Eagles

We drove by the Core Creek Park today.  Both eagles were perching up to the left away from the nest. 

 I had my camera-  but I forgot the tripod. :(  This is the best I could do. The first picture is from the causeway. This shot is indicative of the distance from the nest. We estimate about 1/2 mile. The next shots are with the lens extended. Hopefully a tripod will allow crisper pictures the next time.

 

 

Glad Tidings

 The following pictures are blocks of a quilt in progress. The blocks are pieced and then hand appliqued. There will be four of these 16 inch blocks in this quilt with an additional appliqued block in the center and other pieced blocks, sashing and border that will complete the quilt. I am altering the pattern as published.

I use 100 weight silk thread for my applique. You can see how fine the thread is on the photos of the back of the blocks. I use it because it seems to disappear into the edge of the applique

I have used different fabrics in the circle applique of the block centers. I am not sure if I will use one of these or try another one. Which one do you prefer?

First Block

Second Block

Block back

Close up of section of block back

Local Eagle Nest

Eagle Nest at local park

Eagle nest at Core Creek Park 1-7-11

Bombay Hook Jan 5, 2012

Belted  Kingfisher

Phila Skyline

Heron

Red Tail Hawk

Geese

Something 1/4 mile away

Northern Shovelers

Swan

Just kinda pretty

Snow Geese

GBH flying

The Homestead

                                         The Homestead
 
There are three friends with whom I take turns making Christmas gifts. Each four year turn seems to come around faster each time. We started this craziness in 1987 when I made a wooden "Christmas Tree Napkin Holder". You can see my last gift in the July section of this blog (Garment Bags) http://cottonkapers.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html. We have had discussions as to how long we were going to continue this tradition. We decided we could bow out of our next turn only after the other three had opened your most recent gift. This year I announced this was going to be my last turn. We raised our families and have had many wonderful times in the "hood" and I felt I would leave the exchange with my interpretation of a somewhat primitive rendition of their "Homestead".


When I got the idea for my gift I went out in the car with my camera in hand and took photos of each home. I needed to take repeat photos when I was uncertain about a particular feature. I downloaded my photos to my Kodak software which has a "Coloring Book" feature. This made it easy to get a workable line drawing. I printed that drawing and took it to have it enlarged to the size needed. From that point it  soon became learn as you go.

The sizes of the pieces vary but measure approximately 16 1/2 by 24. The actual sizes are noted with each home.

Fabrics used are 100% cotton, buckram, Heat and Bond and chiffon.


Techniques used are fused applique, free motion quilting, outline sewing, machine embroidery and hand sewing.

Gingerbread Houses 2011

Every year our Christmas Season begins with my Grandson's and I decorating Gingerbread Houses. Each year the decorations become more elaborate and the boys come up with new ideas. It is always great fun for us to continue one of our Christmas traditions.

The supplies are ready

Candy anyone?

This year they opted for bigger fireplace chimneys.

Front of Zack's House

 

 

 

 

 

Back of Zack's House

House backs-Jake's on the left, Zack's on the right.

Zack's chimney.

House fronts (Zack-L,Jake-R)

Front of Jake's House

Side of Jake's house.

Fireplace chimney on Jake's house.