Hmmmm…..now what?

Posted on January 6, 2009 by katyquilts

This picture shows some bits I worked on last weekend. These pieces were freely cut with my rotary cutter and pieced back together. I had intended to cut them again and work this into a new ladder piece. But, I like them like this! I am very pleased with the randomness and slight curves in the strips. Cutting without measuring or using a straight edge is still tough for me and I think partly why I like this is that it is proves to myself that I can do this. I used the chocolate brown with some leftover pieces from the strips sets and think it works well with the yellow and green.

ygbstrips

So now what to do? Do I sew this together or get back to cutting?

Another thing bothers me here: this reminds me of some pieces by other quilters I admire. I am not trying to copy them, but I do want to explore working with this kind of cutting and piecing. Am I infringing when I explore similar ways of working? I have read about people taking Nancy Crow’s workshops and she has people make certain strip sets and then recut and combine them in other ways. This is a method she uses and teaches. I love her work. (Some day, I would LOVE to take one of her classes.) If I do this, am I copying her way of working or is it really my art? How can I get beyond this to something entirely new of my own creation if I don’t work through making pieces with the very basics of making strip sets because I am afraid my work will look like someone elses?

I thought I was happily sewing last weekend  but what I really did was open a can of worms in my own mind. Maybe that will be the title of this piece if I ever decide where to go from here.

Comments and thoughts are welcome.

Posted in Ladders Series | 7 Comments

New Ladder Piece Finished

Posted on January 5, 2009 by katyquilts

I accomplished just a wee bit artwise over the Christmas break. I just finished this small piece:

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Ladders #4 Private Collection

It measures just about 13″ x 14″ or so and is machine quilted with a varigated tan thread. The fabrics are my hand dyes. I had been quilting these pieces within each small section and wasn’t sure I would like an “overall” kind of quilting but I think it works here. In case you were wondering, the pic is taken straight on and your eyes are not going bad, it is not completely square. This is one more small step on my way out of the “need to be perfect and measure everything mold.”

Here is another little bit of my work for the holidays:

christmas2008-029

These lovely tootsies belong to my three daughters. I made them all socks for Christmas. Not exactly art but it proves I did SOMETHING over the break! I also knit several hats and a couple pair of mittens. I love knitting and wish my hands would let me do more of it. I need to learn continental knitting as it is supposed to be easier on your hands. Someday!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Art Related Accomplishments in 2008

Posted on January 1, 2009 by katyquilts

I got this idea from Lisa Call who listed 100 things she accomplished in 2008. I thought it was a great idea but doubted I could come up with enough things I accomplished this past year to even make a list! I am not sure can come up with 100 things like Lisa did, probably not even close so  I decided to include things I learned as any lessons learned are definitely accomplishments in my book:). Since my blog is for my fiber arts, I am trying to keep this art related.

Even as I write this, I am mindful that in and of myself, I can accomplish nothing but all I am and all I do I owe to the Author of Creativity, my Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Here goes!

1. In April, I had my first solo show at the Saginaw Township Hall.
2. In June, I won the Rehman Special Merit Award at the State of the Arts Saginaw Township Art Show for my piece “Une Semaine.” This is the second year in a row that I won this award for an art quilt in this show that included many works in oils, pastels, sculptures, watercolors etc. Included a cash prize as well….woo hoo!
3. In November, I had my second solo show, again at the Saginaw Township Hall. I got this opportunity as a result of my winning one of the major awards in the State of the Arts Show (see #2 above).
4. I finished over 40 new pieces this year.
5. I learned to create a web page and created one for my art quilts in March. Sadly, AOL Hometowne closed and given that I no longer had free hosting, my web page is no more. I learned a lot though!
6. In December, I started my blog and managed 15 posts in the first month.
7. I entered and sent off two quilts for the “My World in Black and White, Revisited” challenge issued by Annie Copeland through the Southern California Fiber Arts Council. This is the first time I have entered a juried art quilt challenge and learned a lot about taking pics of quilts, entering, shipping etc.
8. I learned to hand dye fabric and dyed appproximately 150 yards of fabric last summer.
9. I learned to make a quilt without measuring anything….this might not seem like much but it was HUGE for me! Here is the first piece I made this way, it is called “Reflections.”

