Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / china and pottery / I’ve Been…

I’ve Been…

April 7, 2013 at 8:33 am by Claudia

sundayshakespearebooks

Researching Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. My personal favorite of all his plays.

sundaytextwork

Comparing notes, checking meter, looking up obscure word meanings, while this girl is at my side:

sundayscoutie

A freshly bathed, sweet smelling, silky coated girl. My pal.

sundaykitchenisland

Changing the display on the kitchen island. Will it stay? Not sure. But our favorite rabbit cookie jar was in a corner and I wanted to see it every day.

sundaysupplies

Stocking up on supplies: darning needles, sewing machine needles, fabric. Must have everything ready to go to Hartford in less than two weeks.

sundayquiltonbed

Working every evening on this. I have about one hour’s worth of hand quilting left and the top will be finished. I couldn’t resist putting it on the bed yesterday. I have callouses on my fingers, I’ve pricked myself more times than I can count, my back is sore from continually hunching over, but the end is in sight.

sundayquiltclose

Getting ready to start in on the binding. Happy that it’s almost done. It’s not perfect by a long shot, but I love it like a child.

doninperiodcostume

Skyping with this guy, here in his period costume. Distinguished, no? He’s been having the time of his life in Prague, sightseeing every spare moment, meeting new friends and colleagues, acting on film (which he loves), making the most of this gift, this wonderful opportunity. We miss him but he’ll be home tomorrow.

Happy Sunday.

signature2

Filed Under: china and pottery, Don, quilting, Scout, Shakespeare 65 Comments

Comments

  1. Mary @ Ms. Redo says

    April 7, 2013 at 9:20 am

    Your new quilt looks so fabulous in your room, it just brightens everything, the colors are perfect!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:12 pm

      Thank you so much, Mary.

      Reply
  2. Ann says

    April 7, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Your quilt is a beautiful accomplishment! I am sure Don is going to keep you and Scout up telling stories, what a great experience.

    Reply
    • Chy says

      April 7, 2013 at 10:41 am

      Don looks very distinguished – love his costume. I’m sure his has lots to share with you when he arrives home.

      Love your quilt top. So close to being finished!

      Have a great Sunday. We’ve had another round of snow, with a snowstorm predicted for later in the week. After a very mild winter, with very little snow, this is getting a bit crazy!

      Reply
      • Claudia says

        April 7, 2013 at 2:13 pm

        Oh no, more snow?

        Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:13 pm

      I can’t wait to see all the pictures he’s taken, Ann.

      Reply
  3. Melanie says

    April 7, 2013 at 10:47 am

    When I first saw the quilt on your bed, I thought, “What a gorgeous quilt!” Then I read it was the one you’re working on. Oh my goodness, it is just gorgeous. Love all the colors. Don looks so different with his short hair! Can’t believe he’ll be home tomorrow already. That’s a fast trip for overseas.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:14 pm

      9 days, Melanie.

      Reply
  4. Laura says

    April 7, 2013 at 11:08 am

    Claudia, your quilt is just gorgeous. I know you are going to be happy to have Don home. Happy Sunday.
    Hugs,
    Laura

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:15 pm

      Happy Sunday to you, Laura.

      Reply
  5. Julie says

    April 7, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Very distinguished! Don looks so different with short hair!
    Sounds like you’ve been a very busy lady. Between work, packing and quilting. I love your quilt. I’m going to make a friend baby quilts – she just had twin boys. Problem is…her nursery decor is “camo”. I want to make pretty boy’s quilts…oh well, at least they won’t take long and I’m machine quilting them. It’s harder to work with fabric you don’t like – like knitting/crocheting with wool you’re not crazy about. I’ve really been enjoying your sister’s blog. Thanks for publishing her link a while ago. J

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:16 pm

      Oh, camo…that would be a challenge, Julie. So glad you like Meredith’s blog – she’s the best sister in the world.

      Reply
  6. Donnamae says

    April 7, 2013 at 11:11 am

    It’s amazing how different Don looks…much more distinguished! I’m sure you are excited to have him come home! ;)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:17 pm

      Yes, he looks impressive, doesn’t he?

      Reply
  7. Beverly says

    April 7, 2013 at 11:40 am

    Claudia, I am in love with your quilt. It is gorgeous!!!

    And, your Don is quite distinguished.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:17 pm

      Thank you, Beverly!

      Reply
  8. Paula says

    April 7, 2013 at 11:46 am

    I love the bunny jar, but don’t you worry about it getting knocked over in the corner of the island? I’m kind of a klutz and I know I would bump into it!

    Don looks great, by the way – I can’t wait for the program to air – what is the name again?

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:19 pm

      We’ve had a milk glass cake plate and glass dome up there for years and nothing has happened to it. Cross your fingers.

