Susan Purney Mark

One Word Wednesday

2012-02-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Alley in Curacao

Design Decisions

2012-02-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a wonderful time in my wet studio playing with plain and coloured discharge paste. I'm preparing more samples for my workshops at Quilters Dream in Edmonton next month. I made some fat quarter sized circles on black:

I then layered them on top of one another, cut them into quarters and schuffled the quarters around.

I pulled out every thread I could find that would work on the discharged circles and quilted one of them heavily all over:

The other one awaits the sandwiching and quilting. Now, here's my dilemma---I like the uneven outer edges, maybe trimmed down a little bit. I'm thinking of leaving the edges like that, perhaps putting the piece on a deeper red or purple backing, perhaps quite narrow. What do you think?

I like this technique and could see doing lots more of these, perhaps larger and smaller blocks in a "sort of" mosaic. Options?

Books on Sunday

2012-02-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

I belong to a couple of online groups and have met Robbi through those. She has a wonderful sense of fun and humour that definitely entertains and enlightens us. I love her art work for her use of colour and design and think this book is sure to be a hit with any quilter.

A funny thing happened on the way to the quilt show. . . .

So the story invariably goes, because, where Robbi Joy Eklow (a.k.a. The Goddess of the Last Minute) goes, something funny is bound to happen--or simply to occur to her. As colorful and surprising as the quilts Robbi is famous for, the stories and reflections gathered here create an irresistible picture of an irrepressible character quilting and quipping her way through life. Filled with the kind of gems that have made her Quilting Arts Magazine column so popular, this book includes Robbi’s musings on creativity and color, as well as on the trials and tribulations that every quilter faces. The Goddess of the Last Minute invites readers to take a wry look at those trials--and, with Robbi’s wit and insight, turn them into the sort of crazy quilt that warms and brightens daily life. The story of how she became a Goddess, anecdotes of life on the road, encounters with fellow quilters: these and other often hilarious tales of a not-quite-charmed life make this quilter’s compendium a delightful patchwork to contemplate, and to treasure.
ISBN 978-0760334294

What is Pinterest and Why Would I Want to Know?

2012-02-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

My daughter introduced me to Pinterest, she told me that she uses it for her blog, toorganize sites that she visits, to bookmark pictures she wants to use as references. I think of it as a "virtual bulletinboard" and on the website, the Pinterest folks say:

Lots of people use Pinterest to get inspiration for the most important projects in their life. People use Pinterest to plan their vacations, redecorate their homes, and create menus for holiday dinners.

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.
You can set up a board and invite people to view the images instead of emailing or sending them to visit various websites.

Right now I belong to a group that shares images on different elements of design, we "pin" the images and then other members can see what we have done.
Here are some recent images that I've "pinned" on my boards. Check out my boards at: http://pinterest.com/susanpmark/

AQS - Are You a Member?

2012-02-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

I just renewed my membership and wondered if any of you are AQS fans like me? I think its vitally important to support the organizations that support our interests and give us such incredible learning opportunities.

You can visit their site at http://www.americanquilter.com/ , sign up for their news letter and become a fan on Facebook.

I'll be teaching at the AQS show in Grand Rapids, MI, August 26-28th. I've just sent in my final workshop edits and am looking forward to three exciting days. I hope you can join me.
I'll be teaching Heart of My Heart, plus three more workshops.

I hope I'll see you in Grand Rapids!

One Word Wednesday

2012-02-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

A three Hour Tour!

A Special Quilt for Your Sweetie!

2012-02-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

I love Valentines Day and its coming soon.....so how about a special quilt for someone special? Heart of My Heart uses my Give and Take Applique method and has a companion stencil set for tracing. In the DVD you get three different applique designs, plus additional layout options and and the designs as EQ projects to create even more quilt layouts.

You can order this set for only $40.00, that's a 15% savings off the items separately. Go to http://fabricimagery.com/2011/12/31/give-take-applique-dvd/ to place your order. I'm ready to ship right away.
You can see a short demo on my Give and Take Applique technique on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bARsRdfj6aA

Books on Sunday

2012-02-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

There are just a few books that I would say no quilter, artist or designer should be without and today's book is one of them.
These books (they're actually a series) are an essential part of my library and they have become my go-to resource for design inspiration on many occasions. 4000 Flower & Plant Motifs is full of beautifully rendered drawings (black only) of every possible plant and flower, both real and imaginary. The books is divided into sections such as Art Deco or Primitive and designs are copyright free.
Truly, I suggest that you really must own this books, and all the rest in the series! They are available from most booksellers and online through Amazon.com

Here's the blurb:

With more than 5000 floral and plant motifs to choose from, this resource is a perfect source of inspiration for all kinds of creative workers-graphic designers, stitchers, woodworkers, ceramists, or tattooists. Artist Graham McCallum's hand-drawn designs include many historical styles, border motifs, and simple and elaborate plant compositions. All are available on an accompanying CD.

ISBN 978-1906388928

Shattered Angles Table Runner Kit

2012-02-04T01:00:00.001-08:00

I've just added this table runner kit to my website at http://fabricimagery.com/2012/01/29/accent-on-angles-and-table-runner-kit/ The fabric is Stonghenge by Northcott and the runner measures 54" x 18". The kit includes my Accent on Angles book and all fabric to complete the top of the runner for $35.00.

Shattered Angles in Florida

2012-02-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I had the good fortune to visit the Lake County Quilt guild in Tavares Florida. They are an enthusiastic and supportive group of quilters (can't say ladies as they have men in the guild too!) who meet every week and have an annual quilt show, they are busy, busy, busy!
I lectured on the first morning "Show Us Your Fat Quarters - Canadian Style" and there were many Canadian snowbirds in the guild! In the afternoon I taught Heart of My Heart from my DVD and they had great success with Give & Take Applique.

Here's Lynn with some of her hearts. Lynn was also my hostess and arranged my accomodation at the local golf resort. This was they view from my bedroom! Pretty nice!

The next day 19 ladies and Stewart (one brave fellow!) had great fun and lots of success making their Shattered Angles blocks.

Thanks to everyone for making my visit so memorable!

At the Seaside

2012-02-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

Some students work from a recent class about painting of fabrics other than cotton. Students used evenweave linens and heavier fabrics and planned their stitching for further embellishment and emphasis.

Students worked from photos or other inspiration using Dyna-Flow paints and then played with threads, beads, fibres and such for the stichery part. Lots of fun and a great day with so many new friends.

Meet Diane Shink - Collector and Appraiser

2012-01-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

Let’s start by talking about your new book. Please tell us what it’s about and how you chose this topic?

I am a textile junkie and started collecting aprons to use for repairing quilts when I was in the quilt restoration business. In 2001 I had an exhibit of my star quilt collection scheduled for Mississippi valley textile museum in Almont, just outside of Ottawa. They gave me the large gallery, a huge warehouse and at that time I did not have enough quilts to fill it so I remembered seeing a display of aprons at the Waterloo Quilt Festival so decided to use aprons to fill in the spaces. Check out www.dimacquilt.com to see the original apron exhibit. I counted the aprons in my home and already had 50 so visited second hand stores and church bazaars and increased my collection to 200. At that time I paid .50 cents an apron and had a selection, today I am lucky if the stores have one or two and usually pay 3.99. I have always been drawn to fancy needlework and fine fabrics so on occasion I have paid as much as $65 for a fancy apron with Provenance.

I decided to write a book because I will be doing a lecture as part of the Kitchen party dinner at Quilt Canada in Halifax on May 30 and I wanted something with images of my aprons I still plan to write a larger book and have the outline and chapters, but need to find the time and hopefully a Canadian Publisher.

Can you tell us about your background and interest in fabrics and textiles?
I am a native of Nova Scotia so grew up surrounded by quilts. I had a great childhood free to run and plays some of those memories are recounted in the aprons boo. My neighbours taught me to knit and quilt, I think my mother did embroidery with me. I started sewing when my mother got a Singer featherweight in the early 1950’s and loved Home Economics in High school, which I went on to study in University. I made my own clothes until the 1980’s and still indulge in occasionally making jackets and scarves. Most of the spare time I have today is spent making quilts. I do machine quilting but always have a project on the go with hand quilting.

You are also a certified quilt and textile appraiser, what does that involve?
I studied for many years and “flapped hundreds of antique quilts” to get to know the patterns names, how to evaluate workmanship etc. My Home Economics studies in Textiles and Clothing and experience as a clothing construction teacher also helped. I visited scores of museums, apprenticed with a local appraiser and made many trips to AQS in Paducah for courses and workshops. I also attended the Vermont Quilt festival for 10 years when teachers such as Barbara Brackman were regulars and where there are always exceptional antique quilts on display. The testing by peers is rigorous and I am pleased to say that in 2000 I was the first Canadian born appraiser to be certified by AQS where the failure rate is 60 %. Only a small percentage of applicants are chosen to be tested. I will be submitting a report for my fourth re-certification in June2012. I travel to seminars and conferences all over North America and the best weekend of the year for me is when the AQSG quilt lovers meet somewhere in the USA.

Why would I need to have my quilts appraised? It is important to have your quilt appraised so you have a monetary value to use with Insurance companies. In case of loss or damage quilts are considered to be blankets unless you have a written appraisal to attest to their value. I also appraise quilts being used a gifts so the recipient will be aware of the value. In some cases my expertise has been enlisted to make an equitable division of property, in estates and divorce settlements. I also do Market value appraisals when makers want to sell their quilts and need a regional value. Market Value is also used to determine Donation value for quilts being donated to museums and fund raising events.

Where else can I read more of your writing?
I have been writing the Yesterday Quilts Column four times a year for Canadian quilter since 1998. In 1998 I co-authored the book Canadian Heritage Quilting with Karen Neary, published by Formac of Halifax. We close 15 quilts mainly from my collection. I write the historical information and Karen patterned and made them using today’s methods. I recently had an article published in Blanket Statements ( AQSG’s newsletter)about the oldest patchwork in North America which is housed in Montreal at the Mc Cord Museum.

