METAPHOR IN FABRIC

Ultrasuede bag

2011-12-11T09:25:00.001-08:00

For a change of pace, I got some of my ultrasuede out, and made a little tote bag.

It is about the right size for carrying an iPad, or just a convenient size for everyday use.

The ultrasuede is a challenge to sew, but it went pretty well. The cream-color on the flap is a lighter weight ultrasuede, very soft and flexible, and easier to work with.

I got it when Baer's was still here, and they had a wonderful selection to choose from. it was a splurge, but hard to resist...

I found this wonderful lining fabric in my black-and-white collection. It is designer fabric that I got years ago in New York. Glad I splurged on it, too. The black with white polka dots is a lined pocket.

I love making bags.

Oh, to be in England

2011-12-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

Although I haven't posted much lately, I have been busy.

I have been working on an English cottage and garden. It is for a gift from a friend to her granddaughter-in-law, who has moved to the United States from England. My friend asked me to do a quilt that would be reminiscent of a cottage in an English village.

I have traveled to and bicycled in many charming English villages, so it seemed like a pleasant assignment.

I have enjoyed it, but it took on a life of its own, and was much more "labor-intensive" than I expected...

I did a composite of several photos, and combined a "typical" half-timbered cottage with "typical" English garden.

I am pleased with the way it turned out, and I think it will make the recipient happy, too.

It was another opportunity for me to practice free-motion embroidery, and I am especially happy with the way the sky turned out, and the stucco on the cottage

I just learned yesterday that my neighborhood fabric store will be closing in a few weeks. In addition to it being so conveniently located, it has been the meeting place for our Monday night meetings.. So I don't know if our group will find another place to meet. It was quite a shock to hear the news. One thing that could happen would be for someone to buy the shop and continue it in the same location... Time will tell.

Finally finished some pieces!

2011-11-16T08:34:00.001-08:00

I always welcome the opportunity to make a rooster quilt. A musician friend asked me to make a "mariachi Rooster" playing a guitar. What a fun challenge! I happened to have some perfect fabrics in my stash, and I bought a couple of fabrics with stripes, too.

The biggest challenge was getting the "arms" and "fingers" right on the guitar...

I think they will like it...

I have often described myself as a "bargello addict." There are certainly worse things to be.

For a long time I have wanted to make a bargello in lime green and black fabrics. When I was in Asheville this summer, I bought some wonderful Japanese fabric with the perfect lime green color, plus some great purples, oranges and blues. I added that to my color mix, and made two similar bargellos. I call this one "Tutti Frutti."

A year ago, I purchased some lovely Christmas fabrics in a little shop in North Carolina. I have never been one to make holiday quilts, and when I bought the fabric, I thought to myself, "I'll never use these!"

But recently, I came across them, and decided to make a little Christmas bargello.

As I cut my strips, it occurred to me that a Christmas tree would be fun. So here it is.

I quilted the tree with metallic thread, using a metallic needle that helped avoid the breakage that I have experienced with metallic threads in the past.

I also sewed on some holographic stars and beads, and I am very happy with the results.

If I have time before Christmas, I may make another...

Fifth in a series...

2011-09-13T16:10:00.001-07:00

This bargello (and a detail shown) is the fifth and final in a series of five bargellos made with 18 of my favorite fabrics.

As I remarked in an earlier post about two years ago, using 18 fabrics changes the way one can design a bargello, and can result in a long skinny piece...

With just a few remaining strips I found in my UFO pile, I designed this one with only one repeat, but with the design symmetrical from top to bottom...

I put a fused applique of two Japanese ladies, and it fit well in the central "frame"

I never get tired of designing and making bargellos.

I am finishing another one now, with lime and black fabrics. Searching for and choosing the fabrics is a fun part of the process, and I have been collecting the lime green and black fabrics for over a year.

I will post pictures soon...

Monarchs in Profusion

2011-09-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

Although it has been an unusually hot summer, my sewing room is comfortable, and I have had a wonderful show , provided by the visitors to my butterfly bush, right outside the window by my sewing machine,

In addition to the beautiful monarch butterflies, there have been frequent visits from hummingbirds. I don't have any photos yet, and I don't know when they will leave, on their way to Costa Rica, or wherever they go when they leave here...

I do have three quilt projects almost finished, and will be posting photos soon...

I have enjoyed both my Monday night "Art Quilt" group, and the more traditional guild I joined last winter. I learn so much at both, and in addition, I have wonderful friends, with whom I have a lot in common...

The challenges at my Monday night group have pushed me to try new techniques, and have been an impetus to finish pieces, instead of adding them to my UFO pile.

That pile is dwindling, and the piece I am working on now is the last of a series of five bargellos made with 18 of my most favorite fabrics. Picture coming soon!

Oregon Coastline View with Puffins

2011-08-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

It's been about two weeks since I have posted anything.

I have been busy finishing this piece, and also starting a bargello and a challenge piece for my Monday night group.

I will post pictures of those soon.

This piece was such a pleasure to do.

It is a gift for friends who moved to Oregon several years ago. About three years ago, I had a wonderful trip to Oregon, and the drive along the coast was so beautiful, from Ashland up as far north as Portland is, although Portland is inland from the coast.

A distinctive feature of the coast is a number of very interesting lighthouses, so I definitely wanted to include one here.

I also came very close to getting to see some puffins, however, just as the naturalist let me look through the telescope, they disappeared behind a large rock. I very much want to see puffins in real life, and have been a number of places where that is possible. However, their season is short, and it is a challenge to be in the right place at the right time. I will keep trying!

In the meantime, I had so much fun doing this quilt, and hope it is appreciated by the recipients of the gift.

More photos soon of some other work...

Hubcaps x101

2011-08-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

I promised to post a picture of the artistic hubcaps, and here are some of them. The curator of the show was hoping to get 100 to display, because this was the tenth year of the Art Car Event at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft.

She actually got 101, and they are displayed at the entrance to the Museum, at 715 West Main Street in Louisville. Although I have seen some of them as the artists brought them in, I have not actually seen the display yet.

I will see them tomorrow when I go in to volunteer. I love the variety, and it is always fun to see how different artists express their talent and ideas when given a theme or starting point. You can see my bird near the lower left, and my Sunbonnet Sue in the third row up. One of my faves is the banjo, but there are lots of good ones...

In addition to the hubcaps, there is a new show there, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. The Museum is open M-F from 10 - 5, and Saturday 11-5.

Photo by Bob

Do Unto Others

2011-07-23T19:06:00.001-07:00

I stepped out into a very hot morning, and was greeted by this adorable little mutt, who appeared to be a beagle/border collie mix.

Because of the heat, he was very thirsty, and I gave him water and some food.

He seemed very well behaved, and looked healthy.

I thought he must have run away, because he had ID tags on his collar. So I began making telephone calls to the number on the ID tag, and found that the listed owner lived way out in Okolona.

So I put him in my back yard, and drove out to Okolona, hoping to find his owner. The people listed were at home, but had given him away two years ago, so I was back to square one.

