THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

It's such a validation when someone gives one of my pieces the honor of hanging in their home.  Thank you Eleanor!  

I'm preparing for a large, two month exhibit at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC which begins in April.  If like Eleanor, you've had your eye on a piece in my gallery.....consider making a decision soon..... many of the pieces will be unavailable shortly. 

THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE 15.25" X 25.75"

Artist hand-dyed, ice dyed, and deconstructed screen printed cotton. Machine stitched.  

Detail

MORE FELTED BOWLS

Another new batch....which will eventually go into my gallery shop.....for now if interested, email me using link in right side bar.  CLICK on photo to enlarge.

SOLD

SO DARN CUTE

Okay....I'm being a proud grandma here......

Our oldest grandson....3 months shy of his 4th birthday....getting outfitted for his first black tie event!

FELTING BOWLS

More than a week has passed since I got rear ended on the interstate. I begrudge missing so much studio time, but am thankful things aren't worse. It's still slow going with an arm/hand/fingers that are tingling and have periods of numbness, and unfortunately, my hearing is still causing issues....but.....I started working a little bit...

 The 'crater' method of wet felting open holes - with rims to reveal another color beneath the outer layer of wool has always intrigued me.  Beginning with a dyed pre-felt batt positioned on a circular plastic resist, tuffs of white wool roving were added, covered by a small resist circle.

 That layer was covered with an additional layer of pre-felt batting....and little white dots of wool to guide me where to cut the holes later in the process.  I've worked with pre-felt batts in the past and continue to experience the same problem.....it's difficult to utilize all the small scraps....see how lumpy this is where I've tried to fit them in?  Felters use this product so successfully, I'm sure it's a matter of experience and not trying to glob on so much fiber at one time....practice, practice!!

 Here's the nearly completed felted bowl after cutting away the top layer to expose the white areas.  What I learned when applying this technique to a bowl = increasing the size of those areas would be helpful.

 The uneven layers were worked out (and worked out and worked out) during the felting, yielding a thick sturdy bowl.

Wet felted bowl - 6" base x 3.5" tall  -  $40 + shipping

FYI - it will fit in a small USPS Priority box @$6.80 ....slightly squished...but wool bounces back OR a medium USPS Priority box @ $13.45.

You know me.....I can't leave well enough alone. The beaded rim took hours to create...but whose counting?? All but one bowl is left after my last felting marathon, I plan to offer more soon, but if anyone is interested in this one now.....email me...link on right side bar.

FINDING THE BEAUTY IN NATURE

After being cooped up for several days it's nice to get outdoors....even if that means it's time for the daily 'forced march"!!  I've been avoiding it as I recover from the car accident but it's necessary to keep moving so....onward...

 Our subdivision almost NEVER plows....but they did late yesterday afternoon.  Here's the downside....the melting snow....yup...it turned to ice overnight....as far as the eye can see.

 So we strapped on our Yaktrax and off we went. First thing I noticed was the turkey tracks.....half the size of my shoe!

 Areas not built yet in our subdivision didn't need plowing, so we were able to walk in virgin snow.

 Suddenly we hear a huge racket.....over a dozen turkeys took off right before our eyes......I'm not sure whether these marks are from one taking off or landing....but interesting none the less.

Here they seemed to have been running for their lives.....our black lab may have frighten them....though all she would want to do is play!

IT'S OVER!!

As the sun was just coming over the mountain this morning, we can finally put an end to yet again....."another storm of the century."  Fortunately, we didn't lose power and all seems well here in our mountain valley.  I do feel for those whose experience was worse.

It's 13 degrees.....I'm NOT going out to measure......the high winds make that inaccurate anyway.....but enough to say...we GOT SNOW.

I'm staying off the roads till they improve....hoping others yield the pleas too.

OH....ya....it's NFL Sunday.....not to sound like sour grapes....but my football season ended when the Packers did......but let me say as far as the Cardinals and Panthers game goes, may be best team win....

