on the cutting table

This is the project that is currently on my cutting table and working wall. I still have not decided on the final placement of the blocks, but I am liking the ombre effect... at least some days, these blocks have been moved a lot... I am using floral fabrics as the pin wheel and tiny prints, mostly civil war and primitive for the background. I am wanted to make something that references traditional quilts but with a modern twist, so far I think it is working well, I like the collage look of it... This whole thing is paper-pieced which I love for the precision! I have noticed that I go through fabric a lot faster, because it requires more with the paper piecing, but it is really worth it.

This is the line of fabric that I am the most excited about at the moment! It is Botanics by Carolyn Friedlander. I loved her first line architectures, and used it in so many different projects. This new one is beautiful in color and line, I am in love with the whole line, and can't wait to use it and am mix it with everything else! 

November

I feel as if life is moving so quickly lately, and I am standing still watching.. waiting... thinking... trying to grasp every moment. I hear and feel everything that is happening, but my subconcious seems so far away that it is almost like living in a dream-like state. I turned 30 this month on the 7th, anyone that knows me, knows that my birthday is my favorite holiday of the year. I had a wonderful time with  family and my closest friends. I am happy to be in this new decade. Happy to finally be at the "grown-up" table, considering that I have never really felt as if I belonged to the children's table. Turning 30, went along with some strange things happening in my body... the reason that I feel as if I am standing still watching... waiting... 

I have had a less that good year when it comes to my health, having been the kid that never missed school for being sick. ever. makes it hard to accept that things are not as they have always been. Before this year I can not remember the last time that I had a even a slight cold. At the moment I am waiting on further results, before they can pro-ceed to the next step to know what is going on. All that I really know is that when I went in with my fourth cold/flu this summer and they took my blood and things were off... my levels are not where they should be... and have continued to get worst. Some things have been ruled out but they are still doing more tests, and waiting for results... that is the hardest part of all this... the waiting. I can barely sit still on a normal day, this is making me want to crawl out of my skin. I do not often go into detail on my personal life on this blog, however, this experience has made me think so much about what I want, that I feel it is important to put here. It is so much a part of what my story is at this moment, and honestly it is definitely being reflected in my work. Hopefully soon I will know more, and I am hopeful that whatever the outcome that it is a fixable problem. Until then I sit and think and think and move my hands quickly to sew tiny pieces of fabric together, because that is what keeps my mind from going to deep, dark places. 

The hexagons in these photos are made from my scrap bin, a nice grouping of all of the work that I am doing. It is nice to have this project to work on, on the couch or wherever. One day soon I hope to make a large piece out of these small pieces, as a reminder that sometimes taking it all in, moving slower, and having stitches to keep my mind going is what will keep me moving, during all of the waiting... 

the finish line

It has been another busy couple of weeks, between work, going out of town and life.... Somewhere in the middle of it all I did manage to finish my "cross-quilt". This project was inspired by the traditional look of the first aid kits and of course the red cross symbol. I love the look of the simple shape and thought it would a great composition with some of my favorite collections of fabric. The design is my own the piecing is my own too. This is the first quilt that I have ever sent out to be top-stitched by Kelly Woods of i-quilt . I have always been torn on sending something out to be quilted but I must admit that I love the final outcome, and I was still able to choose the quilt pattern and thread color. I feel as if I still had all of the say in the design work and just a little time saver with the quilting... It is a nice feeling, considering that is never my favorite part of making, and long arm machines have give a really nice finished look. 

I enjoy this fuzzy picture, my camera got all fuzzy from the cold house to the HOT HOT HOT outside. 

In focus. I used 26 different fabrics all together and 5 different designers. 

The back. I am pleased with this backside. 

Nice drape. 

new trials

I have said it over and over "I don't like sewing clothes, it always takes a long time, and never turns out how I want it to!" Well.... recently I have made an exception to this rule, I have been seeing the WIKSTEN tank top appearing on blogs and instagram all over the Internet. I finally looked it up, and saw that it is a very affordable pattern to download and piece together.... then I noticed there was not one button-hole, zipper, elastic, or anything crazy involved. A nice simple, quick pattern!!! 

So I purchased my pattern, from this website, http://www.shopwiksten.com/, and then started piecing the 22 page printout together with tape. I found that it worked best to tape the front and the back of the pages, for more stability. It took me an hour to piece and cut out two sizes in the pattern. My assistant, pictured above, just took a nap while I did that part. 

As promised it was simple, easy, quick, and very stylish and comfortable on. I made the dress pictured above. 

And two tanks so far. I want to make some more, perhaps some with linen, or some gauze cotton fabric. It is funny how the same pattern can look so different depending on the fabric, and the binding. Oh and if you know the WIKSTEN tank pattern, then you will notice that I did not add the pocket, it was an easy step but I prefer not to have a pocket. 

