Real Happiness

"To get a dopamine "hit," make something that pushes you to the furthest edge of your ability, where you're not only focused but learning and perfecting skills."

This is a quote from a wonderful article.  I had never heard this before but it is true for me.  I was in my "studio" yesterday and it was so relaxing and healing.  I love making these placemats.  I would offer one word of advice.  Plan Ahead!  I used raw edge applique for these trees.  I am not sure I will do that again.  I thought it would be easier than piecing.

Also added a border to the Starry Nine Patch #2.  I found this fabric in my stash,  sort of a orangy pink batik.  I wish I could remember where I got it.  I am almost out and I love using it. When you put the nine patches together you come up with some very interesting combinations.  I pay very little attention to arranging them.  If two patches that are alike end up next to each other then fine.  You can see that happened a couple of times.  That just adds to the patchiness (is that a word).

Here is a close-up.  I am having camera issues.  Something happened to my trusty Nikon Coolpix.  The camera store says the lens is broken but I have no idea how that happened. 

 
 














I have had the print in the background for literally years.  I really want some placemats for myself.
I pulled these fabrics to use.  I have no ideas yet but pulling fabrics is fun.

Tonya mentioned this book and I could not resist.  Believe me I was not disappointed for a second.  The quilts in this book are not only gorgeous but so so creative.  I am sure the women that created them experienced a "dopamine 'hit'".  I don't usually enjoy reading commentary about quilts but the one by Joe Cunningham is so interesting.  He points out wonky components of several of the quilts.  It makes you look at them in a new refreshing way.