Sketching and Fabric Selection

I set aside one day last week to work in the studio. I deliberately crossed several holiday preparation tasks off my list the day before. I was working on a few crafty projects in the weeks leading up to Christmas, but I wanted to make time for some deeper creative development. Plus, I have deadlines approaching.

I began by doing some sketching for the first quilt in the 2012 Series of the 12x12 group. The theme is metamorphosis. I'm ruminating on the cycle of plants -- from bulbs under the earth, to buds, full flowers and wilted stalks.

I've been gathering inspirational images on Pinterest. It's fantastic for this task! Take a look at my Plant Life Cycle board if you wish. I took my lap top down to the studio and scrolled through the images as I began sketching.

I made some notes in the beautiful journal that Nikki gave me. Plus a thumb nail size rectangle in the same proportions as the new 20x12 size requirement. Making notes (rather than sketching images) is a big part of my initial design process. I like to have a list of techniques or motifs that I want to include in the piece. Sometimes I try to make a "mind map" of themes and ideas that could be incorporated -- even if they would be very subtle.

Then I did do some actual sketching. You can see it on the right in the image above. Mostly I'm thinking about proportions and composition as I sketch. Two bulbs here... three bulbs here... one stalk leaning left.... one stalk leaning right. Deliberately empty space here... shapes overlapping there. That kind of thing. I'm not thinking too much about the precise shapes of each element when I sketch.

Then I began to gather fabrics. I pulled out some solid fabrics, knowing that I'll be adding some personalized surface design with paint.

I'm trying to think about contrast and give myself some options. I don't want the "flowers" to bleed into the background too much. I won't use all those purples, but I was a bit surprised by all the dotty purple patterns I had in my stash. I've got lots of options.

I actually got the background of the quilt pretty-much set -- it's not yet fused, but it's ready. I won't share an image of that since part of the fun of the 12x12 group is our reveal day. It's February 12 for Metamorphosis.

It was a productive day in the studio. I think I had about 4 or 5 hours of good work. (Kids come home from school at 3 pm, so my day is still shorter than a regular work day.) I was reminded that the process takes time. Five hours seems like a long time to basically slap four fabrics together to create a background. But so many small decisions go into the process.

Which four fabrics? What proportions? Cut edges or torn edges? Surface design in what color and pattern? Paint or ink? Fused or pieced? A little less or a little more?

It was a good day. I'm looking forward to getting back to work on this piece. Are you surprised that I chose mostly greens and purples?!

12 Days of Christmas Swap

Today is the day that participants will open my little giftie! It's a pin cushion!

I made several pin cushions over the course of two or three days -- sometimes it's fun to crank out a fun little sewing assembly-line project. The participants are crafty bloggers of all types, not necessarily quilters, but who doesn't need a pin cushion now and then? Especially if it's cute!

I was inspired by this pin cushion that's been on my "crafty inspiration" board on Pinterest for quite some time. I originally envisioned some kind of woven wool for the top, but I really wanted to use something I had on hand -- denim! I choose three different quilty prints for the bottom of the pin cushions and made coordinating felt rosettes as a decoration on the top. The rosette's are made using Betz White's genius tutorial. (I made them with regular craft felt and slightly smaller.) They all have a coordinating ribbon loops and three little matching pins.

The first two gifts were delightful. Lorelei's been blogging about them. A lovely way to continue the celebration of this blessed season.

White House Tour!

We had a beautiful time touring the White House yesterday.

We dressed up!

It was exciting to discover that pictures were allowed. I took lots -- some of these are not great, but I hope you enjoy a peek. (If you watched the holiday special about the White House on HGTV, you saw it all. Honestly, it looks just like it looked on that show. But, it certainly was amazing to actually be there.)

Here is the entry hall. Yes, it was crowded. But, it didn't feel uncomfortable or chaotic. Wreaths and garlands everywhere!

Large paper sculpted poinsettias hung alternately with the wreaths along the windows.

Just past the entry hall was a open area all decorated in paper and felt.

This tree has felt loop chains and whimsical felt ornaments.

Giant felt Bo!

Giant Bo made out of black and white trash bags in the Library. Georgia O'Keefe landscape over the fireplace.

 

Tiny Bo made out of buttons.

 

The State Dining Room with Lincoln's beautiful portrait. Beautiful Christmas decorations in red and green, very full, festive and traditional.

 

The East Room with Washington's portrait -- the one that Dolly Madison insisted be removed before the White House was burned in the War of 1812. Lots of natural garlands, pine cones, magnolia leaves, moss covered boulders with fresh paperwhites peeking through.

