Category Archives: Wedding quilts

Fresh Start

Hello,

It feels good to return to an old pattern.   I will try to up date you on a few things.  The collapse of the old computer sure set me up for a lot of new learning.   All the transfer of info is still not complete, but every week things are better.  My biggest hurdle has been the photo program.  An up dated program is now installed and I am getting the hang of it.

The holidays were good to me and I enjoyed my family.  As most of the events I attend have become Zoom meetings  I do not have any other folks work to share.   On Tuesday this week I enjoyed three Zoom meetings and an hour Zoom presentation.   That day was a bit much so I hope to smooth things out so that does not occur again.

The Pixies have been a nice constant through out this time.  Last week Susan challenged us to do a Valentine Dance Card.   This is my solution.

 

 

 

 

I did manage to keep up with my Fabric Artists Stitch Club work. This work is stitching on paper that has been collaged in the workshop from Monique Day- Wild.  I also added candy wrapper foil, an idea from another work shop.

 

 

 

A second workshop by Jessica Grady was about adding  sequins that were made from different materials on to the surface.     I really enjoyed this one.  I used  paper,  foil lined caps, fabric,  part of a pie pan, some Christmas paper, and plastic for  my sequins.           

 

She suggested other shapes and materials so I still have areas to explore here.

 

 

 

 

At the Sisterhood Retreat Joyce kindly passed forward  lots of yarn.  It was mostly sox yarn so I mix two or three strands for this project.   I have been making cowls out of it.  These are the two most recent ones.

 

 

 

  Progress Report:  Grandmother’s Wedding Dress  This work is 39″ w X 52″ l.  The dress is from my Mothers side of the family and it was a gift from my cousin this summer.

The table cloth behind the dress was all done by hand  and the pearls were Grandmothers.

 

 

I hand embroidered  the story and dates of the dresses use on the skirt.

 

 

 

 

Scattered    This work is 32″ w X 17″ t.  I have done lots of hand work  and this  challenge  is part of the Sisterhood  of the Scissors group.   It represents the way my thoughts and actions seem to be during this Covid area.

Lap Quilt 1   I continue to make these simple lap quilts to pass on to the local nursing homes.  I delivered 25 in early December.  I am starting a new batch for this year.

 

 

 

 

Lap Quilt 2    I am using these projects to use many of the fabrics that I have printed and altered over the years.  It is fun play for me

 

 

 

 

Lap Quilt 3   For this I used many silk kimono fabrics that I had been given by Noel.

 

 

 

 

 

Lap Quilt 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lap Quilt 5   I am starting a new work here

 

 

 

 

 

 

100 Day Challenge   I have now assembled and done the free motion quilting on my 100 Day Challenge project and I am calling it Action.  I used six panels that are not in the project to do a little trial work to see what colors I want to use for  the embroidery work.   The yellow is too pale and I like both the red and purple so I am ready to start doing the hand work in both of those colors.

 

 

I have moved on to my college years with the Memories series and I have been doing them every week so I will post two until we are up to date.

College Memories-Trip to NYC

In the fall quarter at Ball State I joined Kallista, the art club. The meetings were held in the West lounge of the Art gallery where all the designer furniture was kept. It was great to get to sit in the Eams Chairs and Catalonia lounger. I liked the Jacobson Egg Chair, too. The club was going to New York City over the Thanksgiving break. I jumped at the chance and volunteered to sell candy at football games and saved my pennies for the trip. After my last test, for The World in the Twenty Century, I got myself ready for the trip.

I got on the train with nineteen other students and three chaperons and headed east at 6:00 am on Monday morning. We stayed in the Hotel Piccadilly at west 45th street and Broadway. I shared a room with three other girls. I was the only freshman on the trip. But I became friends with a gal named Pat, who was a senior, and she sort of looked out for me. We had so many choices of things see and places to visit that it was almost overwhelming. Our first outing was the Museum of Modern Art. I was delighted to see so many paintings that I had only viewed in books, in six- or eight-inch illustrations, or as slide projections that were huge. I recall being struck at how small Starry Night was. The sculpture garden was open to the sky in those days and we walked around the work and posed for photos with the Henry Moores.

The Guggenheim was a real mind blower for me. The pictures I had seen of it did not prepare me for the size. It was so much bigger. I recall looking over the balcony on the top floor after exiting the elevator and loving Frank Lloyd Wright’s spiral design. As we strolled down we stopped and posed for photos in front of the paintings there, too. It seemed to be over with all to soon.

