Connections by Karen S Musgrave

Quilts in the Attic

2012-02-15T10:53:00.001-06:00

Today is the official publication date of my book, Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love, which is funny because it has already sold more than 1,000 copies. The publisher says this is "great!" You can purchase an autographed copy from me or purchase it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

The book is not just about "old" quilts. I have always been passionate about showing people that quilts are much bigger than you think. I want the book to have surprises and most of the stories have details that have never been known.

In the official press release, I wrote:

"For generations, quilts have preserved history and furtheredartistic expression. They have changed lives. Quilts in the Attic showcases 30 stories of great quiltdiscoveries, including masterpiece quilts, great finds and family heirlooms.The chapters reflect on various topics, ranging from Jewish life in the 1850sand a slave named Rinah, to the Sears National Quilt Contest in 1933, to atwelfth-century castle in France, to the 1800s in England and “Joe theQuilter,” to a society of women who vowed never to marry. Though the makers of the quiltsprobably did not set out to touch our feelings, longings and lives, there issomething universal in their experience. The stories shared are bothheartwarming and awe-inspiring."

One of the things that I really love about this book is the surprise that you get when you open the book and see that each essay has its own colored paper. Wish I could take credit for this, but I can't. It was a wonderful discovery for me when I received my advance copy.

The size is often a surprise to people it's just a little more than 5" by 7" by 1". There's not cover jacket to mess with either.

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing things that were cut from the book or things that there simply wasn't room to share. I hope this will inspire you to want to read the stories and give you even more understanding of just how great quilts and their makers can be!

Valentine's Day and Foto/Fiber

2012-02-14T16:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I had really hoped to have this sweet quilt done by this Valentine's Day, however, it didn't happen. Maybe by next year. February 14 was originally a Roman feast day celebrating the beginning of the mating season of birds (hence the association with love).

I must admit that I am in a little bit of a panic. My sewing machine is acting up. It has developed a clunking noise and occasionally turns itself off. I cannot image myself at this point in time without a machine. I tried oiling it. No luck. Think I will try denial just a little longer. Isn't that a river in Egypt?

Don't forget that Foto/Fiber begins tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Central. The goal is to add $7,000 to the $215,000 already donated to the American Cancer Society. There are 4 ways to win with this fundraiser - one of which is that 100% of the funds are donated directly to the American Cancer Society through Fiberart For A Cause. The other three are detailed on Virginia Spiegel's blog. If you want a jump on how things will work tomorrow, please check out http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/FotoFiber2012Directions.html. I still can't decide which photo I want! How about you?

Here is another on of my donated BONUSES. These are two pieces of Georgian silk (country not state) that are 9" by 36". Georgia was on the Silk Road and once produced wonderful silk. You will be amazed at the hand. Unfortunately, they no longer produce any silk. I purchased this silk in the open air market in Tbilisi (capital of Georgia). The employees were paid in silk at the closing of the production sites and sold to make money for their families. I never purchased any all white silk because I knew how rare and important it was to the batik artists in Georgia. I'm also including an embroider bracelet made by nuns to support their efforts to help unwed mothers (young girls) and run a hospice for the poor. Of course, it will all be in a box like the one I shared yesterday.

Feeling Blue and Foto/Fiber

2012-02-13T18:39:00.001-06:00

Here is my first indigo quilt which I have titled "Feeling Blue." This one was created completely out of scraps. I colored the appliqued circles with a fabric marker because they were much too white and bright. It is 22" (w) by 19.5" (h). This certainly boosted my confidence and I think it shows in my second indigo quilt which I will share tomorrow.

Exciting news on the challenge fabric front! Bonnie J. Smith has posted her finished challenge on her blog. It makes me chuckle every time I think about it. You don't want to miss seeing it. And Denise Frank has started her quilt! You can check out how she is manipulating the fabric. I'm so excited!

Count down to Foto/Fiber has begun! On Wednesday, you have the opportunity to own a great photograph by Virginia A. Spiegel, Karen Stiehl Osborn, and/or Cynthia Wenslow AND raise money for the American Cancer Society. You can preview the photographs by going to http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/FotoFiber2012PHOTOS1.html. In addition, you will receive a BONUS donated by 35 artists including me! Please join me in supporting this worthwhile event!

Here is one of my BONUSES. The silk was made during the time of the Soviet Union and I purchased it in the open air market in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. I am including a photograph of the women I purchased it from, one of my ATCs called "Memories of Kyrgyzstan" and three Kyrgyz postage stamps printed on fabric. And of course, I couldn't resist making a box to put it all in even though it's only suppose to fit in an envelope.

Now it's back to the studio for me!

Another Finished Quilt

2012-02-12T22:28:00.000-06:00

I have hesitated sharing this quilt because I haven't come up with a title yet. It's 30" (w) by 19" (h). I like both the discharge block and the applique block in this quilt. Can't wait to share my indigo quilts and the one I worked on this weekend which has the working title "Pods." I cannot believe how much has evolved since beginning with the challenge fabric! Speaking of the challenge, I heard from Gail Pierce and she's began and having fun.Do check out her blog. Any suggestions for a title for this piece would be appreciated.

Windows Quilt

2012-02-10T09:25:00.001-06:00

Here is my quilt made with the small saved discharge pieces. Boy am I happy I kept them. They always said "windows" to me but I could never quite figure out what to do until playing with Rayna Gillman's book, Create Your Own Free-Form Quilts. The quilt is 32" (w) by 19-1/2" (h). It invokes strong feelings and memories of Georgia (country not state) for me. I am loving the quilts I am making!

Challenge Fabric Quilt Finished!

2012-02-09T18:23:00.000-06:00

When I started this challenge/new adventure I didn't have any expectations in mind. It was simply an adventure in exploration and wanting to share this experience with others.. Personally, it started me on a path and boy am I enjoying it. I promise to share more. Here is my quilt which was actually completed on January 29. It is 47"(w) by 25" (h). What I cannot believe is that I have completed five additional quilts since then and have three more in the works! I canot wait to see what others have done.

I never thought that having challenges would end up being something that I would host but so many people have asked and I actually found today so more fabric. This one is not vintage but I also think it could be fun. So I will be revealing the new challenge on March 1st when this challenge is suppose to be finished. Life is good! The day got away from me so tomorrow I promise to reveal my Bonuses for the Foto/Fiber American Cancer Society fundraiser.

"Seeing Red" ATC

2012-02-08T21:04:00.002-06:00

I cannot remember the last time that I have been so intensely focused and creative. It has been nearly seven weeks! I have completed five quilts, made two Christmas gifts and 16 Valentines. It's been an incredible high so I was so surprised that when I signed up for "Red," the theme for this month's Arts in the Cards exchange, that I had so much trouble. I attempted two different ideas and was not satisfied with either. Last night the idea of using my experience to create my ATC popped into my head and so "Seeing Red" was born. I used Prisma colored pencils so each one is a little different. Hope the group is pleased. They are all so incredibly talented.

Now it is back to quilting for me. My studio calls! Tomorrow I promise to share my completed challenge quilt and my Bonuses for the Foto/Fiber, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society which begins on the 15th.

Speaking of the challenge, here is the list of participates again:

1. Rayna Gillman
2. Kristin McNamara Freeman
3. Janice Paine Dawes
4. Sherrie Spangler
5. Marti Porterfield
6. Denise Frank
7. Carol Esch
8. Mary Ann Mauney
9. Martha Ginn
10. Vivian Helena Aumond-Capone

11. Kathryn Schmidt

12. Irene Armock

13. Del Thomas

14. Gail Pierce

15. Louise Baldel

16. Bonnie J Smith

17. Anna Mowicki

18. Barbara J. Beardsley

I also want to publicly thank Sherrie Spangler and Carol Esch for their kindness. It was unexpected and touched me deeply. Thank you!

Featured Artist for Foto/Fiber

2012-02-04T10:17:00.001-06:00

I am honored to be the Featured Bonus Artist on Virginia Spiegel's blog. If you are interested in what my studio looks like and learn a little more about me, please check it out. Enjoy!

I have been so busy making indigo quilts! Promise to share soon!

Foto/Fiber Bonus

2012-02-01T15:48:00.000-06:00

I spent yesterday playing with my friend Barbara. It was so much fun and so needed! We planned out the gifts we are going to make for birthday gifts and Christmas. I am so excited! This could be the year we actually get out gifts done early!

One of the things I did was made boxes and I finally got Barbara hooked on them too! This box and the contents are another one of my Bonuses for Foto/Fiber, Virginia Spiegel's fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, which begins February 15. The paper on the box is rice paper from Korea and the silk inside is also from Korea. There are four pieces that are a 1/4 yard and the light pink is just a piece (11" x 13") with a cool floral emblem.

Louise Baldel"s Challenge Efforts

2012-01-29T18:42:00.000-06:00

Louise shared, "After washing, I began with my small pile of scraps and worked with them as best I could. I decided not dye your fabric and used it in all it's natural glory (very challenging as you know). I have some additional ideas up my sleeve but will share them on March 1st. I now have the top together and will quilt it soon."

Love what I see so far! Can't wait to see it after it is quilted. Louise must have an amazing stash!

Challenge Fabric Quilt- Top Done!

2012-01-28T10:46:00.000-06:00

I actually finished this quilt earlier in the week and was letting rest to see if I felt it was done. I'm declaring it just that. I actually began quilting it last night and had to make myself quit at one this morning. I was on a roll but boy do my shoulders hurt. Hope to finish it today! I used the challenge fabric eleven times! So I am pleased. My husband, Tom, doesn't usually like my work so I am happy to report that he loves the pieces I've made this month. I find that very interesting.

On a different and yet similar note, I have gotten emails from both participants in the challenge and others either apologizing for calling the fabric "ugly" or asking if I am upset because people are calling the challenge fabric "ugly." First, I don't find the challenge fabric ugly. It's simply a piece of vintage fabric and I have memories of curtains made with similar fabric hanging in my grandmother's house. Maybe that is why I held on to the fabric when I got rid of others. That said, I take no offense when someone calls it "ugly." Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I also know calling it ugly does not reflect on me. I am just happy that I figured out a fun way to use the fabric. I truly cannot wait to see what everyone does with it. So worry less, play more!

Foto/Fiber 2012 and Me

2012-01-26T11:11:00.000-06:00

The count down has began for Foto/Fiber, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society lead by Virginia Spiegel. The 2012 fundraiser will sell 90 photographs by Virginia, Karen Stiehl Osborn and Cynthia Winslow beginning on February 15. There are also artists providing 90 bonuses and I am one of them. I am donating three bonuses. Here is one of them--three 1/4 yard pieces of silk made in the Soviet Union (the back is a toned down version of the front) purchased in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, and an ATC I made called "Memories of Kyrgyzstan." I hope you will support this worthy cause.

Does Anyone Else Find This Funny?

2012-01-25T14:57:00.000-06:00

I was going to make this my Wordless Wednesday posting but then I realized you would be clueless. Today as I walked to my mailbox, I discovered this plastic envelop with two rocks and a postcard on my driveway. It's an advertisement for a cleaning service which really made me laugh. I understand the logic behind including the rocks but how effective? When I opened it to recycle what I could, grit from the rocks got all over my kitchen counter. More marketing? So do you find this funny or is it just me?

Quilts in the Attic and Barnes and Noble

2012-01-23T23:20:00.001-06:00

Barnes and Noble has my book! It's the same price as Amazon and it says it is eligible for free shipping. This is pretty cool considering the official publication date is February15th. Thanks to everyone who has purchased the book! I autographed my first copy yesterday (very strange experience) and I'll be traveling to the Kalona Quilt and Textile Museum in April for a book signing. I will actually get to meet three of the people who have stories in the quilt--Marilyn Woodin, Janette Dwyer, and Merrily McKim Tuohey. Can't wait!

Challenge Fabric Quilt

2012-01-23T12:31:00.001-06:00

Just create to create. Create to remind yourself you're still alive. Make stuff to inspire others to make something too. Create to learn a bit more about yourself. - Frederick Terral

Barbara Beardsley is joining the challenge. I've also provided a link to Anna's blog. Just remember she doesn't have the fabric yet.

1. Rayna Gillman
2. Kristin McNamara Freeman
3. Janice Paine Dawes
4. Sherrie Spangler
5. Marti Porterfield
6. Denise Frank
7. Carol Esch
8. Mary Ann Mauney
9. Martha Ginn
10. Vivian Helena Aumond-Capone

11. Kathryn Schmidt

12. Irene Armock

13. Del Thomas

14. Gail Pierce

15. Louise Baldel

16. Bonnie Smith

17. Anna Mowicki

18. Barbara J. Beardsley

My Lunar New Year celebration was quite fun which is good considering I am now a year older. I really appreciate the chance to have an intimate learning experience about another culture and the opportunity to play with this wonderful group of artists. Who could ask for anything more?

