Sharon V. Rotz

Art of the Quilter: II

2012-01-26T10:27:00.000-06:00

photo from Art of the Quilter I, 2011

You are invited

Art of the Quilter: II

The Walls of Wittenberg is sponsoring its second juried quilt show to celebrate the art of Wisconsin Quilters.

January 21 - February 12, 2012

WOWSPACE

114 Vinal Street

Wittenberg, WI

(The WOWSPACE is opened Saturdays and Sundays, 11-3)

******

I hope you will enjoy the show and then

join me on Sunday, January 29, when I will be presenting

"From Grandmother's Bed

to Museum Wall"

a look at traditional quilts

and how we build on these time-honored themes

in our contemporary quilting

See you in Wittenberg

on Sunday, January 29

1 p.m.

at the Wittenberg Community Center

(half a block from the WOWSPACE Gallery)

Tuesday's Tile - The Walk

2012-01-24T08:56:00.002-06:00

Quilter's Tile - The Walk

8" x 8"

This week for my Quilter's Tile I used many of the same products and techniques that I used last week for a totally different result.

Starting with white muslin, I painted the background with Dye-Na-Flow paints. I added the blue Lumiere metallic paint using a credit card as my brush to create large areas of color. The edge of the card was used to make thin lines for my trees. To create thin, delicate branches I used a Micron Pigma 01 pen. This was a new effort for me and I really liked the results. I'll do this again.

Because I find hand embroidery relaxing and gives me time away from my machine, I made joyful little french knots with DMC embroidery floss. Using all six strands made heavy knots, while three strands made smaller knots to create a feeling of depth.i

This walk is a definite contrast to the scene outside our window today. We awoke to a snow covered winter wonderland. The white blanket of snow was breathtaking. Who knows, today's walk may lead to a new Tuesday's Tile. Check back next week to find out.

Winter's Garden

2012-01-20T08:58:00.001-06:00

O - Water Lilies

22" x 32"

You are invited to an exhibition of floral inspired art with live orchids in bloom.

Winter's Garden

at the Riverfront Arts Center

1200 Crosby Ave.

Stevens Point, WI

I am pleased that my art quilt "O- Water Lilies" will be part of the juried exhibit. You have been watching the progress of this piece on my blog and now you will be able to see it in person.

To make the three-dimensional petals, I fused two layers of fabric together and then stitched the petals on my machine using Superior Threads Glitter metallic thread in the needle.

I used matching pink cotton thread in the bobbin. I then cut close to the stitching to separate the petals.

These petals were added on to the center of the flowers.

detail of water lilies

Tuesday's Tile - Looking at a New Age

2012-01-17T08:30:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - "Looking at a New Age"

8" x 8"

Some Quilter's Tiles happen quickly. An idea may come and I jump on it and it is finished before I know it. Other Quilter's Tiles are the product of several adventures with different techniques.

The background of this tile was painted with Dye-Na-Flow paints some time ago. Later, I bought some Lumiere Metallic paints and another bit was added.

The borders are added using Kaufman Radiance silk fabric. They have a wonderful reflective quality that adds highlights to your quilt. The fabric blended beautifully with the shine of the metallic paint.

I especially liked the contrast of the olive borders with the hand-dyed turquoise (lovely fabric dyed by Frieda Anderson).

I machine quilted some areas of the quilt and then had quiet moments while I relaxed and added hand embroidery stitches. Love making those cute little french knots.

Not all finished in a flash, but a slow process as I meandered from technique to technique.

Double Wedding Ring or Not?

2012-01-13T09:25:00.000-06:00

On a cold, snowy winter's day, we dream of sunshine, warm temperatures and flower gardens. In this case, not frozen, windswept water but glorious blossoms on pad-covered (liquid) water.

As I pondered the fate of my blue pre-cut double wedding ring pieces, I started rearranging them. I felt perhaps they could be put together as they were. So much less work. I would stitch them into rows, well, maybe curvy rows and see if they could be used.

This turned out to be an exciting experiment even though the rows weren't straight. Definitely, not for the pure at heart. They took on a life of their own. I stitched the rows together adding a strip of hand-dyed fabric in.

This reminds me of dappled water. What do you see?

What is my next step?

Tuesday's Tiles - Punch Patch Posies

2012-01-10T08:59:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - Punch Patch Posies

8" x 8"

Since I had all of the tools close at hand, I thought I should try another method of needle felting. It is also possible to needle punch patches of wool cut from wool fabrics.

Here I made a simple quilt using patches cut from scraps of wool clothing fabrics (clothes that I had made, not that I was wearing, altho...)

I dug into a long lost bag of yarn and found wool yarn left from a crewel embroidery project, a beautiful piece that my mother-in-law had made. I remember it hanging in her house at the top of the staircase. (Now, lucky me, I have it hanging in my studio.)

I cut yarn strands about a half inch longer than my background and punched them in. Oops. They shrunk up quite a bit, I wasn't counting on that happening. I now know they should be much longer.

Here you can see the back of my background fabric with all of the punches coming through. This side also presents possibilities. Oh good, another quilt will soon be dancing in my head.

What do you see?

Treasured Find?

2012-01-06T08:37:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was digging in my stash looking for a blue fabric, when I came across of bag of pieces all cut and waiting. The way my mind works, the original project was forgotten in the delight of my "new find". After studying them, I decided that they were cut for a double wedding ring. Did I ever make a double wedding ring? Or was I going to?

Then I remembered I did make one long ago for a wedding gift. Because I finished it without a moment to spare (the story of my life), it slipped from my memory.

Obviously, I was very ambitious to cut so many pieces that I didn't need. Now the question is, will I ever make another double wedding ring? Should I hold the pieces for that day?

Should I re-cut them into squares to use another way? They measure approximately 1-1/2" x 2" now, what would they be if I chose to re-cut them?

