Material Obsession

Thankful for what we have...

Off they go...into the wild blue yonder, flying high...up in the sky!  I went along to the airport to drop Noah off on Saturday.  Yes, I was sentimental that my number two son has finished high school and is now on his way into his own life...BUT...it was also a moment to give him some advice about the schoolies week he was about to participate in up in Queensland.  Stay off balconies, use your head at all times, look both ways before you cross the street and where there is trouble be you not!  What mother doesn't say to her son, "I DON"T WANT TO SEE YOU ON THE NEWS!"  Then there were the other tips about experimenting in life's more illustrious areas but I needn't comment here about that.  Go forth, be safe...don't use forget to stay alert...just a reminder in case he stops the fun to read my blog...uh huh. Delusions abound.

Here is Judy, she is on the convict ship with me and making her quilt.  Judy has chosen to do a bit of applique and a lot of triangles that are cut without any rulers or templates and just that 2k bag of fabric.   Look at her!  She is basking in the moment as we all exclaimed at the progress she has made.  It may not be her fabric choice but she is doing a great job of making an interesting quilt.

These triangles are wonky as can be but endearing. They don't call it a challenge project for nothing!  There is something about making do with what we have that is ever so rewarding.

The table turns to conversation about how she has done this and we all agree it is liberating to consider making a quilt in this manner.  Judy loves the fact that she can sit in a chair in the evening and make this quilt without any to and froing.  It all fits in the bag next to the chair.

At the complete opposite end of the quilting spectrum we have Amanda's angel.  This angel has been in the works for a while and has now nearly reached a heavenly end. 

It is all part of the process...imagine and make. It never existed before and here it is. I can't help but think back to watching as Amanda decided on wings and face fabrics, then the background, foreground and the rest.  One step at a time.  Sometimes we make these decisions alone, in the privacy of our own sewing areas but sometimes it is fun to get some input...firing line style.  What are these gals looking at?

There is a committee happening here...a committee of eyes.  Helena has been using the timeless tulip template and some divine reproduction fabrics from the V&A.  Now she wants to set them on squares but is contemplating a variety of styles.  We have an art deco style...

A pretty Moda floral...

And this sketchy thing which has always been one of my favourite applique backgrounds.

We put them all up on the wall so she could get a feeling for how they would look in comparision to each other.

And then let the comments flow.  This may appear to be confronting but in actual fact it is a great way to work through options.  Everyone sees something different.  In the end it is absolutely Helena's decision.  She has her own ideas but hearing what other people see extends that idea to include how it might be perceived.  The end result can be a bit more unbiased.  Personal taste or emotional attachment to a particular fabric gets molded by the objective review of others.  We can pretend we don't care what other people think but we do.  Once we know what they think we can then dispose of that information or use it if we choose.
 In another class Christine is up to setting her Kaffe Sampler.  The blocks are nearing completion and it is time to select the setting triangle fabrics.It is always worth while to audition a few options so I set about sampling options for her sampler.

The Marquee stripe is of course one of my favourite suggestions at the moment.  I am in love with this fabric and I think I want to marry it. 

We tried a variety of different fabrics. Each one looks completely different.  The other thing that happens here is that the fabrics look completely different hanging in full glory.  Although I have seen that one on the far left many times, I have never seen it drapped.  Often times a bolt of fabric isn't done justice viewed along the edge.  Some things need to be seen bigger than life.  In the end Christine can make her choice.  We set them up so she could look at them while she sewed so I don't even know what she selected in the end.

I have been doing the blocks with the Kaffe Sampler BOM.  As mentioned earlier, I have found this to be a fun and enlightening experience.  Going back to the basics has been a reminder of my own learning experience as it unveils the many layers of learning and skills acquired.  It is often a discussion we have about adding layers of understanding to this process of making quilts.  No one starts out knowing it all and as we go we add our own ideas to what has been set in stone.

Now, before I dash off, I have to share my weekend results.  Remember the street find...well LOOK at it NOW!!!!

I am absolutely thrilled with the results.  My stack of home dec fabrics is now proudly on display.  I love my stash but I like it even more when it is used.  That first reach into the cupboard is always accompanied by the thought "this is too good to cut up!"  However, once I cut it the real purpose is revealed...to be used!!!

So..pleased with the results I turned my hand to other projects in line.  A stack of the new Prints Charming fabrics fell in view of my eye.  Hmmm.  Here is my new cube stool!  Also found on the road side it is now full of charming prints!  You can't buy these items at Freedom...well you can but they don't look like this.  I saw these stools in the shop the other day.

So, on the eve of one year from finishing the outside of our house I started working on the inside.  I don't have a budget for buying furniture so I have decided to recover or make ( or find everything).  It made me really happy yesterday to finish a couple projects and fill a bit of space in our home with unique things.

