Machine Love

This has put a permanent smile on my face.

Thank you to my dear friends for always thinking of me when they have a vintage sewing machine to find a new home for. I am super delighted.

Happy Monday!

New Year, Better Blogger.....

The start of this new year has not been as productive as I'd hoped for. I let my brain have a vacation and spent endless days dreaming of the projects I should have been working on.

Weaving Practice. "What Are You Making?" "I have no idea. Really."

It's been over a month now since I last posted here...and to think I was trying to be a better blogger three months ago. Clearly, that didn't happen. So I will try try again. Fall off horse, run after horse, jump back on horse and hold. Something like that.
It's pretty sad that I've been falling off a proverbial horse that hasn't even been in motion.

I have been working on things, new and old. It's been a good mix of chaos. I've noticed that trend in blog-landia among other quilt artists, too many starts, not enough finishes. And I came to the conclusion the other evening, that in admitting to myself that I have a problem with finishing, I could tackle it easily, better yet I wanted to tackle it. For some reason calling it out make it less scary. I love the process and am afraid that when I finish, it's over and gone. Silly, I know.

I have been compiling my usual "New Year Goal List" which I'll share here as a reminder and a source of inspiration.

• Regular & Frequent Blogging// I need to record my progress accurately as well as make better connections in the art/quilt world.
• Revamp of Process// I clearly need to work differently, like from start to finish and not have multiple projects going at once until I master this.
• Finishing of the Unfinished// My first goal of the year is to get all 14(ish) quilt projects that have been started, finished. finally.
• Better Use of Time// The more time i have, the more i slack off. That needs to change.
• Online Store Fronts// I need to treat my online shop like a brick&mortar store. My dedication to it has slacked again. Embarrassing.
• More Book Work// Though I made quite a few mini books this last year, I'd like to flesh out some of my bigger ideas (children's book), as well as a sewing/quilting book and get it pitched to the right peeps.
• First Solo Show// I've done everything but had a real Solo show of my textile art. It's about time.
• Natural Energy Development// Better eating and more exercise. I need to take care of myself better and keep the bad mood mind away. I'm afraid this includes a running routine.
• Connection// Better my connections to the things I am inspired by and love. People, places, information.
• Self Love// I need to give more of myself to myself than to others.
• Travel & Adventure// I need to see new things. Freshen up my perspectives. 
• Inspire// Nothing motivates me more than to be able to see my creativity inspire others to follow their passions.

Okay, really, this list could go on and on. But this morning, these are the points in my mind. Things I meant to share and never got around to it.

I acquired tons of new fabrics over the winter vacation, going on a chance trip to my nearest fabric mecca M & L Fabrics in Anaheim. Plus I received a Joann's gift card for Xmas from Mum and was able to score cotton batting at 50% off.

While out doing last minute Xmas shopping at a local thrift store, I came across this most awesome "Battle Star Galactica" vintage bed sheet. As soon as I saw it wadded up in a bin under a table, I knew I wanted to turn it into my first whole cloth quilt. To make it even better, when I pulled it out, it was saturated with a stomach turning stale urine aroma that took seven washes (4 being vinegar) to remove. Quite the adventure. Leave it to me to have to buy something covered in urine. But totally worth it.

I've also been slacking on my submission to The 2012 Sketchbook Project. Which must be mailed before the end of this month! Eek!

Making good progress on it though and happy to be using it as an experimental zone.

Spent a moment working on this piece as well. "Dangerous Things in Pastels" Thinking about making a series of them, snakes and guns. It warms my heart.

And I leave you today with this next image, what I wake up to, glorious sun rays highlighting the work table in the studio. And yes,  the "Worldly" quilt that I pieced about seven years ago is finally being quilted and will probably be my first 2012 finish. Fingers crossed.

Cheers to a beautiful day!
-M.

Rabbits Run First

This little vacation proved to be quite enlightening. I happily made and finished! a new table runner while simultaneously making  a pumpkin cheesecake before Thanksgiving "dinner". A quiet holiday. But after the weekend I've had, i'm more than ready to go run round the mini's again, back to work tomorrow!

I could ramble on about other random adventures during the last week, but speaking of work, I also managed to list some new plush in the shop...check it out! I'm finding a good rhythm now that the weather has changed. I need to not loose it. 

Enjoy!
xX Mammalia Chu-p-zie

Bloomin'

It's been raining.....glorious for staying at home and working on new things for the Etsy shop....So...keep your eyes peeled this week. Once i start, i know it'll be hard to stop. The Holiday tingle is getting to me for sure.

And yes, i was working late at night, in a bathrobe, wearing silly teeth to help me concentrate.....

Summer Dwindles

Yes i know, a horribly lit photo. But its only a sneak peek. Its the sketch of my newest quilt, "Flamingo Me" and going to be my very first quilt contest entry, therefore, i do not want to show it till it's ready. I spent three days working on the sketch, and right now it's   3ft x 3ft square. I'm sure i'll need to add a bit more as a boarder to have it meet the contest size criteria, but it looks absolutely fabulous. 

I also have a new studio resident, Beast. Caught in the outdoor studio of Roach, he was one of two i kept. The other, aptly named "Beauty" died on the second day.

Jon had a regular widow infestation going on, six plus Brown Widows, and two fat Black Widows. Plus more hiding along the edges of their front walkway planter. Fun times!

I had a little Zine day, which though i extended the invite to 'friends', only three were in attendance. No matter, i was determined to make a new zine, and that i did, actually one and a half. To be noted, Roach made his first zine, a "Praise Bob" tribute zine of course.

I chose to illustrate a lovely poem by Christina Rossetti in 1857 entitled "A Nightmare". **Warning** Mature content follows...view at your own risk.

And the other evening, i spent a lovely time taking photos of different vintage 'Horizon' books at the Grind. Here's a taste of the inspiration i gathered. How i'd love to live here. This is the castle of my mind.

off to work on something and focus on my goals.

-manda

Life Exhaust

I've been staring at fence lines lately. And architectural pattern. And thinking. Tomorrow i have an incredible amount of block making to do, six in fact.
Among other errands. I need to get up at a decent hour. I have a feeling i won't be able to sleep anytime soon. But i do know that my body aches enough not to move.
So perhaps some book work to be done tonight. Time to relax. Today was the Riverside Art Bazaar, and though i had a good turn out for artist vendors, we were lacking customers. Decent day, but not all that profitable.

Double Rainbow

Double Rainbow
Originally uploaded by amandamillar
reasons i love staying home