Week in Review 2015 - 1/02

Tips, Thoughts and Techniques:

Happy New Year!

Lola, my studio supervisor demanded that she make
yet another blog appearance. She is also in the video.

To celebrate the new year I have added a new feature to my blog, a video. I've been wanting to add a monthly video for some time, but was intimidated by having to learn yet more technology in order to do so. When I started facing Night Vision yesterday, I knew it was time to bite the bullet and make a video. I can't be the only person who tries  no fail facing methods only to be disappointed time after time. Between the video and the pictures accompany this blog I have assembled what for me our the trickiest parts of adding facing and the best method for sailing through these parts. The first hurdle is making sure that the facing is only visible from the backside. The solution to that is stay stitching the facing strips 1/8 of an inch inside the seam allowance. Getting crisp AND lump free corners is achieved by trimming the backing and batting away from each corner at a 45 degree angle. Do NOT trim the quilt or the facing. (See Kathleen Loomis's blog for an in depth how to on her technique. Finally, hand sew like a pro, by burying your knots and hiding your stitches. I demonstrate this on my video.

The facing and quilt are folded back to reveal the batting
and backing. The blue triangle delineates the area that
the visible quilt top will cover. When trimming the corner
you want to cut just slightly inside the quilt. This greatly
reduces the bulk and allows for a crisp, lump free corner.

It was a quiet, but industrious week with lots of hand sewing as I started the finish work on two different pieces. I really relish the finish work. I find it one of the most relaxing aspects of making a quilt. That is why I choose to focus my video on how to tie an appliqué knot and the best stitch for hand sewing facings or bindings.

1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

The facing was first seamed to the quilt right sides to
right sides. Next the facing is opened to the outside of
the quilt and pressed. Finally, the facing is stay stitched
in place using an 1/8 inch seam allowance. This
keeps the facing from rolling to the front of the quilt.

a) Face the quilt - Started

b) Add the split sleeve - Not yet
c) Take the formal call for entry photos - Not yet
d) Add the label - Not yet
e) Submit the call - Not yet

2) Free motion quilting practice. - Done!

Another FMQ motif from Lori Kennedy of Inbox Jaunt.
Not my best effort. I find midsize and large size free motion
quilting much more difficult than small size. This
is approximately 3" high.

3) Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts (due December 31, 2014)

Sunrise Over Little Lake Butte des Morts

Detail from Sunrise Over Little Lake Butte des Morts

a) Finish the quilting - Done
c) Do the finish work - Just needs the label
d) Submit it for consideration - Not yet

4) Perform a random act of kindness - Done

We are head towards are coldest week so far this winter. Sunday night will be -13F or -25C . Perfect weather to hunker down and do some quilting. Here are my plans:


1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

a) Finish Facing the quilt
b) Add the split sleeve
c) Take the formal call for entry photos
d) Add the label
e) Submit the call

2) Free motion quilting practice.

3) Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts (due January 8, 2015)

a) Add the label
b) Submit it for consideration

4) Perform a random act of kindness

I am now linking up to two blogs on Fridays. The first is Nina Marie's Off the Wall Fridays and the second is Free Motion Mavericks.

Week in Review 2014 - 12/26

 Tips, Thoughts and Techniques:

My husband erected and decorated
our Christmas tree while I worked
in the studio. Note, Lola our
cat is able to guard the tree and
seeing anyone going up or down
the stairwell.

One thing I don't do often enough is take the time to watch TED talks.  The talks are brief, usually less than 10 minutes long. They are taped and available for free on-line. 

Yesterday, Christmas Day, I gave myself the present of listening to a TED talk by Alanna Shaikh titled "How I am Preparing to Get Alzheimer's." What struck me was Shaikh's third preparation. She was going to become a kinder, gentler more giving person. Why? Well, I let you watch the video to find out. 

The backside of Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts
showing how much quilting I managed this week.

In this time of transition between one year and the next it is normal to review the past year and make plans for the next. It is common practice to make resolutions, sometimes very formally by writing them down and setting up a strategy to achieve them. Some resolutions are just fleeting thoughts. Imagine if we all choose the goal to be more generous, kind and nurturing. To this end I am adding one more on-going weekly goal to my list. That is to perform at least one act of random kindness during each week. 

