Paper Piecing

My first attempt at paper piecing.  I did fairly well, though there are some mistakes.  The center was difficult and I took out more stitches than I have ever cared to in the past.  But I wanted to get it as right as I could.  Taking this class was an excuse to branch out and try new things.  There is a block per month.  I started late in the class, so I have some catching up to do.

I am pretty sure that my seam ripper will be getting a lot of use, but it is a fun challenge.

it's the most wondeful time of the year

Winter Table Topper

Yes, it is that time of the year.  Time to start thinking of the holidays if one is going to make things for gifts.  This is rather important this year in particulr.

Since I have started to quilt, I have made a number of quilted and sewn gifts.  I think almost everyone I know has something I have made.  But this year, I really need to make gifts.

I lost my job at the end of June.  So, no income.  What I make is going to have to consist of what I have on hand.  So that is even a bigger challenge.  I don't have the luxury of going on a hunt for the "perfect" fabric.

I have a reasonably large stash, so I do not think it will be too difficult.  though, I find that when i am auditioning fabric for a project, there usually seems to be one I have a hard time working in to the project.

Take this winter table topper.  I had enough fabrics on hand, in the quantity that I needed.  The light was a stumper though. I had originally chosen another fabric, frosty lite blue.  Then I made a cutting mistake.  So, of to hunt for something else.  I didn't like it, but I stuck with it. Now that the piece is done, I am happy with the results.

So, let's hope that the rest of my holiday gift experiments go as well.

It Speaks to Me

You may know by now that I am at heart into art of all sorts.  I was privileged in my career to host some art galleries for young artists and I was always so very impressed by the quality of their work.  But once in a while, there is a piece that just speaks to you.

With the exception of the flash reflection, his piece just says it all.  I felt like this young artist reached into my soul and stole a picture of my inner drama queen.

I call it "Color Me Overwhelmed."

It is just so very expressive!  It makes me smile as well as remember times when I have felt this way.

I asked the child if I could purchase the piece.  I think she thought that I was crazy when I offered her $50.  It was worth every penny to me, more so really.  And I wanted her to know how much I respected her art, the time it took and the imagination that inspired it.

I recently ran across this on Pinterest and it says exactly how I feel when I purchase art.

When you purchase from an artist,

you are buying more than an object. 

You are buying hundreds of hours of

failures and experimentation..

You are buying days, weeks and months

of frustrations and moments of pure joy.

You are not just buying a thing.;

You are buying a piece of heart,

part of a soul,

a moment of someone’s life.

Most importantly, you are buying the artist

more time to do something they are passionate about.

It was mostly cool

Here I am, back from the Punk rock Flea Market.  a very cool event that attracts very cool people.  So cool, in fact, that I immediately felt somewhat uncool.  As a vendor, it was a wash. Folks said they liked my stuff. they were intrigued about the lotion bars and I sold a few, But mostly it was an observation opportunity.  I thought the fabric jewelry would be a hit, especially at a low price.  Not this time.

So, I continue to wonder if I should keep doing these fairs.  Maybe try to only put out a few things next time.  The journals people like, the lotion bars they are curious about.  I know the eye pillow/hand warmers sell.  We'll see.

But, i do have to say that the best part was that I had a goal - something to work toward.  It gave me energy and inspired me.  I need goals like that, otherwise I flounder and get distracted easily.  Making stuff that other people like is hard - taste is so very subjective.

So, we shall see what comes next... until then

Punk Rock Flea Market!

Official vendor!  Woo Hoo!  I am stoked!

Flower Power

 Okay, so these are lousy pictures, I admit.  But i am having soooo much fun making these!  Tshirt necklaces that will be nice to wear when it's hot out and flower power necklaces with adjustable cords.

That knot was darned hard to learn, but I think I have it now.  I hope people like them.

I will be at the Punk Rock Flea Market in Reading PA on June 9 and selling these babies.

Can't wait!

Souveniers from Minnesota

I have spent the past 3 weeks in Minnesota, visiting the Mayo Clinic.  It was a trip to find answers.  We have less than answers, but a few more choices.

I had the chance to revisit a fantastic quilt store and these are my souvenirs.  I love fabric as souvenirs.  I remember where each one came from and have the memories to keep me content.  T shirts are fun too.