Holiday Tradition

For about 60 years now I've baked Italian  cookies (cujadate) and each time I've burned the walnuts, instead of toasting them. Perhaps that should be on my gravestone "she always burned the nuts" or something similar. And I'm not kidding -- every year.
 

Cheap Model

How to show off these square scarves was answered by my lovely porcelain head. She works overtime, needs no salary, and keeps her pose. These are on my website shop, are each about 40" square, and are all one-of-a-kind made of crepe di chine silk. Yes, I kept one for myself. Gifting me first!
 

Back At the Wall

After cleaning the tables from printing with a friend last weekend, I couldn't resist rearranging what had been waiting for my return. Seems there are two that want attention, and I'm hearing them loudly enough to not ignore them. Meanwhile, my tree is lit but bare. Ho ho.
 

A Show to See

This piece "Canopy 27" by Anna Brown from Bungwahl, Australia, caught my attention. The simple and straightforward assembly, with raw edge applique, along with a hand quilted textural stitch was refreshing. Not to mention the sparse and to the point label message. From Q=A=Q till Jan. 5.
 

Look Up and Listen

 Running errands with family in Philadelphia reminded me to take in not only the sights but the sounds, in this case, the train above on the el and the sound like bombing. Wild!

View from Above

While visiting grandchildren I realize there is no reason for adding toys, nor any more room for them. And, also I'm the entertainment.

Plants Take a Holiday

There are a few days left (till Jan 5) in the Quilts=Art=Quilts exhibit at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, New York. The large piece here is mine, and has enough botanical elements that I can claim 'botony' for a subtheme. It's a tightly chosen show, each piece a great example of contemporary art.
 

Full Moon for December

Twilight yields the full moon, not as spectacular as viewed naturally, but capturable. I returned from the studio with little success on the thermofax prints as my machine would no longer work to burn the film. And we tried every setting a variable. But, even if it worked, it is still a small graphic size.
 

It's a Mess to Start

Two former RIT students are visiting my studio tomorrow to try out my thermofax process. I've had the equipment for years and have not used it much. I'm hoping to explore the technique more. So, the mess starts, and we'll see what we make of it. Let you all know.
 

While I Was Dyeing

Since I spent most of yesterday cleaning gutters, and no photos of any progress, let's revisit another item I dyed. The shirt dress is a Brooks Brothers linen color that when overdyed with sun yellow yielded this marvelous acid yellow, almost a chartreuse. Perfect match for the under  quilted vest. 
 

Simple Transformation

A friend offered this pinkish coat for the revamp that I did for the Beyond Fashion show. I dyed it red, then printed in a few simple graphics. When I mailed it back today I realized that the buttons stayed on through the process -- which included very hot 140 degree washout. 

 

Santa Fe Color

Madelaine Island School of the Arts (MISA) has several satellite locations. I'll be teaching at Santa Fe in March 10-14, 2025. We'll delve into the colors of Santa Fe, New Mexico, as well as the pattering and motif that is found there. There are just a few spaces left, so gift yourself a printing week and join us!
 

The Coat Pattern

Last year for the Beyond Fashion show was long quilted coat. This year was shorter time, so, shorter coat. At my lecture some asked for the pattern. Many coat patterns wait to be used, and of the half dozen, this Vogue 8430 was the one. I've also made it in boiled wool purchased in lovely Oregon.

 

Quilts=Art=Quilts Lecture

The annual Quilts=Art=Quilts show has two of my works in the show. I gave a trunk show lecture today, unusual for me. But I got to share "The Devil's Garden" which will ship out this week to Form Not Function in New Albany, Indiana. You have some idea of the size. Photo courtesy of Jean McCreary. 
 

Payback

The producer/organizer/major force behind the RIT Beyond Fashion visited me during open studio today. She promised to grab one of my scarves, which became a gift from her mom. But I had the most fun doing the collection, forgetting the 2 1/2 week turnaround I had. Hey, who doesn't love a deadline? 
 

Great Success

 

The collection was a hit! I could not have asked for a nicer and more creative group of women to work with as my models. They put LIFE into these outfits, and brought things lacking (shoes, makeup, shirts) a well as great patience to wait till it was our time to walk the runway. Thank you all! Here's out last walker mugging for us all.

Dry Run

Yes, I've been engrossed in this fashion project, but it is making me pay attention to what and how I print. These two quick scenes give you an idea of how large this sound stage is and the need to overdo the impact of the works. No small jewelry, no sweet small prints. We've still to work out the details. 
 

That Other Hunk of Silk

The large run of charmeuse -- which seems shiny on both sides for me -- I printed with large dots that would land on the hem, and scraped blues over the whole. It is a type of caftan, with gathers at the side so that the length falls to floor and not beyond. Looking forward to dress rehearsal tomorrow. 
 

