Tackling that Shibori Fabric

Well, it looks very serious, but once we marked up this (one of a kind Pat Pauly) shibori fabric, the rest was easy. Today's class was great, and there is now a lot of shibori fabric, as well as fun soon-to-be quilts all around Iowa now.

Great Slashers

If you were in this class today you would know what I mean when I say we had a fine time composing with Slash and Burn. Seems like the projects were getting put away, and we wish we had more time, but really, we worked hard! Thanks, it was fun.

Pieces & Resistance

A detail of "Strangers in Paradise", which is currently on display in a show of my work "Pieces and Resistance" at the Iowa Artisans Gallery in Iowa City, Iowa. It opened Friday, and runs till July 20. Catchy title, hey?

Cutting as an Extension

Karen cuts carefully, 'cause caution creates calm. Precious prints (previously priceless) picked presently for perfect plan.  Ames, slashes, and scores!

Octagon House in Ames, Iowa

Should you need a lovely hand-crafted gift, stop in at the Octagon House and shop away! I visited yesterday, and got a sneak peak at the next exhibit opening this week. Nice gallery space, and looks like a lot of happening art classes. But my money would be left at the gift gallery.

Cutting Large

Here is a scene from Saturday's Iowa class. Joann's composition is taking shape on the cutting table. You can cut only as large as your board, and design only as large as your design wall. Well, you can go bigger,but it is way difficult.

Iowa Slash and Burn Class

Carol gets ready to cut (slash) apart her work and resew (burn) it through the machine in today's workshop in Ames, Iowa. What a great group that filled the room and overran the design boards for this one day look at improvisational quilting. Loved being here for this, and many thanks to all that made it a reality.

Friends of a Different Stripe

Thinking about all who are fascinated with those rare and individual types. Of course, if you were native to Africa, this would be common. But beatiful, none the less. Would love some striped legs like these.

Dalias at the Fair

If I did grow dalias, they would be short lived because of my deer friends. So, here are some from the Iowa State Fair looking picture perfect. I mean, where else would you expect to see dalias? The Netherlands?

Corny Art in Iowa

Rows of corn made up from canned corn. Takes me back to my youth, where vegetables came out of cans. I never really knew that peas were not avocado green. And notice that the "leaves" are bags of corn kernels. Funny, no?

Albert Paley seen in Iowa State University

This gateway on the Morrill Building at ISU made by Rochester's Albert Paley. I can't believe that I once pointed out to Albert Paley (one of America's greatest sculptors) that my name (Pauly) and his (Paley) were soooo close. I must have been about 29. What a nerd. I hope he forgot immediately.

Corn Rows

Can't avoid those rows of Iowan corn. And now I know all the varieties. Sweet, great, and everywhere.

Iowa State Fair's Butter Cow

Major famous is this butter cow at the Iowa State Fair this year. I saw her yesterday, and don't worry, she is chillin' inside a cooler with that glass front window for us all to see her. Full sized and creamy dreamy, I love her color. And this photo with the streak across the glass. What a gal.

Bas Relief

Christian Petersen was the sculptor for this lovely mural, a detail is show here. Vets are working on a cat. Very strong line, and yet soft and quiet. It is an endearing symbol for the vet shool at Iowa State University.