The frontside of Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts.
The sunrise photograph was printed on prepared cotton
on my home printer. It was placed behind the pieced front.
A negative applique method was done to let some of the
photograph appear. 

My studio time was naturally curtailed by the holidays. However, I did move a couple of my projects further along. Here is what I achieved:

1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

Detail from the backside of Sunrise over Little Lake
Butte des Morts showing the spiral quilting motif
used in the orange triangle.

a) Finish blind stitching the frog in place - Done!
b) Square up the quilt - Done!
c) Start the facing process - Not yet

2) Free motion quilting practice. - Done!

Although I don't have an image of my FMQ practice, I did practice my spiral motif off quilt. In fact I tested an alternative motif first before I settled on the spirals. 

3) LifeBook 2014 - Bind my best mixed media work - Removed from the list

I have made the decision not to bind the pages from my LifeBook lessons. I have the video lesson should I ever be inspired to learn how to create a bound book of artwork in the future. Instead I will select a few favorites and toss the rest. I have visual records of them all on my computer as well as in my blog archives.

4) Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts (due December 31, 2014)

a) Finish the piecing - Done!
b) Quilt it - Started
c) Do the finish work - Not Yet
d) Submit it for consideration - Not Yet

One more abbreviated week to go before I am back hibernating in my studio for the winter. I am looking forward to it and my plans which are as follows:

1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

a) Face the quilt
b) Add the split sleeve
c) Take the formal call for entry photos

Detail from the front side of Sunrise over Little Lake Butte
des Morts showing the satin stitch that was used to
finish the edges of the negative appliqué. 

d) Add the label
e) Submit the call

2) Free motion quilting practice.

3) Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts (due December 31, 2014)

a) Finish the quilting
c) Do the finish work
d) Submit it for consideration

4) Perform a random act of kindness


I am now linking up to two blogs on Fridays. The first is Nina Marie's Off the Wall Fridays and the second is Free Motion Mavericks.

The Positive Link Between Cancer and Quilts

My sister, Dawn, deriving comfort from
the quilt I made especially for her to use
while undergoing chemotherapy.

Tips, Thoughts and Techniques:

My husband I have just returned from a trip to Tucson, AZ. The purpose of the trip was to advocate for my aunt. She recently turned 91, struggles with Parkinson's Disease and its companion, Lewy Body Dementia.  I have been my aunt's guardian and health advocate ever since she was diagnosed with LBD in December 2006. Between her age and her illness she has done remarkably well these past eight years. I feel very fortunate that her day to day needs are met by an excellent team of care takers and medical staff. They do a wonderful job of keeping me informed, as well. Still there is nothing like a face to face visit to truly understand what is going on and what can and can not be done to help.

Just inked! My great niece, Dawn's
granddaughter, McKenna, sporting
a tattoo she commissioned in honor
of her nana. The roses are Dawn's
favorite purple and the blue ribbon is
the symbol for colon cancer.

There are times in our lives when we are called to help those we love as they struggle with physical and mental illness. I feel very fortunate to be able to take the time. I also feel fortunate that I have the skill set to make comfort quilts. Some people believe in the power of crystals. I believe in the power of quilts. That is why years ago I founded an organization called The Power of the Quilt Project. The primary reason was to provide quilts for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. The mission has expanded over the years to include all forms of cancer, treatment of cancer and men, woman and children. PQP is not the only organization that provides comfort quilts for others. Here is a list of just a few of the organizations that either use quilts as a fund raising means for charity or donate quilts to those in need of a hug:

1. The Power of the Quilt Project

2. Project Linus

3. Fiberart for a Cause

4. Quilts of Valor

If you know of an organization not on this list that provides comfort quilts please let me know in the comments section of the blog.

In this season of giving that is followed immediately by a time to set your intention for the new year, why not commit to making at least one quilt in 2015 for an organization that touches your heart.

Week in Review 2014 - 12/12

Tips, Thoughts and Techniques:

Poinsettia tutorial is available on Lori Kennedy's
Inbox Jaunt.

