Finishing Lines by K. Sperino

the forest floor

2012-01-19T08:08:00.000-05:00

This is one of the fun projects on my work table.

It's a hand painted mini art quilt.

It's still in the beginning stages and nothing is finished about it, not even the brown background.

I know I want brown, but not that one.

The Guild I belong to has it's quilt show in March. (check here) We host a little silent auction of member's work. This piece will be in the auction.

I've been looking at some of my photos and drawing out leaf and flower shapes into my sketch pad. Then I transfer the shape over to cloth using my chalk pencil. The cloth is doubled and stuck together with Misty Fuse. The elements are cut out after painting and will remain raw edged.

Dimension and quilting will be added at the end.

the grieving heart

2012-01-15T07:19:00.001-05:00

Today is the Fiberactions art quilt group reveal.

color challenge #1

As my small New England community mourns the loss of two young men with in the past 10 days; I put my colors away.

black - the absence of color

Black silk sateen, Kimono black silk thread.

8 1/2 x 10 1/2

RIP

new work

2012-01-05T09:15:00.000-05:00

plain white muslin quilted

painted white with gesso and left in the sunny window to dry

the sun went in

eventually it dried

so then it could be painted with shades of brown

and then left to figure out the next step

This is part of the Fiberactions color challenge which is due 1/15/12

-check back then and see what this has become and what the other members have created.

Happy New Year's Day

2012-01-01T17:57:00.000-05:00

Today seemed like a good day to putter around and get some things done around here,

but then the weather turned spring like

so we headed out on foot and enjoyed the day.

The colors of today were brown, orange and green when normally they would be closer to snow white, sky blue and grey.

I liked this road sign combo . . .

It'll be back to the routine around here tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

everyday december #14

2011-12-30T20:46:00.000-05:00

cards from photo copied sketchbook drawings

everyday december #13

2011-12-28T20:59:00.000-05:00

everyday december #12

2011-12-27T17:25:00.000-05:00

simple cases

one for tissues

one for cosmetics

made waterproof by using peel and stick laminate on the inside lining before stitching

everyday december #11

2011-12-26T16:07:00.000-05:00

quilted comfort

The Leaves Galore Applique Template was used to design this quilt.

Very little fabric is required and it can be worked up quickly.

There are several ways to place the petals, these are placed on the diagonal.

When the back is flannel, the design is cozy and pretty.

This will be gifted as a comfort quilt.

everyday december #10

2011-12-24T23:22:00.000-05:00

everyday december #9

2011-12-23T08:51:00.000-05:00

jewelry for your tree!

everyday december #8

2011-12-21T23:01:00.000-05:00

and the stockings were hung

everyday december #7

2011-12-20T06:37:00.000-05:00

Jane's quilt

everyday december #6

2011-12-19T07:32:00.000-05:00

Remember chintz?

It's out of the closet and onto the bed.

I call this type of quilting rescue quilting.

The client had basted this top for hand quilting and left it sitting for 30 years.

I took it apart and quilted it using a cozy poly batt. The puffy batt gives it loft and a contemporary look.

The back is an inexpensive muslin but, gives it a pretty whole cloth look.

As simple as this quilt is, it's one of my favorites of the year.

everyday december #5

2011-12-18T07:02:00.000-05:00

enjoying the spirit

everyday december #4

2011-12-17T06:29:00.000-05:00

Shari's quilt.

I met Shari at the Cape a long time ago.

Then I joined Guild and Shari was a member!

Now we are friends.

Small world.

Shari is an amazing seamstress.

She makes huge quilts.

And this is no exception.

everyday december #3

2011-12-16T09:38:00.000-05:00

Perfect Everytime Pumpkin Bread

3 1/3 Cups flour

4 teaspoons Cinnamon

2 teaspoons Baking Soda

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1 1/2 teaspoons Salt

2 2/3 Cups Sugar

2/3 Cup Vegetable Oil

4 Eggs

15 oz Pumpkin fresh or canned (unsweetened)

2/3 Cup Water

1/2 Cup nuts (optional)

1 Cup dried Cranberries (optional)

Sift dry ingredients together. Beat sugar, oil, add eggs 1 at a time until blended. Add pumpkin then mix. Add dry ingredients to the wet, a little at a time alternating with the water. Stir in nuts or cranberries. Cover the bottom of 2 loaf pans with a rectangle of parchment paper, then pour the batter into the pans. You can mix a little cinnamon/sugar and sprinkle over the top before baking.

Bake in 325 oven for 55-60 minutes, check for doneness.

Cool at least 15 minutes before removing from pans.

Perfect everytime.

But, be careful - - - this is not diet food.

2011-12-15T08:12:00.001-05:00

everyday december day #2

2011-12-15T08:09:00.003-05:00

Inspired by a sketch from my sketchbook.

Handmade silk fibers and silk threads make up the bird, tree and flowers.

My favorite type of work, art quilts with traditional quilting.

This little quilt will be pictured in

Sue Bleiweiss' Sketchbook Challenge book.

Due out this spring, you can pre order from Amazon now!

everyday december

2011-12-14T08:34:00.000-05:00

when the gents of the house participated in no shave november, i needed something fun for myself in december

everyday december was my choice

only thing is, i didn't get going and here it is the 14th

i'm starting today

keep checking back

for everyday the rest of december there will be a post

. . . let's see if i can do it . . .

I've been using Brusho Crystal Colours in my sketchbook, they are bright and vibrant. But, uncapping and capping the little vials is sort of hard.... Filling weekly pill containers with a small amount of the colored crystal paint is a great solution. Drops of water can be added right to the little pod.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Sketchbook pages copied and stitched to blank cards.

a pocket full of memories

2011-12-13T07:28:00.000-05:00

- Memory Marks -

This was a Holiday job worked on this past fall.

Initially the client wanted a memory quilt using her dad's suits and ties, but then we decided -

maybe several mini quilts would be a better choice.

