Sorry, I’m humming the tune to an oldie called Lemon Tree.
“Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower’s sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.” Well, my tree is OK, and I have Meyer Lemons so they are sweet.
We planted the tree when we moved into this house 8 years ago, I clearly have rust and other problems. These days I sort of ignore the garden and guess what – results, after all this time, the tree is finally producing more than just one or two lemons.
Pity it’s a little too chilly for lemonade, but I cook with lemons all times so these will be put to good use.
Quilting
After months of sewing the hexagons together, I needed to think about the quilting. I knew I wanted some overall quilting that would hold things together well, but would’t overwhelm or underwhelm the quilt.
Lucky for me I had signed up for a great Craftsy class. Creative quilting with your walking foot. Jacquie Gering is an excellent teacher. Most important lesson, it’s a walking foot, not a running foot. Don’t try and sew fast. 
I made the quilt sandwich and practiced. I’ve had the fabric on the left for about 5 years, Yes, I did use some of it amongst the hexies, but this is just one of those fabrics I don’t know what to do with. Perfect for practice, since my quilt top is very busy. I like the way this is looking.
I am using Aurifil thread, no. 40 in a non distcript grey tone. I don’t want the quilting lines to stand out. I want a fluid flowing feeling to the quilt. Something that will soften the hexagon grid. Of course it is easier to see the quilting on the larger patches of the back.
Close up of the quilting. The other very nice thing is, since I am not quilting on a solid fabric, my many imperfections are invisible.
Wow, this is going so fast! In comparison to the hand sewing. It isn’t easy maneuvering through the machine. Since I am using a walking foot I can only sew forward – no reverse like free motion quilting. I’m about 2/3 done here and I really like what I’m seeing, or not really seeing.
The area closest to the camera is unquilted. I like the texture, I also like that the colors and the hexies are still the stars here.
Same thing on the back. Sometimes the quilting is meant to be the star. In this case, I need dense quilting but I want it to fade into the background. Many of my hexies had a very scant 1/4″ seam allowance. I need to anchor it all in place. This isn’t a show piece, this will be my cuddle up quilt on the couch.
As I quilt along I’m smelling the starch, not a bad smell at all. Also as I wrangle it through the machine, the stiffness of the starch is abating, but I haven’t had any problem with the glue basting shifting or coming loose! I think I’ve got a winner here in my basting technique!
Basting the quilt
I’ve been trying to find the best way to baste a quilt – preferably using spray glue. I’ve come to the conclusion that whenever a new product appears on the market (basting glue, frixon pens) the naysayers come out and loudly proclaim that ‘we don’t know how this will affect our quilts in the long run!’. To that I say, I have no idea how long my quilts will be around and I’d really like to use these labor saving tools.
There are so many wonderful tutorials on youtube, time to do my research. First of all, starch both front and back – with real starch, not sizing or replacement product.
The starch fills in the spaces between the fibers, sounds good to me. I also, ironed the batting, since there are creases and folds.
Here they are, ironed, firm and ready to go.
I’ve tried different methods of spray gluing. My first big mistake, working on the floor! That is just too back-braking, I have a large yard, I have folding tables – why was I making my life difficult?
One method that I have been reading about is using two boards to hold the fabric. When we moved into our house I was a little upset at all the garbage leftover in the garage. But now I discover the perfect 3×1 boards and I’m happy.
It’s a little hard to see, but I’ve rolled the top and bottom on the boards, I gradually unroll and spray the batting in in small segments.
And it’s done, maybe two hours tops, for the ironing, the rolling and the gluing and no aching back! I’m sold. Now on to the actual quilting.
The quilt back
If you didn’t already know that I am crazy (who hand sews a complete hexagon quilt top??) this will confirm it.
After all that intense hand sewing, it all came to an abrupt end. Now what??? Well of course I need to make the backing and I can’t remember the last time it was one solid piece of fabric. At first I was thinking I’d make up some flowers out of the remaining hexies, but thought better of it, that part was done!
Then I remembered Quilts and More Fall 2014. With my library card I can download and read a number of knitting and quilting magazines. The cover of the fall issue had a scrappy quilt with large hexagons! Perfect, I’ll make a few rows and sandwich them between some larger fabrics.
After all that handwork, cutting patches with a rotary cutter and sewing them up on the machine was a breeze.
Once started, I just couldn’t stop!
So much so that the backing of this quilt is what most normal people would consider to be a lovely quilt top.
