Moving Straight From A to B?

Do you move straight from A to B? Do you continue from start to finish on one project at a time? There are moments when I do. There are times when the task needs to be done in a certain time frame and there can be no deviations.

More often, I wander. I wander from one project to another. It could be due to a creative stumbling block. It could be due to a lack of a certain material needed to complete the project. Or it could be the project simply got crowded out by another more pressing job.

This week, I wandered back to my improv nine patch.

It was time to add to this project by making more 9 patch blocks. This was such a fun project, why did I leave it? What pulled me away?

No worry, I am back again. Back at making fun little squares to alternate with my pumpkin Radiance fabric.

Another mate to the first.

Then a block with opposite placement

and a second.

Then put them all together into a Nine Patch Quad.  

Oh, I think it just named itself. We'll see if the name sticks.

Now back to the corner for you. I have some Christmas shopping to do.

Linked to: Off the Wall Fridays

Tuesday's Tile - Adding Beads

Quilter's Tile - Red Leaves with Beads

8" x 8"

©2012 Sharon V. Rotz

I am in awe of the exquisite beaded works of Sharon L. Wright exhibited at the Form and Function gallery exhibit at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, WI.

After seeing her work, I knew I wanted to try adding beads to my own art projects. My attempts would be a far cry from her level of expertise but you learn by doing and I was ready "to do".

I had a finished quilter's tile that I felt could use additional interest and adding beads would provide it.  Out came a small container of mixed red beads that I was saving. (No, I didn't know when I purchased the beads that I needed it for this project, but it is so apparent now.)

I randomly added beads to the corner, building out to more scattered beads. 

Between and around the beads, I added french knots using embroidery floss. I had never combined beads and embroidery before. Again, thanks to Sharon, for the inspiration.

I used six strands for the heavier knots and three strands for the finer knots.

I'm happy with the combination of beads, knots, and the row of dots on the printed fabric.

Who inspired you today?

Art 4 Charity

In between the mad dash of Black Friday Specials and feverish Christmas shopping, it also a good time to reflect on the wonderful things in our lives. It is also a wonderful time to donate to charities that help those around us.

I am happy to be part of Art 4 Charity going on at Originals, Etc. in Waupaca WI. Several artists have donated a piece of art that will be sold with the entire proceeds from the sale going to the charity of the purchaser's choice. Isn't this a fantastic way to get a gift for you, a friend or family member and make your money double it's worth?

Stop by and see David. He will help you on your way to a perfect gift-giving Christmas.

Tuesday's Tile - Pods

Quilter's Tile - Pods

8" x 8"

©2012 - Sharon V. Rotz

Last Tuesday, I had completed the top for this tile but was unsure of how I would finish it. There are always so many options for quilting and finishing a piece. Often, I am unsure of the final result until I dive in and start.

Because this blue section resembled a pod, I went with that in mind and quilted little round seeds. Here I am using a variegated Sulky 40 weight rayon thread. I loved how the colors changed across the length of the seed pod.

I built up visual interest by the repeat of the fabric pattern and the quilting. To compliment this, I used a batting filled tube of the striped silk. Using the directions from my Fasturn®, fabric tube turning system, I added in a narrow strip of batting as I turned the tube. This gave me a soft and pliable tube which was perfect for this project.

What would you have done to finish this project? Would you have added more, less, or gone in an entirely different direction?

"Form and Function" Art Exhibit

You are invited to the Gala Opening of

Form and Function

November 16, 5-7 p.m.

at the 

Center for the Visual Arts

427 N 4th Street

Wausau, WI  54403

Many artists stand on the edge of form and function. Has function met form? Has form followed function? Artists working in textiles, jewellery, pewter, wood, and other mediums walk this fine line making utilitarian beautiful and bringing a functionality to the decorative. 

 Featured Artists:  Nathan Hatch, Rebecca Hungerford, Paul Jensen, Paul Klein, Char TerBeest-Kudia, Erika Mock, Timothy O'Neill, Sharon Rotz, TJ Roovers, Mariella TerBeest-Schladweiler, Richard Schneider, Louise Schotz, Laura Wasilowski and Sharon Wright.

Tuesday's Tile - What Inspired You Today?

Pods 4

©2012 Sharon V. Rotz

Where do you get the inspiration for your art projects? 

When I am looking for subject matter for my Quilter's Tiles, I often have a bit of an idea that I want to pursue before I work on a larger art project. 

Today was different. For today's tile I found scraps of fabric from a previous project and was eager to see where they would lead me. Would I make a repeat of Pods 4 or would I be led in a different direction?

Because the scraps already had the beginnings of shapes, I started fitting them together. I'm stretching away from the drawing and cutting pattern pieces that I did for Pods 4. A more serendipitous approach today.

Obviously, a little trimming is in order here.

By overlapping the two sections,

I trimmed them to shape.

Now they are ready to stitch together.

Since I had not accounted for seam allowances, I stitched close to the edge. I do not feel this piece will suffer from wear and the narrow seam allowance will be fine.

Here is the seam stitched and pressed and ready for the next strip to be added on.

Upside down or right side up, I like my small composition. At this point, I don't know which side will be up and I'm open to looking at it from a different view point. What do you think? This side up 

or that side up?

I've layered and pinned so now the next step will be the quilting. Will that be the final step? Even I don't know the answer yet.

Leaf Around a Bit More

Here is another idea to go along with the fall leaves stitched to the edge of the coaster in my previous post.

Make additional leaves and attach them to the ends of a wide ribbon. The ribbons are then tied around pillows to lend a seasonal touch to the pillows.

Wouldn't these be perfect for my Thanksgiving celebration?

Leaf It Up a Bit

Leafy Coaster

©Sharon V. Rotz

Although this is a bit away from my other Quilter's Tiles, it is close in size and so appropriate for the season. This coaster would be perfect for that relaxing cup of coffee or second piece of pie after your Thanksgiving gala.  

These coasters are decorated with flannel and felt leaves made using the autumn leaves we have gathered as patterns. (Better get those leaves quickly as today light snow is beginning to fall here.)  

Complete directions for this project are in my book Quilting Through the Seasons available on my website.

Getting it Together and Traveling On

My new quilt is coming together as the background is added and the sections are combined.

Recently, I traveled to Des Moines, IA where we gathered for a class on string piecing.  I enjoyed meeting so many new friends and sharing ideas with them. My quilts loved the opportunity to show off and puffed themselves up with pride as they were displayed during two lectures for the guild. Is it any wonder that they didn't all fit back into the suitcases for the ride home?

We spent one day paper piecing Mariner's Compasses for the center of the G.P.S. wall quilts.

Busy sewing

and trimming.

Anything to get a good picture. 

My friend Mary, who traveled with me and was a valued assistant, myself, and Peggy, who hosted us at her lovely home.