Do you teach and/or lecture as well as write?
When I first retired from High School teaching I taught a number of classes but after my husband retired he wanted me to be less programmed. I started doing only lectures and now I mainly do exhibit and or work as guest curators at Museums. Lugging quilts gets more difficult as one ages and soon I will loose the attic storage space in this 10 room home where we raised our two sons. Time moves on so I now am starting to place some of my quilts in Museums and part with others. The beauty of working with aprons is that they are small and lightweight and I can get a full lecture into one suitcase. The older I get the more time I spend on the computer so will be writing more and flapping quilts less...

Visit Diane's website at:
http://www.dimacquilt.com/

For further reading:
http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Diane+MacLeod+Shink+life+textiles+teaching/5992644/story.html

http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Aprons+Once+symbols+repression+fashion+accessories/5992352/story.html
http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Aprons+Part+fabric+time+women+lives/5992575/story.html

New Show - The Old School House

2012-01-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

I'm exhibiting in a new Fibre Show at The Old School House (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach over the coming month. the particiaptns are from all over Vancouver Ilsand and represent a wide variety of skills and techniques.

Remote Viewing will be shown at the Gallery

Plan a visit, the Gallery is full of wonderful art and includes a number of working studios in the lower level. Their website is http://www.theoldschoolhouse.org/

New Show - Blanket Statements

2012-01-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled to tell you about a new fibre show in Duncan, on Vancouver Island by my dear friend, Gloria Daly.

Gloria says: As a surface design fibre artist, my work is about texture and the relationship between yesterday’s discarded blankets and how they can have a new public image in today’s philosophy of “recycling”. The work itself is a unique combination of mending, patching, and darning. Each piece is made up of layers of cloth allowing the worn and weathered fibres to have dignity as they record the changes in temperature, the ravages of rust, tints and tones of tarnish and stain, along with shrinking and warping.

My art challenges the accepted need to find beauty in what is new, it asks the viewer to look for the inner beauty of the old and used. Using line, shape and colour with hand stitches creates a balance between the ripped and the repaired. Proven techniques such as appliqué, sashiko, patchwork, piecing, Victorian crazy quilting, and embroidery (particularly the blanket stitch) will be incorporated.
If you are in the Duncan, BC area, plan to stop and see the show! Call the Cowichan threatre for open times.

One Word Wednesday

2012-01-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

Silence

Off to the Caribbean!

2012-01-10T00:30:00.000-08:00

I'm getting packed and ready to leave tonight on the "Quilters of the Caribbean" cruise that visits 7 different ports over 10 days. I'll be teaching two differerent workshops, Botanical Leaf Study and Your Creative Space. I'm supplying the kits for each student so I'll be packing those in the suitcases!

But I also like to take some sketching supplies and papers to grab the inspiration and colours when I see ideas....... plus I got a set of Inktensepencils for my birthday last month that I'll be packing. I've painted some papers with light washes of colour to prepare and my Pitt markers, plus glue stick and scissors. I hope I don't forget anything!

I'm also going to take part in the Sketchbook Challenge this year, the blog has lots of great ideas, tips and suggestions to get you started. Please join me through the year, try some sketching ideas of your own? Let us know if you are part of the Challenge as well!

Books on Sunday

2012-01-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

I know that normally I review books that have to do with quilting and fibre arts but I couldn't resist telling you about one of my Chrismtas gifts!
I can claim to be an avid gardener who doesn't spend nearly enoguh time doing what she loves in the veggie and flower beds, but this year I have made plans to change all that! I've resolved to spend at least 3 hours a week this winter, cleaning up the beds, pruning trees and generally getting it all ready for spring....there, you've heard me say that, be sure to keep me on track!

Who doesn't love to eat fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden and here in Victoria we are fortunate to be able to garden pretty much year round, so I'm excited to be using The Zero-Mile Diet book as inspiration for growing more food and eating healthier. You may be familiar with the 100 Mile Diet that has helped to change the way we feel about food and where it comes from, now The Zero-Mile Diet is an excellent source for teaching us how simple changes can make us healthier!
And I figure that since my husband gave me the book, he'll be wanting to join me in the garden and help with the complete redesign that I'm planning!
Important Tip! I know there are hundreds of quilting blogs....did you know there are also hundreds of gardening blogs too? I'm off to visit some right now................

Give and Take Applique - Special Offer for January

2012-01-07T00:30:00.000-08:00

To thank you for your support and celebrate the changes I've made, I'm offering a discount off my Give & Take Applique book, DVD and Stencil Pack. Order all three HERE and get the special price of $60.00. This offer is to thank you for your support.

Give &Take Applique is an exciting technique using postive/negative design with surprising results.

Here are some images from the book and DVD:

Sunflower Tablerunner Everyone's A Star!

Just Blogging Around!

2012-01-05T00:30:00.000-08:00

I've spent a little bit of time compiling a list of interesting blogs I've found. I'd like to share a few with you over the coming weeks. Some blogs are insightful and full of deep thoughts, others are more photos and illustrations and others have interesting quirks or ideas that appeal to me and perhaps to you as well. Let me know your favourites too!

Subversive Stitchers:Women Armed with Needles
Awriter's look at the quilting and quilt art community and anything else fabric.
http://subversivestitch.blogspot.com/

Selvedge Magazine
British magazine that is absolute eye candy and treasure trove for anyone who loves textiles.
http://www.selvedge.org/blog/

Diane Gaudynski
Machine quilter extraordinare and an delightful teacher!
http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/

One Word Wednesday

2012-01-04T00:30:00.000-08:00

White

Five Different Ways to Kick Start Your Creativity

2012-01-03T00:30:00.000-08:00

Here are some "no-sew" tips you will find useful to get going in 2012:

Grab one of your quilting books and pick a project, choose fabrics only from your stash, decide on the layout and size. Get inspired, 'cause you aren't required to make the quilt, just get excited about what you already have!
Make a Design/Inspiration Board for your studio and pin photos, ribbons, postcards and anything with colours, patterns or designs that you love. You will enjoy looking at it all through the year! If any item begins to bore you, take it down and tuck away for another time.
Pick out a magazine you already own, find an advertisement with colours that appeal to you and choose all the embellishments, threads and beads that match those colours. Take a photo and pin it to your Inspiration Board.
Pick a few pieces of china, glassware or jewellery from the cupboards, group them together on a little table and add a small bouquet of flowers.
Group some fat quarters together and tie up with a pretty ribbon. Keep them in your studio ready to give to a friend who needs some hugs!

Mish Mash and Bash 2011

New Year - New Beginnings

2012-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

I love the start of a new year, so many possibilities openup, its time for a fresh start and its exciting to look ahead to the future.Its like opening a window, taking a deep breath of fresh air and gazing out ata new vista (personally, I picture Tuscanyoutside the window)!

This year is going to be an especially different year forme; I have changed my business model and have sold my half of Patchworks Studio (my pattern design business) to my business partner, Daphne Greig. This decision was an amicable one as I decided to spend more time in teaching, writing and my own art work. I am very excited to have more time to be creative and delve into colour, imagery, pattern and more.

I am also embarking on a busy schedule of teaching andtravel with trips to the Maritimes, the

and the Prairies planned. I have new classes planned through www.quiltuniversity.com and new products for my website.

Most importantly, I am now the proud Grandma to two wonderful little babes and I’m looking forward to that new part of my life as I watch these two little ones discover the world and learn about all the wonderous things in their lives.

We can never be creative in isolation and its only throughthe support and inspiration of others such as yourselves that we can fully realize all that we canbe, so thank you! I’ve decided that this year is going to be my best yet, and I’mthrilled with all the possibilities!

Farewell to 2011!

2011-12-31T15:20:00.000-08:00

It's been a wonderful year full of great things happening in my life, thank you all for sharing it with me!I wish you all the best for the coming year!
Check out what I have planned by subscribing to Design Notes, my newsletter written especially for you1 Great ideas, inspiring projects and exciting art! There's a new issue coming out on Tuesday, a terrific way to start the New Year!
Just add your name on the bar to the right:
Now, as Peter Pan said....straight on til morning!

Teaching my Shattered Angles Technique?

2011-12-29T01:52:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking of teaching or promoting my Shattered Angles technique from the Accent on Angles - Easy Strip Set Quilts? I love when other quilters get enthusiastic about new ideas and inspiration.
If you like the book and would appreciate some help with teaching, then I can offer you a ready-made Lesson Plan to help you. All you need to do is email me at patchworkstudio@shaw.ca and request the PDF, its ready to go!

Join Me at Quilt Canada 2012 in Halifax

2011-12-27T01:29:00.000-08:00

Are you planning a trip to Halifax in May for Quilt Canada?

Here's some news about Workshop Registration:

Are you waiting for the Conference handbook to arrive in the mail before you register for a workshop at Quilt Canada in Halifax? Please don’t wait any more because the handbook is not being mailed this year! It is on the website at: http://www.canadianquilter.com/events/quilt-canada-2012.php

For a printed copy of the handbook please send $4 and your mailing address to:

Jackie Philpott

Administrative Assistant, CQA/ACC
Registrar, Quilt Canada 2012
6 Spruce Street
Pasadena, NL, Canada A0L 1K0

Registration is now wide open to all quilters, whether you choose to attend as a full delegate or simply want to take a class or two as a day student. There will be quilt shows, great teachers, interesting classes, sewing machines in the classrooms, special events and the Merchant Mall. Please act soon because some classes are filling up. You can see which classes are already full at:

http://www.canadianquilter.com/pdf/2012-CQA-Handbook-13-13.pdf

Image Transfer

2011-12-18T07:36:00.000-08:00

I was teaching in Saskatoon last month and one of the classes was my popular Tasters Choice, where students get to try a number of different surface design techniques, including paint sticks, Angelina, foils and more. My personal favourite is using Gel Transfers to put images onto fabric.

I made this little hanging using gel transfer onto silk noile. I had indigo-dyed some linen for the outer border and also fused on a piece of batik as the inner border. Then I hand quilted the piece with some dyed perle cotton. It was a great take along project, simple but effective. Just remember its close to impossible to hand stitch through the gel transfers!