Several memory marks were made and she plans to share them with her family members this coming holiday season.

They can be used as book marks.

Each is different from the other all using her dad's suits and ties, labels included.

The little travel pouch was made with suit fabric and lined with it's silk lining. Inside one of the pants pocket's lining was the order tag with the suit's number, date and her dad's name; finding this was a little treasure.

I stitched that, and the custom made for XXX label inside of the travel pouch.

This was a great project to work on.

through the seasons sketchbook

2011-12-10T06:48:00.001-05:00

a page from my sketchbook

was photo copied and gift tags were made

and then Holiday cards

The copied pages weren't as bright as the original but worked fine for cards.

- - - - - - - - -

. . . then I got to thinking about taking some other images from the sketchbook and making a whole pack of seasons cards

. . . . some of the images I'll try to copy. . . .

this will make a nice little gift

when it gets cold outside

2011-12-01T12:47:00.000-05:00

you might consider a pair of quilted mittens-

-a simple quilted design on pretty pink fabric with warm wool batting-

-a swatch of leather across the fingers; perfect for gripping-

-soft cuffs

and

lining

from an up-cycled sweater-

-easy peasy lemon squeezey-

sew fun to make and toasty warm to wear

= )

The Bee Hive

2011-11-15T13:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever looked at the structure of a bee hive?

Today is the Fiberactions Art Group Reveal.

This is the last challenge for this group and the word chosen was

structure.

Inspiration for this challenge came when we were putting away summer and found a bee hive.

The nest was abandoned so we could take a closer look.

Thousands of tessellating hexagons.

My hexagons were cut from hand dyed fabric, the edges turned and then zig zagged together.

Initially I was going to fuse them, but on principle and to honor the hard working bees I didn't.

Lots of stitching was added with extra batting to give the hive a dimensional look.

Hand made silk fibers were used to make the leaves and tree branch. Little snips of leather was added for leaf detail.

Here is the hive

Check out the Fiberactions site and see how all of the artists interpreted structure.

Then, tomorrow check again, when the new group is posted along with the new theme.

2011-11-09T14:44:00.000-05:00

egad it's been awhile since my last post

-it's been busy around here -

*with holiday quilt work by the row*

*personal quilt work by the inch*

*challenge work by the hexagon*

*Halloween snow by the piles*

*hiking the trails by the miles*

*and taming wild animals*

all take time

Thanks for visiting, hope you are well.

Happy Quilting.

And

thanks to our Veterans as America celebrates Veterans Day weekend

2011-10-26T07:18:00.000-04:00

the book, bookmark and quilted pouch

giveaway

winner

IS

Lynn

Don't let that creepy Mr. Bones scare you away...

The Devil's Puzzle

is a lighthearted mystery which is sure to be enjoyed by any quilter.

Lynn please email me your mailing information and Mr. Bones will be sure to get your gifts out asap.

thanks for playing along

and thanks to Mary Pomponio from Plume Books

for sending one book for me and one for the give away.

= }

A book Giveaway!

2011-10-21T12:59:00.001-04:00

The Devil's Puzzle
by Clare O'Donohue
Don't let the scary title of this book turn you away! It's a lighthearted mystery filled with suspects and quirky twists to keep you guessing right to the end. This is a quick, enjoyable read and is part of the Someday Quilt Mystery series. You may find more about the author, Clare O'Donohue and, her additional books by checking her website here.

To celebrate Clare as an author AND quilter-
I'll be giving away a new copy of
The Devil's Puzzle
along with
a handcrafted, crazy patched, leather bookmark
and a Dupioni silk, quilted pouch.

To enter- you must leave a comment on my blog.

On October 26th I will have a guest draw the winner.

To win all three items -
leave a comment on this blog.
On October 26th a winner will be chosen.

good luck and happy reading/quilting/sleuthing?
=)

pink hearts

2011-10-06T22:19:00.000-04:00

on vintage linen and quilted

to keep your coins

or your jewels

a button fob to help close the zipper.

a good read

2011-09-29T07:05:00.000-04:00

The Devil's Puzzle

A Someday Quilts Mystery

by Clare O'Donohue

A mystery set in the small town of Archers Rest, NY. This is a light hearted story for those that love mystery AND quilting! While preparing for the towns anniversary celebration and a historic quilt show, the discovery of a skeleton changes everything. Quilters are sure to enjoy this book as the threads of the mystery are woven together with quilting lore.

Stay tuned for a book and handmade giveaway.

inching into autumn

2011-09-28T11:19:00.001-04:00

while finishing the inchie quilt.

I will quilt it using beautiful Kimono Silk thread by Superior Threads

Then add the inchies.

The dragonfly is made by my friend Joyce. Earlier in the year Guild friends made and swapped inchies. We are all making little quilts with them and then we will show them at our quilt show in 2012.

It will be a neat display.

-off the frame is Jane's pretty and large quilt-

---------

and somebody got some custom made accessories

then capitalized on something when items from the unfinished cupboard were overhauled.

-he's thinking-

with a face like this she'll never notice the leg and tail tucked into the studio

(where she says I'm not allowed)....

- - - -

and inching into Soxtober

we Sox fans get to live another day

Thank You

Ryan RedHotLava-rnway

and

Alfredo A-Saveus

coastal currents

2011-09-24T09:57:00.002-04:00

Below are some hand dyed fabrics from Vicki. She makes up color palettes using a photo as her inspiration then dyes her own fabrics. She used one of my photos and last month she created

coastal currents.

Visit Vicki's online fabric shop here. Her fabrics are gorgeous.

She also posts pattern ideas with her color palettes and all sorts of interesting stuff to her blog here.

summer's harvest

2011-09-19T18:06:00.001-04:00

One of the things I did this past summer was take a pottery class.

It was great fun to see our progression from beginning to end.

