I have mentioned over the last while that I was working on table runners that would be offered for sale at the recent quilt show. These are a new product, so I only made six of them, just to see if there might be a market for them. Well, 4 of the 6 sold. I know that two sold to people who follow my work and that was wonderful, but I have no idea who might have purchased the other two. Regardless, 66% of what was offered found a new home, which tells me that this new skill area, that I have never before offered for sale, has possibilities.
My two excursions to the quilt show were gratifying in another way. Trudging around with my walker, with DH along for the ride, I was constantly stopped by people whom I have not seen over the past two years ( I have found Guild meetings difficult to attend for a number of reasons, one of which is that it is just too big and too busy and too noisy for this old lady). I had many very nice conversations, touched base with several old friends, and even ran into a woman I used to work with, and very much enjoyed catching up with things at the old job.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Today was the day
In my previous post, I mentioned saving money to buy thread at a local quilt show. Yes, today was the day. DH and I planned the excursion carefully. We decided on a time of day that we thought would be less busy ( we were wrong!). We took cash, as well as a back up credit card with just enough room on it to keep us in budget. Knowing that there would be crowds and lots of walking and standing, we hauled out the old wheeled walker so that I could sit, if necessary.
The first booth we came to was the thread vendor I was looking for--Cotton Mill Threadworks, out of Dundas ON. I bought what I wanted. This is not to say that I went berserk. I had an idea of what thread I was looking for, but didn't necessarily have a colour in mind. I also had the requirements for a couple of projects at the back of my mind.
Does this look like over $300.00? Well, it represents $302.75.
Now I have to find another excuse to not be busy in the studio. But, to be fair, all of these are specialty threads, and most of the cones hold more than 2000 yds. And there are three packages of titanium coated needles there as well. My hope is that this will last me until the next quilt show in two years time.
Twice before in my life, I have had a somewhat similar experience. Both times came after receiving an inheritance. When you read advice to people who come into money, they are always told to take a little bit of it and do something frivolous. Well, this wasn't "found" money, I worked hard for every bit of it, and then I enjoyed every minute of spending it.
The first booth we came to was the thread vendor I was looking for--Cotton Mill Threadworks, out of Dundas ON. I bought what I wanted. This is not to say that I went berserk. I had an idea of what thread I was looking for, but didn't necessarily have a colour in mind. I also had the requirements for a couple of projects at the back of my mind.
Now I have to find another excuse to not be busy in the studio. But, to be fair, all of these are specialty threads, and most of the cones hold more than 2000 yds. And there are three packages of titanium coated needles there as well. My hope is that this will last me until the next quilt show in two years time.
Twice before in my life, I have had a somewhat similar experience. Both times came after receiving an inheritance. When you read advice to people who come into money, they are always told to take a little bit of it and do something frivolous. Well, this wasn't "found" money, I worked hard for every bit of it, and then I enjoyed every minute of spending it.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Hello Again
As you might guess, nothing in the blog means no action in the studio. Health issues have really been at the for front over the past month or so, and studio time has been quite limited. A basement studio isn't readily accessible when stairs are difficult. And some of the drugs seem to suck the creativity right out of your soul.
But--experts say that when the Muse is on vacation, do something. Sort fabric, paint or dye fabric, or just tidy the studio--but do something. On those days when I can get into the studio, I can sit and piece scraps just fine--especially when DH is willing to do some cutting for me. ( I think he just wants me to get into the studio and out of his hair, so is willing to facilitate)
In December, I made a bit of money selling my art. I have saved it for two things. Firstly, to pay a long armer to quilt the scrappy tops I have been making, and secondly, to buy good thread at the upcoming quilt show in my area. I got two of the quilts back this week.
