New Ice Dyed Fabric!

My ice maker is on the fritz in a good way! It simply refuses to stop making ice - if I don't watch it carefully when I open the freezer door ice tumbles out. I'm not sure what the long term plan will be but for now I'm trying to keep up by ice dyeing! I posted detail photos to highlight the lovely patterns the ice makes as it pulls the dye into all the nooks and cranny's of the fabric. The full size photos are on the "Ice Dyed Fabric" tab at the top of this page... they are for sale if you are so inclined! 

An Endless Supply of Hand Crafted Fabric + Energy = Free Form Fun!

I'm ready to use the fabrics I've been setting aside! When I create fabrics the majority of the inventory is for sale but I do have a little stash of fabrics that have been tucked away for the right moment. I've also been hanging onto a custom fabric collection made especially for me by the members of The Printed Fabric Bee. I figured I better take advantage of the energy as I haven't felt this compulsion in a long while. Nothing is quilted but the pieces have come together. 

This is "Falling Leaves" and only pinned. I plan to stitch along the raw edge and add some detail for the veins and stem... we'll see if I stay true to that or if another idea comes along.

I'm calling this piece, "Connecticut Woodlands". It reminds me of all the things I enjoy about summer in Connecticut. I created most of the fabrics but some are from my buddies at The Printed Fabric Bee. 

95% of the fabrics used in this design were created by fellow artists in The Printed Fabric Bee. It's a combination of collections the members made when it was my turn to be Queen and choose the theme. I screened over the top once it was pieced and I think I'll quilt circles across the surface. The working title is "Secrets in Grandmother's Garden". I just realized it needs a border of sorts to keep your eye from wandering away!  

There is a freedom to jumping in with both feet and not worrying about making a mistake or planning the design in advance! 

How do you work best? Are you a planner or a jump in and figure it out later artist - maybe a combination of both?

Fabric Inspired by Mt. Willard!

I tried hard to emulate the variety of greens I saw from the summit of Mt. Willard last weekend!  

I love how ice dyeing creates a soft and free floating feel to the colors. 

The pops of bright green add interest to the view and it also happens to be one of my favorite colors!

I created two 1 yard pieces. On the next sunny day I plan to sun print over the dye... wonder how that will work out!

The Relaxed Pace of Summer is Here!

Summer has always given me "permission" to slow down and relax. My typical pace is on the frantic side but the warm sunny days and the lush surroundings during the summer remind me to stop and take it all in! So... this attitude will be my new mantra for the next few months. 

I started by spending a long weekend with some buddies in New Hampshire. They are athletic and adventurous so we filled the days with hiking and kayaking. I came home with tired muscles and new shared memories. 

Sharon and I on the summit of Mt. Chocorua!
This was a 10 mile hike with a soft breeze and lots of sunshine!
I can't wait to dye fabric in multi layers of green fading into blue and purple - what a view! 

This is Mt. Chocorua from Silver Lake - yes - we were on the tippy top of that pointy mountain! I will try to capture the smooth feel of the water on fabric!

Sabbaday Falls is a quick hike with an awesome reward! The loud water and smooth rocks will be another studio inspiration. The rocks were a sweet combination of colors that will find it's way into the fabric!  

Sharon, me and Carolyn on the summit of Mt. Willard. This is a fun hike that is only 1.5 miles. The view is spectacular looking down Crawford Notch. I've been here many times and it continues to inspire me.  

Our final morning on Silver Lake. We were on the lake by 7:00 AM to take advantage of the calm waters. A water skier and rower had the same idea for very different reasons! The studio is calling and I will take my memories and use them to create new fabrics! 

The Printed Fabric Bee - Time for a Giveaway!

It's that time again when The Printed Fabric Bee has a custom fabric pack giveaway! Our group has been discussing the fact that we've been giving away a fabric pack each month for about a year and a half... wow! That is a lot of fabulous fabric and I hope YOU are the next lucky winner. 

Leslie Tucker Jenison is this month's Queen and chose "Markings" as her theme. The only direction given was neutral with a pop of color. The artist created some really nice pieces so please hop over to The Printed Fabric Bee's Facebook page to leave a comment for a chance to win a fabric pack! 

I enjoyed the theme and focused on finding objects on a spring walk that I could use to mark the fabric. After a few false starts (I feel like I say that every month!) I settled on marking the fabric with bark and leaves. 

This is Leslie's finished piece. I look forward to whatever
she creates with this collection!  

Here are the found objects I used to create the free form design.

I started with a piece of fabric that I had previously stamped with thickened dyes and non skid carpet rubber. The rubber happen's to be one of my favorite go-to "tools" for surface design! 

My sister in law gave me some sliced wood that I was using as a coaster. I couldn't resist stamping the fabric to add to more texture.

I took oak leaves and using fabric paint and my finger I spread the paint over the edges of the leaves to create an impression that a leaf had been there. 

Here is my 6" X 6" piece that will be part of the giveaway collection. Don't forget to leave a comment on The Printed Fabric Bee's Facebook page. The winner will be drawn on June 15th!
Good Luck! 

OPEN HOUSE: Smith Stitch Studio ~ June 13th!

Connecticut residents are invited to discover – and rediscover – the state’s exciting arts, history and tourism offerings with a variety of special incentives, such as discounted or free admission, free gifts or special exhibits and activities during the 11th Annual Open House Day on June 13, 2015.

CHECK OUT:  http://www.ctvisit.com/dontmiss/details/2322

YOUR INVITED  

Smith Stitch Studio


44 Chaplin St.
Chaplin, CT


(860) 455-0270
 - for more information visit  http://www.catherinewhallsmith.com

Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Studio located in the Walter Goodell home (1835) at 44 Chaplin Street, Chaplin, CT. First 20 visitors receive a fiber art desk calendar. Abstract works of art in her home studio in the center of the Chaplin Village Historic District.