Or should I just rid myself of all responsibility and bury them in the garbage?

What would you do?

Tuesday's Tile - Flower, I Felt

2012-01-03T09:29:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - Flower, I Felt

8" x 8"

A cold day in January and a wish to stay warm led me to trying a new technique (for me). It was time to pull out the 'warm' wool roving (strands) I had stashed and find a bit of wool to place them on. I had gotten the wool from Peggy Yates of Peaceable Acres Farm Fiber Arts after visiting her and her adorable sheep one warm summer day.

It was then time to open that Clover Felting Needle Tool and have some fun punching the roving into the background wool. It is amazing how easy it is, love those barbed little wool fibers that hook together so nicely.

Now that my wool was hooked, it was easy to machine quilt over it creating my flower. The thread was 30 wt Sulky Blendables variegated cotton thread which showed up beautifully on the roving. I then added size 8 Miyuki seed beads and Kreinik Metallic 1/8"ribbon on the edge.

Aren't you impressed that I made notes of all of these things?

I am.

(You see, I am trying to keep that 2012 resolution to make better notes.)

Reflecting on 2011

2011-12-30T08:58:00.001-06:00

Climbing Roses combines several techniques including string piecing, serged three dimensional flowers, and a flounced edge.

I was thinking back on 2011 and the quilts I have worked on this past year. While I can think of several of them, others slip from my memory. Do you keep a listing of all of your projects? Or, perhaps you have been working on one that consumed all of your quilting time for the entire year.

Lizard Tails drew the most attention.

A few years ago, I decided to keep a notebook of my projects. The purpose was to document when I started, what fabrics, techniques, etc. that I used. This was a trial for me because I am much more of a doer than a documenter. With some projects, I made excellent notes and others just happened and were out the door before I even thought about noting them. This year, I will again resolve to do a better job of keeping notes.

My serged pillows put a smile on my face every time I look at them. I love the bright colors and combination of fabrics.

What were the quilts that I most enjoyed making this past year? Which one did I learn the most from? Was it a technique that I learned or perfected (well, hardly perfected, maybe got a little better at)? Was it the creativity that hooked me in? Which project was the most fun making? Was there one that I enjoy using daily? Were there quilts that gave me great joy in giving away?

I'm happiest about all of the quilts our Undercover Quilters group made and donated this year.

Where did your quilting life take you this past year? What joy did it bring into your life?

Tuesday's Tile - Wisdom or Gold

2011-12-27T08:49:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - Wisdom or Gold?

8" x 8"

Today's tile combines a variety of techniques. In the background of the piece, I've used Shiva Artist's Paintstiks over texture plates and Dye-na-Flow paints to vary the color of the fabric. I then took the fabric to my machine and added some decorative stitches using metallic thread. (Some of the over 200 stitches that my machine will do and I usually never use. What great options, I need to expand on this.)

For the writing, I dropped the feed dogs and machine quilted the words.

To finish off this tile, I went green and used recycled items. The borders strips were strips from old ties and the buttons cut from an old suit coat.

2011-12-23T08:30:00.000-06:00

And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Tuesday's Tile - Red Leaf

2011-12-20T08:30:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - Red Leaf

8" x 8"

In the midst of Christmas activities, a friend and I got together for some quilting playtime.

After watching Frieda Anderson and Laura Wasilowski with Nancy Zieman on Wisconsin Public Television, Pat and I set out to have our own fusing adventure. (By the way, I'm so thrilled to call these three talented quilters my friends. Frieda, Laura, and Nancy are all so enthusiastic about sharing, don't miss it if you have the opportunity to learn from them.)

Back to my quilting. Using pre-fused fabrics, I arranged and fused these pieces directly to the batting. Then I did a bit more fusing to add details. So quick and easy with great results. Another fun day.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

2011-12-16T09:03:00.001-06:00

Christmas has come to the table when red and green fabrics streak across in a cheery table runner.

For this project I used strips left over from another bigger quilt. Why would I think of tossing them when they can be easily stitched into multi-colored strips?

The pieced strips are cut into blocks and re-stitched into a quick table runner.

What have you done with excess Christmas fabric? The options are endless.

Tuesday's Tile - Wonderful Counselor

2011-12-13T08:51:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - Wonderful Counselor

8" x 8"

Today's Quilter's Tile is made of marbled fabric which I cut and added around a center marbled piece created by "Lost Marbles" by Debi Huff.

I added writing with a Pigma pen and handstitching.

The edge was finished off with hand beading.

Find Your Joy

2011-12-09T08:53:00.001-06:00

Are you bustling with holiday spirit? Even your sewing studio can have a simple festive look.

I've covered my small cabinet with a miniature Ohio star quilt to brighten my day as I work on Christmas gifts. This piece reminds me of days when I first started quilting, (many of you may recognize several of the fabrics) and brings to mind the joy I have found in my sewing studio.

One easy and quick project is to make your own Christmas greeting cards.

I started with scraps of fabric that I laid on a thin batting and machine quilted.

From the quilted piece, I cut out letters and stitched them onto card stock (yes, probably not so good for your needle, I used on old one.) The fabric was loosely woven and the edges are raveling but it wasn't a concern.

Today, the JOY is in creation

not in perfection.

Tuesday's Tile - Constellations

2011-12-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - Constellations

8" x 8"

And then the little angel flew off to the stars

where she lived with Greater Bear, Smaller Bear

and all of her other animal friends.

Looking through my sketchbook, I found this little angel and she was the inspiration for this whimsical quilter's tile.

My first step was to draw the angel's shape unto white muslin and used fabric markers to add color.

My little angel seemed upset with her surroundings, and I wasn't happy with the blue pencil that I added below the skirt.

New plan: Applying fusible to the back and cutting out the angel. She was much happier freed from her background. Obviously, she wanted to fly. I thought I would try something new. I fused the angel onto a thin polyester fleece type batting and trimmed her to shape.