I did mention I’m crazy didn’t I? Hey, it only took me a few days, not months like the top.
Quilt Top Finished!!!
I’ve been measuring the quilt on Joel’s quilt. As you can see here, just a few more rows to go and what a lovely model.
The final stretch!
The mess on the floor. The Michael Levine bag is slowly getting filled with the scraps and the discarded paper. Clearly I’m rather messy.
Here is what’s left, some templates, cut hexies and even a few that are basted and ready to go.
They rattle around the box – good sign, I don’t have too many left over, otherwise I’d be tempted to add a few more rows.
Ok, even I’m impressed. While working one hexie at a time, it’s hard to see the big picture and I must say, I really like the color blocking result.
I did the math, about 1800 hexies, yes I am certifiably crazy.
Enjoy the back, because soon it will be locked up in the quilt sandwich. I proudly showed it off at the LA Modern Quilt guilt, the program just happened to be about EPP. Yes, it is always nice getting the positive reactions from my peers.
Ask and ye shall receive
I am often told I should sell my work. Usually by people who think that if I sell, it will be priced like the sale racks at Ross and they can pick it up for a song. Every once in a while someone hints that they would love to have something I make. I usually tell them that I make things for myself first, then for people I love and care about, I’m not into making something just because an acquaintance likes my creativity.
And then there is Roberta, she simply comes out and says – you know, that hat would look really good on me, or cool scarf – Christmas is coming. So she made a similar comment about my recent cowl and you know what, I realized that yes – she should have the cowl.
Looks great on her right? Now here’s the thing, she makes things herself so she understands the value of hand made items. She doesn’t knit, so it’s not like I could just give her instructions. She does crochet, she also has me come over every year for the last 6 years to show her how to crochet the Easter eggs her mom used to make. I’m an expert on Easter eggs now, I think she is too, but she really enjoys our time together crocheting eggs, so we’ll continue to do so every year.
Also, I mentioned that she makes things
This was a gift from a few years ago – this definitely makes Roberta Knitworthy, not to mention a very special friend.
We ‘heart’ Garden Apartments.
Every year the Los Angeles Conservancy organizes a special tour that focuses on one topic. This year it is Garden Apartments. This was a difficult tour to organize since we were visiting three locations that are far apart, from the Valley to Venice to mid-city – Baldwin Hills. I decided to pay my money and simply go on the tour.
First stop, right in my back yard, Chase Knolls in Sherman Oaks. I have driven by this complex for over 20 years and have never set foot inside. It was very surprising how quiet and pastoral I felt once on the grounds.
The concept of Garden Apartments came about during WWII, a need to build quick housing both during the war and after. Have the buildings set in a lovely park setting with common green space for the residents to enjoy.
It works very well here, the trees have matured, the knoll, is lovely.
This complex has a road on the exterior with parking away from the actual units. They also have laundry rooms. A few years ago the owner wanted to tear this down and build a much denser apartment complex. The Conservancy and the residents fought back and now a new owner is in place. The building were repainted in the original pastel colors. The apartments upgraded and are very pleasant.
Then it was a long drive down to Venice to a much larger complex, Lincoln Village. This was my least favorite. Streets run through the complex, although there is greenery between the buildings, there is not a lot of common space.
Also, not a lot of big mature trees, I guess they just weren’t part of the landscaping design. If this picture looks like the buildings in Chase Knoll it’s because they had the same team of architects.
The old clothes lines getting good use, I think someone may have ridden their bike down to the beach
A number of years ago the owners illegally tore down 8 of the buildings, after a long legal battle, Aimco bought the property and probably saw the tax benefits of maintaing the old buildings while erecting new ones. Here you can see how the new is different but fits in with the feel of the old buildings. Streets run through the whole complex, so there isn’t that pastoral feeling.
This is the largest public area, there are bbqs along the perimeter, but no tall trees. It’s hard to see but there are dog frisbees on the grass, so dog owners do come out here. 
Another new addition is a pool, a gym and a community room.
Public rooftop atop the community room.
Nice new modern kitchens in the apartments. I’m glad that this complex was saved and even had upgrades, so now it is a place close to the beach for many new residents.
On to the third and my favorite garden apartment. The Village Green in Baldwin Hills.
There are a number of big differences, very big open public spaces and this complex went Condo 30 years ago, so the residents really really care about their homes.
I saw many parents with young babies. I understand that the community has a lot of activities together as well.
