I have to say "Goodbye" to a dear friend of mine: Judith. I met Judith 22 years ago when she appeared at my front door wanting to rent my apartment so that she could make a new nest for the upcoming birth of her first and only chid, Alexee. It was a wonderful experience having Judith and her new born baby so close to me. We all became good friends immediately. Alexee was a precious child with a bigger than life personality and an amazing heart. She loved all people but probably animals more. Alexee grew to love horses and spent as much time as she could riding and caring for them. Judith was the quintessential mother. She had only one chance so she was over-the-top with creative ideas and fun for her daughter and her friends, both child and adult. When Alexee was 3 they moved from Southern California to San Francisco for a while and then to Florida where Judith's aging parents lived and needed her help. Seven years ago, shortly before Alexee's 16th birthday sweet little Alexee died suddenly from complications from her diabetes. Judith was lost. With no family left she turned to her friends to fill in the impossible void in her life. I have been fortunate to be one of those friends. Judith called me on my birthday last week. As usual we had a lively and joyful conversation.
A mutual friend called last night to tell me Judith had passed away. My heart is saddened and I am full of grief but I can't help but think that Judith is back with her precious angel Alexee and they are skipping and laughing together again.
I will miss you, my friend.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Judith Bellavic
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Cupcake pincushions
I have been busy making these yummy calorie free cupcakes. I have even listed them on Etsy! Take a look if you like. Click on the Etsy badge on the right column and it will take you to my little shop
Saturday, February 12, 2011
My favorite "beach" block
Who hasn't built a sandcastle at the beach on a warm summer's day and decide they would be an architect when they grew up? And then the tide would come in and wash it all away. This block is made up of 40 pieces (not counting the sand dollar in the little block UR) Most of the pieces were appliqued with the needle turn method but all of the windows and doors are reverse applique. This technique exposes the under cover fabric by cutting away and turning under the fabric on top...in this block all of the sand color fabric. It is such a little "surprise" when the fabric hiding underneath is exposed in its color and shape. This block took the longest to do. First the fabric choice to add depth and texture, then the pattern cutting, drawing the margins on the pieces and finally attaching the pieces to the empty block. Anyone for a day at the beach in February?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
2 more blocks
I'm working away on my "A day at the beach" quilt. Summer is just around the corner, right
Monday, February 7, 2011
What to do on a snowy day
Shortly after my last post it started snowing again and by morning there were 4 more inches on the ground, roof and trees. With the layering of 5 snowfalls in 6 days and freezing then a little warmer thawing temps followed by freezing it makes for very slippery walkways and roads. What you need on days like this is an indoor project
Make a pincushion:
I used a pattern for my first cupcake made with Ella the other day but it had its limitations so I tweeked the pattern to come up with an easier one to work with. The pincushion is filled with crushed walnut shells and lavender. When the pins are pushed into the cushion there is a lovely lavender scent and the walnut shells help to keep the tips of the pins sharp. I love this little pincushion and it comes in really handy with my "Day at the Beach" quilt I am making.
Great things to do on a snowy...icy day.
"cherry" on top
Two "yo-yo" pieces placed together topped with a button embellish the top before it is sewn to the side and bottom of the cupcake
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Twilight after the snow
It snowed again today...what a surprise but I just stepped outside and found these beautiful views of the trees holding on to the day's snow. These photos are of course in color but they seem black and white with the late light of the day and no foliage in sight. Enjoy!IMG_1536, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Home sick with Nana
Poor sweet Ella (7 1/2) went home sick yesterday from school and so she came here for the day while her parents worked. Of course a good grandmother would make chicken soup to help make her well and then she was very helpful while I made bread after her soup. After lunch we decided to make dessert together. By the end of the day Ella was beginning to feel much better and I think she learned just as much at Nana's house than she would have at school.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Think summer!
OK yesterday I woke up with a frozen pipe in my kitchen water supply and after "teasing the pipe to thaw instead of bursting I went to drive across town to pick up Ella from school and the car wouldn't start. It took 4 hours for AAA to come to my rescue and I can't thank my friends Harvey and Marjorie for coaching me through a frozen water pipe. But after the day was done I had the joy of working on my latest quilt.
There are very few in this country wearing a bikini this week but for those who are in warm weather.........GOOD FOR YOU! I am so jealous!
Think summer!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A day at the beach, quilt
On such a cold day (-25 below here in Denver) who wouldn't love to be on the beach with an ice cold Margarita and a little Jimmy Buffet music? Here are two more blocks of my quilt in progress. I have been hand appliqueing these summery images in between trips to the detached garage to haul in wood for the fire. The beach or below zero temps in the winter? Which would you choose?