This blue background seemed to suit the angel and I machine quilted her onto the quilt sandwich, leaving the edge of her wings free.

I used purchased single fold bias tape for the binding. Quite a challenge, as it was very narrow and hard to pull around the edge. It did look nice, like piping on the edge, but I don't think I will do it again.

2011-12-02T08:29:00.001-06:00

Are you in the Christmas mood? Have you been busy running from shop to shop as you search for the perfect gift? Is you home beginning to take on a festive air?

As we put away Thanksgiving dishes and cleaned up from our holiday visitors, I gathered Christmas quilts to use in decorating our home. Often we face the dilemma of how to use a quilt which isn't sized for our bed. One of my favorite red and green quilts is smaller than my bed so I simply wrapped a coordinating sheet around the mattress and centered the quilt on the bed.

No, pillow tuck? Another quilt, lap size, covers the pillows. The red backs of my decorator pillows add a splash of color behind two muslin quilted throw pillows.

Instantly, we have transformed the room into a festive retreat for our next guest.

Tuesday's Tile - White on white

2011-11-29T08:30:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - White on White

8" x 8"

Floating on a cloud

Peaceful, gentle breeze

This week's project is one that enabled me to enjoy the gentle art of hand stitching. Everything here was done with a hand needle, a spool of thread and a bit of heavier pearl cotton thread.

Also, my color muse was on vacation and I only used white muslin. This was a stretch but I do like the result.

I had the opportunity to play with yo-yos, different sizes, shapes and applications. Some were appliqued around the edge, and some were attached just at the center.

To make a yo-yo, a row of hand stitching is done on the edge of the circle.

The thread is pulled to gather.

The yo-yo is complete with the gathering centered.

The fun begins as you change where the gathering is located.

As these off-centered yo-yos are placed, the fabric starts to balloon. Therefore, the large ones were furrowed, a method where the ballooning fabric is tacked to make a lovely, textured surface.

Tuesday's Tiles - "Did You Hear......."

2011-11-22T08:30:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - "Did You Hear...."

8" x 8"

For today's Quilter's Tile, I tried an idea I saw on the Pink House Studio blog where paint blobs on paper were folded to get the reverse image.

Of course, I had to try this on fabric using textile paint. Using red paint, I blobbed, folded, opened and let my fabric dry. Then my imagination went to work. How was I going to take my blobs and make something out of them???

Digging through a drawer, I found fabric markers which were set aside and forgotten. The colors seemed a bit bright, but, until you try, you don't know. And, they weren't dried up, the color flowed freely. My Quilter's Tiles are a chance for me to experiment and investigate ideas, aren't they?

I used the orange to draw around and over my textile paint blobs. Little creatures were taking shape.

I don't know what I was thinking when I picked up the turquoise marker, but suddenly my creatures were surrounded. Were they now in a fish bowl, or pictured in an elaborate frame? And, what were they saying, already gossiping??? Were they telling stories about ME?

Layering and backing my mini quilt, I was off to my sewing machine. Free motion quilting added detail and texture (as it always does).

Now that I'm ready to finish off the edges, I realize that I was way to close to the edge with my markers and I would be trimming off the design or covering it up with any of my favorite binding techniques. Now what?

I tried zigzagging the edge with white thread. This didn't cut off any of my design but it seemed to stretch the edge. Guess I'm not done yet!

Another trip to the sewing closet. I dug into my trims and found this narrow rickrack which I stitched onto the edge. Keeping it taut, the rickrack drew up the stretching and the edge is flat and finished.

Lesson of the week: Remember to leave room so you don't get pushed off the quilt.

Finished, at last and in the spotlight

2011-11-18T08:53:00.001-06:00

As I walked into my studio this morning, the sun was coming through the window and there in the spotlight was my blue broken star. I had just completed hand stitching the binding last night and now my finished quilt was shining in all its splendor. Finished, at last.

Today, I want to share with you the method that I used for the binding.

First I cut strips of one of my coordinating fabrics, piecing as needed to get the length. I make enough to got around the quilt plus at least 6 inches extra. Because this quilt has an uneven edge, I allowed a bit more.

I fed one end of the strip through a Clover 18 mm ( 3/4") bias tape marker.

I pulled the bias tape maker along and pressed the strip as it came out.

Then I opened one side of my coordinating tape and stitched it to the quilt edge for a binding. This strip was then folded around to the back of the quilt and hand stitched to the back.

Blue Broken Star

44" x 44"

The basic pattern for a broken star quilt is available at my website.

How will you make it your own?

Tuesday's Tiles

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile - Ghosts of Koi
8" x 8"
©2011 Sharon V. Rotz

One bright and sunny day, the happy little quilter decided to brighten up her garden with a soothing and serene pond full of colorful, orange and white koi. The little quilter dug and dug and filled her pond with clear, clean water. Cheerfully, she admired her beautiful koi as she placed them in the water. How she loved their bright, intense orange color.

But, as the fish splashed into the water, their brilliant color began to bleed. Alas, they were not colorfast. The sad little quilter was left with nothing but ghosts of koi.

Moral of story: Always test your koi before adding them to your pond.

Today's Tile was made using Jacquard's Dye-na-Flow and Lumiere paints. The orange Dye-na-Flow was marbled into the background. The metallic olive Lumiere was painted on with a round brush. The fish were drawn on with Zig Textile markers. The borders were fused on with Lite Steam-a-Seam. The free-motion quilting was done with a rich rust Madeira rayon thread.

I enjoyed each step along the way in this project, exploring and trying new things.

I tried a new way of finishing the quilt. (These steps were done before quilting.)

I pieced the back leaving a slit to turn the quilt. I then layered the backing, top and batting and stitched totally around the quilt.

I turned the quilt, only to find that the corners were not not firmly stitched and starting to pull apart. Oops!