      The program is American Experience, which is a series on PBS. I imagine it won’t air until the fall, at the very earliest.

      Reply
  9. Cheryl says

    April 7, 2013 at 11:58 am

    Your quilt is beautiful! The colors are perfect!!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:21 pm

      Thank you, Cheryl!

      Reply
  10. Kathy says

    April 7, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    Your quilt is beautiful. I love how colorful it is.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:22 pm

      Thank you, Kathy.

      Reply
  11. An Enchanted Cottage says

    April 7, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Claudia, I am in LOVE with your quilt! Oh my gosh – it is STUNNING!!! Scout looks adorable and Don looks dashing! I’m sure you’re so looking forward to him arriving home!

    Donna

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:23 pm

      I am. I miss him! And I only have about 10 days with him before I have to leave for Hartford.

      Reply
  12. Francine L. says

    April 7, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    Hi Claudia!! You have been a busy bee, but you are accomplishing a lot!! Your quilt looks beautful on the bed and I just love how colorful it is!! So happy Don’s trip was a good one. It’s nice you will see each other before you leave!! I can’t wait to see the show when it airs!! Enjoy the rest of your day!! Francine

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:24 pm

      Thank you, Francine. It looks like spring is here in our neck of the woods, doesn’t it?

      Reply
  13. nancy says

    April 7, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    Very pretty quilt.
    Well, Don certainly looks distinguished!
    nancyr

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:24 pm

      Yes, he does!

      Reply
  14. patty says

    April 7, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Your quilt is so pretty, Claudia. And I imagine you think the pin pricks and callouses were worth it!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:25 pm

      I do, Patty.

      Reply
  15. Nancy Blue Moon says

    April 7, 2013 at 1:05 pm

    Your quilt is just amazing Claudia..I love all of the beautiful floral patterns..Scout’s white fur is so pretty..she looks like she would be soft to the touch..The bunny cookie jar is adorable..and Don is looking quite handsome with that new haircut..My goodness..it seems like he just went over there..

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:26 pm

      Scout is very soft to the touch – she’s got hair that is soft like a cat’s.

      Reply
  16. pam mikel says

    April 7, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    oh my claudia, i’m so in love with your quilt!!! the colors are glorious. and don, my oh my, downtown abbey-ish to me! hugs from texas, finally seeing spring….pam

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:27 pm

      We are finally seeing spring, too, Pam. About time!

      Reply
  17. Kim says

    April 7, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    Such a beautiful quilt Claudia! Can’t wait to see Don in the finished product, how lucky he got to spend time in Prague. I’d love to go there. Scout is so cute and clean!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:28 pm

      He is SO lucky!

      Reply
  18. Elizabeth says

    April 7, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    I see you’re making it to the finish line. Looks wonderful and I like the colors used throughout. I’ve always
    wanted to learn how to quilt but, hate sewing to tell you the truth. I didn’t even recognize Don’s photo at
    first. Glad he’s having a ball. I would too!! Too bad you couldn’t have gone also.
    Have a great Sunday :)
    xxx Liz

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:29 pm

      I’m not a sewer, not good at clothes or things like that. Somehow I manage to get it together to make a quilt.

      Reply
  19. Teresa Kasner says

    April 7, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Yay, a photo of Don! I bet he has some great stories to tell. Your quilt is looking great! One thing about having Minnie Belle is that I’m starting to think I might.. just might.. be able to make a quilt. It’s a good thing that Don will be home for Scout when you have to leave. Have a good trip. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      Go for it, Teresa!

      Reply
  20. Betty Sneeringer says

    April 7, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    You do small, neat stitches on your quilt – very nice!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      Thank you, Betty.

      Reply
  21. Annette Tracy says

    April 7, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    I totally admire anybody who quilts. I never learned how, took up paint brushes instead. It looks beautiful on the bed. Such a work of art. Don looks so distinguished! Might take a while to get used to his short hair, a new man in the house! You have to frame that picture of Scout, she looks so sweet!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 2:31 pm

      Well, I totally admire anyone who paints, Annette! My dad has that talent, but I don’t.

      Reply
  22. Mare says

    April 7, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    I know it’s been said, but I am IN LOVE with your quilt!!! it is simply amazing!! Scoutie looks to soft and sweet and might I say content?? Bet she’ll be a happy girl to see her Daddy (not to mention how happy her mom will be to see him too!) And speaking of Scout’s dad, he is looking absolutely amazing. What a fantastic opportunity he has had!
    Enjoy your time together before you are off on YOUR next adventure!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 3:30 pm

      She’ll be really happy to see her dad, Mare. Thank you for your good wishes!