It took about 2 hours to make each garment and the pattern suggested 2 yards for the shirts, but I think 1.75 yards would have been enough. This tank thing is getting addictive... before I know it all my shirts will look the same, can't be that bad of an idea Eillen Fisher did base a whole line of clothes on that principle.

working away

This past month has been a whirl-wind, we went to Italy, then came back for a couple weeks and went away again to Arizona. A lot of traveling, which is always a nice adventure, but a little bit exhausting. While I was home, I had just enough time to catch my breath, and make a few little things to give as gifts. The long lasting winter and snow did help keep me in my studio, which I must admit is the ONLY nice thing about winter. 

I made these tea towels for my family for Easter, which were a quick fun project. I used some natural linen I had on hand and some Aneela Hooey fabric from her Posy collection. I love this sweet fabric and what better time than Easter to make some towels with bunnies and chicks on it. Not being very religious myself I enjoy the celebration of spring and new life that comes with Easter and this time of year. It is always very gratifying to make something in under two hours, instant gratification! 

I also made a quilt in the 3 weeks I was home, for a new baby that is to come. I wanted to deliver it in person in Arizona, so I was in a bit of a time crunch. I used the same pattern I used when I made my fall quilt, a simple block style. I hand quilted the whole piece which I knew would take some time, but I wanted to make it fun and interesting. So I used the lines in the fabric to make shapes and designs and bring out some of the patterns in the fabrics. (It is easier to see this in the bottom picture.) I also used different colors depending on the square I was quilting. It was fun using this orange, yellow color pallet, appropriate for a boy or girl and yet still looks appropriate for a child. 

the back

 

simple block style

As much as I love to travel, I must admit it is nice to come home. Especially filled with inspiration and new ideas to apply in the studio! 

stitching along

The small lap quilt, I have been working on, all began with the love I had for this group of fabrics I put together. I first made pillows and loved them so much that I wanted something for myself. I do not usually use a lot of purple in my work, however it is almost a grey purple and that works for me. Mixed up with lots of grey and brown tones, and a kick of coral, it is a nice combination. 

I am almost finished with the whole thing. The top stitching is finished, I used my new sewing machine to create a decorative stitch on the top, which I really like the look of. 

For the first time, I am not swearing off the binding of something! I went slowly and carefully with it, tried a new way of folding it and stitching it to the quilt... So far it is going on well, and looks better than I normally have it look! Can't wait to finish this thing, today is the day... I think. 

another year...

Sandy, the nightmare hurricane seemed to leave us unscathed here in Richmond. I send well wishes to anyone up north, and hope for a recovery to normal everyday life soon! 

The election is over, and everyone can take down their tacky lawn signs, and stop the nasty ads on television... the best part, and I won't speak too much of it, because this is not a political blog... I am pleased with the outcome!!

My life never seems to calm down, and honestly I don't think I would like it, if it did. Being busy means life, and that is a good sign. I celebrated my 29th birthday yesterday... Strange to think of myself as that, not that I think I am old or anything, just that the passage of time happens quickly and somehow you wake up and are 29. I share a birthday with my younger sister, yes we were born the same day, 8 years apart. So yesterday was here 21st! We celebrated together and had a really nice day and evening, surrounded by friends and good times. I still remember the day she was born, I was a bit annoyed with her presence on my day, however now its mostly just fun! her real present was a Madonna concert a few months ago, and above are just some little souvenirs. Yep, I call her Beluga, no idea where it came from, but that has remained her nickname since she was born! 

Between the election, birthdays, weddings, Halloween, and life in general, I have not been posting on etsy as much, however I have been making myself a little something. I fell in love with these fabrics together so I am making a little lap quilt. I got a new machine for my birthday and have been playing with the decorative stitches. I love the look of them. I will still hand tie and stitch some quilts, but when I want a fast outcome it is nice to have the option. 

Really enjoying the new machine, it is still simple like my old one, but has more options on stitches. I really prefer to use simple machines to complicated, over-computerized versions. I think the basics, and classics, get the job done and still show the hand of the maker. Which to me, is an important step. 

Wow what a jumpy post, from storms, to elections, and machines! 

addicted...

 It is official...

 I have a problem... it's called paper piecing, hexagons...

In one week I have made almost 400, 3/4 inch... and just cut more out this morning... 

I justify this behavior, by telling myself it is how one works out OCD tendencies, way better than therapy! I have been wanting to do this for years, and have put it off because the circle quilt I made a couple years ago was such a consuming huge project. I think these go a lot faster though, the paper helps keep it going. It is also a great use for leftover scraps, and I love the way Liberty fabrics and the cute Japanese prints look on these. 