Challenge Fabric Quilt Conitnues

2012-01-22T09:55:00.000-06:00

While I continue to play with the challenge fabric quilt, I decided I needed a break so I started quilting the beige and black quilt. I love how quilting brings a quilt alive!

I am also pleased to announce that Anna Mowicki from the UK is joining the challenge. Anna now completes the group. Anna has several blogs so I am not sure yet which one to link to so I'll keep you posted.

1. Rayna Gillman
2. Kristin McNamara Freeman
3. Janice Paine Dawes
4. Sherrie Spangler
5. Marti Porterfield
6. Denise Frank
7. Carol Esch
8. Mary Ann Mauney
9. Martha Ginn
10. Vivian Helena Aumond-Capone

11. Kathryn Schmidt

12. Irene Armock

13. Del Thomas

14. Gail Pierce

15. Louise Baldel

16. Bonnie Smith

17. Anna Mowicki

I am off to celebrate the Korean New Year! Happy New Year. Once I eat my rice soup, I'll be another year older and hopefully wiser. Make it a great and creative day!

Not the Quilt Police

2012-01-21T19:45:00.001-06:00

If you look up the word challenge in the dictionary you will find--1. a summons to take part in a contest or a trial of strength, etc. 2. a summons to prove or justify something. 3. a stretch; stimulate. The fabric for the challenge was given freely and without any strings. I can only hope the gift is honored. I have no interest in admonishing or judging what someone else does. It is part of the reason I kept the rules simple. If you have a problem with something that someone is doing or not doing then it's up to you to comment. Not me. I want to create. I want to be involved in a community/group of people that would like to play with me. I am not nor will I ever be the quilt police. Now it's time to go play! And to those of you who want to spend their time complaining, please go create instead.

Challenge Fabric- Carol Esch

2012-01-20T10:49:00.002-06:00

I love the direction that Carol is going. Can't wait to see what she does next. This challenge is definitely more inspiring than I thought it would be. I'm excited! Hope you are too!

Challenge Fabric- Day 4

2012-01-19T14:03:00.000-06:00

When I dug around for dyes, I came across a package of Putnam dye which has to be at least 30 years old. This one was "forest green" so I thought I would give it a try and I am so glad that I did! This is the color I got! I'm continuing to play.

I am also pleased to share that Louise Baldel and Bonnie Smith are joining in on the challenge! I only have two more pieces of fabric available and tomorrow is the deadline for joining in on the fun so act now!

I know Janice and Marti have posted about the challenge. Here is a complete list of those what have accepted the challenge (never thought it would be this many!):

1. Rayna Gillman
2. Kristin McNamara Freeman
3. Janice Paine Dawes
4. Sherrie Spangler
5. Marti Porterfield
6. Denise Frank
7. Carol Esch
8. Mary Ann Mauney
9. Martha Ginn
10. Vivian Helena Aumond-Capone

11. Kathryn Schmidt

12. Irene Armock

13. Del Thomas

14. Gail Pierce

15. Louise Baldel

16. Bonnie Smith

Challenge Fabric Quilt-Day 3

2012-01-17T14:04:00.000-06:00

Digging around looking for some other means to manipulate the challenge fabric, I came across some very old Putman brown dye. I wasn't even sure it would work since the package was pretty hard. When I first stirred it, it looked more purple than brown. However, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Success! I replaced the brown I was going to use with the dyed brown fabric.

After seeing Rayna's dye job, I feel I was definitely not adventuresome enough. Do check it out! I want some! Sherrie is tea dyeing. Marti got a great pink with Pebeo Setacolor transparent paint. I am certainly in with some great company!

I am also happy to report that Gail Pierce has joined the challenge. There are now 14 people participating! I may get rid of (oops share) all this fabric yet! It's off to the post office before the really nasty weather that is suppose to hit here happens and then make into the studio.

Challenge Fabric Quilt Day 2

2012-01-16T15:22:00.002-06:00

Not much got done because we went into Chicago to see my youngest son's new place and eat Cuban food. The restaurant, 90 Miles Cuban Cafe, is quite funky (inside and out) with great food and wonderful murals outside. I thought it so appropriate that our table had an old Singer sewing machine on it. We sat on the patio where an old Cuban movie from the 1960s was playing. It reminded me so much of a movie I saw in Georgia that was made in the late 1950s. After lunch we headed over to Salvage One (60,000 square feet) which is always interesting and provides food for thought. Unfortunately, prices are too high to take anything home. Anyway, too tired to do much on the quilt.

I am pleased that Del Thomas will be joining the challenge!

Challenge Fabric Quilt- Day One

2012-01-15T08:58:00.001-06:00

I will admit that when I began Rodney Atkin's song If You're Going Through Hell kept popping up in my head. His advice is sound,

"If you're going through hell,
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there."

I've been at this long enough to know that you just have too keep working. The challenge fabric has actually been used four times so far. I was also surprised at how many fabrics I had in my stash that worked. I fell in love with the piece once I added the turquoise. I love words and there are two pieces of fabric with writing on it which also made me happy. I'm itching to work on it so more. I also can't wait to see what everyone else does.

The people listed below have joined me (scroll over their names and you see who is linked to their blog if it isn't apparent on your screen) in this challenge. I have had some people who have asked questions. I just want to remind everyone that January 20 is the deadline to join. I just don't enjoy standing in line at the post office. Deadline to finish is March 1. The rest of the simple rules can be found in earlier posts.

Denise figured out that she does have a blog which she opened in 2008 but never did anything with it. Now she does! Her name is now linked to her blog. She lives in Canada and mail takes longer so she hasn't gotten the fabric or the book yet. Carol spent yesterday playing with the fabric. Here is what she shared with me, "Well I painted over some of the fabric--slight mess but interesting mono prints onto other fabric. Then I wanted to try decolorant on black so tried some of that after seeing yours and that was part of my day. Stayed in pjs until after 4. I am not sure what will come of this. A process. It may have to sit for awhile. We will see." I know Marti was playing around with different teas. Martha blogged about her strip sets which are quite impressive. Sherrie is getting her feet wet and shared her beginning baby steps. The fun has begun!

1. Rayna Gillman
2. Kristin McNamara Freeman
3. Janice Paine Dawes
4. Sherrie Spangler
5. Marti Porterfield
6. Denise Frank
7. Carol Esch
8. Mary Ann Mauney
9. Martha Ginn
10. Vivian Helena Aumond-Capone

11. Kathryn Schmidt

12. Irene Armock

Fabric Challenge

2012-01-14T09:28:00.000-06:00

Last night I brewed some incredibly strong coffee in an attempt to change the challenge fabric. Here is my result. Not quite so white and not too much of a change either. Going to dig around and see what dyes I have to try next or maybe I will just start slicing and see what happens.

I'll recap the simple rules:

1. The challenge fabric must appear in your finished quilt. After all, that is the point.
2. You can do anything you want to the fabric (dye, stamp, etc.).
3. You must use Rayna Gillman's book, Create Your Own Free-Form Quilts: A Stress-Free Journey to Original Design, as your inspiration.
4. You must take photographs showing your process. I'd like to see at least three and especially photographs of any changes you make to the challenge fabric.
5. If you don't have a blog, send the photographs and thoughts to me and I'll post them here. If you have a blog, then please share it so we can watch and comment on your progress.

I believe in deadlines. They sure motivate me. I've asked that all the quilts be completed by March 1.

The following people have joined me (scroll over their names and you see who is linked to their blog) in this challenge and whining, "What was I thinking!":

1. Rayna Gillman
2. Kristin McNamara Freeman
3. Janice Paine Dawes
4. Sherrie Spangler
5. Marti Porterfield
6. Denise Frank
7. Carol Esch
8. Mary Ann Mauney
9. Martha Ginn
10. Vivian Helena Aumond-Capone

11. Kathryn Schmidt

12. Irene Armock

Rayna, Janice, Marti and Sherrie have all blogged about the fabric. I cannot wait to see what everyone creates!

I still have fabric. I know hard to believe but it's true. If you are interested in joining in, the deadline to sign up is January 20.

Closing thought:

"There are no failures - just experiences and your reactions to them." - Tom Krause -

Struggle, Struggle, Slash

2012-01-13T11:14:00.000-06:00

I just wasn't happy with this quilt until I decided to cut the blocks apart and sew them in a different arrangement. I love that this was so easy done! "Feel the fear and do it anyway!" Now I am happy. I'm sticking a fork in it and calling it done! Time to quilt it and move on to playing more with my indigo fabrics. The windows were pieces left over from demonstrating discharging in Georgia (country not state). It feels so good to be using these long kept treasures.

Many of you have asked how I created the discharged block in my other quilt. I dug around and found the cheap foam stamp that I used! These foam rubberstamps can be found at Michael's, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, etc. When I was purchasing them, they sold for $1.00. I am sure they are more now but still inexpensive. I found that they are great for discharging with bleach. I honestly don't remember the brand of fabric I used. From the feel and look of it, I would guess it is Kona black, but I always like to pick up black fabrics so I can see what colors are created when the fabric is discharged. That is part of the fun. I have some green fabric from Georgia that discharges to a very nice purple! I really wish I had bought more of it when I was there. I had no idea if I could create this block when I attempted it, I was thrilled with the results and surprised when none of my students in the workshop wanted to try creating designs with the stamps. I can only hope they played when they got home.

I am so excited that the challenge fabrics are making their way to their new homes. Today Irene Armock joined! I can't wait to see what is created!

Working, Working, Working

2012-01-12T11:27:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure I like the bottom piece on the quilt so I may remove it today. I also started playing with more indigo pieces. I love the piece of fabric with question marks on it.

The tan/grey piece has been an interesting journey. I am thinking about taking it apart and trying a different placement so that it is a square. I want it to be bigger too. My studio is an absolute mess and I'm suppose to be taking photos of it for Virginia Spiegel's Foto/Fiber 2012 fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. It never stays clean for long and especially when I am creating. I did manage to put away all the browns, reds, etc.

I am also pleased to announce that Kathryn Schmidt has joined the fabric challenge. I'm being good and waiting to start until people have their fabric.

More good news! Amazon now has my book Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love in stock! I love how quickly things can change. I have a call with my marketing person today so I want to make the most of my studio time.

Continuing to Play

2012-01-11T11:25:00.001-06:00

I am still playing! I think I'm sticking a fork in this quilt and will begin quilting it today. Since beginning this wonderful journey, I have gotten some emails and decided to answer the questions/concerns expressed in them.

I have never met Rayna Gillman. However, I know when I do, I will like her.
I am not receiving any money for the sale of her book nor am I working for her.
I am not trying to recreate a Rayna Gillman quilt nor do I think my work would be mistaken for one of her pieces of art. I think the quilts that I am creating look like my work. Hopefully Rayna will weigh in on this.
Rayna knew nothing about my fabric challenge until I announced it. I offered this on my own because I thought it would be fun to see what others would do. I happen to like playing with and supporting other artists. People were free to join in (and I'm thankful that they did) or not. I felt it was my right to create my own rules.

This quilt is a real challenge and one that I am enjoying. It is far from done. It also looks better in person than in this photo. So far, no purchases have been made. I wish I could say that my scrap bin is getting smaller. I'm really messy when I work so my studio is once again a mess, but it's a happy mess.

And as you can see, I've started another indigo piece. The panel is a Dutch wax print cloth (Hollandaise) from West Africa which I purchased from one of my favorite vendors at International Quilt Festival in Houston when I lived there. It is approx. 12 by 16.5 inches so the size is presenting me with a new challenge. I am so excited that I am having trouble sleeping and I work on these quilts in my dreams! I certainly hope you are having fun too.

Too Two Much ATC

2012-01-10T16:50:00.001-06:00

I belong to Arts in the Cards which is an amazing group of artists. I am so honored to be a part. The group is celebrating its second anniversary so the theme was "Two." I have had a lot on my plate (all good) lately and apparently more distracted by it than I realized. I failed to sign up on time (the "Too late?" reference on the card). You have to be quick with this group or someone will execute your idea (and probably better than you could) before you get a chance. I love this about the group! I actually had more ideas than I knew what to do. My list of thoughts and ideas was longer than what I put on my card. So here I am hair on end and too many ideas! Life is good!

