Ideas and Multiple Discovery

Ideas are like rainbows. If the conditions are right and paying attention, you are rewarded.

I got an email from someone I don't know who I have decided is concerned for me (attitude is everything) even though she feels I have "stolen" an idea from someone. I have been teaching "my" quilt-as-you-go technique internationally for more than 20 years. I readily admit that I did not invent quilt-as-you-go and my version is also based on my love of strip and scrap quilts. I simply put it all together in my own way. About five years into teaching "Bending Quilt-As-You-Go," someone asked if I knew of Ann Bauer's work, which I had not. She said that while our work was similar in construction (quilt-as-you-go), she also noticed differences. From that point on, I avoided Ann's work (sorry Ann, just did not want to be influenced). I also suspect that this might be what the email is referring. Although I cannot be sure because the email does not share the "who."

Multiple discovery- a term used in the scientific community whenever two or more scientists in different parts of the work come up with the same idea at the same time- is something I think also occurs all the time in all fields. One example from the quilt world involves Kathy Schmidt and Rayna Gillman who were both working on books about "no rules" or "free-form" quilting at the same time. I believe that ideas are out there floating around looking for people who are open to them (see my quote). Ideas are limitless. We just have to be open and do the work.

My technique was born because I wanted people to keep making quilts. I kept hearing about too many UFOs, not being able to master machine quilts, but not having the funds to pay for quilting, etc. I can remember the day the idea came to me and how I could not sleep until I figured it out. I love those magical moments that don't happen often enough, but just enough to keep me working. My technique is now being used to create unique shoes in Georgia (country not state).  An artist in Almaty continues to make a living selling potholders using my technique. It makes me happy because creating is a good thing.  So what ideas have sprung up into your head?

Turning Tides: Thanks Liz

On January 30th, I did a "Give Away with a Twist" that was inspired by my friend Kathy Schmidt. I did sign up with a couple of people that were inspired by my posting. Well I got a package in the mail from Liz Lystra who received one of my give aways. Wow! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful art with me. It bought more than a smile. The message on the card especially spoke to me. The more artwork that I share, the better I feel about creating. I do not have enough room to store it all or even to sell it all so that is the next issue to decide. What to do with it all? Thoughts?

Women Who Broke All the Rules- Denver

I started Crossing the Line: Artists at Work (CLAW) because I wanted to educate people on the power of quilts. For more than a year, I have tried to get into university galleries with no luck. It has been a major frustration. It goes to show how much work still needs to be done to get people to understand that quilts are not just for the bed.

Women Who Broke All the Rules was at the Denver Quilt Festival IX (May 1-4). The Daily Blog (Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims) had a slide show about the show. The sign for our exhibit is the first image which I find confusing because only two of the quilts were shown- Kathy Schmidt's "Bloomers" and Vivien Zepf's "Behind Barbed Wire"were shown and at the end. Regardless, I am thrilled that Lilo who reported on the show like our exhibit which deals with women throughout history who made a difference. If you know a place that might be interested in showing these quilts, please let me know.

Judy's Fabric Challenge Reveal!

Judy's Fabric Challenge took some people longer to complete than others. I thought it was time (since so many people have asked) to share the completed quilts. I apologize to all of you have have been waiting for the reveal. For those of you who are new. This is the second fabric challenge that I have done on my blog. You can read all the details on "Judy's Fabric Challenge" posts. Flo London lost her job of 11 years in May so her focus shifted from being creative to finding a job.

This one was completed by Louise Baldel. Louise worked at warp speed and was the first one to finish. There is nothing like a move to get one motivated!

Diane Dunder's quilt is titled "Tunami" and you can read more about her quilt on her blog's April 5th posting. One of the things that I love about this quilt is its shape. Way to go Diana!

Sara Kelly created a table runner (33" x 72") which she titled "Kaikoura." Kaikoura is a beach in New Zealand. I love the movement in her border! You can read more about her piece on her blog's April 20th posting.

Vivian Helena Aumond-Capone also created a table runner and posted it on her blog also on April 20th. Great creators must think alike.  Too much fun. I love the colors she chose and her one-sided border with her multi-colored binding. Vivian also made a pillow and posted it on her blog on April 26th.

On May 9th, Sue Andrus posted on my Facebook page (she was having Internet problems) her quilt. While I've been in touch with Sue, I have not heard if she ever finished it. Sue is known for her great gardens which inspires so much of her work.

