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Family visit

September 3, 2010 by mendofleur

I am leaving this morning for Southern California to visit my kids and grandkids. I think my newest grandson has changed so much since he was first born. I always miss my three kitties more than they miss me I am sure. Then I hope to return home for an extended stay. Lots to do in the garden and house to get ready for fall and winter when I return. I also intend to do a post or two while I am gone.

I also took the brave (for me) leap and had my hair cut in layers yesterday. Still getting used to it as I had my hair one length for so long. It will always grow out if I decide the style is really not me. Fall always signals change.

Posted in Cats | 4 Comments »

Considerations

August 28, 2010 by mendofleur

Every night I walk outside with my oldest kitty to give him some outdoor time before we head to bed. He loves the outdoors but will not venture out unless I am with him, so we usually bond in this way for 10 to 15 minutes each evening. Before Jude came back from her break, I would look up at the moon waiting for its waxing to fullness. I knew she would return around this time. One night I was taking photos with my cell phone, and even though it never really turns out, I thought this was an intriguing and abstract interpretation.

Willie, my youngest kitty does not like new things. He likes to curl up on things that are worn and old. I rather like that about him.

I realize I have been a bit absent here from posting, commenting on other blogs, as well as being a bit behind in emails. I have been distracted, but will be back in time with more steady focus. In the meantime, I have been cutting out a quilt for my new grandson and doing some baking, a thing that is always so comforting and satisfying.

I had some extra zucchini, so I decided to make some bread.

I always use twice the amount of nuts the recipe calls for because I love nuts in just about everything.

The recipe made two loaves. I gave one to the neighbors who so generously helped to water some of our potted plants while we were gone for several weeks this summer.

I have to admit, I love figs! I love photos of them. I love their history, sensual beauty when cut open, taste, and intriguing possibilities. These were on sale the other day at the grocery store. Figs are best stored at room temperature and arranged so they do not touch one another. Refrigeration will destroy their flavor, and being stacked on one another causes them to spoil more quickly. These are awaiting salads and a dessert. They are also great in my morning oatmeal. I will be back soon. Hope everyone is well and eagerly awaiting the beauty of fall!

Posted in Cats, Memories, Nature, Ruminating, Seasons | 20 Comments »

Vintage Finds

August 15, 2010 by mendofleur

Last Thursday, I took a small road trip from Mendocino through the Anderson wine country and ended on Hwy 101 driving south just a few miles. I stopped and washed my car in one of those quarter-consuming, do-it-yourself washes, hand-dried it with old towels and then headed into the town of Healdsburg. This is one of those towns with a square in the center that used to be common and quaint and now has become very upscale and chi-chi with an expensive hotel, restaurants, and resort-style clothing stores. I miss the old Healdsburg, but at least it has maintained some of its antique and collectible shops on the outer skirts of town. I found this lonely applique square in one of those shops. I think the work is near-perfection and the fabric right out of the thirties. I am not a huge fan of this era for fabric, but when I see a piece like this it is hard to resist. I think it is quirky that the applique is not lined up to fit the square and has barely a quarter-inch allowance on one side.

There were 24 of these squares, each 6″, and I was pleased that there were an even number because designing with them will be easier. They seem destined for a quilt, a small one.

Everything I discovered that day was of this vintage, the 30′s or 40′s, and from two different dealers. This apron had an odd story to it that I discovered later when I started to disassemble it. I loved the design with the princess seams in the front, but I did not like the cheap polyester red bias tape that I guessed might have been added later. Or perhaps someone bought or had saved the fabric from this era and made an apron and added the bias as well as sewn the seams with invisible plastic thread on one side. I ripped out the seams and made a pattern of the apron for future use. I intend to sew the apron back together with cotton thread and then add a binding that is similar to the era of the fabric.

Early tomorrow morning I head back to Portland. The weather is very mild, overcast, and pleasant today in Mendocino. The weather today in Portland is 98+ degrees, so it looks like I will be heading back to the heat of the summer again. It is time to go trim my roses and return to my sewing room in the basement. I have many projects in mind, and the basement will be a place to escape the late summer heat.

Posted in Antique/Vintage Textiles, Clothing, Decorative, Quilts, Vintage Clothing, fabric/collage/applique | 8 Comments »

Being Alone

August 14, 2010 by mendofleur

I have had some thoughts while I spend some time alone here in Mendocino. This morning I woke up very early thinking about an all-white (or maybe it was cream) fabric. It was the texture that drew me in, something soft and comforting. I announced to my cats that I was going back to sleep and awakened an hour later still wondering about the soft and muted tone of a fabric. I think we often have colors or images in our dreams that spell a feeling, a place where we are or would like to arrive. Two days before the dream, I created this weaving. But it had a little red in it. Somewhere it became a dream of pure white. I view this as a message, the color and the dream. I think it is all about clarity, a striving to find the sense of this.

