Free Motion Quilting can be one of the main challenges we quilters face after we’ve gotten down the basics of piecing and other construction methods. Now we want to stitch and shape and sculpt our quilts with thread. This coming Saturday, September 14th, I’ll be teaching a Free-Motion Quilting workshop in Antelope Valley, and if you are nearby, come on down (up?). You can find out more at their Quilt Guild Meeting, held Thursday evening, where I’ll present a show titled “An Undercover Traditional Modern Art Quilter.” I’m bringing two suitcases of quilts, some stories and a sense of humor. Hope to see you there!
Simone drew up another one of her fabulous blocks for us in the Gridsters Bee, and I got busy and did six of them. I just kept wanting to try out different combinations. More info (and a free download) of this block is available on her website.
I started a new Inspector Gamache book, #15. Halfway in, and I can’t wait to get back to listening.
Over Labor Day weekend, we went to Austin, TX (common abbreviation, I found out, is ATX) to see my son and his family. Here we are outside Coopers BBQ, where I’m going when I go to QuiltCon in February (well, both places: the BBQ, which is right downtown, and also to see the grandsons).
I always learn something new when visiting the youngsters: did you know you could charge up your shoes, and when you are at a dance, they will glow different colors?
When the boys went back to school and their parents went back to their regularly scheduled lives, we did touristing at the State Capitol Building.
Then up to the University of Texas at Austin, where I visited someting I’d been wanting to see for a very long time: Austin, by Ellsworth Kelley. Kelley gave the design for this chapel-like space to the Blanton Museum, which had it built. It’s just over 2700 square feet, so not huge.
But inside…
We went in the morning, and then back again after lunch and a walk through the next door Blanton Museum. I want to come here again, in February, when they say the light comes in the grid over the front door. Hope it’s not cloudy at QuiltCon!
Another Ellsworth Kelly. We call this Couple Self-Portrait in Kelly’s B. Occasionally if you spend too much time in museums you can get a bit goofy. We also went to the LBJ Presidential Library after all this.
But this — a dance of color and light — is what makes my quilty heart sing!
OccasionalPiece--Quilt! 
I love Austin Texas — so beautiful and the people are super nice! Your Tipsy Twofer blocks are sew cute….thanks for sharing the link!
It looks like a great visit with family AND tourist doings. Light up shoes? That’s new to me too.
Simone’s blocks look wonderful. Looking forward to sewing some up.
Wish I could take workshop! That chapel is gorgeous. If you ever get the chance and are in the Orlando area, check out the Frank Lloyd Wright chapel at Florida Southern College. What a hidden gem.
Cute grandsons. I want to see that museum when I’m in ATX at Christmas!
I just love that chapel and its stained glass windows! And Simone’s blocks remind me of the Quiltachusetts’ Moments quilt, but I think that is pieced rather appliqued! Maybe I’ll use this version instead, although I do like the challenge of piecing curves! I’d love to be at your FMQ workshop too!
I love the Ellsworth Kelly building. If we ever get back to Austin (not sure why we would), I will make sure we see it. Your photos are very compelling! On another note, I got the newest Louise Penny book last week, but I have to finish another book first. I thought of skipping the book I’m listening to now and heading straight to Inspector Gamache, but I am trying to show some self-discipline.