Bits and Stitches

Installation is complete

2012-01-28T13:09:00.001-06:00

My longarm machine was setup on Thursday by A-1 rep, Karen Overton, and her husband Johnny. She gave me a full overview of the machine and its use as Johnny was assembling it. One selling point for the A-1 brand is that is very easy for owner to maintain and adjust by oneself. Everything is pretty simple.

We’re ALL adjusting to this big machine in our living room.

The learning curve begins. Using the machine is becoming more comfortable. After one more practice piece, I think I will be ready to try quilting on a traditional quilt top I have hanging around from a workshop project many moons ago. It will become a charity quilt.. Then I can get on with new work. Who-o-o-pee!

The Art in Fiber 2012 - Copper Shade Tree Gallery

2012-01-24T10:58:00.001-06:00

You are invited to join us in Round Top, TX for the opening from 2-6 on Saturday, February 4.

Uncrated-or Mostly

2012-01-23T12:29:00.001-06:00

More boxes are still in the garage, Setup is scheduled for this Thursday January 26. I’m getting excited with just a little terror mixed in. I hope the learning curve isn’t steep. I’m thinking about changes in wall color and probably some better lighting.

Transition-BEFORE

2012-01-11T17:09:00.001-06:00

A major change is taking place at my home. My formal living room, where rarely anyone sits, is to become a longarm (as in quilting machine)-music studio. I love everything in this room, but it doesn’t get much use. My new quilting machine will be delivered tomorrow and this will be its new home.

The grand piano stays even though nobody has played it in about 15 years.

Most of the furniture has now been relocated to entry and the carpet has been removed. After the machine has been setup, I can sort out what sort of furniture arrangement may work in here. I may need to repaint or add lighting too.

Christmas Past

2011-12-31T22:18:00.001-06:00

Can’t believe that is over already. I’ve taken down many of the decorations and they are ready to be packed up and stored again. I’ll leave the nutcrackers out for a few more days. I love them all, especially the new ones this year, including Scrooge on Christmas Day.

Now that Christmas has passed, I can post a photo here of quilt I gave Marie as a gift. Since I knew I wouldn’t get all the quilting done, I went ahead and gave her the quilt top and I will finish it now. It is based on a photo that she took in Hofuf on her trip to Saudi in 2009. She told me it is a house that King Abdul Aziz stayed in.

For those of you interested in technique, the whole top is fused applique, which is a technique outside my normal box of tools. Some detail has been added with Derwent Inktense pencils. More detail will go in with the quilting.

The other piece I finished this week will be published when the exhibit opens at Copper Shade Tree in Round Top on February 4.

Mini Family Reunion

2011-11-28T17:06:00.001-06:00

Last week my husband’s sister, brother and wife joined us in a quick visit to our home town of Starkville Mississippi. I wasn’t born there, but did attend high school. I even married my high school sweetheart.
We no longer have any family living there, but did get to see a few people who are still around.
The Main Street (2-1/2 blocks long has recovered some from the desertion that usually takes place when Wal-Mart goes up on the edge of town. It was good to see a few reasonable places to eat now.

Obie’s is always a good place for lunch and to see all his Coke and other vintage memorabilia.

The house my parents built in 1955.

There were no trees until Dad got some pine seedlings from the Extension Service. They absolutely dwarf the house now. I can’t get used to seeing the house painted lt. blue.

I neglected to take any photos of the Mississippi State campus. I guess we were too busy looking at changes and new buildings. The grounds look great. Some of the streets are pedestrian-only now so it wasn’t easy to park and get out and walk around.

Additions to My Collection

2011-11-28T16:47:00.001-06:00

Quilt Festival was another opportunity to add to my own collection of quilts. Three minis were added this year.

Heather Pregger
Untitled

Kathy York
”Full House”

Angela Maroun
”Her Light Still Shines”

Angela’s quilt was purchased from Ami Sims Alzheimers Art Quilt Initiative booth . The December auction starts on December 7. You can view the collection for sale on the AAQI website.

Taking a Big Leap

2011-11-15T10:18:00.001-06:00

After discussion yesterday about whether I should own a longarm machine, I left my dear husband to “digest it”. When he came back to me, he handed me a piece of newspaper. He had just read his daily horoscope which said:

“LEO * * * Listen to your sixth sense when dealing with someone you care about. Don’t try to change someone’s mind about an expenditure.”

Woo Hoo! Not that we really believe that stuff….. Anyway I will soon be the owner and user of an 8-ft. A-1 Longarm machine. I’m also making a commitment to myself to make good use of it. Everybody give a cheer to Laney!

Grand Opening of Texas Quilt Museum

2011-11-14T14:41:00.001-06:00

Texas Quilt Museum
La Grange, Texas

Suzanne Kittrell, Ruthann Fox, Carolyn Crump and I took a road trip yesterday for the Opening of the Texas Quilt Museum. Look at the quilts painted on the outside wall. The buildings have been lovingly restored/renovated. We are looking through Grandmother’s Flower Garden (a traditional quilt block pattern) here. The three galleries in the museum hold quilts of all kinds from the Lone Star III: A Legacy of Texas Quilts. We ran into Nancy Dickey and Martha Tsihlas plus other people there.

Then on to Round Top to see the new location of Copper Shade Tree. It is much expanded with a workshop next door for owner, Gerald Tabola. The exhibit there now is of Male Quiltmakers. Henkel Square is being rejuvenated. I think we will not recognize the place by next year.

Centerfold

2011-11-11T10:28:00.001-06:00

I never ever in my wildest dreams thought I would be a “centerfold” of any sort. I was very excited to realize that my quilt “Coastline” was the in middle of the book, LONE STAR QUILTS III: A TEXAS LEGACY.

This quilt was sold in 2006 and the owner has generously allowed me to exhibit it.

The book by Karoline Patterson Bresenhan and Nancy OBryant Puentes is a survey of Texas quilters over last 25 years. It has been published in connection with the opening of the Texas Quilt Museum in La Grange Texas. The grand opening will be Sunday, October 13 at 1:00 pm.

Sophie Update

2011-10-27T23:12:00.001-05:00

She has a new hairdo and a new box.

Fiber Artists of San Antonio Annual Exhibition

2011-10-17T12:17:00.001-05:00

I’m back home after a girls weekend out in San Antonio. One of the things we were able to do there was view the FASA show at Gallery Nord, which is an excellent venue to hang a show. You can view the show at http://www.fiberartistsofsanantonio.org/Annual_Exhibition_2011.php

Some of my favorites from the show were

“La Sirena #4, Milagros”, Susie Monday

“Haunted Thicket”, Linda Minton

“Attraction” Laurie Brainerd

“What Remains”, Leslie Tucker Jenison

HAFA Show Photos

2011-10-05T11:38:00.001-05:00

Focus on Fiber 2011

2011-09-29T22:05:00.003-05:00

The annual gallery show of Houston Area Fiber Artists (HAFA) will be opening Saturday, October 1 from 6-9pm. For a video preview

Houston Area Fiber Artists–Gallery Show coming up

2011-08-27T11:44:00.001-05:00

Entries are due Saturday, September 24. For more information see the HAFA website.