The memory was not like snow, although it is a meaningful image and one that I like. It was actually a richer thought, warmer and slightly out-of-reach.

Maybe it had the slice of beauty that one captures when looking at a sunset. It would seem to imply a yearning, and yet I am not altogether sure how to define this. When I was little I would have “outer space” dreams that would terrify me. They were defined by quick movements, black and white images, and uncertainty. This white I speak of is different. It is soft and beckoning, but undefinable. I am guessing it is a blank page that has presented itself….waiting to be imprinted with an impression, a story, maybe a story expressed though cloth…..something clear and true and subjective. Have I simply been alone too long? No. I have been alone long enough to hear my voice.

Posted in Antique/Vintage Textiles, Art, Memories, Nature, Places, Ruminating | 15 Comments »

Antique Silk Quilts

August 8, 2010 by mendofleur

I do not purport to be an expert on quilt history by any means. The subject is far too vast, and so much has been written and well documented that I could never claim any expertise. However, from time to time, I like to feature textiles or quilts that are favorites, and silk quilts happen to be at the top of my list. A few weeks ago, I featured a detail of this silk quilt that I chanced to see at The International Quilt Festival in Long Beach. At the time I was walking around with my very pregnant daughter and somehow regretfully did not write any information down on this quilt. So I am going to make a few guesses about its history.

This is the detail that I showed on an earlier post. It captures what I love most about silk quilts, the beauty of the luster and the colors. I think most people know silk quilts by viewing the Victorian crazy quilts. I have to admit, I am not partial to these because of their obvious busyness, but I am deeply respectful of the beauty of the embroidery as well as all the admirable work that went into these cherished pieces. My favorite patterns, when it comes to silk quilts, are the Log Cabin and the Hexagon/Mosaic. This quilt above is a variation of the Log Cabin, and my guess is that it was, most likely, made sometime around 1890, give or take a few years. The quilt is in excellent condition which tells me it was made and never used, or stored under proper conditions that assured its longevity and perfection. Most women who made silk quilts were affluent and would make them and use them only on special occasions or to give as gifts. The little black dot in the middle of the silks is probably a silk velvet.

One of my favorite books for general American quilt history is this one by Roderick Kiracofe. And when I am in Mendocino, I am at a bit of a loss for my reference books because the majority are kept in Portland. However, I did have an extra copy of this book that I leave here. I think in terms of silk used in quilts, it might be safe to say that, other than the ubiquitous Crazy Quilt, the Mosaic and the Log Cabin were the most popular patterns.

Kiracofe in his book on pages 152 and 153 has a photo of the most incredible silk and velvet Log Cabin Courthouse Steps, c. 1880-1900. Although you can see some of the deterioration of the silks, the quilt seems, otherwise, to be in good condition. It is such a treat to see this, and I urge anyone to take this book out of the library and do further reading. Kiracofe writes that “most experts agree that [Log Cabin quilts] emerged sometime during or immediately after the Civil War. Log Cabin quilts were immensely popular during the last quarter of the 19th century…” Further, “rich wool challis was a favorite fabric for the early Log Cabins of Pennsylvania. The silks and velvets were also chosen for this very precise pattern; in many of the silk Log Cabins, the ‘logs are as small as 1/4 to 1/2 inch.”

Silk quilts will not wear well if exposed to sunlight or lots of use. Another factor with these old silks is often the fabric was weighted with metallic salts to give them more body, and many of the silks treated in this way have inevitably deteriorated. I showed this quilt previously, but am showing it here again to demonstrate how the silks are in pretty bad condition. I bought this quilt over ten years ago for a song, thinking it was a real find, only to discover many of the worn and shredded silks had been hidden under a covering of various triangle patches. I have since removed these and am in the process of restoring it to its natural state with a protective covering of netting.

This detail above shows more clearly the deterioration. I still love this quilt in all its imperfection.

This silk piece above is actually part of a pair of silk taffeta curtains I made for our dining room in Mendocino. Even though the silk is protected with a lining, and the window covered with a lace curtain, some of the sun has faded and deteriorated the edge. Sunlight is the worst element for silk, and this always serves to remind me to care for silk quilts in a very specialized manner.