The Blue Room with the tree decorated with military medals and ribbons. Jeff and I enjoyed finding some of the medals he has received and also some that his father received.

 

Back to the State Dining Room... the stunning gingerbread house. (Gingerbread covered in white chocolate, I believe.) The detail was quite impressive.

Cute trees made out of cookies and marzipan.

The theme of all the decoration was "Shine. Give. Share." Lovely.

This was my favorite little vignette -- beautiful crystal (probably plastic, but still...) star and snowflake ornaments trailing down from the evergreen garland. It smelled good too!

Family picture with the Seal of the President of the United States.

Several families had the picture taken here and everyone waited so patiently and graciously offered to take pictures for each other. There was a great feeling of holiday spirit.

Self portrait at the White House. Can you see me in the mirror with my blue cell phone case?

I hope your home is filled with festive details and you're celebrating that happy feeling that comes with spending time with people you love!

One More Day...

to sign up for STITCHED and have a chance to win one of 10 packages of inspiring materials and tools that could be used in my workshop "Branches, Buds and Blossoms: a Botanical Fabric Collage." You must sign up through a link on my blog by December 20 to get one of the packages. (I had so much fun gathering stuff and getting everything color-coordinated.)

I must say, the STITCHED site is filling up with amazing videos, photos and inspiration from all 20 artists. We've all been working hard to get everything set for the January 1 opening day of workshops! See the entire list of artists and workshops on Alma's blog! Easy registration also on Alma's site.

Another peek at my project... 

Christmas is coming...

and several little packages have arrived!

I signed up for a "12 days of Christmas" gift swap on Lorelei Eurto's blog and I'm gathering all the gifts in this old clementine crate.

Lorelei is a jewelry designer with a great mixed-media, arty, contemporary style that I just love, so when she posted this opportunity I thought it would be super fun to join in! There are 12 swappers and we each made a smallish gifty item, wrapped it up with our assigned number and sent a package to each other the other swappers. We'll open one each day from Christmas to Epiphany on January 6. So fun.

I can't tell you what I made since the other swappers might be reading. I'll be happy to share later -- plus show you what I received.

 

This and That

Like Melly, I'm stilling stitching on my boro project. I did a little (intentionally) sloppy blanket stitch in green along one side. Next I need to actually put the scarf on and think about whether it's nearing the right weight and length.

 

I met my friend Lucy in Old Town Alexandria yesterday. We started our day together with a mocha and a latte and everything else that followed was equally delightful.

We went to the Army Navy game last weekend. It was really fun. President Obama was there! Here you can see him doing the coin toss on the big screen and in the crowd of people on the field below.

It's the first time I've ever been in the same "room" with a sitting President and it was pretty thrilling.

F-18 flyover immediately before the game -- and Jeff's hand. He was so excited!

Navy won the game and we were reminded how much we are enjoying being a part of the Naval Academy community.

A tiny sneak peak at a project I finished earlier in the month.

STITCHED Teaser and Give-Away!

Don't forget to register for STITCHED!  Here's a teaser video I created for my workshop. Enjoy!
Who doesn't love fabric, paint, stitching and collage!?

What is STITCHED ?! It's an online collection of 20 video workshops by 20 talented fabric artists. Students have access to all 20 workshops from January through June! Each workshop includes several video segments, pdf supplementary materials, a discussion board with the instructor and opportunity to share and interact with other students. And you can participate any time day or night any day of the week. It's a great deal at only $89! Full list of workshops and registration info is here.

I'm so excited to share this project that I've compiled a package of inspiring items that could be used in the workshop (or in any collage project)! Each package includes a color coordinated collection of goodies including a vintage hankie, a few pieces of fabric, cheese cloth, sheer ribbon, embroidery floss, one of my very favorite embroidery needles and a spouncer (my favorite tool for stenciling)! I had tons of fun gathering all these inspiring items.

I'll send a package to the first 10 people who register for STITCHED  through the links here on my blog by December 20. (Gotta get your shopping done before Christmas Day, right?) That link will take you to Alma's blog which includes all the info about STITCHED plus a registration button.

If you've already registered for STITCHED  through my blog, thanks so much -- you'll get one of the packages, of course! Through the magic of technology, the STITCHED coordinator (the amazing Alma Stoller), will send send me the names and addresses of those who register through me. And I'll send out the kits straight away so you'll have them in time for the workshops kick off on January 1!

Catching Up...

I've been finishing up various small pieces that have been languishing about it my studio for months, maybe even years. Some just needed a bit of hand stitching and embellishments. Here is Patina and Crocus, 12.5 x 10 inches.

