All mediums of art follow the same rules

I was very fortunate to be able to attend a workshop this week given by an artist whose work I admire.  Her name is Carol Marine.  I was introduced to her blog last fall by a good friend of mine.  As soon as I saw her work I was inspired and created a piece which I posted back on  November 7th  of last year.  She's a great teacher and I am very fortunate to have gotten into this workshop.  Though I probably won't become a painter, the fundamentals to good art are universal across mediums and I have a new perspective from which to approach my fiber art.  Have a look at her paintings and I'm sure she'll be an inspiration to you as well.

New Applique pattern

Today I finished up putting together a new applique pattern, Fanciful Birds.  It is always an interesting venture doing this as I first create the finished product then go back and have to write down the steps of what I actually did. 

I don't know if I mentioned this before but I have an engineering degree, so for me logical steps come to me quite easily.  If I were asked to embellish my writing with lots of adjectives, I just couldn't do it.  My husband and I, both engineers, are still trying to figure out how we ended up with a daughter that is an English major and a phenomenal writer.

So for your viewing, here is FANCIFUL BIRDS.

The pattern will be available soon at Whistle Stop Quilt Shop in Cary, NC. 

Catching up...

I was away last weekend at the Piedmont Rug Hookers annual workshop.  A very tiring weekend, early mornings and late nights working our fingers to the bone.  However, it is also a very productive time as there are no distractions. 

I had taken a picture of a billy goat about 8 years ago and it's been in my pile of must dos. SO...I finally got to work on him.  Still a ways to go but a very big start.

I hope to get him done in the next week or two.  Keep checking back.
I also am designing a new applique pattern and working on a geometric rug as well. So many things to do. I really need a clone or two.

Beginning rug hooking class and new Easter pastel wools

I hooked up a small mat this week which I will be teaching at Whistle Stop Quilt Shop in March.  A very simple primitive piece geared for beginners but fun for all.

My other adventure this week was to dye up some spring pastel Eastery colors.  Here's the bundle I came up with:

There's eggshell, rose pink, peach, chick yellow, mint green, robin's egg blue, sky blue and violet.  Yummy!

I also have a new rug on the frame.  But... it's too early for pictures just yet.  Stay tuned.

New year, new venture

It's been another busy week.  With much happiness and excitement I am happy to report that whistlestopquiltshop.com is now carrying my hand-dyed woolens. Connie was SO excited too!
Check out  Whistle Stop on facebook .

ALSO, I will be teaching a wool applique sewing case which I designed, hot off the press, on February 23rd.  Here's the info.... 

Contact the shop to sign up!

And one other item of note.  I will also be teaching a rug hooking class in March for beginners (and beyond).  More info on this to come. Please check back later. I hope to see some familiar faces and look forward to meeting some new ones.  Woolly wishes!

A clearer mind and Studio

It feels good to clean out.  I have a renewed freshness to pursue new projects.  A few pics of my more organized studio...

A new pic of my granddog Lola.  I just have to post it!  She just sat there for several minutes lookin good!

I did get started on a new project today, but it's too early to have anything worth showing you.  Give me a few days.

Clearing my mind and studio

It's been a VERY busy past 3 months, three shows and and the holidays in there too.  It goes without saying I'm tired.  BUT, now that my calendar is free for a while, I also have a renewed sense of freshness.  I am busy cleaning out my studio and looking forward to new projects.  My mind is more at easy and it is only then I can let new ideas come out into new art.

 Since I haven't any new art to show at this point.  I thought I would include a shot of my booth at last week's QFAM (Quilt and fiber art marketplace) show in Sanford, NC.  Thank you to all of you who stopped by.