September UFO Busting

Well, I missed the UFO Busting link up again!  Forgot that last week was the first Friday, for some reason I was thinking that it was this week.  So even though I have next to nothing to report, I'm still doing the link up to Vicki's blog at Field Trips in Fiber.  September was only slightly better than August as far as work in the studio goes - I did work on and almost finish my exhibit project, but not in time to count for September.  I also worked on an unfinished 12" square project - I did finish the hand stitching on it, but now it needs final finishing, which I think will be mounting on canvas.  So that's not quite finished either.  And that's it.  At least I didn't add anything new to the list.  Here's a before and after of the hand stitching on the 12" square project.

Before background stitching

After background stitching

So, for my end of month count, this is where things stand:

• Projects in progress September 1 - 8
• Projects completed - 0
• New projects started - 0
• UFO's trashed - 0
• Projects in progress September 30 - 8

 Hopefully I will do better in October!  (At least I know I will have 1 finish!)

Breast Pockets

As you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  One of the exhibits at the Sewing and Quilting Expo was called "Breast Pockets".   This was a Quilting Arts Magazine reader's challenge published in the April/May 2015 issue, which challenged readers to create an embellished pocket in honor of someone touched by breast cancer.  Over 250 submissions were received.  Here is a sampling of those in the exhibit, with lots of creativity and heartfelt support for those afflicted with this terrible disease.

By Bonnie Ouellette of Salem SC

Left by Sandra Lambert of Tucson AZ; right by Sally Parks Parrish of San Diego CA.

Left by MaryBeth McCormack of Eureka Springs, AR; right by Megan Cutler of Chillicothe OH.

Annelle's Original Creations

Isn’t this cute?  Both Annelle and her project! 

We were hightailing it right through the vendors at The Original Sewing and Quilt Expo to see our quilts in the Along the Spice Route exhibit when this booth, above all others, caught our eye and we just had to stop.  

Annelle of Annelle’s Originals was warm and friendly and so willing to share.  She encouraged taking pictures and we shared business cards and blog addresses.

The bright colorful projects she is making with her precut felt circles are fun, quick and easy.  Can't wait to make some ourselves!

Sue's Spice Route Favorites

Like Elizabeth, Sue had her favorites of the Spice Route quilts for various reasons.  In some cases it was the workmanship or techniques, in others it was the very skillful choices and manipulation of fabrics to create strong visual impact.  We still feel honored to be included with this group of quilt artists!

Road to Mathura - Ginger from India by Carole Nicholas stands out for it's design which invites you in and captures you with her attention to detail.  The beautiful hand quilting and neutral background balance the colorful figures in the foreground.

When viewing pictures of Quest for the Nutmeg by Nancy Oldham, Sue thought it looked like a painting.  In this close up you can see how the fabric choices helped her achieve that effect.

Elizabeth and Sue share Tanzanian Cardamom by Peg Green as a favorite.  With it's bright colorful batiks and skillful use of fabric you can't help but be drawn in for a closer look.

Cinnamon by Jill Jensen stands out for it's color evocative of cinnamon and the block printing and discharge techniques used.

The Spice Bazaar-Cumin by Karin Tauber has great visual impact.  Here is a close up of the spice crocks in the bazaar.

We ran into Linda Cooper at the exhibit and got a shot of her with her Sanctuary (Mustard Seed) quilt.  Her circular cut work creates an intriguing view through the window.

Ann Reardon's Tumeric Caravan is another shared favorite and here is a close up view of a different aspect, the tumeric plants with beautiful shading and stitch detail.

We hope you have enjoyed this virtual exhibit and check the touring schedule to see if it will be coming to a venue near you.  It really is so much better in person!

Elizabeth's Favorites from "Along the Spice Route"

The quilts in the exhibit "Along the Spice Route" are all interesting and include some spectacular workmanship.  As this was the second time Elizabeth got to see the exhibit, she focused on details of her favorites. 

Banda Island Sunset-Nutmeg by Anita McLarin was a favorite piece and the three dimensional leaves on the vibrant background make the quilt very interesting.

Bunny Jordan’s Ajwain quilt included this charming pastel panel.

Tanzanian Cardamom by Peg Green is an amazing study in the technique of making faces take shape through the use of contrasting fabrics.  It is certainly an impressive example and the bright colors are so fun.

Ricky Smith Selva made Za’faran-Saffron with some beautiful 3-D flowers in a basket and a field of stitched saffron flowers.  These details are charming.

Star Anise by Gwen Goepel includes a very accurate interpretation of this fragrant spice.

Co-curator Ann Reardon made a spectacularly colorful interpretation of a camel led spice caravan with a bright variegated fabric background and a vibrant banner across the top in Turmeric Caravan.

The details of the ship and people in Banda Niera-Nutmeg by Karen Starnes really stand out as a highlight of the exhibit and perhaps I would have to rate it as the favorite of the favorites.

A big difference between this show and the same exhibit at the Manchester NH show reviewed here was the arrangement of the quilts. At Manchester, they were in small groups in alcoves, which was nice.  But the impact of seeing all the quilts in two long rows at once at the Sew Expo was more impressive.  It will be interesting to view the collection again in another venue, the Center for the Arts in Manassas, VA where it will be on exhibit from Nov. 5 to Dec. 16, 2015.   You can view full size photos of all the quilts on Paula Golden's website here.

Sewing and Quilt Expo/Along the Spice Route

We were excited to attend the Sewing and Quilt Expo in Fredericksburg this weekend where our "Along the Spice Route" quilts were being exhibited.  You might remember that Elizabeth saw them in New Hampshire this summer, but this was Sue's first chance to see them on display, and to see the whole group in person as opposed to online photos.  What a treat!  It really is an impressive exhibit.  Kudos to Paula Golden and Ann Reardon for curating it, and inviting us to participate.

The exhibit sign tells the story of the spice route.

Half of the exhibit spanned one wall.

The other half faced it on the opposite wall.  In New Hampshire, they were set in alcoves, so there wasn't the impact of seeing them all at once.

Sue with her quilt, mustard seed.

Elizabeth with her China black pepper quilt.

This quilt by the curators depicts the ancient spice routes and the key shows where the various spices are found.

In additional posts, we'll share some of our favorites.  Hope you enjoy the virtual show!

New Screen of the Month in the Etsy Shop!

Our pin oak leaf screen, newly added to the Etsy shop, is our "screen of the month" for October.  Just in time for your fall-themed printing, this is the leaf Sue used as a focal point on her "Falling Leaves" quilt that was published in the October/November issue of Quilting Arts.

It is available in 3 sizes - 2x3.5 inches, 3x5 inches, and 4x6 inches - which can be purchased individually.  Or, you can choose a set of all 3 sizes at considerable savings ($18.00 for all 3 sizes).  Here are some ways we've printed with them.

Fusible applique

Commercial batik

Thickened dye on Cherrywood hand-dyed cotton

It would also be great to use with a discharge product or resist if you dye your own fabric.  Of course, this leaf is completely compatible with any of our other leaf screens.  What would you make with these fall leaves?  Perhaps a table runner, or placemats for your fall table?  

In addition to the special price on a set of 3 pin oak leaves, we now also offer a custom set of 4 small leaves; in addition to the leaf collection shown in the shop, you can customize it by substituting the other 2 leaves available - the pin oak or beech leaves.  Just send us a note along with your order or email to pgfiber2art@gmail.com. and we will be happy to create your custom set.  Happy printing!