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Archive for October, 2008

Reception at Life and Limb

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

Twelve of the diptychs from the book, A Year of Mornings, were enlarged and beautifully framed. If you click on the photo above, you can see the photos better. We bought the top photo on the left. It has the back of Mia with her braid.

This little gallery/shop has lots of great stuff and they specialize in cacti!

That wall with the trees is really amazing.

Here are Steph and Jack chatting with a patron!!

And here is the adorable MAV — Maria — the co-conspirator.

Mia and Miles were playing out on the sidewalk. I took this photo through the glass and so you see a reflection of the gallery.

I enjoy being the mom of the artist. I am so proud of what the two girls have accomplished.

I found the perfect thread this morning for quilting the water. I wanted some teal and orange. I found a Superior King Tut that was perfect.

I started the quilting of the sky which is a little more complicated, but I am loving how it looks. I may have this finished and ready for binding or facing by tomorrow night.

A Little of This, A Little of That

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

It has been one of those days. I managed to get a lot done, but it was a fractured day. I started out by washing out my dyed fabric. I have some mixed results with some of the browns. I used a new dye called mink which has a very reddish tone. I like it, but not exactly what I was looking for. I will try the hot cocoa or chocolate next time. I also did not do the greatest job mixing my dyes so I may have to do some over-dyeing. The Pimatex fabric is really great. I love the quality of the fabric, and it takes the dye very well. Thanks, Lisa, for turning me on to this fabric.

I am in love with the ecru on the left. It is the one perfect piece that I needed.

This is Robin’s Egg Blue. It is not as strong a turquoise and I love it, love it.

I got myself cleaned up and went to geezer day at New Season’s Market and stopped by Trader Joe’s for some necessities. When I arrived home, I found some great mail. I bought 3 items from the SDA auction and they arrived today.

This is a piece by Rayna, I love the colors in this. I love how she uses text as a design element.

I love the enchanting work done by Natalya Aikens. So, I was thrilled to win this little piece. Her pieces are best appreciated in person so that you can see the wonderful stitching and handmade beads. This is layers of tulle cut in different shapes producing this lovely image. It is titled: Сумерки/Sumerki/Dusk. You can see a better photo of it on her blog.

My third purchase is this amazing book on felting. I hope to do some of the projects after I finish my current project.

I frittered away some time, ironing fabric and photographing my goodies and finally I got around to quilting the Sunrise piece. I have to head out tomorrow to get some thread for the water. I don’t have anything that works.

Feeling Frazzled

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

Last week, I was working in a very calm, neat studio. Life was great. Things change. This week, the piece I am working on has required me to audition and cut bits of fabric and now, everything is in chaos. On top of that, I dyed several yards of fabric this morning so I and my clothes are dye stained. I had a leaky wash basin and a leaky plastic baggie. As a result, I spent a lot of time mopping up my little wet studio. I did several shades of brown. The landscape and architecture of Israel is very neutral and requires a lot of brown. Lisa Call had some Kaufman pfd Pimatex fabric for sale on her blog. I bought 10 yards. I am anxious to see how this dyes.

I finally have the Sunrise piece ready for quilting. The sky was very difficult to do. I have pieces of tulle and organza. After I have done the thread work, this will look more integrated. I will add some more clouds on top of the current layer, I think. Doesn’t the water look fantastic?

I have been enjoying my morning and afternoon walks so  much. We have had sunny days in the 60s. I really should take my camera with me. The colors this fall are so spectacular.

I am trying not to get too excited about next Tuesday’s result. But, I have a feeling!! Won’t it be nice to be done with all the political advertising?

Progeny Promotion

Monday, October 27th, 2008

The next two weeks will be very exciting for Stephanie. The book, “A Year of Mornings”, will bring the co-photographer and blogger, Maria, to Portland, OR. On Thursday evening, if you are in Portland, come on over to Life and Limb from 6 – 9 pm. Maria and Steph and the whole family will be there. Twelve framed prints of photo pairs from the book will also be on display and for sale.

Next week, Steph flies to Portland, ME with Maria, and they will repeat the activities on the other coast. Jack will join Steph mid-week, so you know what we will be doing — shuttling to school and back, making lunches and enjoying some great time with M & M!

Steph and Maria got a nice mention in the New York Times in By Design. It is so gratifying to have my children grow up and become successful and love what they are doing in their lives!

I got some technical work done on the sun rise piece.  I hope to start quilting tomorrow. My dyes from Dharma arrived today, so I also plan to get some fabrics dyed for future pieces. I need lots of shades of browns and some turquoise. We are having beautiful fall weather. I think it will last for a couple of more days so that the dyeing can be finished before it gets cold and rainy.

An Artist

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

I got some validation, yesterday, that I am an artist. Terry and I drove to Eugene to take part in the twice yearly Oregon Art Quilter’s critique. We are a group of 15 – 17. It was a gorgeous day. We saw some beautiful fall scenery. I took a couple of photos from the car. (Fortunately, Terry was driving.)

We met at an upscale grocery, Market of Choice, in their community room. I was entranced at how a grocery looks from above: (Be sure to click to see larger!)

I digress! Our guest critiquer is an artist, photographer and graphic designer. We found him to be very articulate and interesting. The whole group seemed pleased with his comments and style. I was extremely happy!! Woo hoo!! I took Red Sky and Urban Sunlight.

He said that he would not change a thing about either piece. First of all, he loves abstract. He talked about the chaos that I create with my complex cloth pieces that are controlled in my construction process. He felt that the fabrics and compositions give the viewer lots to examine and think about. I was pretty happy. And if you think he said that to everyone — he didn’t!! He did say that after all the feminine color he had seen, he was going to have to go home and ride his Harley!!

OK, back down to earth. I haven’t gotten any work done in the studio. I need to get busy again tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone for your concern. I have been doing some reading and research and I am feeling a little better about the situation. Some day, I will explain, but not yet.