Michael Miller Challenge 2014

I had the opportunity to participate in the Michael Miller Fabric Challenge, as a member of the North Jersey Modern Quilt Guild.   We each received a few cuttings from Michael Miller's new fabric line (Petal Pinwheels) including prints and solids.
Rules -  1)use only Michael Miller fabric and 2) must be quilted.   Deadline to complete project was extended to July 25th, instead of the original date of June due to late distribution of fabrics.

With all the preparations going on for the October 4/5 Autumn Craft Festival at Lincoln Center  ((http:/www.craftsatlincoln.org/myindex.cgi) I was unsure if there was enough time for me to complete the project.

Once I decided on making my favorite bucket hat, instead of a quilt I felt the deadline was achievable.     This is my pattern which i made by rubbing off an old hat, and modifying the shape.

I then proceeded to cut up the fabric in strips, then started sewing various strips together.

Cut and sew more random pieces together until you have one piece of fabric large enough to cut the hat pattern.

Add the batting and the 3rd layer  (inside lining of hat) of fabric to form a sandwich.  Proceed with straight line quilt stitches on the made fabric.
Cut out the hat pieces, and proceed to assemble the hat.

Met the deadline with time to spare.

The completed hat-
My Dad used to wear lots of hats similar to this bucket hat, except with a shorter crown.  In honor of  Dad I will call this the "Aston" bucket hat

LOVELY DAY WITH FRIENDS

Still working a lot, getting ready for the Autumn Craft Festival at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (http:/www.craftsatlincoln.org/myindex.cgi), Oct 4th/5th.


 It's important to take time out to visit with friends.  Exactly what we did last week.  After enjoying a 5-star meal at my friend's house, we even  had time to take photos in her garden.   Lots of inspiration comes from nature, such as flowers, birds, etc.

Nuno felt wool and silk scarves from Josie's collection

Nuno felt wool scarf with silk print inserts

Surprise meal from my friend/oh so tasty

Social Media and the Artist

Ok I'm here again, a week later trying to keep up with my blogging.  One of my friends told me recently that I needed to increase my social media exposure.  While I have so much to do preparing for the Oct 4th/5th shows at Lincoln Center (http://www.craftsatlincoln.org/myindex.cgi),  I'm determined to update Instagram more frequently, keep up with Facebook, and try to update my own blog weekly.   It's great as I can update Instagram and share the file immediately with Facebook and Twitter, if I choose.    On top of that I need to update my own website to include all the new products that I've been making these past few months, as well as document the details for each item.

Did I mention photo editing?   Yes, I'm thankful that my good friend Jen, "the photographer" for her help, when asked, but I still need to go in and edit, crop, etc and by no means am I a photographer.   You might know this from some of my recent Facebook post.   You know they say great pictures are an asset when you want to sell product so I have to make more of an effort in this area.

Below I will share with you photos I've taken in my studio where light is not as good vs one of the same items outdoor.  You can see the difference.
The new cell garage have evolved from my first design 2 years ago.  They now include 3D images -spikes, cover and exposed marbles, and other images.  These are all new techniques that I have learned in the last year from taking workshops with Andrea Graham and Fiona Duthie, 2 well known fiber artist/teachers/lecturers.  You will see a lot of newness in the product I'm making now.

Here is an image of my new "Cell Garage" taken outside using Nikon camera. I then used PIC app to make a collage.  This represents the true colors.

Same photo as above, taken inside using my iPhone.   This is really a bad photo, and not representative of the true colors shown above.   I have learned my lesson.

July 4th

I started my day by taking a walk with a friend, which we now do about 2-3 times a week, for little more than an hour.   During my outing this morning I saw this tiny little rabbit sitting in the grass amongst the dew.  It was so peaceful looking, as well as the street we were walking up and down.

After eating breakfast I decided today would be great for catching up on paperwork, as we were not going to do much on this dreary, off and on rainy day.  Of course, this did not stop me from doing a little bbq outside before the rain hit.

While making product I have to keep my inventory log updated which takes time, and something I'd rather not do but an absolute must.  Never-the-less, after spending a few hours on the computer today I have almost finished my updates.  In the future, this must be done at least once a week so it does not build up into a large task that takes all day.    Part of this is also a naming convention as I'm trying to name each item I produce.  Some are part of a series so I can select one name and use for all (ie. Black Beauty 1, 2, etc).  Then others are too unique to be a part of anything (photo below).

Merino wool decorative art felt, can be worn as a scarf, used as a table runner, or thrown on a table with a piece of art (as in photo below-1).  

  

Marathon weekend at Josie's Studio

Hello everyone,

It has been some time since my last blog, but guess what I have not been idle.  I'm in the process of preparing for my first outdoor event, in NYC at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.  Yes, I will be participating in the "Autumn Crafts Festival" which runs Saturday Oct 4/5, from 11am to 8:30 pm on Saturday, 10am to 6pm on Sunday.   My booth #N275 so please stop by and check me out.

There is a lot of work involved with doing an outdoor festival, from buying your tent, setting up your booth/fixtures and lighting.  More importantly there is lots of work involved with preparing all the product you want to sell.  It's ok, as I love hard work and I'm having so much fun getting all the product ready.  You will find it all amazing, colorful and hopefully something you would buy for yourself.  I have already sold many of my felted scarves, knitted hats,  smartphone/IPAD covers to family, friends and others with hopes to  expand this to a wider audience.

This past weekend, I did a 12 hour + felting marathon in my studio.  I did break for a couple of hours when my brother came to visit, but found myself getting right back to work afterwards.  Next time must also plan more work I can do sitting as i was a bit exhausted on Sunday, and found it hard to get back to my normal pattern until Monday.

Attached are some of the things I've been up to in the last month or so.  I will try not to stay away too long next time.

Excursion of Color -felted merino wool "cobweb" scarf  with fringe , ribbon embellishments, silk hankies

Coasters for my brother/sister-in-law

Reading Between The Lines Wall Quilt -hanging at the Warwick NY Quilt , May 2014

Brightly Colored Pinwheels Quilt -hanging in the Warwick quilt show  May'2014

Work in progress wall quilt - I will name it  "Hot like a Volcano"

Taking a break to hang with family and friends for a bbq

Taking time out to freshen up the garden

Orange-peach melange -nuno felted silk/merino lightwt scarf with twisted fringe