Misc

As I enter quilt shows of various types, I'm always pleased when the judges appreciate my work in some way. Recently my quilt "Wild Rhodies" was awarded "Honorable Mention" at the 2015 American Q Soc, Paducah, KY show. It's always an honor to have something recognized there.

  Then there are local shows--this one a Redwood Art Association exhibit.  My quilt "Come Sit with Me" was awarded Honorable Mention there.  A bit smaller show of course, but being in an "art" show with a quilt it's especially nice.

 

 

 

 

I received my thread order from Superior Threads and was happy with some new colors.  I'll be using them to complete my Avenue of the Giants quilt. I'm especially happy with the new varigated Fantastico colors.  (By the way Superior has honored me on their blog as a "Superior Star". Whoopie!)  Superior Stars 

 

I've been working on another forest scene - it's at the quilting stage.  I used a plain black backing fabric and have changed the bobbin thread some...not as much as on top, but you can see that the design shows up pretty well.Lots more to quilt but I'm hoping to have it done in a couple of weeks. Here is the sneek preview of the back...

 

 

 

 

I've been majoring on Superior Threads for some time.  When quilting a piece, I make do with what's on hand, but a couple of times a year I need to restock the quilt rack.

So I pulled out the cards from Superior to compare and see what's missing. I love the Trilobal threads because they have a nice shine which calls more attention to the embroidery and quilting. 

I use huge amounts of greens and browns each time a forest scene is in the works and a big variety is what I prefer to do.  I'll be comparing what is here and what is available to place the order. Here are some of the thread cards from Superior I have to check out. Pretty, yes!? I'll show you a picture when the new stock arrives. Have a good day!

 

 

Birthdays come and go...for mine this year we went for a walk on Dry Lagoon Beach. 

It's one of my favorite things to do.

Here are a couple of shots from the beach.

 

 

Then we had dinner at Trinidad Bay - here's the new dock area.

Very pretty, but my mind keeps going back to the old weathered and wooden dock that was there for many years.

As always, thread is a major factor in my landscape quilts.

This scene had bright lacy looking leaves, so I decided to add thread to the top before I added batting and quilted.

Here is the effect before the quilting. I used two different Rainbow threads from Superior.

 

I used a zigzag stitch and a random movement with my hands to achieve the look.

When I quilt the piece I'll add a bit more.

 

For a patio for my quilt, I decided to paint the squares instead of piecing them

So first I found a fabric that sort of had a similar color and a bit of texture.

I drew my lines onto the paper side of freezer paper...and numbered them.

Then I cut the freezer paper apart on the lines and pressed them all down onto the right side of the fabric. 

I pulled off a checkerboard pattern of the pieces; mixed paint in terra cotta and brown and dabbed the paint on with a sponge.

 

I let it dry and then put back those pieces and pulled off the others.  This time I mixed the colors with a bit more brown, hoping that the finished piece would show a pattern.  (I should have used a bit more).

 

 

When I quilt it I will define the lines a bit more, but I'm fairly peased with the results.

 

 

 

Here's something to make your photo to quilt enlargement easier.

The transparent grids come in these sizes:

     
          20x25"                  25x35"                30x40"

The grids are printed on transparent plastic.  You print your own photo on paper and put behind the grid of your choice.

Remember it's important to use only photos which you have copyright permission to use.

(You don't want to get into trouble.) 

You will still need the book to know my methods, but these will help you to get your photomap ready.

The set of three is $14. plus shipping. 

Here are a couple of books you might enjoy taking a look at....

Quilted Devotions by Lisa Cogar

This pretty new book has 24 Biblical Blocks featured as well as examples of setting them into quilts.  Some of the blocks are traditional, and some brand new designs.  I was really drawn to several of the blocks.  It’s inspiring to see how well she has adapted her art to highlight her faith.  Instructions are clear and easy to follow.  You could make a large quilt or a small wall hanging.

It’s a Wrap II  by Susan Breier

New baskets, purses, lids and handles.  So inspiring!  Using clothesline and fabric strips Susan teaches you to make beautiful projects of many varying designs.  Looks like fun to me!

They are both available at www.martingale-pub.com

These are some happy students from a class for quilting the painted Hibiscus...5 of the students came back to quilt their painting.  Here they are before the quilting process.  Aren't their paintings pretty?

This paint process is taught in my new book: "Painted Picture Quilts"

It is also taught in my former book "Fabric+Paint+Thread=Fabulous"

It always amazes me that everyone's artistry comes out in a little different way...even when we all start with the same raw materials

Amazing....fun!  Good job girls.