If you too are interested in adding a bit of personal flair to your home decorating you might like to enroll in our Domestic Bliss class....Come to SWAP Day THIS SATURDAY IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT !!!!! and see the samples and ideas in person...counting down....six days and counting....k

Finish It!

There comes a time when we all start to think about finishing quilts.  Starting them is always so filled with the promise of joy that when it comes to the end of the top we can be exhausted.  There is SOOOO much focus on the fabric, the sewing and the patchwork...then in the pattern we find that line...."Quilt as desired."  I find that line leaves people hanging a bit so this year at SWAP Day (sneak preveiw coming up!) we are introducing a new class.  Yesterday was our sample class. 

 AFter a day of quilt talk on everything from backing, which wadding, basting, quilting tools & patterns and an endless supply of quilted samples we broke down into two groups and sampled hand or machine quilting.  Wendy demonstrated domestic machine quilting.  It was hard to decide which side of the room to go to first.  Everyone brought along a project they wanted to progress to finish and we discussed a few ways to approach it and the questions you should ask yourself in regard to how to approach the projects.  We had all levels from beginner looking to learn, advanced looking to refresh.  The projects varied as well.  This one is by Angelique started with Judy Edinborough and features Charlie Harper inspired animals done on wool.  

We now have six machines at the shop for classes which means the odd jobs can get done easily, machine work is possible and you don't have to drag your machines to class!!! Yahoo!  In addition to Wendy, Adri came along to talk about long arm quilting as well.  Her insight was faluable and I have to say I think we all learned from the team effort.  If you are interested in this monthly class let us know as it was really fun to teach. 

Speaking of teaching, recently Cath and I ventured up the coast to the Carolina Bay quilters for a day of MO on the Road.  It was really fun to get to present our fabrics and tools and meet all the members of a new group.  We have a few of these dates on the calendar for next year but if you are interested in our dog and pony show (quilts, tools and fabric talks...) give us a ring.

Its been a big week as we slide into our final preparations for SWAP Day, our last 2011 big event.  What a year it has been.  Working through the Thanksgiving holiday put me in a state of denial.  I really miss home at this time of year but I have to be grateful for the company of my life these days.  So many wonderful women cross the threshold of the shop.  Some that work with us like Carolyn.  

 

Here she is preparing our scrap bags and swap items.  How magnetic is the scrap bucket.   I dropped an entire drawer from my sewing room in this bucket.  So did Cath.  I try not to look but every time I walk by, I mean EVERY time I walk by it I take something out.  AS IF I NEED IT or CAN"T live without it.  What drives this insanity?  Anyway, Carolyn potters away making bags in the mess.

Remember this...

 the kit we put together for Fairlawn getting made up.

 
I particularly love the organge.  Wendy Wilson has done a wonderful job with her classes this year.  

Bindings are going on and quilts are being quitled all over the place.  Now sadly, the only thing I can't finish is this post as I have yoga in less than 15 mintues and it is pouring with rain which in Sydney means drive slow in traffic.  It seems to rain non stop and the result...the greenest green there is everywhere we look.  dashing off unfinished...k

Patchwork induced Insanity...

STOP!  Focus.  Try hard. Finish that thought.  But running past a table of quilters while on a mission I am sometimes (OFTEN) stopped in my tracks.  This repeated experience has brought me to the conclusion that I have an attention deficit disorder, combined with a tendancy to be a control freak, this situation could be criminal.   If I was being convicted in court for this offence I would defend myself on the basis that there are so many wonderful things before my eyes in any given moment that my poor brain has lost the ability to focus on any one thing for long...just as the imagination becomes engaged...another equally wonderful object, idea, person, discussion, or vision appears out of the corner of my eye and...well...I AM OFF!  The control freak part comes into play as I try to capture the energy of what is happening and package it up.  As the calendar year progresses this condition revs up into a state of complete mental break down.  I have worn myself out...and yet...the excitement of seeing wonderful things keeps me going like a wound up toy that can't stop repeating a motion. 

This condition is most often evidenced on Fridays when Cath and I attempt to bring the working week to a wrap.  Inevitably, we get ourselves into a muddle of half finished sentences due to projects like this...

Just try to walk by without getting involved.  It is Kelly's project in Marg's class. Believe it or not, this quilt is the result of left over hexagon blocks.  Last time they were forged into this layout.  Then Kelly set about making strips of hexagon strips.  Upon review on the design wall it needed a bit of adjustment.  Many options were considered which is of course part of the fun.

Then this gorgeous fabric arrived and Kelly took the brave step of using it as  sashing strips.  The lively colour adds just the right amount of quirk to the quilt.  Unpredictable is what it is and perfect.
In another minute this is on the wall, made by Deidre.  Each lozenge of hexagons is like a magnet to the eye.  How is one supposed to concentrate?  I ask you.