I then came home and called the Humane Society number, and tried to trace the owner through his rabies tag number.

That finally led me to another telephone number, so after one more call, I finally tracked down his current owner, who was VERY glad to be reunited with him.

Years ago, when I had golden retrievers, they escaped our fenced yard a couple of times, and I was very glad that other people helped me get them back home. So today, I was glad to spend the time, to get this cute little guy safely back home.

I was also very grateful that the Humane Society was so helpful in providing me with the information I needed to find his owner.

Art on a Hubcap

2011-07-21T19:11:00.001-07:00

Since spring of 2010, I have been working, then volunteering at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. I love the atmosphere there, and I enjoy the people I meet. The people who work there are all interesting individuals, and not a day goes by that I don't meet an interesting artist or visitor.

They have a variety of exhibits through the year, and there are several events that they repeat every year. One is the Art Car Weekend.

This year it is the first weekend in August. They have a drive-in movie at the WaterFront, and parades of art cars from all over the United States. A new added feature this year is a display of artist-decorated hubcaps.

They invited all their regular artists to embellish a hubcap for the display, and they are hoping to get 100 entries. This is the tenth year of the Art Car weekend, and they want a 10 x 10 display. I agreed to embellish a hubcap, and found a plastic one at a shop on Preston Highway for $5. They also had a few at the Museum to hand out, and I took one for a second idea I had.

For the first one shown here, I simply cut my Sunbonnet Sue quilt into a circular shape and glued it onto the hubcap. I will put a black cord around the edge before I turn it in. Since it shows a car with hubcaps, I thought it would help them complete their goal of 100.

My second one, however, was more involved. I decided to do one of my birds with hundreds of feathers applied one at a time. I chose some of my favorite batiks, and cut feathers for a fat hen.

I left an area of the hubcap visible at the bottom, behind her feet. Although I usually use fusible for applying feathers, I used glue for most of this. It would not be my adhesive of choice, although it works well. I used FabriTak, which "bites" the fabric right away, and dries quickly. However, I tend to work quickly, and it got a little messy.

I am happy with the way it turned out.

I always like it when artists work from a common theme. It is fun to see the results, in fabric, paint, clay, glass, wood, etc. I reminds me of the "Heart" project we worked on two years ago for a charity auction. The variety of expressions was really fun.

I will try to get a photo of all the hubcaps in early August. If you are in Louisville, be sure to visit the Museum at 715 West Main Street.

Friday August 5 is a good day to see the Art Cars.

What's Your Pet Peeve?

2011-07-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy the challenges we get in our Monday night group.

The one this month is to do a small quilt depicting one of your "pet peeves."

I am sure I share this peeve with you - drivers who are distracted by their conversation on their cell phone...

Yes, I am also sure that we have all been guilty once or twice. Even Sunbonnet Sue , out for a spin in her red Mazda Miata, is on the phone (talking to Overalls Bill?)

This was fun to do. I used it for more practice on free-motion quilting, and managed to use several of my metallic-like fabrics on the wheel, door handle, and the phone... I also used vinyl for the windshield...

I also tried out the monogram feature on my new machine, and it worked the first time!

Now, I will get back to my bigger pieces...

Finished a UFB (unfinished bargello)

2011-07-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

One of the things I enjoy doing in the summer is to finish unfinished projects. They tend to be small projects, with just a few hours of work to finish them up.

This small bargello is the fourth of four I did with the same fabrics, several years ago.

I used eighteen fabrics, which is more that I usually do on bargellos, and I included some of my favorite fabrics that I had been "hoarding."

I appliqued a couple of faces of Japanese ladies, just to add a little texture to the piece.

I am also including a photo of another bargello in the group, and a couple of details from the other two.

As I have said before, I absolutely LOVE doing bargello quilts, and have been collecting lime green and black fabrics for my next one. I have done so many, that I actually find it relaxing to work on them. I love designing them, and no two are alike.

Practicing FMQ

2011-06-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

I don't really have much to report.

I am working on a quilt that shows the beautiful Oregon coastline, and eventually it will have in the foreground, two puffins.

I am using my new machine, the Janome 6600, and I love everything about it. (I loved the basic Janome that I bought 14 years ago, and the transition to the new one has been very smooth.)

The quilting on the water may not show up very well, but I have also quilted the rocks of various colors and textures. I am using it to gain much needed practice on free-motion quilting.

All I have left to quilt on the background is the grass and the sky, then I can work on the puffins.

Several years ago, I had the privilege of driving along the Oregon coastline, and was struck by its beauty. On that trip, I came very close to actually spotting some puffins, but they disappeared behind a huge rock, just as the ornithologist let me look through the telescope.

One of my life goals is to see puffins in real life. They are admittedly difficult to spot, spend time in burrows, and have a short season on land. They spend a lot of time at sea.

I have tried to spot them on the west coast, the east coast, and even traveled to the Isle of Man, on the Irish Sea between Ireland and England, in hopes of seeing them, but missed them again...

In the meantime, this is my second puffin quilt.

I love the puffin quilt that is part of the permanent display at the Museum in Paducah. That is truly a masterpiece.

I will post more after this is further along.

Road Trip

2011-06-25T14:03:00.001-07:00

We took a few hours today to enjoy the beautiful weather; we drove to Cincinnati for the 10th annual Paddlefest.

We had participated about nine years ago, when it was a much smaller event with a few hundred boats. My wrists were stronger then, and I paddled along.

Today, I was the photographer, and Bob joined over three THOUSAND canoes, kayaks, a "Dragon Boat". and a few other paddleboarders for an 8-mile paddle on the Ohio River from Coney Island to the Waterfront area called Yeatman's Cove. Yes, you read that right - 8 miles!

Here he is at the finish line...

When I visit other cities, I always enjoy seeing their public sculpture. This was near the river, not far from downtown.

I don't know the artist, but I found it very appealing.

We really enjoyed the trip, and felt very fortunate that we had such glorious weather.

The riverfront area was very beautiful, and the event was extremely well organized, considering the number of people involved.

Now, back to work!

Sunbonnet Sue

2011-06-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

When I started making little mini-quilts for my "washboard" series, I thought that a Sunbonnet Sue image would be a natural.

What I didn't realize at the time was how much fun it would be!

I got some encouragement (and a pattern) from my friend Joan, and I think she may return to some Sunbonnet Sue designs that she started earlier.

I had so much fun choosing the fabrics for her dress, apron, and hat. I always enjoy projects that allow me to use scraps, and this one was perfect for that.

I needed an activity for her, and another friend, Mary Jane, had given me some kite fabric, so I used that for the backing, and made a kite for her, using some hand-dyed gold fabric.

The lower left of the quilt looked a little empty, so I made a rose bush, with fusible roses, and sewed a few beads on.

This also gave me a chance for more practice doing FMQ with my new sewing machine.

This was a nice diversion from the bigger projects I was working on, and the beads gave me some hand sewing to carry to my quilt guild on Friday.