art-in-public-places-show-018

10. Sometime in the spring, I joined the Quilt Art list and have learned a ton!
11. I learned that even after owning three Berninas, I prefer my old Singers for piecing, especially my 1955 Model 201 and my cute Featherweights :).
12. I’m learning to cut fabrics with my rotary cutter and NO straight edge. I have a ways to go in this but I am learning and getting happier with my results.
13. I knitted mittens and hats for my kids as well as over 30 extras for kids that would not have any otherwise. It is COLD in Michigan!
14. I learned to knit socks and made 10 pair! Okay, maybe not art, or is it art for your feet?
15. I used Seta colors and made sunprints for the first time.
16. I made my own business cards.
17. I learned a lot about giving and receiving critiques on the Southern Cal Fiberarts Yahoo Group. Thanks Annie!
18. I bought my first piece of art from another artist.
19. I sold some of my work at my show!
20. I redesigned  my sewing room, bought new wire baskets for my fabric and sorted it all!
21. Last January, I won 5 ribbons at the Northeast Arts Council show.
22. I learned new ways to hang my pieces, including using canvases and framing some pieces.
23. I learned how to start and manage a Yahoo group.
24. I made and donated several miniatures to the local Habitat for Humanity auction.
25. I discovered blogs and learned more than I ever would have thought from all the generous art bloogers out there who so willingly share their expertise. I made many new online friends in the fiber arts community online. You are all amazing!

Okay, not even close to 100 but I am pleased. Here’s to more learning and growing next year!

Posted in Goals | 3 Comments

Snowed in!

Posted on December 22, 2008 by katyquilts

So here in Michigan we have been hit yet again with blizzard like conditions. Today is a bit better but another strom is on the way. If it interferes with my Pistons game tomorrow night, I am going to be mad!

But today I am thankful. Very thankful. Our furnace quit last night. My dear hubby stayed up all night to keep the fireplace going so we didn’t freeze. I stayed snug as a bug in a rug all night and would never have known we had a problem! Found out this morning that it was a blocked vent. Totally blocked with packed snow from the blizzard. It was an easy fix and I am so thankful we did not have to have someone come out. I am also very thankful for a husband that will stay up all night to keep the family warm. God is good!

I am going out today to stock up on some things and finish some last minute Christmas shopping and then I am going to stay in the rest of the week…..except for the Pistons game tomorrow night. They play the Bulls and we have tickets. I hope the weather cooperates. If not, I will watch on  TV and be thankful for a warm house!

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Have you ever?

Posted on December 18, 2008 by katyquilts

I shamelessly stole this from Lisa Call just because I thought it was fun! The items in bold are the things I have done so far:

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo (I’m counting in the shower cause not interested in doing it in public)

11. Bungee jumped (very very fun! I want to do it again!)

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelos David

41. Sung karoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury!

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a lawsuit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

I have done 47 of these things! Looks like I have some adventure ahead of me :).

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Journal Quilts

Posted on December 17, 2008 by katyquilts

There has been some recent discussion on the QA list regarding journal quilts. I see journal quilts as being just what they sound like, a page out of a personal journal. There are probably as many reasons for making journal quilts as there are artists making them! Some make them to try out a new technique or to express an idea. Some make them to record an event or explore in a way that they would not on a larger piece. All reasons are valid.

Personally, my artistic life and spiritual life cannot be separated. My spiritual life is my LIFE and as such, it overflows into everything that I do and make. Journal quilts are one more tool in my box so to speak, to explore and express spiritual issues. A few years back, I began an indepth study of the Song of Solomon. I also began a series of journal quilts as part of this study. They were never meant for show, just for me. But I have decided to share some of them here. This is such a rich book that I could make a journal quilt for every single verse of the 8 chapters! The following are all from the first chapter.

2

Song of Solomon 1:2

3

Song of Solomon 1:3

4

Song of Solomon 1:4

5

Song of Solomon 1:5

6

Song of Solomon 1:6

7

Song of Solomon 1:7

One of these days, I will add to this series. Song of Solomon is such a rich book. If you are interested in a quick overview, read The Journey of the Bride by Dr. Brian Simmons.