I LOVE these big mature trees.
We were able to visit three homes, not model homes like the other locations. They were all very different and wonderful. 
People also personalize their outdoor space. 
A local resident.
So for any Los Angeles residents, go to the Conservancy website and check out the tours, this is a wonderful way to learn about the city.
Halloween!
Apparently Halloween in the most celebrated holiday in the US today. Which means there are countless ways that people celebrate. I was present at two events, it’s hard to say I participated, since I didn’t dress up.
First was our annual Halloween party at West Hollywood Stitch and Bitch. We are a very creative bunch and it shows in the costumes, this year the theme was TV shows.
Natalie rocked Flo! Complete with Kiss my Grits on her pad. The pie was one you’d never find in a greasy diner, it was made from a fresh pumpkin by Suzette.
Who really rocked Velma from Scooby-Doo.
Ellen did a great job as the Log Lady from Twin Peaks. Of course she made the log. The sweater is one she made a while ago, updated with the trees specifically for the costume.
Bridget, Brenda and Denise were all on the S.S. Minnow, come on, there had to be someone building tents and entertaining the crew at night on the Island.
Jenna was a Cabbage Patch doll, with an authentic doll from her own childhood.
Richard, Sarah, Vivian and Simon were all characters from Clash of the Titans!
I should have taken a picture of all the wonderful food people brought to eat. This is one group that knows how to party.
Then on Halloween night it was out Trick or Treating with the grandkids. They live in the perfect neighborhood for that, flat streets, small houses side by side so there is a lot of action.
Of course Aytan was Spiderman, the mask lasted maybe 2 minutes – enough to get the picture.
Shira was Princess Sophia, complete with doll, she managed to take her all over with her purple bucket and never lose her. She has had the dress for a year now, wears it all the time, but I guess when you add in purple boots with butterflies – it all becomes a magic costume.
The haul, yup, they came home with A LOT of candy. What a wonderful tradition, running around, knocking on doors and meeting neighbors one rarely see in our busy lives. What’s not to love about having candy in the mix as well!
Spiderman!
These days when a cartoon movie comes out, along side all the usual paraphernalia, fabric companies will buy the rights and print fabric to match. The best place to buy such fabric is JoAnn’s, the independent stores can’t be bothered to carry the fads.
Yes my grandson is still enamored with Spiderman, so I grabbed two prints.
And started my little sweatshop.
Practice makes almost perfect, the collars went in easily as did the sleeves.
I had recently taken the craftsy class, 40 techniques every sewer should know. Btw, can I just state that I am perfectly fine with the term, sewer? I really dislike sewist – it seems so contrived and elitist, a younger generation has discovered what women have been doing since the dawn of time and they feel the need to give it a new name? Anyway, one of the best tips was to use a water soluble stabilizer when sewing button holes.
I have always struggled with the buttonhole, yes my machine has about 8 types and it’s own dedicated foot, but for some reason after the first buttonhole (always done on scrap fabric), they get wonky and unruly. Using the stabilizer really really helped! Yes, I still had a wonky buttonhole (I’ve learned to reset the stitch before every buttonhole – that helps some).
Finished shirt!
I went over to deliver them and Aytan announced (as he had when I showed him the fabric) that the red is his and the blue is for his dad.
He even went and put the blue shirt in Dad’s closet. No, he wouldn’t put the shirt on at the time, so no photos of him modeling it, but we did take a bike ride down the street to the yogurt shop.
Rocky Peak Trail
Continuing our Sunday tradition, we went out looking for a local hike. We found it in the northwestern section of the San Fernando Valley, right on the border with Simi Valley. Rocky Peak Trail
True to it’s name, the trail was steep and had little vegetation but a lot of very interesting rock formations.
From certain vantage points the sky really was that blue.
We did have a few clouds in the sky, not enough to give us any shade but since we don’t see them often, I find clouds are fascinating.
Not all rock formations are made by nature.
Despite being the end of October, it was hot.
This is a view of the San Fernando Valley we rarely see, I think out house is far off in the haze.
Simi Valley on the other side, once ranch lands, now a far flung suburb.
Once again, we weren’t alone. A group of Fire fighters were out on a hike. I have no idea if they are LA county or Ventura country, we were straddling the county line.
Not everyone was hiking. I’m impressed that with the views she was able to concentrate on her book.
Hikers, mountain bikes, just another lovely Sunday in Southern California.
