When I got home I did what most quilters do with their stash…I stashed it. The fabric sat for another year. In December 2010, I decided it was time to make this quilt. Sister’s birthday is in January, I thought I could get it done in time for her special day. I purchased some more fabric, brown this time. I think red and brown looks really good together and brown is definitely not thought of as a Christmas color. Then, life got busy. My sister visited me in January and I showed her the lovely fabrics that would soon be her birthday gift that wouldn’t be delivered on her birthday.

Flash forward to June (Yes, June!), and another opportunity to visit with my sister. I had just taken the sewing machine repair class and decided that my sister’s quilt needed to be quilted on my grandmother’s sewing machine. I quilted it and then added the binding on my way to the family reunion (thank goodness for long car rides). While binding, I noticed I had some severe tension issues with my quilting. The question…”Do I pass it on in this condition? or Bring it home again?” Yes, you guessed it, being the perfectionist I try not to be, I showed it to sister and carried it back home.

If you’re a quilter, you may understand that at this point I just really wanted it to go away. At the very least I had to walk away from it for awhile. OK, I agree 5 months does sound like a long time, but life got busy again. Last month, I tackled the inner procrastinator and ripped out all the problem stitches. I then put it back under my grandmother’s machine and re-stitched the newly unquilted areas. Success!

Yesterday my sister received her new quilt. Freshly washed with its batting all crinkled. On the same day at her home, the sky dumped snow. I’m sorry, sister, that your quilt took so long. I am glad you got it in time to show off this Christmas and through to your birthday next year. Unfortunately, my naming of the quilt, well it was inspired by your photo  from last year (left) and it seems be an omen to your upcoming winter season, so “Let it Snow, Ho Ho Ho!”

The most exciting thing, so far, is being a featured artist at Liquidamber gallery in Pittsboro, NC. The first of the month, on a beautiful sunny Sunday after noon, I was treated to an artist reception. I shared the day with artist Christine Lush-Rodriguez.

Christine is a wonderfully talented clay sculpture. She creates these wonderful vessels, with intricate cut-outs, and rich earthy colors. I am very pleased to share the stage with Christine. Our work looked like it belong together.

During the process of preparing for this, I found my artist voice. The art quilts that I created for this venue were rich and earthy in color and truly expressed my love of the natural world. Butterflies, trees, dragonflies, feathers, they all played a part in my pieces.

My pieces will be on display until the 1st of November. If you have time, stop by and see them. I know you’ll enjoy your visit. Pittsboro is a charming town and Liquidamber is a lovely shop. I am honored to show my work there.

For this exhibit, I am proud to say I will have an entirely new collection of work for your enjoyment. I’ve been busy, busy, busy…thinking, dreaming, and executing my ideas. This exhibit has encouraged me to step back into my roots and break the rules. The best way to describe my work is as an art quilt. Just don’t let the word “quilt” confuse you, these pieces are not just quilts. They are art pieces that merge my love of fabric and quilting with my love of paints and mixed media.

Above all, these new pieces truly reflect my life-long culmination of creative adventure and exploration with a color pallet deeply influenced by my love and study of nature. I spent many years walking through forest and wetlands, the beauty I witnessed first hand has deeply affected me. With this opportunity to work with LiquidAmber, I have pulled from my core, dug deep into my soul and produced a collection for which I am very proud.

I invite you to join me for the Artist’s Reception on Sunday, October 2, 2011 from 2 to 4pm. If you can’t make it for this first Sunday reception, you can view the display any time in October during LiquidAmbers’s normal business hours.

Gallery Hours:
Closed Mondays, Tues thru Fri: 10:30-5:30pm
Sat: 9:30 – 5:30pm, Sun: 11:00 – 5:00pm

Taking time to focus on my art has been very cathartic. During the process I’m contemplating on what makes me happy and where I want to be. I’m letting my art happen during this mindful experience and I’m discovering a lot. I think everyone needs to spend some time alone. Being rushed or having others demand your attention doesn’t allow you to truly focus on what’s right in front of you. Its important to understand what is driving you, or not. Taking time to reflect on your journey is very rewarding.

What also is rewarding is the art work I’m producing. Pictured on this post is my newest piece, “Solitude” (dimensions: 36” x 46″). It’s not quite a quilt and not quite a painting, but contains components of both. Its embellished with thread-painting, which is basically using thread as your paint and the sewing machine as the brush (I love doing this). The leaf is created entirely from thread. The entire piece is pure me, mixed media and fiber.

For me, the mighty silhouette of the tree (red maple) is a powerful image. Strength, beauty, patience, power, are a few words that I conjure in my mind. I’m also reminded to hang on for the ride and stay grounded, even if things don’t go so smoothly. This month has helped me realize how fortunate I am in many ways. If you can find the time, I encourage you to spend it alone with yourself. Its amazing what you can discover in the solitude.