As you can tell by my lack of concern, things like this often happen and I just carry on.

Plan 2: I am now "rounding" the corners. I'm going to like this so much better now!! (Actually, I did.)

After turning the quilt, I hand stitched the opening closed. I then pressed the edges and machine quilted my quilter's tile.

I did like this finishing method and I would do it again.

Squares, Anyone?

2011-11-11T08:38:00.001-06:00

What is it about squares?

Do you finished off your quilts with quilted squares (crosshatching)?

I've found this is one of my favorite, go to, choices for quilting areas of my quilts. Is it the consistency of the pattern? Is it the predictability? Is it the way the light hits the surface giving each little square an area of highlight and shadow?

Again, I have found myself falling back to this old favorite. It seemed to set off the other areas of quilting nicely. Quilting squares is not always the easiest to do. It can involved a lot of starts and stops or constantly turning the quilt. Today, I've chosen to free-motion my squares. It will eliminate the turning and stopping but it is definitely a challenge to make straight and even lines.

Do you find squares a perfect choice for your projects? What is your best working method?

Small Play, Quilter's Tiles

2011-11-08T09:15:00.000-06:00

Quilter's Tile #1

8" x 8"

Sharon V. Rotz

No, I have not finished all of my larger quilts. I am still quilting on my blue broken star. I still have grand ideas and more large projects floating around in my head ready for their moment.

But, I have found great joy in making small quilted projects which I am calling Quilter's Tiles. There are so many things I want to try. Everyday, I am inspired by something I see on another blog or read about in a quilting magazine.

I can't wait to try new ideas and have found a fun way to experiment and end up with a finished project. It may be spectacular or it may be a dud, chances are it will be somewhere in between. Mostly, it will be a learning experience.

Because, I want to share the fun with you and get your thoughts and suggestions, I will be posting my Quilter's Tiles on Mondays. (See I've already missed this week.)

Stop by and see what's happening.

Lullaby or a March?

2011-11-01T16:05:00.000-05:00

As you can see, I'm back to quilting my broken star quilt. All the stitches that I took out are back in. It was easier the second time and I made doubly sure that I checked the back of my quilt to see that the stitch tension was fine. In fact, I checked several times.

See..... a lesson learned, well..... truthfully........., re-learned.

I enjoy seeing my quilt take on its personality. Before I started, it was just a flat surface, granted, a rather nice flat surface, but it was definitely lacking charm. The quilting adds so much to a quilt. It's when a quilt really comes into its own.

Will the quilt's personality become a soft, soothing lullaby or will it speak with the crisp, sharp notes of a high stepping march? Today, my quilt is bringing forth its voice with smooth curves, highlighted with wonderful puffs and flatten spaces.

My sewing machine is calling. It's back to stitching.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T16:16:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-10-27T14:11:00.001-05:00

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?

2011-10-24T10:14:00.000-05:00

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"

2011-10-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-20T13:44:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-15T12:00:00.003-05:00

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

2011-10-13T08:57:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-11T09:08:00.004-05:00

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?

2011-10-06T08:43:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-10-01T09:01:00.000-05:00

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?

Over-thinking Just a Bit?

2011-09-29T09:03:00.002-05:00

Am I thinking too hard? Will my brain explode or just give a few warning beeps and go dead as my cell phone does?

I was thinking and re-thinking about my little beaded fringes on the bottom of my quilt. Since the edge curves should the bead fringes shorten to keep the lower edge in an even horizontal line? Do others even stop to consider this petty things?

Well, I tried it and it didn't work.

Apparently, the curve of the fabric at that point didn't equal the space required to eliminate one bead in each of the last rows. Now the last three rows of beads are traveling uphill.

It's time to "cut the apron strings" or, in this case, the bead strings and "let the beads fall where they may" (they usually do) and re-stitch the last three fringes. And then the quilt will be done, again!

Do You Travel in a Straight Line?

2011-09-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

Bounce, bounce, bounce! Do you travel through life in a straight line? I certainly don't. I bounce back and forth. When I have a project that requires more thought, a project that won't cooperate, or, face it, a project that I'm mad at for the moment, I travel on to something different.

Well, today I'm traveling back to a previous project. My "pods" project may have had binding on it but I didn't consider it done yet. I know that goes against every rule and that wonderful feeling of "when the binding is finished, the quilt is finished, ah!"

Are you still following me? Back to "Pods" and more to do. The addition of beads was my answer. A trip to a local bead store and I was set to add detail to my quilt. So I added beads to the top binding. I had never tried this before so it was a learning experience. After a few tries, I was happy with this result.

Then I added another section to the quilt. Added, of course, by beading the two sections together.

I was on a beading roll now and my bead tube was far from empty, so beads were added to this new section.

And why not some beads dangling off the bottom? That's where I am right now.

How will this all look? Please stop by again for the finished product. (Just hope nothing gets in the way and my quilt will finally be finished.)

As always, I would appreciate your comments.

All "Puffed" Up

2011-09-21T09:25:00.000-05:00

One of the techniques that we explore in my "Puffs, Tucks and Pleats" class is making puffs. This simple technique can be used to add excitement to your next quilting project.

To make a puff, cut a circle that is twice the desired size. The outer edge of the circle can be left raw-edged or can be finished off by any number of sewing (or serging) stitches.

Make a secure knot at one end of your thread and hand stitch an inner circle. I like to use a quilting weight thread so it is less likely to break as I draw up the stitches.

Next step: Draw up those stitches, gathering the fabric into a puff. Pull the gathering thread to the wrong side and knot.

Yes, it's as easy as that.

Here I've used free-form circles to make flower shaped puffs. Three puffs grouped together created a fast and easy corsage.

Teaching at WI Quilt Expo 2011

2011-09-15T08:35:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful time at WI Quilt Expo meeting so many enthusiastic quilters. We had a fun time in class learning dimensional techniques to add to our quilts. We "yo-yo"ed and "puffed" and "ruched" and "flounced".