This distraction is not limitied to the shop.  I get up in the morning and open my computer.  First off I get photos of quilt projects from all over the world from our block of the month program or the Material Obsession books.  This is always fascinating to me.

Meg used to grace the shop with her enthusiastic attitude on a regular basis before moving to Switzerland. The other day she sent me this photo of her Twisted Tradition bom.  Meg opted out of the applique center and then set her blocks on point making this her own quilt, thinking through what she wanted to achieve.  This is the pretty version of Twisted Tradition with the strip setting blocks making up for the lost block.   It is proof that persistence pays off as this quilt is like a gelato dream. 

Then Ann sent me this photo of her Now & Then from book two.  Ann captured the feeling of the quilt in her version.  We originally met via email when she discovered there is a mistake in this pattern.  Undaunted, she contacted me for the correct setting triangle measurements and continued on to make it perfectly.  If Anne's quilt inspires you to make this quilt contact me and I'll send you the correct measurements.

My condition is contagious.  Wendy also has a problem with it but hers is attached to an uncontrollable urge to produce.  She makes samples like some of us have daily showers.  Honestly, we marvel at our Wendy and how she does what she does.  For example her bags. 

The Palm Beach bag is the latest and we now have it in about four different colours.  This is my favorite, because of course I love the fabric!  She even got her husband in the act as he makes the handles.  Then we all got fascinated with the raw edge applique and this is only the first of four projects Wendy has done in the last week or so...

It used to scare me but now I just love it.  See.  Think. Make. Pattern.  That is her MO.  How freaking fantastic is this cushion!  It gets ahead of us having so many new things but FINALLY, we got the kits made up for this gorgeous quilt.  This kind of achievement can't be taken lightly.

Last week I had a few classes which is always stimulating to see how everyone is progressing.  This quilt started with a stash of pinks and greens but had lots of Susan used a simple Kaffe pattern to explore contrast and print impact for a friend.  She liked it so much we will soon see this in another quilt but with blues and purples. 

Jessica is new to MO.  It was her first design class.   This one she has made for her son.  It is a great example of old and new in one breath.  There is peace in this quilt but there is also fun.  The wonky stars are very Gwen Marston aren't they!

Jessica has a lot of wonderfully textured fabrics from having worked in the fashion industry.  As she unpacked her back we were all drooling. 
The bits are Japanese silks and random remnants from Paris...each one more beautiful than the last.  She came to me having said she had a few projects that had hit the wall.  She had dresden plates, random squares and the red lanterns that are pictured which Jessica had made at home from From Little Things by Sarah Fielke.   

 This is a situation we can all relate to...start an idea...it grows...another idea occurrs...it grows...then maybe yet another idea until we have lots of elements we want to combine.  At this point a project can be somewhat overwhelming as our enthusiasm for the wonderful materials and ideas grows out of our reach.  Been there.  Done THAT.  I related to Jessica's pile more than she can imagine.  Anyway, the class all turned their eyes to the design wall as we put up her blocks so she could see how they worked together creating pattern. 

It will be interesting to see how this quilt progresses.  On a completely different direction, Robyn brought in a project she is making...shhhhhhh! for her grandson.  It is a FABULOUS table cover cubby house.  Now why didn't we think of that!  The differnent bits fit over a table and the flaps have stable doors, windows and decorative bits that invite the youngster inside!

 

It is a great idea constructed out of home dec fabric.  It made me want to make one for the shop so that I had a place to hide away until the confusion subsides. 

Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that we are all concentrating...yes...CONCENTRATING...on the classes for 2012.  We have come up with some exciting ideas that I can't wait to share at SWAP Day which is just one week from Saturday!!!  I hope you have it on your calendar because it just keeps growing! wait, what was I talking about? k

 

 

from the street

We can take the street for granted.  The street provides a path to get from one place to another but recently it has offered up some surprising directions that are practical, imaginary or artistic considerations. It pays to pay attention as we go along.

 

Once you get over the weirdness, sometimes it is fun to collect things from the street.  One day I drove past a, what do you call it?  A setee?  A sofa with no arms or legs...anyway, it caught my eye so I went home got the dog and walked past it.  Hmmm, it was still there and in pretty good condition.  It was bigger than I thought so I went home and got the car.  It just fit in the backseat.  I brought it home and put it on the verandah where it sat for six months of frustrating busyness.  Everytime I saw it I wanted to cover it with something grand and fun for my house. I finally started working on a plan and although I have been distracted by other things (life!) it is starting to come together now.

