Nellie"s Needles

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Making Waves

I'm here ...


making waves ...
As you can see, that's not making waves in the lake ... nor making trouble, but waves for "The Lake" textile installation that is entered in the ArtPrize exhibition which takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan this coming September.

Here at the cottage the little ones get to make waves in a bucket bath to wash away the beach sand.

Before we left Tennessee each of our metal birds constructed from garden tools got a bucket bath before roosting in our bedroom for the summer.
You may also notice that the robin's tree got pruned now that the nest is empty.

Speaking of metal objects, I love the vases ordered from Paula Art.  She made them from construction steel supports.
They are perfect for our outside tables.  These won't blow over with a gust of wind off the lake as has happened several times with glass vases.  Also, they are a great size to scatter bouquets among the serving dishes on our rather narrow picnic tables
... and low enough to see over.  My just-turned-nine year-old granddaughter had set the table for her birthday dinner.

Summer has begun ... and I must keep busy making waves ... lots of waves.

22 comments:

Quiltgranny said...

love the wavy edges, too! Did you face it since it looks like you couched the "yarn" edge?

Julie said...

what a lovely summery post and a wonderful place to sit and stitch! I love the stitching patterns you have used in the main piece, they really describe the shapes on the ground and the movement of the water. Happy stitching!

Joyce said...

Wonderful piece! Love those vases. Keep on making those waves. They are beautiful.

p said...

hey nellie, i LOVE your house quilt! and i love being included in your summer (well my vases) ...thank you for including those pictures/link here.
best of luck with the art prize exhibition!

Pat said...

Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. Makes me smile just to look at what you do!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Your little one in the bucket bath brings back memories - when I was growing up we didn't have a bathroom (yes, the proverbial outhouse!!) and baths were taken in a large metal bucket. I'm pretty sure I didn't look as cute as your little one does though!

Daphne Enns said...

The details in your work is beautiful. I cannot imagine the time it takes for you to create them. I love your waves and the texture that you manipulate. Wow. And Paula's vases look perfect!

Rian said...

What a wonderful post. I read it twice. You must be in heaven when you are at your cottage, such a colorful place...and that view outside your window--to die for!

Heather said...

Love your quilted house among the trees and the waves you are making, not to mention the baby in the bucket! Great assortment of birds you have there and the birthday dinner table looks fun.

West Michigan Quilter said...

OMG, my kids and I have been waiting for Art Prize to happen since we went last year. I can't wait to see your entry! Good luck with your fabulous quilt!

Anonymous said...

Nellie- I love this post! The little one in the bucket is priceless!! And your 9 year old gdau. is a doll! Oh- and your latest quilt is gorgeous! Happy Summer!

allie aller said...

So just kill me already! That view you have when you sew....how utterly sublime! Welcome home....

Colleen Kole said...

Everything to love about this post-your family, your beautiful piece and Paula's vases. You have a lovely view while you work away!

ArtPropelled said...

Fantastic wave series! Love your quirky birds too .... and of course Paula's vases of flowers look gorgeous on your table.

ArtPropelled said...

I meant to say Lake Series. I've just been browsing through the series and each piece is stunning.

Patty Ashworth said...

When did you leave?!!! We have been missing you at bee. Lots of us have scraps for you and have been bringing them every week. Just didn't get the memo that you were leaving!!!

FredaB said...

Hi Nellie

Have a wonderful summer with your family around you. You have a beautiful view for stitching.

I guess you do the crazy lugging back and forth like the rest of us 2 house people but once there aren't we glad to be to be there.

Hugs

FredaB

Rene' said...

Your summer place looks like heaven. Love the little one in the bucket. Too cute how your granddaughter sets her birthday dinner table. The house quilt is fantastic. You've really captured a great deal of detail. Good luck with the ArtPrize exhibition.

Elaine Adair said...

What a delightful flock of birds on your deck - they surely bring a smile to many of us!

The bucket bath? Toooo cute! Thanks for that pleasure remembered. 8-))

Diane Cransac said...

Ooo the lake is just gorgeous..reminds me of my sisters house, a favorite place!

Susan Elliott said...

What a great post! I love the waves...the quilt in the first pic...tDF!!! and the flock of birds and the grandkids are my absolute faves.

You could call the post faves and waves....it was just great!

Mermaid's Purse said...

Love, love, love the cottage quilt!