The reason was I didn’t understand them. There was something mysterious about them. When things didn’t work right I often assumed it was me. Early on, I learned to obey my sewing machine mechanic when he said “Don’t touch that tension dial?’ or “Don’t open up your machine?”  Stuff goes wrong when you sew and I thought understanding the mechanics of these ingenious machines might make life easy. Just “why” did it go wrong? User error? Thread issues? Burrs? Needle problems? How do you teach if you don’t understand what’s going on?

I solved that problem a couple weeks ago when Dear Husband and I spent 4 full days learning how to repair sewing machines. We talked, ate, slept and dreamed about sewing machines all 4 days. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with my husband, to learn under the tutelage of Ray White and be amongst the company of 9 other enthusiastic learners (all more experienced then us). I obtained a lot of knowledge during that week, both from Ray and my comrades in class.

I am now a mechanic, a novice mechanic…but a mechanic non-the-less. I GET IT! I understand and above all appreciate how these machines work. I respect the genius of the craftsmen of the 1800′s who engineered the first machines. The ingenuity of these first machines is the basis of every sewing machine today, computerized or not. The guts are all basically the same.

I also learned something else…I learned respect and admiration for the old machines. I own a treadle machine and my Grandmother’s 1950 Singer (model #15-91). But until Ray’s class, I never really understood their value. They were often clumped into my brain as one of those “old black machines.” My comrades showed me the way to the “dark side,” exposing me to the quality and workmanship of these workhorses. Machines 50 to 100 years old can often out perform, and most definitely outlast, the plastic disposable machines they sell today.

When I got home, I loaded up my Grandmother’s 15-91 and started quilting (pictured top right). It was like a “V-8″ moment. Why was I looking for newer machines when I had this gem? Grandma knew best.

Since the class, I re-inherited my mother’s Singer 66-16 (pictured bottom right). The very machine I learned to sew on. This cast iron beauty unfortunately has some issues that need attention and isn’t quite ready for prime time. However, after some cleaning, lubrication, and re-wiring this baby will be back to doing what she was made for…sewing up a storm. Currently, she’s what’s I’m working on. As I progress through this part of my journey as an fiber artist, I’ll be dropping in now and again to show you what’s on my bench. Hang in there, because this is gonna be fun!

As we’re progressing through summer, I’m reminded of last year. It was a long hot summer, filled with difficult emotions brought on from caring for my old dog, Storm. We loved him for 13 years and I was forced to make the hardest decision of my life last August. It was a sad time for me, but this year things are much better. I’m very happy for my buddy, Storm. He’s traveling the world this next year and smiling his silly smile at anyone who cares to look. Earlier this year he was spotted in Salt Lake City. I suspect he’ll be in Chicago this August. Possibly in Long Beach later this month and most likely in Houston this Fall.

And if you want, he could grace you with his company.

No I haven’t lost my marbles, my buddy Storm the German Shepherd Dog is Mr. September in the Quilting Arts 2012 Calendar. You can buy your own copy of the calendar and see his handsome-ness close up. Or you can put yourself at any number of venues, where the folks at Quilting Arts Magazine might be, and maybe see him in person. Well at least my thread-painted rendition of his awesomeness. He’ll be touring with Quilting Arts Magazine until the end of next year.

Storm was born in September, so its quite ironic that he was chosen to represent this month in the calendar. The moral is, when things are difficult, do your best to work your way through…one foot, then the other. In the end, when you look back you may see that something special has come from the journey. For me, my difficulties last summer brought me here so I can introduce you to my new favorite playboy, Mr. September.

He came to us named “Luke,” as in “Luke Skywalker” from Star Wars fame. We decided that name just didn’t fit his personality. At the time, Desert Storm (the first Gulf War) was in full swing and there was one name that was frequently in the headlines. “Stormin’ Norman” Swartkoff. This Army General had an attitude that you knew would win the war, but you could also sense he had a big soft side. General Swartkoff’s personality, matched that of our new German shepherd pup. So, we decided to name our pup in honor of this Army hero. We called him “Storm.”

Storm filled the void of the child I would never have. He and I attended obedience classes and competed in agility competitions. He won ribbons and made me smile. Storm was always the center of attention. Always! And seemed to love letting me take pictures of him, such beautiful pictures. It was a sad, sad time for me last August, when I had to make the decision to put his old body out of pain. Although we had other animals in our home, Storm was my life. Everything revolved around him, he always needed special attention.

Around the same time that I had to make the decision, Quilting Arts Magazine announced their 2012 calendar contest. The theme: “Feeling Pet-ty.” I decided to use this opportunity to challenge myself and apply some techniques that I had been dabbling with. I definitely was feeling “Pet-ty.”