This wall hanging I purchased at the Houston International Quilt Festival many years ago from a seller that did not have any idea what it was. I bought it because I thought it was very unusual and all of the weaving is done in silk. My youngest daughter fell in love with it too. In view of the fact that it has a somewhat contemporary feel, and her taste is modern, I gave it to her. She has it hanging in the bedroom. The silk is holding up because it is secured very well in the weaving, and it is protected from direct sunlight.

A few years ago while looking through this book for another reason, I suddenly came across the very same hanging with a date of 1895, if my recollection is accurate (I do not have this book with me here). I am guessing that when women had leftover silks from their special silk quilts, they had the option of using some of these in weavings and perhaps used them as hangings over doorways to prevent drafts. I have never seen another one in person since that time, so I am guessing they might be a little hard to locate.

This close-up really does justice to the beauty of this piece.

I do not have any photos of silk Mosaic or Hexagon quilts because I do not own one, and due to copyright issues, I did not feel free to show any published ones. However, I highly urge anyone to do a little internet research or to look for some examples in books because they are so remarkable. I featured one from the show earlier, but that was done in cotton, not silk. However, Mosaic quilts were done most likely using the paper-piecing method due to the intricacy of the piecework. Below is the example in cotton.

Posted in Antique/Vintage Textiles, Decorative, Fabric, Inspiration, Interior Design, Memories, Quilts | 10 Comments »

A Nice Surprise!

August 8, 2010 by mendofleur

The month of July has been dedicated to my family, and I have loved every minute of it. But today, when I least expected this, I received an email from etsy that one of the lampshades I had listed was sold. I was going to stay on here alone in Mendocino for another week with my three cats simply to get back to my creative work, but now I need to leave with my husband on Tuesday in order to get the lampshade mailed to the buyer. What a nice problem to have. Now I need to make more shades!!

This was the shade using the old French wallpaper. I feel like opening a bottle of Veuve Clicquot!

Posted in Decorative, Interior Design | 12 Comments »

A Single Beast

August 7, 2010 by mendofleur

I have been home a day and a half and done the grocery shopping and put some things away. I am beginning to feel a little more rested and also able to re-visit the class that I started that Jude offered over at spiritcloth. What an amazing class. I have spent a little time going over the class entries and looking at all the incredible art that was created over these weeks that I missed. I am so excited to spend a little time now listening to the videos, downloading the files, and seeing if I can’t learn on my own. I created this piece above, the only one I posted before I left for Southern California.

I find that this butterfly looks different against other backgrounds. She is done in mostly old/vintage textiles, and when I embroidered the face I discovered a face already there in the fabric, so I just used some of this to guide me. I can’t wait to explore other avenues in this really unique class. Jude has done it again with her incredible teaching skills and techniques.

Posted in Antique/Vintage Textiles, Inspiration, fabric/collage/applique | 6 Comments »

Our Lincoln

August 6, 2010 by mendofleur

I seem to have lost track of time. My husband and I drove back to Mendocino today from LA. But let me go back in time when this all started. Jeanette was to be induced on Tuesday, the 3rd. We had assumed that it would be at a civilized hour, but her doctor had her arrive at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at 2 AM. My husband and I arrived there at 3 AM. They put Jeanette on a twelve hour medication that would help initiate labor. Around 6 AM she started some stronger labor and three hours later, she had an epidural to relieve some of the discomfort. The photo above was taken around 7:30, shortly before she had been given some relief. Her sister is beside her.

This clock represents so much that is missing but present. Jeanette was in labor with strong contractions from six in the morning on the 3rd until she delivered her baby boy, Lincoln at 8:10 AM the next day, Wednesday the 4th. She was in labor a total of 30 hours, most of it being quite intense and constant. We waited and waited and waited all through the hours drifting in and out of her room watching and fretting and cheering her on. To say she did remarkably well is an understatement. She weathered all the pain and the hours and the uncertainty without complaint or hardly a whimper. My youngest daughter has taught me so much about dignity and courage and grit. She was awesome. And her husband stayed the course with support and love and tender care throughout.

Little Lincoln weighed in at 8 lbs. 12 oz. and was 21″ long. He even has a dimple on his left cheek. His cry is strong and distinctive and his body solid and even a little chunky. His feet are so long and now we know why Jeanette was in constant discomfort with his strong and steady kicks especially the last six weeks.

Jeanette has wanted a baby for as long as I can remember. A career is one thing, but this baby has been a longing that will give her life more balance and reasons to bake more cupcakes and plan fun events.

I am a pretty proud grandma too. The hardest part for me was leaving him and saying good-bye at the hospital last night. I have been gone for two weeks and life is calling me back home. Jeanette and Ben have his parents arriving on Monday, and I know they will be so excited to have a chance to hold him and get to know him. I will go back in a few weeks again. In the meantime, I need to find a few threads in my life that were hanging loose and see if I can’t begin to weave them back into a solid shape.

