Studio Visitor

It was fun to have Chriss Johns as a guest for the QAQ weekend. I had time to show off what Rochester looks like in the fall (spectacular color) and visit all around town. One stop we had to make was Studio 301. Of course we moved some fabric to design new works. Second set of eyes, always helpful!

Stitching Rules

 

l regret not having the name of the best in show winner for QAQ, I'll try to update. This double sided work was of interest in the stitching that was added, outlining shapes from each side, and stitching so each side had even stitches showing. It is the focus of the judge for this type of work as well. 

Schweinfurth Artists' Talks

Chriss Johns talks about her large, dramatic work during today's artist talk at the Schweinfurth's exhibit Quilts=Art=Quilts. There was a robust crowd, all engaged with the ideas and processes, plus the extra chance to take in the artworks. It was a day to be energized by the works there, each having a 'say'.
 

Good Night for Q=A=Q

The opening of Quilts=Art=Quilts was a grand time. I was able to meet so many artists new to me, to find ones I'd not seen in a few years, and to take in a very strong show of fiber work that was creative and varied. Ending the night with a dinner and talk by Juror and Judge Paula Kovarik was icing,
 

The Other Side

I love changing out these walls, if for no other reason than to compare the newer work to the older work. Now that the windows have curtains, I get diffused light in the fall and winter months, so I can have these walls set with textiles and not fear the direct sunlight fading them. 
 

Disappearing Act

While at the studio, I pinned the latest quilt over another, so that I could measure and photograph it. When I looked back, it seemed they had melded into one. Almost like a 'Within the Frame' example, where the center disappears into the background. I'll do another large frame, perhaps, in the next piece.
 

Out of the Wash

Two days ago I posted a photo detailing the color as wet thickened dye. I knew that the washed color would be lighter  it always is) and also factored in the age of the mixed dye (about two months). No big surprise to see how pastel it became. I like it, can use it, but it'll be for sale first at Art Quilt Tahoe.
 

Getting a Start

I've had this one set on the machine for over a week, and gosh, if I can stop whirling about for a while, I might get it quilted. As I got to this figure on the work, all I could think of was 'whale' and maybe the spooky of Halloween is on my mind, but there it is. My harpoon is there, too.
 

They Look Good When They're Wet!

But after this is washed, it's a different animal -- subtle, gentler, softer colors. I'll wash this out and show you the difference. Tomorrow is wash day, print day, sort day.
 

Test Strip

My guess is that the mixed dyes are almost 8 weeks old, but still viable. So, not wanting to waste, I grabbed a soda ash-soaked strip and scraped each color, waited, washed out. Some are fine, and seeing this test strip I can use the color as is, not thinned with print paste, to get this light shade. I've printing to do!
 

No Kings Rally

A walk away, I was able to add my sign and flag to the No Kings Rally. Though this shot seems lifeless, there were a few thousand in this suburb or Rochester, and more in the city proper, as well as thousands in the surrounding towns. I did homework in the morning, yard work in the afternoon. Busy.

Lack of Beauty to Share

The last three days I saw a magical part of this country -- where Massachusetts and Connecticut dip into New York. My time near Mt. Kisco and the Northern Star Quilt Guild was so pleasant, the drive home spectacular, but my only picture is from a stop at Great Barrington Galleries to hunt antiques. Sorry!
 

Honey Sweet Day

The day swallowed me up! I have no pictures to show for the "Within the Frame" workshop I did today with the Northern Star Quilt Guild. None. It was a lively, fabulous group of sewers, and kindly allowed me to walk them through my world of improv quilting. We needed more time! Such fun, great space.
 

The Vignelli Coat

I was asked if this coat was up for grabs, and I was convinced it had found the perfect admirer. Part of the Vignelli show, it was a fun piece to make, and knowing I can make it again, I was all right with leaving it for an admirer. May she have as much fun with it as I had making it. Now, I've got to make another.
 

