I just can’t seem to get enough. Here is my latest project, Pickle Lilly. Pickle, who is a he, is one of the coolest kitties I’ve ever met. I was commissioned by Pickle’s Grandmom to do this little pet portrait. I began by painting him with textile paint on PFD (prepared for dying) fabric and then stitching to bring him to life. I used a prismacolor pencil to make his eyes more blue green and around his nose to give it definition. I had a great time and I’m very please with the results.
After a so-so 2013. I know 2014 is going to be a much, much better. I spent January hunkered down working on several new projects and staying busy, busy, busy. Thursday of this week I’ll be giving a presentation to the Foothills Piecemakers Quilt Guild. I’m so excited! I’m looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.
Here is what I’ve been working on lately. I typically work on several projects at a time. I work on one project, put it up on my design wall and let it rest / percolate for awhile. Then I work on another piece. My peach rose has been resting for a long while. It’s all applique´. I used orange, peach, red and purple batik fabrics. I also discovered there are not a wide range of fabrics in these colors.
I’ve also been painting a lot of minis. It’s fun to work on a project that only takes a few weeks to complete. I’ve done several irises and a sunflower. All of these brightened the gloomy January!
I hope your February is sunny, bright and full of happiness.
I’m so excited that “Key Lime Pie for Me and My Sweetie” has sold.
It was included in the “What’s For Dinner?” special exhibit at the Houston Quilt Festival.
The back story on the quilt.
My husband and I had just finished a wonderful dinner at our favorite restaurant, The Cajun Queen. We are regulars at the restaurant and they surprised us with a piece of their yummy key lime pie for desert.
I had been thinking about what I could do as an entry for the exhibit and couldn’t come up with any good ideas. Then, after dinner our server (Bob) surprised us with a piece of their awesome pie. I snapped a pic of it and knew this was the quilt I wanted to make. Pie for dinner….Well, of course!
I’m so thrilled to be included the “Girl Time” section of the September Issue of Today’s Charlotte Woman. The Girl Time section discusses “tips, trends and fancies” of women in the area. All of these are compiled by the editor, Karsen Price.
The September issue is the annual “art” issue and includes art happenings for the upcoming season. I hope you will take a few minutes to check out the online issue or pick up a copy. http://bit.ly/16WygPV
Have a safe and happy Labor Day!
Saturday: It all started last Saturday the 13th with the “Girls Day Out” Event at Mary Jo’s. This event launched the new sewing classes and the Baby Lock machines they are now selling.
Here’s Aimee, she’s super excited about the new classes that Mary Jo’s offers.
Pattie is teaching paper-piecing, fabric bowls and several other fun classes.
Carmen teaches gorgeous smocking techniques. Wow! I’m teaching free-motion quilting, thread painting and wholecloth painting. Girls Day Out was a huge success. I’m so glad I was a part of it.
Monday: I got to teach my free-motion quilting class, Machine Quilting Basics. We learned curvy and geometric free-motion designs. We had a great time and learned a lot. Here is a picture of us.
Wednesday: I got the news that both of my entries had been accepted in the IQA: Quilts: A World of Beauty show in Houston! I was hoping that one entry would be accepted but when I got the email that both had been accepted I almost fell out of my chair.
Here is my entry Blooming Poppy.
I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next week!
I can’t believe it, but if you look closely at the cover of the catalog of show quilts you will see the detail of “Princess Daphne.” I’m thrilled.
Both my quilts were accepted in the show and now Daphne is part of the cover. Wow, it’s been a big, exciting month. I hope you will pick up a copy of the catalog to see all the beautiful quilts. They are all stunning.
Here is a full shot of “HRH Princess Daphne.” (23″ x 14″)
Yes, she rules the house and loves it. This piece was whole cloth painted, thread painted, the blue area is hand applique and free motion quilted. I had so much fun working on her eyes.
Here is a pic of my other entry “A poppy for mother.” (40″ x 55″)
I worked on this quilt while my mother was in the last stages of alzheimer’s disease. It was a great way to get away from all the sadness of her illness.
Here is a detail shot. This piece was raw edge applique and free motion quilted. I thoroughly enjoyed choosing all the fabrics for this one. They ranged from red to pink to white to purple to violet. Plus some green for the stem. I shot all the photos of the poppies at Wing Haven in Myers Park.
I have several other projects I’m working on currently. I will post about those soon.
The last seven months have included many changes for me personally and professionally. The loss of friends and family. Change can be difficult but it is a constant. If we don’t change we can’t grow.
As one chapter of my life ends, I look forward to what’s ahead and trust the Lord will lead me on the right path to become the person I’m supposed to be.
Through it all, I keep working on my art quilts. I LOVE making things. It makes me happy and gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Here is my latest project. Another poppy from Wing Haven. Created with textile paint. 35″x30″
for some time know. Life just keeps getting in the way but I’ve still been quilting. Usually late at night. Around midnight you can see the studio glowing from outer space—I have all the lights on because I need good light, the machine is humming, the kitties are there to keep me company and Mark is downstairs playing guitar. Here is what I’ve been working on lately.
Painting the poppy.
Portrait of Mom
So here is how my afternoon is going…
What a mess! But, I’m not happy with the free motion stitching and I have to fix it.
Here are my favorite tools for unsewing. Seam ripper, tweezers and a lint roller.
I usually slice stitches on the front of the quilt with the seam ripper. Pull threads from the back of the quilt and use the lint roller to pick up the mess.
What are your favorite tools? What is your technique for unsewing?
I’ve been dabbling in improvisational piecing and I’ve been having a great time. This, I discovered is “modern.” So, I guess I’m a modern quilter also. It so much fun.
Simple lines, simple shapes and so minimal. It’s completely different than my other quilts. It’s very refreshing to work on.
It’s also a great way to use up the small scraps of fabric I hate to throw out.
Keep stitching!
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