These are slab bowls and look pretty 'organic' I've been told. It's clay rolled with a rolling pin like you would roll dough. Textures were pressed in before firing and then glazed very simply.

they look much better dressed

Mug making was not so successful, but we have been using this one. It's small, though.

The red bowl was one of the last things made and it's almost round.

They were made on the potter's wheel.

I had the most fun making beads, and that was sort of like making little cookies.

A tiny bowl just the right size for dipping and a plate for serving.

both made on the wheel

and two more things made on the wheel

I liked learning a new art, but I think it's safe to say I'll be sticking with needles and thread.

I was inspired, though, to continue to play around with some more clay...

...so over the weekend I had some time and made this little pendant using my vintage button as a stamp.

-textures of life-

2011-09-15T10:58:00.002-04:00

Today is the Fiberactions Group reveal day.

Our theme word is texture and this is named

Textures of Life

The seed pod theme and color way were revisited as well as using the vintage, hand pieced blocks (shown at the bottom and used with the last challenge.)

This is a traditional three layer quilt which was constructed with a top, batting, backing and then quilted. Gesso was painted over the finished quilt, background color was added, the pods were masked then painted and stitched.

The thread did the work and maybe for the first time embellishment was not added for texture.

Head on over to Fiberactions and check out the challenges as they are posted throughout the day.

MA Historical Buildings Raffle quilt

2011-09-13T10:51:00.000-04:00

Below are the individual blocks from the second Historical Buildings Raffle Quilt.

The winning tickets will be pulled during the Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild 2012 show.

March 24-25 at Blackstone Valley Tech High School, Upton, MA

Go here to see photos of both quilts.

Robert Treat Paine House, Waltham

Sharon M.

The Grist Mill, Sudbury

Susan F.

House of Seven Gables, Salem

Ann B.

Red Brick School, Franklin

Barbara D.

Nobska Point Lighthouse, Woods Hole

Susan A.

Merwin House, Stockbridge

Jane M.

Paul Revere House, Boston

Kathleen Murphy

Boston Public Library, Boston

Donna L.

The State House, Boston

Sandy D.

2011-09-11T10:30:00.002-04:00

. . . it was back to the basics

2011-09-03T22:36:00.000-04:00

for almost a week after Hurricane Irene. No power. No water.

Things slowed down and we worked together with no conveniences.

We figured it out and it really wasn't so bad.

massive trees came down

and delicate things were untouched

next week is back to a schedule and that will be good, I have pictures of the Massachusetts raffle quilt to post,

but in the mean time Happy Labor Day weekend.

raffle quilt process update

2011-08-21T10:03:00.000-04:00

Above you can see a peak at the Guild's second Massachusetts historical buildings quilt. The first quilt has gone off to another member for binding and a hanging sleeve. Another member will make the labels and we will all try to sell the lucky ticket(s).

A group effort.

I've invited guild members to follow along in the quilting process.

Lots of pretty threads were used to quilt our quilts and below you can see some of them.

I'm using a longarm and if you are not familiar with this type of machine, you can see mine below.

The machine has wheels and rides along on a track. It rides over the quilt as opposed to a sit down machine where you push the quilt through. Looking at the picture, the left side of the machine is the front and the right side is the back. You can sew from both sides. For this quilt, I'm sewing from the front.

The thread sits on a spool holder towards the back of the machine and is threaded through various loops and knobs and ends at the machine's needle which is on the front.

The quilt backing and top are attached to the rails which are covered in canvas. Below you can see the backing. I like to use flat pins, although there all kinds of great, new systems for attaching to your frame.

If you think of your backing and quilt top as the top of a table you can begin to understand why your quilter likes your top and back to be square. There is no place for extra fabric to go when working in opposite parallel lines.

Once the layers are attached, the whole system works much like a hand quilting frame.

Stabilizing or stitching in the ditch is important for this type of detail quilting. This gives the quilt a crisp look and keeps your layers together while you add your detail quilting. Some people can do this freely and others use a ruler to guide the machine into the ditch of the two fabric joins. Below you can see the ruler up against the foot. If I was doing this in real life, my left hand would be holding the ruler and my right hand would be driving.

Once your three layers are stabilized you can go back and forth to different areas of the quilt. So, say- I'm using a grey thread; I can complete the blocks that require grey thread and then I can move to green or whatever thread I want.

So that's all part of the process, now stay tuned and I'll show you some more pictures of our second raffle quilt.

...and because some of you have been asking.... scroll down.

he is doing great.

= )

historical buildings raffle quilt

2011-08-12T14:05:00.000-04:00

Covered Bridge, Sandisfield. Donna H.

Trinity Church, Boston. Paula B.

Martha Mary Chapel, Sudbury. Susan P.

Foxborough Memorial Hall Foxborough. Suzanne T.

John Farnum House, Uxbridge. Elaine N.

New England Quilt Museum, Lowell. Deb H.

Wayside Inn, Sudbury. Glenda J.

Mayflower II, Plymouth. Deb W.

Bunker Hill Monument, Charlestown. Jane H.

I know, I know - the pictures are blurry -
(in a hurry to get the post up before the weekend)
I was using the natural light from the window and here in New England today, we have big puffy clouds overhead ... Every time I went to shoot, a cloud moved over.
Have a nice weekend!
Happy quilting!

finished!

2011-08-08T19:34:00.000-04:00

The first Guild raffle quilt is finished. I won't show you the whole thing until I have all the threads picked and get some good pictures.

-here is another sneak peak-

And while you're waiting for me to get the pictures posted-

you can check out the covers of some sewing/mending kits I've been working on.

details, details, details

2011-08-05T16:40:00.000-04:00

Below are some blocks that are nearly complete from the Guild's Historical Building Raffle quilt.

I said I would show you the loading and stabilizing process of a quilt, but that is really boring work for me (and you) . . .