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Well.....what a suprise to be alerted about the following (found on C & T's blog) by my pal Nanette Zeller, a talented artist friend who frequently works as an editor for C & T Publishing. 

Stepping away from the quilt world as an active instructor/author only a year ago in many ways seems like a lifetime.  Younger folks now fill the roles many of us (hate to say it) 'mature' quilters had.....and oh my....how quickly we are forgotten.  

I always felt my style was ahead of the time.  My first embellishment book was published by AQS in 1994, followed by 7 more publications with two other publishers.  Interestingly, C & T published, "Embellishing With Felted Wool', in 2008.  Both beading and wool are now a huge craze.......who knew?!?  I did.....I can't get enough of either construction styles.

It's great to know that "All-In-One Beading Buddy" is now available as an ebook!!  Be sure to check out my gallery shop to view how my beading techniques are incorporated into my work.

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Beading is perennially popular, and no wonder–you can use it to embellish quilts, clothing, bags, home decor, and so much more! Today, Mary Stori, author of All-in-One Beading Buddy, shares two of her favorite 'lazy' stitches, great for creating patterns.

Lazy Stitch

Alternate bead color and direction for a herringbone pattern. Treat several beads as one to quickly create rows, fans, and other defined patterns.

1. Come up at A, string 4 seed beads, go down at B.

2. Come up at C, string 4 seed beads, go down at D. Repeat to make 4 rows.

3. Come up at I, string 4 seed beads, go down at J. 

4. Repeat to make 4 rows. Add additional units as desired.

Undulating Lazy Stitch

Use different bead combinations and spacing to create pathways and designs. 

1. Come up at A, string a seed bead, a bugle bead, and a seed bead, go down at B. Come up at C, string beads, go down at D.

2. Repeat to create desired effect. 

BECAUSE YOU WERE ASKING

It's very heartwarming to be receiving so many notes from you folks....checking on me after I mentioned being rear ended on the interstate.  The habit of speeding and following too closely is dangerous on any roadway.  However, it's more so here considering we have almost zero roads that are straight and flat....one truly can't see what's ahead around the next curve.  

All of the above, plus totally non-sensible locations of on-off ramps, a 2+ year  construction project....and a young man not paying attention, contributed to this accident.  I will say again....I LOVE my Subaru.....his car was a mess...and mine only had $5,000 worth of damage.  Of course my aging body hasn't bounced back as quickly as I'd like....but it could have been so much worse.

Enuff of that.....I'm only mentioning this because of your many inquiries.  I'm getting better....and hope to get back to sewing soon...cause I'm getting grumpy!

Now.....here's the real reason I'm posting today.....  While at the doctor's office, the assistant and I were chatting about how creativity is so important in our lives.  She isn't a quilter....but look at the masterpiece cookie she made.  It could be a whole-cloth trapunto quilt!

Just in case you didn't think this sugar cookie was real....yes, it is....'was'.  I hesitated (only for a few minutes) the office staff all raved how delicious they were.....so of course I felt it was my obligation to see for myself!

I've often commented on this blog........how this area is saturated with artistic people......it's such a stimulating place to live. 

BLANCHE YOUNG

Just seeing this photo of the kind, talented and wonderful Blanche Young brought a flood of memories back.  Blanche was a true pioneer in the quilt world.....and unselfishly became Doreen Speckmann's mentor, who in turn became my mentor, and hoping to return the kindness, I've enjoyed mentoring Nancy Prince early on in her career.

Blanche was a frequent guest instructor on Doreen's quilting cruises, and I was as well......so we got to hang out together a lot. Though many of you readers may not have quilted way back then.....Blanche blazed the trail for us with her easy piecing methods.  It's another loss to the quilt world, as was Doreen's passing back in 1999, she will always remain in my heart.

