Success & Failure – Page 15

Waiting for some realism

On October 25, I posted a photo of my Eastern Towhee in progress. I start with a basic line drawing which I use to cut out the fabric pieces and fuse them to my background fabric. I hinted that there was more to the process. Today I’m going to share that with you.

The one thing I’ve noticed about most fusible applique techniques is that the pieces look flat and cartoon-ish. I’m far from being a realist in my artistic style, but I do crave more realism in my work. In life, objects aren’t 2-dimensional, they reflect light and shadows. That’s what I want to see in my design.

A few years ago, on a whim, I decided to take a Prismacolor pencil drawing class from a local artist and friend, Frank Pierce. I enjoyed the class, but didn’t think I’d every use what I learned. Then, I had the ah-ha moment of, “I wonder if I could use the pencils on fabric?” That started me on a mission of exploration. These colored pencils gave me a tool to add the shading I was looking for. But as with any discovering, I realized there was more to it than just coloring. If you want to know more about my specific process, then you might want to pick up a copy of the Dec17/Jan18 Quilting Arts magazine. There’s an article in there where I explain the techniques I use. I’m pretty excited about the possibilities of using these pencils in my art.

This little bird still isn’t finished. There’s some stitching that needs to get done, but I’ll share that later because right now I have another bird in the works waiting for some realism.

See my work and discover my process of “Creating Highlights & Shadows”
Quilting Arts Magazine
December 2017/January 2018
available book stores or online at Interweave Press

Put yourself out there

It has been over 10 years that I began reading Quilting Arts Magazine. It has always been my bucket list dream to grace the pages of this inspirational publication. I came close in 2012, when my pet portrait of my dog “Storm” became Mr. September of their calendar.

Since then, I pondered to myself, what do I have that’s worthy of their reader’s interest. I use a lot of tools to create my art, but everything felt ordinary. A few years ago I began experimenting with Prismacolor pencils on fabric. I was so impressed with the depth I could create (my piece “Silenced,” on my home page, was enhanced using them).

I’ve been asked several times by artists I admire, “Why aren’t you publishing?” I had no answer. Early this year I decided to take their challenge and submit a proposal to Quilting Arts. To my joy, they accepted. This summer I wrote the article and created the supporting artwork, I’ve been waiting to share the news since July.

Having worked in the publishing business for many years, I was always told don’t talk about it until its in print. Anything could happen along the way. Today I got the OK to share the news, but to my surprise I get to share even bigger news. My summer tanager gets the limelight as the cover artwork. I cannot explain how amazingly surreal this is. Dreams come true when you put yourself out there.

See my artwork at your local newstand
Quilting Arts Magazine
December/January 2018

How this goes

The heats on in the house, my winter clothes are now in my closet, and the leaves are starting to change color. Its fall and winter is heading our way. I love this time of year, but as I’ve gotten older, I don’t like the winter darkness as much. Seems like as soon as it gets dark my body clock tells me its time to sleep. That’s not a so good for 5:30pm.

This month my goal is to catch up on some things and prepare for the upcoming new year. This is more of a challenge given the shorter days. I read an article this week that talks about how we allow other things to filter into our daily agenda which take us away from other things we should be doing. It was interesting to read that I’m not alone on this juggle.

So between the diminished daylight and tasks that need to get done, I plan to set myself up for success. For starters, I need to makes lists. I have a pretty good memory for my to-do list, what I don’t have is the ability to prioritize in an effective manner. My lists aren’t going to be so much about doing things, but more about what needs to get done next. We’ll see how this goes.

Using up what I already have

I remember the family sewing kit. It was a big white plastic box with a tray inside. The tray had little slots to put your bobbins. There also were slots in the sewing cabinet drawer for bobbin storage. People were more frugal back then. A sewist probably had fewer than a dozen bobbins (I own 48 for my Janome Memory Craft 6500).

Back in the day, it was common to find a bobbin loaded with several different colors of thread. I mean, why fill an entire bobbin when you only need thread for a small job? So the sewist would add layer, upon layer of thread onto one bobbin. This isn’t the best way to manage your bobbins. Besides not knowing how much thread you have on the bobbin, the layers of thread can effect bobbin tension, thus effecting your stitch tension.

