Crisis in Orange

Here we are, Christmas is almost here. Everything should be red and green and sparkly.  So what's the problem?

You know I love the color orange.  It used to be my least loved color, but today it has become part of my repertoire. When I look back at my childhood, how could I have left that orange crayon in the box unused? Below, you will find an anatomically correct, Oreo, walking under some giant coneflowers on a warm background. Actually this was made of leftovers, but it is a really successful quilt.

Under the Giant Coneflowers, (c) quilt by Ann Fahl

Years back, before "Under" was created, the members of the quilt/art list helped me extend my selection of orange fabrics by sending me orange squares to create this colorful piece. I was hoping for 100 squares, but I actually received more than 300.  Wow, That's Orange is one of my top 10 favorite quilts in my career. There is more of the story on my website.

Wow that's Orange, (c) quilt by Ann Fahl

So what's the problem?  I'm wearing an orange top and jacket today; and I needed to wear my only pair of orange socks; my friend Sally gave them to me a few years ago. When I put them on, I realized there were holes in each heel, but I wore them anyhow! It's about time for these socks to go, sooooo sad, because I love them.  I guess I know what I'll put on my list for Santa!

Ann's favorite orange socks

 It is a sad day, but I will recover!

Merry Orange Holidays to everyone.
Ann Fahl

Ann Becomes Ancient History!

My Great Grandfather, Pascal Kenyon Shaw  1854-1928

This is a day that I never thought would arrive, and it has.  I feel that I must mark this day with a more personal message to you, my readers.  I remember when I was a little girl asking my father, in what year I would be 50 years old.  Fifty was an age that was beyond anything I could possibly comprehend.  I also remember when I was 24 and a good friend of mine was 30, I thought she was ancient!

Ann Fahl, April 11, 2012 a landmark birthday

Today, I can be covered by Medicare and begin receiving Social Security checks.  How could I ever have gotten to this day?  It's mind boggling, how has life gone past so quickly? So in this photo, I am sitting in a pose similar to that of my great grandfather, (but don't you think he was handsome?) but I am certainly having more fun! I'm sitting in front of my newest quilt background, which was pieced today, I'm wearing red socks and shoes.

I've had a lovely day, we had special cookies at coffee this morning, lunch with a friend, it is sunny outside, and tonight we are going out for ice cream. We will have a family celebration with my sons this weekend. But somehow, I feel I should be old today!

On my cutting table, daffodils in a vase by Judy Coates Perez

My studio is cheery and sunny today and my garden is so beautiful.

Doronica, a shade loving plant is blooming much earlier this year.  When all the buds open it will be full of bright flowers.

The May Apples are just about open, even though the temperature got to 28 degrees last night.

And look at the hyacinths that are blooming in my front yard.

So this is how my life has been today. The daffodils are still beautiful and I have 3 bouquets in the house, they smell heavenly. 

I was 29 years old for many many years.  Five years ago, I had my 30th birthday, and I've been 30 ever since.  But to be really honest, I'm not 30 anymore.  My son is 30!  I should feel very old today. 

I feel so many conflicting feelings, but to be truthful, I don't feel old.  I've just finished a great quilt; starting another, the master gardener classes have been fun and informative, life is good I don't have any compaints.

Yesterday I took my Silver Mist Toyota Camry in for her 90,000 mile checkup. This was an expensive proposition, with new timing belt, serpentine belt, fluid changes, tires rotated and on and on.  When all was completed, I thought Misty and I could ride off into the sunset together! But I've had a change of heart, we are driving to Paducah together instead.  Hope to see you there.

Ann Fahl
Age 30 years.

Ten Thoughts on Creativity

© 2011 Ann Fahl

Sometimes you have the time to work, but you don't have any ideas for a new project. What can you do to spark your creative energies and get going?

Pile of fabric that was auditioned for one of my current quilt projects!

1. Always keep a list of quilt ideas. Post it where you can easily look at it or add new ideas! If you don't have one of these, start one today.  Then you can check your list of ideas and maybe find something to work on.
2. Go and touch your fabric, look through the colors, what speaks to you?
3. Go to your local quilt shop and find a fabric that you can't live without; and use it to begin a new quilt.
4. Look through your quilt magazines and books.  You can also check the links on my webpage to see what others are doing.
5. Take yourself out to lunch or go to your local garden center or museum.  Take a notebook or little camera and photograph things that interest you. If you look, you will find ideas all around you.
6. Cut a bunch of squares in one or two colors and construct a background. Or--make some nine patch blocks with your scraps and see what develops.
7. Just sew something.  Do you have a nightgown or piece of clothing that needs to be altered? I am a firm believer in the fact that if you sit down at your machine or start cutting fabric, an idea will come to you.  If you sit with your coffee cup at the kitchen table all day, nothing is likely to happen.  But, if you go to your sewing area where all your "stuff" is and get busy; an idea is more likely to emerge.  Why not make some placemats and practice your machine quilting?
8. Pull out some scraps with Wonder-Under on them, and make a tiny little quilt.  Allow yourself to play or color freely, just like when you were in grade school. Who knows what might develop? 

Buds and Beads a tiny quilt 12 x 10 inches  Made from scraps with Wonder-Under on the back

     9. If nothing seems to come to mind, you are probably distracted by life's events. Or, sometimes your brain is just tired, and needs a creative break. It is called "writer's block" by people that do lots of writing.  I have just emerged from a very long blank period.  Take this time to read a good book, paint the bathroom, or throw yourself into a completely different project. If this is where you are, just concentrate on NON-QUILTING activities.  You will know when you are ready to get back to work.

    10. Try wearing a pair or colorful socks or a wild T-shirt, something that is FUN. This will help set your mood for more creative thoughts.

Good luck.

Ann Fahl