      Reply
  23. Meredith says

    April 7, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Don looks so handsome, I love his long hair, but he is pretty darn cute with short hair, too. Love your beautiful quilt sister.
    Mere

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 3:32 pm

      He is pretty darn cute no matter what. I’m partial to his longer hair, but this looks sort of neat. When it isn’t slicked back, everything but the sides and the back is still a bit long.

      Reply
  24. Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams says

    April 7, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    That quilt is so lovely, and worth every twinge of back pain, pricked finger, and callus.

    Don looks very dignified in his costume.

    Jen

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 7, 2013 at 3:32 pm

      He’ll be pleased to hear that, Jen!

      Reply
  25. Linda @ A La Carte says

    April 7, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    The quilt is look great and I know you will be happy to be done with it. Don looks wonderful in his costume! I am so happy to hear he is enjoying this experience!
    hugs,
    Linda

    Reply
  26. Pat says

    April 7, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    Wonderful to see you staying so busy while Don is away.
    Making the most of your time before he gets home and you have to leave.
    This means you can spend some quality time together once he gets back…!
    That quilt looks lovely on your bed, I know you’ll be happy to have it done.
    Pat

    Reply
  27. Judy Clark says

    April 7, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    Claudia – the quilt is turning out just beautiful! (Is that my quilt you are working on?) Don looks so different with his hair cut – good looking either way, right? Looks like you are loading up supplies for your venture.

    Glad it’s almost time for Don to get home.

    Judy

    Reply
  28. Leisa says

    April 7, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    Wonderful quilt, Claudia! It’s so exciting when you can see it almost finished… that ‘night before Christmas’ feeling! Aren’t furry helper companions the best? Scout looks perfectly happy to supervise your endeavors :-) Only two short weeks until you leave… I remember that feeling well–the excitement of a new show and the new people (and very familiar ones) that go along with it. I really miss those days sometimes and the energy that surrounded them (although my days were spent in wardrobe, I am assuming that the overall feeling is probably very similar…), and I am really looking forward to your posts from Hartford!

    Reply
  29. Tammy says

    April 7, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    I love that quilt! Absolutely gorgeous! Scout is such a love. Welcome (almost) home Don! Best wishes, Tammy

    Reply
  30. angie says

    April 7, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    what a pretty quilt, claudia! i always admire people who can quilt… the thought of such a large project is intimidating to me… and the little flowerpot holding your markers and such is the perfect color… love it!
    have a happy day…
    angie

    Reply
  31. Karen says

    April 7, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    That quilt is absolutely beautiful!!! and your guy is very handsome in his wardrobe…

    Reply
  32. Lisa Kistler says

    April 7, 2013 at 9:08 pm

    You are both so lucky to love your work so much! Your quilt is wonderful! Have a lovely evening!
    Hugs, Lisa

    Reply
  33. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says

    April 7, 2013 at 10:54 pm

    Don certainly is on a fun adventure! Love the quilt top, Claudia!

    Reply
  34. Nana Diana says

    April 7, 2013 at 11:45 pm

    You know, Claudia- I always feel like I am visiting an old friend when I come here—-from quilts to pups to the love you have for your life…I just feel welcomed in like I am part of it all. BTW, You have a VERY handsome hubby…but you already know that- xo Diana

    Reply
  35. Tina says

    April 8, 2013 at 6:30 am

    LOVE the quilt, Claudia!

    I’m looking forward to seeing Don’s work.

    Reply
  36. Tana says

    April 8, 2013 at 8:21 am

    Your husband is handsome and your quilt is beautiful! You have done an excellent job on the quilt. I hate to sound stupid, but I am amazed at all the work that goes into getting ready for rehearsals. So much more than I have ever known! I thought you got the lines and memorized the words and you were good to go. I learn so much reading your blog.

    Reply
  37. Mary says

    April 8, 2013 at 9:07 am

    Hope Don arrives home on schedule – he will have so many stories to share with you and Scout!
    Lovely quilt – maybe the only type of sewing project I’ve never tackled……some day when I have plenty of time perhaps I’ll try one!

    Happy week – Mary X

    Reply
  38. Debra says

    April 9, 2013 at 6:50 am

    he looks quite distinguished and handsome!

    Oh oh OHHHHHHHHHHH that quilt. What alot of work and love over the winter has gone into it. Gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  39. Haworth says

    April 19, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Your quilt is just so beautiful, Claudia. So much work, and such painstaking stitches. I can only imagine how your poor fingers must feel. Don does look very distinguished, and it’s lovely that he enjoyed Prague so much, and the experience. (If I had Scout at my feet all day I would just fall asleep and get nothing done…. nap buddies, yup, that would be us. How you remain wakeful amazes me!)

    Reply
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I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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