I am sure I will be doing some more Sunbonnet Sues. The next one might be Japanese, with a kimono and obi from my Japanese fabrics.

Portraits in Fabric

2011-06-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

I am writing today to recommend that if you are even remotely interested in doing portraits in fabric, that you purchase or borrow the current copy of Quilting Arts Magazine, the June/July 2011 issue.

It is called the "portrait issue;" there are several excellent articles, and lots of photos and advice on making portraits in fabric.

Several years ago, I took a portrait

class from Julianne Kravetz, of Lexington, KY, and made the portrait shown here.

Julianne was an excellent teacher, and in addition, she made a pattern for each person in the class, based on a photograph supplied to her before the class.

Using computer software, she prepared 5 to 7 layers for the pattern, and you worked from back to front, dark to light, to create the portrait as shown.

The amazing thing was that, after only two or three layers, it was perfectly clear whom you were depicting.

Since then, I have figured out how to make a similar pattern using PhotoShop and going to Grayscale, then Filters, and then using the Cutout feature. Depending on the effect you want, there are several other features in Filters that one could use. I have a friend who has done pet portraits using Filters and the "posterize" feature.

If you want to see more about the class options, here is Julianne Kravetz's website:

http://www.photofabrique.biz/

But go right to your friendly bookstore and grab a copy of the Quiting Arts, too!

Starting projects

2011-06-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

Although I could complain about how hot it has been for almost two weeks instead I will talk about how much fun it has been watching one of my yucca plants perform beautifully.

It is right outside my sewing room, and it just kept getting taller and taller. It is now about 9 feet tall.

It has bloomed, and is really pleasant to look at.

As I have said before, I am really good at starting things. When I got my new sewing machine, I wanted to try some of the stitches, and get familiar with the buttons and controls.

I cut and sewed this little silk bag. It is made from a cross-dyed dupioni silk, with purple and brown threads. the cotton print is a Phillip Jacobs print. I bought them and the button at Waechter's last summer, with a little bag in mind.

This s just a practice bag, but when I make the real one, I will use batting, and do some quilting on the silk. The button is a very special button, and it looks like it was designed for these fabrics.

Then I wanted to try another little bag. The pink (mauve?) fabric is a Thai silk that a friend brought me from Thailand several years ago. I made a couple of scarves, gave one away, and have enjoyed the other one. I decided to make a little bag from the fabric I had left.

This bag is from a book I got years ago, called Omiyage.

There are several very interesting patterns for llittle bags. I made one like this years ago using Japanese fabrics. I must have given it away without getting a photo.

There are two versions, this one with two fabrics, and another one with three fabrics.

The pattern in the book does not show how to line it. So I had to figure it out, and it is not as easy as it might look. I finally figured out a way to do it, but it is not as graceful as I would like.

Neither bag is finished yet, but I will finish them soon, and get back to what I "should' be working on.

When I get them both finished, I will post pictures.

Memorial Weekend Activities

2011-06-01T13:41:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Memorial Day, starting with a continental breakfast at Ghyslain, one of our favorite new restaurants in the "NuLu" area of East Market. New restaurants are

opening up every week there, and this is a very charming bistro with a French flavor, right across from Toast, another favorite.

We then headed to the Riverfront, where we added flags to the array, in honor of our soldiers.

Waterfront Park was the site of the Mayor's "Hike, Bike and Paddle" event. This bicycling event has been going for several years, but our new mayor added paddling and hiking to it this year.

Some volunteers, with the help of the Skipping Fish Boat School, built a beautiful kayak for the mayor to use in the event.

Here is the start of the Bicycling group.

There were literally thousands of cyclists, all ages and types, from leisure riders to serious guys and gals in their Spandex outfits.

Here is a friend of ours on his "penny farthing" bicycle. I don't know if he went the entire 15 miles on this.

(Sorry picture is blurry)

Here are the paddlers at the dock, getting ready to get in the water, in kayaks and canoes, and two brave souls on stand-up paddleboards. (Bob was one of them)

After the boats got launched, I headed up River Road on my bicycle, to watch them come up Beargrass Creek, and go under the old bridge.

Here is Bob (in green shirt) on his standup paddleboard, making it look easy to stand up and paddle, but something tells me it isn't as easy as it looks!

The Mayor is somewhere nearby...

Although it was very very hot and sunny, it was a very enjoyable day. They provided plenty of cold water for the participants, and everyone seemed to have a good time...

A new Toy...

2011-05-29T13:39:00.001-07:00

My big news this holiday weekend is that I bought a Janome 6600 sewing machine!

I have had my old Janome since 1997, and I have liked everything about it. At various meetings and groups, I have heard diehard Bernina users badmouth the Janome, but I have never had trouble with it, and it has done everything I needed to do.

I was beginning to think about getting an upgrade, mostly to have a machine with a bigger area to the right of the needle, for quilting and thread painting on larger quilts. I recently talked about the 36" by 48" blue quilt that I quilted, and there were times that I had to fight with it to get it to fit through the space as I quilted...

So on Saturday morning, I went out to Moore's Sewing Center with my friend Emma, and we had a wonderful introduction to the machine by the shop owner, Linda. She was very articulate and well-informed, but at no time was there a hard sell.

Actually, she didn't need to - the features and design of the machine sold themselves. After just a few minutes, I knew I wanted it... I was mostly interested in the size of the space for quilting, but there were so many other features that were equally appealing.

As I have said before in this blog, I always try to give local business owners my business. I have always liked doing business at Moore's, but these current owners have had the business for almost a year, and there are some good improvements in the shop.

The first thing I will do is take their introductory course. The machine has a lot of wonderful features, including the ability to embroider letters and numbers, so there is a lot to learn.

* * * * * *

Although it is hot this holiday weekend, Bob and I went for a very pleasant bicycle ride (actually Bob was on rollerblades) this morning on the Anchorage loop, and in the area around Anchorage. There were lots of wildflowers, and next time I will take my camera.

Then we had lunch at a new restaurant in Anchorage, and enjoyed eating outdoors, but in the shade, where there was a refreshing breeze.

Tomorrow, we will go on the Mayor's "Hike, Bike, and Paddle." Bob helped build the kayak that the mayor will be using, and Bob will be on a paddleboard. The paddlers, in canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, will go upriver into Beargrass Creek.

I will be on my bicycle; the bicyclers will leave the riverfront, and head toward Iroquois Park, and I'm not sure where the runners and walkers will go. The temperature is going into the 90s, but the activities should be over before the hottest part of the day.

I'm looking forward to it.

Out of My Comfort Zone

2011-05-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

I always enjoy my Monday night quilting group. It is a mixed group, and people are there for all sorts of different reasons.

Some are there for purely social reasons, some are there to get ideas, some are there to learn new techniques, and so on. And some, like me, are there for all of those reasons.

The group includes blue-ribbon winners, as well as people who are not competitive, who are just there to absorb and have fun.

