Bridges Crossed (Newport, OR)

I look forward to crossing the coastal bridges.  Each one is so unique and beautiful.  Most of the bridges were built in the early 1900’s in an Art Deco design by Conde McCullough.  The bridges along the Oregon coast are architecturally and artistically built to last…well most of them have made it.  Some have been restored, but this one was replaced.  The Alsea Bay Bridge in Waldport has been rebuilt in the spirit of the McCullough’s Art Deco design. 

taken from the pedestrian plaza

 I believe the pedestrian plaza is the original.  

 Each bridge has different designed obelisks.

 Each bridge has different designed pedestrian stairways and walkways.  This one included arches.

 Beautiful old stairway leading up to the bridge's arches and walkway from Waldport's side.

Did you know that the Oregon beaches use to be the coastal highway?  Because the coastal area was so rugged, north and south-bound travelers found it easier to travel on the sandy beaches until McCullough came along and connected Highway 101 with his bridges.  

One view from Yachats, OR

I will probably post more photos of these magnificent bridges as we travel down the coast.  I'll try not to take up so much space on the next ones.

On The Cutting Board

I crossed a different bridge recently when I was asked if I could do my Purple Lotus quilt in a different color.  I said yes, of course, it would not be an exact duplicate, but I could try to make it as close as the first one.  After emailing her photos of fabric I have in my stash, we finally agreed on colors and fabrics.  She picked pinks, turquoise, sky blue, or maybe just a little purple with a black backing.  

Letting someone else pick out colors and fabrics for me has been a lot of fun and a challenge.

This is what I have so far.  I love the color scheme.  The black will make the other colors pop.  I will use the black in the appliquéd flower and for the binding.  I just started appliquéing last night.

I visited The Quilter’s Cove in Newport but I was very disappointed with the downsizing of the LQS.  The last time I visited the shop, it was in a larger store with a wonderful selection.  The downsizing was very noticeable as soon as I walked in the door.  I started looking around when someone (the owner?) walked out and asked if I needed help.  I said I was looking for fabric in a turquoise color.  She waved her hand in the air and said “Look around.  I’m sure you will find something.”  Okay…..I had blamed the poor economy for the downsizing of this shop, now I’m not so sure.  

I will give her credit for trying after I had been looking for several minutes.  She had come out from behind the counter to help me and a couple of customers.  By the time I left there, we were even talking like old friends, so I’m not sure what to think.  I did find one cut piece of turquoise batik that I felt was perfect to tie all the colors together in this quilt, but I did not get the black fabric.  I wanted 2.5 yards and she had less than 2 yards.

The turquoise batik - perfect match!

Well, you know what that means, right?  I'll just have to stop at another quilt shop...darn the luck...;0)  This time Dan and I went to Florence even though we will be living there soon.  I wanted to get this project going.

The Joy Of Quilting in Florence is another shop I had visited during our last visit to the coast.  They had the same amount if not more fabric to browse through.  Sigh…it was wonderful.  I found more blues and turquoise fabrics along with the black fabric....

Ready to  appliqué the petals.

..and I had a great time talking fabrics and quilts while I waited for Dan to return.  Happy Quilting!

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!