Houston Area Fiber Artists
presents their
Annual Member Gallery Show

FOCUS ON FIBER 2011

Juror: Mari Omori, Professor of Art,
Lone Star College Kingwood

October 1 thru October 26, 2011
Opening reception Saturday, October 1, 2011
from 6 to 9 PM
includes a Silent Auction
Complimentary valet parking will be available.

Betz Gallery
www.betzgallery.com
1208 W. Gray in Houston, TX
(713) 576-6954
Gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am – 6 pm

Beach Retreat

2011-08-19T23:25:00.001-05:00

Recently I spent the weekend at Connie’s new beach house. As housewarming gifts, we each made a placemat with a beach theme. This one was so much fun, I want to make one for myself.

Update on Sophie

2011-08-10T23:29:00.000-05:00

Her coat is growing fast. I think she needs a topknot. What a sweetheart this one is. We’ve now had her almost 3 weeks and she has not had a single accident.

Sophie and Box

2011-07-24T23:55:00.001-05:00

Newly adopted Sophie quickly claimed this box as her favorite toy? safe place? Who needs expensive toys?

Miss Sophie Comes to Live at our House

2011-07-24T22:11:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday I was finally approved to adopt a rescue Shih Tzu, about 1 year old. This one is the smallest one we’ve had, at only 10 pounds. She just walked in and settled down. Raffles our 12 year old didn’t show any resistance, but he remains circumspect. She is courting him and I think I know who will win.

These photos are from Foster Mom Kim who takes excellent, loving care of any dogs that come to her house.

SAQA Benefit Auction 2011

2011-07-19T11:43:00.001-05:00

The funds raised through the Auction are critical to supporting SAQA's exhibitions, catalogs and outreach programs. You may view all the quilts online and pick your favorites. Each quilt is 12" square, unless noted otherwise.

SAMPLER FOR THE DAY

Leslie A. Hall Gentle Eddy	Tommy Fitzsimmons Candyland	Linda Engstrom* Yucca Blossom
Christi Beckmann*** Cool Summer Graphic Garden (10.5 x 10.5 inches)	Janet Meyers Leftovers #2	Alison Muir Carbon Storage

This year's Auction will begin on Monday, September 12th at 2:00 pm Eastern and conclude on Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 pm Eastern. Price points will again be: $750, $550, $350, $250, $150 and $75.

How the Auction Works

Community Fourth of July

2011-07-04T16:40:00.003-05:00

Our little town, West University, (right in the middle of Houston) has lots of family fun on the Fourth of July. It starts out with a parade of anything you can decorate: bicycle, stroller, etc. accompanied by the Rotary Club’s kazoo band. They march? 8-10 blocks to the city’s Colonial Park.

Then it’s everybody in the pool and BBQ provided by the Rotary Club with grill(smoke master) Randy directing.

Ending polio is Rotary International's major project. With the help of BIll Gates and others, they are now very close.

Dear Miss Ginger

2011-06-15T14:27:00.001-05:00

We lost our older Shih Tzu this morning. Ginger was 15 yrs.+ and had a good life through yesterday. We knew this day was close so it wasn’t a shock. I took her in to the Vet but she passed before the Vet arrived. Thank you so much Dr. P, David, and Dr. Wilkie of Richmond Avenue Veterinary Hospital, who have cared for her almost her entire life. Thank you Ginger for sharing your life with the Littlejohns.

The younger dog has never been by himself. We’re wondering how this will affect him. I have been taking him on walks solo sometimes for past couple of weeks so he would be familiar with walking without her. We will grieve together.

We need more rain!

2011-05-11T23:01:00.000-05:00

Actually, it is raining lightly right now. These photos were taken earlier today in my neighborhood. I’ve never seen cracks in the ground of this size around here. With no rain for two months, the little bit we got so far is just a start.

It's a good day

2011-05-08T11:37:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Flowers
from my favorite son Tom

I Love My New Computer

2011-03-26T15:47:00.001-05:00

Whe-w-w-w-. I think I can finally raise my head up off the grindstone, er…new computer keyboard. I think all my files are migrated, new drivers downloaded or purchased (yeh, it cost me $10 S/H to get the HP printer drive on CD because it is too large in size to download. So far I’ve only had to purchase upgrade for one program, Mastercook, that I use to organize some of my favorite recipes. My widescreen monitor with matte glass is awesome.

Deconstructed Screen Printing Workshop

2011-03-13T23:38:00.001-05:00

Friday and Saturday were spent in a workshop with Kerr Grabowski. Kerr is the expert in deconstructed screen printing and an able teacher who kept us laughing and having fun.

The idea behind deconstructed screen printing is that you screen over some sort of texture with thickened dye paste and then let it dry on the screen. You begin screening with clear dye paste which gradually dissolves the dry dye. Each screen pull gives a different image.

Class Samples

Portrait of Nancy – drawn with thickened dye in syringe. All her i’s are dotted and all her t’s are crossed – Magnolia Belle

Screen was pulled with torn newspaper for pattern. Not successful, but I like this piece. With a little more work it will become a whole cloth quilt.

Purple thickened dye over silk flower & two sizes of bubble wrap was allowed to dry. Started pulling screens with clear print paste and then started adding yellow to pulls until no purple was left.

More bubble wrap and brown packing paper texture.

New Addition to My Collection

2011-03-02T23:56:00.000-06:00

Fly: Venture

I was able to purchase this lovely collage by Lyric Kinard as part of ONE Hundred Collages in 2011, Virginia Spiegel’s recent fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. In just six hours, $9817 was raised for cancer research. All the Collages were beautiful.
,

The Art in Fiber 2011

2011-03-02T00:11:00.001-06:00

Connie Fahrion and I took a road trip this weekend to Round Top TX to see the Art in Fiber show at the Copper Shade Tree Gallery. Gerald and Debbie Tobola has expanded into another room in the adjoining building. The gallery looked spacious and the art looked wonderful. This is their 5th fiber art show and it is exciting to see how much the quality of the work has grown since the first one.

Debbie Tobola & Connie Fahrion

Janet Bodin “Autumn Dance”

Ginny Eckley

We also visited the Belle of Round Top to see their new carriage house with space for workshops and a couple more bedrooms.

Jack Brockette was teaching a pojagi workshop.
Jack, Connie, Janice

Gee’s Bend – the Play

2011-02-20T10:01:00.001-06:00

Last weekend we went with friends to see the Gee’s Bend play by Elizabeth Gregory Wilder. It is at the Ensemble Theatre in Houston through February 27. If you are in the area, I think you would find it quite enjoyable.

"The Art in Fiber 2011"

2011-01-24T10:57:00.001-06:00

The popular Art in Fiber show returns to the Copper Shade Tree with an outstanding group of 22 fiber artists, that were selected by juror, Ginny Eckley, an internationally acclaimed textile artist.

