Commission Quilts Completed!

Commission Quilts Completed! 

These past several months I have been busy working on these two commission quilts. It has been an interesting project and one that I have felt honored to be included in. These quilts were made in memory of Walter S. Piskun, M.D., an amazing and gifted man from all accounts. He was a Colonel in the army, a neurosurgeon, an avid golfer, and a loving a husband and father to 6 children. I made these quilts for 2 of his children, from his shirts. They are lap quilts 50" x 74" designed with help from my client. It has been a long time since I have worked with traditional patterns, but I really loved the project. It was like returning to my roots, and had the added benefit of being rich with meaning and comfort. I hope they are well loved and well used in their new homes!

FIRST PLACE!!

FIRST PLACE!! 

Yahoo!! My quilt, Building UP, won First Place in the Small Abstract Art Quilt category. I am thrilled beyond belief. It is a happy happy time! And, Falling through the Cracks won Third Place in the Embellished category. Life is Good!!

Big Seven in Houston

Big Seven in Houston The big seven at the Houston International Quilt Show used to be the people who won the big prizes, I mean the REALLY big prizes, like between $10,000 and $5,000 in cash awards. I think there are eight prizes like that now. But for me, the big seven this year refers to seven of my quilts that will be at the show in Houston. I have never had this many showing at one venue, so it's a big deal for me. On top of which, two of them are winners! But, they won't announce the prizes until tonight, and so I wait, in eager anticipation........ Opening tomorrow night are: Building UP: Quilts, A World of Beauty, small Abstract category Falling Through the Cracks: Quilts, A World of Beauty, Embellished category Group Conversations: Quilts, A World of Beauty, Group category A Few of My Favorite Things: Edges (curated by Jamie Fingal and Leslie Jenison) Duck and Cover: SAQA, A Sense of Humor Red Legged Bird with a Tale to Tell: Tactile Architecture Winter to Spring: IQA's Celebrate Spring (Lucky number 8, is my Tote bag at Quilting Arts booth # 1244)

More Clothes for Olivia

More Clothes for Olivia I went shopping at the Cotton Cupboard in Lakeway, TX and found so many wonderful fabrics, that I had to buy them. I knew they would be perfect for my daughter! Short on time, I decided to simplify my plans. That's when I went to the GAP to buy cotton knit shirts to go with the fabrics and hopefully matching tights. Perfect! The long sleeve t-shirts were plain to start. I simply took some of the fabric and made a simple design to applique on the shirt, and then for the first one, added a simple skirt to make a dress. Details...she loves the rhinestone heart at the bottom of the GAP t-shirt and was sad to see it snipped off in the process of making the dress. So, I cut it out and saved it for a little patch at the bottom of the skirt. On the second outfit, I appliqued the white t-shirt with fabrics from two different skirts: the new brown and pink floral, and the older light blue and brown print. I love the hand stitching on the stems of the flowers on the white t-shirt. The brown and pink skirt is a simple A-line style with a gathered waist. She loves it! And the best part, depending on how well these hold up, is that when spring arrives, I will cut the sleeves off and cut the tights into shorts so she can wear them for several seasons! Both outfits, the black dress, the white t-shirt and brown skirt were simple and quick to make. I spent all of one day on the project. LOVE IT! And so rewarding that they came out so well!

500 Art Quilts

500 Art Quilts

Yahoo! I just got the letter telling me that two of my entries will be in this book by Lark Publishers. I am delighted!! The winning entries are Little Cities and Vertigo, two of my all time favorites, both still in my collection! This book will be available in spring 2010. Can't wait to get my copy and see the other 498! 

Nine Dot Block

Nine Dot Block 

Introducing my new design, the nine dot block. Made from a square cardboard box and a wooden dowel. Stamped on white fabric and then dye painted. I LOVE this design, and the flower inspired color palette. I plan to try this design in a number of other colors. You may recognize this fabric from an earlier post on my quilt Planned Obsolescence.

Quilting Arts Gifts

Quilting Arts Gifts 

Okay, technically, this is old news, but my wonderful tote bag is featured in this issue of Quilting Arts gifts! It came out in September. I absolutely love this issue, in addition to having my work published in it. It is so full of so many wonderful ideas. I am totally inspired! If you haven't picked up a copy yet, do it! I will have 8 pieces in Houston this year. An amazing accomplishment considering that you can only enter 2 pieces in the judged show. The IQA quilt show starts in about 15 days, so I will be counting down. For now, #8 is my tote bag in the Quilting Arts booth! Stop by and see! I made this tote bag with my original batik fabrics, from the same fabric line that Michael Miller bought from me at the Houston Quilt Market last year. Sadly, there is no news about when this line will be printed. They have had the designs for a year now and nothing has happened. Kathy Miller told me that I will be contacted when they decide to print it, but for me, it's like waiting for the phone to ring...not much fun and it leaves me feeling like the bacteria on the back of a flea....minuscule. So really, the GIFT, for me is the validation of having my work published. Thank you Pokey Bolton and Quilting Arts! Only one thing to do, forge forward, keep creating, and laugh, often and loudly!

Publications

Publications 

I am so happy that my quilt, Self-Portrait '08 was selected to be in this quarter's Journal of The International Quilt Association!! This quilt had won 2nd place last year in the judged show, Quilts, A World of Beauty in the Small Art Quilt category. I am happy my little quilt won a prize last year, and happy that they selected this category to feature in their journal, and happy that I share the page with my friend, Laura Wasilowski who had a delightful little winner herself called Housing Development #7. The quilt is finally home again from it's tour of IQA shows from Chicago and Long Beach. Tune in tomorrow for my other news!

Felt Purse

Felt Purse 

I got this kit from ArtGirlz last year at the Houston Quilt Show and gave it to my daughter, then 7, for Christmas. I think it was a bit too much for her even though she loves the idea of sewing. So it sat, and sat and sat, waiting and waiting. Then came the unfortunate opportunity. Daughter had to go into the hospital for surgery and spend the night. My anxiety was reaching a peak, even though it was a routine procedure, it is still scary, and I anticipated a difficult recovery for her (and it was). Meanwhile, the purse helped me. I sat and stitched while she was in surgery and the time flew by. And it was a ready to go project, so I didn't have to think much about what supplies to bring, needle, thread, and scissors, maybe a thimble. Oh, yeah, and let's not forget the glasses! And the added benefit, was the gift to her of a cute little purse for her to play with when we went home. Love it! The front side has the flowers, the back side shows the zipper pull and hearts. If you get a chance, visit ArtGirlz here. It's hard to pass up their wonderfully creative projects and supplies! (No affiliation.)

Showing Soon

Showing Soon 

at the Fayetteville Museum of Art, NC Sept 11 to Nov 1 Art Quilts TRANSITIONS Doors Across Austin 36" x 52" I am so excited that my quilt will be traveling to another venue, and it will be a fundraiser for Operation Kid Comfort. Bring a donation and you don't have to pay the admission fee! Love it!