New Year A-Head

2012 was an ambitious and heavy year. Now with tasks ahead for 2013, I am looking forward to shaking off this weight and starting new. Happy New Year to my faithful 32 followers, and all my "passer-bys" as well.

Stop Watering the Tree

Just about now I tend to stop watering the tree. Even though it keeps standing tall until I say "go". I love it, always have.

Measurable Snowfall

 

After about 15" of snow, it was time to unearth the driveway. But I love the sculptural additions it makes to my magnolia.

The Last Dance

For week 52 of Quilt 2012, I took time today to spend with "The Last Dance". Working on these sketches (just 20" x 12") has taught me a tremendous amount. Thank you, Jeanne, for doing that blog.

Hanging Around

Sometimes I pin up fabric to see juxtapositions and interactions. A snapshot shows what dominates and what needs edits. And it often leads to a composition that sticks. So, here is what I have up tonight.

Mola Search

The peeps have a mola challenge that will be due this spring. Here is a pile of textiles that I can use for inspiration; but I do have to pick one. I am drawn to the boots on the left (at 10:00) and the pattern inside. So, here I go.

Little Quilt, Big Quilt

Christmas afternoon is made for recovering (from the morning) and getting ready for Christmas evening. Good thing each creature has appropriate sized quilts.

White Christmas

Heading back from Christmas Eve celebrations, there was lots of snow. Which makes all the lights more festive. Inside is our major large tree. Now to bed and visions.

More Iodine Sketches

Taking a break from the holiday hubbub to sketch another little idea for Iodine. This has acetate for substrate, and is shown half folded out. Might have to go picking for materials soon.

Germinating

I like the idea of layering. Whether used in surface design -- like over print, then discharge -- it is fun to look through a design. Here is what was stuck to my design wall, and the germ of the iodine idea. Acetate, printed fabric, fireplace mesh, and some goofy long pin thingies.

New Leaf, New Year

Bev was here today for our annual peeps holiday gathering, and she had finished her leaf quilt, which is all pieced. We got to see her great quilting, which is hard to see in this photo. She used her hand-dyes to great advantage. Thanks, Bev.

New Quilt and a Fire. Who Needs Company?

My half-square quilt is finished. And none too soon to add joy to this little critter, my studio assistant. It is the half-square shibori quilt that I teach, but without the fancy shibori fabric.

Signature, Please

Its not finished until it is signed. So, sometimes I forget, but here I am putting on the John Hancock. Matisse did not put a label on the back, far as I know. And who goes around flipping artwork to search for the name? Put it on the front.

Last Dip of the Year

Taking advantage of the 50+ degree day yesterday, I got out the dye and under-dyed fabric. Later it will be rolled and twisted "shibori" style, and redyed. Looks awful here, but it in the end, it looks great.

More Iodine

'Nother sketch for Iodine. This is half-scale, and is all folded up and 11" x 18". So, unfolded it makes 22 x 36 -- half scale of the finished size. The round thingies are the thyroid glands, the pink slash, the thyroidectomy cut. Medicine can be fun. Right? Oh, yes, that plastic is to stay.

Iodine Idea

A quarter-scale sketch for my iodine quilt shows that there is laminating film to back the elements. I plan to fold it up finishing at 22 x 36, but it would in reality be 44 x 72. Just a plan for now.

Lights = Snow

Trees are lit with white lights, and it reminds me of snow. Which is lacking just about now. Which is all right. But I know it would change the mood. But no snow gives me one more time to deer proof outdoors. Tomorrow!

Along the Erie Canal

A short walk from my house, along the old section of the Erie Canal, is the site of the Odenbach Shipyard, which made barges for use on the canal. Later, it made barges for landing craft in World War II. It would make a great movie location for something creepy.

Oil Pots (Not Tea Pots)

Java's, at the public market, had these dancing oil pots by Jennifer Buckley. I had to get a snap to share. Only good for that day, so if you want to find them, go out to RIT and their ShopOne2.

Multiples

Faces, some in profile, are hand painted on these glass balls. I love the ones that are in profile. Just to tempt me at the public market.

The Road Travelled

Quilt 2012 got my attention (and work) this week. I have sadly neglected to add my pieces, but found some time to do this one. Remember -- it is just 20" x 12". And it is called "The Road Travelled."

Time for Donations

In alphabetical order, George Eastman's secretary kept each person (Helen Keller), institution (Vassar), or cause (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) listed with the amount of money he donated. And he donated a lot. Now, for those of us with backup on the cloud -- what would happen if this box was lost?

Sweet Art

A trip to the International Museum of Photography at the George Eastman House to see the gingerbread display included this fabulous structure. Love all the color, patterning, and texture. And all with high sugar content, how can you not agree?

Lights for the Dark

For me, it is the dark, not the cold, that is so difficult to live with during winter. So, I have always appreciated seeing those lights go up (here looking down East Avenue toward the Liberty Pole). Now, I can't say they have an effect on my stitching, but you are free to associate bits of light with bits of white.

Choosing Art

First Friday was here in town tonight. That means a gallery hop. We saw lots, and my Christmas present was offered. But I had to choose. Which would you pick of the two lovely Carol Aquilano's works? It will be under the tree...

Play the Hand You are Dealt

Why can't I have the perfect color in my box of threads? This quilt is loaded on the longarm, batting in place, and I need that dark warm green spool. I am NOT driving for just that one!

Cookie Day

This is the eighth year (we think) that my friends and I have had Cookie Day. We make a traditional cucidate, or Italian filled cookie. And lots. If you stop in, you can have one.

Distraction

I am supposed to be keeping notes on my project for Iodine, but I can't get the pencil to work. Or me, for that matter. Total distraction.

Pin Interest

This year's Clothesline festival at the Memorial Art Gallery had these wonderful pins. I am sorry I have forgotten to get the artist's name. She also knitted wonderful garments. And if I believed in self-gifting, I might start here.

Presenting the Challenge

I love a good challenge. And the three listed above are for the start of the new year. And "Iodine" (it is now sinking in), is a challenge that needs documenting. And I hate documenting. But that can be my challenge, too.

Now for Something Completly Different

My microwave is now trashed, and the new one has some hanging difficulties. This, and other small tasks, are the time suck for me. (Wait till the holidays roll.) First, I need a metal cutter person to get the new one installed.