The required theme is "Interpretation." Each artist was given a specific subject matter; a 3-D art piece, a poem, or a music selection. They will create their fiber artwork based on their interpretation of that art form. It will be placed on an 11" x 14" canvas.

In addition, they will create other fiber artwork exclusively for this show. These pieces have never before been seen by the public. Start designing your trip for this exciting event.

Opening Reception: Friday, February 4th, 2011 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

“Looking at Art”

2011-01-14T00:06:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day “Looking at Art”. With other members of Houston Area Fiber Artists (HAFA) we went on a tour led by Victoria Lightman. We virst visited the the Hiram…..Butler Gallery.
This was followed by visits to two artists studios. Cara Barer is making the most beautiful sensuous sculptures from old books. She scans them and prints on paper or metal. You will enjoy a visit to these photos on her website.

The second studio was that of Dixie Friend Gay. She is a fabulous painter, but most recently has been focusing on public art projects. You may have seen her fabulous Houston Bayou mosaic on the walls of the Continental Airline terminal at Bush International Airport in Houston. The tiles, many of which she makes herself, are sent to Mexico or Canada to turned into these rich mosaic works. Her website is worth a look also.
The final stop was at the Lightman home to see their art collection and enjoy a box lunch together in spite of the dreary weather outside.

Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative

2010-11-10T11:08:00.001-06:00

I am now the proud owner of an AAQI quilt by Debbie Bein, purchased at International Quilt Festival last week.

The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative is a nonprofit run by Ami Simms for the benefit of Alzheimer’s research. Check out their blog for up to date information. I believe I heard $48,000+ has been raised this year with these quilts.

You can put together a pair of earrings (of your choice) or join in the monthly auction that ends today.

TV Interview

2010-11-09T21:30:00.001-06:00

Channel 2 caught me for a brief interview in the Creative Force exhibit last Thursday at International Quilt Festival. You probably weren’t watching television that night, but you can still view it at http://www.click2houston.com/video/25638601/index.html

Surprise Zen Garden

2010-10-23T21:50:00.001-05:00

Last weekend on a tour of vintage Houston homes near downtown Houston, I came across a beautiful Zen garden. Just imagine a stream running down the middle of your driveway.

Interwoven II

2010-10-05T12:01:00.001-05:00

Interwoven II
A juried, regional fiber exhibition
18 Hands Gallery
249-B W. 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
October 2 – 31, 2010

Barbara Kile	Nancy B. Dickey
Susan Fletcher King	Lynn Williams

Lone Star Quilts III – Texas quilts of last 25 years

2010-09-17T22:19:00.001-05:00

“Coastline”
70” x 43”

I received word this week that my quilt “Coastline” will be included in the book Lone Stars-Texas Quilts Today about the last 25 years of Texas Quilts. The book, which will contain 200 quilts, will be released in the Fall of 2011 in conjunction with International Quilt Festival in Houston and the Texas 175th birthday of Texas as a Republic. Most of the quilts will be on exhibit at the 2011 Houston Show.

Congratulations to all my friends who are also included in the book .

This quilt was in the 2004 IQA “World of Beauty” Show. It is now in a Private Collection.

Only 4 MORE DAYS

2010-09-17T21:53:00.001-05:00

To help you get ready to bid in SAQA's 2010 Benefit Auction starting September 20th: the bidding form has been posted, so that you can see how the Auction works. The form will go live on Monday, September 20th at 2:00 PM Eastern.

Only the pieces on page 1a and 1b will be available for bidding on the 20th. The opening bid price will be $750.

Patricia S. Kicklighter

Jetta Clover

2010 SAQA Benefit Auction - Starts September 20th

2010-09-06T00:54:00.001-05:00

Over 280 pieces have been donated to the 2010 SAQA Benefit Auction. The funds raised through the Auction are critical to supporting SAQA's exhibitions, catalogs and outreach programs. SAQA's Benefit Auction is our biggest fundraiser. Last year we had donations from 235 members and raised $47,325!!!

This year's Auction will begin on Monday, September 20th at 2:00 Eastern. Price points will again be: $750, $550, $350, $250, $150 and $75. Unsold work will be placed on the SAQA website for a month and then returned to the artist.

I’ve selected a few of my favorites to whet your appetite.

Soy Wax and ColorHue Dyes

2010-09-02T21:08:00.001-05:00

Monday and Tuesday, I got to play in Ginny Eckley’s studio with some other fun people. We learned to do rozome resist dyeing with soy wax and Color Hue dyes on silk. Here we have Alexis, Susan, and Linda working away, or should I say playing.

Ginny is an excellent tutor and her studio space is to die for. Pun intended. There was a bit of a learning curve, but I think all of us turned out some lovely pieces. Here are some samples, mostly from Day 1.

We tried a number of techniques: painting dye on the silk then adding wax resist and putting wax on the fabric first then adding the Color Hue dyes. These dyes are wonderful. There is no steaming. They strike almost instantly. After ironing out the soy wax, which comes out much better than beeswax mixtures, the fabrics are ready to go.

Now if I can just stop feeling of them and actually use some.

Opening Night at the Arts Alliance Center in Clear Lake - TACCL

2010-08-31T23:50:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday night, High Fiber and Raw Materials show opened at The Arts Alliance Center of Clear Lake, in Nassau Bay, TX

The 6-unit piece “Speaking in Color”, entered by Connie Fahrion, Cheryl Johnson, Linda Teddlie Minton, Nancy B. Dickey, Susan Fletcher King and myself, was awarded a Juror’s Choice award. I’m posting a few photos here. My plan is to go back soon to take more.

The show will run through October 7.

Stash SUPER Sale – Meyerland area - HOUSTON

2010-08-23T13:00:00.002-05:00

*** Bring Your Friends ***

This weekend, Fri, Sat and Sun, August 27, 28 and 29, there will be a HUGE stash sale you don't want to miss. The collection, which belonged to a fiber artist who is now deceased, filled a one-car garage. It contains both quilting supplies and many beautiful decorator fabrics and samples.

Must sell… Over 400 square feet of great goodies, ready to make your next project a huge success. [home is non-smoking and cat-free; access has been restricted from non-shedding small dog]

Quilting and Sewing includes
-Fat Quarters
-Fabric, fabric, fabric
-Trim
-Patterns
-Sewing notions
-Lace
-Batting
-Books
-Magazines

Knitting includes
Yarn
Needles

Embroidery

Upholstery bolts from Brunswig & Fils, Kravet, Lee Jofa, and more names you know

Contact me by email for more information.

Visit Me With Alex and Ricky – August 10

2010-08-09T17:31:00.001-05:00

Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims have been featuring quilts with “moon” in their names on The Daily Blog. Bamboo Moon, one of my quilts from about 2000, will be the quilt of the day on Tuesday, August 10.

It was the first quilt I ever entered in a juried show. I was very surprised when it was selected into the IQA Show in Houston.