Serendipity Surfaces

2011-09-06T08:44:00.000-05:00

Today, I am back to an earlier post. I was busy quilting this piece, another quilt from my "Pod" series. You have followed me through the stippling and quilting following the leaf design. I have also quilted vertical lines to pop up the curving shapes. A wonderful surprise happened when I stitched over the striped silk. It developed a woven look.

Don't you love it when serendipitous things creep into your projects enhancing them beyond your expectations? Ah, the moment of discovery. This is worth your time and efforts.

May you, too, have an exciting moment of discovery today.

(Now, I have to go measure my quilt to see if it is as crooked as it looks in the photo. Hopefully, my quilting skills are better than my photo skills indicate.)

P.S. It's not done yet. Look for this piece to show up again.

Join Me in Madison, WI

2011-08-31T09:12:00.000-05:00

Puffs, Tucks and Pleats class

Sharon V. Rotz

Join me in Madison, WI for the Quilt Expo on September 8-10, 2011. This is a marvelous opportunity to meet quilters, take classes, view outstanding quilts, and learn fresh ideas during lectures with top quilting teachers.

I have the privilege of sharing with you through a class "Puffs, Tucks, and Pleats", full of ideas for adding three-dimensional details to your quilts.

Looking for new ways to use your serger? Join me at a Stage Presentation as I demonstrate ideas for using your serger as a quilting tool. See quilts from my book "Serge and Merge Quilts" and new ideas that have popped up since publication.

We are not always ready to jump into making a large quilt. I have had so much fun making smaller projects and I would love to have the chance to share these with you. We will have fun digging into my trunk show of small quilts in my lecture "Not Bed Size".

It's not too late to be a part of the action. See you in Madison.

Look for me and stop and say "hi". I would love to have the opportunity to talk to you.

No, Not This Time!

2011-08-22T09:05:00.000-05:00

Lizard Tails

25" x 39"

Sharon V. Rotz

In my last blog, I was commenting about choosing my quilting pattern based on the design of the fabric. This is often a fast and easy choice and, in this case, I do have a fun fabric design to follow. But, some quilts demand a different approach, no going with the flow here. These lizard tails have a mind of their own, and there will be no lizard trails on this quilt.

In Lizard Tails, the quilt blocks are simplified. There are no complicated paper piecing units nor intricate applique details to design around. This gives me the opportunity to add drama with my quilting. Complexity and excitement are created with flowing lines that cross the quilt top with no relationship to the blocks nor the fabric design.

To me, this seemed the perfect choice to finishing my project. Would you have chosen differently?

If you have been following my previous blogs, you've seen this block before. Yes, it is the same one that I have used in my pattern "Branching Out". Did you recognize it?

As always, your comments are welcome.

Yes or No? Do You Follow the Flow?

2011-08-19T09:05:00.002-05:00

I am over my stippling hurdle. I've chewed and chewed and swallowed my words as I slowly made my way stippling across the quilt. (Please take note of that lovely stippling on the right side of the photo.)

Now for quilting the next section. This brings up a new question.

Does your fabric dictate to you? Or, do you clamp down like a stubborn child and tell it "You're not the boss of me!"

Today the answer is "Yes, I will follow the flow." The print of this fabric has definitely captured my attention. Following the lines of the print with my quilting brings the fabric to life.

Oh my, the advantages of going with the flow. My quilting decision has been made (Isn't that always a hurdle to jump over?), there will be no quilting lines to mark and therefore no marks to have to remove (another high point) and in this case, it suits the fabric perfectly.

Do you tend to follow the flow or does your quilting go off in a new direction?

Just a note: I would love to hear from you but I've heard that some people are having difficulty adding comments. Click here for another way to send me your thoughts.

To answer an e-mail: Yes, I will post a photo of this project when it is completed.

I Said I Would Never Do It Again

2011-08-17T08:40:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, I had seen all the stippling I had ever wanted to see. As quilters learned to machine quilt, it seemed to be the most popular option. Or if quilters didn't want to or couldn't make a decision about the quilting, it became "just stipple it". (Most times they really meant just large meandering lines around the quilt.)

I said I would never stipple a quilt again. There were too many other options out there to try. I had just scratched the surface of all that could be done.

Today, I sat at my machine stippling, yes, stippling a section of my newest quilt. And, yes again, chewing on those words.

In this case, I felt it was the right thing to do. The quilting compressed this section highlighting some areas and adding a delightful texture to the light blue batik fabric.

Are you a fan of stippling or not?

Have you ever fallen back and done a technique that you said you would not do again?

Am I the only, lonely, one?

Many Pieces Come Together

2011-08-10T10:10:00.001-05:00

Pieces, pieces, everywhere!

I seem to find a wealth of pieces for quilting projects, or do they find me? Start digging in boxes and out they pop. Where exactly do they come from? Well, I do recognize some of the fabrics, so I know they are from my quilting past but others, when did they come into my hands?

In the spirit of our "make-do with what we have" pioneer forefathers (probably, foremothers is more accurate), I decided to see what I could do to put together a quilt top.

It's true, there is isn't much common ground between squares cut 4" and red and white 16 square blocks that measure 12-1/4". Then it was a matter of adding spacers in to fit.

Do you like jig-saw puzzles? Then, this would be a perfect fit for you.

I've found the key to the puzzle is to put together what goes together easily. Isn't this the way we start those jig-saw puzzles? Then its a matter of adding more pieces until we get it all to fit.

Yes, here it is together, I have a sense of accomplishment and feel a close connection to past quilters. I've found this free-spirited "make-do" quilt really warms my heart.

