Freedom is not a state; it is an act.
~Representative John Lewis
Quilting
Since I haven't quilted in a while it seemed smarter to start with one of the smaller tops. This used the last of my shirt fabric. It looks good but the fabric stretched a bit so I needed a quilting design that doesn't cross any threads. Baptist Fan fits the bill although I haven't sewed it in a while. Good practice to get back in shape.
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| Smaller Blue Cross quilt |
The back is a yard of a paisley print extended with some blue from my sister. It was leftover from a back she made. Don't you love using up all the bits and scraps.
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| Back of Smaller Blue Cross quilt |
The color of the crosses in truer in this photo.
Quilt Specifics
Size: 49" x 59"
Quilt Design: Cross made without blocks
Batting: Tuscan Rose
Thread: Pale blue Masterpiece cotton
Quilting: Baptist fans
Approximate yardage: 7 yds
Monarch Update
Those caterpillars were voracious. When the milkeed ran out, they ate butternut squash which is said to work for older cats. Of the original twenty, fifteen pupated. The others died, probably lacking proper nutrients.
One of the pupae is ready to burst. The markings on the wings are visible through the shell.
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| Monarch ready to break chrysalis |
If their casing was attached to the ceiling, the new butterflies clung to the shell for about a day. The ones whos casings fell simply climbed the wall when they emerged.
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| Monarchs, pupae, and caterpillar |
I put a blooming salvia in their enclosure. Although several flew to the plant, I never saw them eat. A day later they started flying around the cage so I knew it was time to release them.
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| Monarchs ready to release |
Lavender, begonias, and clover are currently blooming in our yard but the monarchs simply flew skyward as soon as they were out of the enclosure. Hopefully they smell flowers in Hermann Park across the way.
Reading
Chris Sweeney has written an engaging biography of pioneering forensic ornithologist Roxie Laybourne. Working at the Smithsonian and the US Fish & Wildlife, she used her expertise in microscopic analysis of feathers to improve airplane safety, catch poachers, and convict kidnappers.