Stockholm Subway

2010-07-20T10:25:00.001-05:00

I don’t have time to watch all the PPS files of pretty photos that I am sent by email. This one by photographer varglo is extraordinary. This is a wonderful example of a city’s emphasis on public art –

To view full screen, you may want to click on the URL, then click in lower right corner. Enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vargklo/sets/72057594140322750/show/

The Paper Runway

2010-06-03T10:40:00.000-05:00

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
June 5 - September 4, 2010
4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
www.crafthouston.org

If you are in Houston in next three months and are the least bit interested in art or fiberart in particular, don’t miss this exhibit. You can almost feel the creativity buzzing in that room.

I’m kicking myself because I forgot to take my camera and missed the fashions and hats that were parading around through the crowd. I had not been there for a number of months and was pleased to meet the Artists in Residence and see the interesting things they are working on.

And, admission is always free.

On Memorial Day

2010-05-31T13:31:00.001-05:00

Artist, Julie Feingold’s tribute to our heroes. Details of quilt can be seen at http://www.heart2hand4art.com/lostheroesartquilt/quiltphoto.htm

Houston Area Fiber Artists – Fashion Show & Stash Sale

2010-04-09T17:49:00.001-05:00

The Houston Area Fiber Artists
Are once again hosting the Fiber event of the Year!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
At the HESS Club, 5430 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77056
Fashion Show and Luncheon 11:00 – 1:00
Boutique and Artist’s Stash Sale 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tickets for the Fashion Show and Luncheon are $45.00
Boutique and Stash Sale are free admission
For Fashion Show and Luncheon Tickets:

Send SASE to:
3139 W. Holcombe Blvd #260
Houston, TX 77025
or go to
www.fiberhouston.org

What I’m Working On

2010-02-28T10:36:00.001-06:00

S-h-h-h! It’s a secret, but will soon be revealed. It involves the “A” word –”appliq#%$” – so is a real stretch for me. I am finding that doing something realistic from a photo turns into a valuable value study. As a result, I am learning to really look and “SEE” the differences in value. I must admit it has made my head hurt at times.

My studio is definitely green these days. Everywhere.

Simple Gifts

2010-01-22T22:58:00.001-06:00

I’m walking along with my dogs this morning and noticed a red petal on the sidewalk.

And another one.

Every few steps, someone had left a trail of lipstick red camellia petals for me to follow.

Brightened my day!
I’m a cheap date.

The Week of Christmas

2009-12-28T15:10:00.002-06:00

The week of Christmas has been full of many unexpected events -- auto repair and two trips to Emergency Rooms. DH Laney was having great difficulty breathing about 1:30 Tuesday morning so we went to the ER. Diagnosis was Bronchitis on top of his Emphysema.
Christmas Eve was spent at my daughter Marie’s house eating her great turkey gumbo, pecan-fig pie and opening presents. One of the more interesting presents was this New Orleans snow globe, complete with shotgun house, red rescue inspection “X”, water line and stuff floating in the water. Very clever. Son Tom owns a double shotgun in N.O.

Christmas Morning about 3:00 Miz Ginger, my 14-yr.old Shih Tzu was asking to go outside and then turning right around and going back out. It took 30 minutes or so to figure out what her problem was and then we realized it was probably a bladder infection so off to the Animal Emergency Clinic because nobody was going to get any sleep. After she got a shot of cortisone and antibiotic we drove home and watched the most beautiful sunrise (I’m never awake that time of morning). Dr. said it was okay to sedate her so I could get some sleep before starting to prepare Christmas Dinner which was scheduled for 7:30 that night. I slept until 11:15am, also unheard of for me.

View Full Album

The food was wonderful I must say, even if I was one of the cooks. The green beans with roasted fennel and shallots were especially fine. Oh, yes and the cranberry-kumquat trifle!.

Too Many Blogs

2009-11-27T14:56:00.001-06:00

Life is slowing down a bit so I vow to get back to blogging here. I have actually been blogging in my other blogs and have neglected this one.

No real deadlines are facing me now as far as creating artwork. I plan to not work toward any particular show or event and just create. If I should make something that should be entered in a show, I will do that. I am giving myself permission to make things that become part of the “crap quota”. The operative word will be “play”!

Cool Globes in Orbit

2009-10-09T13:43:00.001-05:00

The Houston Chronicle this morning had an article about another art exhibit on display during Quilt Festival. Remember the cows, horses that different cities have had artists decorate. These giant globes will be on display starting tonight through Dec. 31 on the Discovery Green Park across from the GRBrown Convention Center. This is where the Gala will be on Saturday night.

Shows & Exhibits during Houston Quilt Festival

2009-09-30T12:12:00.002-05:00

“Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor”
Houston Museum of Natural Science
May 22, 2009 - October 18, 2009
The Houston Museum of Natural Science presents one of the most extraordinary archaeological finds of the 20th century, considered by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World: terra cotta warriors from the tomb complex of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Intended to protect him throughout eternity, the warriors stood guard over a vast necropolis commissioned by the Emperor when he was only 13 years old. Marvel at more than 100 amazing objects, the largest display of terra cotta figures and tomb artifacts to travel to the U.S.
Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor was named one of the top five "must see" exhibitions by Time Magazine.

“Unexpected Patterns: QUAKE!”
Peggy Sexton and Archway Gallery host a national show. September 25 through October 23, 2009
2305 Dunlavy, Houston

The exhibit entitled Unexpected Patterns: QUAKE! features Art Cloth, unique hand designed wall hangings. Work created by, Rayna Gillman, Sue Copeland Jones, Lisa Kerpoe, Judy Langille, Russ Little, Mary-Ellen Latino, Joy Nebo Lavrencik, Barbara Schneider, Wrenn Slocum, Bev Snow, Katherine Sylvan & Maggie Weiss will be on view.

Opening reception from 5:30-8 pm, September 26, 2009. Meet the artists at a Gallery Talk on Tuesday, October 20, 4 -6 PM. Please come to the opening, the gallery talk or both. At the gallery talk, many of the artists will discuss the technical and physiological processes they drew upon to produce the work.

“CELEBRATING OUR CREATIVE SPIRIT,”
The Biennial Show of the Texas Federation of Fiber Artists
October 2 to December 24
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
4848 Main St., Houston

The opening reception is 5:30-8:00pm, October 2, in conjunction with the Texas Federation of Fiber Artists Conference. The juror for this show, Tim Harding will also be the keynote speaker at the Conference.

“INTERWOVEN”

October 10 – November 2, 1009
18 Hands Gallery
249 W. 19th Street, Suite B
Houston, TX 77008
Fiber art, juried by Ginny Eckley

2009-09-27T11:46:00.002-05:00

Okay, I stooped to spending time doing another one of those silly quizes. I love, the colors of the outcome.

Your rainbow is intensely shaded violet, pink, and brown.

What is says about you: You are a grateful person. You appreciate the roughness of nature. You feel closer to people when you understand their imperfections. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

SAQA Auction – Part 2

2009-09-18T11:49:00.004-05:00

10 pieces sold yesterday at $750!

