Wednesday, January 04, 2006


Very, very long ago, in my little corner of WI, and I'm speaking of a village of about 700, I was the best, or nearly, hand quilter in town. This isn't bragging, it's to explain why I was silly enough to accept the task of teaching vo-ag classes. Which is WI-nees for "adult education". So if you are going to teach hand quilting, you have to have something to show them, and preferably something with contrast. They began with hoops, muslin sandwiches and red thread. Black was a bit too scary for the first time around..LOL. I made up this simple "piece" to show them what is possible. There is little rhyme or reason for the combination. The only part that is free hand drawn(for Tonya's eyes *G*) is the cable, of all things. For me, this was very nearly pre-stencil. I used and still use a leather thimble and like a size 12 between, but settle for a 10 these days. On a seperate note, I offer sort of an explaination about my posting these old pics from the 80's and 90's...I'm not out of "newer" things to show you. I am, however, a very grumpy ole bear, as I try to figure out and muddle through the new (wonderful) prescription drug feature us senior got(dubious gift) on 01/01/06. Muddles tend to make me grumpy, and when I'm grumpy, I'm not happy or creative...so NOTHING new or fun is happening here. I don't like it when I can't or don't play. Hurrrrumphs from a silly-nilly grumpy ole bear, Finn Posted by Picasa

10 comments:

quiltpixie said...

I'm sorry to hear you're a "grumpy old bear" today. Hopefully you'll fully arose from hibernation well rested and full of creative energy!

The quilting example is beautiful.

dot said...

Once again you have amazed me with your talent. I love looking at what you are doing and have done. I often think we are missing out on so much with the new machines, but I don't have the patience to hand quilt. I want to get done and move one. Have a wonderful day.

Patty said...

What wonderful work ! I am inspired by your work and wish you were teaching a class in my neck of the woods. Right now I am lookng for a quilting frame, as I have only used a hoop but wonder if using a frame is better.

Hunter said...

Well, Dear Finn, you are the nicest "grumpy old bear" I've ever had the pleasure to meet.

And you know since all I do is hand quilting how inspired I am.

Wow, wow, and wow again.

I'm back to practice today on the yellow borders of Lucky Cat.

(And you have ever reason to be grumpy. That prescription plan is one of the most convoluted piece of crud.)

Hugs.
Darilyn

Quilts And Pieces said...

What a fun sampler though of quilting! I like that idea! Hope you get out of the grumpies soon!

Joanne said...

Nice work, Finn. You make me want to get out my handquilting and get at it!
As for the wonderful new prescription stuff -- what were they thinking? I know it isn't an improvement in the least and I thank God DH's company insurance company wrote and said "don't bother -- our drug coverage is better."! Hope you can get through the muddle soon.

Peggy said...

I have an antique quilting frame... wanna come teach me how to quilt??? *VBG* We all are grumpy bears at some point and I think you are the friendliest grumpy bear I know

Laurie said...

Finn,
WOW...that hand quilting is stunning!! I don't have the desire to hand quilt, but admire those who do!
Hugs you "grumpy old bear"!
Laurie

Tonya Ricucci said...

I recently watched a friend draw her cables without any stencils -said they came out much better that way. And they looked great, just like yours do. Thanks for a look at your strippy quilting sampler.
Hope your grumpy bearness goes into hibernation soon.

The Calico Cat said...

It is nice to visit with the past anyway....