. . . sew, I'll show you this first and then show you the boring stuff on a different day . . .

I'm using all different types and colors of threads to add the details. It's fun.

When both quilts are finished it will be nice to have a 'glamour' shot of each block with the name of the building and the guild member who made the block.

Stay tuned for that and how you can buy tickets for the quilts.

see you again soon. =)

and then there were two

2011-07-30T09:41:00.000-04:00

Below is one of my guild's raffle quilts for 2012.

and this is the second

Using fabric, members replicated several historical buildings of Massachusetts.

Tiny squares were stitched into the background to create a water color frame.

The colors and detail are super.

My job is to quilt them.

And because this is a group project I thought I would invite guild members to follow along in my process.

The first order of business is to decide on the batting....

Because these are art quilts and have some paint, marker, fusing, and delicate fabrics; traditional wet blocking won't work. So I planned for battings that could take a little heat to be steamed into submission in the end, if needed. A poly batt doesn't like heat, so I'm going with natural fibers.

I'm going with cotton and wool.

2 batts?!

These are wall hangings so a nice dense, cotton batt will work well. But, there is some fullness in areas and also some areas will require more quilting than others, so a lofty wool batt will help to fill in the spaces.

You can see below a scrap of wool placed over a scrap of cotton.
It gives a nice loft but is not overly puffy.
The cotton on the back should give it a nice a hang.

The next order is choosing a backing. Something in keeping with the buildings on the front is a must, but nothing solid. There will be many thread color changes, starts and stops. A busy back gives a more pleasing look.

Below is a busy back. It is a little wild for the look we want on our buildings quilt, but that is what I mean by busy.

Each quilt is approximately 41 x 38. A solid pieced backing is preferable. There are many seams and layers to sew through on the top so one less seam on the back would be nice.

Now, if I remember to continue to post pictures of my process - you'll get to see the loading of the quilt, the importance of square backs, stabilizing the quilt and more!

-see you again soon-

= )

. . . the dog days of summer . . .

2011-07-26T17:25:00.000-04:00

. . . it happens every year about now. . .

time slows

it gets really hot

and production goes down

I did get some key fobs finished.

Macrame is back you know.

it's a fun summertime thing to do.

so is watching the bees, dragonflies

and the frogs

-wait, what?

did you say frog days of summer

dog days of summer?

i said dog days!

meet our new little friend-

we get to bring him home in a few weeks.

Hope you are enjoying your summer!

-a good life-

2011-07-15T11:00:00.022-04:00

Today is our Fiberactions challenge reveal day.

Departure is our theme word picked by artist Connie Rose.

My piece is constructed of vintage blocks which were stitched, painted white with artist's gesso and then watered down acrylics.

This is a traditional three layer quilt consisting of a top, batting and backing. The flowers are painted silk organza and were stitched to the top after quilting.

The vintage blocks, shown below, were given to me from Cathy Racine. Cathy is the proprietor of Charlton Sewing Center and hosts a charity auction for our Guild once a year. We have raised thousands of dollars for various causes.

Cathy included these blocks with something I bid on and told me to make something beautiful out of them, she didn't have the heart to throw them away.

Reluctantly, I took the badly soiled, stained and smelly blocks.

Several washings and soakings later I was able to work with them, but they sat waiting in my cupboard for a year.

There are blocks for at least a good sized queen quilt, but the integrity of them is very weak. They are hand pieced using a variety of thin fabrics and threads.

I'm not sure what I will do with the remaining blocks,

but at least I saved a few from departure and gave them

a good life.

Now head on over to Fiberactions and check out how the others interpreted the theme.

2011-07-06T07:50:00.000-04:00

Good Independence Day weekend

spent watching a lot of this

and this

hanging out

now it's back to working on this

and finishing this

Through the Looking Glass -

2011-06-28T09:03:00.001-04:00

by Dale Chihuly

Last week I took a field trip into the MFA Boston with my good friends Brenda and Deb.

A treat the whole day was.

And the Chihuly exhibit is a must see!

I didn't have a camera with me so these pictures are unedited taken right off my phone.

The colors in real life are amazing.

If you're not careful and forget to look down, you might miss the secondary exhibit.

The reflection.

And then the sharp contrast of this room where you only look up.

You will never look at an ordinary piece of glass the same way!

Go see it.

MFA Boston

Promise Ring

2011-06-24T08:53:00.001-04:00

Promise Ring is my friend Sue's quilt, of Sue Pelland Designs.

Sue is an accomplished quilter herself but when she is off teaching, vending and developing new tools, I do her quilting work.

glenda's quilt

2011-06-18T08:34:00.000-04:00

This is Glenda's quilt I quilted awhile ago; she brought it Thursday night to our meeting.

I hadn't actually forgotten about quilting it, but I did forget to post pictures.

Glenda has beautiful workmanship and I loved working on this quilt.

I wish these pictures were better, each house and block has a different fill.

I liked everything about this quilt!

summer fun

2011-06-16T12:57:00.001-04:00

If you're starting to look for summer time activities to do with kids, you might try tie dying. I had to dye a bunch of shirts for a kids event and because I don't have a dye studio or have dyes of my own I used Tulip dye products bought at the local craft store. The dye and soda ash come already mixed, there is no measusring or mixing and seems pretty safe to use with kids. You just add water and shake.

I prewashed and afterwashed the shirts in synthropol, but the directions don't tell you to do that.

The colors came out a little more pastel than I thought they would, but I like them that way.

I found this big phat marker also by Tulip. It does what it says it should - writes with a big phat line on fabric. If you're into fashion graffiti check it out!

I threw one of these color catcher sheets in the rinse cycle each time I rinsed. I don't know anything about them, or even when/where I got them. But you can see below they did pick up color as they started out being white.

Tulip has made tie dying an easy and fun project to do with kids.

Happy Summer!

a peak inside the sketchbook . . .

