We haven't had quilting class in two weeks, but I have been desperately trying to sew up a few more quilt blocks to make my sampler the size of a couch instead of a crib. I have five blocks sewn so far. If worse comes to worst, I will add in large blocks of single colors to the sampler to make it the correct size.
I've finished my quilt blocks. I decided to adjust my project to 6 quilt blocks instead of 12 because I was behind in my sewing, and I finished up my last one a few days ago! Of course, as soon as I decided to lay them all out on the floor and photograph them, one went missing. So I've only got five to show for it. :)
Here goes:
There is a sixth and final block hiding out at The Quilt Patch in my instructor's office. Its a mononchromatic nine-patch that pairs off nicely with the teal Jacob's Ladder (photo #2).
This is the little studio that I have set up for myself. Its in a sunroom off of the kitchen, so I have excellent access to the sink and assorted cleaning implements for when I invariably make a mess. The two walls of windows make for excellent light during the day, but they also contribute a lot of drafty, cold air. So my electric radiator (seen with its On button glowing cheerfully) is a godsend - I flip it on in the morning and once I've made my coffee or grabbed my Cheerios its warmed up and ready to go!
I am already head-over-heels in love with my work table. Its got trestle legs and a fiber-board top from IKEA, and its currently raised up high to accomodate the sewing/quilting I've been doing lately. Once I finish the quilting class I think I will lower it for printing cards and making Christmas gifts. I had intended to create a tabletop out of a hollow-core door, but the newly-introduced IKEA tabletop was a mere $5 extra and came with pre-drilled holes. I was already there and I had borrowed my friend's truck, so I went with convenience.
Remember way back in the summer when I professed an urge to build a miniature fountain? Well, here it is so far:
I've cast the blocks out of a PermaStone, using molds originally intended for creating boards and terrain for role playing games. I cast each one, stained it with acrylic paint, and then sealed it up with varnish and super-strength glue.
Now I am in the process of making sure each wall remains water tight as I build it up. In hindsight, it might have been good to cast the blocks in some water-resistant resin or plastic so that I don't have to worry about water slowly eroding away the seal.
Ultimately the fountain will have four square pools of graduated depths cascading around a central planter box. I've done a bit of research on plants that will look right with the scale of the piece, but I still need to experiment with which ones will stand up to the moisture.
I've also purchased the cutest, teensiest little water pump for the task. For $11 it was a great buy - it barely makes noise and fits into my fountain without a problem.