If you live in the northern hemisphere my thoughts this week will be timely. If you are in the southern hemisphere, perhaps you can bookmark them for six months hence. In the past I would be currently kicking, pulling and dragging myself through this time of year when there is more dark than light. Now toss in the fact that most days in Wisconsin are overcast so that the sky reads the color of a mourning dove. Finally add in the hype and hyperactivity of the holidays and it is easy to succumb to depression. This year is different. My husband discovered the SlimStyle 65W LED lightbulb. He likes it for its energy efficiency. I love how it floods my studio with brilliant daylight. The initial expense feels on the extravagant side, but between the energy savings and emotional boost this is one luxury I can highly recommend investing in. 

My first mixed media piece made
during the year long course of LifeBook 2014.

Here is where I placed my energy this week:

1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

The final mixed media piece made as
part of LifeBook 2014

a) Finish blind stitching the frog in place - nearly finished.
b) Square up the quilt - Not yet.
c) Start the facing process - Not yet.

2) Free motion quilting practice. - Done 

I debated about whether to take the time to practice my free motion quilting this week. Just as it can be tempting to roll over and go back to sleep versus getting up and exercising, practicing free motion quilting takes discipline. I gave myself a stern talking to and sat down at the machine. I'm so glad I did. Lori Kennedy's Poinsettia motif was just what I needed to put me in the holiday spirit.

Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts
The photo was taken by husband from our balcony. 

3) LifeBook 2014 - Do the assignments. - Done!!

It is time to celebrate. I committed to completing all the weekly assignments in LifeBook 2014 and this week I turned in my final one. It was worth the dedication. I've learned quite a bit about composition, highlights, creating a sense of 3D in 2D work and how to use all kinds of tools and supplies. The growth is apparent when you compare Week 1's piece with Week 50's. 

4) Design the piece to follow Night Vision. - Done!

Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts - deconstructed

The sunrise photo, coupled with my experimentation and play last week have led to my next design to tackle. I have several opportunities that require small exhibition pieces and one must be an abstract. Between the  solo exhibition in Oshkosh and a few other venues all my exhibition worthy work is spoken for. I needed something that would work up quickly. Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts is still in its infancy. A portion of the original photo printed on fabric will be incorporated into the pieced background. Naturally, I will need to do some quilting and finish work. I am optimistic that this piece will be done before 2014 comes to an end.

Family commitments mean that I won't be working in my studio next week. However, the following week I will turn on the lights in the studio and go town. When I do, here is where I plan on focusing my attention:

1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

a) Finish blind stitching the frog in place
b) Square up the quilt
c) Start the facing process

2) Free motion quilting practice.

3) LifeBook 2014 - Bind my best mixed media work

4) Sunrise over Little Lake Butte des Morts (due December 31, 2014)

a) Finish the piecing
b) Quilt it
c) Do the finish work
d) Submit it for consideration


I am now linking up to two blogs on Fridays. The first is Nina Marie's Off the Wall Fridays and the second is Free Motion Mavericks.

Week in Review 2014 - 12/05

It's been a while since I've played with my black and
white fabric stash. This pieces was created
using reverse appliqué.

Tips, Thoughts and Techniques:

Every Tuesday and Thursday I take a yoga class. The teacher doesn't follow a particular branch of yoga. Instead the focus is on gently easing our way into the class. We begin with breathing exercises. The style of breathing varies, but we always breath. It is an excellent way to leave the world behind and focus on the present. After we are centered it is time to stretch and strengthen our muscles. The class, like most yoga classes ends with Shavasana. When I first started practicing yoga Shavasana was uncomfortable because I couldn't attain peace. My mind would race. I just wanted it to end. Now it is not unusual for me to be startled when our instructor starts the instructions to bring us out of this deep state of relaxation. Much as I have grown to love Shavasana in class, I still struggle with taking time to just be in my daily life. I realized recently after the fast pace of the last few months to meet deadline after deadline after deadline that I needed to let go, to ignore the opportunities and deadlines, to just be. That is why yesterday, I played with some ideas that have been distracting me. I have no idea if they will go from experiment to artwork. I just knew instinctively that I needed to make something, anything without an end goal insight. 

