Sketchbook Saturday #2

I've been working on changing things up a bit on this blog if you've noticed.....less sidebar distractions, minimalist approach. I still need to design a more alluring header, perhaps spice up my boring ass "About" page. A few things here and there. I still am not 100% pleased with my photos (you would think IPad photos would be crisp?! Is it only my computer?)
Most importantly, I must keep at it. No matter how lazy, tired, and pregnant I feel, I have to bring myself to the present, and do something, even a little something each day.
You'll never get anywhere if you don't put yourself out there. Even though I feel like my actual goals are shifting perspectives, I know that fundamentally I will get out only when I put in. More work will equal better work.
I've missed a couple Saturdays already, so lets play catch up today with the sketchbooks!

Sketchbook Saturday #1

Oh Hello!!
starting a little series here sharing my
sketchbook entries as a nice peek into the process!

Finish #2 Colorful Bunting FAL 2014/Q1

Ta-Da!
In the midst of my frustration over the FMQ foot dilemma, I finished the Colorful Bunting in a flash. And better yet, I mailed it to my sister for her (belated) birthday gift package! I'm so happy to check off another project from the list, only 18 more to go!
Speaking of my Q1 list and that FMQ foot.....I FINALLY found a solution and was able to make progress on projects that have been patiently waiting in a pile for free-motion quilting....
Here's some stipple quilting on another Q1 item (studio sign), almost done as well!

The solution...plumbers tape! I know I tried it before, wrapping it on the screw. But it turns out it works much better if I cram it in the hole and tighten the screw into it. I also put a bit of clear polish on the screw that's semi-stripped. All in all, I can now attach and tighten my free motion foot! (YAY!!!)
It may not look pretty, but it's working. And I can continue sewing....phew!

In other news, I'm almost done with super secret baby/mama gifts! Here's a peek at the table from last week and a custom made pattern. (It turned out sooooo cute, can't wait to share it!!)

And a nice little doodle I did and have been thinkin' about making into a quilt..."Bird Vision" is a tentative working title...

Happy sewing!

First Finish of the Year, a Month Behind

I made a trip to the post office today. And a whole day early! I mailed off my entry to the 2012 Sketchbook Project.

I'll share a few pages here, the rest can be viewed here until the super nice digital scanned versions hows up.

Though I would like to rest and celebrate my first successful finish of the New Year, I must get back to more finishing. Art Walk is this Thursday night and I've been away such a long time. There is such great news in store as well. The wheels have been hard at work turning in the right direction. I'll share when this event is more finalized. 

For now, back to work I go.

-Mammalita

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.

Sketch Book 1

 

  

  

  

More Later....