Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Floating Leaves

Botanically Correct You've expressed an interest in learning more about the technique used to create the "Floating Leaves" quilts. I was at a disadvantage because I was not present at the bee meeting where members created these quilts. But a little research was all it took.

Though I don't think she invented the technique, Colleen Wise uses it in her book Casting Shadows to create optical illusions with fabric, freezer paper, and chlorine bleach.

Here's a link to instructions that tell exactly how to do this technique. I'm going to try it myself. If you decide to do the same, I'd love to see the results.

This is a housecleaning day, although I'm getting a late start. I woke up in the middle of the night last night and couldn't go back to sleep. I read for a couple of hours, finally went back to sleep, and slept late. I'm still having a hard time getting my engine started. One more cup of coffee maybe, and I'll get going.

I did actually start on straightening up my bedroom last night. A small step, but a step nonetheless. Vann read a lot during the last year. His favorite authors were W.E.B. Griffith and Clive Cussler. I've never read a book by either, and really have no interest in their books. A dozen or so Cussler and Griffith paperbacks were stacked on the chest of drawers, so I packed them up and Andy, Sophie, and I took them over to Paul's last night during Happy Hour. Paul, who likes the same writers, had expressed an interest in having those books. Vann had written his name on the fly leaf of each book; I know it pleases him that his friend, with whom he shared so many interests, got these books.

OK, now I'm going to get serious about the bedroom cleaning. When it's done, my entire main floor (with the exception of drawers and closets) will be clean and straightened, something that hasn't happened in several months. I'm looking forward to the peace and calm I'm going to feel.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 10/06/2009, Marie said ...

It certainlyis peaceful and calming to have a neat, clean & tidy home. Everything in it's place is a wonderful feeling.
I hope you don't over-do BUT I also hope you get it all done so you can relax in that peace & calm.


On 10/06/2009, Marilyn said ...

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog.
Been following for quite a while and wanted you
to know how much love comes through your writing.
What an inspiration you and Vann were to all
who knew you, either in life or through your blog.
Have a blessed day doing your cleaning, be sure
to rest also.


On 10/06/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...

The quilt is just amazing! I have never quilted but this would be my choice and it would be a beautiful hanging quilt!

You will feel so good when you get your house in order the way you want it. Enjoy your day! I'm trying to do some extra cleaning today, too!


On 10/06/2009, molly said ...

I hate hate hate cleaning the bedroom!!! Eight of the things on my todo list are in my bedroom. UGH!! Funny I started on it last night too. Tallulah sometimes uses odd places for her litterbox(including my pillow occasionally) so I had that to deal with.

Happy Cleaning!!!


On 10/06/2009, Joyce said ...

Your efforts to get your house cleaned and orderly in the midst of all that you have been dealing with put me to shame, so today I cleaned out my closet. That is the equivalent to cleaning an entire room or 2 or 3.


On 10/06/2009, Rian said ...

I think this shadow technique would lend itself well to my style of applique. I'm going to try it next time (whenever that is) and will report back. Thanks for sharing.

I too would need to clean stuff. It is cathartic somehow. And I can't stand clutter, which now that I mention it, is getting the upper hand around here. And dust drives me to distraction. Not that I do anything about it, mind you...


On 10/06/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

Sorry TypePad is causing problems. Except for that one time weeks ago when my post wouldn't be accepted, I've had no trouble.

Thanks for looking up that shadowing technique for us! I'll bookmark those instructions.

More applause for you perseverance in cleaning your home. Good for you! It was kind for you to send some of Vann's books to his friend who will enjoy both the books and the link to Vann.

Be good to you! Is it tea time?

Hugs!!


On 10/06/2009, Nicole said ...

I love the peace and order you are restoring to your life.


On 10/06/2009, Donna said ...

Thank you for the link to the Floating Leaves quilt. I will let you know if I give it a try.
Amber also loved to read. We have a "library" of her books. I have read many of them and intend to read all of them. They are Christian fiction I enjoy reading too. The book she had began reading is still bookmarked and laying on her table :(
You keep posting about cleaning and maybe it will get me motivated to clean my house!


On 10/07/2009, Kai said ...

You are such a sweetheart to post that link for everyone. Typical Susan! Always, always generous! I LOVE you! And I think the cleaning you're doing is excellent therapy - symbolic of getting your life-routine re-established. Coffee? Did you say COFFEE? Got enough for me to join you? I've been editing a HIDEOUS job for nearly 36 straight hours & am exhausted. It's due next Tuesday & I don't see a great deal of rest in my near future. Maybe you will drink an extra cup for me? Big hugs to you! AND to sweet Sophie!


On 10/07/2009, Mollye Self said ...

Hi Susan, It's been awhile since I last visited and am glad to see you doing so well. There is just something magical that happens when we clean out drawers and closets isn't there. Like a dredging of our souls. It truly leaves you with a feeling of calm and order that feels liberating! You go girl.............plus what treasures we sometimes unearth in those cleaning sessions!
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