85 pieces have now sold in the Auction, raising $21,325 for SAQA's exhibitions, publications and educational outreach programs.
More artwork is available through the SAQA Store.
Price will drop to $550 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern today

The auction quilts are on the website:
http://www.saqa.com/newsebulletins/Squares09_3.aspx

Some of the artwork available for bid:

SAQA-Texas Blog Launched

2009-07-17T09:31:00.002-05:00

“What are you working on?” For the past week or so, I’ve been working with co-rep Laurie Brainerd on creating a regional blog for SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) Texas. We went live yesterday.

The blog will be used to communicate information about meetings, art/quilt related exhibits, member news, and calls for entry.

As more SAQA region blogs come on line these blogs should be a valuable resource both to the members living in the region and those travelling through. We have so many talented members in Texas, it was fun just browsing through all the member links to see if they worked properly.

Fourth, Food & Fun

2009-07-05T16:08:00.002-05:00

My family has a long tradition of photographing our food. My daughter, son and I all like to cook and this is a way of remembering some great meals and good times with family together.

Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Blog Gone

2009-06-29T16:03:00.003-05:00

I think my blog got lost in Athens, Ohio and hasn’t caught up with me yet. The SAQA conference was full of great workshops and speakers, leaving my aging brain on overload. I’m still processing all I was exposed to. What a trip it is to be around so many incredibly talented people who all speak the same language.

Athens is a beautiful little university town that reminds me very much of the one I grew up in Starkville, Mississippi (home of Mississippi State where my father was on the faculty). The downtown area looks so much like ours looked in the 50’s.

Walking to the campus

Salaam – an Arabic restaurant with lovely
hand stamped tablecloths from Turkey

The PhotoShop workshop with Deidre Adams was very good . I am more familiar with Paint Shop Pro and find that I can do many of the things I learned in PSP. Mainly I think what I learned is that there is so much more to learn. If I can’t do it in PSP, I can switch to PhotoShop Elements.
The knowledge has come in very handy as my husband and I prepare for our 50th High School Reunion in Starkville, MS. We volunteered to put together slide and PowerPoint shows from old photos from the yearbooks and photos that people have scanned and sent to us.

Reporting Live from Athens, OH

2009-05-18T20:06:00.001-05:00

The past couple of weeks have been very hectic. I accepted the job of Co-Rep for Texas for SAQA (Studio Art Quilters Associates). I had not been planning to come to Ohio for the SAQA Conference (and opening of Quilt National), but learned that there would be some training for regional representatives. It would be a good idea to get some idea of what I am expected to do in this new job so I decided to come. When I discovered that there was a 3-day pre-conference Photoshop workshop with Deidra Adams, I decided I should take that in also. Mixed in with a couple of other deadlines, I did manage to get my travel arrangements made and here I am.

I arrived on Sunday and shared a very enjoyable ride from the Columbus Airport with Ellen Lindner. The weather and the countryside were beautiful. We got registered Sunday night and a group went out to China Panda, an oriental restaurant. Food and conversation were both very good.

I have been using Paint Shop Pro for photo editing for some years, but it seems that most of the instructions or tutorials I run across are for PhotoShop, so I decided to give it a try to see if I need to switch to PS Elements, or whether I would need the full version of the program. Deidra Adams is leading us through exploring all those menus and I am learning a more systematic approach to editing my photos. I had been feeling that I was often doing things the hard way. Another two days of her tutelage and I should have a good tool kit to take back to my work.

I found a delightful Arabic restaurant – Salaam – around the corner from the dorm where I’m staying. The decor was rich in Middle East textiles, some of which I couldn’t guess the country of origin. The tables were spread with tablecloths from Turkey that were cotton with block prints in many different designs and colors.

On the walls there were some large quilted wall hangings, that I guessed were Pakistani (Rali?), with dense hand quilting in fairly large stitches and some l-o-n-g sleeved caftans or coats like the Dervishes wear.

The special tonight was a delicious home-style lentil and spinach stew with fried onions served with rice. I’m afraid I dived right in and forgot to take any photos until later.

Now I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep and another day of Photoshop tomorrow.

Technorati Tags: quilts,art quilts

2009-05-04T17:13:00.005-05:00

Collage Mania opens May 5. Choose from 384 collages donated by 161 artists. I'm working on my shopping list already for this worthy cause. This will be the last year for Virginia Spiegel's successful funding raising.

Over $170,000 donated to the ACS.

Top Ten Nationwide Fundraiser for the ACS - 2006, 2007, 2008

Preview Now Open

Hundreds of fiber artworks available
by donation to the
American Cancer Society
through Fiberart For A Cause.

Gold Donor Day: Tuesday, May 5
All collages available for a minimum $80 donation.

Regular Collage Mania: May 6 and May 7
All collages available for a minimum $40 donation.

For more information:
http://www.virginiaspiegel.com
and follow the Fiberart For A Cause link.
Goal: $20,000 in three days.

A Handbag for My Manicure Tools

2009-04-16T22:23:00.001-05:00

The little bag I’ve used to carry my manicure tools and spa shoes for a couple of years needed to be replaced so I decided it would be appropriate to make a hand bag for them.

The hands are photo transfers of some plastic henna stencils used in the Middle East (I think they came from India). I have more than a dozen different hands stencils but only put two on this bag.

The stripes are the little bits sliced off the end of the fabric to even it up before rotary cutting strips. I’d been saving them for several years. I just stitched them down the middle onto some canvas.

Now to trim to size and turn this into a tote bag. I have the perfect lining for it.

A Day at the Improv

2009-04-09T22:35:00.012-05:00

Tuesday I taught a workshop I call "A Day at the Improv"

at the Quilters' Cabin retreat center in Tomball TX.

The ladies from Tri-County Quilt Guild in Cypress
did some great work.
Susie Looney even finished two pieces.

Theresa working away.

Diane Anderson owns this wonderful retreat facility.

She has thought of everything. The entire room is surrounded
with design walls and Ott lights on the ceiling.

Nancy found "doors" happening in her piece.

Pat Marek with one of the two pieces she created.

Houston Area Fiber Artists - annual exhibition

2009-03-31T10:32:00.006-05:00

If you are in the Houston area, you are invited to visit the HAFA exhibition at the Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy. The show will hang until April 16.

Reverse Auction - Final Day

2009-03-26T11:30:00.002-05:00

The Invitational Reverse Auction raised $1300 for the American Cancer Society in the first 15 minutes this morning!

There are only three fabulous fiber artworks remaining:

http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/ReverseAuctionArtwork2009.html

Natalya Aiken's artwork graced the cover of the 2009 Quilting Arts Calendar.

As a special bonus, Pokey Bolton is donating a copy of the calendar to accompany this artwork.

Gerrie Congdon's artwork is a treasure for those of you who covet vintage Japanese fabrics.

Carol Larson's big and bold art quilt is a wry comment on the "starter castles" that are popping up everywhere.

