Bojagi Start for the Day

The SAQA conference in Toronto ended the morning's talk with a fashion show of Bojagi style garments. Each one was compelling, colorful, and crafted with precision. I had a wonderful time, am filled to the brim with new ideas, and so happy to spend a weekend in Toronto. Happy even in the rain.
 

Colour With Attitude

 The unstoppable Kit Vincent was on hand at Campbell House where her piece is displayed in Toronto. Part of the SAQA tour of museums today.

Here's an Example

 Today's talk by Lindsay Olson had her sampler of technique and image of the finished work as the perfect show and tell for her process. Could not be more clear.

A Walk in the Park

Before my journey to Toronto today I got in a walk in Rochester's Highland Patk. Just the beautiful colors are worth the hike.

Evolution

 

Yesterday's set morphed. I think that lovely gold has overstayed its welcome. Adjusting to a different palette helped, and when I return to this group, I'll see what happens with this set.

Moveable Walls

My guess is that there are a few teachers who read this blog. As I was looking back at the photos of last week's class, I thought a pic of how I moved the temporary walls around might give you an idea. It was designed as a large room divider, but I spaced them so we had good flow, a bit less distracting as well.
 

Wall of Wonder

I've a project to sew that needed dress fabric, and my hostess was kind to take me to a fabulous store just north of Minneapolis SF Harris. We searched, we found, I bought. How I wish I lived closer -- but wait, maybe that's good I don't. 
 

Walker Art Center

A look back at Thursday night's visit to the Walker Art Center and Pacita Abad's exhibition. Her textile/painting/quilts are an explosive use of color and artistry. The fact a significant exhibition by a living textile artist is featured is a great move forward, as textiles are often relegated to second and third tier shows.
 

End of the Week

Even though I stress that we are not looking for a finished project, one can't help to strive for that outcome. So, with a bit of fanfare, and happiness, we stop and show off. Can't be helped, even if that was not the goal for our Design Camp this week at the Textile Center in Minneapolis. Thank you all!
 

Pacita Abad

The Walker Art Center went all out to showcase Pacita Abad's work, and it was a spectacle. Large painted canvases were stitched and stuffed, along with ethnic textiles, painting, costume, and ephemera. A feast, for sure. Minneapolis is rich in art, certainly.
 

Design Camp

Hosted by the Textile Center in Minneapolis, my workshop continues with more and more color bathing the walls. Cyndi has made a large "blog" and is about to cut it into squares. I love design camp, seeing new combinations and the talent to make the works.
 

Make and Break

Nora was pleased with our experiment to put together fabrics and then take them apart. Make, and break. Our day two at the Textile Center in Minneapolis was fun, difficult, surprising, and full. Back at it tomorrow.

 

And We Have Liftoff!

The Textile Center is my week here, and we're off to a great start. There's oodles of questions, rapid fire, and way ahead of me. It's a great group of people, and yes, we work hard. But I think it's worth it. Tomorrow is more topped with more.
 

More Tricks with Silkscreens

Mid May (15-19) is my last virtual class till I figure out my fall/winter schedule. There's something great about getting beautiful fabric that has been printed and still retains its softness and hand. There are a few spots left, just check the site www.patpauly.com/virtualclasses

 

How It Sketches Out

Technology is certainly there to draw this beautifully, but nothing beats a hand drawn sketch to layout the next workshop. Monday will most likely have me moving the tables around, though it's much easier to move them in my little drawing. Life -- so much more complicated that my 2-d drawing!

 

Natural Forms

The Textile Center in Minneapolis is hosting me for a week of design and sewing I'm calling "Design Camp". Two topics I'll cover are line and shape. My walk had this lovely composition show up, now all I want to do is add that seed pod shape, and drop in lines. My found nature will have to do, and that's fine.
 

May is Just Silkscreens

The last virtual class I'll have (till I figure out the fall/winter schedule) is my Just Silkscreen class that meets May 15 - 19. There are just a couple of spots left, so check the virtual classes page on my website. This is a detail that has it ALL. Silkscreen, layers, silkscreen, color work, silkscreen, and bits of rubbings.
 

As Close as Possible

Some of you know I'm a folkie wannabee. There was a workshop to try out the acoustic bass. This is about as close as I could be to even considering getting sound from this massive instrument. I did "play" it, but wow, it's very hard. But glad to have the chance to try.
 

Test Run

The 10 x 10 backdrop is fine, except for the fact that it is somewhat transparent. So, I need to sew it a slip. Or maybe a lining layer. Oh, well, and I thought I was finished. 
 

Aftermath

Yesterday was half of a work day, today totally. But I managed to finish a few things on the list. This is a small collage using plastic packaging as the "container". It's by Martha Shermerhorn, and is as clever as it gets. I've got a bunch of these, but this seemed appropriate for this week's start. 
 

Rogue's Gallery

Now that the wall is free again, it's time to see what comes next. This set intrigues me, and I may just get it started and take it with me to The Textile Center in Minneapolis and "Design Camp". I'm looking forward to a week of improv and piecing. And working live -- a room of energy! 
 

Meeting of the Minds

I belong to a fiber group that meets ever couple of months. We bring work, swap ideas, get feedback. There's always good energy, which is essential. Hope you all have a group too.

 

Squaring Up

Trimming a large quilt is a task. I used the long straight ruler to start one side, then took the perpendicular side off of that line. My large aluminum T-square is sold for drywall work, but I'm combining it with the straight to get a 90 degree edge. Also using the table edge to set the T-square.
 

Plump the Pillows

First Friday will be tomorrow, and the stack of pillows is rearranged. I'll tidy just enough to say I did. But I've got some work to do, so no promises. Happy to get the quilt off the longarm, eager to get to another.
 

No Pink Moon in View

Tonight's Pink Moon is seen somewhere, but not here. We're between downpours and thunderstorms. But the Studio 301 is cozy and lit. I've got my backdrop finished, so now the wall is free for the next set. Woopie!
 

Getting Started

No one likes setting up the quilt on the frame, I suspect. The joy is running the machine over the quilt, deciding where, how, pattern and repeat. My morning glued me to this, and I'll get back tomorrow. It's one I'm eager to see back on the wall. 
 

Needed a Large Wall

I am helping with  a concert which could use a backdrop, so I'm using my 8' high wall to mock up a curtain that will drape behind the performers. I have linen from Marimekko and have soda soaked and over printed it in a variety of blues. Next is to add length and sew together. Handy, that large wall.

 

Tight Fit

I finally got the time to get this on the wall -- and it just fits! I can see that Studio 301 is deceiving me. The walls there are 12' high, mind are a modest 8'. I'll most likely continue to make large things, but I do like to live with them before they go out in the world without me.

 

No April Fool

"The Apple Doesn't Fall Far" is now on exhibit in the Made in New York show at the Schweinfurth. Since I couldn't find an appropriate April Fool's joke, I thought I'd present a sober reality -- this will be going to a new home. That's the best April First's non-joke news I could have gotten.