The first one has been waiting almost two years to be quilted. The colour, in the photograph, is poor, as there is not a lot of value difference in the quilt, and the colours are relatively pastel, and all of a similar hue. I have no idea what the pattern is, as it is a block I was given at a gathering quite some time ago. I plan to use it one the bed in the spare room--if I can convince DH to let me remove the Cat Quilt that has been on there for about 15 years. The quilting is a very curvy pantograph, done in a pale green
The next one was developed as part of an informal quilt group I attend at my local senior's Centre. One of the ladies was having difficulty with value and colour, so we looked for a pattern that didn't worry about either. It is a very traditional 16 patch, which looks wonderful sashed with black. The quilting is swirling free motion design, and done in a fairly dark grey.
But--experts say that when the Muse is on vacation, do something. Sort fabric, paint or dye fabric, or just tidy the studio--but do something. On those days when I can get into the studio, I can sit and piece scraps just fine--especially when DH is willing to do some cutting for me. ( I think he just wants me to get into the studio and out of his hair, so is willing to facilitate)
In December, I made a bit of money selling my art. I have saved it for two things. Firstly, to pay a long armer to quilt the scrappy tops I have been making, and secondly, to buy good thread at the upcoming quilt show in my area. I got two of the quilts back this week.
The first one has been waiting almost two years to be quilted. The colour, in the photograph, is poor, as there is not a lot of value difference in the quilt, and the colours are relatively pastel, and all of a similar hue. I have no idea what the pattern is, as it is a block I was given at a gathering quite some time ago. I plan to use it one the bed in the spare room--if I can convince DH to let me remove the Cat Quilt that has been on there for about 15 years. The quilting is a very curvy pantograph, done in a pale green
The next one was developed as part of an informal quilt group I attend at my local senior's Centre. One of the ladies was having difficulty with value and colour, so we looked for a pattern that didn't worry about either. It is a very traditional 16 patch, which looks wonderful sashed with black. The quilting is swirling free motion design, and done in a fairly dark grey.
The last one is the most recent, and is not yet fully pieced. I had made twelve blocks when experimenting with a "Mile-a'Minute" piecing technique, and finally put them together with a dark brown sashing. I love the colour blending. I had hoped to be able to quilt this myself, but we'll wait and see how much money is left after I buy thread, at the end of the month.
I have now started piecing yet another one, this time in more "Modern" colours. I.E. very bright pure colours with large stretches of white or grey background. I had been collecting fat quarters of "Modern" fabrics since last fall and only now had a chance to use them. This is another pattern found on the internet, with no identified creator, so no way to give credit. Since I do not plan to exhibit or sell it, I am comfortable with that. While all of the cutting is done, I only have two blocks pieced out of 24, so you'll have to wait for a picture.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Where have I been?
Yes,it's been quite awhile. I have been working on one main project since early December. It is supposed to be a secret, but I'm not sure anyone is reading this anyway. My small fibre art support group has issued a challenge. We are to make "something", incorporating Celtic imagery or Symbols.
I decided to make another reliquary. I haven't done one in a few years, I had all of the supplies on hand, and had been hoping to re-visit some of the techniques I have used over the years. I re-read the book Beginners' Guide to Embroidered Boxes" by Janet Edmonds, as I have found many of her techniques useful over the years, but be assured, that the patterns and designs are my own. I selected purple from my supply of Duippionni silk, given its symbolic use for richness, and power, and gold as the complement, for the same reason.
An internet search of "Celtic Crosses" gave me some ideas on my decoration. The consistent image of the Celtic Cross is the circle behind a cross, in which the arms become large as you move away from the centre. An open circle or rounded square can represent the rune for God, and the oldest known religious image--the triple spiral, is found on Celtic tombs. I have always tried to incorporate some form of spiral in my recent work, so this works well.
The circles and crosses were worked separately,and appliqued. I used Flexi-Firm, which is quite similar in feel and use, as Timtex. This is about 1/8" thick, so shapes must be cut out before painting, in order to colour the edges. I used Lumiere True Gold paint, but from an older bottle. It was quite thick and had to be diluted with a bit of water. Once the painted pieces had dried, I noticed that there were areas that hadn't been adequately covered by the paint. When re-painting, I realized that the diluted paint has sealed the surface, somewhat, and the second layer of paint didn't sink in, so was richer, resulting in a much more antique look, that I quite liked.
