Thank You for a Wonderful Year

Many have been in my classes over the years. This group shot (and just a few groups at that) was made to give you an idea of the wonderful people I've worked with in 2025, but it doesn't show the creative work they have done. It's an amazing gift to spend time working with you. A happy year ahead to all!
 

Back in the Studio

First Fridays mean cleaning up the wall. Yesterday was my first chance to repopulate (Since December's) with suggested ideas, and then this Friday is another First. So, these will wait for mid-January after other commitments. Grateful that there is a snow storm and I'm set home!
 

Framed, a Different Take

I stitched if from the back of the linen, just catching the backing, to adhere it to the linen. I ended up gluing the linen to the foam core board, and used the frame -- without the glass -- to finish it. I left the edges of the quilt raw, and I like the effect. It's now on view, we'll see how it looks this weekend. 
 

Mounting and Framing

I decided to 'float' the work on a piece of linen. Typically, I would cut a rectangle in the middle and applique a turned edge surrounding the work, but in this case, I sewed the quilted piece to the backing and then will wrap it around the foam core board, gluing the backing after. To many ways to do this!

 

On the Frame

Well under 20" square-ish I hardly need a 10' frame to quilt this. But it's easy to quilt once set up, and it's great to be able to see the entire piece at one time. I've now got to get it finished, and have some ideas for what will happen. 

 

Tomorrow is Another

 As for getting things accomplished, there should be no outside distractions, and with an oncoming storm I was grounded and able to get to the tasks at hand. But, no, distraction took over, and such is life. Three items were crossed off my list, and as Scarlett would say "Tomorrow is another day". 

 

Portrait Before

I will use the term 'portrait' lightly here, so allowance please. This was on the print table with an editing frame to see if there was a suitable image for the upcoming portrait show this January. I've since added some subtle color, washed it, and will begin quilting and finishing to meet my deadline. 
 

Eve of It All

It's the ALL that happens, as in "Did you do it all?" "Did you make it all?" "All cleaned-up?" "All wrapped?" and many more 'alls'. Answer: no. But that's all right, because this year has been all too full, all engaging, all high energy. So, this will be the start of 'some' for a few days. Happy Christmas Eve.
 

Look Out for Company

What was a lineup of characters across the dining room table is now relocated on the bookcase so that we've room for guests and dinners. These live on shelves here and there throughout the year, but are called into action when rules of decor are tossed for the holidays.
 

Pins and Needlework

I took a tour of Philly's Fairmont Park and Woodford Mansion, a holiday treat. The children's room displayed a pillow that looked like needlework, but it's botanical design was straight pins, a gift for a mother-to-be. This one, still unused, was 'inscribed' with pins WELCOME LITTLE NEW BORN.
 

Nice Ice

In front of Philly's city hall there is a skating rink as part of their winter market. Fun walk on this Solstice.

Light for What Needs It

A trip through upper Philadelphia had us stumble into this wonderful park-like set of lights that were courtesy of the American Heritage Bank. End of a fine day, and yes, needed a bit of light!
 

In the Crowd

I wasn't the only grandmother in the audience to hear the kindergartners sing Holiday songs. A great way to bring in cheer, and remember being 5. If possible.
 

Strong Clothes

How people dress continues to intrigue me. This shirt/coat was a commercial purchase, but the flair and drama it holds -- as well as the entire outfit -- had me remembering to use that strong contrast in other prints, or sets of motifs. Photo from a textile fair in California in early November. Bag is New Yorker's.

 

Tryout Motif

You might be able to pick out the dashed lines in the print. I'd thought they'd be more recognizable. I've drawn on tyvek and then cut the dashed lines. 

It's Fun Week

 Doesn't take much to entertain the troups. And the play doh is still in the car. Guess we don't need those presents??

Fashion Finds

Friday's Beyond Fashion show at RIT brought out the textile lovers. The after 'party', held to honor one of the designers, left no one shy about demanding what, how, where garments were all about. I love this gathering, one for enthusiasts who care about garment history, and show it with what they're wearing. 

Not a Crime Scene

Rather, the morning started with peeling a pomegranate, and after years of red juice everywhere, I finally learned how to extract the seeds without that fuss. I'm now a convert to eating more of these seasonal fruits. And a great way to start the day's list of things to get done!
 

Beyond Fashion at RIT

After being part of this event the last two years, I was able to take it all in from a relaxing seat in the audience this time. Held as a fundraiser for the Vignelli Center for Design Studies, the RIT Beyond Fashion has both alumni and student work that pushed boundaries of traditional garment norms. 
 

Final Print Day

What a great week to spend printing and exploring techniques for using thickened dye. I love a virtual winter class to break the long darkness of the winter. Thank you all my glorious printers from England to California. Keep printing, and use that glorious fabric that you've made. 

One is Done

I started with two identical prints that had a red running motif on them. They were to finish in distinctly different ways. One is shown here, the other is what is called a "dye dog" and is back in the soda soak to undergo some more flattering applications. Meanwhile, enjoy this one.

View of the Print Table

The end of the workshop day has my table with a partially finished work, a demo piece as well. I'd hate to have those colors go wasted, so I'll grab another fabric and lay down a background fabric. Then dinner, then return to finish other that ar waiting on the shelves. I love winter!
 