Ping Ponging

2012-01-09T16:17:00.001-06:00

Okay, the bathrooms did not get cleaned yesterday. However, I did cook dinner! I am continuing to play and dig through my scrap bin. I rally had intended to make just one quilt but as you can see I now have three in progress and the indigo is still resting until I decide whether to make it bigger or not. Too many ideas. I call this ping ponging since I seem to jump from one thing to the other. Decided this time to just go with the flow and see what happens. I know eventually I'll get it all together.

For those of you joining me in playing with the challenge fabric, it's in the mail!

Indigo Quilt

2012-01-08T08:44:00.002-06:00

I can still remember when I first read the word "indigo." I was in third grade and trying to decide between a career as an artist or the person who got to think up the names for the different color's of paint. Of course, I decided I could do both. I just couldn't decide which one I wanted to do during the day. I've collected indigo fabrics for more than 20 years. Again, I pulled pieces out of my scrap bin and started there. This is what I accomplished last night. I'm thinking it's done and I'll start quilting today, but who knows what will happen once I get back into the studio. I do know it's time to play with all the indigo fabrics I have collected. I have been thinking about making an indigo quilt for more than a year. Feels good to be finally doing it!

Challenge Quilt Two And Challenge

2012-01-07T08:33:00.002-06:00

I dug out these orphan blocks that I had made for a project long ago abandoned to begin the next quilt using Rayna Gillman's book. However, when I go to digging around in my scrap bin, I came across a Bold Over Batiks! panel that I had bought nearly 15 years ago. As a sidebar, here's a little known fact, I was one the who suggested the exclamation mark for the business' name. Anyway, more digging turned up fabric that went well with the panel but the black and white log cabin squares just didn't seem to work. So I've simply set aside the blocks and I will get back to them later. Here's what I've done so far. I am continuing to have fun.

Here is the list of people who have signed on to make a quilt using the challenge fabric posted on January 5. If I missed including you, please let me know.

1. Rayna Gillman
2. Kristin McNamara Freeman
3. Janice Paine Dawes
4. Sherrie Spangler
5. Marti Porterfield
6. Denise Frank
7. Carol Esch
8. Mary Ann Mauney
9. Martha Ginn
10. Vivian Helena Aumond-Capone

I plan to get the fabric in the mail to you on Monday. Thanks for wanting to play with me.

If you want to participate, just let me know. There's still plenty of time. I can't wait to see what everyone creates!

Challenge Quilt-Done!

2012-01-06T10:07:00.001-06:00

I burned the midnight oil and got it done! The finished size is 24.5" x 20.5"(in case you don't remember it began as a 29.5" square). I've put three different sleeves on it so I can hang it in different directions. I hope the maker of the original piece is pleased. I truly encourage everyone to make time to play and don't be afraid to share. This was an interesting journey for the piece and for me. I am going to call this piece "Rebirth."

There is still time to join in the challenge (see posting for 1/5). I have at least 15 yards of the fabric so there is plenty to share. I'm thinking I will send each person 1/2 yard.

The rules will be simple:

1. The challenge fabric must appear in your finished quilt. After all, that is the point.
2. You can do anything you want to the fabric (dye, stamp, etc.).
3. You must use Rayna Gillman's book, Create Your Own Free-Form Quilts: A Stress-Free Journey to Original Design, as your inspiration.
4. You must take photographs showing your process. I'd like to see at least three and especially photographs of any changes you make to the challenge fabric.
5. If you don't have a blog, send the photographs and thoughts to me and I'll post them here. If you have a blog, then please share it so we can watch and comment on your progress.

I believe in deadlines. They sure motivate me. I'll wait to decide on the deadline once I know how many people want to play. I want to get going so I am hoping to get the fabric in the mail early next week.

Happy creating!
Karen

Challenge Quilt-On to Quilting and A Group Challenge

2012-01-05T09:02:00.001-06:00

Creativity is essentially a lonely art. An even lonelier struggle. To some a blessing. To others a curse. It is in reality, the ability to reach inside yourself and drag forth from your soul an idea.
-Lou Dorfsman

Okay, everyone seems to be voting for no border, so I will begin quilting it today. I have also pulled out my box of blocks that I have created over the years and have not used. I'll begin playing with them. They are me! Unlike this present challenge which wasn't even made by me. Some asked if this made it easier for me. I don't think so. I actually feel it was the opposite--more difficult. I don't create things with murky colors. I am happy with it. Thanks everyone for your input. I have decided to spend the month of January exploring more from Rayna's book.

I am also considering offering a challenge. I have some 1950's fabric that I purchased to support a nonprofit quilt organization. I have never known what to do with this fabric and this could be a fun way to use it. If I get enough interest, I will offer it. Interested?

Challenge Quilt Next Steps

2012-01-04T10:50:00.000-06:00

First, I want to thank Rayna Gillman for all her kind words and for posting my adventure on her blog. Next, I want to thank everyone else who has sent me words of encouragement and openly shared your opinions. I'm blown away! This is such a great way to start the New Year. Please consider joining in on the fun. I promise you won't be disappointed.

I am amazed at how different it looked once I squared it up. I agree with Rayna that a binding would take away from the design. I had never planned on putting a binding on it. However, I am considering a border. So what do you think?

Challenge Quilt- Stick a Fork in It?

2012-01-03T11:48:00.000-06:00

I do like how the tea dyeing worked. I usually use instant tea for tea dyeing but I didn't have any so I used Tazo Chai. I do like the pink undertones that it had. Now the lightness in the grey bothers me. I'm just not sure what to do. I have to say this was a lot of fun. I know now what I would have done differently. Isn't that what learning is all about?

Am I done? Which one do you like best? (I simply turned it upside down.) Which just gave me another thought. What about this version?

Think I'll trying squaring it up and see what it looks like all cleaned up. I am looking forward to your thoughts.

Challenge Quilt Day One

2012-01-02T09:05:00.002-06:00

Since I have also challenged myself to use what I have and not go shopping, it took me a while to find fabrics that would work. I was surprised at how many I did eventually find. I used the front and back of one fabric which I always find is fun to do. Can you find it?

I added the pink first and realized that instead of just two lines of pink, I should have added three. Then I had an aha moment and realized that I could turn pieces around (top become the bottom) which I did. I also cut off the pieces where I moved things up or down and added them back into the quilt. I definitely think it is getting more interesting but certainly far from finished. The floral fabric (detail) is also really bothering me so I think I'm going to tea dye it and see what happens. So what do you think of the quilt so far?

New Year New Challenge

2012-01-01T13:25:00.000-06:00

I love this time of year because people seem so full of hope. It's like we've been given a clean slate. I have been spending all of my time lately writing--mostly answering questions (marketing for my book Quilts in the Attic, Teacher of the Year (17 questions and) and the Foto/Fiber 2012. I am also working on a website. I haven't had one in years and it's time. Anyway, while I do feel writing is being creative, I have missed being in my studio and playing with fabric. I decided to give myself a challenge so I dug out an old UFO. It was one given to me more than 15 years ago. I challenged a friend at one time to create something interesting with it but she passed so I'm doing it in her honor. The top is approx. 29 1/2 x 29 1/2 inches. I am taking my inspiration from Rayna Gillman's book Create Your Own Free-Form Quilts which has been getting a lot of well deserved buzz. I am considering this play and have no expectation of creating a piece of art. I just want to see where I can take this top and hopefully honor the unknown maker. What challenges have you given yourself for 2012?

Red Shoes

2011-12-24T11:22:00.001-06:00

When I stepped into Sheila's studio to get my professional head shot, she said, "Wow! Red shoes. I'm in the presence of a confident woman." I never thought that my wearing red shoes and especially these red shoes said nothing more than I like fun shoes. Of course, they also have to be comfortable and I hate spending lots of money (I got these from amazon.com for $35). Also in the quilt world, colorful shoes are not unusual. So my question to you is, "Do red shoes mean a confident woman?"

Teacher of the Year!

2011-12-22T08:52:00.003-06:00

Great news to share! I have been nominated again for Teacher of the Year through the International Association of Professional Quilters. I was nominated the first time for the 2004 Teacher of the Year. The amazing Mary Stori received the honor. I will receive a notification of the results after March 30 and the winner will be featured in the Spring issue of The Professional Quilter magazine. I have 17 questions to answer and must submit everything by January 13. This will take time and thought. Also another reason for my head shot! Life is good!

Wordless Wednesday- Blast form the Past

2011-12-21T10:41:00.001-06:00


Photo by Carol Esch and used as her Christmas card to me this year

Thankful Tuesday- Lynn Kunz and Vivian Helena

2011-12-20T09:08:00.001-06:00

Lynn Kunz won my Memories of Kyrgyzstan ATC blog giveaway and sent me this wonderful fiber postcard as a thank you. I was touched by her kindness. Thank you Lynn. I promise to pass your kindness along.

I got a few emails asking if my journal covers were reusable (removable). Yes! For me, that was the point. Vivian Helena shared with me some photographs of her beautiful journals which were made like postcards then applied to the journal with white glue. She promises to post them to her blog soon. Now I need to work on expanding my journals. Thanks Vivian!

The quilt world is full of wonderful, giving people. I love my community!

Professional Head Shot

2011-12-19T14:16:00.001-06:00

I hate getting my picture taken. I am not pretty. I am not photogenic. I have needed a professional head shot for while and could not put it off any longer (needed for book, Italy, etc.). Sheila Rutledge, of Captured, Inc., made it painless and easy even though she was in a body cast! (thrown off of a horse). Thanks Sheila! It felt great to get this done and off my ever growing to do list. It does indeed make me feel more professional! Tomorrow I have a "meeting" with the person show is going to market my book, Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love. (Voyaguer Press). It's good to have all these new experiences. They are certainly keeping me on my toes. By the way, I'm also excited to see that Amazon now says that my book will be available after December 25 instead of arriving on February 15.

Journals

2011-12-18T11:26:00.001-06:00

I began keeping journals in Composition books more than thirty years ago. They were cheap, yet sturdy. A great size for carrying around and storing. Nearly fifteen years ago I decided I would like to make a cover and I included a bookmark and a place to put a pen. Now I'm thinking about adding a pocket since I always seem to be picking things up and somethings simply sliding them into the pages is not safe enough.

I love black and white fabrics with hints of red so that's what I used for my first journal cover. I amazed at how well it has held up since I carry it everywhere. One of the fabrics (the black and white polka dot on the left) is fading and there is wear on the edge, but overall I am still happy with it. Making and giving these as gifts is something I do often. I will teach how to make them in the first class in Italy. It is also one of my workshops.

I am back to writing my book on my technique. It's time. Also time to play again! Enjoy!

Italy Here I Come!

2011-12-17T09:21:00.003-06:00

I amthrilled to now be able to share with you that I will be teaching at theAbruzzo School of Creative Art in Italy fro August 22- 29, 2012! I am so honored and happy. I also applied because it's been a while since I have done something that scares me. I think it is important to keep pushing at my comfort zone.

Locandadell'Asino d'oro, the school's location, is situated approx. 6 minutesfrom the ancient city of Sulmona and a couple of minutes from Averil Stuart-Head’s,the CEO, home inIntrodacqua, a medieval village. Sulmona is approx. 2 hours east of Rome and is veryeasy to get to from Fumicino airport.

I will be teaching "No Time to Quilt: An Artful Approach to Quilt-As-You-Go." It is my own technique. On the first day, we will make journals to learn the technique and provide each student with a unique place to capture not only what happens in class but the entire experience. I'll share some of my journals tomorrow. Then we will begin creating a quilt that represents the Sulmona area. Check out the school's website for more details.

What have you done lately that has pushed on your comfort zone?

Advent Elves

2011-12-09T11:10:00.001-06:00

one of my elves

How often do you jump into something without thinking it all the way through? Me? It seems I do it often. This was definitely the case when I decided to make 44 inch advent elves for my two great nieces, Alexis (11 years old) and Makayla (6 years old) and cousins. I saw some elves in a calendar and thought they were cute and would make the perfect gift. However, the price tag of $187 (each) plus shipping made them too expensive for my pocketbook. Hence, the idea of making them. I didn't think that I would be sewing 50 pockets or how much stuffing they required (48 ounces) or how much time they would take to construct. I wasn't sure once they were finished that the girls would even like them. Shipping also posed problems. They would only fit in a golf box so that cost me $20 then another $30 to ship. It's always good to have a friend who follows along in your folly as my friend Barbara did.

I wrote stories that I put in each pocket along with some props--tissues when the story gets sad, envelopes with the letters that are written in the story and a sparkly notebook to write answers to questions. I plan to do this every year and want to add more props next year.

Barbara's elf

I am also happy to report that the elves were a hit! Both girls are sleeping with them nightly and they are placed on the couch side-by-side with a blanket placed over their legs while the girls are in school. They also wait for each other to read their stories out loud to one another. So it was worth all the time, effort and money.