Of course, 100% of the proceeds are donated directly to the American Cancer Society and patrons receive an immediate electronic receipt from the ACS.

"Seeking the Light"

2009-03-22T22:45:00.010-05:00

Connie Fahrion "Seeking the Light"

I received another Birthday postcard, this one from my friend Connie. It is made mostly of used dryer sheets that have been painted and drawn on. My collection continues to grow.

It's my Birthday

2009-03-20T23:10:00.005-05:00

It's my birthday today and I've received a number of fiber postcards over last couple of days. It is so nice to have artists as friends. I'm happy to add these to my collection which now extends to 3 albums.

Nancy Dickey "Party Crow" 2008

In response to Hurricane Ike
Liz Broussard - "Interrupted"

Elaine Connelly - "Black and Gold"

Nancy Dickey - "Pearfect"

Connie Fahrion - "Saying It in Fiber V"
This was my Christmas card but don't think I have posted it before.

Marie, Tom and a Christmas Tree

2009-03-12T09:07:00.011-05:00

Marie and Tom have arrived in Saudi Arabia and are having a great time which is being recorded in her blog. If you are interested in what life is like in an oil company expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, you will get some idea there.

The pipe well head on an oil well was called a Christmas tree. I believe they are now called a production tree. This one happens to be Dammam #7, the first producing well in Saudi Arabia. This is where it all started.

Marie was 10 yrs. and Tom 3 yrs. when we moved there in 1972. They are seeing amazing changes and being treated in high style by the locals. Saudi hospitality is unparalleled. The standard greeting at their door is ahlan wa sahlan, meaning roughly "make yourself comfortable, be family". They make every effort to make you feel that way.

Unique Roof

2009-03-08T23:15:00.002-05:00

Click for detail

While on a house and garden tour today in River Oaks, I noticed this house next door to one on the tour. The roof is very unique. It looks like a thatched roof in shape, but is made of wood shingles. Notice how they wrap around the edge to make it rounded. The rest of the roof is flat, however. The undulations are just an illusion.

Azalea Time

2009-03-08T22:40:00.002-05:00

The azaleas are bursting into bloom. The weather is perfect.

Most of these photos were taken at the River Oaks Garden Club
or Bayou Bend, Ima Hogg's house that now
belongs to the Museum of Fine Arts.

They're Off

2009-03-07T22:14:00.006-06:00

Our daughter Marie and son Tom are off on a reunion trip to Saudi Arabia, where they grew up. We've been putting them on airplanes and sending them off since they left for boarding school in the 9th and 10th grades. It has been 25 years since Marie was in Saudi and 18 since Tom made his last visit so they will see many changes.

This trip is a reunion of employees of the oil company, Saudi Aramco and children who grew up there. My husband and I decided we wouldn't go back with them since we were in the Kingdom for a very comprehensive visit in 2005. Our hearts and souls will travel with them. After living there for 23 years, we still have strong roots, many friends and wonderful memories of life in the Middle East.

They have gone well armed with cameras and have promised to blog regularly.

Annual Show - Houston Area Fiber Artists

2009-03-07T21:59:00.009-06:00

This morning I delivered two for the HAFA (Houston Area Fiber Artists) annual show. The show will open March 21 and run through April 16 at Archway Gallery, 2305-A Dunlavy, Houston.

"Reverie" has just been finished this week.

Reverie

Reverie (detail)

Reverie has oodles of lines of machine embroidery stitches and couched yarns. I started this one in Fall of 2008, hence the autumn colors. I can hardly believe I'm working with those colors. A few years ago they would have made my stomach squirm. I'm happy working with all the colors in my box these days.

I'm a Picses

2009-03-02T13:16:00.001-06:00

"Just the Two of Us"
9"x12"

The theme was "fish" and color "chartreuse". I tried several new techniques on this one so it was a stretch on a small scale.

Hints of Spring

2009-03-01T16:55:00.002-06:00

This mourning dove is one of a pair that regularly roosts on my gate post. It is a bit chilly today so he/she has feathers all fluffed up. The cross vine is just about to burst into bloom and will be covered in bees in a couple of days.

Quilt Artists Gather in La Grange

2009-02-28T20:37:00.003-06:00

Friday, about 70 quilt artists from all over the country gathered at Karey Bresenhan's country place in La Grange, TX. It was a glorious day and the company lively. Virginia Spiegel and Carol Moore have been Artists in Residence there for the month of February and had amazing work to show us.

Virginia shares her painted and screened cloth

Carol and her mother

Karey gave us a tour through her property to see the many bridges and "points of serenity" that have been built by her cousin. The area is suffering severe lack of rain at this time so the pond was down and many of the streams are dry, but we could imagine what is like in wetter weather. We especially enjoyed the labyrinth and the story of how it was built.

I was able to meet several more people whose blogs I read so regularly, I felt like I already knew them. You can see some photos in my web album 2009 Karey s LaGrange.

Getting ready for Mardi Gras

2009-02-18T10:54:00.003-06:00

My son, daughter and granddaughter have been very busy for past several weeks preparing for their annual ride with the Krewe of the Rolling Elvi in the Muses Parade in New Orleans Mardi Gras. Just imagine about 60 men in Elvis costumes all riding little gasoline scooters. They are followed by their groupie Prisillas. A lot of creativity and silliness goes into this and I enjoy watching them have so much fun. I've even hinted that three generations of Prisillas might be a good thing, but so far I haven't been invited.

Designed with Kaleidoscope Kreator software

Daughter Marie has created her first website to chronicle this event. Take a look if you are in need of some silliness and fun! Have a great day.

Breakfast at The Belle

2009-02-16T10:31:00.004-06:00

Breakfast at The Belle is always a special occasion. Debbie is the hostess with the mostest.

Fiber Art at The Copper Shade Tree

2009-02-09T14:52:00.004-06:00

Friday night opening was quite exciting. The place was packed. I'm sharing photos below.

The show will run through February 28.

Fiber artists included in the show are Naomi Adams; Kharon Clark; Connie Fahrion; Pam Farley; Barbara Forrister; Denna Hardin; Leslie Tucker Jenison; Susan King; Pam Lowe; Vivian Mahlab; Jennifer McGahan; Linda Teddlie Minton; Nancy Dickey; Barbara Sandberg; Diane Sandlin; Annie Smith; Jo Sweet; and Martha Tsihlas.

Opening Night

2009-02-06T11:20:00.006-06:00

Tonight is the opening from 6:00 to 9:00 pm of the third annual fiber art show at the Copper Shade Tree Gallery in Round Top, TX. I think this is going to be an exciting event. It will be an opportunity to see 90 pieces of work from 18 different Texas artists.

The show will be up through February 28 so I hope you will be able to come by and see the show during this time. There is always a good time to be had around the town square.

Photos to come.

