Flax

I am going to skip cotton now and write about it last! Saving the best for last. So I begin with Flax - Linen. Flax is considered the oldest fiber used in the western world. According to Wikipedia "Flax is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. Flax is grown both for its seeds and for its fibers. Various parts of the plant have been used to make fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets, hair gels, and soap. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens."
Flax fibers are very strong and can be made into fine yarns and sheer fabrics that are both strong and cool. Flax is popular for clothing because in addition to being cool, it is easily washed. Linen fabrics may be smooth and sheer, coarse, homespun in effect or highly patterned as in the jacquard weave. They are used for apparel and a wide veiety of domestic fabrics such as table cloths. Tomorrow, I will talk about jute fiber!

Fabric School

Thinking about topics to write about, I thought I would write about one of my favorite things - fabric. Really, I love fabric and I am addicted to it. I confess I am a fabricaholic, as most quilters are. My fabric of choice is, of course, cotton! As a matter of fact one of my favorite books is "Cotton, The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber." It was really interesting to learn how much influence a little ball of fluff had on the world. And to learn that at any given time almost everyone on earth is wearing, using or eating something made with cotton! I just love cotton! But, there are many different kinds of fabric.

First of all, you have to understand that fabric is made up of fibers, which after treatment, become yarn. Yarn is used to make fabric. There are numerous types of fibers. However, there are basically two categories of fibers -- 1. natural and 2. manmade.

Within the natural fibers category there are two categories -- 1. cellulosic and 2. protein. Natural cellulosic fibers include cotton, flax (linen), jute, and ramie. Natural protein fibers include wool, silk, mohair, and cashmere.

Manmade fibers include, rayon, acetate and triacetate, nylon, polyester, acrylic and modacrylic, and olefin.

Tomorrow, I will begin to delve more into the characteristics of each of these different fibers and how and why they are used.

When It Rains It Pours

What a day! I could not believe the amount of rain that poured from the sky today. And the wind... just yesterday we were lounging in the back yard enjoying the sun! And watching Mellie play in her new sand box.




Oh well, a rainy day is a good quilting day and I did get a little bit quilted on my QOV.



I need some motivation for the Cinco de Mayo festival coming up on May 8. That is around the corner. I guess a trip to the library is in order -- hopefully it won't rain tomorrow!

Time Slows Down With Tea!

The tea was an unexpected pleasure! I had never been to a "tea" and when my sister asked me, I have to admit, I wasn't sure I wanted to go. My sister does tea all the time and I think she really enjoys it, but, I wasn't sure I would.
This tea featured a fashion show and and an inspirational speaker. Both were very nice. Each table, and there must of been at least fifty tables, had a hostess. Each hostess chose a different theme. Our hostess decorated each chair with a lovely shawl and hat. I hope you can see it in the pictures posted above. Of course, there were the lovely little finger sandwiches -- very tasty -- you know, amongst others, cucumber sandwiches and my favorite chicken salad. And then tea and scones (and lovely jams)! As expected we drank our tea out of lovely little tea cups. What fun! I have been inspired to do some tea themed pieces... not sure what yet, but, my wheels are turning. And I am thinking that my next boutique will be an invitation only tea and boutique!! What fun!! Tea tasting for sure. My break was nice very nice -- thank you sister!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Life has surely been busy for me. It feels as if there are never enough hours in a day and that time is just flying. That used to be a good thing -- long, long, ago -- when I was in school and then later when I punched a time clock. But, then time dragged! Why does time fly now....? That is the demon I fight now, time. There is never enough time for all the things I want to do.

I guess I just really need to prioritize, and organize! At least I did finally load my fifth Quilt of Valor quilt, shown here!!

Tomorrow takes me to a tea at my sisters church. That should be nice. It will be good to meet some new people and hopefully time will slow down a bit.

What a Difference A Day Can Make

You know one of those days where you start out thinking that it will be a normal day and then it turns out to be one of the strangest days?! Yep, that was my day today. Of course, I haven't had a normal day since I was laid off in November of 2008. However, I was beginning to get used to my different lifestyle and so enjoying my Sewing Room days. I really never thought I would be able to spend so much time sewing. At least not until I retired.
Anyway, back to my day -- I had some wonderful news this morning and then some terrible news this evening. What a day...
First the good news!! Today, I was accepted as a sewing teacher at the local brand new Joanns Fabrics. I have already scheduled classes for May and June! I am really looking forward to sharing my passion with my students. Recently, someone told me that I was in a good business as no one sews anymore and that young kids are not interested in learning to sew. I can't believe it or I refuse to believe it. Anyway, I am going to try and do my part in igniting the love of the craft in my students.
The bad news, at least from my point of view, my son-in-law was offered a job in Tupelo, Mississippi!! I cannot believe that they are even considering going. Well, for now, it is only a consideration. My hopes are that God presents another opportunity. We shall see... as for me tonight, I will sleep uneasily.

Rainy Days

April showers bring May flowers!! Repeating that verse helps me to cope with the rain today! I am sooo tired of rain, especially after being rained out on my last day of my Crossroads festival.


Thinking about flowers though...Jerry is threatening to remove the last of my roses -sad face. He found a Japanese beetle already and he hates Japanese beetles! Oh my. I love roses. I mean I REALLY love roses. I love rose bushes, rose bouquets, just the actual flowers, rose pictures, rose paintings, and rose influenced fabric...you will see my love of roses reflected in some of my art quilts (one of them is shown above).