Each year I seem to find a project that takes more time than I imagined so I'm curious to see what happens next year. Enjoy!

Mark Your Calendars! Fiberart For A Cause Returns

2011-11-30T11:35:00.001-06:00


Photo by Virginia Spiegel (used with permission)

On February 15 and 16, 2012, Fiberart For A Cause (FFAC) returns forits seventh year of raising funds for the American Cancer Society with a newonline event, Foto/Fiber 2012. Ninety photographs taken byVirginia Spiegel, Karen Stiehl Osborn and Cynthis Wenslow will be available forpurchase. Thirty-four fiber artists will also be providing BONUS FiberSurprises (6” x 9” bubble mailing envelopes filled with donated items such assmall fiber artworks). In addition, all ninety patrons of Foto/Fiber 2012 willhave the opportunity to win fiber art generously donated by Leonie HartleyHoover, Lyric Kinard, Lynn Krawczyk, Yvonne Porcella, Susan Schrott, and MaryAnn Van Soest. The goal of the event is to raise at least $7,000 in just tenhours to add to the $215,000 already donated by FFAC to the American CancerSociety.

On February 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central, for each$100.00 minimum donation to the American Cancer Society, patrons will be ableto choose one of ninety photographs and a BONUS Fiber Surprise. On February 16,from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (or until sold out), patrons will be able to chooseone photograph for a minimum donation of $50.00, but their BONUS Fiber Surprisewill be chosen at random for them.

According to Spiegel, the founder of Fiberart For A Cause, “I wasready to mix it up with this fundraiser after fundraising and promoting fiberwith the Postcard Project, Tote Tuesday, and Collage Mania. I’m excitedto share beautiful and inspiring photos by Karen Stiehl Osborn, CynthiaWenslow, and myself. We are all fiber artists who are also fairlyprolific photographers. I’m even more excited to have a bit of mystery added tothis fundraiser with the BONUS Fiber Surprises. The thirty-four participatingfiber artists will be plundering their studios and sharing with donors a littlebit of themselves and their studios.”

The BONUS Fiber Surprise donors are Natalya Aikens, Frances HollidayAlford, Pamela Allen, Liz Berg, Sue Bleiweiss, Nancy G. Cook, Jane Davila,Vivika DeNegre, Diane Rusin Doran, Jane Dunnewold, Jamie Fingal, Leonie HartleyHoover, Leslie Tucker Jenison, Lyric Kinard, Susan Brubaker Knapp, LynnKrawzcyk, Jane LaFazio, Susan Lenz, Jeanelle McCall, Linda Teddlie Minton,Karen Musgrave, Gail Myrhorodsky, Karen Stiehl Osborn, BJ Parady, Cate CoulacosPrato, Yvonne Porcella. Wen Redmond, Sue Reno, Lesley Riley, Susan Schrott,Cynthia St. Charles, Lura Schwarz Smith, Sarah Ann Smith, and Terri Stegmiller.

The donors of the BONUS Fiber Surprises were asked to make them“wonderfully wonderful, creative, and unique.” Patrons of Foto/Fiber 2012 willreceive as their BONUS Fiber Surprise a 6“ x 9” bubble mailing envelope fromone of the participating fiber artists. The envelope may contain a smallwork of art, hand painted or dyed fabric, screen printed Lutradur, vintagekimono scraps, a small original screen for printing, dyed embroidery thread, asmall bundle of "magical" raw materials, etc.

I am proud to be a part of this effort.

Elizabeth

2011-11-26T12:48:00.001-06:00

My daughter-in-law brought a 6 year old named Elizabeth to our Thanksgiving feast. Sang is Elizabeth's mentor and wanted Elizabeth to experience a "typical" (not sure how true that is) Thanksgiving. Elizabeth was naturally quite shy in the beginning. I had worried that she would be bored. I think one of the best things I have done in my home was paint the door to our garage with chalkboard paint. Usually there is a drawing from my great-niece Alexis on the door. Since Alexis is a kind and caring person, I did not think she would mind if Elizabeth replaced her drawing. Alexis will give me a new one when I see her at Christmas as is our tradition. For me it is interesting that she drew a storm. The z's are lightning. Sang is there next to Elizabeth. I made it into the drawing too. I am touching the thorns on the flower and Elizabeth is rescuing me.

The one thing that Elizabeth wanted to do and did so with enthusiasm was clean my studio. It was so much fun! She delighted in everything. "This is soooo beautiful," she would shout with glee as she picked up pieces of fabric from the floor. We actually made great progress and I never had so much fun cleaning my studio.

Elizabeth promised that she would come every time Sang visited me. I sure hope I have the opportunity to spend time with her again. She made this Thanksgiving one to remember. Have any good memories of this Thanksgiving?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T08:56:00.001-06:00

Thankful Tuesday--Janice Paine Dawes

2011-11-22T12:39:00.001-06:00

Janice Paine Dawes is the co-leader of the group Arts in the Cards. I love her sense of humor and that she is a straight shoot. She says what she means and means what she says. I find it refreshing. The story of a quilt made by Janice as a commission (reproduction of an antique quilt) is also in my soon to be published book Quilts in the Attic. It was a joy to work with her. So thank you Janice for being a part of my life.

Quilts in the Attic Final Cover and Winner!

2011-11-21T09:27:00.001-06:00

First, Lynn Kuntz is the winner of my ATC. Congrats Lynn!

I am pleased to share the final cover of my book. It is a printed laminated hard cover with a cloth binding because the plan is to market it to craft stores and these kind of stores do not like jacket covers. You may think that authors of books have a say about titles, covers, etc. It may be true for some, not for me. The two quilts on the cover are not quilts from the essays in the book. Does that matter to you? If you saw the book on the shelf, would you look at it? What does the quilts on the book say to you? Would you buy the book based on the cover and description? Thanks for your input.

Bonnie's Boxes

2011-11-20T19:28:00.001-06:00

I love when something I post makes someone share. My friend, Bonnie Smith, has some incredible boxes on her blog which she made out of her watercolor drawings. Now I have to go dig out more stuff for boxes. Love it! Thanks Bonnie for sharing. Go check it out!

Box Making Crazy!

2011-11-18T13:58:00.001-06:00

Just had to share my latest obsession--box making. The large boxes are full of greeting cards that I have made. The pink square box has ear rings in it and the long purple boxes have spoons in them. I have to say that box making is pretty close to instant gratification. Enjoy! What are you doing for fun?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T16:06:00.001-06:00

Memories of Kyrgyzstan ATC and Blog Giveaway with a Twist Five

2011-11-14T08:13:00.001-06:00

Arts in the Cards, my ATC (artist trading card) group, had grateful for this month's challenge. I had played with Wordle, a site where you can write in words and it gives you different options for arrangements. Lots of fun! I was going to use the arrangement for my background, paint the card with Fluid acrylics and add a drawing I did of a woman jumping for joy. Well, Wanda did something similar so it was back to the drawing board for me. After a few days of thought, I decided to make my Grateful ATC about one thing instead of many. I just Nevr-Dull, a metal polish, to create the paper (pages from National Geographic) for the background. The images are photographs of women in native clothing that I copied with a laser printer. Next I scanned the image, sized it to be 2.5 x 3.5 inches and printed it on cloth. I fused the cloth to Timtex for the middle layer. Since I was able to meet some incredible felting artist during my visit, I wanted to include a little felt so I needle felted (not what they do) a heart. I also put a copy of one of the wonderful postage stamps. This served two purposes--one to simply share and another to cover the felting that showed through the white fabric I put on the back.

Kyrgyzstan was full of life changing experiences. Some of them I share in my lecture. There were plans to have me return, but it never happened. I am so grateful that I had the experience. Kyrgyzstan will always be near and dear to my heart.

I'll give up this ATC next Monday (November 21). Remember you must answer the question. Followers get three chances to win because I love my followers!

What place is near and dear to you? Why?

More Calendar Collage

2011-11-12T08:42:00.001-06:00

I have gotten requests to see more of my collage calendar pages so here you go. I had to include on that had something to do with Georgia (country not state). When I am there I'm constantly stopping to take photographs of doors so one had to be included. The churches have amazing frescoes. I was at Barbara's house when I made this one and realized that the Blue Angel would have been perfect. Guess I'll have to save it for next year. I liked that I put the question, "What will I remember most?" The answer is "my friends and the times we spent together."

I finished 11 months without any problems but finishing the twelfth was tough. I had gotten out of the flow. Does that happen to you?

June

I've been asked how I will determine who gets which collage. Well, my children got to pick which one they wanted. Nathaniel picked his birthday month, June, which happened to have a pick up truck in it so that worked out well. Jeremiah allowed his wife Sang to pick and she choose her birthday month, May. I have no expectation that the calendars will become prized possessions. I know this surprises some but for me, it has always been more about the process then the end product. Please don't get me wrong. I want the end product to be nice. I take pride in my work. I also know that when you give something away, it should be given freely and with love. It's released. Does it kill me when someone sells one of my quilts in a garage sale because she is redecorating. You bet! But a quilt is just a thing and not worth ruining a relationship. Of course, I would never give her another one.

Chicago

2011-11-11T11:50:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I headed into Chicago to have lunch (Cosi's on Michigan Avenue across from the Art Institute of Chicago) with Jeanne Marklin who was visiting from Massachusetts. My first encounter with Jeanne was when I interviewed her for Quilters' S.O.S. - Save Our Stories, an oral history project of the Alliance for American Quilts, in 2009. She is also a member of Fiber Artists for Hope and SAQA as am I. Sometimes online relationships don't translate well into face-to-face relationships. I am happy to report that meeting Jeanne was great! It's always good to find a fellow person who one can relate and share. We both realize that time is short and we have to make the most of it. I was even more thrilled when Jeanne asked about visiting the National Museum of Mexican Art. I drove her right over!

I checked in with her alter in the evening to make sure she got back to her hotel okay and how she liked the museum. She loved it! She shared that she really like Mario Castillo's work so now we have yet another thing in common!

Okay, you're probably wondering about the black piece of paper. Well, I found it while walking from the parking garage to the restaurant and couldn't resist picking it up. Good thing too because if I had waited the 20 minutes of snow that occurred while we were eating would have ruined it. As I inched home in rush hour traffic (why it's called rush HOUR is beyond me because it lasts for hours), I kept looking at it and seeing something new--a bird, a horned heart, etc. I think I am going to put it into a collage. What do you see? Do you pick up things too?

Wordless Wednesday- If I Only Knew

2011-11-09T04:00:00.000-06:00

From Kristin

2011-11-08T10:26:00.001-06:00

Kristin kindly sent me a photograph of my Day of the Dead mask hanging in her home. Doesn't it look like it belongs there? Kristin shares, "Freezing outside, but warm here now especially with such a beautiful, perfect new piece of artwork on the wall. I have hung it adjacent to the prosperity chickens from India, the wedding basket from China, my sage and other native materials for smudging, the eagle feather given to me when I retired, the Tibetan bell and bowl, the little Buddha and other small pieces, all atop a lacquered bookcase that holds my "Selvedge" magazines and knitting books. A little glimpse on the chair on the left of my Jacob's coat knit wool shawl that I wear as I write my Morning Pages each day.

Thank you so much for sending me such a perfect addition to my little sitting room here in my Montana bungalow!

Always now I will think of you when I am in that wonderful little room!" And I will think of Kristin often. I love when pieces of my artwork end up exactly where they belong.

I can remember a time when giving away a piece of my artwork was so difficult. In part, it was because so much of me was put into the work and I think I was not confident enough to believe I could make something more. I wasn't even sure how or if my blog giveaways would be embraced.

I love Robert Collier's quote, "You cannot hold on to anything good. You must be continually giving--and getting. You cannot hold on to your seed. You must sow it--and reap anew. You cannot hold on to riches. You must use them and get other riches in return." With this mask I've gained a new friend!

Do you find it difficult or easy to give away something that you have made?

More on Calendar and Winner of Blog Giveaway with a Twist Four

2011-11-07T10:04:00.000-06:00

July

First, the winner is Maureen! I know Maureen from Postmark'd Art so I am thrilled!

Secondly, thanks to Marti for calling me and letting me know how much she loves my spoons. And thanks to Bonnie Smith for her kind words in an email about my collage calendar.

What a great Monday!

I wasn't planning on sharing more of my collage calendar, but several emails with questions have convinced me otherwise.

