Teacups Stocking Swap

I belong to a local group of women quilters who meet once a week in the evenings to share our craft.   We're really more than just quilters, as many of the women also do other art forms such as knitting, crochet, jewelry making, mixed media, etc.   In many cases the craft is done part-time in addition to full time jobs, or whatever else keeps us busy during the day.

On any given week you might find some of us working on quilt projects, whether finishing or starting  something new, or even knitting a sweater or a hat.  Sometimes there are challenges going on where we have a theme to work towards a particular project, with a set due date.  Either way, it's a great setting for fellowship, sharing of ideas, as well as show and tell when someone in the group wants to share a finished project.

Two weeks ago we had a stocking swap, which was optional to participate in.  My swap partner was Ro, this energetic, quick thinking quilter, knitter, blogger and one always looking for new methods to accomplish projects faster, and more efficient.   The only requirements were to make your own stocking, pass to your partner, then fill it with handmade items only.  Oh what fun!   I was elated and overwhelmed with all the goodies in my stocking which I had to share.

Finally a quilted needle holder - all my needles in one place, and great for travel.  I love it!

lower left shows needle holder folded ready for travel/reverse side of tote bag

1/reversible tote bag to carry my knitting project
2)padded pin cushion
 3) needle holder
 4) small zip pouch(2) for holding knitting accessories
5) key chain (missing from photo)

For my swap partner Ro below are some of the items from her stocking.
                                      1) reversible denim/pieced cotton print hat  
                                      2) IPAD case; 
                                      3) felted mini vessel to hold small accessories; 

                                      4) felted soap and quilted/felted key ring

At last all the swap stockings from our group

A group photo showing off al the stocking goodies plus others below.

Overall, great fun and already planning what we will do later this year.
I hope you enjoyed this post, and please like or comment if you wish.  thanks

2014 REFLECTIONS - MOVING AHEAD IN 2015

As I move forward into 2015 with plans for more growth, and an on-line business I had to stop and reflect on 2014.   Overall it was a good year full of new opportunities, new friends and many firsts.

-My first full year as a fiber artist, working on my own time.

-My first Art Walk in partnership with my cousin(www.indajewelrydesigns.com  where I sold my first quilt

-My first Juried Craft Festival at New York's Lincoln Center which i wrote about in an earlier blog.  With the help and support of family and friends it turned out to be a great experience, and one I plan to repeat in 2015.

-Took a trip to Portland, Oregon to study with one of my favorite artist,www.Andrea-graham.com.
Learned the art of making a felted "bag with character" as well as sculptured felt jewelry. I then came back home and made a couple of bags on my own.

-Took an on-line felting course where i learned a lot of new techniques including 3D felting.    Another great instructor www.fionaduthie.com

-Taught my first quilting class at Bernina (www.bernina-nj.com), which I wrote about in an earlier blog.  Lots of fun, and something I would like to do more of in 2015.

-December - opened my on-line Etsy shop (www.josiescolourfulart.etsy.com)

Now 2015 is here, and I already have a plan of things I need to accomplish so stay tuned for what I hope to be another good year.   I will also pledge to write more in my blog.

The one thing I will share is a commitment to complete my unfinished quilts this year.  I managed to complete a few last year, but still have another 4-5 to finish.   Of course, as with most quilters we're always creating new projects in addition to finishing up the old so I don't see that changing.  I would also like to do smaller art quilts this year.

Special thanks goes out to 2 local quilt groups where I'm a member including "The Teacups" and the North Jersey Modern Quilt Guild (www.njmqg.com).  The meetings we have are invaluable and always filled with so much inspiration.

Thanks to you all for your continued support in reading my blog.

Josie

FROM HEART TO HAND: AFRICAN-AMERICAN QUILTS from the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

If you were lucky enough to see this exhibit then you will understand when I say it was truly inspirational.  https://montclairartmuseum.org/content/heart-hand-african-american-quilts-montgomery-museum-fine-arts

The quilts were made by African-Americans from Alabama.  While I enjoyed all quilts, I did have some  favorites including Yvonne Wells, a self taught artist,  who's pictorial quilts told stories about the civil-rights movement, religion, etc.  As I strolled through the one room which contained about 10 of Yvonne's quilts, I was  fascinated by the stories attached to each quilt and found myself lingering much longer than I anticipated for the small exhibit.   The level of detail on each quilt was amazing, including the hand quilting.  The quilt using old ties took 160 hours to make + 37 hours just for the embroidery.

If you did not see the exhibit, then come with me on a journey as I share some of the photos I took during my visit. The last day of the exhibit is tomorrow.,

The Higginbothams II dressed in their Sunday best

Add caption

The Whole Armour of God

Housetop/Strip Quilt by Plummer T.Pettway (Gee's Band)

Strings by Mary Lee Bendolph (Gee's Band)

Rosa Parks I- Yvonne Wells

Yesterday: Civil Rights in the South III

Nora's Neckties in 3D