Rod Pocket Added, Label On, Finished

I've been finding more and more reasons to avoid finishing my quilt "Where Is Cornelia?" My latest thought was to add some of the swirly fabric to the edges of the design. So I've been busy cutting sections of the fabric and placing them around the quilt. (Keeping in mind that I still wanted to use this limited fabric for the binding, I had to be a bit careful not to cut it up completely.)

This was the final decision. Fusible adhesive was added to the back of the pieces. They were re-trimmed to clean up the edges and fused in place.  

The piece was quilted and the binding added. 

Finished.

Or so I thought.  

Hm.......Maybe a few beads added to the edge?

A pair of under-loved earrings was sacrificed and dismantled. The color was too good to pass up.

NOW, I done!

Rod pocket added. Label on.

My pattern "Where Is Cornelia?"

it is available for purchase on my website.

Linked to Off the Wall Friday

 The Art Quilt Blog

"Where Is Cornelia?"

Hi, I am continuing to work on my "Where Is Cornelia?" wall hanging.

After using colored pencils in the background of my "Where Is Cornelia?" quilt, I found matching metallic thread and added some stitching on the edge of the flowers. 

They are already fused onto the background so the stitching is only ornamental. (See all the things you can do to avoid actually finishing a project!)

My next search was for interesting, complimentary fabric that I could use for a binding. I came up with this after rejecting several other choices. The curving lines seem to add to the center design without competing with it. So, on I go.

But.....

Wait!

The fact that the fabric was cut along some of the swirls inspired me to start thinking in a new direction. What if I added some of the swirls to the edge of the design? 

(Yes, I know, another way to prolong finishing it!)

Maybe next week????

If you are interested in making your own version of 

my pattern "Where Is Cornelia?"

it is available for purchase on my website.

Linked to Off the Wall Friday

It's Not too Late!

Now that the winter is warmed, (yes, the temperature is above zero again today), we are excited about stepping out and enjoying the world again.

It's the perfect time to enjoy two upcoming events.

The first event is in Rhinelander, WI on this coming Saturday, January 18, 2014.  Enjoy viewing the challenge quilts of the Fiber Friends and chat with the members.

FIBER FRIENDS EXHIBIT

JANUARY 18, 2014

1-3 P.M.

Fiber Friends, a 10 member art quilt group from Northern Wisconsin, will be visiting Sew Smart, Rhinelander and Diane's Frame shop, Rhinelander for an artist reception and demonstrating various surface designs, embellishment & stitching techniques.

Sew Smart, Rhinelander

9 S. Brown Street

Sharon Rotz-    free motion stitching

Pat Gaska-       Angelina fiber application

Helen Tumas-   enhanced decorative machine stitching

Diane's Frame Shop

6 N. Brown Street

Connie Warshall-    machine needle felting

Gale Wilcox-           beading & embroidery on fabric

Pat Rasmussen-      gelli plate printing

Come and be inspired.  See you there.

*******

And, it's not too late to enter your quilts in 

"The Art of the Quilter: III" in Wittenberg, WI.  

This is the third judged Quilt Show at the WOWSPACE Gallery. 

Click here for information and forms needed to enter the show.

Don't delay!  Share your quilts with pride!

 Your work, completed Exhibitor Contract and entry fees may be brought to the Business and More, 600 Webb St. Monday, January 13 through Friday, January, 17, during usual business hours. 

"The Art of the Quilter: III"

Show opens Saturday, January 25, 11am - 3pm, WOWSPACE, 114 Vinal Street, Wittenberg, WI. Show continues Saturdays and Sundays, 11am - 3pm, through February 16

Bonuses: A boutique will feature small quilted articles, books  and patterns.

Talks:

January 25, 1PM, Louise Schotz, "A Quilter's Eye Views South African Art," Wittenberg Community Center. Suggested donation~$5

February 8, 1PM, Sharon Rotz, "Oh My Stars, What I Have Learned," Wittenberg Community Center. Suggested donation~$5.

Stepping Up

I've been taking some steps to meet my goals for 2014. They may be baby steps, but even baby steps will add up if I keep with it.

I did get the new needle into my machine. By the way, my machine was happy, happy, happy especially after I used my old needle to repair snow pants. (Yes, it was a big fat minus degrees again today, -16 degrees, I believe,)

And I cleaned my machine. 

It always pays to have quality tools. 

I can't believe with all of my better brushes, this one is still around.

This shelf certainly deserved make-over. 

Even tiny improvements brighten my day.

When cleaning the shelf I found (surprise) a small wall quilt, "Where Is Cornelia?" that wasn't finished. 

Now, I am having fun trying something new. I am adding color to the background with colored pencils.

This could open up new doors for exploring future quilting projects.

Oh yes, about that unquilted top.... well, I did buy a quilt batt. That was a positive step.

Now, back to those colored pencils.

If you are interested in making your own version of 

my pattern "Where Is Cornelia?"

it is available for purchase on my website.

Welcome 2014

I welcome the new year and with it the chance to start with a fresh slate.  Last year was, well, last year and I'm ready to start anew. The mistakes are forgotten, and the unfinished is forgiven.

This year I will do better. My goals include:

Finishing up Projects.

I can start by quilting this long-put-aside quilt top. I don't want to think of the length of time it has been waiting.




Cleaning and Re-organizing my Studio.

I can start with my sewing machine by cleaning it and putting in a fresh needle. Maybe I will master only one shelf or one corner at a time but little improvements will lead to great accomplishments.


Exploring with New Materials and Techniques

This may go from last to first. Sometimes, I just can't wait.

Will this be the year that I will be disciplined enough to complete all of my goals?

What are your goals for 2014?  They say writing a list is the first step.

Linked to Off the Wall Friday