2011-06-06T09:11:00.001-04:00

I'm participating in the Sketchbook Project 2012. Check it out here for details on how you can participe; it's easy and fun. Last year I made a book of fabric and thread sketches.

This year I'm using pencils, pens, markers, crayons and water color pencils.

Spring through summer seems to be the time for sitting, waiting, and watching outside, so I want to only use tools I can take in my travel bag.

I've been working along on my book when I'm not at home quilting.

This page accidentally got wet on the go, but I wasn't bothered by it-I just stuck a layer of tissue on it, traced over and I'm leaving it in. Maybe I'll go back over with some other color, maybe not.

When you get your book you can use it as is, or rebind it. Mine is rebound, I added a few different weight papers and made some fold out pages.

Go sign up now and submit your book by January31, 2012. In April the books will begin to tour and this year they will go around the globe!

sewing kit

2011-06-04T18:50:00.002-04:00

It's made like a mini book.

The pages are pockets where a thimble and threads can be kept.

A page with wool felt for pins.

and a hook on the back for scissors.

Every page is quilted differently including the back cover!

2011-05-30T12:05:00.000-04:00

Thanking and remembering our service men and women.

wallet replacement

2011-05-19T11:04:00.000-04:00

A few months ago fellow friend/quilter/blogger Coral and I made a trade. She gave me a beautiful cut of painterly looking fabric in return for a case I had made. I immediately started this wallet with the fabric and finally got around to finishing it.

This is similar to the design my friend Sharon and I had made before, only this time I tweaked it again slightly for my needs.

There are lots of interior pockets and slots held together with accordian sides.

An outside pocket for extra stuff and all of the shoppers cards that can really clog up a wallet.

Oh, and making a wallet or something small is great quilting practice if you are just learning. You can work on a small quilt sandwich which is much easier to manipulate than something large and important. Then when you are done, just cut it up to make your smaller item.

You can see where this piece was quilted before assembly by looking inside the pocket.

A little bling and

and a magnet complete the project.

simply bright and shiny

2011-05-17T08:51:00.000-04:00

With nothing but rain, clouds and fog in the forecast til next week; I went to work on brightening things up and made some shiny, new earings!

These beads are vintage and I remember feeling a little guilty about spending so much on them.

(...i mean it wasn't a fortune, just more than I usually like to spend on hobby beads...)

The round beads are cool, they change color depending on how the light reflects. So one minute they can be filled with amber, pink and orange and the next blues.

In this pair below, you can see one is reflecting the pinks and the other blues.

Nothing vintage here just simple faceted rondelles in colors I love.

thanks for visiting!

weathered treasures

2011-05-15T16:32:00.000-04:00

Today is the Fiberactions quilt reveal day, our challenge theme was embellishment.

I went in a totally different direction than I normally do. In fact this is my second piece because I decided my original piece was too similar to work I usually produce. I love to embellish with fancy threads, beads and lots of bling.

This time I used my treasure box of finds.

There are a lot of fun things stitched on this quilt. I won't go into all the details of the pieces but most have a little history.

The fabric was taken from a vintage Christening gown. I don't know anything about the gown, but my guess is, several babies wore this gown over many years. Above you can see some of the tiny patches of hand stitching, I left them as is and didn't cover or hide them for the most part.

To make my embellishment piece even more special, I used vintage threads to attach the items. My friend Sharon gave me a vintage sewing box awhile ago and I used the variety of threads from inside.

Above is the Christening gown before I cut it apart. I still have a lot of the fabric left for something else. Below you can see the lace that is in pretty good condition, comparatively.

Below you can see the hand-stitched pleats. I like to think; who ever put those pleats into the gown would have been happy to know that her hard work lives on with my weathered treasures.

Head on over to the Fiberactions blog and you will be sure to find a lot of colorful eye candy and bling!

just for fun. . .

2011-05-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

. . . yesterday we made the trip to Syracuse to pick up my son from school already.

This year flew!

It was rainy, cold and drizzly in MA but when we got further west it turned out to be a beautiful day and I was wishing I had brought a camera. Then I remembered my phone has a cool camera feature,

so when I wasn't driving I played around with it. I took some pix out the window of the beautiful landscape and then of campus when we got there.

weathered treasures

2011-05-09T13:13:00.000-04:00

and you'll have to come back and see what this is all about.

a peak . . .

2011-05-01T14:02:00.000-04:00

. . . at a finished project intended for a book.

. . .of a Fiberaction piece

(the reveal is May 15th and there is still much to do)

. . . of a sketchbook page.

(i think i'm going to transfer this to silk and try painting it, here i've used colored pencils)

. . . a pencil sketch . . .

. . . and then painted to try with Lesley Riley's Transfer Artist Paper.

. . . and that's just a peak at some of the stuff going on here.

ribbons of hope

2011-04-22T07:59:00.000-04:00

I participated in the Machine Quilters Expo Charity Challenge this year and ribbons of hope was my entry.

The challenge was sponsored by Sew Batik and supported the RI Coalition For the Homeless.

I love a good challenge, but also felt strongly about supporting the Coalition.

Homelessness is such a sad realization of today's society.

Challenge requirements were to use the tropical shades of blues, greens and yellows from the fabric kit and a non traditional border and binding.

My quilt was faced with a cording which I covered with silk organza ribbon and beaded.

I loved this finish and am going to experiment more with it.

I had fun filling the open space with quilting designs. I didn't have a plan when I started, I just added stitching as I went.

I like to play with the fabric ribbons and weave them together into the design...

much like I did with rays of hope, below.

and just to keep it all real - yep that is a basketball hoop plastered on the tall, hall wall!

it was a long winter....

(at least he matched his duct tape to the colors in the quilt. sort of)

Happy Weekend!!

binding together

2011-04-14T10:02:00.000-04:00

This week Deb, Vicki and Vicki's mom Glenda, were in New England for MQX. SueB planned a get together at her studio and showed us how to make books.

