Last of July

It is hard to believe tomorrow will be August. The last weeks of July have brought full bloom to the flower borders and some substantial rainfall. We had some hot temperatures, but nothing like the Southwest. We have a pleasant weather week ahead, so I plan to repair and paint the ceiling of my tiny studio and freshen the lovely yellow color on the walls—a good excuse to organize and maybe even let a few materials go.

I have started a new series of works that will explore ideas of love, relationships, and navigating the challenges of a shared life. The first group of quilts are about the first blush of attraction and the chemistry that leads us to another person. Early days, but here are a couple of details from work in progress (and overdyed quilt top with chonky cat). I am using a found wedding ring quilt top, cut and dyed in different colors, as a starting point.

Here are some reading suggestions for the end of summer: Exiles, by Jane Harper; Olga Dies Dreaming, by Xochitl Gonzalez; (both on audio) Queen of Dirt Island, by Donal Ryan; The Lost Wife, by Susanna Moore and Hestia Strikes a Match, by Christine Grillo (all in print).

I’m very excited to have Amulet Bundles for a Happy Childhood selected for From Fiber at the Springfield IL Art Association this fall.