Using Unique Fabrics!

I'm having a burst of creative energy and actually creating some of my own fiber art pieces. Typically I create fabric for other artists to use but in reorganizing my inventory I've been setting aside fabrics that "speak" to me. I admit to having a wee bit of trouble focusing on completing a piece once I work through the design process but I'm committed to creating new works and will keep going!  

Here's a piece waiting for quilting. I took some black & white confetti dyed fabric and sliced it up. Next I layered it over a hand painted landscape fabric. I think I'm going to continue with the KISS method, Keep it Simple Stupid and only add a tight machine zigzag along the edges of the trees... does anyone else have another suggestion?

You're Doing What? = SAQA CT Trunk Show Piece!

I just completed my piece for the "You're Doing What?" challenge. Betty Warner and her counterparts are putting together a regional trunk show. The title made me stop to think about how many times I've used that phrase in my life... You're doing what? Usually directed towards my son's but this time I thought about Scott Jurek who ran the full length of the Appalachian Trail last summer. Most people take months to complete the trek from Georgia to Maine but Scott did it in 46 days... that's 2,180 miles of running - sometimes 24 hours in a row. I think Scott's goal was worth a "You're Doing What?"

 The requirements were to create a fiber art piece 6" X 10" which will be mounted on an 8" X 12" black mat. The collection will look really sharp when hung together and can be reserved by organizations for exhibition.

To check out Scott's full story click here! 

To learn more about the Appalachian Trail click here! 

Here is a detail photo that's shows a little tiny Scott reaching Mt. Katahdin in Maine - CONGRATULATIONS super man! 

Steeped in Stitches Fiber Art Exhibit - Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective!

Members of the Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective held a Fiber Arts exhibition this weekend at the Phelps-Hatheway House in Suffield, CT.The show took place in conjunction with Suffield town day and there were bands, food, markets and good ole fun! 

The group and friends were even treated to a tea complete with tiny cucumber sandwiches that had their crusts cut off - who knew we could be so fancy! 

The exhibition took place in the very large barn on the property. It was a lovely setting and it's my understanding the barn is also used for weddings ad other types of functions. 

We were joined by SAQA CT co-reps, Barb Adams and Catherine Whall Smith! 

The artists took a moment to talk about their work and design process - always a treat to hear the back story!
 

What's a tea party without fancy hats?
Thank you Roz for bringing this 1930's hat for me to wear during the event! 

From left to right in the back we have Roz, Mary, me, Denise and Catherine. Front row is Wanda, Carol V, Francesca, Barb, Toni, and Nancy. Linda is missing from the picture.

The group voted on the best hat and Catherine presented Toni with a bag of goodies.

I'm sure you agree that Toni's has the greatest hat ever! 

Later in the day member Mary Lachman was on hand for a poetry reading from her recent book, Moth at the Window. Click here for details - it's a great read! 

Stay tuned for our next adventures! 

Look What Kelly Lorraine Caldwell Did!

Look at this fabulous piece Kelly Lorraine Caldwell created! It's titled "New Growth" and utilizes my ice dyed fabric, thread, embroidery floss, book pages and found objects.

I've gotten to know Kelly through the CT Chapter of SAQA. She has a lot of energy and a positive persona. Kelly's work is really unique and well crafted. Check out her website - I promise it will be a treat - click here! 

Fabric Giveaway!

I am remiss in getting this Printed Fabric Bee giveaway posted! Deborah Boschert is the featured artist and her theme was Blue Architecture! If you are familiar with Deborah's work you'll quickly see why she chose this theme! Hop over to Deborah's blog to leave a comment for a chance to win your own Blue Architecture custom fabric pack! Hurry - I'm late with the post and she will draw a winner on September 15th... do it now! You can also leave a comment on the Printed Fabric Bee blog - good luck! 

Here is my 6" X 6" fabric contribution to the giveaway. 

I started with a piece of blue ice dyed fabric. Next using a discharge paste I took a Thermofax screen to add a blueprint design. I'm so sorry but I don't know the name of the artist who created the screen. I wish they would all add their name to the screen borders so I could remember!  OK - next I used a stencil by Margret Applin to add the suggestion of old buildings. 

The theme was opposite of my usual design subject which is why this group is so fun! Please be sure to check out the other Printed Fabric Bee artists and leave a comment with Deborah to win the fabric?

Carol R. Eaton
Jackie Lams
Lynda Heines
Gerrie Congdon
Susan Purney Mark
Deborah Boschert
Jane Davila
Lisa Chin
Lynn Krawczyk
Leslie Jenison
Judy Gula 
Julie B. Booth