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.