Sunday, July 19, 2009

Bye Bye Creative Funk.....

Here's a sneak peak of a leaf piece I'm working on. I painted some dryer sheets and stitched up some leaves and make a background on a piece of peltex with torn pieces of silk dupioni, lame, tulle, netting, wood yarn and other stuff which I covered with organza and melted. It makes for a very interesting background upon which I plan on doing some hand stitching and/or beading.

I also worked on Sal's Christmas present, the Appalachian skies quilt which I've posted about before. I finally got all the nine patches done and paired up with a solid 6 1/2 inch white block. I'm kind of excited because I will be using my Gracie II Quilting Frame which I've only used a few times. I plan on finishing up two other quilt tops and quilting all three during the same time period. It's tough getting the frame set up with all three layers and I think if I do three in a row it will help me perfect the art of "squaring" them up on the frame.

Finally, Sabrina and I did a little shopping today. In amongst the "back to school" shopping, we stopped at the fabric store wherein I bought 10 yards of Kona Premium Muslin (which I love for quilt backs.) I know many people won't use muslin for quilts because of the tight weave, but I love it. I also bought quite a few other pretty graphic prints. I'm really into "black and white" lately and have a few designs in my head for some cool graphic baby quilts.

It's been a great weekend - Lots of time with the girl drinking coffee coolers, singing, laughing and creating and just relaxing. No exercise this weekend with the exception of some sit ups and push ups as I'm gearing up to start back at my running program tomorrow after giving my Achilles a good long rest and plenty of time to heal.

YOUR Assignment This Week: Do something that makes you smile, something that makes someone else smile - or just something that brings you peace.

8 comments:

Judy Alexander said...

Can't wait to see the piece with the leaves. It sounds like it will be very interesting.

CAROLYN SAXBY said...

Hello dear friend

All your pieces and your plans look gorgeous. I absolutely adore the item at the top, and your fabrics are lovely. You sound really busy with your quilting. I shall follow your quilts with great interest, it's something I don't have any patience for but appreciate the great work of others!

Have a lovely week stitching, keep in touch, love, Carolyn xx

ACey said...

I never realized muslin was any tighter of a weave than other quilting cottons...

Cathie said...

You know what Acey, I don't "know" that either - that is what I've been told. But I love it - especially the Konda Premium - it's so soft and not quite as sheer as some other muslins. Muslin (other than silk dupioni) is my absolute favorite fabric. I use it for EVERYTHING, quilts (piecing and backing) pillows, pajamas (it's wonderful for jammies) and as a foundation for my painting projects. AND you can't beat the price. I got 108" Kona Premium muslin for $8.99 a yard - less 40% with a coupon.
THAT works!!

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

Hi Cathie
Lots of interesting stuff going on. Although not someone who sews, I love quilts - don't care if machined or hand sewn - and here the fabric favoured for backing quilts is often 'calico' whereas muslin is gauzy and semi transparent, which makes me wonder if what you're describing as muslin is differenct from what we in the UK would describe as muslin? In the same way that our 'biscuits' are the same as 'cookies' in the US. I'm rambling, time to go. Best wishes.
Lesley

Katiejane said...

You are certainly an amazing fabric artist! The things you think up to do are so creative. I don't know where you get these ideas, but keep them coming. Love it.

Pursuing Art... said...

Forgive me for being behind...too many things going on lately.

Love those painted leaves and I'm looking forward to seeing what you are making...it will be gorgeous!

That is great that you worked on Sals quilt. I can't wait to see it...it's a very handsome quilt...he is going to love it.

Love the new fabric and graphic baby quilts would be wonderful and a fun size to work on too. It sounds like you two girls had a great weekend together. Back to school shopping...already! Time just flies...

Ditto on your assignment...make it yours too! XOXO ~me

3rdEyeMuse said...

you said it! bye bye creative funk and a big welcome back, C! ... love those new fabrics. of course I adore the black and white's, but have to say the flowers actually have me quivery. :)

love the assignment ... I'm in.

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