New Fat Quarters!

Ive just added two new fat quarters to my shop at http://fabricimagery.com/category/fabulous-fats/
I had so much fun creating them, one with soy wax resist, my new favourite technique!

 

Morse Code

 

Udon!

One Word Wednesday

Persistence

Stitch Like An Egyptian!

Last week I was at the AQS Grand Rapids Quilt Show as an instructor, I taught four classes including a couple surface design techniques such as Thermofax Printing and my popular Font and Fabric class.

During some of my down time I had the privilege to visit the Stitch Like an Egyptian Exhibit sponsored by AQS. There were over 90 hangings created by the Tentmakers of Cairo, a group of craftsmen who have created these elegant and highly decorated tents, a skill practised for over 2000 years.

 

These hangings are so colourfully exquisite, richly detailed with traditional motifs that the exhibit fairly hummed with excitement and energy! Many already had sold stickers on them and the prices were very reasonable, I wish I could have bought a couple.....

Two of the Tentmakers were at the show, sitting and stitching quietly to illustrate how the applique is done. They were so patient and seemed to quite enjoy all the attention that dozens of middle aged women heaped upon them!

The show will continue in the AQS Des Moines Show and once that show is finished, the hangings will be sent their new owners.

For more information, check out these links, inlcuding a couple of videos:
http://www.jennybowker.com/postcards/2011/12/27/stitch-like-an-egyptian.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db-LwOd2KcY
http://americanhomestead.blogspot.ca/2012/08/stitch-like-egyptian.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrjQmrMt4Uk

One Word Wednesday

Otter Do It!

Meet Dale Anne Potter - Inspiring Designer

I would love to introduce you to a wonderfully inspiring and energetic woman whose newsletters and Facebook missives have been motivating and energizing me for a long time! I've never met Dale Ann but I feel like she's one of my best friends and supporters, I even received a video message on my birthday from her....

Here's what she had to tell me recently during our interview:

I am a Textile Mixed Media Artist, Teacher, Positivity Coach, Speaker who lives in a small town in SW Saskatchewan, Canada.

I grew up on a farm  in east central Alberta so this little town is perfect for me!  I have lived in large cities across this country of ours, but this is HOME! I enjoy the landscape - places where I can see for miles & miles and also, places that have surprises behind the hills and trees.

I have been creating all my life.  I recall sewing by hand with Mom when I was 4 or 5.  I never thought of myself as an "ARTIST" until 2001.  I kept telling myself that I needed an ART degree! I am ever expanding and enjoying trying new ideas, techniques, etc.

I know as a business you are supposed to concentrate on one thing and GO BIG.  I LOVE both textiles and mixed media, so use them both in my artwork.  Sometimes its more textiles than papers, etc. and sometimes its reverse - this is the reason I call myself a Textile Mixed Media Artist!

I branched out last year into being a Positivity Coach.  I have been, myself, expanding with courses, workshops, many books, etc. and have been promoting a more POSITIVE LIFE.  People started noticing, I was  asked by a couple people about coaching, then one more and one more.  

Again, I have been told that I should have a degree or initials behind my name in order to do this, but I feel EXPERIENCE is also a great teacher.  I coach using art journaling as its been therapy for me over the years.  We do inner work and I am fully aware if someone needs more than I can give, I recommend them to someone.

Living in a small town, the Internet is very big for my business.  Its where I have sold the most artwork, where I teach regularly, and how I promote my business.  Social Media is the NEW way of marketing - you get to know your clients/customers and they get to know YOU.  Where else can I spread my POSITIVITY with barely any cost and to the masses?

Presently, I am teaching 5 online workshops/programs and more to come in the fall.  My website: http://www.daleannepotter.com has more information.  One of the events I am honoured to host is the first Positively Creative Retreat to be held in April 2013 with a special guest.  Positivity, Creativity and Serenity - what more could you ask for?

I have many more surprises coming in the future and the best thing to keep up on these will be my Creative Ramblings newsletter (sign up on my website).

I hope you will sign up for Dale Anne's newsletter, its a bright day when it arrives in my Inbox!

New Work - Soy Wax Resist and more.....

I just finished two pieces that will most likely become cushions. I am working on a monochrome palette with soy wax resist and values of grey Procion MX dyes. I love using red with the grey, it gives a magical "pop" to the two pieces.

I made several pieces of these fabrics, using different application techniques and am having a blast trying new ideas and methods with them. I used red piping in between the piecing and I love the "Piping Hot Binding Tool" that you can buy here It makes piping so easy....you'll love the effect that piping can give your quilts!