That Hunk of Silk

The gifted silk organza became a 'skirt' and attachable sleeves. The skirt has a 3' opening at the front, and a modest train behind. I don't think I've ever used organza before, and can't say I'd be eager to again. But the effect is nice. Thursday is our dress rehearsal for Friday's show. I'm a buttonhole away from finished.
 

Fork It

I'm putting banding on the sleeve for this simple vest. I've even added a fork patch on the front to match the skirt that will be with it. Bonus, I got to sew while watching 'Grand Design' on my gifted Britbox channel. So, life is good.
 

Are We Having Fun Yet?

It's my third week of making these garments. Thankful to have some help from a friend, I'm still woefully behind. And I don't have the talent to do the finish work well, so I have to say, I'm looking forward to bedtime and a fresh start tomorrow. Here's the scene I've left in the studio. Might talk behind my back.

 

Yards of Dots

The dots are supposed to represent PLATES, so I do hope that comes across. I've soda-soaked, printed, washed, and ironed this one length -- maybe 6 yards -- of silk organza. It'll be a 'skirt' that ties in front and two puffy sleeves worn without a bodice. Yes, a shirt underneath. Oh, maybe a train, too. 

 

Progress on Short Jacket

Yesterday was a day to construct the short jacket. I knew that the inside of the quilted fabric would show up in the collar, so I placed the top of the front where I knew it would catch the patterning underneath. I've got a pocket located with a yellow patch and a split cuff. There was a lot of edge finishing work to do.
 

Quilting , Mindless Quilting

Most of yesterday was spent quilting fabric to make a coat. I've great hopes for this one, and I've prepared about 100" of 43" wide fabric. Went fairly smoothly after I ripped out the part that wasn't threaded properly, and opted for one thread color. Then it was mindless.
 

Table Ware

Here's part of the motif frenzy for printing textiles for garments. These are the service set that Vignelli designed. I may use this in a dress or pants. It's cotton sateen and has a nice weight. 
 

Let's Polka

I was gifted yards of silk organza. I will try not to put a value on this, other than 'use it' and so I've soda soaked it and printed it. There might be about 6 yards in this cut. It will take me several passes to get it printed. And those who've met me know how hard it is to print CLEAN. Stay tuned.
 

Results Trickle In

I've started to print on used linen garments, and so far, it seems okay. They are still ho-hum to me, but I've more ideas and more to go. Definitely love the intense color, one that is part of the theme color set. Rounding out this will be pants, but that's still on the printing room table.
 

Visit to Q=A=Q

Quilts=Art=Quilts is over three decades old. This annual exhibition has a strong year this time, and I finally got to see the show today. My two pieces are visible here -- the large one greets you, the second is to the right in the far corner room. I love that you can see both, like they can take care of each other!
 

Applied Design

I've started a stack of prints that I will combine to make garments for the Beyond Fashion project. I've been given the theme "on the table" which every designer will be using. These graphics are from designs for glassware by Massimo and Lela Vegnilli. I might have to buy these tumblers.
 

Fashion Again

I'm processing fabrics from travels. Returned to the studio to get a call asking to fill in for a designer who had to drop out of the Beyond Fashion show at RIT. I accepted, and now am racing to print for the theme 'At the Table' which highlights Vignelli designed table wares. I'm taping images here to screen.

 

San Francisco After My Heart

Should I ever own a store, the front would look like this. San Francisco hold many delights with surface design, graphic design, architectural design, you name it. This 'sprout' caught my attention. Many of you who've printed with me know my love of botanical motif. I'll take this one to my screens.
 

Bit of Travel

I can't leave California spirit yet, though I'm home. An entire day was looking at art, and mainly female artists. The Mary Cassatt exhibition was at the Legion of Honor, a grand place in itself. I tried to capture the Golden Gate Bridge in my meager shot, and it'll hold the memory of that landscape.

 

Applique Stunner

I know it's unusual to post TWO photos, but this applique quilt top from Julie Silber's collection is so amazing and fascinating that I had to. It was part of the webinar that Joe Cunningham had (with me as guest) where he and Julie talk about the work (juliesilberantiquequiltstore.com). Fun to see in person!
 

Glitterati in the Hills

Part of travel is taking in the spice and flavor of the city. I was fortunate to attend an "unveiling" at the studio of Margaret Fabrizio in San Francisco. With a crowd cheering, Margaret uncovered two new works and thanked those who had gifted her diverse matrial. It was a lovely afternoon, and unexpected.

Super Moon

I'm still in the land of super everything -- sun, amusements, gardens -- and as you all know, can't get a good image of the full moon on my camera. So I offer a garden ornament from Lotusland in Santa Barbara for a fill in. Should you be near this fabulous garden, don't pass it by.
 

Saturday Webinair

 Find Joe Cunningham and moi on Joe's webinair program "Quilt Freedom" this Saturday. Find info on Joe's website under event. You'll love the workshop, vitually!

Coastline Walk

It was time to walk along the California coastline. I'm intrigued with the color pallet, and stopped to see this green showing so unusual among the sand, beige, black and white rocks. A strong palette.