works of heart

Cherri stitching a quilt binding in her studio.

I was supposed to be somewhere else last week, but a change of plans found me at one of the quilting bees for Quilts for Quake Survivors at Cherri's "Sew On" studio in North Portland. It was a real pleasure meeting Cherri, and other members of the Portland Modern Quilt Guild; including Susan and Daniela who are leading this effort.

Rachel, wearing red, at the helm of the quilting machine, worked her magic on several quilts.

Paula brought her photography equipment to record the quilts...this one is mine.

A yummy quilt being photographed. Some of the quilts will be sold on etsy for Mercy Corps, and others will go directly to Japan.

Monica took a few shots of her blocks up on the design board. I've been following Monica's awesome (and funny!) blog for some time so it was a nice surprise to meet her in person at the quilting bee.

It was a productive couple of days at Cherri's studio, and a very good time.

for the eyes...and taste buds

It's always satisfying to come away from a class with something you'll enjoy for some time to come. Such is the case with this "wood collage totem" I created in Karen Michel's workshop at Artfest this year. It was fun to put all these bits and pieces together...some from my stash and others from friends. Karen is a wonderful artist and teacher...I'd highly recommend that you check out her work, and take a class, if you have the chance.

And something tasty...Smoked Salmon Spread

1 8-oz. pkg. Philly cream cheese, softened
4-6 oz. smoked salmon (not lox)
2 Tablespoons Best Foods mayo
juice of half a lemon
1-1/2 teaspoons dried dill or 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons worchestershire sauce
Tabasco sauce, a few dashes, or more to taste
3-4 green onions, chopped

Put all in food processor and pulse til smooth. Garnish as desired with chopped green onions and lemon slice. Store in fridge a while to develop flavor. Yum!

signs of spring

One of the things we enjoyed most during the stay in our house at Artfest was the presence of these beautiful tulips on the kitchen table, provided by Tory and artfully arranged here by Dayna. Love, love all the color inspiration...

This is what was outside my own kitchen when returning home. There's nothing that looks more promising in the yard than the beginnings of lilacs.

I'll have things from Artfest to share soon...

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them"

--Henri Matisse

Courthouse Steps

That's the name for this variation of a log cabin quilt pattern.. although it might be one crazy and colorful courthouse! It looks right at home flung over the mossy backyard fence. I just finished piecing the top and it will soon be quilted for the Quilts for Quake Survivors benefit auction.

Next week, I'll be traveling to Port Townsend, Washington for Artfest! Can't wait to be with friends and learn some new art tricks in my classes there. See you when I get back...