The only other required museum was the Metropolitan. Fortunately, Pat knew what she wanted to see–I was just amazed at the choices. We did the Egyptian exhibit and studied some of the jewelry very closely since jewelry was her major. We also looked at lots of paintings– including Vermeers and Rembrandts. I remember being amazed at how big “Washington Crossing the Delaware” was. I was fascinated by the paint work of the ice in that one. After that, we e explored a little of Central Park outside the museum. Later pat and I joined two boys and went to Rockefeller Center. I love the golden Atlas and the statue over the ice skating rink. We did rent skates and had a good time on the ice. We bought dinner that night from street venders, and I recall having Chestnuts, too. One of the boys, Greg, and I decided to stand in line for tickets to see Johnny Carson that evening. I don’t recall the guests, but I sure remember laughing a lot and getting back to the hotel quite late.

On Thanksgiving day we got our acts together and went to the Macy’s Parade. It was cold standing on the pavement, but I did enjoy the balloons. I remember Snoopy, the Sinclair Dinosaur, and a rather faded Superman. Pat and I did a little shopping that day, but I don’t think I purchased anything. That evening four of us–Pat and I, Greg, and another guy whose name escapes me–went to a Chinese Restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner. There were very few folks in the space, but we did have a good time, laughing about our unusual holiday fare. My fortune cookie message said “Be especially careful tonight.”One of the group trips was to the United Nations. It was not in session, but the building sure was impressive. I purchase a gift for Mom in one of the nearby shops and the saleswoman offered to wrap it. I said sure. I happily took the wrapped gift away with me. Later that day I opened the package to show off the gift and found the box to be empty! I was quite disappointed and felt like a gullible fool. The group also took in the Empire State building. No lines to speak of and great views. I recall the Chrysler Building sparkling in the sunshine. We went south from there on the subway, which I found to be a great place to people watch. There was one gal, obviously a model, who was beautiful with long legs and a great coat in the car with us. It made me realize that everyone used that mode of transport. We got out in Greenwich Village and did some gallery hopping there. I was not too impressed at the cutting edge stuff and I think now that was mostly because I just did not know what to look for.

The whole group spent a day in the American Museum of Natural history, too. The dinosaurs were impressive and I thought that was what they are know for. But I remember the display on the Northwest Natives the most. Perhaps that was because Dad was going to Alaska and working with the Tlingit people at the time.

Theater did not get neglected either and I remember we went to several plays. I had been spoiled by the top of the line stuff at Emens at Ball State and can’t say that I remember the name of a single play.

I did enjoy the trip and think it made my Art History class have a bit more meaning even if slides and books pale by comparison to the real things. But that is true of most of art.

College Memories–Pledging and More

After Christmas I went back to campus to face some new challenges. To begin with, I had a new hairdo. I had always wanted to be a brunette and for Christmas got a wig of that hue. I was thrilled that it had so much body, and I could curl it over night without having to sleep on the curlers. The first big event upon returning to school was Sorority Rush. There were eight different sororities at that time, and Rush Teas were spread out over Saturday and Sunday afternoons of the first weekend back to school. I met and talked with so many folks I could not really keep them straight, but I was only asked to pledge Alpha Sigma Tau.

My sorority Mother was a upperclassman named Carolyn. I really like her, although she was the only person I really got to know. I was not particularly happy with the bright yellow beanie, but that was part of the game, so I wore it. Pledging was fun most of the time, with lots of silliness. I did not share classes with any of the other pledges or members. Pledging sure put a new structure in my life. From 6:30 to 9 every Monday to Thursday evening, I was in the sorority suite, a set of rooms in a dormitory. There was a short meeting some evenings, but most of the time was dedicated to silent study. There were lots of social events, and we were expected to be a part of the chapter choral group. I remember a sorority-fraternity Roaring Twenties party that was lots of fun. For it, I made a simple dress of apple green with little white printed daises. I added three rows of four-inch fringe trim to the skirt. I loved that dress so much that after the dance, I removed the trim and wore it to threads. I also made a second dress for the group. We were all to wear matching yellow wool dresses for the big spring Sorority Concert. I did not like the chosen pattern at all.