So enough justifying on the hexagons, what am I going to make now, that I have a couple hundred of mis-matched hexagon shapes... Well for starters a gift for a friend of mine, I will show a finished project. I also have plans for 3 other small projects, where I will break up all the fabric choices that I used for these. Can't wait to share the progress report... back to hexagon making, while watching the Olympics! 

wait... If I use Liberty fabrics while watching the Olympics, that is sort of like supporting the Olympics themselves, it is London after all! Feeling much better now that I made that justification. 

garden party

After doodling in the embroideries last week I wanted to piece some fabrics and make an ombre effect that I have been admiring in a lot of the quilt world lately. Again the garden served as a soft inspiration for this, maybe its the unbearably hot weather, or the colors that fill the garden, but lately I have had summer all over my brain. I am not sure yet what to make of this but I am considering a table runner, because this just shouts garden party to me. 

I don't know if it is the new time I have, or that things have been bottled up but at the moment I have so many ideas, and images running through my head that I have just been working away trying to get them out and seeing which ones lead to more substantial work. Even if they are just to get back into the rhythm of constantly making and brushing up on technique its a starting off point.

I was actually very pleased with the way this turned out. I love the colors and the fresh look of a summer farmer's market. 

finishing touches/inspiration

I am sure that I am not alone when I say that the finishing touches are the most tedious parts of making a quilt! I have been working on this for months, a traditional log cabin pattern. Finally I am seeing the end, it is so close I can almost feel this soft blanket on my bed... However there are those pesky little finishing touches that are so necessary to making a quilt last and structurally well crafted. 

I am using a traditional tying method to complete the quilt, I love doing it this way because it maintains that hand-finish, considering that this is all machine sewn. I use a soft pearl cotton to tie everything off, it is very strong, and wears well with all of the other cotton on the quilt. 

So until it is finished I will be tying away... and having this monster take over the studio table, ironing board, and chairs so that it stays flat-ish and off the floor. I have a huge pet peeve when it comes to making something dirty before it is finished. It could be the OCD in me, but it just seems so wrong to let this soft new cotton get dirty. Usually when I work on a project this long I am ready to put it away and never look at it again, (or at least for a few months). 

That's what happened to my circle quilt, it was hidden for almost a year until I was ready to look at it again. This one is different though, I am still in love with the color combo and the log pattern, I almost want to make another one with different fabrics (on a smaller scale). 

Now that I am almost at the end of this project I think it is fair to share what made me fall in love with this color combination and inspired the pattern. Below is the picture from a magazine, if memory serves me it was from "Beautiful Home" but it was about two years ago so I am not sure. I loved the textures in the frames so neatly put on the wall, but did not want so much on my walls. That is where the quilt came from. My bedroom is a cool true-grey color and I think the pairing will be such a soft and nice place to retreat to. The book "Modern Log Cabin Quilting" by Susan Beal, was also a great source for the technique and a look at other log cabin patterns. I followed the traditional method but came up with my own design inspired by this page torn out of a magazine and the book. 

a study in a sewing box

This past semester I have been battling with photography class, which is ironic because I usually love taking pictures of things. This week I finally found something I LOVE in photography... I guess it is true, in art I can always find the brighter side. These are photograms, basically they are made in the dark room on light sensitive paper. They are a black and white, traditional, photo technique. It was hard to get used to working under the red lights, but once I was into it the time flew. Now that I know the right exposure time for lace, I am going to crank some of these out. I might assemble a book to catalogue my collection of lace. I find the simplicity of the black and the white so beautiful when looking at all the shapes on it. These are a few of the ones I made today.

summer break!

Bellwether, by Penelope Bell, 2008
Last week as soon as school was over I hopped on a plane, ok two, and went to columbus to see Penelope's MFA show. This clip is a small view of the piece in the show. There are layers of patterned papers, with printed images, painted walls, and vinal cut-outs. It is innovative and invites the viewer in to a peaceful, sweet enviornment. I would love to live with this piece on a daily basis.

Yesterday I had lunch with an old teacher, now friend. Sometimes the best thing is to take the time to talk to somone about what you are making and goals. We decided that we are each going to set up goals and do what we can to reach them, more like a business for art. I feel as though that is part of what is lost in art school, they do not teach you enough about the business skills that are needed in the art world. I think I am going to use some of the same approaches I use at work, seeing as how I always make my goals there. It is time to apply them to myself and my work.



When school let out there was a list of things that I wanted to finish for myself. These sweet little pillows was one of them. I wanted to replace the pillow covers on two throw pillows that live on my bed. I used vintage sheets and fabrics to make these two. They are very soft and add a sweet touch to my resting room. Now I must start posting on etsy, again.... for serious. That is the summer project that I really want to get done.
Have a good weekend everyone- I hope this one is not another wet rained out one.

chocolate box...

I finally found some hem tape makers in richmond, at the Hancock fabrics on Midlothian Turnpike. (In case you are looking too.) I had to go into the antique store next door and poke around for a little while. I am glad I did, struck treasure! I got this sewing box full of neat odds and ends, the whole thing cost $10. The box itself is 50-60 years old and was an old choclate box, I am so excited over this find. It is all in great condition and beautiful. I must add "cool display unit for sewing boxes" to the list of furniture to keep my eyes out for.