Quilting Boot Camp: Where we left off!

We had a great time in our Quilting Boot Camp, held the week between Christmas and New Years! Yes, our goals may have been lofty, but each of my students worked admirably and sped through their projects. Here's where we left off at the end of the week:

Karen finished her eclectic quilt top! Lots of colors and patterns!

She decided to do her basting and quilting at home but spent our final class practicing machine quilting and binding techniques on a pot-holder.

Christine after finishing her queen-size quilt top!

Basting can be a physically exhausting process. Bravo, Christine!

Sometimes you need a little help wielding the expanse of your quilt while you work with it under the machine (provided here by an extra rolling chair.)

IRONING, YOU GUYS. It's soooo important. Right, Jordana?

Basting! Huzzah!

I was soooo impressed with everyone's creativity and dedication throughout the week. Thanks, you guys! I can't wait to see pics of your finished quilts in their natural habitats!

Anyone else interested in learning how to quilt? I've got another First Time Quilting Class starting in three weeks! Sign up today!

To Die For

Been reading this eye-opening book about how the fabrication of clothing is killing entire eco-systems and forcing people in 3rd world countries to work under hideous conditions.

As a craftsperson it has really urged me to think about the origins of the materials I use.

Even though this author is from the UK and speaks about their particular brands of clothing, the US still uses the same if not worse sources for its raw materials in the clothing industry.

If you think that sweatshops are a thing of the past, read this book for the real story.

Read the review on Amazon.

More Repeat Ideas

I recently came across a beautiful little swatch of fabric in my archives. It stood out to me as another interesting approach to filling space with a repeat that I figured you guys would appreciate. I can't seem to find any information about it, but I went ahead and took a guess at a repeat in Illustrator for demonstration purposes.
At its core, its just one simple leaf shape overlapped over and over again in two colors. It makes a beautiful spread, and planning something like this out would be easy on or off a computer. Plan out a shape, cut a couple of them out of paper, and move them around to make something lovely.Often with silkscreen, its very tempting to try and slap black outlines on the edges of everything. One of the things about this print that I love so much is the unexpected way the heavier lines work. The choice to let the veins of the leaves end at the tips of the leaf, rather than include an outline, encourages the wonderful play of positive and negative space.

Keep your eyes open for other inspiring prints, new and old. You never know what will spark a new idea!

Book Recommendation: HOOPLA-THE ART OF UNEXPECTED EMBROIDERY

A student in my 3D EMBROIDERY class brought in this book to share with the myself and the class.  It is an amazing source of inspiration to see how other artists are using traditional materials to make contemporary work.  Check it out!!

If you have been itching for a new embroidery class, and looking for an evening class, look out for another section of 3D EMBROIDERY, on Monday nights starting in late March.  I have printed new samplers for all you future students!!

In the meantime, click on this amazon link to find out more about the book.  Hope to see you this Spring!  http://www.amazon.com/Hoopla-Unexpected-Embroidery-Leanne-Prain/dp/1551524066

FIRST FRIDAYS

Lillstreet Art Centers Next First Friday will be February 3rd, 6:30 - 9:00pm

Music will be provided by Andrew Francis!

For information on which artist will be participating at Lillstreet

see the Lillstreet Studios Facebook Page or the Lillstreet Studios Website

Lillstreet Art Centers Next First Friday will be February 3rd, 6:30 - 9:00pm

Music will be provided by Andrew Francis!

For information on which artist will be participating at Lillstreet

see the Lillstreet Studios Facebook Page or the Lillstreet Studios Website