We often have a challenge, with suggestions for creating a piece to share at the next meeting. This past Monday night, one of our members gave a short demo about how to use colored pencils on fabric, including the application of a textile medium to give the work a finish that will not blur or smear.

I have never used pencils or paint on my quilts, but I wanted to get some experience with a new technique.

I took some scraps of fabric, and outlined some cartoon-like drawings of barnyard animals with my sewing machine. I am one of those people who cannot draw well, but my sewing machine was a good medium for me to create some simple drawings to color.

I had a few colored pencils around the house, but not enough. So I went to Preston Art Center, and spent a small fortune on two boxes of pencils and a bottle of textile medium. One box of pencils was "watercolor" pencils, and that sounded like fun to me.

I then started coloring. The stitching made it easy to stay "in the lines"

After I finished the coloring, I applied the textile medium.

I was glad this was just a practice piece, because on some of the pieces, I had too much medium, and some of my colors blurred...

But I had fun, and liked the way they turned out.

I laid it out in a 3x3 array,

added some novelty fabric for sashing and binding, and ended up with a cute little nine-patch.

Then I was ready to try a serious piece, since I had a little experience with the pencils.

Years ago, on a trip to the Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, I took this photo of three little pigs in their pen in a beautifully restored round barn.

It is what I always refer to as "a quilt waiting to happen." (It has waited several years.)

I traced an outline of the piggies on cream-colored fabric, and started coloring. The pencils I used most were two different flesh-colored pencils and a bright pink pencil...

And here is the finished product.

I will put a simple binding on it, and maybe do a little more thread painting on their faces.

This was a wonderful exercise for me, and in the future, I just might use colored pencils to enhance a detail or feature on one of my quilts.

Christmas in May

2011-05-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ever since Baer's closed, it is almost impossible to get good quality silk in Louisville.

I have been ordering my silk from Waechter's in Asheville, and I have really enjoyed the good quality and the wonderful selection of colors, as well as their good service.

Last year, when I was looking for a particular color of aqua, I discovered Mary Jo's, also in North Carolina. Their prices are a little more affordable than Waechter's, and the quality of silk may be just a little less, but they have wonderful colors, and they also have good service.

Apparently, it is a big mega-store, that is almost overwhelming in person, and also, it is a difficult drive from Asheville, so I do not plan to go in person.

Recently, Waechter's increased their price on Dupioni silk, so I ordered these delicious colors from Mary Jo's.

When they came yesterday, it was just like Christmas. It was almost like an order from a specialty grocery - with names for the colors like "mango". "lime", "sorbet", "pistachio", and so on.

I can't wait to start using these.

Another blue heron

2011-05-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here are two photos I took in Florida. I combined features of the two for a heron quilt.

I made one a while back, and it was a Christmas gift.

This one, facing the opposite direction, was started last August when I did a demo during the big quilt weekend in Berea. I was showing how I create my bird quilts, one feather at a time...

Then, when I got back from Berea, I started a new job, and this heron sat unfinished until a few weeks ago. I have it nearly finished now, except for a little more thread painting on the feathers and head, beak and eye.

My background is one of my favorite fabrics. I have been saving it for just the right project, and I like it on this one, even though I had to piece my last two fat quarters. I have looked all over for more of it, but can't find any more..

Except for the background, all the fabric is dupioni silk, and it was really lovely to work with. I put Pellon fusible on the back of it, to keep it from raveling.

Although the photos were taken in Florida, we see herons here in Kentucky by the river all the time. What a graceful beautiful bird!

We were eating at one of our favorite riverside restaurants on Sunday, and there was a heron fishing nearby.

The quilt measures about 22" x 44"

Public Art in Louisville

2011-05-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest public art on Main Street Louisville.

I volunteered at the Museum all day yesterday, and it was so much fun meeting and greeting the out-of-town visitors to Louisville for Derby.

Today is Derby Day, and although it is drizzling rain just a little, it is a pretty pleasant day.

I went to a pre-Derby party last night, and we will watch the Derby on TV.

We had the obligatory mint julep at the party last night. Once a year is enough!

Two woven pieces

2011-05-04T13:15:00.001-07:00

Here is one piece I made for the "woven" challenge for my Monday night group.

The fuchsia and orange was supposed to be for a three-dimensional woven piece, but I cut it backwards (mirror image of what I needed) so I couldn't use it, and I didn't have any more...

But I couldn't waste it, so I used it in another experiment. I used two fabrics instead of four, and the results are more subtle, in terms of showing the weaving effect.

I wouldn't call the colors subtle, however!

So far, it is just a "vessel", and has little glass feet. It may become a tote bag, not sure yet.

The next piece has a woven background of Japanese paper, marbled paper, marbled fabric, and a gold fabric.

After I finished the woven part, it needed something, so I appliqued the calla lilies, and did a little machine embroidery. I love the colors.

Derby Week

2011-05-02T18:50:00.001-07:00

It's Derby Week in Louisville, but someone forgot to tell the weatherman.

We usually have less than 4 inches of rain in April, but this April, we had over 14 inches.

AND IT'S STILL RAINING!

My irises are blooming, but they get waterlogged and the stem can't hold the weight up.

Some of the Derby events, like the steamboat race, had to be postponed until summer, because the river is flooded, but we are keeping our fingers crossed for sunshine on the Parade day, and of course, on Derby Day itself.

I am getting some sewing done, and will post some photos tomorrow.

Finished the quilting

2011-04-26T18:14:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the quilting on my blue practice quilt.

It ended up about 36" x 48". which is the size of the competition quilt I will be working on. I wanted to get used to working with something that bulky, and see if I could end up with a back that looks neat.

It worked. Although I have quilted my bargellos that size and larger, the quilting on them was much simpler - just curved lines that followed the curve of the bargello design.

But this is quilted on every inch. I enjoyed it, and learned the importance of being patient and steady. It is far from perfect, but the practice on something "real" was necessary.

When I went to see Juanita Yeager's quilts last week, she talked about her quilting process, and it was interesting for me to hear a great quilt artist like Juanita talk about the role of quilting on her prize-winning pieces, and also how judging quilting has changed aver the years.

Now I just have to put facing on it, and decide if I want to hang it somewhere in my house.

Now that I am back at the Museum volunteering, I can take hand work with me, and if things get slow, I can do a little sewing. It helps the time pass between jobs. Can't do that on a "real" job

My next two projects are to finish my second silk heron, and work on another little clothesline miniature.

One technical question to anyone out there:

I bought some double-eyed needles to use in thread-painting, and wonder if there are any techniques that I need to know. I haven't been able to find much on line about their use.

HAPPY EASTER !

2011-04-23T17:58:00.003-07:00

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!

I went to a wonderful program today at the CARNEGIE CENTER in New Albany Indiana. It was a presentation by the outstanding quilt artist, Penny Sisto. Her narrative about her life was very moving, and she illustrated how her work is influenced by her life, by beginning to create a portrait quilt as we watched.

She is preparing for a show there which will begin in July. It is amazing how she creates a complete show on the average of one per year.

