Happy Halloween

I'll be out riding my broom tonight and collecting candy from unsuspecting children.

See you tomorrow.

The Stitches Go In, The Stitches Come Out!

This was definitely not part of the plan. Normally, I don't plan to stitch my quilting designs and then spent the next day pulling out all of my stitching. But it was one of those days!

I was working on the quilting for my broken star quilt when my bobbin thread ran out. (No, I didn't quilt on and on without thread, that story was part of another day's trauma. Now that I look at the situation, it would have solved today's issue.)

Back to today, I replaced the bobbin and continued on, quilting merrily around my quilt. I had a good section marked and I was "in the zone" as I stitched and day-dreamed on and on. I finished up the section and turned the quilt over. Yes, there was the problem. The tension as off and the bobbin thread was too tight and all of my stitches were pulling to the back.

Now, I know.  I should have checked after a few stitches, but I didn't and so I pay the price. I am sitting here taking out all of my stitching. I am sitting here telling myself that I should listen to my own good advice.

Seems it's another case of leading by example. (Bad example!)

How do teachers know the good ways to get things done? Could it possibly be because.....    possibly............... just maybe...........they've found out the hard way!

Tomorrow, I will be quilting again. And this time, since I will have had all that practice, my stitches should be perfect!!!

A Failure or Not?

Can sketching improve your quilting?

Recently in a moment of great motivation, I tried adding blue paint (dye) to some card stock. I'm sure I had a fabulous plan in my head. 

Actually, I used Dye-na-flow paints which I had purchased for fabric. But in the moment, you go with what is within your reach.

Needlessly, things did not go as planned. Adding paint and water, and then there was coloring running is strange and unexpected directions. No, no, no, not the plan. 

(I'm sure that has never happened in your life but constantly happens to me.)

After thinking this project was a failure, I later picked up my black Sharpie marker and started drawing using the blue shapes for inspiration. I had no expectations and no pressure to achieve because in my mind this already was a failed project.. Just fun playing and seeing what will happen next.

Will this exercise help my quilting? I think it will, because projects are never a failure, they are just projects not yet completed.

My Students are "Branching Out"

Recently I taught my "Branching Out" class at Antoinette's Quilt Shop in Plover, WI.

One of the nicest things about teaching is meeting all the students and sharing with them a love of quilting.

It is always fun to see other quilters' fabric choices and how one pattern can take on several looks just by the picks we make.

Make it a priority to visit your local shop to see the latest in fabrics and ideas. Join a class and you will be inspired as you learn new techniques. 

Branching Out, It's in the Details

Branching Out

48" x 65"

Sharon V. Rotz

The fun of making a quilt is often in the details. Here are some detail shots of my new pattern, "Branching Out". To purchase, click here.

A spirited fabric enlivens the block while the cute little owls peek out of every corner.

Stop by tomorrow to see what fabrics students chose in a recent class. 

Inspired by Autumn Leaves

Capturing the Sun

13" x 13"

Sharon V. Rotz

Inspired by colorful autumn leaves, these small quilts are fused using hand-dyed cottons and silks.

The background is an over-dyed cotton. Over-dying starts with a commercially printed cotton and then dyed to create a new look.

Machine quilting and hand stitched beads add detail.

You can follow the complete process for making these quilts by clicking here.

Fall Inspiration

With the brilliant colors of fall surrounding us, how can we not be inspired to attempt to capture the glow in a piece of artwork?

The beauty of the these trees is swimming around in my head and ideas are forming. How will they be transformed into fabric? Should I go with a realistic shape for each colorful leaf? Should I abstract the view? Or should I use the color combinations as a basis for my work?  Should I paint or dye fabric or search commercial fabrics for my palette?

What inspires your artwork? How do you choose?

You're Invited

Are you looking for fabulous artwork?

Here is your chance to view the exhibit, purchase original artwork
 and support a great cause.

Please join members of the Wisconsin Visual Artists Guild on
Friday, October 21, 2011, 6-9 PM

at the 

Marshfield Clinic - Weston Center

3501 Cranberry Blvd

 Weston, Wisconsin

 for

Colorama 
2011 Fall Art Exhibition

Fund Raiser Art Sale and Awards Ceremony

proceeds to benefit
Marshfield Clinic's 
"Breast Cancer Research and Care Fund"

See you there! Stop and say "hi".

Is it a mystery?

2010 Sharon V. Rotz

You've seen my last quilt, Pods 4. What does it have in common with this quilt?

Which is your favorite? Why?

The Reveal, Finally!

Pods 4

28" x 29"

Sharon V. Rotz

It's done, finally.  The beads have been added and taken off and re-added and there is nothing else that I can think of doing.

The journey is finished and I can move on. It's rather a bittersweet moment. I'm happy that I've finished but I'm also sad because this was a fun project to work on, exploring along the way. I've tried new ideas for three-dimensional effects, different ideas for beading and new quilting and fabric choices.

Now for the critic. What are your thoughts? Positive, negative, too much, too little?