Another thing that started soon after I went back to school was dating Steve Coomer, the fellow from Larry’s Christmas party who spent the evening blowing his bubble gum. I was flattered that a senior wanted to date me. We went to musical events mostly, but it was not a real healthy relationship. He hated the brown wig and told me so from the start, Somehow that made me want to hang onto it all the more. He also told me that pledging a sorority was a foolish idea. He was jealous of the Twenties dance because it was closed to folks who were not in Greek Life. But we did go to the Valentine’s Dance and I made a special dress for that, too. It was blue velvet. Yes, the song was popular at that time and they did play it at the dance. Things really came to head a bit later when we went to see Porgy and Bess at Emens Auditorium. I was looking forward to the performance because I knew the songs from listening to Mom’s records, but I did not know the story. Students could get free tickets to events by presenting their ID cards at the box office ahead of the performance. Since I was accustomed to second- row seats, because that’s what my folks had for Emens events, I always got tickets early. So I gave Steve my ID on Monday, when he assured me he would take care of getting the tickets. He returned my ID on Sunday afternoon– almost a week later–when he picked me up for the 2:30 performance. When I discovered we were seated on the far left of the upper balcony, I was a little upset. Steve admitted that he had not gotten the tickets until Saturday afternoon, even though he had promised to get them right away. I was really disappointed and upset as the opera went on. I could see only a few details of the sets and costumes, and none of the facial expressions at all.

Enjoy

Carol

 

More Fall

leafHello,

I could not resist this oak leaf with its rain spots this morning.  They look so like glass beads. I am so influenced by the natural elements around me that I am not even aware of it.    ThisFall tree is photo of fruit on a limb that I took yesterday  when I went for my morning walk was not on the top of my mind at 3:30 when I  painted tyveck  for an unknown  project-( I wanted to have a bit of the texture that tyveckironed tyveck creates for some use)  but  the colors came out anyway. The Diva’s did a Trunk Show at the Schweinfurth Art Center on Sunday in conjunction with their Quilts= Art= Quilts show that is currently hanging in their galleries.  Eight of the members Cheri's-2showed off her  works and talk about their personal  influences.   The presentation was well received and and there where about 45 people who attended.     There were lots of positive comments from the viewers after the talk.   Sharon Bottle Souva sold two pieces!  I tend to forget how strong and unique each of the gals in the group are until I see a group presentation like this one.   I feel so

Nancy's-workprivileged to be a part of such a strong group of supportive and creative  fiber artists.

I went to Nancy’s this week and we talked about her possible next steps for her summer quilt.Nancys-close-up This photo is of the center section.  She plans to add butterflies on the surface and to machine draw/quilt  in two trees to represent  Bret and herself .    Nancy always finds a way to take a simple idea and build on it to create a very complex work- I love it!

Wedding-quiltProgress Report:  Donna’s Wedding Quilt  I am still quilting away on this work.   At this point I am just a little beyond half way  with the center section.   I find that I can only work for about an hour on this before I begin to get  tired and must stop.  Broadcasting


Broadcasting  
I am continueing to add more instrument pads  to the surface  of this quilt.   It is starting to get the feel I want.  I am going very slowly and pinning the work up every evening after I have added more to the surface. Then I study before I make new additions.  

 

YellowstoneMemory Map- Yellowstone  I am playing with paper patterns of the objects/ parts I want to add to the surface of this project.    Sally reminded me  that one does not need nor should they try to include everything  in the work.   I am struggling with that part of the process so it too is going slowly.

 

New  Stone Work   I started a new stonenew  rock piece this week.  I am working from a black and white photograph so I am choosing the colors  that are the tones and shades like the ones in the image.   I used corduroy,  hand dyed  silk and organza in this work as well as yarns and silk paper.    I love all the textures.

 

New Work    I started this work BN13-no-nameabout a month ago.  I did not know where I was going with it at the time and I am still not sure.  But I am pushing forward none the less.  I have added some vertical units and I am doing hand stitching on the surface to add more texture.  This is a pure experimental thing.

If you have a comment please post it.

Keep Creating

Carol

Full Moon

-treesHello,

The Moon is full and I love to see how the moon light makes the branches have little sliver out lines.  The shadows are wonderful too.  I am so glad it was clear and warm last night so I  could enjoy the evening.   It is cold today however.

I did a little walking in the woods this week and enjoyed the sounds of the leaves under foot as the trees are mostly stripped now.  It was a gray day when I made this excursion, but  I still enjoyed the  sounds and this  tree bark bark.