It's a very close companion to my Rusty 12x12 piece which was titled Garden Gate. Sometimes when I have particularly enjoyed working on a piece and I still have all the fabrics piled up on my work surface, I'll repeat the general color scheme and composition to create a second piece. It's especially nice to have this piece since all the 12x12 works are out in the world and I won't see them again for awhile.


Here's a detail with all my beloved elements... the square sequins, the layers of sheer fabrics and the hand stitching.

I am pleased with that spray of teal French knots. I find it a bit tricky to make it look as if they tightly clustered then dispersing, but I think it works here. That off white piece of fabric behind the crocus was rust dyed with my arty friends in Dallas.

I finished up a couple of other smallish pieces recently. I'll share those later this week. In the meantime, Patina and Crocus is in my Etsy shop.

Stitching with Melly

Melly is working on an amazing project she is calling her Rockstar Boro Jacket. She's blogging every day during December and inviting others to work on similar projects and share their ideas and stitching.

I love to stitch... so I could certainly add a little lap project to my pile. In the spirit of "boro," using reclaimed fabric to repair and/or create something new, I chose to begin with this polo shirt. My husband bought it earlier this year and loved it. He's picky about color, fit, length, shape, style, etc and this shirt fit all his requirements. Then it got splattered with some kind of grease. He tried to clean it -- he's usually very adept at laundry and the like. But, he had no luck. In fact, it actually got bleached out in a spot. You can see the offensive area to the right of the buttons.

He was really bummed. Seriously. There was a bit of moaning and groaning when he shuffled through the remaining shirts in our closet. Knowing the powers of e-commerce, I was able to find one online and ordered it straight-away. It came a few days later and we was quite surprised and pleased. Just simple, right? Order a new shirt. But, it was a sweet little series of events that tells a story about how well we know each other and how simple it can be to make each other happy.

So rather than just throw away the stained shirt, I put it in my stash of unexpected fabrics to use in fabric collage, or whatever. Then Melly's boro project came along. The shirt seemed perfect. I've been lusting after interesting hand-made, upcycled and re-fashioned scarves lately. So, I am creating something scarf-like. I began by cutting the shirt into strips about 7 inches wide then I put them right-sides together and started stitching.

I'm thinking the scarf needs those two layers for some body. Other than that, I don't have any plans really. I'll need to add more than just the fabric from the polo shirt to get to a reasonable length. But for now, just stitching the pieces together. I'm not sure I'll stitch or blog every day during December. I'm not even sure I'll finish the scarf before winter has come and gone. But, that's not really the point, right?

Oh... and I didn't cut away the stained area. It will make the scarf more interesting.

STITCHED Workshop

I'm so excited to tell you about my STITCHED workshop!

Click here to view more details

Branches, Buds and Blossoms: A Botanical Fabric Collage

Join me in exploring botanical shapes, textures and patterns! I’ll share my process for creating a collage incorporating fabric, machine and hand stitching, and a variety of unexpected materials and techniques. You’ll choose your own fabrics, compose an original design and experiment with layers of detail. I’ll teach ways to add personal design to your fabrics with painted patterns. We’ll use simple construction techniques, then enhance your collage with a variety of unusual materials and interesting embellishments. Plus, I’ll share tons of fun embroidery stitches to add more detail. 

What is STITCHED?

STITCHED is a collection of 20 online video workshops by 20 talented fabric artists. (That's right, I'm just ONE of the instructors for STITCHED.) 

What are the other workshops?

There are workshops on fabric flower making, creating journals and other books, needle turn applique, handbags, and many more mixed media projects involving fabric and stitching! Click here to read about all 20 workshops.

How is STITCHED set up:

By registering for STITCHED you have access to all the STITCHED workshops. You are able to pick and choose which ones you want to dive into first. The workshops are available to you any time you wish, until STITCHED closes on June 1, 2012 10pm EST. Once you are invited to the private STITCHED site, you are free to view and work on any workshop you want any time of the day, any day of the week. (I can't wait to take some of the workshops myself!) 

 

Registration Information:

Early registration starts December 1st 2011. Today!
STITCHED workshops will open January 1st to June 1st 2012.
Registration is only $89.
Click here to register. You'll be taken to a site hosted by the wonderful Alma Stoller who is coordinating STITCHED. You'll find more info and a registration button there.

Edited on December 12 to add...

I just announced a give-away for the first 10 students who register for STITCHED through my blog. Check out this post for more information.

Here are a few more images of my fabric collage! I can't even tell you how excited I am to share this project through this amazing workshop collection.