One Word Wednesday

Moving Faith

Books on Sunday - Creative Quilts

Creative Quilts - Inspiration, Texture & Stitch by Sandra Meech

This is another book I pull off the shelf and have a good read through. Sandra shows how to take inspiration from a variety of sources and keep the creative muse going through the use of journals and sketchbooks. There is instruction on using a variety of surface design and mixed media techniques to add colour, texture and excitment to our work.
Exercises and lessons through the book help develop confidence andpictures of the work of other artists inpire and encourage.
ISBN 9780713490060

One Word Wednesday

Light Breaking

New Work - Circle Play

I've just finished the binding and sleeve on this quilt and I think the process was a first for me. Its the first time I've ever worked on one piece from the very start to the finish without picking up another project in between! I usually have several projects on the "go" and will work a bit on one and then a bit on another, perhaps its a bit of ADD that I cant focus on any one thing for too long!
Circle Play uses soy wax resist and Dye Na Flow paints and I loved the entire process. The design takes me back to elementary school with paper and crayons where I'd draw countless interlocking circles and then colour in between them.......50 years later and I'm still doing the same!

Books on Sunday - Drawn to Stitch

Drawn to Stitch
line, drawing and mark-making in textile art by Gwen Hedley

I pulled this book off the shelf for some summer reading and was once again inspired by the excellent format of lessons, images, drawings and personal experiences that the author shares with her readers.

"line is an essential component of all textile and surface art. When used effectively, line and mark making convey texture, tone form movement and mood"

As quilters and artists,  we use line in piecing, applique, quilting and more. It's important to know and understand how we can interpret different line qualities. this book will certainly help any of us with our creative work. I keep this book nearby when I want to consider and mull over my design ideas.
ISBN 078-1-59668-233-7

New Workshop - Layering the Surface

Since I've had so many requests, Ive added another workshop to my website! I'm sure its going to be a lot of fun!

Exciting design often involves many layers of colour and imagery, building upon one another. In Layering the Surface students will create base layers of colour using simple dyes, learning colour mixing and theory, use of value and application techniques.More layers of colour and imagery are added with Shiva Paintsticks using freeform applications, stencils and textures. For a second day, students will develop further designs on their fabrics with a choice of applique, piecing and stitch.

Contact me for further information about this workshop and many others.

Fun Comes in Threes - Blogs to Visit

I admit it, I love the mobile universe.....sitting somewhere and being connected to what is going on far, far away. Its like looking over someones shoulder and seeing their part of the world! I often spend spare travelling time "surfing" and have a few favourite blogs I'd like to share with you:

http://maiwahandprints.blogspot.ca/

I love them because they're a Canadian company working overseas to make a difference in peoples lives. Plus they have wonderful dyes and products "to dye for", plus they have awesome workshops, plus their bricks and mortar store is amazing, plus they lead tours on wonderful adventures, plus, plus, plus!

http://marnymadethis.blogspot.ca/

My friend Marny takes wonderful pictures, she goes on wonderful vacations to wonderful places, like France! She's a wonderful stitcher and student, too! And a wonderful friend!

http://fibermania.blogspot.ca/

If you don't like colour, don't go to this website! If rich, saturated hues turn you queasy, don't click on the link! If you think the best colours are black and white (actually they aren't colours at all!) then turn aside and go take an aspirin! BUT, if you like inspiration, fun and a bit of attitude, then go for it!!!

OK, this was fun, I hope you enjoyed it too! Maybe I'll try it again next week!

Accent on Angles - Great News and Book Giveaway!

I just got a copy of my Accent on Angles fresh from its "second printing", yes indeedy!!! Thank you all so much for your wonderful support! Now the good news ...... I'm giving the book away.... free....to you!
You need to tell me and the world why you'd like the book, leave a comment on my blog, yes, my blog (not Facebook) at http://www.susanpm.blogspot.com and by August 6th my highly esteemed judge (aka. hubby) will pick the winner. I love my family, but they are not allowed to participate....actually they can participate but will not be considered for the prize!
While you are at it, why not sign up for my Design Notes Newsletter? Great ideas, fun interviews and more! You can do that on the blog as well!

Here's the book...if you don't win, you can always order a copy at www.fabricimagery.com I'll autograph it too!

Here's some of the awesome quilts you could make if you won the book.....or bought it!

One Word Wednesday

Happy Day