October

I only did three months that were easily recognized as holiday related. I love Halloween so that one was easy. Looking at it now, I think I should have added more details. I host my family's Christmas so that holiday is always near and dear to me. Generally I would not do something so Christian because I have lots of friends who are not, but none of them are getting a calendar (hope they are not disappointed but none of them are calendar users) so I decided to just go for it. I have a brother and a nephew born on the 4th of July so I wanted to honor that month too. We also get together at my house for that holiday too. Family is very important to me.

December

Remember there are no rules! If you want to create your own calendars, my advice is to just have fun.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask! I live to serve. (I actually got Penny McMorris, owner of Electric Quilt, to snort her coffee through her nose when I signed an email to her with those words. Great memory.)

Collage Calendar

2011-11-05T08:35:00.003-06:00

March

Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. Kindness that catches us by surprise brings out the best in our natures. - Bob Kerrey

Kristen, the winner of Blog Giveaway with a Twist Three, called me on the phone to ask if she was really the winner. Her excitement and kindness is still with me. I named my blog "connections" with the hope that these kinds of things would happen. Thank YOU Kristen!

I love to play with paper, rubberstamps and stickers. Stickers in particular make me feel like a kid again. When my friend Barbara suggested that we make simple collages and turn them into calendars to give as gifts, I was in! What a great idea! Each calendar will also include one original collage. I was a little worried about the color copies, but they came out great. I used a coupon from Office Depot and made the copies myself to save money. I purchased blanket calendars from Archiver's, a scrapbook store which is also online. They send me 30% off coupons which I used to purchase the calendars over several months. I figure the total cost of each calendar was around $20 and in terms of the fun I had (especially when I got to spend time with Barbara), priceless. The opportunity to just play truly does spill over to my work.

January

If people like them, I could definitely see this becoming a yearly activity. While we made our pages 8 1/2" by 11", if I do it again, I plan to make them 8" by 10" for two reasons. First, the copier cropped the work and secondly, if someone would want to frame the original collage, it would be cheaper because they could purchase a stock frame. I love making gifts for people. Do you make gifts?

Spoonful of Inspiration

2011-11-03T11:04:00.000-06:00

My love affair with spoons began in my twenties while I was living in Aruba. I met a man who lived outside of town (known as the cunucu) who carved spoons and sold them so he could pay for his cataract surgery. It is one collection that I never went crazy, but still love. When I moved into this house, I always thought it would be nice to have a river bed going down the slope in my backyard. When I looked into the cost of making it out of rocks, I knew it wouldn't happen so I created Spoon River. While collecting the spoons, I came across sterling silver plated spoons. What I discovered quickly was that when I tried to bend them, they snapped in two.

The Naperville Art League has a holiday show every year where members can sell gift items. In thinking about what I could make to sell, I came across my unused spoons and inspiration struck. These were so much fun to make! I used alcohol inks to color them then added wire, charms and beads. I was thrilled when I figured out a way to make them hang. My love of words was added with stickers (another thing I collect and love). I have no idea if they will sell. It will be interesting to see what happens. Hopefully they will bring some smiles.

Wordless Wednesday- With Update

2011-11-02T07:28:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know it is suppose to be wordless, but I was so hoping someone could tell me the story behind this church. It is the former "Lutherische Kirche" (written on the building) which in German means "Lutheran Church." It is on the corner of W. 19th St and S. Peoria in Chicago (Pilsen neighborhood).

Sandy Snowden has spurred me on to do further research. I have learned that Peoria used to be Johnson. Records for the church are available at the Newberry until the early 1940s so Sandy's thought that it might have burned during the Great Chicago Fire (it was on the edge) did not pan out.

It was part of the Missouri Synod so I've emailed them to see if they know. I sure hope so because I want to know what happened.

Foto/Fiber 2012

2011-11-01T09:17:00.001-06:00

I am pleased to announce and be a part of:

Foto/Fiber 2012

90 Photos AND 90 BONUS Fiber Surprises
Beauty and Mystery Unite to Fight Cancer

Gold Donor Day - February 15, 2012
Make a minimum donation of $100, choose a photo by Virginia A. Spiegel,
and choose a BONUS Fiber Surprise by a specific artist from an amazing list of generous fiber artists.

Regular Foto/Fiber - February 16, 2012
Make a minimum donation of $50 and choose a photo by Virginia A. Spiegel.
Your BONUS Fiber Surprise will be chosen at random for you from the list of generous fiber artists.

Artists donating BONUS fiber surprises include: Natalya Aikens, Frances Holliday Alford, Pamela Allen, Sue Bleiweiss, Nancy G. Cook, Jane Davila, Vivika DeNegre, Diane Rusin Doran, Jane Dunnewold, Jamie Fingal, Leonie Hartley Hoover, Leslie Tucker Jenison, Lyric Kinard, Susan Brubaker Knapp, Lynn Krawzcyk, Jane LaFazio, Susan Lenz, Jeanelle McCall, Linda Teddlie Minton, Karen Musgrave, Gail Myrhorodsky, Karen Stiehl Osborn, BJ Parady, Cate Coulacos Prato, Yvonne Porcella, Wen Redmond, Sue Reno, Susan Schrott, Cynthia St. Charles, Lura Schwarz Smith, Sarah Ann Smith, and Terri Stegmiller

Drawings for Fiber Art throughout the event.
All patrons of Foto/Fiber 2012 will also have multiple chances throughout Foto/Fiber to win amazing fiber art donated by:

Leonie Hartley Hoover
Lyric Kinard
Lynn Krawczyk
Yvonne Porcella
Mary Ann Van Soest

More information on how Foto/Fiber 2012 works is here:
http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/FotoFiberHowItWorks.html

Our goal – Raise $7,000 for the American Cancer Society in just ten hours over two days.

Fiberart For A Cause has already donated over $215,000 to the American Cancer Society through the generosity of fiber artists and their patrons.

Contact Virginia(at)VirginiaSpiegel.com for more information.

Blog Giveaway with a Twist Four

2011-10-31T08:54:00.002-06:00

Mending a Broken Heart

Congratulations to KAM for winning last week's mask giveaway!

This week's blog giveaway is one of my Mending a Broken Heart hearts. I started making these as gifts to send to friends who had heart attacks, divorces, break up with significant others, loss of pets and children, any time a heart was broken. I decided to add it as one of my Bending Quilt-As-You-Go (my technique) workshops and for a few years I traveled the country teaching it and I have to admit I was surprised when it was the most requested of my workshops. People were always surprised that they went home with a least two completed hearts and often four. It also gave me an opportunity to teach rope making (very addicting). And as quickly as this workshop was popular, it stopped being requested. I have no idea why. However, I continue to make and send these hearts to family and friends.

"Home is where the heart is," the old saying goes. It is not a mistake that "art" is a predominant part of the word "heart." Our homes are our refuge, the one place where we can truly express ourselves. I collect things that I cannot do myself. I love things made out of clay so I have a collection of pots and sculpture. I also have a small collection of quilts, many from friends whose work I love. I collect rusty sculpture usually incorporating rocks (another love of mine) for my garden. I still remember the high school student whose moving rock sculpture I purchased at an art fair in Geneva, Illinois. It was such a thrill to provide validation to someone just starting out. Again they are all things that I simply could not have made and yet, speak to me. What do you collect and why?

Winner will be announced ob Monday, November 7th. Followers get three chances to win because I love my followers!

Clutter Busting

2011-10-30T12:18:00.001-06:00

I brake for articles and books about clutter because it's seems that it's one of the crosses I apparently give myself to bear. Or so I thought. This book, Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What is Holding You Back, is different. It explains that clutter happens because of beliefs and unresolved issues. Palmer asks ample questions, giving you lots of food for thought. The exercises pave the way toward deep work, self-knowledge, and understanding. His main premise is that it is you who is sacred, not your things. The book explores such fundamental topics as the false identities we assume through clutter, the feat of change those junk piles represent, the addictive nature of holding on to objects, how clearing clutter makes room for clarity and sweeps away confusion and stasis and much more.

I love the quote at the beginning of the book by Ramesh Balsekar, With all the things you have in your life, are you any more happy than your dog?

Palmer has a blog too! He has performed stand-up comedy for years and this is evident in both the book and blog. While he as been featured in national and local media (he lives in Chicago), I had not heard of him. I discovered the book while pursing the clutter section at my local library and I'm so glad that I brought it home. Visiting his website, I discovered that he has a new book coming out next year. Hopefully, I won't need it!

I'm a pile maker. What kind of clutter do you battle?

Get Ready to Blog- Naperville Art League

2011-10-29T09:05:00.002-06:00

Thursday night was my first Naperville Art League meeting since I became the Second Vice President on the League's board in June. The membership had said that they wanted business and marketing programs so I recruited fiber artist, BJ Parady, to give a program on how she uses her blog to promote and sell her work and the different options out there. My fear that no one would show up was quickly elevated and we had a full house! BJ did an excellent job and members in the audience contributed too which is exactly as it should be. Our next meeting will be in January and I decided we have a movie night. I'll be showing Who Does She Think She Is?

Board member Michell LeBlanc put together a short film (aren't phones and Macs amazing) with a review on her blog, Naperville Cultural Center if you are interested. Thank you Michelle!

New Direction

2011-10-28T13:56:00.000-06:00

Crow's Delight

My new work seems to be a natural progression, at least for me. I'm trying to move myself to do abstract work. I entered this piece in the Naperville Art League's themed exhibition As Crow Flies. (Each month the League has a themed exhibition.) It was the first time I had ever entered anything and frankly I was nervous. I actually sat out in my car for a few minutes before going inside to register my pieces.Turns out I didn't need to be nervous. My quilt was warmly embraced and I got lots of positive feedback (alas no sale). I did find it interesting that people felt very comfortable touching my piece and wondered how they would feel if someone did that to her work of art. However, I do feel that being accepted, having positive comments, etc. is worth having my work handled after all it is only natural to want to touch fiber. This work included retail fabrics and my own bleached and dyed fabrics, hand quilting and machine quilting and hand beading (which is where the title originated). It was my attempt to create an urban landscape. The "love" was my homage to graffiti. I feel the exhibition was one of the better ones for the NAL. I am pleased I pushed on my comfort zone because next time will be easier. When was the last time you pushed your comfort zone?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T08:20:00.000-06:00

Interpreting Manuel Felguerez

2011-10-25T08:27:00.000-06:00

They Ask for Fish by Manuel Felguérez

Continuing to share the work of Las puntadas del alma/Stitches of the Soul and the Mexican artists whose work they choose to interpret. Christina choose Manuel Felguérez's painting They Ask for Fish (created in 1966) from the permanent collection in National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago.

Felguérez was born in 1928 in Valparaíso, Zacatecas in Mexico. He's still alive, living in Mexico and working. I encourage you to Google images of his work where you will find both images of his paintings and sculpture. I discovered that I really liked his abstract expressionist paintings. He is an avid collector of all sorts of objects (would love to know exactly what kind of objects), taxidermist, anthropologist, teacher, investigator and master artist. He traveled to Europe in the late 1940s which is where he had his first meaningful encounter with art and attempted to study art in Mexico. He was one of the first artists to criticize the Mexican school of painting. He adopted the ideas of writer, poet, and diplomat Octavio Paz (1914-1998), who thought that art had to be an incessant movement of continuity and breaks from tradition. In both sculpture and painting, Felguérez constantly appropriated the artistic movements of his time (Cubism and Abstract Expressionism).

Christina Carlos

He was a professor at Cornell University. professor of Design and Investigacion Visual at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and was awarded a awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship while he worked as an investigator at Harvard University. It always interests me to discover how many Mexican artists have a connection to the muralism movement so it was interesting to find out that in the early 1960s, Felguérez was commissioned to make more than 30 murals for public and private institutions. According to Octavio Paz, "Manuel Felguérez created a new muralism movement where painting is joined with sculpture." He charged little for the murals in an effort to be recognized nationally and internationally as an artist. It worked. He closed his mural workshop and opened a studio to focus on painting. Personally, I think he would be a fascinating man to meet.

I did not take long for Christina to select Felguérez's painting and I was proud of her for selecting something abstract. I'm especially appreciative that she did because I learned so much personally.

Winner of Blog Giveaway 2 and New Blog Giveaway with a Twist Three

2011-10-24T10:00:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the delay in announcing the winner. I haven't heard from the person who was to select the winner so when my neighbor came to the door inquiring about my missing cat, she kindly pulled the name out of the hat. It was cute to see how seriously she took this request. Drum roll please! The winner is Diana Bracy! Who also happens to be a follower. Congratulations. I hope you enjoy!

For those of you who did not win, I found another mask so you have another chance. Again, followers of this blog will have three chances to win because I love my followers! I also love masks and began making them in fiber more than fifteen years ago. Throughout history, masks have allowed us to act out and act up, to lose ourselves in a role and to find parts of ourselves we might otherwise never know.