Happy Kitchen

2009-01-27T22:00:00.007-06:00

I have been searching for several years for the right artwork for my kitchen after a remodel. I have several quilts, of course, that would work, but this spot gets too much direct and indirect sunlight. Last weekend, my friend, Connie and I went to an opening at the Booker-Lowe Gallery which specializes in Aborigine art. This time I found the perfect painting for that spot in the kitchen. It makes me happy every time I look up from where I sit most of the time.

"Rocket Bore" by Iluwanti Ken
It even has a "quilterly" look.

Houston Marathon

2009-01-19T12:10:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day for the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon. The route runs just a block away from my house, right through our little city in the middle of Houston, . The temperature was in the high 50's to low 60's with no wind so records were set.

The flags are a fund raising project for the local Rotary Club. For a special event they have lined the route with hundreds of flags on both sides.

2009 Copper Shade Tree Show

2009-01-15T22:58:00.012-06:00

For the past two years, the Copper Shade Tree Show was dedicated to my art quilt group Beyond the Borders. This year it was opened to Texas artists and consists of 90 pieces by 18 artists (5 from BTB). The Copper Shade Tree is a fine craft gallery with work from dozens of artists. Please drop in if you are in the vicinity.

Letting Go and Starting a New One.

2009-01-01T22:32:00.003-06:00

The decorations are just about all put away until next Christmas. The wreath was the last to come down. Now thoughts turn to resolutions, diets and planning new projects. They are just dreams until I write them down.

Last year I chose a word to guide me through 2008. The word was "release". I'm still working at releasing stuff I/we no longer need. I've tried to let "release" apply to other areas of my life too. I've decided to keep this word around for 2009 also and add another one. I will write it on a piece of paper, seal it in an envelope and pin it to my design wall. I will know what is inside the envelope any time I see it there.

Many interesting things fell into my life during the past year. I'm excited to see what 2009 will bring.

Twenty Years Flew By

2008-12-29T21:52:00.007-06:00

The day after Christmas we were able to get together with friends from many years ago in Saudi Arabia. Hernando Hernandez was Tom's soccer coach in elementary school. We had not seen him and his family for 20 years. We enjoyed catching up with old stories and digging into an Arab mezza of schwarmas and homemade hummus and baba ghanoush.

Christmas Dinner with Family

2008-12-29T21:44:00.006-06:00

Christmas Dinner with the whole family: Daughter Marie and her family, son Tom and four dogs. We're lucky we can be together for most holidays.

Tom, moi and Lauren enjoying a wonderful salad with sauteed apples.

On to the main course....
Roast Rib Eye, Herbed Yorkshire Pudding,
Roasted Tomatoes with Stilton,
Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots, and Potato Gratin

Spice Cake FROSTY.

Teal Green

2008-12-16T13:14:00.004-06:00

You Are Teal Green

You are a one of a kind, original person. There's no one even close to being like you.

Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible.

While you are a bit offbeat, you don't scare people away with your quirks.

Your warm personality nicely counteracts and strange habits you may have.

What Color Green Are You?

Another one of those silly tests. So I'm teal green. How could it have known that teal has been just about the only "green" I've ever worn and it was long my favorite color?

Now I'm wondering what habits I have that are strange to other people..... Not going to lose any sleep over it though.

"Unifying Threads" Exhibit Held Over

2008-12-14T22:07:00.005-06:00

Due to change in schedule of the exhibit following our engagement, the Beyond the Borders "Unifying Threads" exhibit at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft will continue to be in place through December 28. If you are in the area, come take a look.

Christmas Party Decorations

2008-12-14T21:51:00.002-06:00

Last night my husband and I went to a fabulous Christmas/Casino Party for employees of the company we are retired from. The decorations were just breath taking. The tables and chairs were covered in chocolate brown satin and everything else was all glitter and rich turquoise , fuchsia and gold. Lots of peacock feathers and glittery ornaments and candle holders.

These pictures were taken with flash and my new little Sony pocket camera with anti-shake. That is the only way I could have taken these photos in the dark. They don't really do the scene justice. The food, music and company were equally fine.

Thanksgiving Dinner with Family

2008-12-03T23:09:00.003-06:00

Several years ago, our son was sick on Thanksgiving morning and couldn't make the drive to Houston. The table was set with a place for him already, so we filled his plate, photographed it and the buffet and emailed his Thanksgiving Dinner to him. This started the tradition of photographing our feast.

This year Tom had a nifty new hi-def video camera. We even talked about video-taping our dinner so we could just watch it instead of doing all that cooking next year.

Here he is finishing his desserts.

"Unifying Threads" Opening Night at HCCC

2008-11-03T13:21:00.009-06:00

I’m just now getting around to writing about Beyond the Borders’ exhibit “Unifying Threads” at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft on October 24. Quilt Festival interfered with my blogging this last week. Opening Night was a lot of fun. We were very pleased with the number of friends who joined us.

Liz B. and friend with my quilt "Self"

Some Quiltart friends dropped in as a surprise.
Also, Kim Ritter, new Artist in Residence at HCCC

Linda M. and friends

Elaine and Susan B. at the end of the day.

Las Vegas Reunion Photos

2008-10-09T22:07:00.002-05:00

Some photos of the Las Vegas reunion last week.

View Album

Get your own

"Unifying Threads"

2008-10-09T21:21:00.009-05:00

Beyond the Borders, the Houston area art quilt group, would like to announce an exhibit, "Unifying Threads" at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft opening Friday night, October 24, 2008, right before Quilt Market and Quilt Festival. We would love to see you there.

The museum is 3 blocks from the MetroRail line and just south of Hwy 59 if you have a car. Click below for more details.

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

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
4848 Main St. - Houston, Texas
In the Museum District

October 26 - December 21, 2008
Opening 6:00-8:00 pm, Friday, October 24

Beyond the Borders
Houston Texas

Elizabeth Broussard - Susan Byrne - Elaine Connelly
Nancy B. Dickey - Connie Fahrion - Susan Fletcher King
Mary Ann Littlejohn - Linda Teddlie Minton
Sara Sissenwein - Jo Sweet - Catherine Winter

What Happens in Vegas-----

2008-10-04T12:02:00.020-05:00

My husband and I spent this past week in Las Vegas at the biennial reunion of over 1,000 retired employees of Saudi Aramco (oil company) in Saudi Arabia. We stayed at the Paris Hotel which has the Eiffel Tower sitting over and in the lobby. We had a great time visiting with many old, in both senses of the word, friends.

I'll share some of the many photos I took across the street at the Bellagio Hotel. This is the Chihuly ceiling in the lobby with over 2,000 flowers. There is a Chihuly store there, but somehow I missed it.

The autumn flowers in the conservatory and all around the Bellagio were fabulous. The artful use of color and textures in the displays has me inspired to make an autumn colored quilt with that palette. See the video to get some idea of the changing displays here.

Hurricane Ike was Here

2008-09-17T23:31:00.004-05:00

Photos have been posted to my web album .

Well, we “sheltered in place” and we are just fine. Our back yard garden was pretty well flattened by falling limbs.