This is my first attempt at screen printing
with a Thermofax screen. I don't know
why it has taken me so long to give it
a try. 

Before my play date began, I did make progress with my projects. Here is what I managed to accomplish:

 1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

a) Finish the quilting - Done!

Visions of sliver quilts have been obsessively
floating through my mind. I just couldn't
resist combining turquoise and orange together.

b) Blind stitch the frog in place - Done - sort of.

I am not happy with this. There are a few sections I need to unstitch and restitch.

c) Square up the quilt - not yet.

2) Free motion quilting practice. - Done by completing the quilting on Night Vision.

3) LifeBook 2014 - Do the assignments. - Done!

Here are the images behind the each window. 

This is the same piece, but with the windows closed.

We made work influenced by Advent calendars. Behind each door is an image that represents a blessing in my life. The image on the front of the piece is, Reflection. I learned earlier this week that it had received an honorable mention in the open art exhibit hosted by the on-line gallery, Light, Space and Time. Another blessing that has come from my art is my first solo exhibition. If you live near Oshkosh, WI I hope you will drop by. There is an artist reception on Saturday, December 6 from 4 - 6 p.m. I will give a very brief lecture about my work at the reception.

4) Design the piece to follow Night Vision. - Not yet

However, my experiments are the first step in designing my next piece. Sometimes you just have to try a variety of ideas in order to learn what resonates the most.

Perhaps I will have discovered where to focus my attention next. If I do you will hear about it in next week's blog. If I am still wandering - well, I will just write about that. No matter what I decide or don't decide I have the structure of my current projects and commitments to keep me moving.

1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

a) Finish blind stitching the frog in place
b) Square up the quilt
c) Start the facing process

2) Free motion quilting practice.

3) LifeBook 2014 - Do the assignments. 

4) Design the piece to follow Night Vision.


I am now linking up to two blogs on Fridays. The first is Nina Marie's Off the Wall Fridays and the second is Free Motion Mavericks.

Week in Review 2014 - 11/28

Closeup of the quilting in Bargello Blessings, the
quilt I made for my sister.

Closeup of the quilting in Bargello Blessings, the
quilt I made for my sister.

Tips, Thoughts and Techniques:

Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the States. Since moving to Wisconsin, 1,200 miles from the majority of our family, we have traditionally celebrated the feast with another couple in a similar position. I miss those Thanksgivings we used to host with 12 to 20 family members around the table. Now that there are only four of us, we trim way back on the side dishes. Somehow I still managed to achieve turkey stupor and I didn't even go back for seconds. Another tradition on Thanksgiving are the phone calls from  family members. My brother who moved to Oxford, England, like other expats, treated himself to a few slices of turkey and peas. He had two pressing questions. First, he just wanted to hear about what we were serving so he could be transported back to the feasts of our youth. Second, he wanted to know if I had finished my sister's quilt in time to send it to her before her first chemotherapy treatment. There was an addendum to that second question. Would I be sharing a picture of the quilt in this posting. The answer is yes.

I spent fewer hours in the studio this week due to the holidays. Despite the shortened hours here is what I managed to accomplish:

Closeup of the quilting in Bargello Blessings, the
quilt I made for my sister. I chose a pale pink and
lavender variegated thread for the the quilting. Sometimes
it blends with the top, sometimes it doesn't. I rather enjoy
the peek-a-boo nature that this gives.

1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

a) Finish the quilting - I moved the quilting much closer to the finish line. The more I do the more the veins of the leaves stand out. It is becoming a very textured piece with a dimensional feel. Yeah!


b) Blind stitch the frog in place - not yet
c) Square up the quilt - not yet

2) Free motion quilting practice. - Between my sister's quilt and Night Vision I got sufficient free motion quilting practice.

3) LifeBook 2014 - Do the assignments. - Done!

It amazes me that after 48 weeks of LifeBook lessons there can be any more mixed media techniques to learn, but there are. The background to this piece was done by using petroleum jelly as a resist. Wherever the petroleum jelly was applied and then painted, the paint could be rubbed off. When this done with five layers of paint a wonderful antiqued, weathered look is achieved.

4) Surprise for my sister (Due November 24) - Done!