What about masks appeal to you?

Fiber Art Now

2011-10-23T09:39:00.000-06:00

I received my much anticipated new quarterly magazine Fiber Art Now which grew out of Marcia Young's (the editor) online Valley Fiber Life. Subscriptions in the U.S. are $40.00 and the retail price per issue is $14.00. Because I was familiar with Valley Fiber Life and because I want a good fiber magazine, I thought it was worth the risk of subscribing blind. I think it's a great start and I'm hopeful that as the magazine matures it will become a great resource. It does remind me how much I miss the old days of FiberArts magazine. I enjoyed Viewpoints which asks "my peers" a question. The questions posed in this issue was "Do you collect anything? Does your collection influence what you create?" Book recommendations are from her Advisory Board. No descriptions or price is given. I enjoyed the First Person articles where the artists discuss their process. There are lots of photos. the international Calls of Entry was interesting even though for many the deadline had passed. I enjoyed learning about contemporary rug hooking. I wanted to have more than just a few photographs of the Wrapping Traditions: Korean Textiles Now exhibition and hope that there will be a focus on what is going on in the rest of the world. I was left a little wanting and look forward to the next publication.

Interpreting Vladimir Cora

2011-10-22T08:49:00.001-06:00

Bather 28 by Vladimir Cora

I miss my Saturdays with Las puntadas del alma/Stitches of the Soul. It was a wonderful experience being able to teach at a museum (National Museum of Mexican Art) that I loved. I never imaged it would last three years. In our last session, the group selected a piece from the museum's permanent collection and to interpret, not recreate, that chosen work of art. I encouraged the women to push beyond their comfort zones and choose something abstract or at least something different.

Soco choose Vladimir Cora's Bather 28 created in 1988. Cora was born in Nayarit, Mexico in 1951. He is self-taught and was able to build a reputation as a formidable painter is his late teens. He knew he wanted to be a painter after seeing a print of Monet's Water Lilies in his aunt's pharmacy where he worked when he was thirteen. Cora was named after Vladimir Lenin by his father, a saddle maker and avid follower of politics. Cora met Rufino Tamayo in 1978 and remained his student until the mentor died in 1991.In Mexico, Cora is a highly regarded established artist. He lives and works in Santa Ana, California. (Source:Pigment of Imagination by Vivian Letran, Los Angeles Times Magazine, December 21, 2000)

Socorro Carlos

I was proud of Soco for choosing this painting. She also kept her piece small so she was able to finish by the end of class (another goal with the group). I hope you agree with me that she did an excellent job!

The part I loved was researching and learning about the artists the women choose. Also don't you just love the hot pink walls of the modern section in the museum? It is one of the many things I love about this museum.

Tote Bag Closures

2011-10-21T09:41:00.003-06:00

Option One

Option Two

You certainly don't have to have the make your tote bags so that they can close. I am a such a klutz so being able to close my tote bag is important to me and when I give them as gifts, it does make it look impressive especially to non-sewers. Buttons are another love of my life so it's nice to be able to use them.

I know a lot of people fear making button holes, but sewing machines make it really easy. Just follow the instructions in your sewing machine manual, it usually just five easy steps. I usually make the piece match both size and color of the piece of fabric (you can see it in the Tote Bag Crazy post but this time I wanted to see what it looked like a little bigger. Just remember to make it work for you! There are no rules.

If making button holes just isn't your cup of tea, then try option two. There are all kinds of fabulous fibers and cords available to use or you could even make your own! I usually cut the cord around nine inches making sure that an inch is in the seam. Stitching around the edge of the bag provides not only a nice finish and provides extra security. Enjoy!

Postmark'd Art and Tote Bags

2011-10-20T08:30:00.001-06:00


Postcard by Marjorie Lee Jin En McQuincy

Postcard by Lynn Chinnis

For those of you interested in tote bags, I have made a page (just under the header) with my posts concerning them. I am sorry that I got away from finishing my tote bag construction posts and promise to post tomorrow on closures.

I have belonged to Postmark'd Art since its beginning in 2004. It was the first online group that I ever joined and I had never made a fiber postcard. Belonging to the group has been an incredible learning experience. I have gained some wonderful friends, stretched and grown as a person and an artist because of this group. We have recently relaunched our web presence. Franki Kohler, our leader and organizer, Lynn Chinnis and I are working with the group to continually add new content. If you are interested in any way about fabric postcards, visit the website. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Postcard by Franki Kohler

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T06:58:00.003-06:00

Every Person is a Philosopher Blog and Sticks and Stones

2011-10-18T10:46:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was a guest blogger on Chicago's Neighborhood Writing Alliance's blog, Every Person is a Philosopher. I am deeply honored to have been asked and thrilled to be able to share my story. This was a great exercise for me and I am going to use it to begin writing a book.

Ira Lavinrenko with her quilt, The Woman

Feel the fear and do it anyway. That is exactly what I did when I accepted the invitation to present a paper and teach at the Third International Textile Symposium in Tbilisi, Georgia (Eurasia) in 2003. After all, my life’s mission is to change the world for the better with quilts. My quilt workshops were such a success, with nearly every student finishing at least one small quilt. I found out at the closing ceremonies that this was very rare. I also was able to form the Georgian Quilt Group. and I promised to support the group with supplies and return trips. I have made four additional trips so far, and I plan to return again next year.

When I asked the women why the making of quilts seemed to resonate with them, I got a variety of answers. For some, it was working with the colorful fabrics that I shared (colorful cotton fabrics just are not available in Georgia). For others, it was my enthusiasm that won them over. For others, it was the learning of a new skill. And for all, it was an opportunity to be together in the creation of art. Each time I have return to Georgia, in addition to teaching the quilt group and others, I work with locals to create programs that empower women and children to learn new skills and earn much needed income. (Two examples are a quilting project in an orphanage, and another with street children.) I do not teach “American” quilts, instead I teach techniques so that my students can share their own unique point of view/story. I love learning about cultures and want my students to embrace theirs...

To read more go to Every Person is a Philosopher. If you do, please leave a comment of support not for me, but for including quilts on their blog. Thanks!

As you can see, I have been working on my sticks and stones quilt which I am now titling Sticks and Stones and a Crow's Gift of a Bone. If you read my blog last summer, I had a great relationship with a female crow who gifted me a bone. It's always interesting to me how my work evolves. When I did the bent stick on top of another stick, as I had drawn it in my crude sketch, it just didn't work so I undid the applique and tried again. I also had the stick side five inches wider, but the scale felt off to me. I continue to love the process.

I plan to quilt the stone side like a Zen raked garden. While I like the bone, it seems too white to me so I might try to tone it down by tea dyeing it or I may redo it in another fabric. I have some other ideas so I see a series in my future. I am also happy to report that I no longer have the saying stuck in my head.

Blog Giveaway with a Twist Two

2011-10-17T09:13:00.000-06:00

First, the winner of Giveaway with a Twist One is Colleen Kelly. Thanks Sang Lee for selecting the winner! Congratulations Colleen! I hope you enjoy the book.

This week I am giving away my Day of the Dead mask that did not sell when it was in the National Museum of Mexican's gift shop a couple of years ago. The masks were on sale for $225. This mask is 9.5 by 14 inches. There is a plastic ring on the back for easy hanging.

I have always loved learning about other cultures and especially the Mexican and Georgian cultures. So the questions for this week are: Which culture has fascinated you? What is the most interesting thing have you learned?

To show my appreciation for my followers, you will get your name put into the hat three times to increase you chances of winning. The winner will be announced next Monday. Good luck!

The Rainmaker

2011-10-16T07:39:00.000-06:00

Have you ever come across something that was so perfect, just what you needed to hear? Well, I did. It came from my friend
Milliande and posted in her ning group. It's a story from Carl Jung's book Jung on Active Imagination (Zeller, 1982, 109-110).

The Rainmaker

There was a drought in a village in China. They sent for a Rainmaker who was known to live in the farthest corner of the country, far away.

Of course that would be so, because we never trust a prophet who lives in our region; he has to come from far away.

So he arrived, and he found the village in a miserable state. The cattle was dying, the vegetation was dying, the people were affected. The people crowded around him and were very curious what he would do.

He said, 'Well, just give me a little hut and leave me alone for a few days.'

So he went into his little hut and people were wondering and wondering, the first day came, the second day. On the third day it started pouring rain and he came out.

They asked him, 'What did you do?' 'Oh,' he said, 'that is very simple. I didn't do anything.' 'But look,' they said, 'Now it rains. What happened?'

And he explained, 'I come from an area that is in Tao, in balance. We have rain, we have sunshine. Nothing is out of order. I come into your area and find that it is chaotic. The rhythm of life is disturbed, so when I come into it, I too , am disturbed. The whole thing affects me and I am immediately out of order. So what can I do? I want a little hut to be by myself, to meditate, to set myself straight. And then, when I am able to get myself in order, everything around it is set right. We are now in Tao, and since the rain was missing, now it rains.'

It's definitely got me to thinking about balance. Should be fun to see what happens in my journal.

Why Quilts Matter

2011-10-15T08:16:00.000-06:00

For nearly three years I worked on the documentary, Why Quilts Matter: History, Art and Politics. The Amercian Quilts Society Blog has a preview of Episode 3 available for online viewing (went up today and I had a tough time finding it so I thought I would make it easy for you). I'm actually in it. You can also learn and watch more previews about this nine part documentary by visiting the Why Quilts Matter site. The film was produced by the Kentucky Quilt Project, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, under the leadership of Shelly Zegart.

Also if you are headed to Pacific International Quilt Festival XX in Santa Clara, California, please make sure you check out the special exhibition, The Unspoken Truth About Racism: A Dialogue in Art Quilts About Racism, by the Fiber Artists for Hope. My quilt, Me, You and Everyone, is there. A friend shared that they used a huge pipe so my quilt does not hang particularly well even with its four inch sleeve. I am learning to let go of these kinds of things that are beyond my control. I can only hope that people can understand and overlook that and understand the message I am trying to convey. If you happen to see it or have seen the exhibition in your travels, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Make it a great weekend! I am.

Sticks and Stones--Learning to Let Go

2011-10-14T11:59:00.003-06:00

I constantly tell my students to not over think their work. Well I started a new quilt and I just could not figure out how to make my vision come together. I decided that I was simply thinking about it too much. I am taking my own advice. The quilt I am allowing to rest deals with how labeling/naming each other serves no one. I just could not get, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names really do hurt me," out of my head so last night I decided to do a quilt with sticks and stones. Anyone coming into my home knows how much I love rocks as there are bowls of them everywhere.

The photo shared here is just a small detail (upper left hand corner). I will share more as I work on it. Beginning this quilt instantly released so much tension that I was feeling and I am excited about the project. I have always found handwork to be relaxing and hand appliqueing this piece made me realize how much I have missed handwork. What do you find most relaxing? How easy is it for you to let go of something that isn't working for you?

Hearts for Christchurch Follow Up

2011-10-13T18:23:00.002-06:00

I hate when something important to me gets lost in the craziness of life. This is what happened with Hearts for Christchurch project. The opening was September 2. I wish I could have been there so looking at photographs will have to do. Los puntadas del alma/Stitches of the Soul (my group at teh National Museum of Mexican Art) and I donated hearts to victims of the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. You can see their hearts in my April 2 post. Together we sent 49 hearts.

Hearts for Christchurch showcases an amazing array of more than 4,000 hearts from around the world. The project is the inspiration of my friend, Evie Harris, who started creating and gathering the hearts after the February earthquake. She grew up there. Word got out about the project and soon hearts started arriving from all over New Zealand and the world. The hearts are on display at Canterbury Museum until February 22, 2012 (the anniversary of the earthquake). You can see the incredible display and find out more about the project on Evie’s blog. You won't be disappointed. Is it important to you to donate to causes?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T08:27:00.000-06:00

I guess today won't be wordless since I received two emails (thank you Carolyn and Sue) asking questions and encouraging me to share the story. This is Alicia and she was one of my students when I taught at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Whenever Alicia was stuck on what to do next, she would go to the fabric bins and "Listen to the fabric because I know some of the will speak to me and give me direction." She was always so engrossed in what she was doing and so full of joy when she had found the fabrics that spoke to her. For me, it was always a joy to watch her in this process. I'm not sure people who do not work with fabric would understand this. What fabrics have spoken to you?

