Tuesday, August 27, 2013

A New Quilt and a Goal

I needed to start a new project like I need a hole in the head.  I've got a bug up my rear to enter shows and I made this sort of cheesy new years resolution back in January that I'd enter two shows this year.

  Well - I might have to carry over that goal into next year!

I'm not sure if I'll be ready to enter anything this year because I've been so busy learning the ropes of my long arm and starting up my small business - but - there is a popular spring show that I do want to attempt to get into.  After much agony and contemplation over what to focus on I've made up my mind to get this quilt design that I've had sitting around for nearly a year worked up.  It is a national juried show so say a little prayer and send good vibes or whatever it is that you do for me!  I am going to need it all!!!  Of course I can't start small I have to toss myself into something huge but that is just my personality.  My Mother will tell you when I was a teenager I couldn't wear just one necklace - I wore ten.  I wanted to garden and I couldn't just plant a few irises, I ripped up my entire front yard.  So this is totally within my character!!!  You never know if you don't try.  I'm not gonna lie though - I'm sweating a bit.  :)

I don't want to share too much of this so I'm just going to show a little here and there and then keep the rest secret for a while.  :)


Today I pieced the above sections and then trimmed and am attaching them using my own sort of English paper piecing technique.  If you know what this is then you're in on one of the elements of my quilt!  This is just a small part of it...but I'm hoping one that will be effective!!


In other news I went to Quilt National 2013 in Athens, Ohio on Sunday with my quilting friends Sandy Shelenberger and Nina-Marie Sayre and had a wonderful time.  It was SO COOL!!!  It's in an old dairy barn, which, in itself sets the stage for pure awesomeness.  I didn't get a lot of pictures as there were about six thousand (give or take) signs that read in big bold letters - "NO PHOTOGRAPHS".  Well what fun is that?  It was really incredible - I was able to see my favorite artist Susan Shie's work up close and in person.  I also discovered two new to me artists who's work I am in love with - Mary Ann Tipple who is another Ohio gal and a woman named Lisa Kijak.  Lisa's quilt in particular was my absolute favorite of the show and I couldn't get enough of it.  I kept going back to look at every tiny bit of it and take it all in.  It was gorgeous and amazing.  I also really love Mary Ann's sort of off kilter style.  What a great show and it really opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at my quilts.  I still love my traditional work but the quirky artist in me is totally freaking out over the cool new artists I've discovered.  :)

A really crummy photograph of the back of the dairy barn...

A photograph of the entrance...also Sandy and Nina taking pictures...I'm sure they won't be happy that I'm posting this!!!  LOL  ;)
If you haven't heard of it Google "Quilt National 2013" and there are some amazing pictures of the artists and their work floating around the web.  (So much for following rules!!!)  ;)

Well - a thunderstorm is roaring and 6am will be here before I know it.  A busy week planned and a mile long to do list.  Better head off to bed!  :)

4 comments:

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Sounds like this was a fantastic quilt show! Your new quilt looks very, very interesting, can't wait to see more and you'll do well entering the show. Thanks for sharing.
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Vroomans' Quilts said...

I have heard of this show before - how exciting for you to go and get your creative juices 'a-goin'. Interesting piece you are working on.

Deb A said...

Sounds like you got a lot of inspiration from the show. Good luck with your quilt, I'm looking forward to seeing it when it is done. Such beautiful colors you are working with.

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

Wow, well just by judging how incredible your longarm skills have come since you first got your machine earlier this year .. I'd say that you will reach your goal of a show quilt in no time. :-)