To make image transfers such as this you will need:

a photo copied image -not inkjet
soft gel medium - I prefer the matte finish
a brayer - any size
fabric-white or light coloured
brush-I prefer bristle brushes-get them cheap at the hardware store

Apply gel to copy, covering image. It may take a little practice to get the right amount, make certain the surface is covered but not gooey. Do the same of the fabric. Cover the same size area as the image.

Place gel covered copy face down onto the fabric. Sandwich in between layers of wax paper to protect your table surface and run the brayer over several times, using a medium amount of pressure.
Brayer over all the area in one direction. Flip over and do this again. Remove the wax paper and let dry for 24 hours. Do not iron.

To remove the paper: soak in a tub of medium hot water.

Starting from the centre, gently rub the paper off in a circular motion using your finger tips. Blot dry with a towel. Don't put the paper fibres down the sink, they will often clog the drain!

After the transfer dries, you may find some excess fibres showing up. Soak again and rub gently to remove them, repeat if needed.

The Koi fish in these pictures is from this book, I highly recommend Dover books, have a look at all the possibilities at www.doverpub.com

Keep in mind that images will be reversed in this technique, so you will want to make a mirror image of any text and such.

Make several transfers at one time and you are ready to use them when the mood strikes.

Cathy Miller - the Singing Quilter

2011-12-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

Cathy Miller and I met a few years back shortly after she and herhusband, John Bunge, moved to Victoria.Our friendship evolved over the years as we spent time going to quilt retreats,teaching on quilt cruises and sharing stories and ideas about quilting.

Tell us a bit about the beginnings of theSinging Quilter?

The firstquilting CD "One Stitch at a Time" came out in September 2000, but Iwas writing songs about quilting as far back as 1991. I had been hired to writemusic for a play about quilting which was put on as part of Quilt Canada thatyear, and the playwright and I did a huge amount of research about quiltingtraditions, society, superstitions, and practices (neither of us werequilters). It was fascinating. As part of my own research, I took a quiltingclass and got - slowly - hooked. My passion for quilting was really solidifiedwhen John and I lived in Darwin Australia for 8months (1999-2000) and I learned much more about making quilts, and also aboutthe community, history and wonderful stories associated with it. By the time wereturned to CanadaI had enough songs written about these stories to record a whole CD of quiltingsongs. John had to talk me into recording these songs (I didn't think anyonewould be interested in buying a CD about quilting.....!) and we haven't lookedback since.

Do you travel a lot as part of your singingcareer?

Wegenerally spend between 6 and 8 months every year on the road. It doesn't leaveme much time for quilting! In 2010 we traveled to Australia,New Zealand, the US, Canadaand Europe - we sang for the first time atEuropean Patchwork, which was amazing, and very different from what I'm usedto. I did a part of each of the 8 shows in French (which was a challenge!), andtaught quilting classes for a week in Belgium. When we travel, I try tokeep everyone up to date on our adventures on my blog at www.singingquilter.wordpress.com.During the recording of the most recent CD "Little Crazy Quilt" in Toronto in August 2010 Iblogged every evening about what we did that day. I thought that quilters mightbe interested in how we go about constructing a CD. In many ways, it's similarto how you make a quilt. (I wrote an article comparing the two for CanadianQuilter in the Spring 2011 issue.)

Your songs often evolve from a story. Do youhave a couple of favourite songs or stories that you could tell us about?

There areso many amazing stories where quilts feature prominently. I was so fortunate tosee the Rajah Quilt when we lived in Darwin.It is still the most important quilt story I've ever found. The quilt is theonly known surviving convict ship quilt in the world. It was made in 1841 byfemale convicts aboard the ship "Rajah" on its way to Van DiemensLand (as Tasmaniawas known back then). Thanks to the compassionate work of Elizabeth Fry, anearly English prison reformer, the women were taught how to quilt (a marketableskill back then) and given a bundle of sewing supplies. They made the quilt asa thank you to Mrs. Fry while they were on the ship taking them to seven years'transportation. It was found in Edinburgh in1988 by an American quilt historian Janet Rae, while she was researching herbook "Quilts of the British Isles".Janet connected the owners of the quilt with the National Gallery of Australia and Australian quilters, andnegotiated its return to

Australia

,where it is now considered a national treasure.

I alsowrite about contemporary quilts I consider important. Several years ago I learnedabout the making of the Quilt of Belonging www.quiltofbelonging.ca in Ontario (Canada)- Esther Bryan took on the daunting task of making a huge quilt that wouldfeature an 11" block from every country whose people have emigrated to Canada - 263 inall. That's every country in the world! She has also included 90 blocks made bynative nations in Canada.The quilt measures 36 metres by 3.5 metres - a truly extraordinary effort bymany volunteers. I finally wrote the song about this story and recorded it onmy latest CD: Little Crazy Quilt.

Last yearI decided to finally write a book with all the stories from my songs - in asfull a format as I could. Because many of the history tales "rippleback" to me after I've written them (ie, I've met descendants of ElizabethFry, as well as Janet Rae and visited the "Female Factory" inTasmania where the convict women ended up), I wanted to include the completestories as I know them now. While I was at it, I decided to include all thesheet music for the songs from all the CDs, as well as many (mostly funny)little stories that people have told me over the years. The result is the"Singing Quilter Songbook", which came out in September of 2011. Itwas a huge job, and I'm very proud of the results.

It sounds like you keep very busy, but you haveother projects you’re working on, right?

In recentyears I've started to teach quilting as well as singing about it. I have longexperience teaching - I taught private singing classes for 25 years, and alsosongwriting workshops. It has felt very natural to include teaching quilting inour schedule. I'm having a lot of fun with this - especially a class I call"Mock Mola Applique", which is a design class as well as a veryeffective way to use bright hand-dyes and batiks to spectacular effect. Whenwe're on tour, teaching a class is a great way for me to connect more deeplywith people, rather than just coming in to do a concert and leaving town thenext morning. It's also given me the opportunity to participate in quiltingcruises! We're just about to go on our 4th quilting cruise, this time to the Caribbean, and there'll be more in the future. It's agreat way to travel!

Icertainly couldn't do all this without the full partnership of my husband JohnBunge. Not only is he the tour manager, CD seller and (mostly) driver, but healso sings harmony and plays harmonica during the concerts. He also finishesevery one of our shows with the "hit" song: "Quilter's Husband'sLament", which usually brings down the house!

Soy Wax Batik

2011-12-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

I've spent a few hours in the dye room playing with coloured soy wax and have been absolutely thrilled with the results! I had purchased Lisa Kerpoe and Jane Dunnewolds book Vibrant Color and made up some wax paste to begin. I used the paste on some already coloured fabric and found the paste easy to use, especially through some Thermofax screens. It was the consistency of shoe polish, I could also rub it on, use stiff brushes or stamp with it. I realize I need to spent more time with the paste, my results so far have been less than thrilling.
BUT, I then made up some pans of coloured wax and had an absolute blast using the coloured wax on soda soaked fabrics, then painting in the open areas with dye solution. I batched the fabrics overnight to set the liquid dyes, steamed the fabrics to set the waxed areas and then washed the fabrics with Synthrapol to remove the wax. I should mention that I have used soy wax a lot in the past but never as a coloured medium, now I am hooked!
Here's some of my results, I've already cut and pieced the first fabric and am eagerly looking forward to some machine quilting:

Here's a second piece, coloured with black wax and then painted with fushia and scarlet dyes. Its being cut up for one of my Shattered Angles quilts.

I used bronze, golden yellow and turquoise wax with fushia, purple, and emerald dyes. I think I'll dye some more colours to co-ordinate with this fabric.

Next time, I'll be working with larger pieces of fabric and I'd love to try the coloured wax on the Radiance fabric that is a blend of silk and cotton. The silk threads will pick up the colour in such an exciting way. More ideas and inspiration are always generated by work in the studio!

Sunday Brunch Project

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

When you are out doing some holiday shopping be sure to buy the latest copy of McCall's Quilting Special Issue America Loves Scrap Quilts 2011.

My project Sunday Brunch has a wonderful project for placemats and a table runner that can use a planned selection of fabrics or a terrific stash buster. Its a great way to get ready for spring (I know, Christmas hasn't even happened yet....)
Check out the article here: http://www.mccallsquilting.com/articles/Sunday_Brunch and remember, you can't go wrong with a blue and yellow combination!

Give and Take Applique on YouTube!

2011-11-29T07:35:00.001-08:00

I finally made it to YouTube, I'm a movie star! Check out this link to see our introduction to the Give and Take Applique DVD from Nine Patch Media.
It was fun taping the DVD and even more fun creating great designs from our book Give and Take Fabric Applique!

Canadian Christmas Blog Hop

2011-11-27T15:47:00.001-08:00

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I was in Saskatoon last weekend and we visited the Festival of Trees at the Western Development Museum. Part of their display was old Christmas displays taken from the Eatons store windows. You probably remember them as elves, animals, little children and Santa made toys or were part of a song....it reminded me of gazing for what seemed like hours watching these wonderful displays at Christmas time-long ago!

Here's a recipe from my childhood to share with you:

Toadin the Hole

We have this every Christmasmorning after the stockings have been looked at, but before the gifts are opened! I cook the sausages the night before so the littleones don’t have to wait too long….

Ingredients
Makes enough for 4 people, I usuallytriple the recipe for Christmas morning.

8 links pork sausage

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 eggs

1 cup milk

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2. Pour the oil intothe bottom of a baking dish, and arrange the sausages over it in a singlelayer. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.

3. Meanwhile, in amedium bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and half of the milk until smooth.Gradually mix in the rest of the milk until a smooth batter is achieved. Seasonwith salt and pepper.

4. Remove thesausages from the oven, and ladle the batter over them until the sausages are3/4 covered. Return to the oven, and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until thecenter is risen and browned.

I like to serve it with maple syrup or chutney, afresh fruit salad is a lovely accompaniment.

Merry Christmas!

Blue Glue Batik Blast

Since I've been working on a number of surface design projects, pattern for you is a little different!

