Stitching at Quilt National

 Ann Smith detailed figures in her work, and this detail shows her hand stitching. She doesn't use a sewing machine, and builds her work with used clothing and fabric. The effect speaks to her plain and serious manner in capturing people. 

Quilt National 2023

Made the drive to Athens, Ohio and the opening of Quilt National 2023. My piece is in great company, and looks swell hanging proud of the perimeter wall. There's lots of fresh new faces, wonderful explorations of fiber work, and of course friends to meet. Many I've met virtually, now in person!
 

Hot Tip Time

Thank you to Betsey for this fabulous tip. I always complain that I'm not going to wash out the spoon just to lid my thickened dyes. And Betsey tipped me off to her husband's clever "just drill a hole" solution. Now that I'm away for a few days, this is just the perfect solution. Dyes last weeks, just do a swatch!
 

Late Night

It's late, the full day is over, and I look back to Rite of Spring, the reinstalled work that was hanging around Studio 301. It was my zoom reunion backdrop (who needs virtual?) and a reminder that you can learn new techniques because it's an everchanging road. You have to.
 

Boring but Reality

I'm taking a printing break, so my hot water tank can go back to low. The dial is painted with white-out so I can see it, and this is about 140 degrees. The washer is steaming on it's hot setting. I believe that some washers regulate that hot water so it doesn't scald. Not mine. 

 

Printing 2023

I've three "away" printing spots, all delightful. July is in Coupeville, Washington. End of August is Madeline Island, Wisconsin; and November is Tahoe, Nevada. Spend a week printing fabric -- you'll never forget it! In person, live. 
 

More Putting and Taking

After a week away, it was high time to get back to the studio. Sundays are almost dead there, so I was happy to get in some solid time. And I left it looking much better then when I walked in. No clue yet what this is saying, but there is a bit of plant adoration going on. Hmmm.
 

Know When to Fold Them

What started as a color demo became this lovely garden. I'm putting aside those that are to be cut-up considerably, those to hold, and those to post for sale. This is one that is hard to figure. It may be too much like one's I've used in my work, so I might keep. But there are others, and they'll be around soon.
 

Before and After

That half-finished demo piece just waited for me to get to it. So, I've added some more work, calming the light borders, and ended with the second. Not my favorite, but definitely usable parts.
 

Ribbons in Order

A generous student tipped me off to using confetti or ribbons behind a screen. I loved the effect, but not the stringy mess. So, latest switch was to make my own from tyvek by slicing the ribbons all the way but leaving it together at the end by a few inches. Now I can print, dunk in water to wash, and use again.
 

Green Screen

Washed out and showing their final colors, it seems they are telling me to go for green. Must be spring! When I've got a set, as this is both botanical and the same palette, then I know I need to A.) use these together, and B.) get something other than this to use against it (like another set!).