Improv Quilting

At our guild meeting last week, we learned about Improv Quilting. Well, maybe "learned" is the wrong word. It seems like a bit of an oximoron to "learn" about something that is supposed to be done in an off-handed way.

Anyway, we talked about Improv Quilting and then got to play with scraps on design boards. It as really fun seeing how other quilters arranged their scraps. Our group had the bag of pink scraps and we all got to take some home with us. (Thanks Terri!)

Here's what I did with mine:

For anyone who knows me, you know that I don't do random. Improv is a little difficult for me. And I will admit that this block wasn't completely off the cuff. There was a little thinking involved.

I've also started working on a crazy quilt. Again, I just can't let it all be random, so I decided I'd work primarily with my pink scraps to create my blocks.

Crazy Quilt block 1




Crazy Quilt block 2

At first I didn't like these blocks at all, but I think I'm warming up to them. I'm going to make at least 6 blocks to see how I feel about this kind of quilt making before I throw in the towel.

My budding scientist

It's Science Fair time around here. We've been busy assembling, testing, and recording results.

Since Nathan has shown some interest in environmental issues, I suggested we find a project that dealt with recycling or alternative power. He wanted to try something with solar power.

So, we gathered supplies and started building.

Assembling the foil lined cardboard boxes to make......

a solar oven!

Nathan had some great ideas for his display board.
(Check out that hand crafted sun in the middle!)

We live in sunny California, but March is not the best time to attempt cookie baking in a solar oven. It did get pretty warm (175* F), but not hot enough to bake our cookies.

And even though the cookies didn't bake....

my little scientist won the Sweepstakes Trophy!

He was very excited about his success and we couldn't be more proud of him.

Decisions, Decisions...

Last week, Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts chose me as the winner of Amy Ellis' new book Modern Basics. I am so excited to have a copy of this book! As soon as I got it out of the mailbox, it was straight into my sewing room to see what fabrics I could find to play with.

These green and purple fabrics are from Joann's. They're part of their Quilter's Showcase collection.

And those are the plants I picked up this morning to plant in my garden. Oh, and my cute new PINK gloves.

So here's where the decision comes in.......sewing or gardening? fabric or plants?

Science in the making

Yep, it's that time of year again.....Science Fair! As a third grader, this will be the first year for Nathan to be graded on his project. We had a fun family evening of building, along with a few frustrating days of testing. The Science Fair itself takes place next week, so I'll post more details and the final results later. Wish us luck!

An empty spot

That's the spot where my Bernina usually resides. I've finally taken it in for a service. The squeaky Walking Foot was driving me batty. I won't get it back 'til sometime Thursday. Of course, as soon as I dropped it off, I had a ton of ideas for projects that I want to start on right now! I guess this would be a good opportunity to continue my Spring Cleaning.

Note the cute puppy in the corner and the well organized scrap bins under the desk! (Thanks for the idea Terri!)