Quilting Arts Magazine - December 2020/January 2021 - Letter to the Editor!

Yay!  I am so happy to share that my reader comments were published in the December 2020/January 2021 issue of Quilting Arts magazine.  I LOVE this magazine.  I've always picked up current and back issues at our local library, but several months ago, I decided to treat myself and sign up for a subscription.  Of course I save each and every issue, and I constantly refer to them for both technique suggestions and for inspiration.  One article in particular was super helpful to me, and I decided to write about it. 

Quilting Arts Magazine, December 2020/January 2021 issue

Table of Contents, "It's Your Turn" Department

It's Your Turn Feature, Quilting Arts Magazine

It's kind of hard to read, so here is what I wrote:

Dear Quilting Arts,

Cindy Griselda's article on color ("Add a Sparkle of Color," August/September issue)could not have been more welcomed.  As a textile artist and continuing education student in surface design, I found Cindy's no-nonsense advice for tackling color theory refreshing and spot on.  For any designer, conquering color is a first step in the process of creating pleasing palettes that reflect an artist's personal aesthetic.  By translating complicated color concepts into an easy-to-follow protocol of key steps, Cindy's tips expertly de-mistify the process.  

Thank you, Cindy!

Here is a link to the article.  It looks a little weird but you can see my letter there:  Preview of Quilting Arts article

And here is a link to Quilting Arts magazine's website.  It includes some information about the current issue, as well as highlights from previous issues.  Definitely worth looking at.  Quilting Arts Website. 

Thanks for reading!

Berried Garlands and Seed Encrusted Pine Cones

I'm super-excited to be hosting new sessions for our local library!  The sessions are all about making treats for our bird friends to support them during the cold winter months ahead.  While open to all ages, the first sessions was a bit hit with the 6 to 8 year old set.  And, the two workshops completely filled to capacity, which is thrilling!  

Ahead of time, I prepared small bags of supplies for each participant:

Workshop Kits - Berried Bird Garlands

 Gotta LOVE the gorgeous color of cranberries this time of year, right?!

For the first session, we happily strung our cranberries on string while discussing the various birds we see in our back yards.  We also learned about cranberries and cranberry bogs, as well as millet spray (which was included in the craft).  

Stringing Cranberries

Coming up next week, we'll be tackling the classic pine cones and seeds and peanut butter task - only we'll be using allergy-safe sunflower butter instead.  Here is a sample that was a big hit with the birds in my own backyard (and the squirrels).

Seed-Encrusted Pine Cones

Happy Winter!  Now, if we could only do something about the lack of snow situation.  It's cold enough, so I say, bring on the snow!  Thanks for reading my blog!

Happy 2021! And Cheers For Hand Sewn Historical Seams and More in the New Year!

2021 is here!  I'm looking forward to another year of making art, crafting and learning!

Hand Sewn Historical Seams with Sarah Woodyard 

Last month, I attended Sarah Woodyard's Hand Sewn Historical Seams class through Tatter Blue Textile Library in Brooklyn, NY.  What a class!  In addition to teaching us to sew the mantua-makers seam and an old German (flat-felled) seam, Sarah also discussed the historic application of these timeless seams.  

Here are a few photos of the stitches I worked on in class:

Hemming Practice

Stitches with Basting

And here are the samplers I worked on.  I labeled them after the class so I would remember how I made them:

Mantua Makers Seam

 

Flat Felled Seam

I can't wait to see what this year has in store!  Yay 2021!  Thanks for reading!