Art Scene

The Geisel Gallery held an opening tonight, and I got a chance to check out Barbara Fox's, Kristine Bouyoucos', and Susan Leopard's work. When what you see makes you want to go to the studio and create, you know it was a good thing.

Making Progress Take #2

Decided to try the "Making Progress" in different way. And its fun to use those batiked and mono-printed fabrics with abandon. The little sketch is pinned at right.

Experimental Idea

I watched with rapt attention my vending neighbor, Quilter's Corners' (Ithaca) demo -- a method of quilt-as-you-go. I tried it, but my inaccuracies were just compounded. This method will not do. Plus, I couldn't figure out how to incorporate sashing. Oh, well.

Eagle Eye

Couldn't resist this piece (awk! Piece and Resist) of aerie sculpture. At the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge in Seneca Falls, there is a diorama with two eagles. They stayed quite still for my shot.

Mermaid Heaven

Jen (who used Jameson Rose Selections as her company) was working away on this mermaid's costume at the quilt show -- and selling wonderful Chamberlain Acres plants, too. You thought you'd only see quilty things?

My Pick

As a vendor to the Piecemakers Quilt Show this weekend I was allowed to award a ribbon to one of the quilts. I chose Terry Minwell's Snow Days because I love the change in scale and the upbeat rhythm of the blocks. An ode to winter, with thread drawn scenes, this quilt gets my vote.

Seen at the Quilt Show

I love this scrappy quilt that was started in 1983 and not finished until almost a decade later. Maybe its the white that holds it all together, but the fabrics are wonderful and full of life. At the Piecemakers of Elmira Quilt Guild show in Elmira, New York.

Soaring Above the Quilts

This weekend I'll be in Elmira, New York selling my hand-dyed fabrics and giving a lecture on Saturday. The quilts are throughout the National Museum of Soaring, and walking through the space I had to watch out for dipping wingspans while eyeing the quilts. Hazards!

Seen In Paducah

Sandy, from the shores of Lake Erie, sent me proof that my work was up in Paducah at the Yeiser. I love to see her, having fun, and evidence that people are really looking at all that there is to be done with fiber and quilts. Thanks, Sandy.

Start Packin'

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is the Elmira Piecemakers Quilt Show where I will meet you with my newly printed fabrics. I even have a bundle of shibori hand dyed. Let's see how many I can NOT keep for myself.

Time to Bleach

If that soy wax worked so well for printing, it ought to do fine for bleaching (or discharge) this piece. I'll be bringing it and many more to the quilt show this weekend in Elmira. Come visit. Better still, take in my Saturday lecture. Even if they do spell my name incorrectly, here is the link for more
info: http://piecemakerquilters.weebly.com/

Closer Look

As I looked again at the set of photos I took yesterday, I had to post this. It is the way we feel (happy, joyful) when we share our work with another. Sue Ellen is getting a closeup look from Denise. We so often work alone, and the need to get feedback is important.

Gathering of SAQA New York Members

The Schweinfurth Art Center was our gathering spot today for a dozen members in a "parlor meeting" where we could share our passion for art quilts. This is Carol, who layered and layered fabrics for this composition.

Time for Fun

Anne was our guest today at the Peeps meeting. She brought the start of a work that will have her free-cut people and houses. I loved that they are set in white, so you can imaging how they will look set together. Nice, Anne.

I Can't Help Lovin'

Hours on the computer drive me to find the dye and fabric. This is a continuing experiment with soy way and thick dye. Even ignored the greening grass and blue sky today.

SAQA Get Together This Saturday

We Studio Arts Quilt Associates (of anyone who can get to Auburn, New York) are meeting this Saturday, April 18 at the Schweinfurth Art Center from 11 - 2. You too are welcome to come as my guest. We'll share our work, bring a bag lunch and do some generally good talking about contemporary quilts. Just show up!

Hanging Around

I've finished "In Process" and now can enjoy it from my kitchen. There is nothing like seeing a piece in relation to the other parts of your house. In fact, if you don't like it, how would anyone else?

Jan's Puzzle

The Half Square Triangle can spin in many directions, and this quick draft had the blocks weaving in and out. But that was just fooling around. Jan (who made up the blocks) will settle on a setting, and I hope she shares it with me.

Red in Bud

A gentle walk in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains was my last stop in Tennessee before hopping the plane to return home. I know that it will eventually warm up north. Boy, it sure was grand to see how it's done in Tennessee.

Work-Fun Day

Arliss stands with her work in progress.We tried all the ways to piece improvisationally, from shifting to curved piecing, to insetting windows. A great group of accomplished quilters and a wonderful day to spend with them.Thanks, Tennessee.

Good Use for a Large T-Square

At my Half-Square Triangle workshop today, the 48" drywall t-squares were put to good use marking a grid on the fabric, as well as the diagonal. We sewed, cut, and arranged. Loved the group from the Village Quilters outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. And the rulers all found great forever homes.

Big Leaf at the Finish Line

Sue managed to beat the pack and finish her top today at the "Big Leaf" workshop with the Village Quilters in Tennessee. She is happy, I am happy, and the rest of the room was happy, too. Plus it was a beautiful 82 degrees.

Looking for a Magnolia

I'm hunting the Tennessee countryside for magnolias. I've found redbud in bloom, daffodils, cherry trees, and lovely river birch just greening up. No magnolias yet, but the week is yet to unfold.

Radical, Radical

Radical Elements, which has one of my works, also show a piece by Kathy York she called "Seeking: A White Mitten in a Blizzard". This is a detail, and yes these are bottle nipples, and yes, it is a quilt. It is headed to the National Academy of Sciences in Washington May 18 - October 19, 2015.

New Big Leaf

Quick quilt, added a facing, and now I'll pop this in the suitcase and head off to Tennessee. I've got this for the workshop on Thursday, and excited to see how it looks with another color palette.

Happy Easter

A small but delicious celebration of spring and round things. Although it was snowing throughout the day, I know that this snow will end soon. Great to have company, good food, and a longer day.

Feline Separation

The start of my week was a visit to the Susquehanna Art Museum and their exhibit of Children's Book Illustrators. My cat chair is here, and seems forlorn. But at the far table, someone is intently working on another cat chair. Love from a distance?

Fleshing Out the Big Leaf Two

I'll have to call this something like "Big Leaf Two" so that I can keep track of it. I'm proofing this new pattern, and I like it. Just using some hand dyed and rather solid looking color here. Yes, it is freezer paper templates.

Big Leaf Redo

I wanted to try another version of my Big Leaf, so have sketched it out. Taking this to Tennessee next week to see what happens.

Walk in the Hood (Harrisburg)

Tuesday's lunchtime was a chance to see what was around the corner from the Susquehanna Art Museum. This building, from the late 1800s is still in use as a market. Great architecture on every street.