This is a great technique to use with kids or the whole family can join in and be creative over the holiday season.

You canachieve great results with this simple technique and Elmer's School GlueWashable Gel as a resist! This gel glue can be found in most office anddiscount stores. I like to use the gel with prepared fabric and Dye-Na-Flow™ paintor diluted fabric paint. You can use any natural fiber such as cotton, linen,hemp or blends.

° Lay fabric on wax paper or the shiny side of freezer paperand draw a design onto the fabric. Think of lines, wiggles, circles, simpleshapes, landscapes flowers and more....

° Remember that the fabric will not colour under the glue sothose areas will remain white. Let the glue dry for 12 hours.

° Place dyes/paints in a styrofoam plate or egg tray anddilute if needed.

° Colour the open areas with paint or dye. Try blending thecolours, playing with lines or shapes, be open and have fun with the adventure.(If you are using Procion MX dye, cover with plastic wrap and batch in a warmplace for 12-18 hours)

° When the fabric is dry, soak it in a warm(almost hot) water bath. Depending on the fabric's weight this soak can beanywhere from 10 minutes to 1/2 an hour, (heavier fabrics take longer).

° Use fabric in your next project! This is alsogreat to do with kids or as a craft day.

° Try drawing the glue onto dark fabric andusing discharge paste to take the colour out, this yields amazing results!

Visit www.fabricimagery.comfor great fabrics, threads, books and more!

New Thermofax Screens

2011-11-27T07:00:00.001-08:00

I've justed posted four great new designs for my Thermofax Screens category at www.fabricimagery.com
I had so much fun designing these and they will be perefect for some of your surface design techniques. There are three different sizes available and as usual, I also offer custom screens with your own images. Have a look:http://fabricimagery.com/category/thermofax-products/

Chain Links

Crazy Keys

Knobbly Bark

Odd Orbs

Dragon Bones and Fish Fingers

2011-11-26T15:38:00.001-08:00

I just returned from a fabulous five day teaching trip to Saskatoon Quilters Guild. The snow arrived my first night when the temperature dropped to -22 C, a nice brisk cold! Luckily, being Canadian, I had my warm woolies!
The first two day workshop was Dragon Bones and Fish Fingers, a playful technique that's featured in my book Accent on Angles. In this workshop students are using insertion strips to divide up their fabrics that can be cut into squares, rectangles or other shapes. There aren't many rule sin this workshop!
Here are some of my students work, I'm sure you'll agree that they are outstanding!

I'll be teaching this workshop at Quilt Canada in Halifax next May, hope to see you there!

Pippa Moore - Quilter with a Mission!

2011-11-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

I don’t remember when I first met Pippa Moore but I’m sure it was at a quilting or art event. We’ve been friends for a number of years and have each had a booth at Quilt Market to promote our patterns as well as attending art quilt retreats together.

I’ve followed Pippa’s blog http://kitambaa.blogspot.com/ when she travels and have always enjoyed reading her stories and adventures.

I’ll let Pippa tell you about herself:

I first started quilting as the stay-at-home mother of twins. I desperately needed an occasional break from the babies, and my university student husband had Thursday afternoons off. A quilt teacher and author - Frances Fournier - offered to teach me in her home, in exchange for which I proof-read her manuscript for a book on making quilted clothing. A year later we moved to rural Manitoba, where I was asked to teach the local women what I knew - the sum total of which was the making of a Sampler quilt - and I have been making quilts and teaching ever since.

So how did Pippa get involved with Africa and cloth? Through love, of course!

I married a man who had already lived in Africa for 5 years - in Burundi, to be more specific - before I met him. We had the opportunity to return to the continent - Lesotho this time - in the early nineties. While there, I had two fantastic jobs. Both involved working with grass roots development, particularly with respect to women and income generation projects. My husband has been working in East Africa - mainly Uganda - since that time. When I resigned from my full-time job, my dream was to begin a project with grandmothers and widows, and that's what I've been doing for the last 4 years.

Pippa began a business to help women learn to sew and produce items for sale, thus helping them earn a living.

“Kitambaa” is the Swahili word for cloth, and the baobab tree that I use for my logo is a tree prevalent in many equatorial African countries. There is a legend, variously told in several countries, that it once was the most beautiful tree in the forest. But it became proud, and the gods were not pleased. They plucked it out of the earth and planted it upside down with its roots in the air, so it could never boast again. And that explains the root-like shapes of the ugly-beautiful branches. Both the logo and the name were chosen in recognition of the years I spent living and working in Southern Africa, and the importance for me of this experience.

In February 2009, the first Kitambaa Designs workshop was held in Mbarara, Uganda. Twelve women, mostly widows and grandmothers, and chosen from existing grandmothers’ and widows’ groups, began learning how to sew using a treadle sewing machine, and how to quilt. These twelve came to the workshop knowing little about cutting fabric and using an iron and sewing, but at the end of three weeks, had developed the skills required to make saleable products. Previously most of them had been subsistence farmers, working in the fields from six in the morning until six at night. They brought such enthusiasm and determination to the project, and have been sewing on an ongoing basis ever since then. Many of them has at least one child in school who was not in school previously, and other proceeds from their work has been used to purchase things like a bed, a cow, a table, as well as for food and for medicine.
This photo is taken at the closing ceremonies of our third workshop with the ladies I work with. Alice is the amazing Coordinator of this group - patient, skillful, with a sense of professionalism and a sense of humour. Here she is being presented with a solar operated desk lamp, so that she can keep sewing in the evenings. Working with Alice, and getting to know her, has been one of the highlights of recent years.

In between her travels to Africa, Pippa has designed an exciting range of patterns and kits. She has shown her quilts in international shows and has received rave reviews. I particularly love her exuberant use of colour and her stylized Art Deco designs.

"There's an Elephant in my Garden is inspired by the Art Deco period, and combines many of the motifs that have been drawn from the early part of that period, with a love for saturated colours. I like the improbability of it, the marvel of it.

Pippa is also strongly influenced by the cloth of Africa as you see in this piece.

The Kente-inspired piece is one of a series of quilts I plan to make, honouring the textiles of Africa, in this case Ghanaian hand woven Kente cloth. I use diverse techniques in my quilts - whatever suits my purposes - but must admit that my favourite is machine piecing.

I’m sure that you will enjoy a visit to Pippa’s website and blog, be sure to sign up for her newsletter and keep up to date with all her wonderful adventures!

Susan's Book Report

2011-11-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

Masters Art Quilts, Vol. 2

This inspirational and simply beautiful book presents the work of 40 of the most creative and talented art quilters in the world. It features approximately a dozen quilts for each artist, sumptuously spread over ten pages. the pieces showcase the leading techniques in contemporary quilting and present an array of themes including portraits, nature, abstraction, realism and political commentary. Fully international in scope , the book includes quilters from the US, Canada, France, Russia, Switzerland, South Africa, Italy, England, Australia, the Netherlands, South Korea, Norway, Israel and Japan.

Theis book was featured at International Quilt Festival in Houston last week and recieved rave reviews. I picked out three of my favourites: Jan Myers Newbury, Rosalie Dace and Izabella Baykova

Each artist works very differently but all of them move me with their use of colour and imagery.

I strongly recommend this book as a wonderful addition to your library. You can get more information and order it here.

Image Transfer

2011-10-27T03:30:00.000-07:00

I made a sample for the Imagery class I am teaching at Quilters Dream in Edmonton next March. I used transparency transfer with 3M Transparency film and gel medium, also used some TAP (Transfer Artist Paper) and lines from a poem.

Font and Fabric

2011-10-25T01:43:00.000-07:00

I taught a day long class on creating design with lettering. We used a variety of different techniques including stencils, image transfer, foiling and markers.
Students began by using every marker I brought to test the colours, the brush strokes, and how they laid on the fabric. they discovered that each marker acted a little differently and they preferred some over others.

Paulette used stencils to create negative images. Don`t forget that there is both a positive and a negative image when you are cutting out stencils.

Laine added details to her letter with a contrasting colour in acrylic inks.

Carol got inspiration from a calligraphy book she brought to class.

Ruth played with repetition to create interesting design.

Accent on Angles-More Quilts

2011-10-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

I`m adding more images of quilts from my book Accent on Angles-Easy Strip Set quilts. These quilts all feature my Shattered Angles technique - lots of fun and a great way to add details such as a border around a pre-printed panel:

Making Waves uses the same Shattered Angles technique but this time with curved strip piecing, half square triangles and raw edge applique. Lots to learn with this quilt!
More ideas to come another day. In the meantime, you can order the book at www.fabricimagery.com Remember to ask for an autograph!

Design Ideas

2011-10-19T01:30:00.000-07:00

I spent the day in Old Montreal last weekend and looked around at the buildings for some design inspiration. Here`s some photos I took:

I think some of the cutouts could be good Give and Take Applique Designs.

Curves and swags are perfect quilting designs.

These carvings are great designs for applique in the setting triangles in a quilt with on point blocks.

My favourite: an Art Deco design with ferns and a centred rosette. What ideas can you come up withÉ

Dragon Bones and Fish Fingers

2011-10-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

I developed this technique after cutting through some blocks by accident! Have you ever had that happen? I didn't clear my cutting table properly and the blocks were tucked under some other fabric....big oooppps! So remember the adage about making "lemonade"? I joined the blocks back together with a contrast strip and thought the style worked quite well.
So I'm teaching Dragon Bones at the Creativ Festival in Toronto, in Saskatoon next month and at Quilt Canada in Halifax, NS. I've made lots of samples, because there are SO many different designs you can do with this technique and I've got ideas for many, many more quilts!
Now I need some help naming the quilt, put your thinking caps on and help me with this. My husband will pick the one he likes best. Leave the name in the Comments section or on my Facebook.

Now if you are wondering how to make the blocks there's a couple of cool projects in my Accent on Angles book available here.

Mountain View Art Festival

2011-09-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

As a member of the Fibre Arts Network, I'd like to invite you to attend the Mountian View Arts Festival in Didsbury, AB this coming weekend. I have a piece in the Fibre Arts Exhibit but there's so many other activities going on, be sure to take it all in! Visit http://www.mountainviewartsfestival.ca/

My piece, All the Difference, is in the show.