Auditions in Studio 301

Part of today was to circle back to the studio and grab pieces for a lecture this week. I couldn't help populating the design wall, looking for chatter among the prints that I've spotlighted for quite awhile. This won't be anything like the final, but I knew I had to start somewhere. These have a soft landing.
 

Motif Sources for Printing

On my info sheet for materials for my textile printing classes I suggest finding motifs and graphics for inspiration. Photos, drawing, notes are great to have, as well as some online 'folders' like Pinterest. I've one that keeps some ideas for me, and for you if you care to browse.  https://www.pinterest.com/patpauly/motif-for-surface-design/
 

Out and About

Colleges, like our Rochester's Nazareth College, usually have a slick and beautiful art gallery on campus that highlights regional and national work. I stopped in to this well attended opening showing a painter Bradley Butler and sculptor Mitch Messina. If your area supports these art spaces, you should as well. 
 

Use Your Own

Although the pattern was a given, the fabric was their choice. Leslie used printed fabric from a printing class a couple years back. Marvelous looking. 
 

Roomful of Leaves

 

Twenty intrepid quilters from the Genesee Valley Quilt Club meet in my New Big Leaf workshop today and built leaves in every color combination there could be. And they were glorious, both the leaves and the quilters. My thanks to the club and the good people who spent the day learning freezer paper templates.

Side Show

While on my way to see a photographic show this afternoon, I happened upon a metals exhibit at RIT and the Bevier Gallery. Most of the work's rationale went over my head, but the objects compelled. Suzanne Peck's piece made of metal and glass, each about 1 1/2" in circumference. About relationships. 
 

Three Bears

I was asked about how to hang, as in, how high. Too often, the art is placed to high on the wall. I think it should be about 58-60" to the center of the work. Above, too high.

Here it's too low. The couch is a low couch, but still, not enough breathing space between. 

Ah, just right. I eyeballed this, and low and behold, it turned out to be 58" at the center. 

Tools to Travel

I've weighed the pros and cons of checking baggage with the alternative of FedExing tools I need for working with dyes at Art Quilt Tahoe. A student needs way less, but these will get me through demonstrations, dye mixing, cleanup, and the odd swap of bad scrapers and forgotten tape. 
 

Harvest Supermoon

My dear readers, you know if it's the full moon tonight, I'll be finding something round and tantalizing (as my camera can't record the spectacle) as this closeup of mine, Spring Cleanup. I'm busy adding and refreshing my lecture for Thursday's meeting here, and the edits are flying. Why can't I be ruthless?
 

Droop in the Drought

It's been a couple of weeks of hot, dry weather and these rudbeckia are barely hanging on. At 86 degrees, I'm staying away from Studio 301 till that passes, and have loaded a quilt on the longarm instead. Also taken care of some shipping and applying for exhibitions, all a bit of back office work.
 

Australia Quilt Convention Calls!

Yes, I'll be in Melbourne in April to teach at the Australian Quilt Convention. Should anyone want to join me, stay informed by visiting their website  https://aqc.com.au/  and find me on the 'tutor' page. Mid-October for class listings, where I've a design class, and you'll know everything I know when we're done!

 

Under My Nose

The first floor of the building where I have a studio is retail stores. One is a fabric and upholstery shop, and one I've not seen in years. Looking for a better Olfa cutter (they had one) I also haunted the aisles with discounted fabric. I've already many pieces never used at home, so I was not tempted. Bought the cutter.
 

Advance for Needle Turning

I'm floating some shapes and will needle turn applique to do that. Sharon Stroud, a fabulous teacher, showed me the method of basting (she did it by hand stitching) away from the edge to secure the two fabrics. I'll then run my stitch as I poke the turn under, and sew in place. 
 

Side Bar

Yesterday's task was to photograph and document a work that will be submitted to a juried show. They ask for a full image, naturally, and occasionally, a detail shot. I think the detail image should show the quilting and the array of printing techniques. But more importantly, it be a strong composition on its own.