More on Class

After the first day of class, I was really excited to start construction on my design. Since Gabrielle hadn't talked about applique yet, and because I figured the first block would just be a test, I decided to fuse it. Gabrielle said it was ok to fuse as long as she didn't see us do it... :-)

Well, I got half the leaf done before I set off the smoke detector. I think it was the pressing sheet I was using... Anyway, I didn't bring my thread back to the room, so that was it for that piece.

The next day, Gabrielle encouraged me to finish up the block, but I hadn't brought the pressing sheet, and with MistyFuse, that's a necessity. I started another block with hand applique and managed to get the half done and sewed to the stem and the pieces of the other side sewed together.

I'm not sure which I like better. I'll probably do a complete set in each technique and try setting them two different ways.

Another couple things I really loved about the class- we did a group critique on everyone's designs the first afternoon. There were some really great ideas coming forth. Gabrielle pointed out that it is important for a critique group to all be about the same level so that an 'expert' doesn't end up providing all the feedback. It was also wonderful to see the designs the next day from the people that ended up tweaking them. One in particular had some straight lines changed into curves and to me, the new design was so much more cohesive.

I was also really impressed with how Gabrielle signed my book- rather than a generic note, she wrote a personal note to me. Very classy and I start floating when I think about it.

Gabrielle Swain Class

I'm just back from a 2-day class with Gabrielle Swain at Road to California. She is a great teacher and I came away re-dedicated and inspired. The first day we spent mostly working our design. I chose a Bird Of Paradise leaf. I'll post a picture tomorrow. The second day some people started construction and others continued working their design. Gabrielle was extremely encouraging and her suggestions were forthright without being pushy.

I came away with three things firmly entrenched in my brain. This first pearl of wisdom she imparted is that the more colors you use, the easier it is to lose value. Later she made a comment that on one quilt she restorted to using black. As someone with value problems, I really hope to remember these points.

The second was that no amount of quilting, color or surface design will fix a bad design. I've been known to continue past a problem figuring I'll fix it later, but now I'm going to focus a bit more on the design before I proceed to construction.

The last was about making time for the work. I'm going to have to do something to make time for working on designs. During the week I pick up Megan, help her with her homework while making dinner, give her a bath, try to clean up a bit, read her stories, get her to bed, and only then do I get any time to do something. Night time, especially in the winter is not my best time to do something creative. I'd prefer to work on something mindless, read, or even just veg. Weekends tend to be pretty busy with events, activities, etc. I really don't want to give up any of my Meg time, so I'm thinking that maybe waking up before everyone on the weekends would be a good time. That means getting out of a warm, toasty bed, though...

Dyeing for Megan

I dyed some items for Megan and the cousins before Christmas, but of course didn't get everything done that I planned to. Here are two of the pieces I did in my latest foray into the garage.

The hoody was scrunched and then dyed with fuchsia and purple. When I gave Megan this one, she informed me that she liked purple more than pink. I'm guessing this means the shirt needs more purple?

The t-shirt started off black. I discharged it with bleach, then over-dyed it with fuchsia and purple. Are you detecting a theme? Megan liked it because of the black dots. They were made by clamping on pennies before discharging.

Isn't it amazing how well she poses? I didn't tell her anything except to stand in front of the bush. I think she might have a future as a model... Do they give modeling scholarships? :-)

Reviving the blog

A new year, a new beginning...

This year I dyed and painted gifts for some of Megan's nieces and friends and Megan, too, of course. This is one of the purses I painted with SetaColors, then stamped and painted with Lumiere's, and finally added the crystals.