Every time I walk outside, I am amazed all over again how beautiful it is here. And it’s not because my memory is gone, either! When California and the southwest are in a drought, here it is green and lush and the Cascades are full of snow. I heard today that all of the ski area are going to be opening again! There just might be skiing until summer.
As much as I love seeing the mountains white again, I have to realize that it’s not quite normal, and I wonder if things ever will be again. Yes, and George Bush is still waiting for the science to come in on global warming. What a crock! The guy is an idiot. You know, a hundred years ago, someone with eyes that close together would in all probability be locked up. Back then they thought it was a sign of a psychopathic personality. Or maybe it was a sociopathic… Wow! They may have been right!
Some more of the patterns I ordered at Quilt Market in Portland came in today at the shop where I teach. I will be making several… one for a shop sample, and one for ME!! Of course this is another Sue Spargo pattern. I really like her designs. Lots of wool applique and antique/vintage-looking fabrics.
I also really like the fact that she uses BUTTONS on this tote.
It is made primarily of upholstery fabrics. My friend Peggy was given many discontinued samples from one of the local furniture stores, so I’m going to hit her up for a few. With most of the samples we made tote bags for the ladies that come into the local womens’ shelter to escape spousal abuse . That way they at least have something to carry the few items that they managed to escape with. Often they had to use garbage bags. 
6 responses so far ↓
Magik Quilter // June 12, 2008 at 11:45 am
Wow that is a really good use of samples and tote bags. Do you by any chance ahve a flickr account as I would love to show some of those photos on my flickr group…patchwork and sewing with upholstery fabrics. I would like to use it as a resource for things like this. are you happy to be featured anyway with a link to your blog entry here? We have such a l ot of kind people sewing and a lot of people who sew for businesses who I imagine would occasionally donate a finished tote bag.
You sound like an interesting, sassy woman and are going on my feed reader and blogroll!!! Let me know if you don’t want that though…easy to change it!!
ClamWoman // July 6, 2008 at 6:02 am
How interesting that this blog is associated with the categories of buttons, sewing andwool applique. Hmmm…
I think the previous category had your quilt “Joya de la Selva”: beautiful … are names used in blogs? I was about to say, “beautiful, M….”; I need lessons in blog etiquette.
ClamWoman // July 6, 2008 at 6:03 am
MY COMMENT IS AWAITING MODERATION??!!!??!??
ClamWoman // July 6, 2008 at 6:35 am
I guess you don’t have one of those functions for reporting “inappropriate” [gag] entries; you know, like hate blogs and stuff. Hee, hee, hee.
However, while knowing your contempt for all things California, and the ill will toward Aptos, (clearing-of-throat sound) living rather ‘near’ the “Loud House” (which, in my opinion is the abode of two tribes: the Religious Zealot Tribe, AND the “More, More, More, Conspicuous Consumption Tribe”) in defense of both California and, what I prefer to call Seacliff, the air is soft, the waves keep me company at night, and looking out my window I see a huge holly tree that came from my mother’s sister’s husband’s family holly farm in Washington (there are actually two of them — trees, that is), an enormous maple tree planted by my best friend from the seventh grade, and currently we are being blessed with cool blue days and my precious, quiet, damp air at night. That said: you know exactly how I feel about The Loud House.
Jan // September 16, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Since I live in Aptos/Rio Del Mar, in a house my grandmother named the Clamshell when she and my grandfather built it in 1953, I have to beg exceptions to ‘all things California’ and blanket ‘ill will toward Aptos’!
Clamwoman, do we know each other and why didn’t I come up with your great online moniker??
Marina // September 17, 2008 at 1:21 am
Oh my. Here I am commenting on my own blog!
Jan, I NEVER have said anything about not liking California! Valerie (Clamwoman) tried to put these words right in my mouth, but I SPIT them out! Valerie, sorry if there was any collateral saliva. But really, how could I not love a place I chose to live my entire life up to 3 years ago? And the beach? Well, my only complaint is the “sardine effect” of little beach cottages on small lots being torn down to make way for monster homes with no yards. Not too charming anymore. I think anyone who has lived in the area for any length of time feels the same way. Far from contempt, though.
Besides, all of my friends (except Steve, of course) are still there!!
Can I catch a break here??