Blog Giveaway With A Twist-One

2011-10-10T12:09:00.001-06:00

You cannot hold on to anything good. You must be continually giving---and getting. You cannot hold on to your seed. You must sow it---and reap anew. You cannot hold on to riches. You must use them and get riches in return. ---Robert Collier

I'm cleaning out and sharing so for the next couple of months I will be giving away books and artwork. However, I'm not doing a stand leave your name and I'll have a drawing for the winner. Instead, I'm going to ask questions and you need to leave a reply. This will help me with different things that I am curious to know. I want to create a dialogue.

When I was a kid, I was extremely curious. I drove my mom crazy asking questions. I always knew when my questioning was over when she would say, "Curiosity killed the cat." You can image my delight when I discovered the saying had a second part, "And satisfaction brought her back." Didn't make my mom happy.

So here is the question for this round, "How is history, and specifically quilt history, important to you?" If it is not important to you, "Why not?"

The winner will receive a copy of Spike Gillespie's book Quilts Around the World: The Story of Quilting from Alabama to Zimbabwe with a forward by Karey Patterson Breshenham (see book description below). I contributed two essays to the book. It is because of those essays that I was given the opportunity to write Quilts in the Attic. Thank you Spike!

The winner will be announced next Monday. Can't wait!

Book Description:

This essential book for all quilters and quilt collectors tells the fascinating story of quilting around the world, illuminated by the international quilt community's top experts and more than 300 glorious color photographs. Covering Japan, China, Korea, and India; England, Ireland, France, and The Netherlands; Australia, Africa, Central America, North America, and beyond, Quilts Around the World explores both the diversity and common threads of quilting. Discover Aboriginal patchwork from Australia, intricate Rallis from the Middle East, Amish and Hawaiian quilts from the United States, Sashiko quilts from Japan, vivid Molas from Central America, and art quilts from every corner of the globe. Also included are twenty patchwork and applique patterns to use in your own quilt projects, inspired by designs from the world's most striking quilts.

Quilts in the Attic

2011-10-08T09:20:00.000-06:00

My book Quilts in theAttic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love is becoming moreof a reality! The book jacket is done and I'm really happy with it. Sorry thatI can only share with you the cover, but the jacket isn't available to share.The book can also be pre-ordered on Amazon for $16.32 (32% off the list price of$24.00). Please "Like" this book on Amazon. (By the way, I learned that Amazon usually edits book description which is exactly what they did with mine. Who knew?) The date on Amazon has already changed once. I don't have an exact date yet when it will be available (I will let you know), and the original time frame was January. Once the book is out, I will be blogging about details, history and stories of the quilts and people I interviewed that are not included in the book.

I am also thrilled that the book will be available in Canada and the UK! I hope you will enjoy reading it.

Here is the description from the back cover:

FORGENERATIONS,quilts have both preserved history and furthered artistic innovation, leadingto personal and creative discoveries that have changed lives. Quilts in the Attic showcases 30 storiesof great quilt discoveries— including masterpiece quilts, fascinating finds,and family heirlooms. From unearthing breathtaking quilts at summer fleamarkets to finding Grandma’s priceless heirloom quilt hidden away in a box, thestories in this book are both heartwarming and thrilling.

Through these tales, we learn about Jewish life inSouth Carolina in the early 1850s and a slave named Rinah, we delve into the1933 World’s Fair Sears National Quilt Contest, and we travel to France and atwelfth-century castle to track down a unique quilted bed set. The memoriesshared here show the basic drive in the human spirit to create something thatcarries purpose and meaning, and they shed light on the works of well-knownquiltmakers like Mary Lee Bendolph from Gee’s Bend, Marie Webster, and RubyShort McKim.

Though the makers of the quilts probably did not set out totouch our feelings, longings, and lives, there is something universal in theirexperiences. Featuring stories from both unknown and famous quilters alike, Quilts in the Attic uncovers the mysteryand meaning of the quilts we love.

Description given in the inside front flap:

As both history and art, quilts expressthe human experience and can lead us to discoveries about ourselves, about thepast, and about artistic creation as a whole. Quilts in the Attic features 30 heartwarming stories of great quiltdiscoveries—from bidding on a breathtaking quilt at an estate auction touncovering a little-known art form in France to finding and repairing apriceless heirloom quilt. One quilt features a block made by a slave, andanother quilt inspires a mixed media artist, but ultimately, all of thesestories reveal the mystery of why we love quilts.

CREATE with Kari McKnight-Holbrook

2011-10-07T09:21:00.000-06:00

When I realized that Interweave's CREATE was happening so close to me, I knew I should not pass up the opportunity. Unfortunately, by the time I got around to signing up there weren't many classes that I was interested in available. I have been playing with fluid acrylics and I love collage so Kari McKnight-Holbrook's class A Fluid Romance. I loved that she provided the option of sending you a class supply list with images. What a great idea! I was shocked at how many students came unprepared. (Certainly takes the fun out of it for the rest of us.) Kari was incredibly generous with her supplies.

I was also fortunate to have a table mate that approached the process pretty much like I did. Let's just try everything and not worry about making something great. I had thought I would do a collage about my adopted grandmother. That didn't seem to work because when I began I went for bright colors (the only one to do so in the class of approx. 25). As Kari would travel from student to student making comments, all she could say about mine was "Nice use of color," and move on. Good thing I don't need encouragement. I also noticed that she spent most of her time talking and spending time with the right (her right) side of the class something I have noticed with teachers and something I conscientiously try not to do.

And while I don't feel my piece is great, I also can't seem to paint over it either. I do want to play more with the different techniques that were used. I see more fluid acrylic collages in my future. I also see myself painting more because I love it. I'm also releasing that college professor who told me I could paint because he didn't like my subject matter. I've also discovered that fluid acrylics work well on fabric! Kari did open my eyes to the wonderful layering that can be done with them and as a quiltmaker I do love layers.

For this piece, I used some of my photographs (Krygyz woman in traditional dress and door from Georgia) copied onto paper, rub-ons (love them), cut up flash card, postage stamp, drawing, model paste, foiling, writing with a Sharpie, stencils, and spray painting with a toothbrush. Kari likes the look of dripping paint. This just didn't appear to me so I choose not to include it in this piece.

Trying new things keeps me growing. It's also time to release the old demons and spread my wings and fly, fly, fly.

Journal of Ordinary Thought

2011-10-06T10:24:00.001-06:00

Cover art by Susan Shie, Garden of Haiti

I am making an effort to get out more because I'm far too comfortable staying home. I don't think it is healthy to allow your world to get too small. When I heard that the Fiber Artists for Hope was going to have our quilts on display (they were on tables in the back of the room) at the launching of the Neighborhood Writing Alliance's new Journal of Ordinary Thought on September 21, I decided to go even though getting into Chicago for a 6:30 meeting meant leaving my house at around 4:00 (avoiding rush hour traffic). The drive was uneventful and the Parking Goddess was kind and I got street parking. I was early so I spent some time reading and making notes in my journal.

I knew very little about the organization before attending the event. The NWA offers writing workshops for adults in neighborhood locations of the Chicago Public Library, community centers and social service agencies. Participants' writings about personal histories, everyday experiences and reflections on their communities are published in the JOT. They also have a wonderful blog called Everyone is a Philosopher which I encourage you to check out.

Quilt by Bonnie Smith

The JOT was founded on the propositions that every person is a philosopher, expressing one's thoughts fosters creativity and change, and taking control of life requires people to think about the world and communicate their thoughts to others.

I was so impressed with Hollen Reischer, the JOT's editor. She was warm and encouraging. It was easy to see that she cares greatly about the people involved and the organization's mission. She set the tone for the positive and inspiring evening.

This particular issue is titled Testify: JOT writers on Creative Resistance: Art as Activism. The readings were powerful! I cried. I laughed. The energy in the room was electrifying. I loved every minute of it and was sad when it ended. I left feeling inspired to continue to make quilts as creative resistance and art as activisim. I also plan to continue to visit their blog often because it is opening my eyes to so many new people and ideas. I hope you will join me.

Fiber Artist for Hope 9/11 quilts


Fiber Artist for Hope 9/11 quilts

Peace Fibres

2011-10-05T08:02:00.000-06:00

Nearly a year ago, Karen Lohn, a licensed counseling psychologist and fibre artist, stumbled upon my blog during an image search. She offered to pay for use of my images, but I fell in love with her mission and just asked for a copy of her book. People told me I was crazy for not taking the money offer and for trusting a stranger. For me, there is more to life than money and I've learned to simply trust my gut. Yesterday I her book, Peace Fibres: Stitching a Soulful World, arrived in the mail. A detail of one of my quilts made the cover (the sun) and my quilt, History with No Memory, with part of one of my blog entries is on page 131. The caption reads, "In making a quilt about one of George Washington's slaves, Karen S. Musgrave battled her own dragons. Her blog quotes Stella Adler, "Life beats down and crushes the soul. Art reminds you that you have one.""

Can the very act of working with fiber serve as an avenue toward peace within an individual? This is the question that Lohn answers through a series of thoughtful essays. Serving as a transition from chapter to chapter and tying the book together are Threads for Thought, Connecting Activities and finally Projects. Between twelve chapters, Threads for Thought offers tiny bits of fibre trivia and inspiring questions. Especially poignant is Stitching Through Crisis a story of fibre, friendship, love, life and death. Have a tissue handy.

In Connecting Activities, Lohn has created a wonderful collection of self-care ideas and exercises. She explains that the activities are aimed to integrated mind, body and spirit. Even the questions she asks are thought-provoking like Which fibre characteristic best describes your temperament? Recommends all kinds of activities including movies to watch. I have now added Threads of Hope, a Canadian documentary narrated by Donald Sutherland, about Chilean women who used their arpilleras in the struggle to find their husbands, sons and fathers who had disappeared.

Projects offer wonderful suggestions for projects that can be done with family and friends from felting to fabric frames, twig figures to family crests, to batik and braiding.

I LOVE the quotes she choose to illustrate different points. Colors of Creativity begins with Lily Tomlin's quote, " I always wanted to be somebody, but now I see I should have been more specific." Humor always gets me. On the flip side, each chapters begin with a different faiths prayer for peace. Threads of Identity, begins with the Muslim Prayer for Peace, Ripping Out, Resilience has the Buddhist Prayer for Peace, Stitching Through Crises has the Baha'i Prayer, Peace and Yarns of Generativity has the Jainist Prayer for Peace and so on.

I also liked finding out about the different people and organizations making a difference with fibre like I Love a Parade, an organization employing women who are chronically homeless to create high-quality art from recycled costume materials donated by local theaters and parades.

There are seven pages of references, resources and credits at the back of the book. I was fascinated by Kathleen Jenks' website mythinglinks.org. It has very interesting background information on myths and lore regarding fibre connections.

This book is full of wonderful, colorful photographs of art and people. Around the edge of each page in each section is a different colorful fibre! I love the photograph on page 155 of the African woman dancing with her caption "In my dream, soul mates from around the world join me in celebratory dance."

The book is available through her website for $29.99 plus shipping or through some bookstores. Ask yours to carry it. I am.

I am loving this book and am so grateful that I contributed in a small way.

Wishing you peace one stitch at a time and lots of inspiration wherever and however you can find it!

P.S. If you do buy the book, please let Karen know that I sent you. Thanks.

The Amazing Marie Z Johansen

2011-10-04T10:27:00.000-06:00

When the call went out that the Arts in the Cards group was looking for new members, I decided to throw my hat in the ring (remember feeling the fear and doing it anyway). Being a new member in an established group is never easy. I will admit that it was a little intimidating in the beginning especially when another new member quit shortly after joining. However, the little jewels (ATCs are only 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches) are perfect for experimenting and I love our monthly themes. Each round seems to get better!

I was hoping to find a group that would not only support my efforts to be more creative but inspire me. It is just what the group has done. There is one member, Marie Z Johansen, who definitely makes me want to push on my comfort zone and put a little extra into my work. She is amazing. The back of her ATCs are works of art too. Lately she's been sending them in envelopes that she embosses herself! I love her style. She is caring and giving as well as being incredibly talented. I am happy to be a part of her world and truly wished she lived closer.

Fiber Art Divas Show

2011-10-03T15:08:00.003-06:00

The annualFiber Art Divas show will be held October 22 through 30 at the Naperville FineArt Center and Gallery, 508 North Center St., Naperville, IL. The show willfeature one-of-a-kind art incorporating techniques such as art quilting, woolfelting, knitting, mixed fiber, silk painting, and more. Items on display willinclude wall art, fiber sculpture, jewelry, and art-to wear. Several items willbe available for purchase.

The show represents the work of the Fiber Art Divas, a localgroup of fiber art enthusiasts who meet monthly to share ideas and explore new techniques. Several of the group’s members areaward-winning or published artists. Theme challenges from the past year will be featured alongwith other work by the artists.

