A Colorful Thread: January 2020
Weaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life.
On My Mind
Experimenting:: with half rectangle triangle blocks.
Last time I sewed these in 2016, I made them the “hard” way in sets of two. The process is like half square triangle blocks, but not nearly as straightforward. It’s nice to know it can be done that way, but I don’t know that I want to do it again. So fiddly!
This time, I’m paper piecing.
Reading:: Quilt Modern Curves and Bold Stripes by Heather Black and Daisy Aschehoug. Yes, I’m actually reading this one, finding it very interesting to learn how Heather and Daisy prefer to sew precise curves. This book is high on the precise element!
Daisy is a friend and fellow expat, who moved with her family to Norway a few years ago. I’m so tempted by a few quilts in her book. The style is amazing. I think I’ll be making one when my schedule frees up a bit this spring!
Following:: artist Hülya Özdemir @HuliaOzdemir. You may have noticed her artwork in my latest mosaic contest. Her use of whimsical use of color and pattern is perfectly delightful.
Here is her Instagram 2019 Top Nine. So inspiring!
Anticipating:: attending my first Dutch language class tonight. How long has it been since I’ve been a student with a shiny new textbook and everything? I’m excited and also a little nervous. Hoping I can keep up!
I can hardly believe that a year ago we were washing windows and shining the corners of our house in South Carolina, in preparation for putting it on the market. Gosh, we really have come so far! So much can change in a year. Isn’t that something to consider? I find change invigorating.
Somehow this weekend we had three social events: a playdate for Elora, tea with a new family I met through speech therapy (the husband is British and he and Brandon have things in common - yay!) and a board game evening at our Dutch friends’ house. Such full days! Not complaining though. We feel very fortunate to have made ties in the community so quickly. Really, it’s been easier than I expected. I think it’s partially the magic of being new to an area - people realize you’re open to making friends and thus are more likely to reach out - and maybe a bit of luck. Here’s to a year ahead of building friendships - you and I both.
xo,
Rachel