Starters

I've stacked two prints that are starters for our homework assignment. We'll start with similar motifs, then take them to completely different conclusions. It's a fun way to look at composition, and the results I'll try to show you later this week.

 

A Day for Backgrounds

My virtual workshop started with testing color mixes, then ways to lay down backgrounds and beginning motifs for printing. Both scrapers and rollers are put to the task, and now I've got some layers to start adding to tomorrow. Nice crew to work with, and always happy to get back to printing.
 

Before the Wash, After the Wash

For a demonstration of what to expect after washout, this printed piece is left unwashed (left) and washed (right). What you see before washing is pretty much what to expect after washing, with a slightly lighter set of colors. Wet dye is always darker, and not the final color, but dry is likely to be the same.
 

Shower Anyone?

I'm sure you've seen this setup before. Time to prepare for a week of virtual printing and the screens need cleaning. Purchasing ones that fit exactly in the double utility sink makes sense, as well as my kitchen pullout faucet with lever handle which saves my hands, and gives me enough force to clean quickly.
 

Going Slo?

 Corita Kent's "Luke 2.14,51" circa 1964 was part of a printing and color exhibition at the de Young museum which I saw in November. I'm about to start a week of virtual screen printing and this image made me stop and consider the clean, exuberant image quality, and the bossy graphics. But not going slow.

Full Moon

Supermoon is our treat for this month, and also the last for this year. This detail from a printed piece (now sold from my web store) will give your a year's worth of moon gazing. Enjoy the feast, and farewell to 2025's cast.

New and Just Hung Up

Even without its name, it's up and happy to greet me. I have two walls that will take a piece this size, and they are easy to rehang. I'll take this on to the studio for First Friday, as well as the Blue Ice Leaves one. If you're in Rochester, find me 6-9 at the Anderson Arts Building on 250 N. Goodman Street. Studio 301.
 

ThreadTangle to Use

I have to remember to sign these works, and this will be the last for this year. I sign the front, as I have since 1981, with my last name and the year. The thread is the same color and remains hidden until you are just upon the signature. 
 

42 Feet of Fun

With four sides with facings and two edges of the sleeve to sew, I've estimated about 42 feet of hand stitching. I love this part, as it is calming, plus I get to watch TV guilt free. How old will I be before I am relieved of the guilt of watching TV?
 

Next Big Thing

On the pinwall, high as I can comfortably reach, is the next in the leaf series. Darned if I can't pick a name. You see it unfaced here; that's happening now as I watch the telly. It'll be back on this wall for First Friday's gathering. If you're around, stop by Studio 301 at Anderson Arts Building, Rochester, NY.
 

Patterns All Around

Printing fabric often calls for a repeated pattern. This half-drop is archetypal. I'll make some next time I print. Which is December, and full. January's -- specifically for those in my Australian 'Design Camp' class -- has openings for printing. Meanwhile, I'm taking these to serve up at First Friday.
 

Additional Trick

Missing a bit of the bottom, I've sewed a piece on with the longarm to the last edge. I'll sew starting and ending with a turned edge, then straight stitch, then flip, then sew along the bottom edge. Hope it's worth it when I get to the final trim!
 

Time to Scarf Up

Next week will be First Friday. I'll be in Studio 301 at Anderson Arts Building here in Rochester, and will grab all of the silk scarves I have in hand. Can't think I'll get time to make more before then, but who knows. In any case, I'll bring cookies, have some holly music, and show you my latest quilts. Need more?
 

Zoom Project Crafty Monkies

A group from two countries zoomed. Invited by Rachel Pierman of Crafty Monkies to collaborate on a work around a theme, five artists talked logistics, themes, design strategy, and timeline. With spirited and thoughtful comments, because we are all independent thinkers,  we came together with a plan.

 

Little Scissors

My Gammill longarm has seen a handful of owners, and the last one before me made a spot to keep a small sharp pair handy. With a good snip I can clean the end of the thread and manage to thread it with little trouble. Here is also a peek at what's next on the machine.

 

Up Close on Leaves

Thought you'd like to see details of the work. These go in the folder for the work and are used should an exhibition entry request a detail shot. I try to show processes, but also a well edited and well composed image. It matters that the detail shot is pleasingly composed. Top, yes; bottom, not so much.
 

New and Just Hung Up

Don't have a name for this, but it's up, in need of a good press and a signature. You can see it's now dark out, but I did get this off the queue, now there's another to get work. 
 

Short Visit

A local collector was interested in this "Lotus Pods" work. When it was seen in their space, it proved too large (about 6' square). Which meant that it could return to me for 'open storage' with a member of the staff. I took my photo and enlarged it to make this with a freezer paper pattern. 
 

Australian Time

I'll be teaching 'Design Camp' in the Australasian Quilt Convention in April, 2026. This winter I'm offering an online class for those who are registered in my AQC class. Few spots are left, and hey, they are early morning Monday to Friday. What fun! Oh, see my website for details.

 

Tis the Season

While working on the back of the quilt, this came in the mail. Means that I need to pivot from raking to getting out the winter decorations. Hope you are ready to pivot.
 

A Handful is Ten

Ten additions to my online website 'shop' hardly made a dent in the amount. This one was from Art Quilt Tahoe.  A demonstration of mixing color yields a piece with several mixes of color, then I add a predominantly background screen over it. This background color is a 'mystery' brown/red I love.