I used a wide assortment of home dec fabrics and a large hexagon template (4").  It took a while to get the balance right but it is nearly finished.  Just a short stint with an overlocker and a staple gun and my street find is a luxury item! I also have a big stack of rejected hexagons that I have other plans for in the near future.

Of course now I have the bug to do more items of domestic bliss.  My eye turns to the shop and the endless possibilities at my finger tips.  I start thinking.  And then...in walks Carol.  Carol makes curtains and immediately my imagination kicks into gear.  My sewing room has big windows and as we head into a hot summer this could be a problem if I don't prioritise curtains.  I want to do it but the time...the time...THE TIME and also the fact that John suggested I purchase curtains due to some somehat wonky curtains made in the past.  Ahem. So when Carol says she can teach me to make the properly I immediately jump at the chance.  Surely I am not the only one that wants personalised curtains in their home?  Surely someone will join me in Carol's class!

A plan is now forming...you can make your own curtains with the fabric of your choice or buy curtains ready made from Carol and decorate them yourself!  The rest of the details to be revealed at SWAP DAY which is rapidly approaching.  We are in full gear getting ready...that is once I got my music man weekend out of the way.
Here's another thing I found on the street just outside the shop and now look, a bird has come to perch!  And speaking of birds, I have a bit of series started with birds and I was thinking about chickens as I ran this morning. Then, just as I turned to go up my drive, I looked up and as if my thoughts had come to life before my very eyes there were to huge chickens right there on the front yard of my neighbours house!!! WHAT THE!  If I lived in the country or even in a somewhat rural area (or Kuwaii for that matter) I might not be so surprised but given the streetscape of my area it was a big surprise and particularly because I had just been thinking about them.  Spooky, I know.

And while we are thinking things domestic, here is a little doozy I made up for Better Homes and Gardens...coming to an issue soon!  This was the beginning for me and now I fear there will be hexagon projects all over my house!  That's a good thing I think.  A home should be filled with things we make to make it feel like home. 

And one final note, Sam headed off to Outpost this past weekend which was a huge exhibition of Street Art (linking into the theme of things found on the street which now includes furniture, chickens and art today!)

My camera is filled with images from this show in which the subject matter varies greatly.

There was a day when graffiti was a bad word but I actually love it.  It is a voice of unconventional thought.  It is the voice of youth, making a statement about what is current to them.  I am not a fan of marking someone else's property but in the right place I find it full of truth.
It has a language we are sometimes not allowed to understand which is intrinsic to youthful expression. As soon as we understand what they are talking about the language changes.  I recently heard the boys refer to someone as a gronk.  Gronk?  What does this word mean?  I think I figured it out and then used it myself and was immediately told NOT to use it again.  It sounded bad from my tongue.  If I didn't know it before I know it now...I am no longer young.

There is maturity, frustration, elation and obvious love of colour here.

One of Sam's friends got a chance to participate in the event and this is her first attempt at art with a spray can.  I would have liked to have had a go myself...definitely wouldn't have been allowed.

As per normal, it is time to ah, hit the road.  Wondering what I might see today. k

 

Cross Training the Creative Process

Many moons ago, we boarded a bus to Vegas from LA with friends for New Years Eve 2001.  Kids in tow we were in for a experience that lingers in the present.   On that bus so long ago was a little known singer named Jason Mraz.  He entertained us with a guitar, some vocals and antics during the trip which included a songfest in a hotel room for about 20 people.  Soon after that he had a record deal and since then many many tours around the world as part of a successful career.  It has been a fascinating treat to watch this young man grow up into a mature muscian.  A muscian with a unique style and a sense that as we listened to him we are let into his heart...a place full of clever lyrics, sing-a-long melody and heartfelt emotion.  A nice place to visit.

Barefoot, he led us through his old favourites and some delicious new songs with Toca on percussion and sidekick humour.  I won't say I wasn't mezmerised by him.  In a mid concert out of body moment I wondered at my ability to sit, connected to the song.  My mind went on the path he led joyfully.  When it did wander it was to my most favourite thing to ponder...the creative process.  In Jason's case the process comes from a strong talent base.  His vocal range is from the highest highs to the lows that might initiate a tidal wave in the harbor...or so he implied.

Jason tells his personal story speaking of things in song he may not be able to speak about face to face. His exposed humanity connects us to the process...the process of self expression.  We are taken to places of our own insecurity and the bravery needed to let it out.  He makes choices.  He makes choices to combine a bit of bongo style percussion and a bit of operatic style vocals on the piano.  The mixture of influences keeps the mind engaged...just like...just LIKE! YOU KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO SAY!  Just like us, making quilts that combine lots of different cultural influences and techniques to create a unique message!  