In my modern, less frugal life, I grab an empty bobbin and load thread on it every time I need a new color. Frequently, I don’t use all the thread on the bobbin, so I tuck it away for storage. Every once in awhile I realize I have a lot of bobbins with varying amounts of thread on them. I’ll also realize, that none contain enough thread to complete a job or they’re not the right color for the project.

My method of freeing up bobbins is to use them on my thread painting projects. In the photo you’ll see an example of the back of one of these pieces. Because I’ve set the tension right, the bobbin thread doesn’t peak through to the top so it doesn’t matter too much what color the bobbin thread is. I take a partially full bobbin, do as much thread work as I can until the bobbin runs out. Then I grab another one and use it up. I keep doing this until the project is done or I’m out of usable bobbins. There’s a lot of stop and go in this sewing process, but it is so helpful to clear up the partially-filled bobbin clutter. I also feel more thrifty because I’m using up what I already have.

Stop playing

No matter how accomplished you get in doing something, I believe there is always room for improvement and growth. Maybe some people can admit that they’ve reached the pinnacle. Not me.

The world is constantly changing. People’s interests change, fashion changes, and new technologies are created. If I could say I have it all together, I suspect in a few months…maybe a year…what I do would become out-dated, old, and uninteresting.

So my issue is to keep figuring things out. It’s a difficult process, because you can never stop, even if you get tired. My feelings right now are I need to improve my quilting skills.

I have a fancy machine, but that doesn’t do the work…my hands and brain do. Lately, I’ve noticed that when I quilt my pieces I fall back into what’s comfortable. I’m bored.

Recently what has wowed me in other quilts is the beautiful mixture of different motifs on one quilt. The backgrounds are rich with varying designs. That’s what I’m loving and want to do. I’ve been trying to think what’s holding me back and I realize its time. I don’t allow myself time to play … play feeds inspiration. Play also allows you to try something new without worrying about failure; “Oh well, I was just playing.”

This week I played. The results aren’t typical for me, but I was able to experiment with some new designs. Then, because that wasn’t special enough, I experimented with Derwerts Inktense pencils to add some color. I won’t show you the fails, just know that there were a few.

My take home message from this is to allow yourself time to play and experiment. You don’t have to be so serious about everything you do. Just remember as this applies to our art: “we don’t stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing.”

Gathered along the way.

In a couple days, we’ll be at the official end of summer. For me, it’s been a long one filled with a lot of good things. I got to spend a few days at the beach and I worked on an exciting professional opportunity. This opportunity presented me with 2 deadlines. One was at the end of July and the other was this week. I look back on the days and I’m proud of my accomplishments. High-five to me, I did it! I also realize I enjoy what I was doing. Now I have to figure out how to continue with this momentum.

Over the next couple months, I’ll be working to make changes with my professional journey. After a year+ hiatus from teaching, I’ve decided to get back into it. I’m going to be approaching it all differently this time. I want to share my enthusiasm for “art” quilting and encourage other’s who feel the cravings like I did when I first started this journey.

I’m going to use the motivation of my summer deadlines, to continue moving forward. Using the symbolism of my bee friend, I will continue to explore the possibilities while remembering to enjoy life’s nectar, to work hard on my goals, and to share the information that I’ve gathered along the way.

Keep looking forward

Doors have been opening for me lately. I think that’s definitely a circumstance of me knocking on them and putting myself out there. I also think it’s because I’ve started putting my aspirations first. For the past year, I’ve been focusing on self-development. I’ve pondered my dreams and wondered how to get them to come true.

For over 10 years, I’ve had a bucket list dream that always seemed to fall just a little short of reality. Although I did try, I really don’t know why I didn’t try harder. I suspect it was the perfectionist that lives in my head. She likes to tell me that things need to be a certain way before I can put it out there. I call myself a “recovering perfectionist,” but that doesn’t mean I’m recovered.