Everyone at C&T Publishing was saddened to learn of the passing of one of our longest-standing authors,  Blanche Young on January 2nd, 2016. We began our working relationship with Blanche and her daughter Helen back in 1987 when C&T took over the distribution, marketing and sales of several Young Publications titles, including:

• The Lone Star Quilt Handbook
• Trip Around the World Quilts
• Flying Geese Quilts
• Boston Commons Quilts
• Radiant Nine Patch Quilts
• Irish Chain Quilts

For C&T this partnership helped build out our catalog of titles and brought a powerhouse team on board who would go on to sell tens of thousands of copies of their publications.

Blanche had a wonderful sense of humor. There were so many occasions whereupon I would get off the phone with her and still be chuckling over something she'd said. To celebrate my marriage, Blanche made a stunning Lone Star Quilt for Jennifer and I which we still cherish to this day. Blanche had a keen eye for color and design. Her quilts sparkled and so did she. 

Blanche was an inspiring teacher. She took many traditional quilt patterns and figured out faster and more efficient methods for construction which became the basis for the many quilt books she co-wrote with her daughters.

In the Fall of 1988 C&T released The New Lone Star Handbook by Blanche Young and Helen Young Frost. That title went on to sell almost 30,000 copies. Another best-seller came in 1996 and 10 years later is still in print today. Tradition with a Twist by Blanche and her daughter Dalene Young Stone became an instant best-seller and has sold well over 85,000 copies.

Many people who worked at C&T recall working with Blanche fondly. Ruthmary Shauer, C&T Customer Service & Sales Rep credits Blanche with being a true inspiration for developing her passion for quilting. Publisher Amy Marson shares a humorous interaction she had with Blanche at Quilt Market: 

When we were at spring market in Portland several years ago, we were waiting outside for a taxi and they kept passing us by–I think you were trying to hail one. Blanche said she could get a taxi right away, she stepped out by herself, laughingly made a joke about how they will always stop for a little old lady, and the first taxi that came by stopped for her. Then we all walked out and got into the cab. She was so pleased with herself that she could *pretend* to be a little old lady when it suited her because in reality she was always young at heart. 

Blanche always kept you guessing! She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Everyone at C&T would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Boberg and Young families.

PTA - JAN. SHOW & TELL

Our first Professional Fiber Artist's meeting of 2016 was very inspiring.  Apparently many of our members actually had time to create, despite being busy with the holidays.

Dort has challenged herself to dig into her many boxes of pre-cut strips.  I love the 'complex simplicity'......if you know what I mean!

Dort is a talented illustrator and uses fabric like paint....this piece has such a familiar Western North Carolina feel.

Mary B. hasn't been able to join us on a regular basis, so we were very happy to have her company this month.  Linda knitted her a hat and Mary is sporting a clever scarf made with drapey fabric pieces.

Linda claims she still has 'artist block'.....so she continues to knit until the mood strikes her again.

Georgia Bonesteel is such a dedicated cheerleader for her community of Flat Rock.  They are launching a quilt trail (very large painted wood 'quilt blocks' that are displayed on homes and businesses). She's designing one to be hung on what was the town's original ice house.  Clever isn't it??

We can count on Kate to provide eye candy with her always very well designed and executed pieced quilts.  Her excellent machine quilting skills enhance each one.

How neat is this?  A perfect way to utilize those scraps.  It's set in a very eye- catching manner.  Look at the difference a simple change in the color way yields. (photos above and below)

Georgia fell in love with this paint by number Moda fabric.....so much so she bought an entire bolt! 

And me??  Well....I need to get busy making more felted bowls......happily buyers have given (all but one) new homes.  However, that may have to wait a bit....I got rear ended on the interstate the other day and my hand/fingers are not behaving well enough to do handwork or felting right now. Of course I'm getting antsy and hoping/expecting this to be temporary and thankful because it sure could have been worse!

SAD PACKER OUTCOME

First....in the spirit of good sportsmanship, congratulations to AZ Cardinals......

Despite the Packer's loss.....my goodness did they ever provide us with an exciting game last night!!!  Injuries plagued them this year and clearly their depleted bench affected their season.

So.....lockers will be cleaned out....equipment packed up....and we look forward to next year. 

As always.....GO PACK GO......

