Inspired by Art Deco

While I am writing this blog, Dan is teasing Mad Max, our mixed short-tail Manx. Max is rolling around on the table between us. He keeps grabbing my arm and nipping me (not hard) every time Dan holds his tail or claims he is going to get Max’s tail. Max loves this game. He’s so cute while he waits for Dan to reach for his tail, he will meow at Dan and other times he playfully swats at Dan’s hand. He wags his tail all the time, but his tail really gets going when Dan starts playing this game. I know that cats are usually warning us with a wagging tail, but not Max. He wags his tail when he is happy. By the speed of the circles his tail is doing right now, I’d have to say he is ecstatic.

Anyway, about a month ago, I started thinking about a new appliqué project. I bought Garden Nouveau Quilts by Vicky Lawrence. Yea, I know I already have too many ongoing projects, but just looking at the cover of this book….sigh…I really want to do at least one panel. I can hang it in the window. This urge to make at least one panel got stronger after I saw the Yaquina Bay Bridge. I fell in love the Art Deco design. It is such an unusual looking bridge that I had to look up the history and found out the bridge was designed in the 1930’s by Conde B. McCullough. And this is just one of many built to tie Hwy 101 together along the Oregon Coast. That did it! I dug out my Batik fat quarters, but I was missing the right shade of ochre and teal. What a great excuse to go buy fabric! Quilter’s Cove in Newport had a nice selection of Batik. I could not believe my luck when I found the perfect ochre Batik with a motif of an Art Deco Sunburst. Perfect! But I still needed a teal blend.

We spent about 10 days in Florence and I have fallen in love with the draw bridge! This one is my favorite out of all the bridges I have seen along the Oregon Coast. The detailed work in the obelisks is amazing. I think Conde B. McCullough out did himself in designing this bridge. I am even more inspired to make this panel even though I should be working on my pond quilt.

We have been spending most of our time traveling up and down the coast while the sun was out.  I decided to go visit Florence’s two quilt shops.  A great way to pass the time on a rainy day.  Besides, I still needed my teal to make the Art Nouveau panel.

Wenz-Daze Quilter’s Emporium is a smaller shop with quilts hanging from its high ceiling and four rooms filled with fabrics and notions. I had fun looking around the store.

Then I went into the Joy of Quilting shop. Oh MY! I have walked into a quilter’s heaven! First, I was told there were two different areas to the shop. There are several rooms with fabric and then there is Gigi Mo’s Gallery. I decided to start with the gallery and I’m so glad I did! I was offered gloves if I wanted to touch any of the quilts, but I was quite happy spending my time just looking. The gallery displays quilts and fabric art from artists along the Oregon Coastal area. As a quilter I found it very inspiring to be able to admire these fabulous quilts up-close. If you don’t quilt, but would like to purchase one, this is the place to go. The selection is very diverse from traditional to contemporary. I’m sure you can find what you are looking for in this gallery.

Then there’s the rooms packed with bolts of fabrics, books, patterns, and notions. I made the mistake of stopping in front of the juvenile/novelty section. I kept telling myself that I really did not need another yard of fabric – so, I bought 1 ½ yards! That works… I was so energized and inspired that I almost forgot the reason for shopping in the first place…..oh yea! I need to look at their Batiks. I believe I found the perfect shade of teal to use in my panel.

Well, I have managed to put myself into a dilemma. Darn! I want to start this new quilt, but I really should work on the other two quilts. Okay, this project will be my carrot.  So for now, I will put the material and notes aside and get busy on the quilts-in-progress. :0)

A quick note: From the Today Show - Jane Pauley did a segment about "Life On The Road".  She interviewed two full-timers living in their vintage Bluebird since 2004.  There is an article on AARP's site as well as a video.  Enjoy!