I’m not too concerned that sometimes my alter-ego drives my thinking. Right now that pesky little voice has put me somewhere that I’m pretty confident about. I’m ready for this and its all because she used to tell me “not yet.” Maybe that’s the key to our dreams, maybe we need to be ready for the next step. It doesn’t mean give up. It does means continue learning and developing yourself, because with knowledge comes confidence. If life doesn’t seem to give you want you dream, keep trying, keep looking forward.

Simply enjoy the process

The next couple weeks I’ll be spending a great of time in my studio. Yesterday I dusted off the Behemoth (aka my HandiQuilter Sweet16) and started stitching. A frequent question from people looking at my work is “how long did that take to make?” My snarky comment is 55 years, because its a culmination of many years of experience.

I know what they want to know, but it’s difficult to factually testify the hours spent on any given piece. Are they talking time since the idea was conceived? Or, time since I actually started cutting fabric and stitching? Either of these figures are abstract.

I don’t think I know anyone who can actually sit and sew day in and day out. It beats up your body. It takes a lot of energy to push fabric around. You have to take breaks. There are a few art quilters who work full time at their craft. However, full time means stopping and starting frequently to do other tasks. Then, there are people like me, who work at it part-time. I may be on a roll for a day or two, then I have to spend time on class prep, marketing, addressing email inquires and … the other stuff in my life. My art is constantly being interrupted by life.

So today, while I was working, it occurred to me that I spent a consistent amount of uninterrupted time on the piece pictured here. This is merely the start of the background for an art quilt. I still have to add color with paint and apply the appliquéd design. When that’s finish, there’s the backing, hanging sleeve, and bound edge to add. This densely quilted, 22inch x 22inch square took me 3 hours to stitch (to include a few short breaks to rest my neck and shoulders). I’ve watched abstract painters complete an entire 40inch x 40inch painted canvas in the same amount of time … or less.

So back to the question, “how long did that take?” I’d rather be snarky with my answer, because the reality of the time I’ve put into it may be overwhelming for both of us to hear. I would rather not think about it, just simply enjoy the process.

What are your priorities?

There is no lack of things to do in my life right now. Boredom is not possible. However, what I’m finding is a level of overload. It’s the “T-word” again … specifically time management. We all need to juggle home life with our creative journey. And, some of us also have the added factor of outside employment in the mix. I’m interested in a lot of things and want to do them all. I’m realizing, I can’t, especially if I want to do them well. For example, even though I would love to do some wood-working projects a-la Roy Underhill (PBS’ Woodright Shop), that’s just not an option.

I have goals and deadlines on my calendar, they take priority above the creative ADHD I sometimes have. I’m in a good place, but realize I must compartmentalize my life to make it all work. I have to say “no thanks” to some of the things that sound cool and fun, but just don’t fit with my current plan. Focus, girlfriend…Focus. My message (to you) “breathe and achieve.”

Remember, seeking balance is a decision and finding calm fosters creative inspiration. What are your priorities?

Fabric and thread

This week, I’m working on a process to demonstrate thread sketching. Thread sketching is just like making a sketch with pencil and paper. Sketches are pretty quick and often made of simple lines. Instead of paper and pencil, I’m using a sewing machine and thread to sketch.

I want my example to be reproducible, so I need to start with an image. For this example, I decided to use a peacock feather as inspiration. I initially drew the design on paper (right) and I probably could have just made copies, but it looks a little sloppy from all my erasing and redrawing. To clean things up, I scanned the drawing into my computer and re-drew it using Adobe Illustrator (left). The line drawings I can make in Illustrator are known as vector graphics. I like working with vector graphics because they can easily be re-sized and changed without effecting the quality of the image itself. If I tried to enlarge the scan, the image would get more blurry the larger I made it. With vector graphics, I can enlarge or shrink the image as much as I want and have the same quality for all projects. I can also tweak the image to change how it looks. It definitely is a bit time consuming, but since I plan to reuse the image for several projects, I feel it’s worth my time in the long run.

Stay tuned, because next time you see this it will be rendered in fabric and thread.