THINK GREEN!

It's green in color. It's vanilla in taste. It's a limited-edition milk from Kemps that's hitting dairy coolers across Wisconsin as the Green Bay Packers make their playoff push.

Weighing in at 360 calories, the “Packers Power Pint”

OKAY FOLKS....THIS IS THE BIGGEST CHEER OF THE YEAR....as the Green Bay Packers head into the 2nd round of the playoffs......boo hiss Cardinals!! 

GO PACK GO!!!!!!

ATTENTION BLOG FOLLOWERS

The following was posted on Buzz Feed.......frankly, I'm getting mentally beaten down with the constant changes in the programs I use.  Okay.....it's progress.....NOT!!  Of course much of the reason for my dismay is I'm falling farther and farther behind in my understanding of each "new" change! To me, it seems all these companies are doing their best to push us into exclusively connecting with them.  More and more programs I used to use no longer work seamlessly with my operating system....unless I download and use THEIR app.  

So....basically, if you are one of those non-Google member followers who have been dropped from my blog......and are perhaps checking back in to see if I posted......the following is for you.  And I hope you understand it better than I did!

An update on Google Friend Connect

3 weeks ago by A Googler

In 2011, we announced the retirement of Google Friend Connect for all non-Blogger sites. We made an exception for Blogger to give readers an easy way to follow blogs using a variety of accounts. Yet over time, we’ve seen that most people sign into Friend Connect with a Google Account. So, in an effort to streamline, in the next few weeks we’ll be making some changes that will eventually require readers to have a Google Account to sign into Friend Connect and follow blogs.

As part of this plan, starting the week of January 11, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. At the same time, we’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count.

We encourage you to tell affected readers (perhaps via a blog post), that if they use a non-Google Account to follow your blog, they need to sign up for a Google Account, and re-follow your blog. With a Google Account, they’ll get blogs added to their Reading List, making it easier for them to see the latest posts and activity of the blogs they follow.

We know how important followers are to all bloggers, but we believe this change will improve the experience for both you and your readers.

Posted by Michael Goddard, Software Engineer

BRAGGING ABOUT MY FRIEND

Call me grateful for the fabulous, talented friends that enhance my life!

How often do we exclaim...what a small world?!?  This area of NC tends to have more folks that relocated from the East....rather than the Midwest.  So it's quite astonishing to have gotten acquainted with another Sheboygan, WI born and bred gal who moved here several years ago.

She's so modest about her talents......and one very special one is the unique, exquisite pine needle baskets she weaves.  She doesn't typically sell them, so I feel very fortunate to have her custom make these two baskets.

Thank you to Lynn Wagner Mehring!!!

detail below

PACKERS WIN - PACKERS WIN

35 - 18   We are over the cheese moon!

NUMBERS FELT ACTIVITY BOOK - PART 2

Now that the felt pages (National Nonwoven Woolfelt) were prepared, the next step was to assemble them into book form.

"The husband' is quite the Amazon Prime shopper and he found this heavy duty grommet kit for me.  Unfortunately, it had been opened, retaped and was missing the cutting tool. Calls to the manufacturer for a replacement were disappointing.  They no longer make this item and do not have any parts to sell.  Harrumph!

So we had to order a different kit....this one had all the parts but there weren't enough grommets.  Well.....fancy that.....I had PLENTY of grommets from the first kit.  

I made a cardboard template so when attaching the grommets, they'd all be properly spaced.  OH....and I practiced securing one on a piece of scrap felt before starting on the pages for the book.

That's when I was again reminded that my upper body strength is pitiful....perhaps because the heaviest things I pick up are needles or beads??  But after more than a few good wacks for each grommet.....I was able to secure all of them.

We also had to order book rings. They are 3 inches....which really look oddly too big, but in order to easily turn all the pages so they lay flat, 2" ones were simply too snug.

Here's the finished felt activity book.

The large numbers should make it easy for a 3 1/2 year old to follow as he learns to write them.  I love being a grandma.....