HAPPY PLACE

 Rainy days aren't very normal here......but it sure makes for enjoying being in one's happy place.....of course for me that means my studio.  I'm adapting much better than I expected working in a space 1/4 the size of my previous one.  Maybe an old dog can learn new tricks. 

Where am I going with this?  Not sure yet but I'll enjoy the journey.

ASIAN FLOWER GARDEN

Just completed and available for purchase.  This new art quilt features rows of blooming flowers with an Asian flavor.  

ASIAN FLOWER GARDEN - 41" X 44"

$375 - free shipping for US only

Authentic Japanese themed cottons, pieced, densely machine quilted.  Double fold bound edges with a hanging sleeve attached.

Detail 

THE MACHINE QUILTING BEGINS

My large stash of Asian fabrics, to my shock, is dwindling.  Well that's not exactly correct....I still have a LOT however many of the focus fabrics, often panels with good size motifs have been worked into art quilts.

Many of the fabrics that remain are quite colorful and very busy, often featuring floral images.  With some careful cutting, I have worked them into what one might recognize as a Chinese Coins patchwork pattern.

The top is pieced and sandwiched....now the quilting begins.....  It will be available for purchase soon.  Holler if you'd like me to contact you before it's listed in my gallery shop.

RECORD KEEPING

My quilting career has extended for over 30+ years. Until I retired from travel teaching in 2016, most of my work was documented in books I wrote for quilt publishing companies. Additionally, my work appeared in books of other instructors as well as scores of quilt magazines. That's a lot to be thankful for, especially since I didn't have to hire professional photographers!!

Since then, I've kept photo files (generally photographed with an iPhone)of my work made exclusively to sell. Wanting a more professional look for in-person meets, I turned them into "portfolios" that could be shown to perspective buyers. Being not all that techy, finding a company that had 'easy to use' software to submit for printing was essential.

Prestophoto.com was my answer. It allowed me to compile photos/text in my (Mac) word processor program and download to their site. A few other decisions (like soft or hard cover, choosing jpeg. for cover photos etc.) were easily completed. Within 2 weeks, Volume 3 Mary Stori Art Quilts was in my hands.

It's a marvelous way to keep a record of one's work....or even family photos etc. I am not in any way connected to this business, mentioning it only as a resource I was satisfied with.

OUTLING PATCHWORK

I'm fond of adding narrow flat flanges onto sections of patchwork to help separate them from other adjoining units. Pinning is the first step, but for precision I follow that up with either hand or machine basting.

 

BEAUTY

 8 months after our relocation from Western NC to CA, I woke up today to a beautiful surprise.  The orchid plant our son's in-laws gifted us for a house warming present has bloomed for the 2nd time.

I knew nothing about orchids last May and was sad when the final original blossom faded away.  However, after doing some research I decided to retain the plant since if conditions are right, they may bloom again.  

Today it did.......a second lovely welcome to our new home.

COOL ITEM

 I'm not much of a shopper, never have been.  Sometimes finding the right gift can be challenging.  This Christmas I ended up scouring Etsy for my DIL's present.  

I came across these colorful crocheted hanging baskets and took a chance by ordering several.  I didn't research the seller very much and was surprised after the fact to see she's in Hungry.  I couldn't have been more pleased with these items.....well made, great service and I love that I was purchasing from a person, not a corporation.

In fact, I ended up order more for myself and I thought you all might be fascinated by them as well.  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1748672917/wall-hanging-basket-kitchen-organizer?click_key=604839d294bcf6cbc6bc9f9488f774d3b964a0f7%3A1748672917&click_sum=4f8bdbc3&external=1&rec_type=cs&ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-7&pro=1&sts=1

EXPECTATIONS IN CHECK.....

Our expectations are in check but our hopes are none the less high.....GO PACK GO!!!!

 

REVISITING - MID-CENTURY

 The itch (inspired by my professional home decorator niece & her preference for Mid-Century Modern) has been scratched......

Available for purchase, connect if interested.

REVISITING - MID-CENTURY

15” X 20”

Hand dyed cottons, fused applique, densely machine 

quilted, & embroidered. Faced edges with hanging sleeve attached.

MOVING FORWARD

 Decisions are more difficult when wading into new waters.......but progress continues as details are added.

SCRATCHING THE ITCH.....

Scratching the itch.....progress continues on the Mid-Century Modern art quilt I felt compelled to create..... 

SWITCHING GEARS

 I temporarily hijacked my first 2025 project in favor of another idea. My niece is a professional home decorator who mentioned her preference for Mid-century Modern design. Growing up in that era I guess I never found the charm of it.....but hey, I love a challenge....suddenly I found myself working on a new project. Stay tuned......

BACK IN THE STUDIO

 Back in the studio after Christmas family time. It's not too soon to think about spring.....so here's a peek at what I'm working on.