Newman's Own

Velda Newman's work was in the Vermont Quilt Festival that I saw this weekend. This detail shows her skillful way with dye, and her subtle quilted stitch. Larger than life, this is one powerful fish.

Serenity, If That is Possible

I found Dominique Ehrmann, of Ste. Sophie, Quebec, Canada, hosting her work "Serenity" at the Vermont Quilt Festival this Friday. It is a sculptural piece, almost a diorama. She mirrors her work, no?

Collector's Wisdom

In "Why Quilts Matter", a documentary series, Gerald Roy is described as "an art teacher, painter, quiltmaker and author", but when I tagged along yesterday for his discussion of his collection, (on view at the Vermont Quilt Festival), he was just plainly a great guide. Can't you tell? My look is of admiration.

Taking Shape

With a few sections finished, I am about to settle on the few blanks that remain. The quilting additions are already coming clear in my head. Can't wait to do that.

Transfer the Marks

If I remember to put in those hash marks, I can then transfer them to the seam allowance with a pencil. These goofy curves may have me doing a bit of applique.

Finally Rain

I inherited these outstanding daisies with the house. After today's rain they are just as sturdy as can be. These became the basis for my new garden beds.

Additions

Just keep adding to it. Trying out more, this is for the bottom. Might work, if not, I'll switch it out. The bottom was silkscreened, with dye painted here and there.

Farewell to an Old Friend

Moving, cleaning, relocating takes its toll. And so I have let go of many of the objects that defined interests. Down the street goes my table saw on its moveable wheels. It will have a new life, and I am sure, a great home.

On the Design Wall

Got started. Now to see how those parts play out. This all sounds so theatrical. Parts, audition, play -- but am I ready for my close up?

Hash Marks

If you have worked with me when I show how to make freezer paper templates, you know how often I neglect to add those hash marks, or tick marks, between the pattern pieces BEFORE I cut them apart. Yup, did it again. Must have been a long day.

Opening Night

I go to enough openings for ART that being at one for a furniture store would seem ho-hum. But I have to say that this store did a bang-up job. Free flowing wine and champagne, lovely seating, great people watching, and even a jazz band. Art has a lot of competition. Did I mention fireworks?

Ladies' Auxiliary

The Federation of Eagles had a ladies group (just saying "ladies" makes me laugh) and this banner was part of the Aerie (Eagle's Nest), or chapter. Getting ready for a garage sale and this is up for grabs. Its old, for sure.

Can't Help It

It is summer, and I have been in my new house for a year. So, I can't help drifting off to visit what is coming up in the garden. This plant is a gift that came this year. Last summer was all work, this summer might just be a bit of play.

Layers and Layers

I have some screened fabric that after processing seemed, well, dull. So, back to the soda soak, and on the table for another round of screen printing. Might not be finished yet.

TED Talk Today

The fab Hochstein Auditorium was the scene for TEDxFlour City today. Lots of talk on every conceivable subject. And lots of inspiration. And Flour City? The name for early Rochester when it was the hub of grain milling for he eastern seaboard.

Printed Fabric

We searched high and low for curtain material for my friend's windows. She pulled out beautiful curtains from decades ago. Now I am reworking them for her. There is something beautiful about printed fabric, and it is always alluring.

Apron Delight

If I am silkscreening, I still need diversion. So, this already soda-soaked apron got a hit from the screen. Might use it, might sell it, might give it away. But I will definitely do more.

Speaking Volumes

In 1959, a group hired Louis Kahn to build this church. I walk by it almost everyday. Kahn said "Architecture is the thoughtful making of spaces". I love the volumes that surround this place.

Tulip Tree in Bloom

I took a breather today, and I ended up on a second floor balcony. Perfect to find this tulip tree (because of the leaf shape?) in full bloom.

Hunk of Fabric

I saw this printed kona cotton at JoAnn's. At about 6 yards, it has a subtle texture in gold. I overdyed it. So, now I have a great back for the next quilt Or maybe two backs. You see the back often, so make it something you like.

Grid Time

Next up: Slap a one inch grid over the sketch and delineate the major chunks of the design. Now to transfer one inch to one foot. Love the aura.

Direct Hit

I took some dye and water and hit the fabric with some line work. I have no idea what it will do strength wise. I'll wash it out tomorrow. Then I might just cut it up again. You know me.

Soda Soaked

I have pieced this bit of blues together, and now it is drying after soaking in soda ash solution. I plan to do some direct painting and dyeing on this tomorrow. My slow cooking compost pile is behind it.

Having a Plan

I know. It looks like I just throw some fabrics against the wall, and what sticks is what the work becomes. But I do have a PLAN. It is that little sketch on the left. I'm just fleshing it out.

Craftsman Style

A throwback to Medieval Ages, with stained glass, copper lanterns, gothic arches, and stone paths, this house is a Ward Wellington Ward design from 1928. I got to see the gardens on a tour tonight, and it was anything but medieval. A house with soul.

Green is the Season

Color is finally returned to the landscape. Took a break today to visit the courtyard garden where I often visit. My own garden is young, but maybe it will mature to be this.

Have a Cup of Coffee and a Plate of Cookies

This will go to Renae's pottery shop. I enhanced the plate of cookies a bit with stitching, and had the background recede with heavier quilting. The cup is just loosely quilted. It is 20 x 14 and I call it A Cup of Coffee and a Plate of Cookies. (Donuts seemed too heavy.)

Cup of Coffee Thank You

A friend hosted me a while ago, and since she is a potter, I wanted to thank her with a cup of coffee and a plate of donuts. I'll show you the quilting tomorrow.

Studio Time

Most of the day was for outside painting, but I did need to get away from the heat and sun. So, a few moments to start to detail the next of the "Time of Day" series. My sketch is at left, the start is on the right.