Small, Fast and Easy

2011-08-08T08:19:00.000-05:00

Quilter's Tile - Butterflies

8" x 8"

Sharon V. Rotz

Under the guidance of my junior art critics, I used a piece of marbled fabric as a base for a drawing. By pressing the fabric to freezer paper, it becomes stiff enough to easily draw on it with a black Sharpie permanent marker. There may be markers better suited to fabric but a Sharpie is in easy reach, draws well on fabric, and is perfect for a small, fun project.

With the marbled lines as inspiration, I let my imagination soar and drew free-style butterflies. I did do a bit of coloring with a fabric marker to highlight some areas. A colorful border made of scraps completed the edge. I layered and stitched the layers right sides together as I would a pillow. After turning, I closed the opening and machine quilted the piece.

A small project that is fast and easy to complete encourages us to try new options. I previously just admired my marbled attempts but didn't use them. Today, I pushed myself and had fun doing it. It will be easier tomorrow.

You can also see one of my Quilter's Tiles on The Art Quilt Blog. It is another small project starting with an original dyed fabric.

Have a creative day.

Two Things Learned from My Art Critics

2011-08-03T09:45:00.000-05:00

This past week I've been learning valuable art lessons from two of my favorite art teachers. One has a vast five years of art expertise and the second is just in the beginner stage with just two years of knowledge. Both enlightened me with fresh inspiration and valuable critic.

The first thing I learned was that your art should tell a story.

The artist should have a clear picture in his mind where he wants to go in his artwork. Here we are enjoying a party eating pepperoni pizza. Notice how happy we are as we celebrate the moment.

The subject matter, the pizza, claims the prestigious center of the drawing. And, we further draw attention to this important subject matter by leaning in and focusing our eyes on it.

The second thing that I learned was the importance of color.

Color should be used with wild abandon. Today the color was pink. Does it matter that we've never seen a pink dog before? Not at all. This is the artist's creative license freeing us from the constraints of real life.

I will take these valuable lessons to heart and draw on them in my future work.

Where have you learned your latest lessons?

New Pattern

2011-07-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

Branching Out

48" x 65"

Sharon V. Rotz

I am proud to introduce my newest pattern "Branching Out". This lap size quilt features a simple design just perfect for featuring a favorite novelty print. Add simple stripped and slashed units to add complexity to the large asymmetrical blocks. Show off your creativity as you chose different options when making your spacer blocks.

The fabric I have chosen for this quilt is "Opal Owl" by Free Spirit Fabrics. I love the whimsical look of the owls who-o-o-o (sorry, couldn't resist) peek out not only from the large blocks but from little corners scattered around the quilt.

As you can see if you've been following along my latest blogs that the same design elements are in this project. They have a totally different look when other fabrics are selected. What fabric choices will you make? Perhaps, a juvenile print for a child's room, an oriental print or a fabulous floral for serene garden view.

This pattern and others are available to you through my website.

Please, Do Not Touch

2011-07-18T09:12:00.000-05:00

Please Do Not Touch.

How often have we been to quilt shows or exhibits and seen these words? Of course, it is meant to keep dirty little finger prints off precious handcrafted treasures.

But it is because of the very tactile nature of quilts that we are attracted to them. We love the feel of fabric and adore the relief of the quilting as it adds highlights and shadows to our work. Painters work hard to re-create that very look in their artwork.

As I was adding french knots (or more specifically, candlewicking knots) to my quilt, I found myself unconsciously rubbing my hand across the knots. I was so enjoying the texture I was creating.

I love color and fabric design so I usually feel connected to my quilting through sight. Today, I am connected to my work through the sense of touch.

Developing Personality

2011-07-15T16:41:00.000-05:00

Now that I'm starting to add the quilting stitches, my project is developing it's personality. It is coming to life. I love to see the spirit of the quilt start to emerge as I work.

I've chosen to ignore the blocks entirely and quilt curving lines trailing across the entire top. I could have made many different thread choices for the quilting but found a perfect thread in my thread collection. How often does that happen?

This variegated thread picks up the colors of the fabrics, two of my favorite colors, chartreuse green and bright orange. (Probably why I couldn't resist purchasing the thread in the first place.)

There are quilts where I have blended the thread so only the relief of the quilting shows. Today, both the thread color and the hills and valleys of the quilted areas will shine.

I hope you will come back again and see the progress as I continue my quilt journey.

Putting blocks together

2011-07-12T08:29:00.000-05:00

I've decided to drop the block and add a spacer block at the top of the second row. Instead of making a large quilt with this block (that will come later) I'm going to only use the three blocks I have already completed.

What can I do now? To balance the larger section on the left, I need to add to the right side. Also, to repeat the three squares in the spacer block, I think I'll add more squares to the bottom right.

What would happen if I just added free floating squares? Obviously, my three blocks are not going to make a bed quilt. This quilt will never be used to keep me warm so I can have fun with the shape.

More of the spacer squares in different border colors will add unity in a free-spirited way. These I will not bind but finish by stitching with the right sides together (batting included) and turning.

When stitching on top of the batting, it seems to work the best to stitch in the same direction. Rather than stitching around the piece, I stitched down both sides and then across the bottom. If there is any stretching in the batting, I am pushing it all in the same direction and there will be less twisting in my final piece.

It's important to trim as much of the batting as possible away from the stitched edge to avoid a bulky edge.

The best scissors I have for doing this are not my best scissors but a pair with a rounded tip that doesn't catch in the batting.

When the trimming is done, turn the piece to the right side and press. Obviously, in this case, the quilting will be done after the edge is finished.

Arranging blocks

2011-07-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

I'm now playing with the arrangement of my blocks. I like how they look when I place them vertically.

But I'm not a fan of the horizontal block-to-block setting. To me, the slashed unit on the top becomes too strong and I lose the look of the block. What do you think?

How about if I drop the block? Is this more interesting?

Where do I go from here?