Plus there will be a Mennonite Quilt Exhibit, October 1st and 2nd

Hosted by the Bergthal Mennonite Community at Victoria Square Mall, 2034 - 19th Ave

Didsbury was founded by Mennonites and the Bergthal community is known for its beautiful quilts. Most are made for refugee camps and most are hand-knotted, although some hand quilted or machine quilts may be on display - all various themes and colours. All fabric is donated so if you want to bring some with you, the ladies would be delighted! Quilters will be on hand to visit.

More Shattered Angles

2011-09-25T01:46:00.000-07:00

I love writing articles for quilt magazines and especially for Quilters Connection wwwquiltersconnection.ca so I was thrilled to make a table runner for their latest issue. Shattered Angles Table runner is showcased in Christmas colours and as well as wonderful textured prints from the Stonehenge Collection from Northcott Fabrics
So don't forget that you can order the book from http://www.fabricimagery.com/ and the magazine from Quilters Connection. But the first person to post a comment on this blog and then email me their name and address will get a complimentary copy of Quilters Connection! What a deal!

Meet Lenore Crawford-Artist Extraordinaire

2011-09-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Port of Cassis

Lenore has been working on art since childhood working in many different mediums such as pen and ink. Around 1996 she saw some watercolor quilting books and decided to try that technique using fabric to paint a picture using 2” squares. She has loved the texture and warmth that fabric gives, unlike other traditional mediums.

Using the 2” squares allowed Lenore to create scenes which hadn’t really done before. She had used pen and ink to create portraits in pointillism. So now she could use the squares to create gardens and architecture. This was very new and exciting. For nearly 12 years Lenore used this style to create impressionistic scenes letting the fabric lead her in design.

House Through Arch 2006

After some time Lenore learned about fusing and developed her own simple technique. This led her away from the constraints of only using the squares. At this time she took an oil painting class and loved the almost photo-realistic style of painting. Lenore began using her photos as inspiration and re-creating them in fabric along with using fabric paints to add the fine detail and shading that makes them look very realistic, a sort of impressionistic realism.

Some of her best photos were taken on her many trips to France. As teenager Lenore travelled to Europe while her father was working as an interior designer of offices in Geneva, Switzerland, and area. She made many friends and still goes to visit them and travels to France while continuing to be inspired by the architecture and landscapes.

Sunset Over Lac Leman

Lenore has been teaching her 2” square technique for many years as well as her fusing/fabric painting technique and saw the need for a line of patterns now totaling 18 different designs. She has also been teaching multi-day workshops where students can create designs from their own photos. Lenore’s latest development has been CD-ROMs that contained her 2” square impressionistic technique and her fusing technique. These are like a book in Adobe Acrobat and offer the student all of the advantages of an instructional book but at a much lower cost. Her CDs are:

“Impressionistic Fabric Blending”

“Blended Fabric Collage Technique”

“Fusing/Fabric Painting to Create Your Own Realistic Art Quilt”

These CDs are available from her webstore:
http://www.lenorecrawford.com/

See more of Lenore's inspiring work here: http://www.lenorecrawford.com/gallery

Publication Date today!

2011-09-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today's the day, I sure hope the post office makes an extra effort to get the boxes to my place! Its so hard to be patient.....
Here's a couple pictures of quilts from the book:

This quilt makes great use of scraps and who doesn't have a few of those? I've also included a few orphan blocks from other projects and I'll bet some of you have those too! So there's something for everyone in Accent on Angles!

Autumn Joys is a perfect quilt for this time of year! I've chosen complementary colours of blue and orange and cut both squares and rectangles to design the inner part of the quilt. Multiple borders also add a good frame around the quilt. I had so much fun quilting this one with lots of angular straight line stippling.

If you are loving this, join me for a Quilt University class with my Shattered Angles technique. Class begins September 30th and runs over several weeks. You will learn all the tips and great ideas for making your own special Shattered Angles design!

So the long wait is over and you can order the book here! I'll be shipping ASAP!

New Fat Quarters

2011-09-19T02:10:00.000-07:00

Just put the finishing touches on some new fabrics I've created and put into my shop. I've used print rollers made by my friend Gloria Daly and textile paints, including an Interference Violet. Quite yummy!

Mad for Plaid

Midnight Dance

Short Circuit

Here's a couple pictures of Gloria's paint rollers being made and hung up to dry! Who would have thought rolling pins could be used this way. Check out Gloria's website here.

Almost Here!

2011-09-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Just a few more sleeps until the big event! Accent on Angles-Easy Strip Set Quilts from Martingale & Co. is due to ship on Sept. 20th and I can hardly wait!
There are nine dynamic designs in the book, teaching my Shattered Angles technique as well as Dragon Bones and a new layered applique technique thats full of surprises! Over the new week or so I'll be giving you sneak previews to see the terrific designs that you can make using this technique! It's going to be fun, fun fun!

As soon as I have my shipment ready for mailing I'll let you know!

One Word Wednesday

2011-09-14T04:18:00.000-07:00

Harvest

One Word Wednesday

2011-09-07T04:17:00.000-07:00

Grotto

Think about Hand Piecing!

2011-09-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

I'm preparing some updates to my Hand Piecing class at www.quiltuniversity.com that begins September 16th. Have you considered hand piecing your blocks or quilts? Does it sounds time consuming or monotonous? You might be very surprised at how quickly the work can go if you follow these simple steps:

• In hand piecing we can pick a comfortable chair, curl up in front of the TV or at the beach. We can relax and do the piecing any time and anywhere we choose. The stitching is repetitive, almost always it is a running stitch, which is easy to manipulate by your fingers with a few pins if needed.

• Preparation is key for hand piecing. By tracing and cutting all the pieces needed for your work and then having them ready for the hand work, you will save time.

• Few tools are needed for your work. Needle, thread, small scissors and a thimble are all the tools needed. Buy good quality and they will last a long time.

• We can use short periods of time to work on our project. It is easy to find a few spare minutes in our day to pick up a project and add a few stitches.

• If you have made the preparations, small amounts of time can develop into some wonderful work! With hand piecing it is easy to stop in the middle of a seam and then return to complete the seam later, you won’t have lost your place or dropped stitches. Imagine doing that with your machine piecing.

• Use small plastic containers with little compartments for storage. Zippered sandwich bags can hold your cut and prepared fabrics. Label them with block names for easy reference.

Here are two of the projects we'll be working on:

Petal Power Block

Black Diamond Block

One Word Wednesday

2011-08-24T03:04:00.000-07:00

Staring!

Blue Glue-Who Knew!

2011-08-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for my trip to the APWQ show in Tacoma next weekend and putting the finishing touches on my lecture "Surface Design - and other Fun Stuff! The lecture is on Friday @ 2pm, so stop by if you get a chance!
I'm also presenting at the Saturday Sampler showing how to use regular blue glue as a resist for batik. Believe me, it works!! Here's a piece I just finished, I also added some gold metallic foil but it doesn't show so well in the picture. I used Dye-Na-Flow paints, diluted about 50/50 with water and three layers of screenprint/painting, letting each one dry in between.

I've also added the Palm Frond as a Thermofax screen to purchase in my shop:

http://fabricimagery.com/category/thermofax-products/

Another Colour Study

2011-08-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Here'a another colour study I did, this time with knotted fringe. I was surprised with the touch of blue/turquoise in the art, it works well becasue the blue is complementary to orange.

Note also the range in value, light through to very dark. Do you have a wide range of value in your quilts?

Colour Study-Lily

2011-08-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

Here's another colour study of a lovely lily. Take a moment and look at the values shown in the picture, from a very dark green that's almost a black right through to the lightest, pale pink.

Now, if I remove the colour and make the picture just black and white, you can clearly see how wide the value range is. Remember that value is only light through to dark when it is compared with another value. To say something is a medium value has no meaning until it is compared to with a lighter or darker value.

You can see what a difference removing the colour can be when you study colour. Remember when everyone was using the "piece of red acetate to look at their quilts, the colour red was not magical, you could do it with any colour, the exercise was simply to get the quilters to look at value. Now with digital cameras its much easier to look at pictures on the computer and remove the colour in order to see the "value" of the quilt!Try it with some of your quilts.

Here's the colour study I did of the lily picture:

Tomorrow, some more ideas about colour.

Who is ROY G BIV and why does he need to be on my quilt??

2011-08-16T05:13:00.000-07:00

Without ROY you would have a white or black quilt, that's why!

ROY G BIV is an acronym for:
Red OrangeYellow Green Blue Indigo and Violet

For many quilters, colour can be the most challenging decisions in making a quilt. We have chosen the blocks, know what size we want, and are ready to hit the quilt shop, but where do we begin?
Take heart..... and look around you. You wear clothes that work well together, you decorate your home and enjoy what you have? Trust your instincts and use these easy tips:

• Pick a colour and use a bit of its complement. Choose blue and add a touch of yellow, purple with some orange. Don't like orange? Then move towards a peach, rust or salmon.

• Pick up some samples or booklets at your local paint store. See how colours are grouped together. Cut up the samples and rearrange them, try different groupings. Talk about what you like and dislike.

• Try a colour study. Find a picture you like and make a study of ALL the colours you can identify in the picture. See if you can determine the relative quantities of each. Here's an example:

Here's another example:

I've tried to put the colours in approximate proportion to one another and found there was more brown/taupe/grey than I had seen in the picture.

Here another study I made from the same photograph, but this time I played with the colour proportions. I reduced the quantity of pinks and greatly increased the greens. I used papers that I had painted.

Tomorrow I'll do a colour study of one of my art quilts and we can look at colour, and value....another critical element of design.

To Wash or Not to Wash!

2011-08-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

That is the question! If there's any way to create a controversy amongst quilters, its to ask if they pre-wash their fabrics before cutting and sewing.....the battle begins!

