Monday, September 8, 2014

Beachy strip pieced curves

Today went a little differently than I'd planned. Monday is usually my day to get a bit of house cleaning done so I can forget about it for the week.  For the last while I've been having trouble with my eyes-- burning, stinging, tearing and blurriness. It increased over the weekend until last night when nothing relieved them and I could barely keep them open. It meant I needed to get up early (6:30) to drive my husband to work and then go to the clinic. I was afraid I might have pink eye and was relieved to find out it was an inflammation that required an ointment. Now, I remember having this before.
With my running around done by lunch time, it gave me at least a bit of time in the studio this afternoon. I had already decided after my last curved strip piecing session that I wanted to redo it to make the strips narrower. In my next session, I'll lay in a ruler or pencil so you can get the idea of size. In places, some of the strips narrow to less than 1/4".


One hint when trying to sew narrow strips is to iron away from where your adding the strips, preventing  the seams from getting caught up in the new seam.
If you look in my tabs at the top of my blog there is a tutorial there on how to cut pieces for curved seams.
also, I am inspired by this book, Journey to Inspired Art Quilting by Jean Wells.
Here is a closer detail:
 The bottom strip is wider than it will be finished, as I will trim it. I'm happier now and that's what it's all about isn't it?
I mentioned being out kayaking on Friday evening past and again yesterday. We went out Friday night near sunset in the lagoon near the Beresford Beach.
Awe inspiring moments like this instil a sense of peace and wonder and stay with me in ensuing times, giving me lovely memories to think about all through winter and when I need calm.
On Sunday we traveled about 45 minutes up to the Nepisiquit River, a truly awe inspiring place.
How could one not slow one's breath and relax in such a place?
We stopped for a bit to sun on the rocks, have a swim and a snack before heading back.

Over eons, the river has wound its way, carving out quite a ravine. There are some little waterfalls that you can hear before you spy them.
Heading back, the wind had calmed
and we had the current flowing with us.
After spending the summer unable to walk or bike on my beloved trails, this was pure freedom for me.

 We made it back around 6:30. While loading up the kayaks, there was a quick sun shower followed by a beautiful double rainbow.
These are but a few of the things we are blessed with in this part of the world. I so enjoy reading about the outdoor adventures of bloggers around the world and thought some might enjoy this glimpse into our world.



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4 comments:

Watercolour and Textile Artist, Eileen Gidman said...

You give a true look into an artist's life. Things we do and see in our life influence our artwork. Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your world.

Mystic Quilter said...

What a lovely time you obviously had, I do envy you the lovely peaceful stretch of river there, the sunset is spectacular.
You mention the book by Jean Wells, I too have that one and find it very informative and inspiring.

Jo Vandermey said...

So glad your eye problem was able to be fixed with ointment. It is scary to have something go wrong with your eyes.
We kayak as well. It is nice to see the beautiful byways you travel.
Skinny piecing can be fun and freeing. Or frustrating.
Thanks for sharing
Jo

Mereknits said...

What a gorgeous place to spend time on the water, that double rainbow is so beautiful.
Hugs to you,
Meredith