Posted in Journal Quilts | 5 Comments

Finally!

Posted on December 15, 2008 by katyquilts

I stole away a bit of time to sew. I wasn’t feeling particularly creative but I had some of these bits on the design wall so I just started sewing and here is the result:

blog-004-2

Another ladder quilt. Right now this measures about 14″ x 16″ and yes, it is crooked on  the bottom. I love the chocolate and turquoise together. I don’t think this will get any bigger. I think I need something to mindlessly quilt at this point and this might be that thing. Feel free to leave comments/critiques!

Posted in Ladders Series | 4 Comments

MySpace

Posted on December 15, 2008 by katyquilts

I have had no time to sew so here is an older quilt I call MySpace.

MySpace

MySpace

Hmmm…..wonder if I can get anything creative done with a three year old around for the morning? I haven’t played with playdough in ages. Think I will look for a recipe :).

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Traditional Bed Quilts

Posted on December 10, 2008 by katyquilts

As a result of a recent discussion of bed quilts on the QA list, I decided to post pics of a couple of mine. Both of these are machine pieced and quilted.

Evening Star

Evening Star

 

The colors in the Evening Star quilt look washed out in this picture but are actually in the medium to dark range.  The next one is made from repro 1930s fabrics.

Memory Chain

Memory Chain

This quilt used to be oriented the other way on my old bed but this one has a higher, thicker mattress.  Because  my new sleigh bed has the nice big foot board, I can get away with just turning the quilt sideways.

I make my bed quilts to be used. These are both nearly 10 years old and have been washed many times. I love the cotton batting, it causes quilts to age so gracefully :).

This last one is a doll quilt that was published in QUILT Almanac a few years ago. It is straighter than it looks, my photography needs work :).

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I can’t remember what I called it! Okay, enough playing on the computer for one day, back to cleaning. Fun fun…..NOT!

Posted in Bed Quilts, Traditional | 2 Comments

Which Machines to keep and which to release?

Posted on December 8, 2008 by katyquilts

I am downsizing….sounds like something retired people do but I am no where near retirement! I do find it necessary to simplify my life and that includes getting rid of some things. Confession time: I do not even know how many sewing machines I own. I have a collection of old Singers including several Featherweights that I love. I have a couple Berninas, a Singer embroidery machine, several old Singer 128s, 201s, 15s, 301s, 99s, an 1870 something Singer New Family, a Singer 115 with the coolest gold angel wing decals, an assortment of toy sewing machines and a bazillion attachments and gadgets with the Singer name on them. 

I didn’t grow up wanting to collect sewing machines, it just sort of happened. An outgrowth of quilting it seems. I have always loved old things and have a mechanical bent. When I bought my first 1955 Singer Model 99 at an estate sale, I lugged it home  with a grin that would make you think I had won the lottery! She was beautiful and it was love at first sight. I cleaned, oiled, polished and read the manual cover to cover. She sewed like a charm, Much better than the Singer I bought at Sams Club in the early 90s. That was what started this obsession with old machines. It becomes an addiction! A happy one, a fun one, and at least it kept me out of…..well, you know. The concept that they were made to last and did last for 50-100 years and more with only the most basic attention is incredible.

I still love them. The machine I use most of all is a 1950 something Singer 201. It was the Cadillac of the Singer line back then. I paid all of $25 for it. She has some scars but will sew through anything and is never fussy about the threads I use…..my Bernina 155, not so much. I like Berninas, I have owned three but there is nothing like the  old metal gear driven Singers.

But seriously, how many do I really need? A collection takes time to maintain and it is fun to do so  but I want the space and time to make art. So I am back to what to keep and what to sell? Tough question.

To bring this back to quilting, here is a miniature quilt made from vintage fabrics and made on a vintage machine:

tumbler

This one was made with vintage fabrics from the 30s-40s. It is machine pieced and quilted. Back to cleaning and sorting and selling. Hello e-Bay…….Until next time.

Posted in For Sale, Miniature, Traditional, Vintage Fabrics | 5 Comments