For years I would not let a fabric enter my studio until it had been thoroughly dunked and scrubbed in the machine! Now, I'm a little more fussy about whether the package hits the laundry beforehand.
I use a lot more of my dyed and printed fabrics in quilts and those have already had several processes including a thorough washing before I put them in my stash.
I use batiks too, and the better quality batiks have already been washed during the dyeing process.
But I've also had a couple of scary experiences with not prewashing some lovely red fabrics....
So, dear reader, I will leave the decision up to you..........I think there's pros and cons for prewashing or not, but if in doubt, do it.

Totally Awesome Tip!
Even if you decide to wait until the quilt is made, I recommend Orvus soap, it a neutral, synthetic
concentrate pure soap shampoo originally developed for washing livestock, It contains no phosphates, is biodegradable, no scents or perfumes, little or no suds. Its great for all fabrics including any that need gentle hand washing and for those with allergies. Look for it at a place that carries horse and livestock supplies or it can be ordered here: http://www.vetamerica.com/browseproducts/Orvus-Paste-Soap-(Jar)-7.5lb.html

Books on Sunday

2011-08-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

I just received the "Create with Transfer Artist Paper" by Lesley Riley and read through it with a cup of hot chocolate this morning. I had taken a class with Lesley at Quilt Market last spring and was thrilled with her information and expertise on this topic.
The book has probably all the information there is to know about TAP and walks the reader through several different projects. I can see application possibilities for TAP and I'm planning on using it in my Fonts and Fabric class at Quilt Festival in Houston this fall.
I'd definitely rate this book at a buy for artist interested in mixed media and adding another level of knowledge to their skill set.

Here`s a sample of some pieces I made in Lesley`s class. Have fun with your TAP.

One Word Wednesday

2011-08-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

Green

Technique Tuesday

2011-08-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

Fusing Fundamentals

Fusible web is a man-made fiber that will melt when heated. When placed between two pieces of fabric, the melting action of the web causes it to fuse the fabrics together. The fused fabric is stable, easy to cut and resists distortion on bias edges.

Did you know?

° Fusible web comes in a range of types, almost all of them attached to a release paper on one or both sides which stays attached until you remove it after the ironing process.

° Fusible web comes in a range of sizes; generally you can buy 12", 18" or 24" widths that are cut from a roll. If you decide to make many projects it might be a good idea to buy a whole roll.

° I recommend that you keep your fusible web rolled rather than folded so it will not separate from the release paper. Large pieces can be rolled on an empty tube or bolt insert. Your local quilt shop may have a bolt insert that they would be happy to give you.

° Many fusibles are sold with a plastic instruction sheet wrapped around them. Keep this with your fusible to remind you of the brand and type since fusing instructions may vary for different products. Some fusible web will deteriorate with age, so don't use web that is several years old and do keep the web away from direct sunlight.

° Remember that longer isn't necessarily better. Read and follow the manufacturers directions for fusing time, different products will vary in the amount of time needed for a good bond. Leaving the iron on longer can damage the fabrics and may make the appliqué fall off. Make some test swatches and keep notes on the settings for your iron and the optimal time for fusing.

Always, always use an applique pressing sheet or baking parchment with your fusible web!

Susan's favourite fusible!

I prefer a lightweight web that has release paper on both sides. This means the web will not stick to the pattern when you trace it and ensures the fusible does not separate from the release paper until you want it to. I use and recommend Steam A Seam2 Lite for almost all my fusing projects!

Totally Awesome Tip!

Is the bottom of your iron an aweful gunk-site? Lay an old folded towel down and place a damp Magic Eraser on top. Heat the iron and then run the iron over the Magic Eraser several times. Gunk will disappear like Magic!

I`ve also heard that fabric dryer sheets will do the same thing!

Got a tip to share..... Let us know about it!

Exhibition Opening

2011-08-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I was at the opening reception for the Current Threads II, the second show for the Vancouver Island Surface Design Association.
This year we tried a show of small work within the framework of the larger show. We are trying to reach the collector who has a smaller pocketbook and is interested in purchasing at a lower pricepoint. The "smalls" were framed in the same size and type of frame and all priced at $195.00. They were displayed together to provide a cohesive look. By opening night several pieces had sold, and hopefully through the course of the show, sales will continue.

Here we are in front of the "smalls"

The 'smalls' set up before opening.

My bright shining face in front of my piece entitled "Remote Viewing".

New Thermofax Screens

2011-08-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

I've just added two new designs to my Thermofax Screens page, I had fun with the bubble wrap as you can imagine!
Check these out at Fabric Imagery

New Work

2011-08-05T03:22:00.000-07:00

At the exhibition in Ladysmith our Surface Design group has a smaller exhibition entitled Undercurrents, a grouping of 10" x 10" work in matching frames. These pieces are all for sale for $195.00 which makes them a wonderful price for any collector.
My submissions are entitled Stitch and Space #1, #2 and #3 and are hand dyed, printed, stamped and stitched. I hope you'll be able to come to the show!

One Word Wednesday

2011-08-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Dappled

Design Notes-Latest news!

2011-08-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Read all about the exciting news in my latest issue of Design Notes:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Design-Notes-Headline-News--.html?soid=1103244715031&aid=4crmdWgszeM

Upcoming Exhibition-Current Threads II

2011-08-01T03:28:00.000-07:00

I'd be thrilled if you came to see the newest exhibition of the Vancouver Island Surface Design Association (VISDA) that opens on August 1st at the Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery.
There will be work from 17 members with an opening reception next Saturday, August 6th, 5-8pm. Its always an exciting event!
For directions and hours click here:http://www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com/lwagblog/

I just finished my piece Remote Viewing, dyed and screen printed, machine pieced and hand quilted.

Smooch Pens

2011-07-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

These pens have great pearlized colors to use as background and accents for surface design projects on fabric, paper, and more. The have a small spray nozzle at the top and can be used with stencils or just over open areas. Use with teflon craft sheets to catch overspray. Easy clean up with just water. Heat set for a finished product. They come in a wide range of colours1 check them out at:http://fabricimagery.com/category/interesting-extras/

One Word Wednesday

2011-07-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Scented

I'm the Cover Girl!!!

2011-07-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

I just got the latest issue of Professional Quilter magazine and my art piece is on the front cover, hurrah!

The piece is entitled "a soma dos dias" and is dyed, screen printed, stamped and stitched. It measures 19" square and is mounted on a frame.
I'm thrilled to be included in an article the focuses on my business partner Daphne Greig and i and the business we operate as designers and authors www.patchworkstudio.com
The International Association of Professional Quilters is the only association dedicated to the business of quilting and includes professionals in many different genres such as artist, long armers, designers and more.
Visit their website at: www.professionalquilter.com
Here is a larger image of the piece:

a soma dos dias

One Word Wednesday

2011-07-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Sentinels

One Word Wednesday

2011-07-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Poppy Power

Quilting Designs Class

2011-07-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Next week I'm teaching Quilting Design at http://www.quiltuniversity.com/ We'll be spending some time looking at design sources and how we can be inspired by design sources around us. By sources, I mean some of the many places where you might find inspiration for creating quilting designs.

Look at corners of rooms, places where there might be some picture moldings, where there are joins of walls and floors.
Look at the sidewalks downtown. Thank goodness city planners in many places are being more creative these days and we see interesting manhole covers, grating around trees and cement paths that have designs stamped into them.
Try to see your environment in a slightly different perspective, while riding the bus or waiting in line for lunch. Look around and find curves of interest, straight or crossing lines. Think of repetition, pattern, sequence wherever it can happen.
Pay particular attention to advertising in magazines and on billboards. It is all around us as we are too often aware. Ask your self how advertisers use design to get their message across? Think of the golden arches, car hood ornaments, the back pockets of your favourite jeans or the make up counter at the mall. Good design is fundamental to the object.

Take rubbings of windows, there is wonderful inspiration as close as your local church or temple. Stained glass looks wonderful as a technique, but think of the designs as quilting lines, too!

Kid’s colouring books. Pick up a couple at the grocery store
Post Cards. Who says you have to be on vacation to buy them?
Sidewalks. Look down around you
Your front door, the neighbour's front door
Hub caps. They are neat, take a look
Gift Wrap
Birthday, seasonal and all purpose cards

Scrapbooking has become popular and there are hundreds of different ideas for quilting designs. If you do not scrapbook, you probably know someone who does. Ask them for ideas and resources. Consider using:

different stamps (stamp a dark colour on paper and enlarge to the desired size)
precut border templates for tracing
die cuts for gluing on pages (simple little motifs to enlarge)
stickers for motif ideas

What other places could you find ideas for design? Send me in a picture and I'll post them on my blog! You can register for the class anythime before July 15th. Just go to http://www.quiltuniversity.com/

See you in class!

One Word Wednesday

2011-07-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Low Tide

Featured Member

2011-07-05T20:57:00.001-07:00

I'm the featured SAQA member on the SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) for western Canada this week. Please stop by and take a look! Anna Hergert has done a wondferful job showcasing all the excellent talent that we have here in the west, many thanks Anna!

http://saqawesterncanada.blogspot.com/p/featured-members.html

One Word Wednesday

2011-06-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Go with style

New Work

2011-06-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

I've just finished a new quilt that is packed and ready for the postal strike to end! it's heading off to the APWQ show for their travelling exhibit. www.apwq.org
The Pacific West Quilt Show is the premier quilting event in the Pacific Northwest and features quilts from the western Canadian provinces and many of the western states. It runs from August 26-28 and if held in Tacoma Washington.
The theme of the quilt is Spirit of the West and entitled Red Sky at Night. t
The exhibit will travel around the US for two years and then be auctioned off at the Gala Banquet at the APWQ show in August 2013. I used photos of sunsets hand dyed and painted fabrics in a collage format and then did free mtion quilting over top, it measures 24" x 36". I was inspired by Charlotte Ziebarth and her book Artistic Photo Quilts.

Fabric Imagery -- New Store

2011-06-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

Fabric, thread, texture, imagery, pattern and colour, each evolve and develop into your creations.

