MOUNTAIN ART QUILTERS

Even though I managed to attend two quilt group meetings last week....I suspect I left some of my brain/memory on our hallway floor as a result of my fainting episode because name recall (as I write this post) has stumped me.

I apologize in advance for not being able to attribute all of them to their superb pieces!

The members of our Mountain Art Quilt group are such treasures; positive attitudes, incredibly creative in so many directions, generous in their knowledge....what a treat to be included! 

This piece took my breath away!!

Detail of the machine appliqué, stamping, and some commercial fabrics.

 Norma thoughtfully brought several pieces she created using mostly sheer fabrics.  It was perfect given our focus at this meeting was a demo showing a technique of painted sheer fabric.  Norma's past included being an interior decorator.  She rescued sample books of sheers and said she spent many, many happy and relaxing hours stitching them together.

 Norma also created this almost see through long narrow piece....also embellished with beads and trinkets.

 Detail

 And here's a third one which included photo transfer and a leaf transfer method taught to Norma by Judy Simmons.

 Our meeting was on Valentine's Day....what a perfect time to share these cuties.

 The cardboard glue on stands really expands how they could be displayed.  Very clever!!

 Lynn has been working on a 'memory' piece featuring small jewelry treasures made by herself and family members.  She even found her Brownie pin and added it to the piece.  Her plan is to have other family members add their small treasures and hopefully it will be passed down for younger generations to enjoy.  A true labor of love.

 Jenny Perry presented a well organized and interesting demo of a technique she learned in an Esterita Austin workshop taken at Paducah last year.  

 She explained how to recreate an inspirational photo with paint on sheer fabric.

It's an interesting technique that has lots of applications as displayed here with Jenny's painted lily.  In fairness to the instructor, rather than providing details, if this sounds intriguing you may want to seek out a class presented by Esterita.  

MOUNTAIN ART QUILTERS - DYEING PART 2

In all, 16 trays of ice-dyed material was processed, yielding a lot of beautiful fabric.  Here are some closeups for you to enjoy.  I used mainly white PDF cottons, and a few previously dyed solids and prints. All were soaked in soda ash before dyeing.

 But....just so you don't think every piece was wonderful....here's evidence of some that weren't.   My over-dyed solid (right) that had been dyed at least once before was still ugly.  The mercerized cotton piece on the left had some lovely patterning, but the colors were simply blah.....

Not so with this one......great combo of colors and patterns.

We had time to do some acid dyeing.  Our equipment was fairly limited so for the most part my felted wool results weren't special, however, this small piece of was!  Others dyed silk scarves which came out great.

Sometimes achieving really bright red color can be difficult, less so though when using acid dyes.  Here I used 100% felted wool which was left to boil in the acid bath for about 8 mins., turned and processed for about another 8 minutes.

Lower right is my pile of ice-dyed cottons and above, on the right, are two pieces of cheesecloth that we dyed and shared equally.

We were so very lucky to have had picture perfect weather and such a great place to get wet and messy!  

MOUNTAIN ART QUILTERS - MAY MEETING

The Mountain Art Quilters group was created several years ago as an offshoot of SAQA (Studio Art Quilters Association), though one doesn't need to be a member of SAQA to join.

I LOVE this group......talented, enthusiastic, generous, friendly members, all with a positive attitude.  Here's some show and tell from our recent meeting. This group has a very active membership, most belong to other smaller and larger groups.....therefore show and tell is always very inspiring.

 Diana has been enjoying creating small improv pieces....this measures appx. 12"...and says a lot!

 Several members belong to another smaller group where they have been experimenting with quick fire round robin improv designs.  Each brings a small block, plus an ample amount of her own 'statement' fabric.  Each block is passed to another member who adds their own 'focal/statement' fabric to the piece.  They have 30 mins. to complete the task before it's moved to the next member.  By the end of the day, most have a small  improv wall piece.  You can see some of the results below.  

 Kathie's

 A fascinating concept which they've repeated at another gathering using solids. Here's Diana's.

