Family Matters

It was time to make a little quilt for my grand daughter to play on. I took a yard of printed fabric, and went to town. I smiled all the way, running a drawn stitch over the polka dots. Nothing too precious, just a play quilt for fun.

Future of Exhibitions

I've set aside work that is earmarked to go on exhibit this summer at RIT. As I write, campus is shut down. The reopening is not yet set, so can't say if this exhibit will be virtual or not. I'm ready when they're ready.

Tuesday Night

Every Tuesday night for almost a half century the Golden Link Folk Singing Society gets together for a sing-around. Now a-days we zoom around. I'm in there somewhere, and yes, I manage to squeak out a song. Thank god it's not recorded.

Hanging Quilts

A couple of emails about how I hang my pieces on the wall, and I photoed the stuff I need to make my own hangers with magnets. Here are the components, I use two or (if really wide like 8 feet) three. There is another post showing the store bought product on the wall on Dec. 19, 2014.

Yard in the Yard

It goes on through snow, rain, sun. I keep putting up a yard in my yard. Can't think when I'll stop. Maybe when this restriction is lifted. Meanwhile, I've got a statement tree.

Weather Break

After days (weeks?) of cold dark, the day brought sun and above 50 degrees. So, it was time to visit the memorial tree for my mother-in-law. She'd not be happy with a pandemic and all its problems. We aren't either, but we're in it for the long run. And it will be a long run. No short dash.

Yard in the Yard But Solo

For over 30 days I've hung out a printed yard on my front yard tree. Today they get washed and ironed and sorted to sell, keep, or use immediately. Sometimes one just says "I'm just fine by myself" and begs to be quilted up just as is. Might be this one is one of those.

Tryouts

I've yet to make a "baby quilt" specifically for my grand daughter, so I thought I'd just put together two fabrics and send off as a test. That is, can it stand up to lots of washing, dragged around, folded in a heap, driven over in the parking lot. Been there, that's the test of time.

Fabric Paintings?

The fundraiser for Rochester Contemporary asks for donations of 6" x 6" art. They're anonymously sold for $20. I'll just make the submission deadline, I think. These are canvas glued with my printed fabric. I'll do more, just because.

Scarf This Up

I've printed a batch of scarves. They are about 6 feet of crepe de chine silk in a loop. They're beautiful, and I sell them. But since I'm not on the road, you can to find them here, there, or maybe on my web site someday, if you want one.

The New Normal

Instead of a night out at the local cafe, I've tuned in to a zoom broadcast of members who would be playing there. Such a strange and distant life. But, I did get some autographing finished. Small task.

I'm Missing Fun

I had looked for a pic in the camera roll only to stumble on this group of Queensland Quilters. This is so much a part of what I do -- meet so many great people -- where we spend a day or two forgetting the world's worries, getting immersed in design, art, color. Whatever. Just a wonderful memory.

End of the Week

I love those shots of people cleaning up their fabric, neatening the threads, tidying up. This is the mess left from printing. And the edited version, no less. I'll finish up washing, ironing, stacking. Then next week, if I can muster the energy, it's time for the design wall.

Pillow, Pillow, Pillow

My handprinted 20" square pillows are things I make when I print yards. They are fun, but take extra care to print "clean" without fingerprints, smudges, goofs. I sell these, usually when I travel. But I'll have to think of other ways to do that. Meanwhile, here ya' go.

Tryouts

A while back I bought some printed linen. I'm using the reverse of that to print some colors and prints to see how it takes This would take hand needling so well, but that's not my thing. But, I've got some time to experiment, now, don't I?

More Silk Scarves Staying Home

Someday these will be on their way to some gallery or shop to be sold. Or they might travel with me where I teach or lecture. But for now, I'll finish them and tuck them away. Heck, today it snowed, so maybe I'll wear one.

End of the Dye Week

This yard has been through the wash and now ironed. It holds dyes that are left over and getting "old" from a few days of printing. So, I'll spread and scrape color on a yard, loosly fold and then scrape dark or black dye over it. Those streaks are that black. I leave folded up for a day, then process.

Wear It Like You Mean It

I haven't been a mask maker until I was asked to make a few for my family. So, yes, a few went out in the mail. I applaud those who are helping, and will most likely make more. But I figure I've another month running in place, and there might be a chance to do just that.

Duplication

I print silk for making scarves, and often sell them when I'm traveling. One person bought one and gifted it to a dear niece. Now she has asked me to remake the one she loved. Each is so unique, but I'm trying to reprint. I've made four, we'll see if one will satisfy.

New and Just Hung Up

I can't remember if I posted this here. "Family Wedding" tuned out pretty wide and high, about 7' x 8'. It won' last long on that wall, covering the light switches, but I had to live with it for a bit. Destined for a show this summer, we'll see what happens.

Rack Redux

My second holding rack is now installed and in use. Can't say the studio has gotten cleaned around it, just that it now holds a place. This rack is a great help in keeping me printing instead of whirling about trying to find a place where I can land a wet print.

More Not the Same

I try new shapes, new ways to print. My biggest challenge is anticipating value. The process dictates a disbelief as to what color thickened dye is put down. When wet, it is much darker, dry overnight is lighter, and then out of the wash, even more. So, I err on printing dark, transposing to the actual.

Iron Lady

Getting to the pile of yards to iron. Seems my trusty old iron has bit the dust, so off to online shop for a replacement. You'd think I could find a spare. Well, I'm home, so delivery sounds good. Aren't these colors exciting? May have to keep this one for myself.

Just One of Many

About two weeks ago (or more) I bungeed a printed yard to my front yard tree. It's been fun, whether or not passersby care. Wait! Yard in the Yard! That't it!

Moon Influenced

I'd capture our full moon tonight save for the cloud cover and my poor camera."Round Vessel with a Torn Mouth" is a ceramic work by Ogawa Machiko in the Yale University Art Gallery.  This has craters and space enough for us to imagine the moonscape. And likely its color.

Printing for Relief

It's been three weeks home for me, and this is what I love to do most -- print. It takes days to concentrate on printing, along with uninterrupted time. So, perfect for the shelter-in-place. Or, maybe  "artist in residence"  sounds better.

Are We Virus Free?

Just in case I have to use this infrared thermometer on my guests, I'm ready. Meanwhile I'll check how hot my rinse water is. I like it hot, and got about 150 degrees earlier.

Printing Up a Storm

This mild spring needs no attention yet. It's too cool to dig in the garden. I've the perfect days for printing. I've got a pile ready to wash out, and getting ready to print more. Next, I'll replenish the dyes, and go after some silk I've been meaning to work on.

Printing Day at Last

I've earned my printing time! Taxes out, proposals out, emails done. My list got shorter, and I was able to get to the studio and print. Bonus, the sun was out.

It Doesn't Take Long

It seems a mess, but it's not. I've finally gotten to print, and this is the day's last pull of dye. I'll leave it right here till tomorrow morning, then I think I'll drop another print on this. Or not. It's a good inky blue.