Explore your ideas and images in this creative space.
When we stretch and reach, searching for challenges to our art we cannot be bound or held back. We are limitless in our imaginings.
So, imagine, create and be bold in the possibilities………

I've just started a new online store that features my hand dyed, printed and stamped fabrics, coloured theme packs of fabrics, linens, threads and more, thermofax and custom thermofax service as well as art quilts and more....
Please take a moment to visit:

www.fabricimagery.com

One Word Wednesday

2011-06-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Curious

One Word Wednesday

2011-06-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Bath with a View

Books on Sunday

2011-06-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

Organizing Solutions for Every Quilter
by Carolyn Woods

I bought this book because I'm in the midst of planning a major redesign of my studio, so I need all the help I can get! Besides I'm a sucker for nice looking books and this one fits the bill.
I've enjoyed reading through the ideas and plans for keeping it all tidy, I even actually use a few of them, like the stacking wire baskets. And there are other ideas that I know I'll want to implement when the major redesign is completed, so I'd recommend this book to any one looking for help!

Here's what the blurb says about the book:
A daily serving of tidy makes all the difference

• Practical guide shows you how to organize and maintain your quilting space, no matter what size
• Learn handy ways to sort and arrange all of your fabrics and supplies into easy-to-use stations
• Actual organizing solutions from quilters' studios, including Alex Anderson and Diana McClun

Create a calm and happy place for all your beloved fabrics, books, notions, tools, and even UFOs. From small closets to large studios, you'll see real examples of what makes an efficient, functional, and inviting quilting space. You'll identify what's causing the clutter, learn how to turn it into a more creative zone, and find more time to do what you love-quilt!

You can also download it as an e-book at: http://www.ctpub.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=2335
ISBN 978-1-60705-209-8

Design Notes Newsletter

2011-06-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to see the latest issue of my newsletter:

Design Notes Newsletter

My Visit to High Prairie

2011-05-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a visit to the High Prairie Quilt Guild in northern Alberta. I've never been that far north and it was wonderful to see the sun shining even at 10:30 pm! The weather was warm, the food was deleicious and the quilters were welcoming!
I taught my Shattered Angles class and the students worked hard to produce some exciting blocks.

The blue and pink strip units sparkle. Perhaps Sophia is planning on a table runner?

Melanie used solid colours for the strips and a leaf pattern for her insertion strips.

Colleen chose soft green and blue greens with a lovely blue for the insertion strips.

Karen had fun using pinks and browns....sort of like her top!

Corinne chose turquoise and gold tinged Asian prints for her Shattered Angles project.

Thanks, ladies for a wonderful visit.

Thoughts and More Thoughts about Haiti

2011-05-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Its been a month since my return from our trip to Haiti, and its taken a while to process my thoughts and feelings about my experience.
A bit of background first, I was part of a seven person team from western Canada (Victoria and Vancouver) that went to assist at a home for children and young adults with disabilities. We were under the auspices of the Canadian Foundation for the Children of Haiti http://www.cfchcanada.ca/ and our team consisted of a physiotherapist, an early childhood educator, two nurses (one is my husband), and two women who have extensive experience with Hope Home and the children and then me! My husband has been to Haiti several times and the remainder of the team had made many trips, it was the first time for me and even with my husband along side, I admit to some fears. Foremost I was concerned that I would be useful, I have not spent time around children with disabiltites, I have no medical training and wasn't sure I actually possessed any skills that would be of benefit. Later I understood that indeed my sewing skills would be of immense use!

My sewing machine and "studio" at Hope Home! That little hand cranked Singer could sew as well and maybe even better than my expensive Bernina! Six layers of vinyl was no match for that little workhorse. I spent a lot of time sewing covers for cushions, seat covers for the wheel chairs and covers for the mattresses.

We had each packed two large plastic garbage cans of supplies such as clothing, medicines, toys, food, diapers, bedding, towels and more. These cans were our "checked luggage", our carry-ons contained all our personal items....

We were each responsible for one wheelchair that we took for the children.

I knew it would be hot and humid in Haiti, I have lived in humid climates but had forgotten that 35-40 degree Celsius temperatures mean that you simply cannot work at the same pace as home. Keeping hydrated was important as was looking for shade when outside. Fortunately the weather did cool down a bit at night and when we had electricity, the fans were very welcome.

The news has told us a lot about the deadly and long lasting effects of last years earthquake and we could not move without seeing the truth of that. The tent cities were beyond what I had expected, the conditions were incredible. But one of the women on our team had been in Haiti last November and commented often that the cities were smaller in number and size and construction was going on wherever we went. In fact we saw piles of cement, sand and rebar all along the streets when we went from our lodging to Hope Home.

A distant tent city that was largely deserted.

A "tap-tap", local bus transport around Haiti, highly decorated trucks and jeeps. When the passenger want off the truck, they "tap-tap" on the metal roof.

We stayed in a "guest house" while in Haiti, sort of a private hotel that provided breakfast and dinner, this is common for aid workers and visiting teams. One of the other residents we met was a Haitian nurse who was deeply affected by the earthquake and told us about how many people coped with the tragedy. Visit Rigan's blog http://www.haitinurse.blogspot.com/ and read about his work: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/health_med_fit/article_504d4df0-57b9-11df-a85a-001cc4c002e0.html

I am so thankful that there are people like Rigan in our world.

I was able to play along side some of the children such as this bright little spark:

My local quilt guild and many others supplied bibs for the children at Hope Home and they were paraded in the last day. Many thanks to all our friends who were so generous with their time and talents.

An empty lap was an invitation!

My husband and Peter creating a bed chair (bed on wheels) for one of the children who can no longer sit up due to scoliosis. the bed had been a bunk bed and had the top portion removed. Standard supplies are limited so we made use of what was around us, often remodelling and revamping.

Street vendors are commonplace, selling everything from food and snacks to cell phones and household articles. This women was a moving fabric store.

After a couple of days working at Hope Home our team leader asked me about my feelings. I think I replied that I shifted from feeling that I couldn't leave soon enough and the opposite end of wondering how we could afford to come on a work team every year. Now, after a month, I am looking forward to returning whenever it is possible.

I know that I cannot change the world, but if I can make a small difference in a child's life, then I have been of some use.

Scissor Ramblings......

2011-05-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

I'm in the midst of packing for a teaching trip and as I reached for my sewing kit and tucked my scissors in to it, I wondered what you like to use for scissors? How many pairs do you have, what sizes, how often do you have them sharpened and do you have any special "couldn't be without them" kinds?

I have a large pair of dressmaking shears that were my mothers and I love them partly because they were hers and partly because they stay sharp for ages. I dont use them much but I'd be lost without them.

The second pair I have are actually "pizza" scissors.....yes, you read right! They live in my kitchen and they are perfect for cutting pizza instead of a traditional wheel. If you are wondering what they look like:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/product.asp?sku=14323090&
Maybe you're wondering what to get the guy who has everything?

Seriously though, I do love several small pairs that I keep misplacing and finding again scattered through the house. I use them for thread and small snipping jobs. And I always have a pair next to me at the sewing machine.

Another Shattered Angles Class

2011-05-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

Last month I had the privilege of visiting the Stitches from the Heart Quilt Guild in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It was a very welcoming experience and I met many gracious and talented quilters. They treated me so well, it was a pleasure to be there and I hope they'll invite me back again.
I taught a Shattered Angles class, my Tasters Choice Buffet class ( a little taste of lots of techniques) and presented the "Full Meal Deal" lecture! An exciting weekend.
Here are some pictures form the Shattered Angles class:

The strip units are cut and ready for sewing.

Rich and dramatic colour choices show that every kind of fabric works for this technique.

I think Bonnie likes to use blue in her quilts, always a great choice!

Don't you just love the bright and vibrant batiks?

Heddys and Frances are discussing possible block arrangments.

All the ladies did a super job on their quilts and I'd love to see some pictures of the finished products! thanks for a wonderful teaching experience!

Shattered Angles Class

2011-05-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried on-line learning? I teach at http://www.quiltuniversity.com/ where many very talented teachers from around the world offer over 120 different classes! That's a "lot of learning"!
Registration is open for my Shattered Angles class that begins on May 20th, its a chance to learn in the comfort of your home, even in your pyjamas!
The class will run for four weeks and is made up of three lessons. The project is a variation of a "stack, slash, shuffle and sew" method that I developed. Its a great way to use fat quarters, some of your stash of scraps or even a collection of themed fabrics. Perfect for hand dyed or painted fabrics as well.
I hope you'll consider joining me and having a lot of fun. Here are some pictures to tempt you:

What I Learned at Market

2011-05-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Since I didn't have a booth at Market this spring I enjoyed the freedom of walking the show floor, visiting and networking with fabric companies, pattern designers and more.
I took part in several seminars and I think what I learned there will more than pay for my trip in the near future.
On Saturday I spent a couple of hours learning about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), EMail Marketing, Home Page Web Design, and Facebook and Social Media. Those of you who know me can appreciate that I am not the most tech savvy person and often rely heavily on friends and family. But the company who did the seminars spoke very "un-tech" lingo and explained their point so clearly I was able to take notes and listen at the same time. Hurrah! So having made notes and having some handouts I feel far more prepared to venture forth onto the web and Facebook.
Yesterday I mentioned fresh new designers, young, bright, full of colour and energy. Do take a look at:
www.pixiegirlquilts.com
www.basicgrey.com
www.cluckclucksew.com
www.izzyandivydesigns.com
www.stitchstudios.com

Having seen what these designers are doing I'm excited about the future of quilting!

Some Friends at Market

2011-05-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

I spent part of the day visiting some friends from previous Markets and making new friends. Its always interesting to compare experiences in this business and discuss trends, ideas and generally uplift and inspire each other.
My first stop was to my Facebook friend, Helen Stubbings of http://www.hugsnkisses.net/ from Australia.

Helen designs patterns that feature words and hand stitching. She has also written a book titled Faux Applique from AQS.

Next I met with a friend from my part of the country, Barbara Cherniwchan of Coach House Designs
http://www.coachhousedesigns.com/ Barbara's patterns feature pieced and appliqued designs and make lovely projects for any quilter. She's here with her friend Marci.

