Stitching Toes

With the background quilted down, I've added my hand cut shapes on top and stitched raw edged style. Then I can go back and add more quilting or expressive drawn lines. The fun part of the work.

Real Transparent

To separate the background from the figures, I used a plexiglass sheet (about 1/8" thick) to assemble the bits, then after quilting some of the background, slid the bits on. Much easier to transfer. The bits were raw edged sewn to the quilted back. Then I continued quilting.

Background As You Like It

This made more sense, that is, to change that background that would make the figures stand out. Plus it helps the story. Stay tuned.

Change Again

I've changed the background and added another figure. Still not there, but better. I do like the dialog between the two figures, even though this is supposed to be a self-portrait.

Second Draft

A few weeks ago I posted the beginning of my portrait for the new year's exhibit Vision 2020. More on that later. This is the revision. I've since changed it, but here's a reference to hang on to.

Nature's Got Splotches Too

Most of my work today was spent on the computer, so I've no evidence (photographically) to show. This image came to mind to "poinsettia" out that even when we complete a task, there's always some more bits to arrange or delete.

Halls Be Decked

Merry Christmas to all you out there who check on me from time to time. I do blog for myself, but I realize that you are out there, and it is a comfort to know that. I'm so often surprised to hear you remark "I read your blog" and then you smile. So, thank you.

Susan B and Her Sister

Susan B. Anthony's headstone is next to her beloved sister's. A visit yesterday brought home the bond of family or close friends. They were great support to each other, and strong leaders in their work. The reason why we draw close to those we love this time of year.

Seasonal Color

We took a walk in the Lamberton Conservatory today and were greeted by all manners of lights. This blue spotlight gave me a thrill. This no filtered photo shows the color combo I so often try to hit. But this was just a blue spot light. If only printing this was so easy!

How Many Can Be Mine

My christmas shopping ends up One For Me, One For You. So, now that the last batch is washed and getting ironed, I'm saving some for me. The rest will travel in a couple of weeks to Craft Napa for sale night (Friday?) but this one might stay home.

Ready to Finish

I've about a dozen scarves hanging waiting to be sewn. (I'll bring them with me to Craft Napa). They are washed out. Compare the middle one to the pre-washed piece from yesterday's post. That turquoise is always so much darker before it's washed. No matter, I just work around that.

Fabric Printing

It's been a while since I dyed fabric. What I love most is printing. Making a repeated element run across the space, switching out color, changing the density of the color is part of the challenge. And the combination in one piece -- whole cloth designs -- well, that takes the cake.

Little Tricks for Printing

I've used a water soluble felt tip pen to draw the boundaries of my images. With a brush I painted the soy wax. So, so helpful to know where to make that first drawn line.

Limited Palette

I'm trying to get in a bit more printing while I can, but limited the amount of thickened dye in my palette leaving out a lighter yellow and fushia. So, the line-up is turquoise, mixing red, intense blue, kiwi (why not?), sun yellow, and cotton black. It's working so far.

MIssed the Shipment

Two boxes of printed yards of cotton are on their way to the Craft Napa January workshops. These late comers may have to ride along in the hold when I fly out. My first time there, I'll be selling these at the "artists market" on Friday night. Should be fun.

Leaf Forms

I'm always filing away shapes and forms to use in my work. File this under "earlets" for the shapes I love, but this time sticking out of that paddle shape. Bonus is the great prickly texture on the plant's leaves. Any edit of this photo makes a great start for a composition.

In Need of Warmth

A trip to the conservatory in Baltimore gives a break from the cold of my hometown. I'll  take the sun's warmth back soon in time for the solstice and more cold.

Cookie Day

Yes, the season to get cookin. Or baking, as the case may be. I've made these each year for over half a century. One of the few traditions worth the time and effort.

Portrait for 2020

An invite to be part of a portrait show prompted this start. I'm not sure where we're driving at this point, but we seem to be creeping down the road nonetheless. I'll give an update next week. Seems that some holiday celebrations will cut my work time this weekend.

Full Moon, Full of Surprise

Tonight's full moon will have to come in the metaphor of this fruit tart. Full, round, magically flavored. Half hidden, with mystery inside. An apt moon for the coming solstice season.

Blue Scarf

My silk scarves are all out at galleries, so I've taken some time to make more. I'll bring them with me to Napa, California this January. Here are some stacked on my rack. I'm using insulation board under to transfer the from the print table till I'm ready to wash out.

Time Suck

I always underestimate the time it takes to wash out the printed fabric. After a few cold water rinses, then warm, then long soaks in hot (heater is cranked to ultimate) I still put through the washer, then sometimes even boil the fabric. Then a last wash, dry, iron. Sucky process.

How Many is Too Many?

I was once asked how many screens I use. I don't keep track. But here is what is kicking around at the moment. You'll see that they're not washed out and the thickened dye is dried on. I'll get to that since it's just a cold water rinse and then I'm good to go.

Checking on My Garden

The Schweinfurth's Quilts=Art=Quilts exhibit continues and I see it afresh each time I visit. My work -- the blue garden thing -- is in great company. And the discussion continues: we want to know why, how they did it, what was the inspiration, what did the juror see. Endless possibilities.

Meeting Finger Lakes Fiber Artists

Every couple of months FLFA gets together and encourages. What? Yes, encourages. To be public, to make work, to try out new processes, to learn about the goings on. Oh, and the impromptu show on the walls were things we share. That as well. Great group.

