Irish Inspiration

blogtoberfest 3

James Galway is just as charming and delightful as anyone could hope. Last night's concert was a truly lovely selection of pieces, including a concerto for 2 flutes by Cimorosa I'd never heard--lyrical and clever without being overly showy. The Carmen, of course was showy.

Even better though, were the encores. Galway is a consumate entertainer--explaining how he has been nearly the only famous solo flutist ever (30,000 albums sold!). His playing is completely effortless and stunningly consistent, his stage presence witty and enchanting. He could charm anyone into anything.

One of the encores was Galway playing "Danny Boy." He suggested this traditional tune is nearly sacred in its lyricism, and that we pray while listening. He's right; its simplicity and beauty, accompanied by a chamber orchestra with harp, sent chills up my spine rivaled only by Garrison Keillor having the audience sing the traditional Doxology.

A couple more tidbits: DH and I enjoyed a perfect steak supper at Outback, with sweet potato fries, before the concert. Lady Jeanne's Grecian and golden gown made me wish for someplace to wear such a stunning piece of clothing--which should make you laugh, as I wore Converse high tops to the concert! Her gown was heavenly, really--she seemed to float across the stage.

Gratitudes

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

praise him, all creatures here below

praise him above ye heavenly host;

praise Father, son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Date Night Extraordinaire

Blogtoberfest 2

Tonight one of my dreams is coming true . . .DH and I are going to see Sir James Galway and his wife Lady Jeanne in concert. James Galway is probably the world's MOST FAMOUS flutist (and has been since I was in high school--that's over 30 years).

James Galway was always the pinnacle for we flute players. In college I discovered I would not be a professional flutist, but I kept playing, and I still play for church and a few other places on occasion. So when we heard Galway was coming to lil 'ol Sioux City, Iowa, my DH and I both thought "great date!"

The concerts are held at a beautifully re-furbished Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City (see the chandelier above). They have everything from the symphony to Rocky Horror Picture Show there. We may even stop at Panera's on the way. The teenage sons have a marching band competition 3 HOURS away (a little pity party for that--ugh, 6 hours on a school bus), so we're on our own anyhow.

What's your favorite date night?

Gratitudes

• Even though I have a doozy of a cold (allergies?), I have a quiet day ahead, so plenty of opportunity to rest.
• Beautiful fall weather.
• An extra cup of coffee this morning.

BlogtoberFest Beginnings

blogtoberfest ~ day 1

Of course, I'm so out of it that I didn't even realize my idea to post everyday in October in order to jumpstart my blog again ALREADY EXISTED. So how great to open my blogroll and find that many great minds have the same idea--post every day in October.

You see, I've been lamenting the absolute boredom on my blog and trying to figure out how to post regularly. The main problem is I wanted a sewing blog but my life has little room for sewing, hence little content. What if I expand it to include, like, I don't know, my life?

So here it goes, blogtoberfest, a nice kick in the pants to just plain share. I'm pretty sure my life isn't quite as boring as my blog has been in the last 6 months. And there will still be a bit of sewing.

Gratitudes

• the blogosphere--I love the swaps and the blogs that make a positive community
• the potential for frost this weekend--and a chance to put away the kleenex
• a quiet morning to myself, even it I'm doing laundry

Yummy Chocolate Pinwheels

DQS9 Received!!

Looky, looky what I found in my mailbox! Quiltmakertg send me this fabulous mini--beautiful, bright pinwheels surrounded by chocolate brown. The setting and quilting are just perfect. I love that I had already made it a "favorite" on the Flickr group before I even received it.

I just love how fabulous a simple, even traditional block can look with the right fabrics and treatment. Really, it's not your grandmother's quilt, but it has a lot of the same elements!

Quiltmakertg also sent a lovely set of fat quarters--I've already got some chocolate Kona cotton to put with them into a simple, coin-like quilt. Thank you so much, Sandra! Your package really made my day--and the orange binding is exactly my style!

Ain't swaps grand!

::Happy Neighbors::

Well, I really didn't mean to fall off the edge of blogland this summer. It just happened that I was rarely home. I didn't have anything to sew show! What a whirlwind we had with kids going to camp, working, blah, blah, blah, blah. . . .

That's why I am super thrilled to finally have a finish for Sew-n-Tell Friday--my Doll Quilt Swap 9 mini sent off to my secret partner this week (just made the deadline!). She should get it today!

And I have to say, I'm even more thrilled with the results. This little baby changed very little from conception to completion. Normally, my quilts evolve to match my idea with my abilities/time/talent/stash. This time, I started with the border fabric and  inspiration from here. Aren't these the cutest little houses? (If the right DH is reading this, a set of these would look so sweet above the sink, and an important birthday is coming near. Hint. Hint.)

I realized to make row houses, I'd have to go with paper piecing. It only took a couple tries to work it out. Then I set them into another house--I couldn't get over my cleverness (lots of giggling while working this out--the men in my house, even the dog, thought I was crazy).



















Ta Da! I'm really happy with this. I wanted to use these soft colors and straight line quilting since my partner is an expert at applique and FMQ. I thought she might appreciate having something different than she might make, yet still fitting in with her tastes.
We'll see what she thinks . . . .

For more great finishes, click on the Sew-n-Tell button on the sidebar. And have a good weekend!

Gratitudes

• Fall weather--I'm ready for a fresh start and long pants.
• Learning to use my mother's sewing machine
• Watching my sons grow into thoughtful young men