2011-07-05T16:23:00.001-05:00

Today, I'm back in my studio playing with my stripped and slashed units. I've put them together into this block. What do you think? Do you see possibilities to use this asymmetrical block? Can you see this block put together with different fabrics?

I would like to hear your ideas. Please share your comments.

Come back soon to see the next step I take.

WVAG Art Opening

2011-06-30T14:40:00.000-05:00

Ready for guests to arrive at the

Wisconsin Visual Artists' Guild Opening Reception

at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, WI.

The exhibit runs through July 31, 2011.

For the past few years, I have had the opportunity to be a member of the Wisconsin Visual Artists' Guild. While I treasure my quilting friends and learn so much from them, I've also found I've learned a great deal from artists who work in different mediums.

The basic principles of art are the same no matter if you have a brush, a camera, or a needle and thread in your hand. These new friends come from different backgrounds and have different ideas to share. Ideas that stretch me out into thinking of my quilting projects in a different light.

As the days of summer roll along, take a moment to look for opportunities to broaden your ideas. What things spur your creativity? Perhaps a stroll through an art museum, a botanical garden, a trip to the zoo or splashing at a water park.

Right Side, Wrong Side, Which Side?

2011-06-23T08:49:00.001-05:00

When it comes to using solid fabrics, batiks, and hand-dyed treasures in a quilt, we often can't tell the right side from the wrong side of the fabric. And, does it even matter?

As I was sewing on my latest project, I started to wonder about it. Clearly as I pieced these three strips of fabric together, it didn't seem to matter in the least if I used one side of the black or the other. The green batik also looked the same on both sides. In this case, if I had both of my seams on the same side of the fabrics I couldn't possibly mess this up.

But then I started piecing the next section of my project.

Daydreaming as usual, I started picking up pieces to stitch together. Was this the right side of the batik, or the wrong side? Of course, with only half of my brain engaged in this project and the other half flitting around, would I make the correct choice? Probably not.

Something clicked at the last moment and I double-checked by re-laying out my pieces. It was then that I grabbed a chalk pencil and marked the backs of my pieces with a arrow pointing to the top of each piece.

Now I am safe, wrong sides are identified and so are the tops. Back to daydreaming. Maybe it will stop raining.

Sad Time for Art in Wisconsin

2011-06-20T08:48:00.000-05:00

It was with a heavy heart that I was taking down my art display at the Wisconsin Arts Board Lobby Exhibit. There will be no more chances for artists to present their work in this fine venue. Because of heavy budget cuts, the Wisconsin Arts Board has almost been eliminated and with it tremendous opportunities for artists in the state.

Especially in hard times, art uplifts our spirits. Whether it is visual art, music, theatre, or written, we thrive on creativity to encourage and revive our lives.

Look for ways to show support for art in your community.

Watching the Personality Emerge

2011-06-15T08:59:00.000-05:00

I've been busy in my studio working on another "pods" quilt. In this one, I've again played with multiple fabrics as I string-pieced strips to add complexity to various sections of the quilt top. The string-piecing and the interesting batik combine nicely with lots of visual interest. The strips of hand-dyed turquoise give a resting place for a eye.

My piece is starting to shape up but despite the colorful mixture of movement and activity, it still lacks a personality. This is where the quilting stitches come in.

As quilting lines appear, my quilt top is beginning to show its new-found personality. Additional shapes are emerging from the fabric. Other shapes are emphasized by rows of stitching. Stippled sections provide texture and relief in contrast to the stitched pods.

Each quilting stitch adds more and more to the depth, the detail and the overall personality of the artwork. Yes, we need those quilting stitches to hold the work together and provide stability but they are all so much more important to the personality of our finished project.

Do you have a project that came alive when you quilted it?

What's Right in Front of my Nose

2011-06-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

"We See, They See", detail

2010

Sharon V. Rotz

It's not picking out the pattern. It's not choosing the colors. It's not selecting the fabrics. Ask any quilter and they will tell you, one of the hardest decisions they make is determining how to quilt their project.

Should there be feathers, should there be swirls, crosshatching, stitching in the ditch, or the old stand-by, meandering across the entire quilt? Or should I by-pass the whole decision by dropping it in the hands of my machine quilter?

I love to look to my fabrics for the quilting solution. In this case, my fabric is shouting and I just have to see "what's right in front of my nose".

My background fabric has quilting tracks just waiting for my needle to follow. I may have to adapt slightly as I go but the clue that my fabric holds is pointing me the direction that I need to go. The look of angles and cracked surface will be perfect for the background of my crane.

Today, look at your fabric and see what quilting clues may be revealed.

Teaching and Sharing

2011-06-04T09:05:00.001-05:00

I love teaching and helping students learn a new technique. The down side is the fact that I seldom get to see the student's finished quilts. It is a special treat when one of my students sends a photo of her completed project. Today, I want to thank Sally Nesser for sharing her quilted project.

Sally was busy sewing together strips into "freedom quilt" log cabin blocks as she emptied her scrap bag (or at least put a dent in it). These blocks were then cut on a tilt for a carefree attitude. Fat or thin, bright or dull, left over fabric strips were all incorporated into this fun-loving quilt.

To quote Sally: "It was one of the first things that got me out of my traditional mode. I had no idea when I started it where it was going but then realized I had the perfect spot for it in our larger quest bed room. It really adds some color to an other wise peaceful room."

Here you can see Sally's freedom quilt hung over the bed in her guest room. Who wouldn't want to be invited to spend the night in this inviting space?

Intrigued? Look for my book "Log Cabin Quilts with Attitude" full of "freedom quilt" ideas.

Adding Shots of Complexity

2011-06-01T08:45:00.000-05:00

Bing! Bang! Pop! Add a shot of complexity to your project.

I love to make sections of my quilts really pop with the use of multiple fabrics instead of just one. This not only add complexity to the work but also adds individuality. Here I have "string pieced" a quilt section by stitching and flipping fabrics to entirely cover the template piece.