 JASON MRAZ OFFICIAL WEBSITE

 

Confidence is a big part of the job.  We had the pleasure of going to the sound check in the afternoon. I was completely overwhelmed and fascinated while watching the artists at work.  From the sound guy that quietly walked around to the corners of the Opera House listening...just listening, to the film guy angling for camera angles, the lighting guys experimenting with colour and texture....to Jason himself.  Singing. Talking over the harmonies,  song to song blends and choreograpy.  What would later appear to be a seamless montage of songs was actually very well thought.  When he opens up and sound comes out, it wraps around us taking us where he is.  I wished over and over that I could sing like that to release my message.  I envy his ability to connect so completely that it almost hurts.  

I woke up this morning with lyrics in my head and a feeling of contentment.  In the process is release.  Release of frustration, emotion, and the acceptance of the message. The message that in a lot of ways we are all the same.  Isn't that what we are here for? to connect?  Jason has a message of love, his own but also the love that unites us all and lucky he has enough courage and insight to get the message right.  Like a love struck teenager I was completely in the spell.  

Time to do the laundry and groceries.  back to reality...k

Quilty Happenings

Enough about me and my quilts...

You know, some things just quietly sneak up on you.  Cath, one of my illustrious partners in crime at Material Obsession has steadily been making Starting Blocks for over a year.  This is a persistent task that means she is always snooping around looking to see what everyone is loving at the minute and taking that concept into an easily doable small sized project that just might...most definately...be a starting block for something fantastic!   These projects over time have covered applique, template blocks, string piecing, Amish style, paper piecing and lots in between. But now... for something completely different we have Still Life...one of my new favourtit themes and beautifully executed by Cath...

Free from tedious rules about how, where, why? Cath has just made.  Using one of our favourite staples, Cloth, as a background, and our other staple...an unending supply of scraps, Cath has produced this vase and flowers for our Starting Block participants this month.  While in preparation we have had people walk by and grab kits so we made some extras which are available while stocks last!  But don't worry, they may sell out but there is more where that came from!!!

 

I have been seeing lots of wonderful work at the shop lately and also in emails.  Just one of the fabulous aspects of my life is that I can live vicariously through all of my quilting buddies near and far.  Such fodder for the imagination.  We have a class called Liberated Quilts which is based on the funtastic Collaborative Quilting books by Gwen Marston and Freddy Moran. 

This year Wendy Wilson has been leading the class through their stashes and now the fruits of their labor is starting to appear.  We will be carring this fun class forward into the new year and hope you might bring your stash bits along and join us for some fun.

One wonderful chook at time and several carefully pieced wonky borders and Deidre has a nearly finished quilt top full of character and appeal.  These quilts draw us in due to their random nature but don't be fooled as there is a lot of work here and many decisions have been made to make it what it is today.  It is off to be quilted now and hopefully back in time to be displayed at Swap Day!!!!

In another corner and in the throws of wedding date deadlines is Miga working on an enlarged version of Marquee Diamonds!!! Give this gal credit as she puts the sewing pedal foot to the medal to get this quilt to the church on time!!!  It is big and it is beautiful and we are all encouraging the diagonal rows to come together in good time!  Easy is one thing, big is another.

In our "beginner" category we have some samplers being finished in classes.  Each one as different as can be.  This has a nice soft palette and yet the contrast is working to show off the variety of blocks.  We steered away from sampler quilts at the start but have returned to the concept that a nice simple sampler is a great way to learn a variety of techniques one step at a time.  We offer this as a block of the month as well using only Kaffe Fassett fabrics.

This month they have an Ohio Star and some Flying Geese whirling their way to post boxes!  The Kaffe Sampler is a good way for participants  to learn about using colour (near and far away) while not stumbling too much on construction. 

Here is another Sampler with a touch, assembled with straight sashing and triangle borders...not such a good photo but a nice colour combination.

Deidre has finished this Dinozag quilt for one of her grandsons.  Quilted with many needles in no time at all it is now nearly ready to be handed over.  I particularly like the "dinosaur" egg print which makes a surprising appearance at one end!

Then from over the river and far away lives a quilter named Margret Allen.  She is a regular in the mail order box.  Here is her version of Hot Tamale...a bright and wonderful pattern for lovers of colour!

Last year Margarat joined me in Wellington for Soul Searching....which by the way is on again next year and I'll be there again so if you are in New Zealand book plans for Wellington the first weekend in June!!! for Handmade.

Soul Searching is the quintessential quilt for discovering who you are and who you can be in regard to fabric selection.   There are many considered choices to be made in this quilt and although it is fun there are tough moments that lead to self discovery.  Maybe I should have called it life through stash examination.  Anyway, it is wonderful to see it finished.  I am surprised by how soft and pretty it looks but having said that there are many layers revealed...