Start With Dark

As the skies turned gray and snow fell, it was easy print in the studio. I was thinking about this summer when I'll be teaching in Washington State at the Pacific Northwest Art School a class "Start With Dark". Simple, dramatic, bold. No wimping out here -- start with dark!

Stacking Prints

I'm multitasking here with printing and piecing. Until I can build another print holding rack, here is my backup plan. I've got Styrofoam insulation boards stacked with plastic drain segments and plastic sheeting wraps. Works, and that's all that matters.

Book Art

Carol Acquilano's book "Winter Trees" is part of the Art of the Book now at the Rochester Public Library. These graphic forms, each a separate aquatint, are just so beautiful, so dynamic, so strong. Not the best photo, you'll have to trust that this is just one great and inspiring example from the show.

Float Your Shape, Sweetheart

As a piecer I'm always looking to set in a shape just where I want it, not necessarily where it is easiest to fit. I'm getting adept at plopping it down and then melting it in. See, I've got "ears" attached to this shape, and common cuts to set it in. Part of the "Line, Shape, Setting" class.

If It Was Easy as Black and White

I often see people looking at their work with red filters, checking at the work in black and white, and other means to read only the value of the piece. I tried this, but I still find it disturbing. I really do what to see what the color is. That's just my world, I guess.

Skinny Line Study

A little study showing the fabrics I use for those skinny lines will travel with me to Napa this January. It replaces the one I once traveled with. Seems that other line study needed to keep traveling, so here's my new friend.

Traveling Boots

Mid January will find me in Napa, California to teach. But this boots mola will take the US mail first and wait for me there. The packing is underway to get materials packed and shipped out.

Life on the Edge

The traditional pieced quilt has inherent edges where one fabric cleanly meets the other. Sometimes, patterns make that edge. I'm interested in how a print can move and morph without piecing for that edge. Yes, I piece (piecesandresistance) but I preserve that printed edge when I can.

No One is This Island

There are islands, true. But even though we may think, want, or believe we are alone, we are not. Something connects us, reaches us, even if it is water and shore. So, my thanks for those around the world who connect me to them. I'm thankful to have that in my life.

Seasonal Doings

With Christmas coming soon, bear with me while I get projects  together. Tis the season.

Before the Shot from Yesterday

Here's a slice of the design wall. I've already cut and pieced a few things, as you can see from yesterday's post. Slow going, though. Not to mention today's weather was perfect for non-studio work. So, yes, a slog.

Line, Shape, Setting

I'm taking my own advice. I'll be at Craft Napa in California this January teaching how to cut shapes into any background and then piece in. I love what comes of that. I've got my start, now to see how it morphs. Oh, and line needs to show up, too.

New and Just Hung Up

Three Sisters is not quite pressed, tidied up, or signed, but I wanted to see how it would read on the wall. I've not got a properly large wall in my house, but no matter, it seems fine. Now I can live with it a while and see how it holds my attention. So far, so good.

Off to New Home

Take Two: Sharks and Jets was all about a rumble. Two distinct groups clashing, along with lines that shoot through each set. It was admired, then purchased, and now gone to hang in its new home. I'll miss its noise.

Remembering

Today a snapshot of my class in Geelong went in my student email binder. I lingered on this photo. Not because the group was from Australia, though that gave it a measure of different, but because there were each such wonderful and giving people with with to spend a week. I am so lucky.

Trials that Bind

With hours of impeachment inquiry on, I've got the perfect reason to stay still and sew on a binding. Good thing this is a large quilt. You get my tip for ganging up my tools on a tray, which also holds the TV remote.

Take My Word

This is my view from one of my kitchen windows. There are at least six cardinals in this group of trees/bushes. It is a study on not seeing what is really there in the details. But I know they're there. Take my word for it.

Starting Again

Quilters of a certain tradition are bent to use every little scrap in the basket. These were left from the last piece, and I'll see if they can measure up to something. And, for the record, those bitty scraps I toss away. They piled up so they just about blocked the door!

All Around the House

Counting the bathrooms, my house has seven rooms. Which means I can set up projects just about anywhere. On the living room table is a friend's weaving that needs a sleeve. And handy for getting "away" from the studio.

More of What Else

I'm channeling the great modern quilters here with my swoops, my dives, my curls. You might call it aerobics for the long arm. And that pic from yesterday?  Took the stitches all out. Somehow the red thread just was not a happy camper. Monday we'll have a redo.

More Stitching

Once the quilt is loaded on the machine, I can walk away, or return to stitch. Today was that kind of day, so having it sitting at the ready meant I could hop on and off the time to quilt this top. Good for a Saturday.

Foolin' Around With Red

William Keyser's piece morphed with his wall hung work on the University Gallery's wall at RIT. I took a busman's holiday to hear Evan Snyderman's talk on artists in his New York R Gallery. But Keyser's work "Foolin'..." (there to be seen, not in a slide) kept my attention. Plus, I'm attracted to that red.

Just Fits

I've managed to just fit this work on my longarm with a few inches on the side for breathing room. With all intent to start something on the design wall, this compelled me to start quilting. That "closure" thing must be a habit.

Loss, and Loss

Yesterday was a large snowfall. This front yard tree couldn't take that amount and split severely. Being on city property, the city quickly removed the limbs and thought they might be back to take down the rest next week. Maybe there'll be new this spring.

Henry's Moon

Tonight's full moon was extraordinary. I don't know who Henry Lester was, but his safe was painted with a haunting night scene depicting a ship on the water guided by moonlight. This I found in the Rochester Art Supply Store. Candy for any visual artist. Or more like drugs.