As much of thew work as possible was done by machine. Quite a workout for the machine, but also a chance to use some of those fancy stitches. I was worried about the top metallic thread fraying terribly when doing the applique,but a strong Titanium coated, #90, top stitch needle did the work quite nicely.
So everything was done, about 60 hours of intense labour, and yesterday, I was ready to finally stitch it all together. Well, despite constant measuring during the process, THE BASE DIDN'T FIT THE TOP!!
Well lots of tears and bad words--some with four letters--I tackled it again this morning, and now have all of the pieces fitting properly. The rest of the work is by hand,and will be a slow process, but I can give you a preview. I really can't reveal the finished product until the challenge is presented to the group February 3rd.
I decided to make another reliquary. I haven't done one in a few years, I had all of the supplies on hand, and had been hoping to re-visit some of the techniques I have used over the years. I re-read the book Beginners' Guide to Embroidered Boxes" by Janet Edmonds, as I have found many of her techniques useful over the years, but be assured, that the patterns and designs are my own. I selected purple from my supply of Duippionni silk, given its symbolic use for richness, and power, and gold as the complement, for the same reason.
An internet search of "Celtic Crosses" gave me some ideas on my decoration. The consistent image of the Celtic Cross is the circle behind a cross, in which the arms become large as you move away from the centre. An open circle or rounded square can represent the rune for God, and the oldest known religious image--the triple spiral, is found on Celtic tombs. I have always tried to incorporate some form of spiral in my recent work, so this works well.
The circles and crosses were worked separately,and appliqued. I used Flexi-Firm, which is quite similar in feel and use, as Timtex. This is about 1/8" thick, so shapes must be cut out before painting, in order to colour the edges. I used Lumiere True Gold paint, but from an older bottle. It was quite thick and had to be diluted with a bit of water. Once the painted pieces had dried, I noticed that there were areas that hadn't been adequately covered by the paint. When re-painting, I realized that the diluted paint has sealed the surface, somewhat, and the second layer of paint didn't sink in, so was richer, resulting in a much more antique look, that I quite liked.
As much of thew work as possible was done by machine. Quite a workout for the machine, but also a chance to use some of those fancy stitches. I was worried about the top metallic thread fraying terribly when doing the applique,but a strong Titanium coated, #90, top stitch needle did the work quite nicely.
So everything was done, about 60 hours of intense labour, and yesterday, I was ready to finally stitch it all together. Well, despite constant measuring during the process, THE BASE DIDN'T FIT THE TOP!!
Well lots of tears and bad words--some with four letters--I tackled it again this morning, and now have all of the pieces fitting properly. The rest of the work is by hand,and will be a slow process, but I can give you a preview. I really can't reveal the finished product until the challenge is presented to the group February 3rd.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Wow!!
Got a phone call late today asking if I would be willing to have the show extended another week. Oh gosh, let me think about that----Ye-e-e-s!!! Two more pieces sold today, bringing the total up to 9. Needless to say I am thrilled.
Friday, December 13, 2013
show update
Tomorrow is the last day of my show,and so far, I have sold 7 pieces. I am thrilled! I have been getting a lot of feedback on one of the pieces. It is the middle piece--a landscape--in the third picture of the last post. This is the most recent piece I have made and people have been approving of the new direction my work is taking. I guess it is a new direction,but I hadn't realized it. I am being encouraged to explore this type of work further. One lady even suggested that it is in the style of the Group of Seven. ( I don't think she was under the influence, and have to acknowledge that is is a very sparse stylized landscape.) At first the idea of making this a series blew me away, but having given it some thought, at least two more designs have come to mind that would stretch the design a little further. Since the first one required four large pieces of fabric to be painted, it may have to wait for warmer weather, as most of my painting is done outdoors.
This piece--the most expensive of the lot--was one of the ones sold.
This piece--the most expensive of the lot--was one of the ones sold.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
The day is finally here!
My gallery show has been hung. Now I wait two weeks and then go and pick them up. Here are a couple of pictures. It looks quite sparse in the pictures,but it really isn't.
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