Although she didn't finish the quilt, she did add enough features on the woman's face, that the personality began to emerge.

The lesson that I took away from her talk was "Don't overthink your work" Just let the fabric guide you, and relalx about the details.

It was very inspiring. Mark your calendars for her show this July...

Phase two of free-motion practice

2011-04-13T17:21:00.001-07:00

After having moderate success in free-motion quilting my 3' x 3' silk quilt, and experimenting with various quilting patterns, I am now working on more practice with a quilt of cotton strips, and the size of this quilt is 3' x 4'.

The next special quilt I will be working on is also 3' x 4', and I wanted some practice in handling a quilt that size and with that bulk, on my little home sewing machine.

This time, I decided to stick with one pattern, based on a Japanese motif that I really like. You can see it in the picture. It is completely freehand, and of course there are variations.

However, I am learning some techniques in handling the bulk, and in moving the quilt smoothly and consistently.

It is also interesting how a nice quilting pattern can elevate a very ordinary quilt. It is simply 2" strips of many of my favorite blue fabrics, with a few greens here and there.

In the last photo, you can see the backing fabric at the left. It is probably a bit heavier than a regular quilting cotton, but so far, my quilting looks pretty good on the back as well as the front.

I am not a patient person, and I am certainly not a perfectionist. There are areas on this that many people would have ripped out and redone. But this is strictly for practice. There are a few areas that I did have to rip out and redo. I can see how much concentration is required. It is when my mind wanders that I make mistakes and my hands and my brain are not working together.

But so far, so good, and I am over half finished. I want to thank my friend Anita (a professional long arm quilter) for her encouragement and her advice. I really want to move to the next level, and I appreciate her help, as well as the encouragement of other quilting friends.

Finished the Silk Nine-Patch

2011-04-09T06:13:00.001-07:00

I finished the edges of this; I made a facing in silk, rather than do a binding.

I am going to hang it on the living room wall for a while.

I love the way the clamshell design looks. I have another pieced top, just strips, and I am going to use it for practice, and probably do all the strips in the clamshell design.

It is in blue cottons, and I made it several years ago, and then it got stuck in a stack of unfinished things. I find spring and summer a good time to try to finish those "UFOs"

Photos soon!

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

2011-04-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

I am making progress on quilting my silk nine-patch.

After my last post, I started having problems moving the fabric, when trying to free-motion quilt. I checked the usual suspects -- feed dogs, dust in the bobbin area, tension, etc.

Finally figured out that a piece broke off my darning foot, and the foot wasn't lifting when the needle went up.

So the next morning, I went to buy a new foot. While I was making the trip, I decided to take my machine for a tune-up.

So now I have the new foot, a smooth running machine, and no excuses!

I love the little tulip design I did on the green strip.

I am just trying various designs at random. My main goal is to get enough practice so my stitches and lines are smooth.

The silk is lovely to work with...

( I know the photos are not good, but I just wanted to post something, as proof that I am doing something!)

I recently had the opportunity to see a quilt show featuring the work of Valerie Goodwin and Yvonne Wells. I have been a fan of Valerie Goodwin's work for several years, and really enjoyed seeing her work in person for the second time. I also enjoyed the style of the work of Yvonne Wells - in some ways, reminiscent of the Gee's Bend style, although her quilts are pictorial.

practice in machine quilting...

2011-03-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

The stitches don't show up well on some of the colors of silk,

but I am using the strips for practice on various machine quilting patterns.

My friend Emma told me that Frieda Anderson's blog has some good tips on machine quilting, and I also have my notes from a class I took several years ago, along with several magazine articles that had good tips and examples...

The secret is no secret at all: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!

With 72 strips on this quilt, plus an extra square, I will be able to try a number of different designs. Some colors will photograph better than others, so I may post a few more pictures in a day or two...

The beginning of a series?

2011-03-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a very old, dusty wash board, and since no one seemed to want it anymore, I claimed it.

I cleaned it off, and decided it would be the perfect frame for a miniature quilt I have been wanting to make.

I found some tiny clothespins at Hobby Lobby, and got busy fusing and cutting a little wardrobe of laundry. I love making quilts using scraps, and this entire quilt (only 8" x 8") was made using scraps...

I now have acquired several more washboards, so I am gathering fabrics and ideas for additional miniature quilts, to be framed by the wash boards. It gives me a chance to practice thread painting, and most of all, to have fun!

I took it to my Monday night group last night, and it got a few oohs and aahs...

Silk Nine Patch

2011-03-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Things seen to be happening in slow motion on this blog. I do have several pieces finished, finally.

But first, here is a pieced, but not quilted, experiment in silk.

I have been working a lot in silk lately, and I find the colors and texture and appearance absolutely delicious. I cut strips from all the colors I have, and randomly sewed them into 12" x 12" squares. (I did not repeat a color in any square.) I had a few scraps of beautiful marbled silk that I had bought at a workshop given by Marlene Glickman. I sewed the scraps into strips, and they add a nice dimension to the piece.

I then sewed the squares into a nine-patch, and am trying to decide how much to quilt them. I don't want to lose the sheen of the silk, but it could be a good practice piece for free-motion quilting...

Most of the silk is dupioni silk, purchased from Waechter's in Asheville. The dupioni has such a wonderful texture and substance. I fused the pieces onto pellon backing, but still had some ravelling.

Once I decide how to quilt it and finish it, I will post another picture.

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

It is good, that we have a time to "start over" or regroup, make plans, make changes.

Happy New Year, everyone!

I long ago learned that making resolutions doesn't work for me.

But my hope for this new year is that I can continue to do well what I do well, and learn to do better those things that need improvement.

Last year was a good year for me. I completed some good projects. I made some new friends, and reconnected with some established friends.

I traveled, and I enjoyed my home. I started a new job, which has been really good for me.

I am beginning this new year with the hope that I can finish some projects I started earlier, and that I can begin some new ones that will give me satisfaction, and help me learn new skills and explore new ideas.

One project, already in the beginning stages, is a collaborative project with Robert, a very talented artist whom I met in my Monday night group.

This year, in our group, the program each month will be planned by one or two group members. Robert and I offered to be responsible for April, and we will do a demo, and then give the group a challenge for May. I will say more about the theme of the project later, but for now, I am showing the fabrics for my "half" of the collaboration.

Back to my "goals" for 2011. I hope to get back to more regular postings on this blog. I always enjoy posting. But around last August, when my new job started, I entered a period of sewing less, and therefore I didn't have as much to write about. I feel it makes a blog more interesting if there are photos included, and I didn't really have much to show. So, here goes!

Selvage Quilt Won a prize!

2010-11-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

Several months ago, I posted pictures of this quilt that I made entirely from selvages.

It was for a show to be held in Burnsville, NC. I was fortunate enough to be in Burnsville in early August, when the show was held, so I got to see the show. There were several quilt shows around the Asheville, NC area at the same time.