I love Gardenias too. I think that my love for Gardenias is partly due to childhood memories! One of my coziest safest childhood memory is of taking a nap on mom's cool bed linens (which, as I mentioned earlier, she made and matched the drapes). Mom had Dad plant huge Gardenia plants right outside her bedroom window. On cool, breezy days the Gardenia fragrance wafted through the window, bathing the entire house with the lovely sweet smell. I can almost smell it now.

So, of course, as soon as Jerry and I bought our house the first plant we planted, right outside my bedroom, were Gardenia plants. We have sliding doors so not only can I smell the Gardenias but, I can see them. They are beautiful in full bloom (see above). Gardenias have white petals with a lovely dark green leaf and are one of the most fragrant flowers..

Planning Charity

Here are a couple of pictures of my last QOV

Getting ready for bed -- I can't help but think about what tomorrow will bring. I know for sure I really want to load my last Quilt of Valor quilt. It is way over due. This will be my fifth quilt for this organization. I will post pictures when it is loaded.
It has been very rewarding helping out this great cause, but, I am looking into working with some other charities now. For instance the Binky Patrol. I would like to do some quilts for needy children.
A long time ago I read a story about a very smart man. He did great in school went on to get a great job - he was a scientist, but worked in some kind of manufacturing. He was very successful and made a lot of money. The moral of the story was that he was able to retire early and enjoy his time flying kites on the beach! All I could think of was what a waste of education and knowledge. Sure he was enjoying life but, maybe he could of found a cure for cancer... the story did not mention one thing he did for the benefit of his fellow man. It made me sad.
I began to realize that it is every citizen's responsibility to donate time for a cause that they are passionate about. I believe everyone has a calling, a gift. When my kids were growing up, I would tell them to do something constructive with their life "don't just take up space in this world -- be useful, contribute to humanity!" What good is a successful life if you do not contribute somehow in a positive way to your fellow man? That is what I think, anyway...

About Me and Sewing

Andrew, Adriana and Melody.

Adriana and Melody, one of my favorite pictures! Oh yeah, and Coco in the background!

My name is Patricia Valdez. I have four wonderful children. Two boys and two girls. Three of my children are married and the fourth (the baby) is just about engaged. I am also blessed with three beautiful grand children - two girls and one boy. My grand children are my life and I enjoy spending time with them. In addition, I am married to a wonderful man who supports my every whim -- including my sewing business!

Since being laid off from my paralegal job one and a half years ago, I have invested my time and energies into a small sewing and quilting service.

As far back as I can remember my mother sewed. I believe this contributed to my love for sewing and art, and has become a deep passion for creativity. My love for art is a huge part of my life, and it comes through in the care, love, and attention to detail that I put into every piece I create. I have a special passion for the fabric arts. As I mentioned earlier, I learned to sew in junior high school - almost forty years ago!

All of my items are handmade in my sewing studio in a smoke free home. I have one pet - a non-shedding Shih Tzu named Coco (who is not allowed in my studio anyway). I named my Shih Tzu after Coco Chanel, the designer. Coco is not allowed in my sewing studio because I am always dropping pins! On any given day Coco can be found right outside my studio door and he is never far from me wherever I go!

I am passionate about my sewing and quilting and take great pride and pleasure in my work and projects.

One project quilted!

What is a good day?

Today is a beaufiful day! Sunny and mild, a perfect day for taking pictures! Breaking out my new Sony Cybershot to take some new pictures of my items for sale to post on my Etsy Store. Of course, I will have to sneak in a few pictures of my grandbabies! And needless to say, even though my Singer Quantum Quilter is under the weather today, I will do some stitching. I am working on a couple of small wall quilts. One quilt is on the frame and one is in the binding stage. Today is a good day!!

Today I received the fat quarters I ordered from Robert Kaufman Fabrics -- Josephine Kimberling's, Glam Garden - Spring Colorstory. I am thinking that I will make a quilt with one bundle and sell the rest at the Cinco de Mayo festival and in my Etsy Store! They are a beautiful combination of colors. I will be sure and post pictures of the quilt as it is being constructed. First I have to decide on a block. I am thinking I will keep it simple as the fabrics are quite busy (but the colors are beautiful!).

Okay, it is official I have signed up for my next festival.

Be sure to come and see me at the

Cinco de Mayo ~ Fiesta Days Saturday, May 8

Sponsored by the South San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber's South County Cinco de Mayo event will be at the new Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley shopping center. A sunny day was ordered but it will go on even if it drizzles. Come enjoy exhibitors, the food vendors, a beer garden, entertainment and rides for the kids!

I was thinking about when and how I started sewing. The funny thing is that even though I had a grandmother, aunt and mother that sewed... I learned how to sew in junior high! In those days all the girls took home economics. I continued that trend in high school. Needless to say, I ended up in advanced home ec. My earliest recollection of sewing is of my mother making our clothes and decorating our home. I remember that everything always matched. Our bedspreads matched our curtains and my binder covers always matched my outfits!! Really! I was the only girl in junior high that had binders that matched my outfits...not that anyone cared. It wasn't like I started any cool trends or anything. No one cared!! Oh well, I thought it was cool. I had the cutest outfits too. Mom's sewing machine was an old Singer Treadle machine. What I wouldn't give to have that machine now! I don't even know what happened to it. Mom passed away twelve years ago, and luckily I inherited most of her sewing machines and her button jar! But, most importantly, I inherited Mom's love of sewing. There is no feeling like the feeling of the machine needle piercing a piece of beautiful fabric.

Check this out at my Etsy Store