EMBELLISHING MARBLED FABRIC

Now that the focal point has been attached, I can see more clearly a direction for additional embellishments. Supporting elements that enhance but don't compete with the agate.

I ALWAYS bead in a Q-snap frame.....it assures that the thread tension is appropriate and by working with the fabric on grain....there is no distortion or puckering.  The only exception to my self-imposed rule is when beading bindings. 

Using several different seed bead colors and finishes.....I'm following some of the purple marbled design lines with both dimensional and straight line beading.  This will be time consuming but worth it.....when I get antsy, I'll remind myself....this is not a sprint....rather it's a marathon that should be enjoyed.

WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT COLOR BEADS......

The marbled fabric project I blogged about the other day was not only calling me....it was screaming for attention.

 Despite gathering my supplies, when it came down to it, the Delica beads I planned on using to attach the agate (with the even count peyote stitch) just weren't the right colors. 

What to do??  This agate slice is especially thick, with more than normal uneven edges.  You can see by the photo above how unattractive that edge is.

 So I tried a new method.  Stacks of regular seed beads, with one lime Delica bead on each were stitched around the agate.

 Next, I added a bead between each lime bead, pulling the thread tension tight to help encase the embellishment.

BUT.....I wasn't keen about the appearance...a bit uninteresting in my opinion.

So, I threaded up my needle again and added an additional lime bead on top of every other Delica bead.....giving it the appearance of the peyote stitch...well one row of the peyote stitch......

Now I'll be pondering what comes next.  Most often an embellishment this large is added towards the end of the project, but because the marbled fabric was so busy, I needed to get this focal point in place before I moved to smaller bead and hand embroidery motifs.

A TOUCH OF GOLD

As I mentioned when describing the beginning of this piece here, it probably wouldn't look that much different when completed.....and it doesn't.  But it is now complete...and surprisingly, not a bead in sight....hummm....maybe I shouldn't call it finished!!!   (Click on photos to enlarge)

 A TOUCH OF GOLD  15.25" X 24.75"

AVAILABLE HERE

Artist hand-dyed and discharge printed on cotton, commercial fabric,  machine quilted with metallic thread.

DETAIL

SMILING CHEESEHEAD

GREEN BAY PACKERS 31 - NY JETS 24

Hooray!!!!!!!

ITCHY FINGERS

After my absence from the studio, my fingers are itching to stitch!

 The painted fusible papers, created at the last Fiber Junkies meeting, are still calling me.

 As are some new colorful beads.

 The pile of marbleized fabrics I printed seemed neglected, so it's time to see what I can come up with using these materials.  

I LEFT SOME QUILTS IN MD & DE!!

Among the many highlights of my teaching trip is the food.  Both groups so thoughtfully arranged dinners at interesting restaurants.....  We are quilters after all......food is always on our minds!

My first experience at a Persian restaurant......it tasted as good as it looks.

With lots of giggling on my last night, I was told we'd be going to "Wrinkles".....Hummm...what a strange name for a restaurant.  Well...it was the nickname the group calls this establishment due to all the seniors who eat here beginning at 4:00 PM.  

I'm all smiles and so are the new owners of a number of my pieces. I'll admit to having separation pangs, but in my heart, with my retirement getting closer and closer, it's a necessary step.....made easier seeing the happy keepers of these designs.

 I'll conclude with this picture of Casey and myself......

REMEMBER

It seems appropriate today to stop and remember....

United We Stand by Mary Stori

LADY BUG QUILTERS SHARE THEIR WORK

Of course everyone enjoys the show and tell portion of each guild meeting...the Lady Bug's was particularly large and so inspiring.  It's apparent many members favor traditional quilts.....most were scrappy but several had innovative twists.

You know how it goes......it's difficult to even snap photos much less document makers names.....I apologize for not having them, but please do look at these beauties.

 These final two photos highlight some very enthusiastic students from my workshop.  During the morning, they learned basic beading techniques and beyond.  The afternoon was spent exploring beaded binding and edging techniques.  What a pleasure it was for me to work with such highly skilled stitchers.

I'm off to play with the Baltimore Hertiage Guild for a few days before heading home.  Mole hunter Sooty and 'the husband' are holding down the fort!

VISITING LADY BUG QUILT GUILD

It was a relief to have such an easy travel day....Lady Bug Program Chair Erin scooped me up and had us on the way to Delaware shortly after landing in Baltimore.

 She thoughtfully suggested having an early dinner along the way....allowing me some flavor of the area.  We stopped at Tide Water Restaurant....city??  NO clue...sorry.

The weather cooperated perfectly for us to dine outdoors with a view of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay....words I'd only heard of but never experienced.  It was the first of many meals featuring local crab.....yummm...

Before the guild meeting last night,  I was treated to dinner at another charming eatery in Newark, DE......more crab......and the company of numerous guild members.  Always a pleasure to chat with quilters in a relaxed location.

 Many of my quilts have been finding new homes as I slowly retire from travel teaching.......here's Margaret with her new purchase.

 Shelly surprised me by taking two home.......  I'm so delighted these pieces will be loved and appreciated.

Sometimes when a piece sells you have a oh, oh moment......this was one of my favorites....but seeing her happy smiling face holding the quilt....I know she'll take good care of it.

I was very touched hearing about Shelly's guild charity project. It nearly got a standing ovation....I'll be blogging about it as soon as I get the specific links/details to share.

Bye for now.... 

LEAVING ON TWO JET PLANES

I'm off to share my work with two quilt guilds this week (Lady Bug in Delware and Baltimore Heritage).  It's always a pleasure to meet and spend time with other enthuastic quilters.

Air travel continues to be challenging...but at least this is only 2 flights each way, instead of 3 which is not uncommon given my starting point in Asheville, NC!

Hope to check in with you along the way......