Sunday, February 26, 2012

Between Seasons


We are between seasons. One day it is sunny, warm and clear. You can feel and hear things growing; stretching to a new cycle of life. Then the next day it is cold, snowy, and dark. You can feel the disappointment as tender shoots and little buds tuck up tight - waiting. This between stage is showing in my work. Some pieces dark - come cuddle at the hearth, let's tuck up tight. And then some pieces are bright and warm; stretching to that new cycle.

WARM AND BRIGHT ON THE WALL


I decided to go with the white for my setting in the 'Cherry' piece. It's crisp, clean, and gives a pop -- maybe it is that returning little bit of winter that made me pick the white. I don't know if I will border now or just finish with a tonal red binding. I think I want to hand quilt the star in white and the settings in red.


Gosh, that box was calling me. The jelly roll I had won for January's 'Let Me See Your Jelly Roll' challenge - Sandy Gervais' 'Fresh Squeezed. It had been cut into 5" lengths by Megan (?) so I paired them with some white for 2-rails. I had seen so many zig-zag quilts and so wanted to make one - that ever growing 'want to make' list. You have one of those don't you??? That hint of stretching into Spring, yet the white snow has yet to let go. I can see lots of possibilities with colorful large hand stitches. But this will sit for my March jelly roll challenge piece as my February is already done. We had a few days of Winter thrown at us, and tomorrow should be some Spring and I can get that one outside for some photos for the challenge post.


A peek at my Tangerine Tango Challenge piece. I get inspired at the strangest times. I am an insomniac and find my 'high point' is 2-4 am. The other night it was gusting so badly, I was afraid the roof and/or windows were going to fly. Thus, the Tango was born in all that furry and frenzy. I have just a little more hand quilting to finish up and the binding is waiting. It will be done by the March 2nd deadline - and I didn't even intend to enter this one. Funny where inspiration leads us.

**I will be linking up with Judy's on the wall at Patch Work Times**

**I added a new button for Hands2Help 2012 - click on it to take you to Sarah and all the information is there**

CLOSING THOUGHT

'The moon hangs full in the sky white and ripe
as if to nod off or fall, full of light.
In the garden at the time between seasons
only the moon fruits among silver stalks that have wintered over.
In light, white enough to be snow but no longer snow,
the conscience of the garden wakes.'
- Barbara Van Noord

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

19 comments:

Lesley said...

I must start sewing at two in the morning 'cause it sure works for you! Your blocks and quilts are amazing. In between seasons is a good thing...you are indeed an inspiration. Love the tangerine fabrics. Your picture of the road in two seasons is so neat...very thought provoking. Thanks for starting my day with motivation!

Anonymous said...

wow Sharon some lovely quilts there,well done,you star.xx

Sue Daurio said...

Love your made in cherry. Did you use smaller size squares, I thought originally you were going to. If yes, what size did it turn out to be? It looks great. The zig zag is so pretty!! I love making those. Thanks for the link on Hands2Help, I'm behind in surfing through blogland.

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

We are experiencing the same weather roller coaster here except without the snow.
Love your Tangerine Tango Challenge piece! Gorgeous!! It reminds me of a creamsicle :)

Tamera said...

Love them all! But, especially the Tangerine quilt. Orange is my favorite color.

Kim said...

Nice zigzag :0)
I made a nice long skinny one then cut it up!
Oh yes so many quilts and only so much time....:0)

Happy Sewing

krisgray said...

All 3 of your projects are lovely, Sharon, just lovely!

Pattilou said...

Your Tangerine Tango is just lovely as all the things you've posted today. Wind--I could do without it, but I guess it brings the changes in the weather we look forward to in spring!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

I'm going to have to agree with Lesley.....I need to be sewing at 2am! Beautiful quilting! I like that photo of the road, I think everyone has been having weather like that!

tink's mom said...

Wow, you have been a very busy gal. I love the Cherry and I didn't know that the ziq zag was that easy a quilt to do. Seeing it in pieces makes such a difference. I will need to actually do that. you are a great role model. Take care. Selina

One Minnesota Quilter said...

Your quilts are so bright, crisp and cheery! Such an inspiration....to get so much done. :)

Judy

Quilter Kathy said...

Great idea to use "non sleeping" time for quilting!

Snoodles said...

All of your projects are wonderful...I agree with Linda (Stray Stitches) that your Tangerine quilt reminds me of a creamsicle. In fact, I'm collecting orange and tangerine fabrics for a quilt that is designed in my head - two color quilt in sampler blocks...every block a different pattern. I think the orange and whites will really look nice.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Sharon I love your Cherry pieced star - just gorgeous. And that tangerine one is amazing...love the brightness of it. We're between seasons here too and because I'm having to get out every day trying to figure out what to wear every day is a pain. It's very chilly in the morning but by after lunch what I wore in the morning is way too warm! blessings, marlene

Michele said...

I love all that you are working on. I wish I had the energy that you do but 2 little ones usually have me snoozing at 2 in the morning, or at least I hope to be snoozing and not tending to a kidlet who has again fallen out of her big girl bed.

Miss Hillbilly said...

Oh man all these warm, spring colors. I need to go warm and spring with something very soon. These are just so inviting.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Oh my gosh! That Cherry piece is sooooooooooo fabulous!

Char said...

Love what you've been working on, lots of wonderful colors. I too want to make a zig zag "someday"!

Deb said...

I love your Made in Cherry quilt. I have never been a fan of orange but Tangerine Tango, I am really starting to like all the orange combos I am seeing lately.