Kathleen and Susan also attended.

You can see photos of all of our books by visiting SueB's blog site.

The outside cover of my book is shown above.

I used plain white signatures in my book and will use it as my new take with sketch book.

Randomly, a few decorative papers were added throughout and I love how it looks.

Using the scraps from the cut down pages, envelopes were made to collect treasures, add notes or small drawings.

I stuck several throughout the pages of the book.

I think it will be fun to go back and flip through and find all the hidden secrets.

On the inside cover there are two pockets.

One has an ATC that I've already decorated, on the reverse side of it has my identification... just in case.

Below, a sketch and a doodle already added. . .

I don't want to rush the process, but I'm going to love it when it is completely filled. I know I will.

And the best part -

I made it from the start to the finishing lines!

Happy Creating!

spring has sprung

2011-04-09T07:57:00.000-04:00

I loved thinking about this piece and working on it during the long winter months. It seemed fitting to post the finished pix today; as it really is beginning to feel like spring around here.

This was commissioned work and now resides in it's new home.

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!

tis the season . . .

2011-04-02T10:15:00.000-04:00

. . . for wings and feathers to appear.

Thanks for sticking with me while we wait for spring's arrival and I finish up some work.

I've been working on a few projects simultaneously and have nothing finished for pictures.

Then, I was reminded I hadn't posted anything recently . . .

(nor mentioned the long awaited MLB opening day.)

[thanks honey]

. . . so I'm going with the bird theme for today.

These pix aren't new, except for the bottom one.

I love adding birds with feathers to my work,

almost as much as I love stitching them.

Yep, the Sox opened yesterday in TX and lost. But hey - there is a whole season ahead of us . . .

Have a great weekend.

2011-03-26T12:59:00.000-04:00

when friendship, art, work, and inspiration meet it all spills over.

it's good.

all good.

-yesterday the susans and the ks met at sueb's studio and we had our second sketch-in.

-we are as much alike as we are different and it's fun to sit side by side with such talented gals and share.

-just to keep it from getting too serious i worked my sketch with my smencils.

-nope, that wasn't a typo. smencils are scented pencils.

-they are great, fun, # 2 pencils made of recycled paper.

love them!

-after that, i met up with a freind/client who i did some quilting for.

-our eyes nearly spilled over as she shared a story with me and i'll be thinking about her today.

-then i did some last minute work on the garden quilt.

-nature spilled over into the sketchbook and then onto fabric.

-with only a few thread deatails left this project will be finished.

-and then i got together with some more talented gals and the quilting inspiration was spilling over in all directions.

-all bring something different to the table and i love it all from those who can sew perfectly straight seams to those that can match color like nobody's business.

-love it and glad to be part of it.

-i messed around with an applique pattern i want to start.

-i used the magic mirror and sue's templates to work out some ideas.

-on the tips of the tree this morning i noticed the tiniest of buds.

-soon they will be spilling over with leaves

and

i. can't. wait.

-happy spring.

almost the final stage

2011-03-16T18:09:00.000-04:00

The quilting and decorative stitching are complete on the garden quilt.

Below you can see the quilt being blocked. I don't want the piece getting soaked, so instead I heavily steam it, pull it into submission, square up the sides and corners and pin it. It stays pinned until completely dry.

It will get bound before the 3-d applique elements and beads are attached. Once everything is in place, it will get blocked again.

don't judge a book by it's cover

2011-03-15T10:04:00.000-04:00

because you never know what is inside

Today is the Fiberactions Challenge Group reveal day. Our theme word was impression.

This is a two sided quilt. The front, meant to look like a weathered book of plants and flowers. The back meant to look like a page from inside.

Again, I went with seed pods. This time I created 3d seed pods which were lined with green silk.

The fabrics of the book were painted, over painted, distressed, inked and made to look like leather. The label was was hand printed onto white fabric, distressed and the edges were burnt.

I took pictures of drawn flowers from my sketchbook and used them to hand paint white cloth.

The flowers were stabilized prior to cutting and then stitched onto the background fabric.

I loved making this piece. Out of all my Fiberactions pieces this is probably the most representational of the type of work I love the most.

Head on over to the Fiberactions blog and see how the other talented artists interpreted the theme.

Thanks for looking!

spring break

2011-03-11T10:12:00.001-05:00

I've added the thread detail. Here is the Clematis, it will get attached when the quilting is finished. The petals will remain loose, with minimal tacking on the tips.

More color and thread were added to shovel and gloves.

They will be added at the end also.

Here is the front of my machine with quilt attached. I stitched around the elements and then quilted the border. Lastly, I went and added the fill behind the flowers.

ed note:

*I know the pix are blurry, but if I'm messing with the photos- I'm not quilting......

and I have a lot of quilting to do....so I'm going with the blurry pix.

*Big kid comes home today on spring break and it will be good to have him back.

*Most of our snow is melted and we are all watching/waiting for spring.

*MLB opening day is soon (can't wait).

*Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.

function meets fun

2011-02-27T16:58:00.000-05:00

I'm constantly fighting the pin box while working on the design wall. I keep the pins behind me on the table... And while I keep a stash stuck right into the wall, they never seem to be where my fingers can grab them easily.

I like to use the tiny applique pins because they won't bend when I stick them into the wall. They are nice and small when I'm ready to go the machine with the piece.

A pincushion ring is the perfect solution!

Made with a silk cocoon, wool batt, velvet, a costume jewelery ring base, beads and jewels.

opposite day

2011-02-23T10:58:00.001-05:00

The sketchbook challenge this month is opposites.

I made a mini book with color on the front and none on the back. It's case is made of contemporary hand dyed fabrics with vintage buckles and a button.

Inside the front cover is an envelope with the theme name and date.

And just to trick you - my doodles start from the end of the book and go to the front of the book.

