Winter In New England; finished

Just made my label for this quilt that I posted about when it was on my machine. I faced this one instead of binding. What do you think? This one started out not from my usual photo, but because I wanted to use some of my metallic paints. Metallic stripes became trees, and I went on from there. I added the deer in the lower field by cutting a small deer from a picture of deer in our field that I had printed on cloth. I guess I do always have to get a photo influence in there!

I just love those shiny fabrics for an icy lake!

Feedback welcome.

Journal Quilts Submitted !

Thanks to Linda Minton's generous deadline extension, I got three journal quilts into Quilt Art! I had actually forgotten about this opportunity, until Linda posted her extension.
Journal quilts are a great chance to work small and quick! For someone like me, it is exactly the change that I need. I tend to work large and keep adding more and more detail to my work. My projects go on and on!
About four years ago, I posted to the quiltart list, my thoughts for, " Fast Friday." I was thinking out-loud and said that I needed to challenge myself, like the designers on Project Runway. I needed to sketch an idea, pick fabrics and make it work! Another list member jumped on the idea and proposed starting a Yahoo group and the rest is history. I didn't need more time on the computer........I needed more creative action!
Years ago, I used to attend lots of business seminars. I would sit down front with my friend Patti and take notes, but beside the notes, I'd sketch what the women speakers were wearing. Patti used to glance at my notes and say, "You're doing it again!" My journal quilts are, "Project Funway." That's because they were just plain fun to create. If they make it to the online show, I post pictures after they have been put up on the website. Happy sewing!

Another Day Fishing - but it's winter on my longarm!

We spent a lovely, but cool day, out on the boat in Portsmouth Harbor. All kinds of sailboats and kyaks were out. It was a great fall day. I got home and decided to turn on my long arm, to thread paint a little more on my winter scene. Don't know why I'm working on a winter piece right now, except that I am trying to get it off my machine! Summer pictures are waiting in the wings, and three small off-the-cuff journal quilts are waiting to be completed. So many pictures in my head and I am trying to stitch them out!

I think I am trying to get back to a clean slate. Does that ever happen? I hate having incomplete work!

It's Already September !

Although it is hot and sunny today, September is already upon us! We've been out in our boat in Portsmouth Harbor just three times this summer. Each time I take many digital photos of boats, ships, lighthouses, sea birds, etc., because in my mind I can translate everything into cloth and threads. I have photos for a lifetime, because I just can't stop taking pictures!

Now the challenge is to translate these photos to fabric. I have to find a way to speed up my process. I have to think about the pieces less and produce more! Time to stitch!

World Quilt Show, Manchester, NH

I spent last Thursday afternoon, at the Mancusso show in Manchester. It was a fantastic show with wonderful fiber art from around the world. Shows like this are such an inspiration! Quilters' ideas are limitless. These shows make you want to try new mediums and expand your style. Congratulations to all who exhibited their work. Sharing your vision benefits us all.

Maine Seashells & Seaweed Mounted

Thanks for the feedback on the little seashell and seaweed piece. I have decided to mount it on canvas. I took 50+ digital photos yesterday, so I have plenty of new work to consider.

Beach Series / From Photo to Fiber

Just finished a very small piece, for me. This one is about 13 inches square and I did not bind it, but did a zigzag stitch edge. I used a strand of pearl cotton under the zigzag, but can't see that it really made any difference. Someone gave this tip on the quiltart list, so thought I'd try it on a small piece. I don't know that I like this edge. I painted white fabric and trapuntoed the shells with a low loft batting. Feedback is welcome.