(It was also the same week as the quilt shows in Berea, KY, where I did a demonstration at the Kentucky Artisan Center.)

I am happy to report that my selvage quilt won the selvage category of the show.

I have to confess that there were just a few pieces in the selvage category, and they were very traditional, as were most of the pieces in the entire show.

I have seen many quilts made with selvages, and virtually all of them were very linear, with lots of right angles and straight lines.

So I wanted to do something different, and made the water quilt with lots of curves. I also embellished it with beads.

I am still saving selvages, so maybe someday, I will get an inspiration to do another quilt with them.

Here I am again!

2010-11-26T17:48:00.001-08:00

The last time I wrote, several months ago, I lamented that I hadn't been doing much sewing...

In October, I went to my Monday night group at the Forget-Me-Knot quilt shop, and when they had show-and-tell, I had to say "I got nuthin." It was very difficult, because I almost always have something that I have been working on.

But after that night, I was determined to have something for the next meeting. Our challenge was to make a quilt based on a photo. The photo was a still life taken by Robert, one of our most talented members.

I did a very literal translation of the photo. I found some perfect blue and

white fabric for the teapot, and I enjoyed doing some thread painting on the lemons.

I was also pleased with the way the shadows turned out. I showed it to the group, and they made a few polite comments.

THEN, Robert showed his interpretation of the same photo, (photo shown below) and he got applause and practically got a standing ovation. But that is what is nice about our group. It is a very supportive and friendly group, and there are people in it at all levels of experience and accomplishment.

However, I was glad I showed mine first; his would have been a hard act to follow. A very masterful use of fabric, and wonderfully embellished.

I am still working, and have less time to sew than I did, but that is a reason I am sewing less, not an excuse. I am working on several Christmas gifts, and then I hope to get back to some of the other unfinished pieces I have, as well as several I have planned. If there is still anyone out there reading this, stay tuned.....

Sewing again!

2010-09-09T18:18:00.001-07:00

It has been over a month since I have done any sewing, and it has probably been even longer since I posted anything on the blog.

Is anyone still out there???

I had a vacation in early August, and of course, bought lots of fabric, but just haven't gotten back in gear.

I ordered some beautiful Japanese fabric from Waechter's in Asheville. It is one of the most gorgeous prints I have seen in a long time. When I ordered it, I wasn't sure if I would make a garment or a quilt.

I decided to make a vest. Even though I only had a yard, I was able to center the koi on the back, and get some good images on the front as well. This is as far as I have gotten, but it's a simple vest, and I will keep it simple and just highlight the print.

When I get a little more finished, I will post another picture.

I hope this is the beginning of more sewing. I have just been lazy. I have some unfinished projects, and some ideas for some new ones.

And I certainly have enough fabric!

Hope to have something to show soon!

Finished a couple of birds...and a flying fish!

2010-07-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

As part of the monochromatic challenge in my Monday night group, I made this flying fish, all in silver. I love the beads and the mirrors on his back.

I finished this flamingo, and it has already found a new home.

I love the fluffy feathers on his back. I have a lot of photos of flamingos, and the variety of colors, from coral to salmon and pink, makes it a fascinating bird for me.

I also finished my second three-dimensional bird. I ordered the silver legs from a place in Florida that makes bird legs for model makers. I think they usually get painted, but I left mine silver, because this bird was also done for the monochromatic challenge for my Monday night group.

We randomly drew bags of goodies, and I was lucky to draw a bag of silver fabric and silver notions.

I used a lot of the fabric, beads, etc. on the silver fish, which I think I posted a couple of weeks ago. I had two mirrors left, so I used them for the bird's eyes.

This was great fun, and Bob made the wonderful leaf that the bird is perched on...

WHAT ABOUT KENTUCKY ARTISTS?

2010-07-20T13:35:00.003-07:00

I HEARD THIS MORNING THAT A MAJOR PIECE OF ARTWORK HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR THE NEW ARENA DOWNTOWN.

I AM NOT PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE ARENA, BUT I AM DISMAYED TO READ THAT "THE COMMITTEE" HAS SPENT OVER $200,000 ON A COMMISSION FOR A LARGE PIECE OF ART, DONE BY AN ARTIST IN ARIZONA.

KENTUCKY HAS HUNDREDS OF WONDERFUL AND TALENTED ARTISTS, AND ALTHOUGH THERE WERE KENTUCKY ARTISTS AMONG THE APPLICANTS, NONE WAS CHOSEN.

I RECENTLY POSTED A PHOTO OF A WONDERFUL LARGE-SCALE PIECE BY ARTURO SANDOVAL, THE ONE AT THE WATER COMPANY. IT, OF COURSE, EVOKES WATER IMAGES, AND SOMETHING LIKE THAT WOULD BE PERFECT FOR THE ARENA ON THE RIVER FRONT.

THE "ART" PICTURED ABOVE, SUPPOSEDLY RESEMBLES WATER, BUT I FIND IT RATHER STATIC AND REPETITIVE...

WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR COMMENTS.

WHAT ABOUT KENTUCKY ARTISTS?

2010-07-20T13:35:00.001-07:00

Summertime

2010-07-14T18:33:00.001-07:00

I don't seem to have much to show lately. I finished this flamingo, one of my UFOs from a series of flamingos I did several years ago...

I have been volunteering two days a week at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, and enjoying that.

It's been too hot to bicycle outdoors, and I've been too lazy to use my exercise bike indoors...

I can tell the days are already getting shorter, the light is changing, and the leaves are starting to drop. I do not enjoy these signs of approaching cold weather, even though I know it is several months off.

The oppressive heat this summer has made outdoor activities less pleasant, but I'll take warm weather anytime.

I'm going to make another silk heron, so maybe i'll have something to show soon...

Happy Fourth of July 2010 !

2010-07-02T13:51:00.001-07:00

Hope all of you enjoy the Fourth of July weekend.

I have been working lately, but don't really have pictures to post yet.

These photos are from a little quilt I made for my Monday night group's Fourth of July challenge. I used fabric I had on hand, and enjoyed just experimenting with thread painting and embellishing with holographic sequins.

Finished the Heron...

2010-06-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

On my last trip to Florida, I got several photos of herons that I really wanted to translate to wall quilts using silk.

I actually used the legs from one photo, and the body and

head from a different photo.

What an elegant bird... I really hope that they are not affected by the disastrous oil spill the way the pelicans and other wildlife have been.

I did thread painting and beading for extra dimension - the

grass is silk, also, as is the sun...

I plan to make another similar one, with slightly different colors.

The Bee's Knees

2010-06-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Had an interruption from "real life" to deal with thousands of honey bees that are trying to find a new home in my house. What you see in this photo is just the tip of the iceberg!

When you open that little gray door, there are THOUSANDS of bees, about one cubic foot of honey bees.

We called a beekeeper, who was flabbergasted, and is going to help them find a new home, hopefully in one of his hives.

Unfortunately, he was not able to get the queen, but he is still hoping they will move into this box, so he can move them to his place of business.