 Kathie's

 Julie's

 Julie enjoys creating small pieces, utilizing handwork and often adding a few embellishments.

 Kathie made this stunning scenic piece featuring 'belted' cows...when we first saw them here....we called them Oreo cows.

 Another finished piece of Kathie's.....featuring her trademark improv pieced background.

Jenny's nearly finished working on a Tsukineko ink pictorial.....my photo doesn't do this justice, hopefully she'll bring it again when the edges are completed.

 Lisa's other group has an annual challenge....requiring the maker to conform to theme, size, and often the addition of one specific color.  Here are two exceptionally wonderful small pieces that pay homage to our Western North Carolina surroundings.

 I didn't get a chance to photograph all the terrific pieces Lisa brought but here are two more improv pieces, some using her own printed/dyed fabrics.

I can hardly wait for our next meeting in July!!

MOUNTAIN ART QUILTERS - EXHIBIT ANNOUNCEMENT

 Our Mountain Art Quilters will be hosting two contemporary textile exhibits open to the public on March 29, 2019, in Asheville, NC.  Details are below.  

If you are in the area do come.......you won't want to miss this opportunity to view these innovative and inspiring quilts.  I'll see you there!

MOUNTAIN ART QUILTERS

So far, March has been a busy art filled month and will continue until the near the very end.  The Mountain Art Quilters (an offshoot Pod of SAQA - Studio Art Quilt Association), had a members only meeting where we were able to view Group A of SAQA'S Traveling Trunk Show.

By the time you get to the end of this post you'll want to see them for yourself.  Our group will be hosting a public display of these pieces on March 29th in Asheville....more details will be posted soon.  You'll want to mark your calendar if you are in this area because at the same location you'll be able to visit "Seasons of Green".  A contemporary art quilt exhibit presented by 19 members of the Mountain Art Quilters group of which I will have a piece on display.

Each of the 58 miniature masterpieces utilize a variety of materials, textures, and techniques. They are 10" x 7" and mounted on a black backing measuring 12" x 9".

I was delighted to see this stunning Ginkgo Leaf piece by Linda McLaughlin, a blog buddy who creates the most amazing hand stitched art.  Check out her work here.

To wet your appetite....the following are samples of the mini pieces in this trunk show....credits provided, click to enlarge.

 

 

Again....watch for my post with details where to see two great contemporary art quilt shows.  (Or email me for details if you can't wait!!)

JULY MEETING - MOUNTAIN ART QUILTERS

About a year ago I joined the Mountain Art Quilters group that meets in Asheville.  It started several years ago as a local SAQA pod.  It has grown beyond its original 4 members and concept to around 30 and SAQA membership is no longer required.

This is a very lively talented group of artists, so sharing and inspiring.  Forgive me, I'm still learning names but will provide them as I can.  Next time I'll write them down!  Show and Tell is below and it's awesome....enjoy.....

 Lynn and another pal are making this quilt for a special friend of theirs, based on a metal sculpture she fell in love with.

Here's an adorable collage piece made by Julie

On this piece, the main design was made by coloring a non-woven material with inks...as were the black lines which were then machine stitched.

 Lisa said she was just playing with small pieces.....and is now hand stitching it....her 'playtime' was well spent in my humble opinion.

 This piece was created to show off thread and fiber snippets....the machine quilting motif pulls the whole piece together.  In person the piece is a beautiful rusty brown.....why it looks purple here is a mystery.

 Detail of threads/etc. stitched onto a water soluble to create this textured center.

 We all loved how this was mounted onto a flat black painted wood board which framed this small piece and allowed for easier hanging.

 Lisa also painted this adorable piece.

 Such a great use of scraps and especially the black and white fabric....note to self....a great way to use the piles of black and white I have!!

Our group is mounting an exhibit that will be hung at the Asheville Quilt Guild's annual show this fall...our rules are very loose.....the main one being the focus on the color green.  Kathy is just finishing up her stunning abstract piece....I love everything about it.