I finished in time to ship the quilt on November 22nd. My sister was delighted, especially with the purple palette, her favorite color scheme.

a) Finish binding the quilt - Done!
b) Add the label - Done!
c) Ship the quilt - Done!

One of the reasons I am have been so determined to keep the momentum going on Night Vision is that I know the reality of the holiday season means less studio time. With any day I can steal for studio time next week I plan on doing the following:

1) Night Vision - (Due January 31, 2015)

a) Finish the quilting
b) Blind stitch the frog in place
c) Square up the quilt

2) Free motion quilting practice.

3) LifeBook 2014 - Do the assignments. 

4) Design the piece to follow Night Vision.


I am now linking up to two blogs on Fridays. The first is Nina Marie's Off the Wall Fridays and the second is Free Motion Mavericks.

Week in Review 2014 - 11/21

Isn't this a lush palette? I love the energy of it. The
artist is my 3 1/2 year old grandson, Ben. 

Tips, Thoughts, and Techniques:

Move over Tortoise, the Hare is up from her nap and raring to go. Normally, I see myself as the tortoise from Aesop's Fables. I am a steady plodder who ultimately reaches her destination. This pace allows me to take in the scenery. I thrive under this way of being. Every once and a while I need to prod myself  into a faster pace. This has been one of those weeks as I determinedly make my way to the finish line. I am not there yet but if I can maintain my pace for just one more day I should be.

The back side of my sister's quilt. It is
a commercial, lush flannel that looks
hand dyed. If you click on the image
you should be able to tell that 100% of
the quilting is done.

1) Night Vision - (Due January 1, 2015) - Chose to ignore in order to achieve a more pressing goal.

a) Finish the quilting
b) Blind stitch the frog in place
c) Square up the quilt

2) Free motion quilting practice. - Done!

The idea was to create a front and back
page. I opted to make two separate pages.

This week I tried out a series of free motion quilting motifs involving hearts for my sister's quilt. I normally quilt intensely with the biggest gaps between stitch lines being approximately 1/4". However, intense stitching is not appropriate for a comfort quilt since the quilt will loose its softness and pliability. I pushed myself to achieve a midscale with gaps ranging from 1/4" to close 1 1/2" depending on where elements of the motif fell.

3) LifeBook 2014 - Do the assignments. - Done!

I think I am finally getting the hanging
of adding text to my mixed media pages.

With so few assignments left in my LifeBook journey I have decided not to invest in any more mixed media supplies just so I can do an assignment. This means I am having to improvise. This has proven to be a good thing for me. The more I stray from the supplies used by the teacher, the more naturally I stumble upon solutions that emphasize my voice versus hers. Doesn't the ballet dancer have quilt potential? I love the layers and dimension of this piece. 



4) Surprise for my sister (Due November 24) 

This is where 90% of my focus went this week. I don't believe I have ever pulled together a quilt so quickly. I spent many hours auditioning quilting motifs and ultimately settled for a hearts and spirals pattern. I wanted to convey my love for my sister and give her solid hugs of compassion. She begins her chemo on December 1st. I'll share the front of the quilt after my sister receives it. I don't want to ruin her surprise.

a) Start the quilting - Done! It took me two days to do 100% of the quilting. 
b) Square up the quilt - Done!
c) Bind the quilt - Half done.
d) Add the label - Not yet.

A close up of the spirals and hearts motif I chose to
quilt my sister's chemo quilt with.

Next week I hope to be back to Tortoise mode, since if all goes as planned my sister's quilt will have shipped. I do have many more exciting quilting journey's coming up, including my first solo exhibition that kicks off with an artist reception on December 6. I'll post more on that soon. I have other projects to focus on, too. Here is the plan for next week:

1) Night Vision - (Due January 1, 2015)

a) Finish the quilting
b) Blind stitch the frog in place
c) Square up the quilt

2) Free motion quilting practice.

3) LifeBook 2014 - Do the assignments. 

4) Surprise for my sister (Due November 24)

a) Finish binding the quilt
b) Add the label
c) Ship the quilt


I am now linking up to two blogs on Fridays. The first is Nina Marie's Off the Wall Fridays and the second is Free Motion Mavericks.