They have temporarily moved the entire swarm to a tree in the yard next door.

I find their behavior very interesting, but would rather watch a documentary on IMAX. Observing their behavior in my kitchen and basement has been a little unsettling...

Sandoval "Waterfall"

2010-06-10T05:26:00.000-07:00

At the Louisville Water Company, at third and Chestnut streets downtown, there is a beautiful piece by Kentucky textile artist, Arturo Sandoval.

It is a huge wall "quilt" made of mylar and plastic, meant to resemble a waterfall.

It is quits a spectacular piece, worth a trip downtown to see it...

Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft

2010-06-09T13:46:00.003-07:00

I started a new volunteer job today, and I really enjoyed it! It is at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, on Main Street.

I loved being in such beautiful surroundings, and working with such nice people.

Today was extra busy, because it is the opening day of the Glass Art Society Conference, which is a big deal. There are many people in town for this conference, including a number of famous glass artists.

There are three shows on at the Museum, including a wonderful collection of Glass Jewelry. The other two shows are by two glass artists who are receiving awards from the society.

Although this chair and table are not glass, I am including the photo for my friend Anita. She is a wonderful quilter and quilt artist, but she is also talented at making art using cardboard. (This chair and table are laminated cardboard)

I had a busy but wonderful day, and I look forward to my next day there.

Not a Quiche, Not a Frittata

2010-06-03T13:40:00.003-07:00

A while back, a friend gave us a delicious apple pie. I wanted to return her pie plate, but I have a rule never to return a food vessel empty.

So when I knew we were going to see her today, I decided to try a new recipe using some fresh summer veggies.

It is a recipe that appeared several weeks ago in the New York TImes Magazine, one of my favorite sources of recipes. It is a recipe from 1977, but not full of heavy cream like many recipes from back then.

It is basically a cross between a quiche and a frittata, with no crust.

One could use any fresh summer vegetables, and I used fresh asparagus, country ham, and fontina cheese. It also has slices of red bell peppers, and parsley. I used to make frittatas all the time, using zucchini, squash, onions, whatever I had on hand.

I have more fresh asparagus, along with the other ingredients, so I think I will make another one to keep. It is a good source of protein, and a good way to cook something ahead that is appetizing and good for you...

Selvage Quilt Finished!

2010-05-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

I just finished sewing the beads and binding on the selvage quilt.

I am really happy with it; it is so different from anything I've done, although the fish motif has been one of my favorites for a few years.

It is a combination of fusing and machine embroidery and thread painting, done completely using selvages.

I was determined not to make it a traditional log cabin, like many selvage quilts, and I wanted some curves instead of all right angles...

I had been saving selvages for years, with nothing particular in mind, and

when the Needle Me This Quilt Shop in Burnsville, NC announced a Selvage Challenge, that was all I needed! Some friends also gave me some of their selvages, and they can play "Where's Waldo" looking for theirs in the piece.

Burnsville is very close to Asheville, one of my favorite places. It is a combination of artsy and craftsy, and in an area with a wealth of outdoor activities. We get there as often as possible, and hope to go this August, when there are several quilt shows going on simultaneously in Asheville and Burnsville.

I had enough selvages in different colors to do the background (33 inches wide by 28 inches tall) in shades of blue.

Then I chose red, orange, pink and yellow for the fish, so they would contrast and show up well against the background.

I sewed lots of beads on the blue background, and a few sequins on the fish.

Quilt Show in Bowling Green KY

2010-05-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

I headed to Bowling Green, KY this morning to see the quilt show at the Kentucky Museum and Library. It is a Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society, and this year the theme is "Quilts Based on Books."

Unfortunately, there was a fiery accident on I-65, and the highway was closed for many hours. So we turned around and went to Glendale for lunch and a gallery visit to True Kentucky gallery.

Since I didn't get to take photos at the show, I will post the photos from their website. (My quilt is the puffin quilt, actually a little fabric book based on the book "There Once Was a Puffin", by Florence Page Jaques.

http://www.wku.edu/Library/kylm/exhibits/inhouse/changing/khqs.html

The Fractured Sunflower is finished!

2010-05-23T17:56:00.001-07:00

My Monday night Group met this past Monday night, and everyone brought their finished quadrants for the sunflower.

We had agreed on each quadrant being 10" x 10", and the finished quilt was to be based on this photo (notice the bee in the lower right hand quarter.)

This is my part, and I really enjoyed sewing the beads in the center, and using fusible on my green leaves, and machine embroidery.

My petals are hand-dyed fabric fused to some other yellow fabric, with wire in between to give them some dimension.

Here is the finished product, mounted on a black background. It was such fun seeing the pieces going together.

The whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.

I really enjoyed this project, and can't wait until fall, when we will talk about another collaborative project.

More Black and White....

2010-05-18T10:47:00.001-07:00

After doing my two snow crane pieces in black and white, I was still in "black and white" mode, and decided to reduce my extensive black and white stash. I picked 12 fabrics from light to dark, and started cutting and sewing strips for a bargello. (There are 13 in the picture, but I eliminated the one on the left.)

I had done a bargello a couple of years ago that resembled an Oriental rug, and I wanted to do that again with some changes...

I really like the way it turned out. I added two columns on each side, so the white diamond shape that starts in the center of the top would be completed all the way around...

I took it to my Monday night group last night for Show and Tell.

Outdoor shot of Copper Pheasant

2010-05-11T06:40:00.001-07:00

Here's a better shot of my latest bird.

After I finish some other unfinished pieces, I'm going to try another 3-D bird.

I have some beautiful silver bird legs purchased from a craftsman in Venice Florida, and I'm eager to use what I learned on this one to try to do a better one next time!

Long-legged Pheasant

2010-05-10T06:23:00.001-07:00

On April 25, I posted a few picturres of the beginning of the construction of this bird.

I finished it yesterday, and it turned out pretty cute! It's too windy out today to get a good picture, but I will post another one when I can.

This was for the challenge for my Monday night group. The challenge was to create something "structural" or three-dimensional.

The legs are copper rod, wound with copper wire. I stuck with copper colored fabrics. The tail is made of feathers from a cheesy Thanksgiving decoration, and the feathers on the head are real. It was a lot of fun, and a real challenge to get it to stand up reliably. (Thanks, Bob, for your engineering help.)

Cranes Deja Vu

2010-05-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

Back on April 4, I commented how nice it was to have my Japanese Snow Cranes piece in a show at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea. The show runs from April 3 until around August 21.

A few days later I was notified that my piece had sold already, which is good news for me and for the Center.

What I didn't know was that the piece was taken away by the buyer. I know that is unusual, but the Artisan Center is about selling, not being primarily a gallery.

I was asked by the director if I had another black and white piece available to replace it in the show. Well, I didn't, but I got busy immediately and started another very similar piece, using my leftover silks that I had bought for the first piece.

One thing I wanted to try was to include a little patch of color on the second piece, and also to add some authenticity to the cranes.

However, I was told that other applicants for the show had been rejected if they had any color other than black and white.