I submitted my entry “A Perfect Storm” and waited. Mid-January (a day before my birthday) I got word that out of hundreds of entries, “Storm” was one of  the 23 finalists. I had to pack him up and send him to Massachusetts and wait to hear the 13 winners. Yesterday, a day before Valentine’s Day, I got the word…Storm made it!!!! My buddy will be featured in the 2012 Quilting Arts Magazine. They won’t return him to me until late 2012, while he’s gone he’ll be traveling the quilt show circuit. I’ll try to catch up with him when I can.

So even after he left my life…this dog continues to be an important part of it. What a wonderful birthday and Valentine’s gift he’s given me! For without him, I would have never entered this contest. Little buddy, you have truly left your paw prints on my heart.

Note: In respect to Quilting Arts, I will refrain from showing a full photo of my finished piece. You’ll have to wait  to see it when the calendar come out later this year.

Its on the shelf now! So, go check it out at your local magazine rack. My “Early Bloomers” pin keeper will be happily waiting to see you on pages 26-29. Along with my pincushion, there are some great patterns. I adore the owl quilt and hamburger pincushion is pretty darn fun.

I’ve been making pincushions for several years. The basic shape was simple, but the toppers just weren’t working for me. You’ll find several renditions if you look back through the pages of this blog. In an attempt to streamline my sewing process, I developed a unique zinnia flower design. The pincushion was so easy to make I decided it was a good project to pattern and kit. Thanks to the folks at Better Homes and Garden Quilts and More magazine, the pattern is available in their Spring 2011 publication. Thanks to my Etsy shop you can purchase the kit to make one in any of the three pictured colors.

This is exciting for me for a couple of reasons. Not that I haven’t been published before, but you may have missed the handful of articles I wrote for now-defunct e-magazine titled Fibre and Stitch. And I’m sure its unlikely you saw the 1995 publication of my graduate research in Wilson Bulletin (a scientific ornithological journal). This publication is different because it is a widely distributed National magazine and one that I love to read.

The other reason it excites me is because my godmother had faith in me. When I first got word of the acceptance, my godmother told me she always looked at the Better Homes and Gardens quilt magazines (they have several) and hoped to find me published within it. I couldn’t tell her then, but I can now…her dream came true and I am so happy that she should live to see it. Today a copy of the magazine and one of the pincushions is heading her way with my love.

I’m blessed in many ways. I’m also happy to know that the next half century of my life I will be working in an industry that I love. I’m glad you’re joining me on this journey. Here’s to a life filled with textiles, wool, misc. fibers, and dreams.

Note: This is a quarterly published magazine that should remain available until April 26. Can’t find it? I have some for sale on my Etsy shop along with the fabric kits and the crushed walnut shell filling to make your own pincushion.

Other teaching opportunities have opened up, to include teaching surface design at local non-profit artist group in town. I’ll post more about this when the details are finalized, but I have to say I’m excited to share my joy of creative play.

In other news, my big secret will be revealed next month. I am so anxious and excited about this, but I must wait until I’m told it is OK to share the news.

My big news for this month was hearing that a piece I submitted to the 2012 Quilting Arts Calendar competition was selected as a finalist. The winners will be selected mid-February. I am so honored to be a finalist, I know the talent that enters this competition. Quilt artist Susan Brubaker Knapp is also one of the finalists. I met her a year-or-so ago and have been a fan since. Her work inspired me to create my entry, so you can imagine my honor to be in her company as the Quilting Arts staff makes their final selections.

My inspiration for all of this occurred in August. I had to make the difficult decision to put my old and sick German shepherd dog out of his misery. For 12 years, he was part of everything I did and making this decision rocked my core. His passing forced me to think about what I was doing with my life. I realized I had gifts to share, so I decided to really pursue teaching opportunities. I also realized that I have a passion for what I do. Creating things is more than just a hobby, it is the core element of my being. So, I am placing more focus on creating and then sharing what I make with others. This year I am hoping to inspire people as others have inspired me. It took “The Perfect Storm” (aka my dog) to show me the road.

The good news is as I am moving forward on my journey, I planted seeds for new things. It takes awhile…but I’m starting to see the potential of my efforts. Friday, I received the community college catalog and there it was, the sewing classes I developed are advertised and I’m already getting great response. No worries about canceled classes here.

Tuesday I’ll be pitching another class to someone else. This one will emphasize my skills as a C&T Surface Design Ambassador. You can see an example of my surface design in the featured picture. Surface design is a wide ranging variety of concepts that focus on altering fabric with paint and other media. In July, I’m scheduled to teach fabric painting to the local guild.

I have some other ideas to pitch around town and the big secret that I anxiously can’t tell you about until it happens. In the mean time, I’m working through what I have and where I’m going. This year I’ve discovered a lot about me. I’ve always loved to teach, so I’ll be teaching. And I’ve re-discovered that I love making my own painted fabric. My new work features painted fabrics that I made a few years ago and am finally figuring out what to do with it. I think I made a full circle. These fabrics inspire me, but they also remind me that sometimes you have to step back and review what you’ve been doing in order to move forward. All it takes is to continually put one foot in front of the other and it all will work out.