Then I saw Leslie and Susan from Delta, BC and http://favoritethings.net/ Leslie designs wonderful clothing and accessory patterns. Last year they had a cloth diaper pattern that was so cute and super easy to make. I made a couple dozen for my grandson, and they are great.

I also met some Canadians who were vending at Market for the first time. Their patterns are an eclectic mix of scrap and folded patchwork, very inspiring and great for every season of the year. I'm sure they will do very well.

http://www.djrichardsdesign.ca/

I also spent time walking the show floor and seeing great new fabrics, new designers and notions. While I didn't see any one item that grabbed me and swung me around dancing, I was truly amazed at the large number of young (under 35) pattern and fabric designers with fresh, bright and fun designs that were a refreshing treat. I have great hopes for the future of the industry if they were any indication of what we can look forward to!

More tomorrow!

International Quilt Market

2011-05-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm in Salt Lake City attending Quilt Market, visiting friends, seeing fabric, checking out the new products and doing a little bit of buying.
Normally Daphne and I would have a booth to showcase our new patterns, demonstrating for shop owners and meeting with business associates. In the last 6 months we've been focused on writing books and writing magazine articles plus a lot of travelling.
So I'm at Market on my own and experiencing it in a whole different way, I can take more time talking with vendors, investigating new products and getting a sense of the flavor.
I spent this morning in a class with Lesley Riley http://www.lesleyriley.com/ learning about TAP-Transfer Artist Paper......a polymer coated paper that can be run through the ink jet printer for photos, painted and stamped on with inks, distressed and then ironed onto fabric, wood, paper, glass and more. Its a very versatile product and while I've done a bit on my own, its great to learn right from the person who developed the product.

Lesley demonstrates her Transfer Artist Paper

Lesley shows a book that is featured in her upcoming book from C&T Publishing

It will be available next month and is called Create with Transfer Artist Paper

Here are some samples that I made in the class and I'm looking forward to using them in some of my mixed media work!

Tomorrow....meet some of the vendors!

Learn all about Hand Piecing

2011-04-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

I'll be teaching my Hand Piecing class at Quilt University http://www.quiltuniversity.com/ beginning this weekend. If you've never considered working just by hand here's a brief introduction to get you started:
Why would quilters consider hand piecing? Some people may think, "Hand piecing? Why bother? Didn’t we get rid of that a long time ago? There are so many newer speedier methods!"

Handwork has really never gone out of fashion. There are times and places where working by hand is the best method. We cannot always haul the sewing machine, cutters, mats and rulers with us wherever we go. Thus, piecing some or all of our quilts by hand stitching can be a perfect answer for portability and the opportunity to use spare moments of time.
Is portability the only reason to hand piece? I think there are several good reasons, some of which apply at different times depending on our needs and moods. Here are a few to consider:

It is relaxing; we have to sit down to do our work. This is different from sitting at our machine where we have to concentrate on the machine and where the needle is in relation to our fingers. In hand piecing we can pick a comfortable chair, curl up in front of the TV or at the beach; I often stitch while my husband is driving during holidays, with the map close at hand. We can relax and hand piece any time and anywhere we choose. The stitching is repetitive; almost always it is a running stitch, which is easy to manipulate by your fingers, using only a few pins, if needed.

We usually work in small units, concentrating on one unit or block at a time. Accuracy is another key element in hand piecing. When we have small pieces to put together or curved units to join, working by hand ensures that bias edges are kept under control and eased into the seam evenly.

With good preparation, work progresses quickly. Preparation is key for hand piecing. By tracing and cutting all the pieces needed for your work and then having them ready for the hand work, you will save time.

Few tools are needed for your work. Remember that quilters in the past had scissors, needle, thread and pins. So, it is not a costly endeavor to begin your quilt making journey. When I worked in a quilt shop, I often thought that the initial expense of all the modern equipment deterred beginners when they wanted to just try it to see if it was a skill they wanted to pursue. The tools for hand piecing are generally ones which we already have, so expense is not a critical factor.

We can use short periods of time to work on our project. It is easy to find a few spare minutes in our day to pick up a project and add a few stitches. Think of the time spent waiting at doctor’s appointments, while dinner is cooking, or at the kids sporting events. If you have made the preparations that we will discuss in class, small amounts of time can develop into some wonderful work! With hand piecing it is easy to stop in the middle of a seam and then return to complete the seam later. You will not have lost your place. Imagine doing that with your machine piecing!

These are three projects we'll be working on:

Monkey Wrench Table Runner introduces template making, straight seams and stitch technique.

Petal Power is about curved piecing, pressing tips and more!

Black Diamond is all about Y-seams and reversed templates.

Remeber that Jinny Beyer creates all her quilts by hand and look what gorgeous work she does!

More Great News!

2011-04-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

You won't want to miss this little gem. I'm live on YouTube, discussing and demo-ing Lapel Stick. I mentioned this product in a previous post, now you can see and hear me.....wow!

More Movie Stars!

2011-04-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend saw Daphne http://www.daphengreig.com/ and I up at Nine Patch Media http://www.ninepatchmedia.com/ taping for a new DVD that will be a companion for our upcoming book Give and Take Fabric Applique from AQS.

The DVD walks the viewer through our technique showing the steps to ctreate positive/negative designs for their quilts. We're very excited about the possibilities for the technique and the DVD is one way to learn from us......

More new will be coming soon! In the mean time here are some fun pictures to show how the DVD is made....

The quilts are up and the set is ready.

Sharon Pederson and Elizabeth Philips are discussing some technical aspect!

Daphne is preparing for a scene.

Chris, the camera man and sound engineer is check the computer screen.

Daphne and I are doing voice overs for the Quilt Gallery.

They even have a "clapper"....remember those? "Scene 1, Take 1" etc, etc. But I forgot to get a picture, darn!

I Spy a Garden

2011-04-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

Last week I visited the Seymour Quilt Guild in North Vancouver and taught a design class entitled "I Spy a Garden". In this class students work with hexagaons and traingles to create landscape style designs.
they begin with a sketch and then use the hexagon shapes to build a garden or landscape, incorporating ideas about value, colour, and perspective.
I think they did extremely well and had fun judging by the amount of chatter fabric trading that went on.

We were entertained by a 'tap, tap tap' throughout the day and found a friendly woodpecker building its nest on the outside of our meeting space. Everyone needs a home!

PD Day for Artists

2011-04-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

I spent today at a Professional Development workshop for artists, what a treat! The facilitator was Martha Cole from Saskatchewan http://www.marthacole.ca/ who has been working as an artist for over 40 years. What a wealth of knowledge and experience she has....
Martha's topic was "Creating Body of Work" and although I have been a quilter for a very long time my travels into the realm of art have only happened in the last 5-6 years. And its only been recently that I have felt that some of my work is leading into a "body". We worked with only our own pieces and really didnt lookat one anothers work except during coffee breaks. We had many exercises to work through, lots of thinking and writing, but all within a very postive environment. I loved it!
The setting was also perfect....Gloria Daly has just finished her custom built studio space and we were the first class to use it. After a blessing of bread and salt and a toast of champagne we worked all day in a very lovely mood!
I have lots of thinking and writing still to do but have great vibes of energy. Here are some pictures of the new space. Visit Gloria at http://www.studiogart.com/

Movie Stars in the Making!

2011-03-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

I spent a couple of hours this afternoon filming a few segments for Lapel Stick http://www.lapelstick.com/ and demonstrating how I use the product to temporarily fasten sheers and tulle to my background before stitching.

Nancy and Veronica came by from Lapel Stick and used the cutest little flip camera for filming.

Then it was Daphne's turn to demo with her little fabric collage and a nifty binding method.

Veronica told us she'd let us know when the demo would be posted on their website, so I'll be sure to post here as well. In the meantime, visit their website and see all the great things that the product can do.... http://www.lapelstick.com/

Design Notes - Latest Issue!

2011-03-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Cliclk on the link below for the latest issue:
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Design-Notes.html?soid=1103244715031&aid=GBuC-MItv9c

Better yet.....sign up to get the newsletter! Just enter your email address in the box to the right ................

New Magazine Article

2011-03-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

I just got my copy of the latest issue of "Quilt Life" from AQS. That's the magazine that features Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson with a wonderful array of articles, interviews and much more.
I was part of an article that featured Vancouver Island and all the wonderful ways that we enjoy life on the west coast.

Here's a page from the magazine:

Here's the quilt that appeared in the magazine:

New Exhibition

2011-03-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

I'm just heading out for the Opening Reception for Rapt Threads, my local Design and Stitch Group. I have two pieces in the show and I'm excited to see some of the other work. I'll be on duty March 15th from 12-4 pm, so stop by if you get a chance.

Saturday Workshop

2011-02-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a lovely visit to the Langley Quilters Guild http://langleyquiltersguild.com/ where I gave two lectures on "Your Creative Space", how to design and use your space for quilting, knitting, beading or?? Its fun to talk about how people can make the best use of space to be creative and enjoy their work.
I also taught my most popular class, "Shattered Angles" and had a blast with it. A wonderful group of ladies who worked so hard and had amazing results with their project.

Here's some pictures of their strips sets:

And here's some of the completed blocks:

Journal Workshop

2011-02-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

I had fun on Saturday being a student at a journal making workshop at Satin Moon, my local quilt shop. The class was taught by a good friend, Laine Canivet http://www.lainecanivet.com/ and I was so pleased to be completely finished the project by the end of the day! I wish that happened more often..... We began by weaving strips of fabric and pinning them into cardboard to hold them in place.

We then stamped with acrylic paint over the top of the fabrics. One helpful thing was the fabrics could be any old, light coloured leftovers, they did not have to be precious.

After stamping, we laid organza over top and quilted with decorative threads. Here are samples from all the students.

Laine is showing how to add the pages, I found out that groups of pages are called signatures.....

Here the outside of my journal with the binding stitched in place, we added some beads as well.

All finished and ready to use, hurray! Thanks, Laine for a great class.

One Word Wednesday

2011-01-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

Sunken

One Word Wednesday

2011-01-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

Peeling