Kathryn Schmidt's quilt "Bubbler" (love the title) was posted on her blog on May 24th. It's 16" x 30," but it's not a table runner! I do find it interesting that this challenge had so many long and skinny quilts created. Kathy used one of my favorite batiks. While Kathy loves to bead, she did not add any to this quilt. I think it is great that even though she loves to bead, she chose not to add any because she felt the piece did not need them. 

"Connections" (47" x 27") was posted on Kathy Brigg's blog on July 8th. Kathy could not decide which way she liked it best to hang so she attached two sleeves! I love this option. This was a real challenge for Kathy and I think she knocked it out of the park!

I love all the works produced in this challenge and I know Judy would be too! Enjoy!

Work vs Play

My friend bonnie called me the other day and shared that after looking through the quilts on my blog that her definition of play was very different than mine. There was no judgement in her comment. It was simply an observation. This got me to thinking which I'll admit can at times be a dangerous thing. I often start by looking things up in the dictionary. The definition of play is "occupying or amuse oneself pleasantly with some recreation, game, exercise, etc." While the definition of work is "the application of mental or physical effort to a purpose: a task to be undertaken: the means for earning income." I know which one I would choose.  I'm not sure when I decided that I was going to approach life more playfully. I can tell you that I am happier.

I was out the other day fixing (clearing out leaves and putting the spoons pushed up by the frozen ground) Spoon River (photo) when my neighbor peeked over the fence and said, "That looks like too much work for me." Fixing Spoon River and "working" in my yard never feels like work to me. Yes, it's physical labor and yet, I love it. I even love mowing my lawn. For my husband, mowing the lawn is something that puts him in a foul mood. There is no joy in it for him and nothing I can say to him changes his mind so I mow and we're both happy. Personally I'd rather have the attitude of play with as many things in my life as I can. So what do you consider play and what do you consider work?

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I hate that so much of what I am creating I cannot share because of entry rules. Also my dad had another heart attack. We are waiting to hear what will happen next--more surgery or a pacemaker. He'll be 80 on May 5 and I'm throwing him a party.

I am so impressed with what Kathy Schmidt has done so far with Judy's Fabric Challenge. She used one of my favorite batiks and I love circles so be sure to check it out and leave a comment. She thought she wasn't playing by my rules and I think she is doing just fine. I am much more interested in people pushing themselves out of their comfort zone than anything with these challenges. And yes, I'll host another challenge when this one is completed on May 1 so check back.

Diane Dunder is done! But she is teasing us by not revealing it yet. You can see hints on her blog. Louise Baldel is also done but she doesn't have a blog and is moving so you'll have to wait until the reveal.

Now go play! I am.

Challenges

Kathy Schmidt is in a finishing mode. Here's her 1950's Garden from my 1950's challenge. You an view details by visiting her blog. Love her quilt especially how she added the organza!

The fabric for the next challenge is landing in the hands of those who accepted my second challenge which I'm calling Judy's Fabric Challenge. Some people love the fabric and others are unsure. I must admit that some days I think it is interesting and other days I wonder what the heck I am going to do with it. I am excited to see what everyone does with it. I'll keep you posted.

1. Diane Dunder
2. Kathy Schmidt
3. Sara Kelly
4. Kristin McNamara Freeman
5. Louise Baldel
6. Vivian Helena
7. Sue Andrus
8. Flo London
9. Kathie Briggs

Bold Over! Quilt and 1950 Challenge Fabric Quilts

 Here is the finished Bold Over! batik quilt (29" (w) by 16" (h)). Not my favorite quilt and one that I don't think I ever felt.  I think I was distracted by thinking about indigo. I am happy that it is finished and I am sure I will be able to find it a good home.
 
I am thrilled that the 1950 challenge fabric quilts continue to inspire. You can give your help/opinion on Janice Paine Dawes' quilt by visiting her blog. Vivian Helena Aumond-Capone is making progress which you can see on her blog. You don't want to miss Kathryn Schmidt's blog and how she is adding green organza to her quilt. I hope that those of you who worried that all the quilts would look alike will now agree that each is unique and is truly an expression of the makers. I can't wait to see the final quilts! And I am counting the days (13) until the next challenge begins!

This is also the final day for Foto/Fiber and the price has dropped to $50.00. Stop by for all the details here:  http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/FotoFiber2012Directions.html

Your help in reaching the goal of $7000 to add to the $215,000 that has already been donated to the American Cancer Society is greatly appreciated. I'm trying not to be bummed that no one has taken me up on my BONUSES.  Please consider supporting this effort! I did!

Working, Working, Working

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.