A Lesson in Hand Quilting

I am not very good at hand quilting. I am a fast person and hand work slows me! But I do love the look…so I am trying again. I never give up.

You may remember from past posts that I pieced a hexagon quilt (crib size) by hand. I started it 8 years ago as I travelled by train in Italy.

This top stayed rolled up for many months and I am now ready to "be slow" and quilt it by hand- an excellent activity to be done during the Canadian winter.

My friend Gail gave me a refresher lesson. She does not quilt using a frame. Maybe that is another reason I have not taken to the technique. I do find the frame limits my movement.

This is my back fabric choice.
I used two pieces from my stash.
It isn't something one might think of putting together
but I think it really works well. Both fabrics were
 difficult to use in a traditional quilt
so this was a perfect way to use them up.

We had a nice afternoon together sitting in her sun-filled room…sipping red wine and eating crackers and goat cheese spread. That's what quilting should be like -a "together" activity. Thanks Gail.

Make Something Good

I have been getting back into knitting.

My mom taught me when I was 6 years old.

I did lots of knitting when I lived in Vienna, Austria, in the '80s.

Then the kids arrived…

I am back into it now and really enjoying it.

I love making things.

SO PROUD OF THE CANADIAN WOMEN'S HOCKEY TEAM FOR WINNING GOLD TODAY IN SOCHI. IT WAS AN EXCITING GAME. WE NEVER GAVE UP ON THEM!!
(just had to say that!)

Ontario Craft- new look

Ontario Craft (formerly Ontario Craft Council) has a new direction.

Part of that new image is a new logo.

Five rings (launched during the Winter Olympics…nice marketing!)

Each ring is made of a different craft medium. I am glad to say the 4th ring represents textile.

I am proud to say that I was invited to be part of their discussion panel for this new direction a few years ago. I sat alongside many distinguished Ontario artists and board members.

Congratulations Ontario Craft. Continue your commitment to Ontario craft and the artists who create them.

Length and Breath (no D)

This man's turban measures over 16 metres in length.

19th century, Rajasthan, largest state of the Republic of India.
Hand dyed with 57 pattern changes, coil resist.

It took my breath away.

(from the ROM textile collection)

Video Art

Artist Samuel Rowlett has a video art piece at the Art Gallery of Peterborough. It's part of the Artists' Walks exhibit.

If you click here you can see his video, Landscape Painting in the Expanded Field 2013.

The curator, Earl Miller, chose works in different mediums by artists who use walking as part of their practice. It has become popular enough to be called a genre.

I loved the shadows nature painted on Rowlett's canvas as he walked through the woods.

Some of his video was beautiful.

Sometimes it was hilarious, like when he tried walking through the dense forest in winter! He could barely move and you heard a bunch of branches breaking. He was all tangled up. Luckily, I was the only one in the gallery at the time because I was laughing out loud!

I made his work interactive!

That's my shadow as I walk between the projector and the screen…
chasing the canvas.

Textile artist Dorothy Caldwell will be having an exhibit there from March 21 to June 1, 2014.

Road Trip

I am getting ready for a short road trip. I am heading out to Peterborough, about 1.5 hours from Toronto.

I have been invited to speak to the Kawartha Quilters Guild on Wednesday, February 5.

I have packed my quilts and textile work that I will be showing. It's nice to dig those out as most are rolled up and hidden in the top of a cupboard.

Taking each one out brings a smile. I remember making them and remember their travels, either in Europe or here in the house going from room to room.

I am looking forward to meeting this group. They have 180 members! Impressive. Hopefully the weather will be good enough for many of them to drive to the presentation.

If you are in the neighbourhood, please come! Non-members are welcome and it is free. For more info contact the group at juditha26@gmail.com

I am also teaching a 'quilt as you go' workshop on Thursday, February 6, from 9 to 3, which is also open to non-members. Very good price, too!

(detail photographs of some of what I will be showing)