Today I experienced a couple of strong contrasts, both rather poignant, and one not very flattering to me.
I visited Ellis Island. Unlike most of the "lower socio-economic status" immigrants who were processed here, I was free to move through the buildings and grounds as I pleased, and to depart on whichever ferry I chose. These are different times, my status vis-a-vis the state is different. I feel lucky to be here and now.
The other difference is that most of the immigrants were very poor, right on the borderline of acceptance in the test of ability to support themselves. Whereas I walked up Broadway, and bought four more pairs of utterly frivolous shoes. Since then my greatest worry has been how I'll fit this abundance of personal wealth into my luggage. Still feeling lucky, but it has a taint. Say what you like about supporting the economy, sometimes nothing but the word greed will do.
How'd ya like them apples?
...better this time round.
Last time I came to New York I hated it. All in the mind! This time I started with contacts, a plan and a focus event. Of which, more later. Because if I'm to manage to blog every day of June, I'm not squandering topics.
New York is warm if not hot and more than a little sticky. Store air conditioning is welcome. They make the electricity cost back! The temperature is at that magic point that is warm enough to have people relaxed and summery, but not so hot that they are irritable. Even waiting in the 52nd St subway station for a train that never came, the crowd of people sweated calmly, struck up conversations, passed on the message that the Green line would be closed. I even heard strangers offering alternate directions. Everywhere I go, I hear the language of courtesy "Please" "Thankyou" "Excuse me" The rude New Yorker may be endangered, if not extinct.
Last time I came to New York I hated it. All in the mind! This time I started with contacts, a plan and a focus event. Of which, more later. Because if I'm to manage to blog every day of June, I'm not squandering topics.
New York is warm if not hot and more than a little sticky. Store air conditioning is welcome. They make the electricity cost back! The temperature is at that magic point that is warm enough to have people relaxed and summery, but not so hot that they are irritable. Even waiting in the 52nd St subway station for a train that never came, the crowd of people sweated calmly, struck up conversations, passed on the message that the Green line would be closed. I even heard strangers offering alternate directions. Everywhere I go, I hear the language of courtesy "Please" "Thankyou" "Excuse me" The rude New Yorker may be endangered, if not extinct.
8.5 metres to the finish line
It. Is. Done.
'Floating cubes' is all quilted. I would not have believed it possible to quilt a queensize in under 4 days, but I have! Not only is the quilting finished, but it looks very good.
I just had to dash out to Quilters Dream my favourite quilt shop - Hi Elizabeth! - to show 'n' tell, and also to get the velcro specified in the exhibition entry requirements.
Since then I've added the hanging sleeve, trying a new idea for blind-hemming its lower edge, and machine-stitched the binding all around. The blind-hemming idea worked very well, and has saved 2 metres of hand-stitching. It's a technique best kept for quilts with a fairly busy background, but that's most of my work.
All that remains is handstitching the final binding edge - about 8.5 metres. Tomorrow's task!
'Floating cubes' is all quilted. I would not have believed it possible to quilt a queensize in under 4 days, but I have! Not only is the quilting finished, but it looks very good.
I just had to dash out to Quilters Dream my favourite quilt shop - Hi Elizabeth! - to show 'n' tell, and also to get the velcro specified in the exhibition entry requirements.
Since then I've added the hanging sleeve, trying a new idea for blind-hemming its lower edge, and machine-stitched the binding all around. The blind-hemming idea worked very well, and has saved 2 metres of hand-stitching. It's a technique best kept for quilts with a fairly busy background, but that's most of my work.
All that remains is handstitching the final binding edge - about 8.5 metres. Tomorrow's task!
on reaching the home straight unexpectedly
Today it seems quite likely that I will complete the 'cubes' quilt within the exhibition submission deadline. I would not have believed this 4 days ago, but when I stopped this evening, I was well ahead of project schedule. Providing I can overcome the threadsnap issue in the morning, and I will, quilting should be done by midafternoon. That leaves just enough time for binding and hanging sleeve. It's been a mighty effort, and 3 things have made it possible:
1. great skills. Setting modesty aside, I have good technical competence, and don't waste any time fumbling.
2. quilting-friendly environment. The best husband in the world has made all the dinners and a heap of other good actions.
3. A champion! My dear friend Veronicah gave the gifts of time and belief.
1. great skills. Setting modesty aside, I have good technical competence, and don't waste any time fumbling.
2. quilting-friendly environment. The best husband in the world has made all the dinners and a heap of other good actions.
3. A champion! My dear friend Veronicah gave the gifts of time and belief.
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