This time... LINES

Remember my pictures for inspiration post from last week? Well, I guess I really like the concept, because I took another walk, this time on the search for lines. 

a fence line

Trees have always been a big deal to me. I'm not sure just what it is exactly, their grandeur, their ability to clean the air, their home site capabilities, their colors and beauty. If you've ever seen the changing colors of the leaves in fall, or fledgling bluebirds following the mama from branch to branch, or Spanish moss dripping in the fog, you'd get it. 

knobby lines on the left,
smooth lines in the center

So anyway, here are my lines. We have a few trees in our yard, so I thought I'd capture a few pictures of the lines that trees create. 

not all lines are straight in a swamp;
trees lean into the softer ground

sexy curves?

lines going the wrong way

And I'll close with a few lines that are not from trees. Do you see the lines in these everyday objects? 

Pictures for inspiration

Under my needle today are these masks in gingham that my niece requested. Ten in total they've been relatively easy to sew. I made a jig to help in the pleating and that has made all the difference. Before this request, I'd made a few in oranges because I'd over-cut some 1½ inch strips. How convenient that they're the exact size of the straps. 

Recently one of the BRMQG quilters posted some photos she'd taken on her daily walks. The pictures depict lines in nature, and she uses the pics as inspiration to make blocks.   

hard gravel

mushy mushrooms

I loved the idea and decided to join her, except that I would work on textures. 

soft clover in bloom

  It doesn't take long to find different textures when you're looking. I started by looking down at the things under my feet as I walked. 

prickly stickers (yes in my yard!)

But soon I was looking a bit higher.

splintered wood

And then straight ahead at eye level.

rough oak trunk made even more so with woodpecker holes

sticky, prickly cedar

It was a fun exercise, though I was strolling rather than walking. I forced myself to get moving because I was, after all, out there for the physical exercise and it was getting hot. I don't necessarily intend to use these, except that I am enjoying the many different textures and it's as great exercise in mindfulness. 

Indian Creek Reservoir

Every year my family makes an attempt to get together for a weekend of camping, boating, eating and general water fun. Those of us with campers try to get campsites near each other. That usually doesn't work terribly well, but it's good to have two general areas. One can escape to the other area when necessary.

After all, when many people gather in one place, there's bound to be some noise. Unfortunately, not many of us were available this weekend, but three campers and two boats showed up and brought 25 or so people for an afternoon of water sports and supper. Ahh, family!

So these pictures are some that I took in the afternoon near the waterfront. I didn't have to walk far to take them. As Richard and I were walking "home" to our camper, we saw a little squirrel who leisurely climbed this odd tree with the hole right through the trunk. I missed the squirrel, but the tree cooperated.

Notice that I didn't take any pictures of family. Actually it's because I did not want anyone taking pictures of me...it's so hot I truly was melting in the heat. Not something I want posted on social media, so I decided to abide the golden rule. How do you decide which family pictures to post? It's a tricky question for me, especially when posting on my blog. Do you feel that way? 

Sunday Quilt Inspiration -- Houston IQS {page 8}

These are the last of the Houston photos that I have. Well, those that are good enough to consider sharing. I'm not even sure just what I have here.

Life Stories Told Through My Quilts 

Family Reunion by Barbara Ann McCraw

Big Blue by Barbara Ann McCraw

Trip to the End of the World

Voyage en Namibie by Bridgit Didier 

Mount Fitz Roy by Rita Dijkstra

 Landscape Quilts 

Sunset Splendor by Barbara Triscari

 Fire in the Stone by Kimberly Lacy

And Yet She Persisted by Rachel Derstine

Antelope Canyon by Vicki Bonhoff

Lava by Marilyn Lone

 Hanging out to dry by Vicki Conley

See the Dawn in Wuling, Taiwan by Yueh-Yua Yang

Traylor Shaft by Anne Moats

 Classical Quilts in Modern Style from Brigitte Morganroth - Retrospective 

Big Bang by Brigitte Morganroth

Folklore by Brigitte Morganroth

Berg und Tal by Brigitte Morganroth

Jahresringe II by Brigitte Morganroth

Viewpoints 9: Living Planet 

Energies by Diane Wright

Full Steam Ahead by Alicia Merrett

 Rising Stars: Jill Kerttula

Virginia Beach by Jill Kerttula

Urban Voyeur: DC Crane by Jill Kerttula

Sidewalk 2 by Jill Kerttula

I didn't know that a quilter or anyone who wants to curate a group of quilts can suggest a collection to display. I kept wondering why there were so many small display, meaning displays of only a few (8-10) quilts. Or why a grouping of quilts by one artist. 

Hmm, interesting concept. I liked being able to walk into a "gallery" and know right away that all of the quilts had been made by one quilter or quickly realizing the theme or concept. What do you think about this idea of many small collections rather than only a few large categories? What would you like to see curated?

Sunday Quilt Inspiration -- Houston IQS {page 7}

I know, I'm late again with Sunday Quilt Inspiration, but on a positive note, the Christmas gifts are all in my spare bedroom! So Yay! for that, right? In other happy news, I found a few more photos from IQS that I could correct enough to post. I hope these inspire you!

                                        Painted Surface category

Allegory of  Life by Christine Alexiou

La Dama de Cedanyola by Marina Comerut Ramirez

What Remains by Ana Buzzalino

  Spiraled by Sherri Lynn McCauley

Auto Arachnid by Esterita Austin

Magical by Joanne Baeth

Byzantine Beauties, The Pots of Istanbul by Tami Graeber

 The Orion Nebula by Robin Hart

 Copper Enamel Ammonite by Kimberly Lacy

   Encrypted by Hope Wilmarth

 Wolf--The Eyes Have It by Rhonda Denney

 Iria in Purple, Color of the Year by Mary Ann Vaca-Lambert

 McMacaw by Debra Cline

 

Bald Head Island Beauty by Karen Ponischil

 Pages in My Book by Peggy Brown

Which of these is your favorite?