Some things you will see are . . .

cold and hot . . .

dull and sharp.

*********

In my bigger books I've been working on lights and darks and symmetry (left and right, top and bottom).

adding more to the picture

2011-02-22T10:52:00.000-05:00

In yesterday's post I mentioned moving the tulips to the front of the frame. Then there was an empty space to the left of the bucket to the corner of the frame.

Maybe another bucket would go there?

Once I started looking at brown/tan fabrics I noticed this fabric had some cool dimension, a section of it reminded me of a shovel blade.

I went with it.

After the shovel was made it looked weird just sitting next to the bucket, so I tried to put some flowers down by the shovel.

Didn't like it.

I thought about what might be next to my shovel and buckets . . . . . I sketched out some gloves.

I had a hard time duplicating the gloves onto fabric, so I photo copied my sketch, darkened it with marker, traced it onto tissue paper then stitched the outline.

I used batting with the gloves and shovel handle because I wanted a little more dimension. The blade of the shovel has just a layer of thick stabilizer.

I added ink and paint to give more dimension, but I will need more on the gloves.

adding and subtracting

2011-02-21T10:44:00.000-05:00

It's not uncommon for me to add or subtract elements to a piece as I go along.

In my original design I had blue Hydrangea, but I subtracted that out and added a blue Clematis vine.

The thread work will be added once the flowers and leaves are attached, right now they are only pinned and look sort of plain and rough.

I had yellow daisy type flowers and thought I needed something extra. So, I invented and added a blue daisy. Again, all the thread detail needs to be added and that is why you can still see all the rough edges.

I thought a little bird would be a nice addition, I sketched one out on paper and pinned him on so I wouldn't forget about adding him later. You can see his tail.

I added Bird's Foot Violet to a little rock garden. I may not even need the stems because taller elements will be added behind. In which case I'll subtract the stems and just use the flower heads and leaves.

I added some Daffodils but am not sure where they will go, they are just stuck here waiting while I decide on the other taller elements.
And I moved the bucket of tulips to the front of the frame and I think I like that better.

Thanks for stopping by, there is a lot more to be added to this piece so you will have to check back again!

a process

2011-02-16T09:42:00.001-05:00

The bucket of tulips is for a project I've been working on.

This is my favorite type of work, I call it 3 dimensional applique.

The flowers and bucket are not finished and won't be until I'm ready to stitch them in place, but I thought I would show you a little of how I make the elements as I go along.

Above you can see the bucket after I drew it onto the fabric using a chalk pencil. I made a template from my large drawing. It is shaded with fabric paints.

I put Misty Fuse only behind the bucket and fused it to a thin layer of cotton batt. I use cotton, silk or wool for this as I will want to press it. A poly will flatten too much while the others seem to work fine.

Once the bucket is stuck to the batting, I stitch the outlines on the front side. Then I cut the extra batting away. I like using applique scissors for this. But to be honest here- the applique scissors are usually hidden under a pile of stuff sew regular scissors works just as well.

Just be careful and watch what you are doing.

Once the batt is cut away, trim all the way around the bucket leaving enough to fold over the batting on the back side.

I like to use a wooden stick, my iron and starch.

Once the edges have been turned you have a 3 dimensional piece.

Depending on my final design, will determine how I attach the piece to the background. I don't do that until I have all of the elements made. Not all will be 3 dimensional so they will be attached first.

Here you can see some blue tulips made the same way. In the top photo I have them pinned in place but not fully turned. The leaves I made a similar way using a stiff stabilizer and not batting.

Have fun Creating!

2011-02-14T07:36:00.000-05:00

just in case

2011-02-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

Below is my simple solution to house my new listening device while stitching.

I can hook it right to my scissors lanyard and that way I don't have to wear two things around my neck.

When I need the scissors the chain slides right through the clasp of the case and then back down again.

The case is made from pink leather.The front is painted and stitched while the back is only stitched.

Stitching the leather was not as hard as I thought, although, there was some needle drag.

This is my new case for my phone when I'm on the go. I love the vintage glass button.

A new sunglasses case because I'm hopeful spring will eventually arrive....

An eyeglass case is below.

I really liked making this out of wool felt I had used as a waste cloth on a previous project. I used Misty Fuse, threads and a painted dryer sheet over the top with flowers cut from silk fusion. The dryer sheet, I don't think, will hold up over time, but I liked experimenting with this idea for future wall art pieces.

Below is my favorite case which I'll use for my mini sketchbook for the sketchbook challenge.

I'll talk about that another time.

It's been busy here with lots of deadlines on the horizon.

Thanks for stopping by

and

Happy Creating!

what is the color of ice?

2011-02-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

hearts to mail

2011-01-27T08:56:00.000-05:00

Melted wax crayons on paper, cut, stitched and ready to mail.

just for fun . . .

2011-01-20T11:06:00.001-05:00

. . . a few weekends ago I went to a workshop hosted by Inkaboutit and taught by Jane Davies.

We learned how to design and create little collage boxes using foam core.

I wasn't sure what to expect so I brought some green colored paper scraps and some of my vintage lace and sewing collectibles.

It was fun figuring out how to display some of the items.

You can see some vintage lace in the window.

And the two pieces in the doorway - I put behind microscope glass.

One of the workshop girls happened to have old pattern tissue so she gave me some to use and it was the perfect addition.

The rusty metal thing below has been in my collection box for awhile. I knew I was saving it for something . . .

The image in the window was taken from a 1922 Needlecraft Magazine. I put it behind a little piece of transparency. If you peek closely - can you can see two ladies sitting and stitching!

This was something different and fun to learn.

I think maybe I'll take apart my shadow boxes of sewing collectibles and make additional collage boxes.

It's a neat way to display stuff you love.

Inkaboutit is a great little store!

batiks in blues

2011-01-18T08:52:00.001-05:00

My friend JZ's batik quilt.

