Starting A New Piece

I apologize to all  my viewers for not posting anything much for so long.  We have been all wrapped up in our business and now have an accepted offer on our building.  With closing on or before July 17th it is meaning a lot of decisions and work ahead.  Bob plans on renting a small space and doing some clock repair in it just a few days a week.  We have found the spot now just need to move what he will need there. 

So needless to say I have been totally distracted and not in the studio.  Seems that is going to be the way it is going to be for the next two months.  However I have an idea for a new piece and I hope to work on it whenever the opportunity arises.  Here is the beautiful hand dyed piece which will be the background.  No I did not dye it but purchased it just as it is.

So hang in there with me please.  All of you mean a lot to me.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mothers Day to my Mother.  Still stylin' at the age of 88 soon to be 89.  

May all of you Mom's have a grand day!

Lake Winnebago

Took a drive over to Lake Winnebago today.  Sort of in a funk creative wise and needed to just clear my head and get inspired.  There was little wildlife out but oh such a beautiful shot of where the water meets the sky.

Walking

Spring means trying to loose those 4-5 lbs you gained at Christmas and have not lost yet.  So out walking everyday that the weather allows.  My favorite walk is along the river.  As a young girl, I used to bring my bamboo fishing pole down to this spot, shown on the top photo, and fish.  I live right across the street from here so it was easy to do.  Always nice to revisit.

"Chanticler"

 "Chanticler"

18inches X 24 inches

Interpretation of photo by Natalie Rowe

Rawedged fused applique

Machine Quilted

This rooster was a joy to make.  Just totally fun and joyful.  His name is McGuinty and he is a Chanticler Rooster which are rare.  He has the most Beautiful Tail.  Here is the original photograph.

Definitely a Bad Boy!

Art Quilting Studio Magazine Article

Back in 2009 I did this quilt titled "Urban Sprawl".  It depicts my interpretation of our changing landscape due to urban sprawl.  I have been honored with this quilt being featured, along with an article about my interpretation and techniques when making this piece, in the Summer issue of Art Quilting Studio Magazine.  This Magazine is part of the Stampington & Co.   I am so excited and did the final proof last week.
If you can,  pick up the summer issue June 1 and "read all about it"!  

Rooster Under The Needle

 Finished up quilting the feathers on my big white rooster.  I need to finish his face details and then all that is left is the binding. 

It was warm enough late in the afternoon to open the window for the first time.  Both Watson and Zoey were riveted to the birds on the bare branches of the red maple that is right outside of the window.  Hopefully it will leaf out soon as this side yard view is not too pleasant.

Rooster

 Finally had a block of time to work on my rooster so he is no longer bare naked on my page. 

I keep adding feathers until he is completely covered.  I like to use the photo I am using in this case not only is it a photo but it is a photo from my friend Natalie Rowe.  She has wonderful birds on her farm and is generous enough to allow me to use her photos.  In this case it is her rooster, a beautiful and rare "Chanticler" named McGuinty.  

He is definitely a beauty. 

Gloves

My hand saver for machine quilting are these support gloves.  I wear them all the time when at the machine.  Sometimes I put the grippy finger glove over them but these are what keep my hands from aching after hours of quilting.    If you have the beginnings of arthritis or just want to prevent fatigue to your hands I would recommend these. 

If you look behind me you can see that no progress has been made on my quilt.  I have been busy with other things but hope to make up for it soon.

Ghost Image

I replaced those two light border pieces with medium toned pieces which I think work much better.

 Then I quilted the back ground so it is ready for my foreground pieces.

 I made a barn as the furthest from the front.

Then I added the background to my rooster.  He is going to be mainly white.  He is not fused on yet as I will add feathers on my teflon sheet first and complete him there.  Then when done I will fuse him on the quilt.   This one is just a fun simple piece to do to refresh myself before
making something more complicated.  I like to do that from time to time just to feel good and refreshed to tackle something more intense in it's construction.

Last but certainly not least...it was a horrible nightmare day yesterday in Boston.  My heart goes out to all the families that lost loved ones or had ones they loved loose their limbs or were injured  and terrified.  I only hope that authorities find whoever is responsible and brings them to justice fast before they do somthing else.