An artists’ reception, open to the public, will be heldSunday, October 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. Demonstrations of various fiber art methods will be held Saturday,October 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and during the Sunday reception.

Show hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 1 to 4p.m., Monday 7 to 9 p.m., closed Tuesday, Wednesday through Saturday noon to 4p.m. Admission is free.

I use to belong to this group and I support the Naperville Art League in their efforts to support all artists. Hope to see you at the reception!

Taking the Leap-Changing Your Story

2011-10-01T08:53:00.000-06:00

I was talking with a friend who wants to take a new direction in her life. Change is not easy and while excited about the change, I also felt she was setting herself up failure. I asked her to describe to me what "taking the leap" into this direction felt to her. I realized that like many people she viewed "taking the leap" as jumping off a 100 story building. Who wouldn't be frightened? So I asked her to tell me how success feels to her or how she feels when she is creating and in the moment. Even her voice changed as she excited share the excitement of time standing still when she is lost in creating art.

I shared with her tell whenever I seem to tell myself a negative story (something that used to happen often), I now try to pause and change the story. I create a positive story that becomes my mantra (repeating it often in my head). Instead of seeing her new adventure as falling off a building, maybe she could image leaping upward and joyously. Or remember a time when she did something fearful and succeeded instead of all the times she tried something new and failed. Just change the story she is telling herself. It takes practice. I don't know why as adults we think we should be experts or accomplish new skills quickly.

Also the more often we do things that put us outside our comfort zone, the easier it becomes. After spending $1,500 on a airline ticket to travel to Georgia alone and not knowing a soul was for a a major life changing experience for me. Living fully in the moment, not worrying about what would happen, simply enjoying the ride and trusting the universe (even when my luggage didn't arrive with me) was liberating! So feel the fear, do it anyway and give yourself a positive story. What do you have to loose?

Okay, a couple people emailed me and asked me what I have done lately that pushes on my comfort zone so I decided to answer here. Nearly five months ago I accepted the second vice president position on the Naperville Art League's board. This position is responsible for hospitality and programs. While I have been a member of the NAL for four years, I was simply a paying member. I didn't participate in any activities so I'm clueless. I know I swore I'd never serve on another board (never say never), but I knew this would be a great opportunity to stretch my comfort zone. It is also like me to go from zero to sixty. I will admit being frustrated often. It has been worth it. I'm meeting great people and getting to know the artists in my community. I don't regret it. I even submitted two pieces into the "As the Crow Flies" exhibition and my quilt has gotten lots of positive feedback. It is also the first time I have shared one of my mixed media pieces with the public and now you.

Stitched

2011-09-29T12:18:00.001-06:00

Stitched, a documentary that follows three quilters (Caryl Bryer Fallert, Hollis Chatelain and Randall Cook) as they prepare to enter Houston's International Quilt Association show, when it was shown at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago on September 18. First the documentary was a lot funnier than I expected. I also enjoyed the music and loved that two songs by Cathy Miller, the "Singing Quilter" from Canada. Cathy's songs are extremely entertaining. and if you ever have the chance to see her in person, jump at it! Jena Moreno, the director (photograph), and her husband, Tom Gandy, the camera man. editor and graphic designer, were there. I also went out to dinner with them to a great PanAsian restaurant afterward. I found them to be delightful. I've thought a lot about the movie since seeing it. First, it seemed to me that for Jena it was the story and entertainment factor (how much people laughed) that seemed to be important to her and I think she succeeded. For me, it certainly did not tell the entire story of the quilt world. The focus was on the two major shows (Paducah, Kentucky, and Houston, Texas) with more of the focus being on the Houston show. Who was going to win? Unfortunately, none of them won so I was worried that the ending would be anticlimactic, but they were saved when Hollis won Viewer's Choice. They luckily (according to Tom) were able to capture Hollis' emotional response to hearing the announcement.

I was bothered that the traditional quiltmakers shown were elderly and outspoken about their dislike of art quilts. For an outsider, this might look like the opinion expressed speaks of all traditional quiltmakers which I know is not true. The flip side was also not shared. No art quilters were shown giving an opinion of traditional quilts.

I loved that we got a glimpse how the judging occurred at Houston. I was quite surprised to see that no one was wearing white gloves! I am really surprised that no buzz has occurred about this. When I lived in Houston, I did volunteer to help hang the show four times and each time I was required to wear them. If anyone was seen not wearing them, we were severely admonished.

I am also not sure how long film will be relevant and I am not sure if people will want to watch it more than once. I could be wrong since sales were good with quite a few people even purchasing two copies. For me, I purchased a copy to support them. We need films about quiltmaking. The DVD is only $19.95 which is reasonably priced. Make sure to watch it all the way to the end for the bonus outtakes. Some which were funnier than others.

By the way, Jena is not a quilter nor does she plan to make one. She does live in Houston and drives by the George R Brown Convention Center (where the Houston quilt show takes place) every day on her way to work at the Houston Chronicle. She writes about air lines. You cannot live in Houston and not be aware of the 50,000 people descending on the convention each year. She and her husband are going to be making a stretching and exercise video for quilters with Randall Cook before making a documentary on Mariachi bands. Jena's dad is in one and I'm sure it will be just as entertaining as Stitched.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T10:20:00.000-06:00

Geared Up tp Paint ATCs

2011-09-27T13:28:00.003-06:00

The new theme for the Arts in the Cards group is "Hardware." There is a joke in my family that if you stand still long enough that you will get painted. My sister even gave me a Christmas ornament that is a women with a paint brush and can of paint covered with different paint colors. So most of my trips to the hardware store is for paint. I even share in my lecture how I found the perfect color of periwinkle to paint the shutters on my house (which I did when Tom, my husband let on a business trip) in the section where rejected paint goes. The best $5.00 I ever spent! I added gears which also helped with my title! It was fun returning to making something out of fabric. I think this has also inspired me to work on a new quilt using graffiti images. The paper I am using to figure out the design (72" by 42") is laid out in my family room (only place with good lighting and space). Tom keeps saying, "You're not planning to spray paint in the family room, are you?" I just smile.

Rejection

2011-09-22T18:26:00.001-06:00

This week I learned that my quilt, Me, You and Everyone (shown here), was not chosen by Quilter's Newsletter or the Journal for Original Thought. This quilt is part of a traveling exhibition by Fiber Artists For Hope titled The Unspoken Truth About Color: A Dialogue in Art Quilts About Racism. In my defense, it was not just my quilt. Nor do I begrudge those whose quilts were featured. I'm actually quite happy for them and for the group.

Quilter's Newsletter choose mostly quilts with people in them. For me, it seemed safe. Smiling children laying on the ground in a circle (a fabulous quilt) doesn't speak to the title of the exhibition in my opinion, but it does make a great image for a magazine. None of the incredible abstract or more "controversial" quilts like Bonnie Smith's quilt that deals with the KuKlux Clan were chosen. While I understand, it also makes me sad.

When I asked how the quilts for the Journal were chosen I was told that due to the fact that the quilts were going to be in black and white that they needed images that worked well in that format, the images had to be clear, personal preference of those doing the selecting and finally, space. Nineteen of the twenty-seven quilts were featured. I am so happy they choose Bonnie Smith's piece. I appreciated their honesty. I embrace their mission. I appreciate the connection that Jeanette Thompson provided.

I also was at the launch of the Journal for Orginal Thought journal. It was so energizing. The writing that is coming out of the participants blew me away. I was moved to tears more than once. I believe more than ever in the positive healing and changing powers of art. This organization embodies it all.

I wish I could tell you that these rejection doesn't hurt but that would be a lie. It does. The good news is tomorrow is a new day. I learned long ago that not everyone is going to like or get my work. My husband is one of those people and he supports me! I know how lucky I am that I am in the position to make art. I know that I will continue to make art and there will be more rejections. I also know that it is better to put it out there and be rejected than to stay safe from pan because life is about pain and understanding.

Artist Statement

Racism is not just about killing or wanting to eliminate an entire population or discriminating against the one who sits next to me, because she follows a different faith, holds a different belief, or simply has features and skin color different from mine. I must embrace racism because it is about me. It is also about you. It's about all of us. It's about understanding and realizing that we have more in common than we think. It's about creating a world that has room for all of us because we are all human beings.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T10:32:00.001-06:00

War and Peace by Jeanne Marklin

2011-09-20T22:21:00.001-06:00

Jeanne Marklin is a member of Fiber Artist for Hope. This is her quilt War and Peace. "It was started in 2007, and I was still adding things in 2010! It is 49.5" height, 29.4" width. The fabrics are hand dyes from Heide Stoll-Weber and Ricky Tims, commercial fabrics, and tulle. The silvery gingko leaves are fabric paints. Machine pieced and quilted. Exhibited at Sacred Threads exhibit 2011 in Virginia." It was too large to fit into the 9/11 exhibition so I'm sharing it here. It is my hope that now that the 10th anniversary is over that we simply won't just move on. I so agree with Tom Brokaw when he said that:

We need to be more effective in promoting the American ideal without using guns and drones.
We need to listen to each other more and shout less.
We cannot keep our place as the greatest nation on earth if we are self-absorbed, deeply divided people too quick to forget the unity that prevailed immediately after 9/11.

On a personal note, I think today I finished the proofing (no fun) of my book, Quilts in the Attic, that will be out in January 2012. I can't tell you how happy this makes me. I danced around the block and got caught by one of my neighbors. When I explained why I was so happy (besides the sun shining and the weather being in the mid-70s), she joined me. She's in her late 70s/early 80s and loves doing crazy things with me. "What will people think?" Me, "Who cares?" Her, "So true." Everyone should be so lucky.

Falling Below the Line

2011-09-19T11:24:00.001-06:00

I'm reading Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom for the Urban Wilderness by Lyanda Lynn Haupt and highly recommend it especially if you love crows. Haupt talks about going to her doctor because she thought she had an anxiety disorder. I loved how her doctor shared with her that "people who live near to the line can easily fall below it." Last week I fell below the line. I don't know why Fall, with all its wonderful colors, always makes me sad. Maybe it's the impending Chicago winter which seem to feel longer and longer each year. Or maybe it's just the craziness lately. Will I ever fit in anywhere? Last year I had the writing of my book to get me through winter. Need to find something to focus on this winter. Heck, I need to simply find something now to get me out of my funk.

And More Quilts

2011-09-12T11:54:00.002-06:00

Chaos and Confusion by Janice Willis ($100) and Be Peace by me ($125)

Never Enough Tears by Jeanette Thompson ($100)

Across the Universe by Jeanette Thompson ($100) and

September Sky ($150) Jacqueline Bryant Campbell

Nobody's Socks by Sherry Boram and

Spirits Rising by Vivian Milholen (NFS)

More 9/11 Quilts

2011-09-12T10:27:00.002-06:00

OH, NO! by Susan Walen ($150)

Reclaiming Ground Zero by Kathy Zieben ($500) and

Surviving, Improving...Remembering by Marjorie Diggs Freeman ($150)

9/11 - Primer by Susan Shie ($500) and

Only Love Can Do That by Suanne Reed ($100)

Fiber Artists for Hope's 9/11 Exhibit

2011-09-11T20:59:00.000-06:00

Today I attended 9/11 Primer: The Epoch of the Peacemakers organized by the Human Thread and co-sponsored by Chicago Fringe Festival. The Fiber Artists for Hope's 9/11 quilts, titled Reflections on September 11th, A Decade Later and curated by Jeanette Thompson, were on exhibit. I apologize for the fuzzy photos but the lighting made photography difficult and I did not want to use a flash. I'm drained from all the activities today so I'll post some tonight and more tomorrow.

September 11, 2011 Blue and September 11, 2011 Yellow by Bonnie Smith ($95 each).

A Time for Everything by Michelle Flamer (NFS) and Homeland Security by Betty Colburn ($100)

Frozen ($100) Susan Levering whose quilt was a favorite of several people I talked with after the program.

Painted Chair

2011-09-10T08:07:00.003-06:00

When I had my jeep (sometimes I still miss it and this is one reason), I picked up treasures from the side of the road. This chair, a road side treasure, has been sitting in my basement for several years waiting for me. Originally I thought I would put it outside when one of my other chairs fell apart. Instead I decided to try my hand at painting it. Tanner, my son's dog, had chewed the corner of the pillow (not once but twice!) which is now the seat cover (I like it better as a seat cover anyway). I bought a few cheap acyclic paints and used painted that I had so this chair cost me less than $5.00. The chair is in my kitchen at the desk and makes me smile every time I pass it.