This was fun to quilt for her. She gifted it to her sister at Christmastime.

Lucky sister.

I love how she added the row of red batik squares down the blue square panels.

And the creamy light blue coloums add just the right softness.

natural environment

2011-01-15T06:44:00.001-05:00

Today is the Fiberactions art quilt reveal. Our theme word is environment.

I decided to continue with my seed pod series and created what I call

-natural environment-

I love seeing untouched, undeveloped landscape.

Near where I live is a beautiful parcel of land, I hear it has sold and will be developed.

The view, the landscape, the history - will be forever changed.

Hand dyed and painted fabric, silk fusion fabric, embroidery, quilting and beads.

Be sure to check all of the artist's work by going to the Fiberactions blog.

a peak inside the sketchbooks . . .

2011-01-14T09:47:00.002-05:00

. . . and there are several.

-below is a little sketch of a wall quilt I'll be making. Here, I just have a few ideas down and it is more cartoon like, but if I commit to this design I'll draw it out larger and begin to make templates of the pieces. When I don't do this I find I can get lost and often abandon the piece all together.

I don't often add color to my sketchbooks but this bottle of lotion, in real life, is the most magnificent shade of blue that I may eventually add some water color.

Since starting the Fiberactions group a year ago, I've kept one sketchbook with only ideas and concepts for those projects.

Below is a quick sketch for my environment piece.

The sketchbook below isn't really an artist's sketchbook, but a book of graph paper - I'm not picky, so I've filled it with doodles and quick sketches.

I was going through a book from last year and came across this doodle. It's from one of Jaye's prompts: sterling.

I remember this is what prompted me to get into using charcoals. I'd love to draw a silver place setting . . .

. . . it's on the bucket list.

My husband gave me this cool little leather paper case years ago. It's for important notes and such, but seeing I never really have anything important to write down when I'm on the go - I use it for doodling.

I doodled this guy when I was waiting for my son at school one afternoon.

The sketchbook challenge has been great fun so far.

Go check it out here!

environment. . .

2011-01-13T09:29:00.000-05:00

. . . is the theme word for the Fiberactions group.

Our reveal day is January 15th -

sew, be sure to check back to see my environment piece-

- then click here-

-to see all of the artist's work on reveal day.

a snow day . . .

2011-01-12T12:45:00.000-05:00

sketching, doodling, journaling,

2011-01-02T19:50:00.001-05:00

and just plain having fun.

Have you heard of the Sketchbook Challenge?

Click here and learn more.

This month's theme has been named

Highly Prized

I decided to make a mini journal for each month's theme.

At approximately 2.5x3, it is small (it's actually tiny) so I can add several elements as the theme inspires me.

Each journal will have it's own little box and you can see it in the first photo.

The second photo is the front cover, below is the theme card which will be kept inside the envelope.

I really thought a lot about the theme highly prized . . . and I think I'd have to say my freedom is highly prized

so you can see my first entry below.

As I feel inspired I will contine decorating and filling the journal.

On the back of the box I put a hook - if I finish themes for one full year, I will have 12 different mini box/ journals and I thought I might hang them somehow.

. . . and speaking of sketchbooks...

The deadline for the sketchbook project is looming. I have to document mine with photos and get it sent off. This was a fun project and you can learn more about it by clicking here

I made thread sketches from some of my pencil/paper sketches, then added some journaling and color.

I continue to get several of my creative prompts for my quick-sketches from Jaye at artquilmaker. She posts a theme word on her blog and she is up to 100.

Check it out here!

2010-12-24T06:43:00.000-05:00

May your holidays be merry and bright!

more mini books. . .

2010-12-23T06:16:00.000-05:00

. . .finished.

I tried to add a mini pencil to some of the books, but couldn't get it to work out neatly - sew I left it off.

The books are approximately 3"x4", each is a nice canvas that can be customized into a fun little piece of art.

Mini books are fun to make!

make it a snow white holiday . . .

2010-12-20T07:04:00.001-05:00

. . . even if there is none in the forecast.

Made from wool felt.

- if you don't have felt you can use batting and fabric scraps.

You still have a few days!

yesterday was Friday . . .

2010-12-18T11:42:00.003-05:00

. . . . and it was another busy week.

But I took some time and made a gift for me!

Using Deb Wendt's Spa Therapy pattern, I made both the shoulder and eye treatment bags . . .

. . . and enjoyed my down time.

I purchased my pattern and Field Corn through Deb. She is a fellow longarmer and Guild member.

You can find info by clicking

here

I have just the right amount of Field Corn remaining to make a second eye bag. I'll keep this one in the freezer for tired eyes.

Great patterns Deb!

Hopefully you'll take some down time over the Holidays.

Enjoy your weekend!

peace birds . . .

2010-12-15T22:19:00.000-05:00

. . . made from wool felt, stitched, stuffed, embellished and given as gifts.

- - -peace- - -

yesterday was Friday. . .

2010-12-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

. . . and it was a busy week.

From under the needle came the feathered wool purse. It has a silver clasp and chain detail with silk lining.

Perfect for Holiday celebrating.

From the window-the the feathered woodpecker.

I have not been so patient while picture taking lately - but when he opened his tail feathers, there was the best outline of yellow. You can see it a little bit.

Thanks for the visit, I have lots more to show you -

come again soon.

And have a nice weekend.

lots of fabric, lots of love and

2010-12-09T10:30:00.000-05:00

. . . .lots of thread

Made by a mother for her daughter.

What a beautiful gift.

The thread cup filled up quickly with this quilt.

It measured 112x122 and that is a lot of thread!

On the top of my machine I have a little cup for my thread tails.

I didn't like the look of the plain cup, so I made it a jacket.

It is secured with double stick tape from the bottom, it doesn't bounce off.

You can see in the the cup on the bottom and around the rim, I put carpet sticky tape.

This keeps the threads inside the cup.

Happy stitching!