And then, in the MAD bird category of Fly Away with Me...I have finished this month's applique block.  I have said before but it is worth repeating that I NEVER thought I would EVER do an applique block like this but I am LOVING it.  It has brought my quilting to a virtual standstill as I sit at night and do this.  Something has to give I guess.  We can't do everything.

Anyway, this little treat and the other six blocks are all packed up and ready to go out today in the post.  Not an easy task.  This block is the November Twist Again by Sue Ross.  It is an unusual block that uses a template and a bit of applique.  

This one might be a bit of relief after the star block last month!

We were there late last night but stopped mid stream for a bit of McDonalds.  Yes, we gave in the to the lure of fast, easy and expected.  Expected crispy hot chips and got them! Expected to feel gross afterwards and did.  However, there are just some times after a busy day or working the brain that the quick fix is required.  I have to say it was heaven but now I must go for a run...payback is a you know what!

It's been a busy week as per usual full of visual delight.   We are very busy getting class schedule information together for next year which is promising to be a very year full of one word...CREATE!   All will be revealed as SWAP Day.  Newly added to our list of attractions is Saffron Craig!  See you all there! k

 

 

 

 

Elevator Moments

Remember Working Woman, a movie about women in business way back in the days of women fighting to the top.  Melanie Griffiths is an off beat secretary working for a driven, cut throat female boss.  In my favourite scene they are in an elevator with the owner of the company.  Melanie's boss has taken credit for an idea and it is time to prove that she thought it up herself.  She explains that while reading gossip magazines she saw a connection between two formerly unconnected businesses.  Bing!  An idea is born.  I love the random nature of her explanation and the fact that she could obviously  take the credit.  Generally there is no explanation for original creativity.  It seems to just happen be it a business plan, a recipe, a quilt pattern, a novel or maybe just a turn of a phrase that is your own.. 

Traditional quilts float my boat.  I love nothing more than leafing through the pages of historical quilt books and identifying the patterns, colour combinations and layouts.  It never ceases to amaze me that I still find quilts that I would love to make or rediscover ones within familiar pages of books that I hadn't seen before.  What turns the imagination on?  The combination of all the influences I collect defines who I am as a quilter.  Recently I finished a series of quilts and a weekend loomed ahead.  I had a photo of a quilt on my design wall...

On a regular basis I find myself staring at this quilt and thinking I'd love to make it.  So, when the opportunity arose I set about to do just that.  Normally I work in strongly contrasting fabrics so I thought I'd try to make a "pretty" quilt.  I hit the stash...
How this mess of treasured fabrics could ever become a quilt is another mystery for another time.  However, I had all the fabrics I needed to make this quilt (and one fabric that I had loved so I bought the bolt!)
OK, it doesn't look exactly like the original but that is never my intent.  Knowing where I am going means I am already there...kinda boring.  The mystery that unfolds as the process progresses is my motivation.  I endeavour to find the easist way to decipher the pattern and release the urgent need to create.  Lets face it, I don't have time to mess around because I work full time!   I won't lie, the process involves bits I like and bits I don't like.  Selecting fabrics to create the mood I want is a thrill.  Mind crunching, swearing kind of math doesn't make me happy but generally, when I get to the end I look back and wonder why I didn't see the easy path to start. (You know, like Lilly on the SBS Letters & Numbers show...what a genious she is!)

I'd say in the process the layout and selection of fabric is my favorite part... the promise of joy...that's what I have always called it anyway.  When the piles of chosen fabrics are gathering and starting to set the tone for the quilt.   In this case I particularly liked the pink.  Not a normal colour for me so it was a challenge.  I often look at pretty quilts and wonder how they are made...easy for some.  So I have called this quilt Almost Pretty because I could have kept it completely soft but I had to throw in some stronger colours...just because it has to be messed up for me to like it.   Anyway, it was fun and the pattern will be available in a Quilters Companion issue some time soon!  Buy the magazine and avoid the math!

On another level sometimes I find an inspirational quilt like this...
Here is the credit trail....barged into Marg's class one day and picked up one of her books, leafed through the pages and saw this quilt.  Spent a few minutes in stun mode staring at what I was seeing.  Brain went into action as I envisioned how to make it.  Full of GREEDY anticipation, I went home and started cutting Kaffe's Marquee Stripes.  Not too hard a quilt to make but could I make it like I saw it? NO!  Had to make changes as I went along for a variety of reasons...it became as you might have seen, this...
The mood is completely different and the structure is changed by the sashing.  Would you immediately put the two together, maybe, maybe not but I'd say this version is mine.  The collision of the homespun's I had in my stash and the stripes and the photo was a nova moment where the drums of my mind beat with the excitement of creating something new.