Posted in Family, Memories | 20 Comments »

The Getty Museum

August 2, 2010 by mendofleur

Jeanette’s baby was due a week ago today on the 26th of July, so on Saturday Jeanette generously offered to take me to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. I have wanted to go there ever since it opened a number of years ago. I had been to the original site, what they term “The Getty Villa” in the early 70′s but not to this center. When I venture to Southern California I usually spend all my time with kids and grandkids and do not indulge myself with outside activities. So when she suggested we get away from our routine of waiting for her baby to arrive, I decided it was a great idea to venture out since Cedars-Sinai Medical Center was not that far from the Getty.

When we arrived it was overcast and cool, perfect weather for an outing, but by the time we left mid-afternoon, the sun was out and it was getting a little warm. The view up at the Getty was not completely clear, but most likely some smog was mixed in with the marine layer.

I knew the grounds, buildings, and art would be impressive, but I was not prepared for being overwhelmed by the architecture and the immense overall beauty of the place.

In one of the brochures, it describes the Getty Center “located on a dramatic hilltop in Los Angeles’ Santa Monica Mountains” and housing a “collection of western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of spectacular architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views.” It was all of this and more, and I was captivated and surprised with the beauty and magic of the gardens as well.

These sculptural garden “trees” are actually umbrella-like shapes made out of rebar with bougainvillea growing in and around the shape. It is so magical and unique, I could not stop taking pictures from all sorts of angles and distances.

Jeanette was willing to pose under one of the beautiful arbors.

In the center of the garden is this incredible maze of trimmed boxwood.

And cascading down into this wonder of maze is the most beautiful waterfall. The sun was shining as we walked and admired the plants and flowers and the beauty, and we began to feel life was full and rich and really special.

This morning Jeanette had another doctor appointment and we were given some certain news that if she did not start labor today, then she is to be at the hospital at two in the morning (Tuesday), and she will be induced. So it looks like her July 26th baby boy will be an August 3rd baby. I will post a photo when he arrives. I have been a little preoccupied since I arrived here. I find it hard to concentrate on emails and post comments and blog comments, so please forgive me and know I will be on track very soon when I get back to Portland.

Posted in Art, Family, Inspiration, Memories, Places, Seasons | 8 Comments »

Waiting…….

July 28, 2010 by mendofleur

Waiting for a baby to arrive can be a unique time. I have been in Southern California for a week now with my youngest daughter waiting for the birth of her first baby. She continues to work at home and will periodically go into the office as well. We have had a special time going for long walks, talking about myriad subjects, working on a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, watching Gone With the Wind, sharing meals, and feeling all the various movements of her baby boy from the heartbeat to the hiccups.

At one point, she even designed a baby quilt on her computer that I will work on when I return home.

These are the curtains I made for the baby’s room before I arrived.

I also had finished the crib skirt and brought it with me, and since I have been here, I have worked to finish the crib bumper pads.

On Saturday, Jeanette and I went to the Long Beach International Quilt Festival to see Glennis’ booth of Shibori Girl. Her set-up was beautiful. She had wonderful gems for sale and had a special treat that I was especially eager to see. She had displayed a quilt by Jude of Spiritcloth. I was so excited to see this, as I had never seen anything in person by Jude, and it was everything I expected and more! I could have stood there forever looking at the stitches and the indigo colors and the various textures and beauty. Glennis also had a smaller square piece made by Jude with soft pastels and overlaid with gauze silks. It was worth the time to travel to meet Glennis and see her wonderful offerings and, in a way, “meet” Jude.

At the show there was a display of antique quilts, my first love always. This was an all-silk log cabin variation, and it was such a beautiful piece, the colors still vivid and true and the work and detail of it so accomplished and exacting.

This was called a “Flower Garden Star”, dated 1900, but with fabrics dating from 1830-1880, size 80″ x 94 1/4″. I am certain it was all paper-pieced because of the intricacy of the hexagon pieces. Amazing!

A quilt like this always needs a closer look. The work and hours it took to create this masterpiece always inspires and impresses me.

I have not been on my computer much the last week. It has been a little hard for me to focus, so please forgive my lack of visits to other blogs and comments. I am guessing when I get home, I will be back on track and more present here as well as active on other wonderful blogs that I follow.

Posted in Antique/Vintage Textiles, Art, Fabric, Family, Memories, Places, Quilts, Seasons | 10 Comments »

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