This past summer I posted some stuff about Mom & Dad having bluebirds nest in the backyard. When I went home, the tripod was set up in the window and both of them were spending a lot of time waiting for a head to peek out of the birdhouse so they could snap a shot. Here is one of my favorite pictures that they took:
So, of course, it is my next songbird quilt:
I'm thinking that the blues are too variegated- maybe they should have been more even-toned. But I am getting braver about cutting up my hand dyes and using them in my quilts!

Quilt Labels

Once upon a time when I knew nothing about quilts, I did not know that they needed labels. I am lucky if I even have a picture of some of those first experimental quilts, much less have them identified. Since then, I have certainly learned a lot about quilts and I have been persuaded that every quilt (even the bad ones that I just throw together out of scraps) should have a label.

That being said, I hate every moment of making them.

I have no idea why it takes three times as long as I think it ought to, to make a label. You'd think you could just write down the information and be done with it, wouldn't you? But I procrastinate as long as I can (usually right up until it is entered in a show) to make the label and sew the tube on the back. I hate every moment of it.

Friday I finally broke down and started on the labels for the couple of bird quilts that are done- here are the results:

Wow, it has been a long time since I have been out here. My life seems to be getting in the way of my blogging. Trouble is, it is also getting in the way of my quilting....

I started off the year with a bout of the flu, but instead of getting the tree down and packed up or doing any of the housework that has piled up, I am in the sewing room working away. I think I am having withdrawal symptoms... the last time I managed to get any time in quilting was November, I think.

I think I am finally done embellishing the Goldfinch. (If it will just decide to be finished and stop giving me "one more idea" to add to it)

Here was the original photo:

The part that I impress myself with is that little leg- it is the smallest piece I have been able to applique, so far. If I tell you that the whole quilt is 12" square, that should give you some idea of how small it is....
Now all it needs are a label and a sleeve...