This week there were QuEG’s and FAB meetings.     The Diva group is doing a trunk show at the SchweinfurthBN6Sally on Sunday so they did not meet.  The QuEG’s gals had lots to share.   Sally did this fun little landscape to give to a friend who let her stay on the lake this summer.  There is lots of machine    Sue-Ellenwork here as she always applies a lot of that.

Sue Ellen is busy thinking ofAngela's Monet Christmas too and creating little machine drawn mini images 6″ X 8″ in the seasonal vain.

Angela has been experimenting with her felter and she was trying with this copy to see how effective she could be with  a pre-felted  surface that  she felted into.   Looks Janes's-workgood to me.

Jane is doing her amazing wool  embroidery  as usual.    She had several pieces this time.

 

There were four of us from the QuEGs group who were in Kerr Groboski’s  Deconstructed class last week,Linda's--work so there were lots of wonderful dyed works to share too!      This shot of one of Linda’s fabrics shows how the print paste breaks down one the screen with each print.    Seeing all our BN6workshop-stuff1works together sure made me aware of how we all have our own unique color sense as well as style.   I hope we do some more of this technique because I was so happy with the color that I achieved worhshop-2in this workshop.    Now the real work begins when one uses the fabric as a start or works back into it……..    I think they will need to hang in my line of sight for a while before I know what to do.

 

 

 

Progress Report : New new-workWork     I still have not come up with a title for this work.  I have started to stitch down the key pads however.   It is  a fun and very slow process.     I will work on that this week.

 

 

Donna’s Second Wedding Dress Quilt    This is the second commission for myWedding-quilt friend Donna.   I am to the free motion quilting step now after spending over two hours crawling around on the floor pin basting it on Monday.  I wore my knee pads but the knees still hurt.     I am following the strong lines in the print  for the quilting design . This shot shows the top( green, gold white and red) with the back folded over so one can also see how the quilting pattern is coming along.

Keep Creating

Carol

Oct 18, 2012 For the Birds

Hello,

It is really starting to feel like fall here in  upstate central New York.  It has been cool in the early mornings and evenings and worm during the middle of the day.  I spent time today out of doors stacking wood for the fire place.  I am only about half done, but I had to stop as I had an appointment.  Hopefully I will finish the job tomorrow if it is at all as beautiful as today was.  Another sure sign of the approach of winter around here is the reappearance of different birds at the feeder.  I still see our constant Cardinal friends, but this morning I also saw two Blue Jays.   I do not think I was aware how very big they are as compared to many birds. I know they have big voices and their bright blue makes them easy to spot, I just was unaware of how size was also a part of that until I saw them up close.  I do not think they will be around long I do not recall seeing Jays in the winter in the past.  But I will keep my eyes open for them.

Mary’ Wedding Quilt
Queen sized

 Progress Report: Mary’s Wedding Quilt  

This commission is finally complete.  The cream is from Mary’s mothers wedding dress and was the starting place for this work.   The center block is the collar of the dress and the buttons that are in the middle ran down the front of the dress.  I added lace  to all four of the rows of  wedding dress sashing that surround the center.  The double row of lace  on the sixth row from the center has antique lace from my grandmothers collection as a part of it too.

I am very pleased with how the final quilt looks and I hope the bride feels the same.

Purple Marble
14″ X 21″

Purple Marble 

I have enjoyed working on this quilt as it has all come together sense I came home from my visit to Marty.  I was so very excited and full of ideas that I could not seem to get started on anything.  Over choice, I guess.  So I dropped back and went for a pile of fabric I had selected as “working together” and did  a work that was in my usual vain.

  doing that work on something I was fimilar with made it  easier to start a new idea.  I used a variegated  thread to quilt this work too .

Lauren’s Wedding Quilt Blocks

The blocks are now ready for assembly.  This is one of the ideas that I got from my visit with Marty.   I cut the original block ( blow)so the center was 2″x4″.  ( I did not take any photos of this step  you can see what it looked like before I made the second cut)  I then reassembled the squares and made the same cut on the new aliment. Again I put the squares back together creating the blocks you see.  I tried to make each block unique with only the two cuts.  The fun of the layout for final assembly now begins.

Bird Goddesses

This quilt is made from some of the drawings I did with Susan before I went away.  I know I have a show at Sparky Town for January and February and the curator wants goddess quilts for that show.  I already have several, but will take this opportunity to create a few more in the same area. This close up shows one of the smaller drawings.   It is only about two inches tall and just about life sized.

I hope you are enjoying the wonders of fall and enjoying every second. Until next time.

Keep Creating

Carol