We were only without power for 36 hours. Most of our neighbors are still without 5 days later. It has gotten so I don’t want to admit that we are living in luxury. Complaining that I don’t have high speed internet seems a bit petty.

Numbers wise, this power outage is the largest ever, surpassing Katrina even. There were well over 1 million customers without immediately after the storm with about 1/3 having been restored.

The destruction of the coastal areas is heart rending. I can’t begin to comprehend what it is like to have your entire city wiped out. I live in West University Place which is a small city completely surrounded by the city of Houston. Our entire city was covered with tree debris and downed trees.

We’ve made ice for neighbors and shared coolers, fluorescent lanterns, our land line phones, etc.. Last night I took gumbo stock from the freezer, in order to make more ice, added some sausage and chicken and invited some of those neighbors to dinner. One neighbor gave me peaches from her freezer for cobbler. We really enjoyed visiting with these neighbors that we don’t even get to talk to very often.

It is going to be a long time before we are back to “normal”. It may be a couple of weeks before everyone in the city has power. Try to imagine a city of 3 million people and their cars trying to negotiate streets with all traffic light intersections becoming 4-way stops. Sometimes you have 4 to 6 lanes facing each other all four directions. All it takes is one person who hesitates to take their turn and chaos breaks loose. I’m not only conserving my gas, I’m staying out of their way.

Hunkering Down in Houston

2008-09-12T11:36:00.003-05:00

If anyone is concerned, most of Houston has been advised to "shelter in place". It is only the southeast low lying areas that have had mandatory evacuation. So far, this evacuation has gone much more smoothly that for Rita. So we have stocked up on water and food. Moved potted plants inside the garage. Predicted winds for our zip code are now 84 mph.

We do not have a generator, but do have an inverter so we can run 110v. devices off our cars for awhile. Our internet communication may well go down because the access is through above ground lines that run beneath large old trees in our small city. We will check in with everyone as soon as we are able, but don't worry if it isn't for a couple of days. Could be over a week...who knows. We will just go with the flow.

Most of our neighbors have stayed and we will pool our resources. A couple of neighbors have pools that can act as water supply to flush. I have a propane grill with extra propane. We can cook if we need to. If it goes on for long, we may need to have a large fish fry. There is a lot of redfish and speckled trout in my freezer.

I bought some of those large ziplok bags a couple of years ago. This may be a good time to put them to use to protect my quilts. Guess I better go do that.

Didn't we just do this?

2008-09-07T10:12:00.006-05:00

Here we go again. Looks like Hurricane Ike is headed into the Gulf and middle of the models is directed at Houston. I still have almost everything we stocked up on for the last seige except for dog food. We are far enough inland that we don't need to worry about the tidal surge. The effects we get are usually from wind and rain. We will most likely hunker down in our home with our dogs.

We stayed glued to our computers and TV weather for days in anticipation of Gustav and then didn't get ANY rain. They were reduced to reporting on standing water in parking lots. Mostly what suffered here was their credibility.

This was a Journal Quilt I made in 2005 referencing the weather maps we watched with our son from New Orleans before Katrina. He had evacuated here well before the storm. Little did he know that he wouldn't be able to move back for nine months. Let's hope he doesn't have to go through that again. He just got back to his house Thursday after the Gustav evacuation.

New Quilting Style

2008-08-14T11:58:00.011-05:00

For some time now, I've struggled with free motion quilting that is all feathers and other curvey quilting lines. I love doing these lines, but feel that sometimes they don't really enhance the design of the quilt. They just fill in the spaces. How could I move forward with quilting that is a strong third element of design?

This newest quilt just told me it didn't want curves so I tried square or rectangular sections of parallel lines, leaving channels between that were unquilted. I've long understood that it isn't the actual thread line that defines the quilting design, it is the space(s) between the stitched lines. I really like what happened with this trial and will explore it further.

I wish I could figure out why my photos won't enlarge when clicked. I know there can't be any spaces in the file name and I've resized the photos to fit. Anyway, I wish this one would enlarge so you could see the quilting better.

Monoprinting Workshop

2008-07-23T12:49:00.008-05:00

Last week I started Susan Sorrell's Monoprinting workshop. I've done some of this before, but thought I would refresh my skills and be pushed to do some more. The first exercises were for sunprinting and Elmer's blue gel glue as a resist. Following are samples of my glue resist work.

Sample 1

Sample 1 (Underlayer - Design opportunity)

Sample 2 - resist applied

Sample 2

Design Opportunities or Inspiration

2008-07-03T13:46:00.012-05:00

I am beginning to notice more and more design inspirations that are hanging or sitting around my house. These are things we collected in the twenty plus years in Saudi Arabia and fondly think of as "ethno trash". They have been in our home since way before quilting days and have just been overlooked. The other day I was leaving the kitchen and noticed that some of the things hanging on the wall (usually behind an open pantry door) are quite interesting. These are kitchen tools -- just cookie molds. Why not photograph them?

Except for the windmill these are for the Arab cookie called Ma'moul. These are made with pastry made from semolina or cream of wheat that is pressed into the carved wood mold, filled with date or nut and honey filling, then more pastry patted on top. They are then turned out onto a baking sheet for the oven. After they are baked they are dusted with powdered sugar which shows off the carved designs. You can buy them in bakeries, but are oh so much better when made at home--at least those made by my son are.

Zoom In on Design

Trace design onto transparency

Another one These two drawings on transparency will be used to make silk screens with the Photo EZ process taught by Ginny Eckley. I'm playing around with the sizes now

Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts

2008-06-19T10:34:00.006-05:00

I am very excited to announce that our art quilt/fiber art group Beyond the Borders will have an exhibit at the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts that will be running at the same time this Fall as International Quilt Market and Festival. Opening night will be Friday, October 24 right before Quilt Market and will continue through December 19.

HCCC is a museum exhibiting fine crafts. Recently they had the exhibit that went with the PBS series "Craft in America". It is in the Museum District and on the light rail line that runs from downtown.

We hope that some of you will be able to take in our show when you are in Houston.

Technology Overload

2008-06-19T10:25:00.004-05:00

It seems that all these fancy electronic appliances/devices we have in our house have decided to not play nice. Over past couple of months almost every computer device, modem, etc. has decided to take some kind of burp. We were without high speed internet or cable TV (had to choose) for almost a week and both of us went into a bit of withdrawal. When the repairman came as scheduled, it took him about five minutes to replace a $5 part and we were back in business.

I'm in process of reposting some of my blog entries. Everything that has ever been on the internet lives out there somewhere. I Googled my old blog address and got 15 pages of entries. I've been going through them and saving them to WORD files. I'll gradually get some of those entries back up. I also found on Blogger Help how to make a backup file of my blog. Believe me I'll be doing that in the future.

Under reconstruction

2008-06-09T12:03:00.003-05:00

I'm in the process of rebuilding my old blog. Don't ask! Please note change of URL address. If you are a subscriber, you will need to resubscribe. My apologies.