So, the red caps on their heads was replaced with black ones, and I finished the piece several days ago and delivered it. I actually like this one better, particularly the moon and the branch at the top.

The third picture here is the new one.....

She said a number of pieces had sold, and the artists had also replaced them. Some were photographs and prints, which are relatively easy to replicate.

I am glad the show is doing well. I have already optimistically started another black and white piece, this time a bargello, to replace this piece in case it sells, too.

"Cute food"

2010-04-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

We're heading to an "Oaks" Party in a few minutes, and I offered to bring an appetizer.

We made these adorable little stuffed pattypan squashes.

It is fun to make, but at the same time labor intensive. With help from Bob, we scooped out these little squashes (about 1 inch across), and made a stuffing.

The stuffing has garlic, diced carrot, chopped spinach, currants, diced tomato, and romano and parmesan cheese and salt and pepper.

The recipe is from the head chef at Vincenzo's restaurant, and you can tell it's Sicilian because of the currants.

Aren't they cute?

DERBY FEVER IN LOUISVILLE

2010-04-28T12:04:00.001-07:00

It's Derby Week in Louisville! Today is the best weather day yet.

We headed down to the riverfront for some of the festivities leading up to the great steamboat race. (It won't be the same without the Delta Queen, the historic steamboat that has been Decommissioned)

There were derby hats, such as the one shown here with horse and jockey on top. There were also lots of costumes, many worn by people competing in the various races and competitions.

This picture shows someone competing in the " hamster" race.

But this last photo is the best of all, taken in the Derby "Chow Wagon"

FRIED BUTTER!

(But don't worry, it was fried in olive oil)

Have a great Derby and keep your fingers crossed for good weather and a safe ride for everyone.

New Copper Bird

2010-04-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Our Monday night meeting was one of our best meetings ever.

I love seeing the work of other people, and learning new things every time.

But I guess my favorite part is the challenge for the next meeting. Our challenge for next month is "Do something structural - something three-dimensional."

That's it - very broad, no size requirement, no rules.

I love working with copper, and haven't done anything with it in a while, so my "structural" piece will be a wading bird with copper legs and copper colored fabrics.

I started by forming the metal feet, with a quick lesson from Bob. I then wrapped them in copper. I made a quick trip to the welding supply store, and bought some 1/8" copper rods for the legs. I wrapped the legs with copper wire for texture.

I started the bird's body with several layers of Timtex bonded to some fast2fuse heavyweight interfacing.

I found some feathers on an old Thanksgiving centerpiece that I could cannabalize. I used those for the tail feathers.

I grabbed all the copper colored fabric I could find in my stash, cut and applied some feathers, and got a lot done in a short time.

This bird will be two-sided, and the feathers on each side are completely

different from the other side, except for the tail feathers.

I still need to apply the eye and beak on each side, and glue the legs in place. I formed the Timtex and interfacing around the rods, so I can slip them in and glue them when all the fabric work is finished.

Although I consider this just a prototype for a free standing bird, I think it is turning out pretty well so far. I still have some embellishing to do, but it has gone together well, and has been total fun.

More Sunflower photos...

2010-04-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

My Monday night group met last night, and it was one of our best meetings yet.

The quality of people's 'Show and Tell" just gets better and better, and we really have fun. It is also a good way to learn about things that are going on - shows, competitions, classes, etc.

We also exchanged what we had done for the "Ugly Fabric" challenge, and it was very impressive to see what clever things people had done to make a "Silk purse" out of a sow's ear.

My section of the sunflower is about 90% finished, and we put the four parts together to get a sneak peak at what the finished product will look like.

The one on the bottom left is completely finished, and the other three are in various stages. mine, at the bottom right on this photo, needs to have the fuzzy part next to the petals made wider. That is good information for me, and I will do that before our next meeting. I think everyone will be finished by then.

We will mount the pieces on a dark backing, and see how it looks as a whole. It has really been a fun challenge. What seems like a very simple image presented some real problem solving issues to translate it to fabric and fiber.

Another acceptance!

2010-04-19T05:43:00.001-07:00

I recently learned that the Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society's Annual Show at Western Kentucky University has the theme this year of "Quilts Inspired by Books."

I had nearly finished a little book based on one of my favorite books - "There Once Was a Puffin," by Florence Page Jaques. It is a children's book with a message, and it inspired me to make a quilt with images of my favorite little bird - the Atlantic puffin.

I think that virtually everyone who applies to be in that show gets in, but I have always liked the show, and am delighted to have a piece in it.

I have had quilts in a number of art shows before, with paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, wood, etc., but this is my very first Quilt Show.

I really love this little book. With permission from the publisher, I copied the poem in the book onto fabric...

I then created my own interpretation of the images (using fusible),

and did a lot of machine embroidery and beading.

It was also a challenge for me to figure out how to join and bind the pages. My classes in bookbinding were not much help here. I just had to figure it out. It doesn't look bad.

It really is a charming little book, and I am delighted that it will be in this show.

The show will be at the Kentucky Library and museum, on the Western Kentucky University Campus, May 21 - June 6, 2010...

The Sunflower finally bloomed!

2010-04-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

I finally got the leaves on the sunflower section, and did some thread painting for the veins.

Next come the petals. I have them mostly fused on, and will do some thread painting on them for some texture.

I really like the way they look. The fabrics are some hand-dyes and some Phil Beaver fabric, which looks hand-dyed.

I am wondering if other people have trouble from time to time with fusible. The times I have had trouble involved batiks. I am thinking that they were real batiks that may have still contained some wax. Anyway, I have batik on the backs of these petals, to give them body; I also have wires fused in the petals so I can bend them a little for dimension. So it was batiks again that gave me trouble with fusing. I will just use a little glue to attach the petals before I stitch some texture on with thread painting...

A "Not Much Progress" Report

2010-04-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted much lately because "Life" has interfered. Nothing very interesting, just appointments, a car recall for something minor, and fortunately, some time to enjoy the beautiful spring that we earned back in the winter.

I've also been "stuck" on this sunflower challenge.

It took a long time to do the beading for the center of the flower. Next comes the leaves, then the petals, and last, the "fuzzy" part between the petals and the center.

I have been to several shops, looking for some trim that I can adapt for the fuzzy part. I've also looked through my yarn collection for something I can use.

In the meantime, I finally started attaching the leaves and doing some machine embroidery for the veins.

Then the petals should go on easily.

Our Monday night meeting is this coming Monday, and I know one person has finished his quadrant, and I think I may have mine finished by then, too.

Then I can get back to my heron, and some other projects.

I know why this is called a "challenge" !

Beautiful Spring Flowers

2010-04-10T10:48:00.001-07:00

Today is one of the prettiest days yet, after a couple of cooler days.

On a short walk today, I spotted a redbud in full bloom...

A white dogwood....

The Easter Bunny with a basket of eggs,

A fragrant lilac bush,

And a pink dogwood...

We earned this after such an unpleasant winter!