Speaking of drums, on my favorite radio station, JJJ, there is a segment called Like A Version.  Each week an artist  performs a cover version of another artist's song.   I am always amazed by how my heart and mind play tug of war with this concept.  My heart says, "I LOVE this song."  while my mind says, "WHAT THE?"  The process of  recognition and discovering is an engaging one.   My book, due out in April 2012 explores this concept in quilts. I think it is important that our quilts are a reflection of who we are as makers and of the influences we choose to adopt into our own style.  By the nature of the process we are combining technique, colour and pattern to create something new...which by the way is ART. 

Recently, I have been involved in discussions about original creative inspiration and the blurring lines of origin. As an avid blogger I have grown a bit weary of the struggle of my urgent need to share the process of creative spirit and the fear that once put out there it is gone.  Do any of you feel that way? 

I think it might be time to give creative credit where it is due.  Not in a bad way but in an involving, truthful manner. The revelation of where you start shows how you made it your own.  Remember that no one can make what you make...no one can make all the important decisions along the way that you make.  In the end, your work is your own and you will always know that...or not.  If you see photos or words on this blog or others please respect the maker and consider the source.  To be "inpsired" is to be prompted to act or make...not to copy.  Creative respect is important. Rest assured that if you sing your song your way you'll enjoy it more. k

 

 

 

quilting...the final frontier

A few weeks back I saw a photo of a quilt from the 1930's.  It was pastel stripes and quarter square triangles.  It was the kind of quilt that made me drop everything I was doing at the time and clear my studio to to make it my way. Given my love affair with Kaffe's Marquee stripes it wasn't long before I had a few blocks up on the wall.

I simply love these stripes and have been using them with dramatic effect in several projects of mine as well as our block of the month programs. The strong colours attact the eye and the changes midstream keep the imagination engaged as we seek to define what we are looking at. 
Piecing a quilt is often an almost thoughtless process for me as it spills out of my brain, through the machine and onto the wall.  The impulse to create overpowers all other impulses and mad sessions of cutting and sewing finally give way to a completed top.  Then what?  I really wondered how to quilt this and particularly since it is going to Quilters Companion...Eventually, using the Creative Grid 90 degree strip ruler I had all these quarter squares finished and it was time to consider quilting. 

Where do we start when we are so in love with our own work?  I started by turning to my favorite quilting book, Quilting with Style by Gwen Marston.  It is an oldie but goodie full of examples of traditional patterns that I can easily imagine coming to life.  Leafing through the pages I started to get an idea of how I wanted to see this quilt.  I didn't want the lines of the quilting to interfer with the lines of the blocks but I didn't want it to be obvious by following the lines of the fabric...One of my favorite design components is a secondary pattern.  So, once I had drawn up a few examples of lines I liked I met with Adri Van der Zel and we discussed my options.  She is a very creative machinist and I very much appreciated how she heard what I had to say and then gave me her input.  Her expert input was most welcome in deciding where the lines should go, where they wouldn't work due to seam joins.  I am a fanatic about not over quilting and Adri understands what I mean.

Adri's quilting services are available through the shop and I highly recommend her for thoughtful consideration of your next custom project....This quilt is called Dream Catcher and will be coming to a Quilters Companion issue in the new year!  k

 

OLA! 21st Party Time

This is how it starts!  Broad brimmed sombreros, brightly coloured ponchos,  many moustaches and a few frothies,...let the party begin!!!! It was kind of scary to still be sweating in the kitchen when this crew arrived early for the 21st on Saturday evening to celebrate Oscar's birthday.

This gorgeous pile of fruit and veggies picked up in a manic trip to the farmer's market would soon be nothing but a memory of tasty treats.  We did Mexican which means lot of chopping for quesadillas and nachos in noodle buckets.  The better part of Friday night was spent cooking up 10 KILOS of ground beef which I have to say was a HUGE hit.  More than a few boys came up in the night to say how much they enjoyed the food.  I don't think I have ever seen so much disappear so fast!
Not one bite was left on Sunday morning! It would be a long night of laughter and then a bit of sorting out in the wee hours as several boys opted for sleeping space on mattresses and sofas around the house.  I did wonder how families without dozens of quilts cope in such a situation but all in all a night full of laughs, smiles and good cheer.

John always does a nice job on the outside.  Not only did he create several chill sections out of antique fridges and wash tubs but he made up a string of coloured lights to hang all the way around the house. It was just one of those tinkering jobs he likes to do...a box of coloured light bulbs from his dad's collection, some wire and some sockets turned into a beautiful string of coloured lights that surrounded the house and set the scene!
The pinyatta was full, the ponchos made, the bucket of Margueritta's in the freezer and we were off as the young amiga's started to appear!
Is it my imagination or are young women just getting more beautiful?
And the young men more handsome!  My favourite moment of the night! 

