. I am exhausted, back aches. But I think it went well. They are very nice people. My lovely and gracious hostess for the night was Kathy Swanteck. She showed me her studio, and it looked like home. I slept so well, knowing there were many yards of fabric nearby, in case we got snowed in. Tonight or tomorrow I'll post pictures of the quilts my class made.

I'm taking my show on the road! Thursday the Great Lakes Heritage Quilters have invited me to do a lecture and trunk show. So, I gathered up 88 quilts, and am all revved up to talk about the Habits of a Highly Productive Quilter. Wish me luck!

Today was a nice day. My son and his girlfriend came for dinner. We enjoyed the company. It was a peaceful day, with delicious food. Rick makes the best fried potatoes.

Anthurium, finished.

Two long term projects, just finished. A Horn Player, and Rick Becomes a Pirate. Numbers 92,93.

These are two glue resist paintings. I just finished stitching on them. They'll be made into pillows for grandkids.

I just grouted the Lady of Guadalupe mosaic. The grout is gray.