The Shooting Star (Dodecatheon dentatum) features a very distinctive flower shape. The petals are drawn back from the stamen, as if it was a shooting star. Barely an inch long, this early spring bloomer grows in wet marshy areas and along streams.
The Clackamas Iris
There are many unique flowering plants in the Pacific Northwest, among them is the Clackamas Iris (Iris tenuis). This rare iris has narrow petals and leaves, and can be found growing in small clearings one encounters in Douglas Fir forests. Also called a “grass iris” because their leaves grow in dense grass like clumps, [Continue Reading]
Poppy!!
Its fun exploring the broad range of wildflowers that grow in the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding areas. Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) can be found in many areas and elevations. This straight line pattern was inspired by these “Gorge”-ous (no pun intended!!) flowers.
Tufted Puffin
There seems to be an endless variety of wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. This Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) is a polite bird that belongs to the Auk avian family and is found along coastal waterways. Often referred to as the “Parrot of the Seas”, its curved orange beak, bright orange webbed feet, and distinctive white [Continue Reading]
Mountain Chicken
Well…….yes, this is a actually a frog, not a chicken per se. This is Leptodactylus Fallax, known locally in Dominica as the Mountain Chicken. This is one of the world’s largest frogs, and thus produces among the world’s largest frog leg feasts. And, unfortunately because is it a delicacy on Dominica is now an endangered [Continue Reading]
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is my newest pattern and class. This stately bird is found in many places in North America. Check my teaching schedule for the next offering of this class!
Summer’s Smile, Helianthus
Summer’s Smile, Helianthus (2013 521×34) Summer brings the most amazing flowers. One of my favorites are Sunflowers. They seem unlikely as blossoms, with enormous discs of seeds and vibrant petals. Their vibrancy seem to match the bright red gingham table cloths we used on picnics. Its as if they are summer’s smiles. [Continue Reading]
Haystack
Haystack (2013, 42″ X 24″) This iconic rock formation is located near Cannon Beach, Oregon. At low tide, one can walk to the base of the rock and enjoy wonders of the ocean revealed in the tide pools. Stripped fabric seemed the ideal choice for the angular basaltic rocks of Haystack and [Continue Reading]
Iris
Made in Astoria
These semi-matching quilts feature the asymmetrical School of Fish block pattern from Ruth McDowell’s book, Symmetry. Made for twin boys, the babies will have to grow a bit to get larger than the fish!