My friend Michelle helped me with all the cooking which was a good thing because when we started making the quesadilla's we just couldn't make them fast enough.  They swarmed around the passing platters like honey to the bees and eventually figured out they could just come and stand by the bench and get them hot off the cooking plate. 


It was hilariously fun as they were so appreciative of the food...is there anything that makes you happier than making food for young men that simply can't get enough?

It was nice also that Noah, having just finished his HSC exams could participate and enjoy the festivities after so much hard work.  He and his friends are all turning to the next phase of their life and for me it is hard to imagine having two young men out of school.  Most of these guys I have known since we did reading together in Kindy.  Looking at all of them makes the moments of the years fly by in a glance.Of course we still have the cool gang to get through the next two years!  This gang of arty musos is just lurking on the brink of what the others are up to lifestyle wise.  I can't help but wonder the effect of watching the older boys will have on Sam. 

It was all a bit of a blur for a while.

The speeches were gut busting funny.  A mom should probably not laugh at some of the things she heard  told but there was one mom in the crowd that could hardly breath for laughing.  It was with great pride that I heard stories told with relish by friends that will last a lifetime.    The nicknames, the stories of beers and babes, travel and sport were expressions of memories that will last the test of time.  One can only watch and wonder what life will bring all of them in time.  How lucky are they to have each other. 

If a man can be judged by how many nicknames he has then Oscar rate pretty high.  Mole, or moleman was the first but the one that he has acquired since starting law school, The Judge, is the one that made me laugh the hardest. A man of many faces....he soon turned from this

 to this!  How does a mother erase the sight of her son, clad only in a holster and undies dancing madly in the night?  I can't forget and never want to!

This year has brought many big moments to my life that I am forever grateful.  However, this party celebrating  Oscar turning 21 is the biggest milestone of them all.  His arrival in our lives changed everything.  It is hard not to think back to sitting in the hosptial with this tiny baby boy and my husband and realising that we were now responsible for his life.  Nothing ever changed anything more than that single moment in my life.  And now, 21 years later he is set free by law to be his own man.  He will take with him the foundation we have given him and a happy assortment of wonderful friends.  What he does with it is his choice. Go forth and prosper...quilty stuff tomorrow...k

Bundles of November Joy

Can you believe it? November already.  Be you in the northern or southern hemisphere...turning cold or turning hot weather it is hard to believe the calendar flipped over to November.  One can almost feel things amping up into the holiday season...that familiar tingling sensation of fear is ringing in my ears like the bells.

Anyway...onto the really important reveal for November...the FEATURE BARGAIN BUNDLES!  To start I'd like to mention Melissa White, a new designer whose designs I have fallen for of late.  Her art is inspired by Elizabethan designs.  Each piece resonates with a memory of time gone by.  Melissa is a fresco secco artist in Sussex, England.  Although she designs many other things we welcome her to the world of patchwork with her cracked, weathered and worn looking fabric that has just the right amount of texture, colour and feeling.  As soon as I saw the designs I was taken by the orginal direction, the fabulous palette and the unique approach she is developing.  I have a bit of a project brewing with them at home but first I thought it would be fun to take three of her colours and do the bargain bundles with her fabric as the feature in each category so here they are:

Thee Contemporary grouping features a yarn dyed plaid, a perfect "match" pair from Brandon and a great graphic from Joel Dewberry.  A couple of hot designers all playing nicely together in a bundle of FUN!  I love the moody nature of the contemporary colourway and can just imagine all kinds of blocks done up in this combo.  The main fabric from Melissa's Misaki is an engaging combination of coral and aqua with just the right amount of green to bring it home down the unbeaten path!

For the Pretty colours I have chosen a variety that includes a stripe, a plaid and a really soft floral plus a graphic that picks up the lovely green.  I struggle with pretty. I always want to mess it up but I think this combo is actually pretty and I don't need to wreck it.  Melissa's design already sets the tone with interesting desings done in pulled back colours accented with a strong brown.  Really nice.

For Classic I have gone into the reproduction room and pulled out a few French General fabrics and mixed them in with some easy on the eye red and off white. I can see the wallpaper, the quilt cover and the loveseat in this quilt room!  The feature print has a hint of a lavender to it but I like the subtle nature of that without pulling it out.  Playing on the reds adds a bit of action while the taupes pull it back to classic.

Melissa does wallpapers, paintings and a lot of other things arty.  Check her out in these bargain bundles of 5 25cm strips for $22.  They were pretty darn popular last month so don't delay!  We can include them in your bom if you like for some added inspiration!  Here's the link:bargain bundles

There's more to tell you but my time is up, as per usual...party fixings to be got!  Enjoy!