It’s not finished…but here’s a look at my newest collage-style quilt, Paintbox #7, Sheer Illusion.  I really enjoy working in this abstract style and my focus is always on the patterns of light and dark and the colors.

 It’s light and “airy” which was my focus as I assembled fabrics. Actually, my husband (and sometimes art critic) observed that all my current work was dark and somber looking.  OK…..I said, I’ll do something exactly the opposite just to show him I wasn’t stuck in the dark shades.

I used a lot  of sheer fabrics that I painted with Setacolor paints……organzas, scrim, cheesecloth….and a few mystery fabrics that I can’t identify! I combined them with hand dyed cottons, dupioni silks and even more “mystery fabrics.”

 When I finished the machine stitching with decorative threads….it still seemed like it needed a little more of something….so I decided to add hand stitching. I wasn’t sure about this….I enjoy the hand stitching, but the quilt is 32″ x 32″ and this is close to being too large for the hand stitching to be effective. But, I’m committed so I’ll be sure and show you the finished project and details

Oh yeah…..on my next quilt, I’m back to my dark pallete…….

Hi everyone….I’m back from a wonderful trip to Mexico…lots of color and inspiration and relaxing time with my family. More photos and details to come…..but for now, you’re just going to have to humor me a little as I post a few family photos.

When I started blogging I told myself I wouldn’t flood the blog with personal photos and details….but just a couple of times a year, I may have to break that rule. 

Here I am enjoying the warm sunset on the beach with my amazing grandson Jared, age 8. He’s a great artist himself and spent lots of time drawing on our trip….when he wasn’t swimming, surfing, feeding the dolphins etc. etc.

My three lovely granddaughters enjoyed painting ceramics ……of course it makes Grama very happy that they all love creating….even at the beach!

This is Josie, age 6…..she wants to be a quilt artist like grama when she grows up. I love it!

 Meet Lauren, age 5….she loves making things, too, but she tells me she plans to be a nurse like her mother. I guess we can’t all be artists…..

And this is Brooklyn, age 4…….she has great patience for detail which is paying off in her painting of the dolphin. She is the youngest….but is definitely mighty!

I decided it was time to introduce you to Bob, my husband who is always been my best advocate. Without his support I wouldn’t be doing this job……I told him he looked like a regular Beach Bunny here. Our daughters loved the photo……Good ol’ Dad looks pretty impressive here!

Thanks for indulging me  with the family photos…..more Mexican color photos coming. I’m still digging out from under the papers on my desk….but it will be soon. That’s the trouble with a vacation…..coming back to the desk details!

How’s this for a little glitz! I thought you might like seeing this super –sparkle quilt……it won an Honorable Mention in the Sulky Challenge in 2005 and I’ve used mega-miles of lucious Sulky thread to get that glitz. Especially Sliver….my absolute favorite for sparkle when it comes to metallic threads.

Here’s a look at the whole quilt…….for a little more sparkle I’ve used a few heat-set crystals. Always a fun thing to have in your bag of tricks. If you haven’t given them a try, they couldn’t be easier. Just heat the glue on the back with the heating wand and stick to your creation.

And here’s a closer look. It will be on my website soon along with a number of new quilts in the gallery section…..with prices too! I’ve decided to add them to my website if the quilt is for sale. The price of this quilt is $2200. It’s a small quilt, 18″ 19″, but it’s a national prize winner and that always increases the value. Besides……I’m very fond of it!

To each of you…..may your Thanksgiving be a relaxing day filled with fun, family, and friends. As often as we’ve hard it….it’s a time to count our blessings and I’m particularly thanksful for health and family and will be spending a wonderful week with them.

To all of you too…..my thanks for making it a great year. Until I return……enjoy your turkey!

I love the colors of Mexico….and we’ll be spending Thanksgiving week there this year with our two daughters and their families. That means fun in the sun with our four grandchildren for a week. I can’t wait!

Besides the rest and relaxation of travel……I always feel inspired and invigorated by the sights and colors of a new place. No matter where I go, I find so much to look at and so many ideas to take home.

Of course,  I’m never without my camera. I love shooting the details of the architecture, natural beauty…and the colors. Like I’ve said before, when other tourists are photographing the sunset over the ocean….I’m probably shooting the tangle of seaweed on the beach!

I’ll be sure and share plenty of photos with you when we return after Thanksgiving.  Keep checking! I might even indulge myself by sharing a few photos of my gorgeous grandchildren at the Mexican beach! (Sorry, I’m a little partial!)

This one is red-hot….just like salsa, Raspberry Salsa! I love the bold color and action of this quilt. The fun part is the fabric combination……bright batiks and reproduction fabrics. They work together beautifully. Sometimes those opposite type fabrics create the most excitement and drama….like floral prints and plaids or metalics and homespun plaids.

I told some of my students about this quilt when I was teaching last week at The Quilters Gathering in Nashua, NH….and I told them I’d put it up on my blog so they could see. So…..I hope you enjoy seeing it, ladies!

 By the way, The Gathering was a great conference…..I thoroughly enjoyed my classes and meeting all of you quilters from the area. It’s so rewarding to see everyone having such a great time.  My pleasure to be part of it!

Here’s more great work from my students…..to see others, check out the Student Gallery category. I’m always thrilled when students send me photos….as a teacher it’s a great reward to see the finished products after watching them take shape in the class.

These are absolutely great……Enjoy them!

Gayle Noyce – Coeur d’Alene, ID

I love the drama and daring of this collage quilt. I’m a big fan of bold and brave…and this quilt is definitely both! It has a very painterly look, and I hope Gayle is enjoying it hanging in her home somewhere!

Susan Statton   Anacortes, WA

WOW….this is the back view of a vest Susan created using the basics of my blended background class with raw-edge appliqued roses added. I’m so pleased when someone takes the class basics…and creates something uniquely their own . This will be a show-stopper wherever she wears it…..and you will wear it, right, Susan?

And here’s the front.  What a sophisticated and one-of-a-kind looking garment.

 Keep checking….. I’ll be adding more student work periodically. Those of you who haven’t sent me a photo……I’d love to receive it!!!!

COMING THIS WEEK….. A Quilter’s Gathering in Nashua, NH…..and I’m very excited about being a part of the faculty at this annual conference…November 8-11.

I always enjoy being a part of a conference like this where quilters are coming from all around to enjoy themselves, meet up with old friends, and generally indulge themselves by learning, viewing fabulous quilts, and shopping vendors offering unique goodies that might not be available in their own neighborhoods. That’s one of my favorite indulgences at shows as well.

It always points out to me how lucky I am to be working in an industry that people ENJOY…it’s a hobby industry and that usually means people are happy and enthusiastic when they come to classes….unlike many careers in which this isn’t the case. I’m generally surrounded by people eager to learn, meet new people, and buy great stuff to make their sewing easier or just more fun. That’s hard to beat for a job description!

I’ve said this before….but if you have a chance to take part in a regional or national seminar such as A Quilter’s Gathering…..jump on it!! It’s good for your overall mental health and well-being…as well as a great opportunity to rub shoulders with other quilters and learn new tips and techniques.

I hope to see some of you in Nashua!!