I then cut the piece to the correct size adding seam allowances. This section now incorporated the fabrics used throughout the quilt.

As you can see with the section laid in place, the attention that it draws to that area of the quilt.

Pods

25" x 33"

Sharon V. Rotz

The finished project complete with "shots of complexity" added.

To Eat It or Not

2011-05-26T09:13:00.001-05:00

Normally celery finds it way to our dinner table, but when I noticed an idea on Quilting Arts I couldn't resist bringing the celery into my studio. Even though I'm always up for a snack, this wasn't the plan.

The plan was to cut the bottom of the celery off and use it as a stamp. With a little paint on the end, my celery became roses. This was so much fun, I tried it on several pieces of fabric. I especially liked it on this piece of pink striped fabric.

I finished one piece up, adding machine quilting to bring out details and make it look even more rose-like.

Red Roses - Quilt Tile

8" x 8"

Sharon V. Rotz

Although I can't resist the beautiful commercially printed fabric available to us as quilters, it is exciting to create your very own designs.

Held Together with a Washer or Two

2011-05-21T08:52:00.001-05:00

"Dappled"

24" x 40"

Sharon V. Rotz

Today, I am again looking at the details that add to life and energy to a project. In "Dappled", I strayed away from one large piece of fabric and divided the composition into small parts. These small parts were then stitched together to form the completed piece.

I thought of connecting the sections with beads, a more common choice, but felt that I wanted to go with something more substantial. Off to the hardware store I went and came home with metal washers. I used these washers stitched on with black perle cotton thread to join sections of my quilt.

Other quilt sections were joined with narrow strips of leather that I sewed to the fabric and then tied.

I think the unusual elements add interest to my project so I am happy with the result. I like the open areas that allow the light (or wall surface) to come through.

Have you tried any unusual elements in your projects? Were you happy with the effect?

More Quilt Details

2011-05-19T08:41:00.002-05:00

Roadside Cattails

60" x 36"

Sharon V. Rotz

The quilting does give wonderful effects to our projects as I have mentioned in a previous post. But in some projects we are drawn in for a a closer look by the details of the fabrics we have chosen. The overall composition of Roadside Cattails is quite simple, one horizontal line cut by three vertical lines.

What adds complexity and interest to this simple design is the use of multiple fabrics. The horizontal line is a made up of numerous browns with different patterns and colors. The background also brings together shades and tones, patterns and textures to stimulate our imagination.

Likewise, the vertical strips are not a solid fabric but string pieced sections of browns and more browns.

Adding complexity and interest can be done is a variety of ways. How have you added the "pull-me-in-factor" to your quilts?

More Thread Storage Ideas

2011-05-18T08:38:00.001-05:00

After I blogged about thread, Sonia sent me her storage solutions. She has certainly conquered the problem in her studio and I wanted to share her ideas with you.

"My favorite way to store and select thread is to lay them (color in view) in a shallow drawer or covered plastic tray. However, I now, too, have a variety of types of thread although I do not have an embroidery module for any of my machines. (I make up for that with decoratiave stitching.) I have two "racks" that I lightly varnished before I sorted my thread spools (by color) on them, one rack for cotton specialties (varigated, quilting), and the other for what used to be "cotton covered polyester" or ordinary sewing thread. Then I have trays or shallow drawers for other varieties of thread for variety of uses, each type with its own tray or drawer. I keep my serging thread in a small plastic dresser with shallow drawers with the serger tools in their own drawer.

What trips my crazies, is when there are loose threads dangling and getting tangled, especially from bobbins. Then its nuts to try to find the bobbin that "matches" a specific spool. To solve these problems, I ordered white plastic bobbin holders that would fit on a spool of like color, and wrap the bobbin with either a mini pony-tail thing-a-ma-bob (beauty department) or a half round pink plastic bobbin "wrap" that keeps the thread from wandering."

Sonia K.

Details

2011-05-15T11:57:00.001-05:00

Whether the details are made up of piecing, applique, or quilted lines, they will draw the viewer in for that all important second look. In this case, I have chosen curvy lines that fill in an invisible circle. The fabric used in this piece is Robert Kaufman Radiance silk/cotton blend. The sheen of the fabric is enlivened by the rise and fall of the fabric due to the quilting stitches.

The completed piece is a another of my art quilts that combine abstract and realistic elements from nature. The simple design leaves room to add depth through the quilting. "Standing on the North Shore" is currently on exhibit at the Wisconsin Visual Artists' Guild Cattails and Flowers show at the Reaching New Heights Gallery, Marshfield Clinic-Weston Center.

Standing on the North Shore

25" x 25"

Sharon V. Rotz

New Look

2011-05-12T12:52:00.000-05:00

I've found its almost as fun as quilting. Its playing with colors and design (and a lot faster than sewing stitches). What, you ask? Playing around with the look of my blog.

My apologies to those who may have been trying to look at posts when I was playing (and every few minutes things kept changing).

I ended up with some new art included in the heading.... a detail of one of my recent works. Often, when we look at a total composition we miss little details so it is interesting to highlight only a small portion.

Today, spend a few moments looking closely at the details in your world. Will they be the inspiration for your next quilt?

Thread, Thread, and More Thread

2011-05-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

We can't stitch our quilts without thread. It comes in a multitude of colors and weights. We can't do it all with one type or one spool. We have all-purpose thread and a spectacular collection of sparkly, shiny, silky, light weight, and heavier weight offerings all designed to inspire our creativity.

The problem that comes with this stockpile of shades and types of thread is storage, of course. How do we keep it all handy and manageable without overloading our sewing surface?

I have a small dresser that helps keep my thread collection under control. I have divided my cotton and all-purpose thread by color in the top drawers, followed by serger thread and fun decorative threads in the bottom. This seems to work out well for me. (Yes, and some day I may even remove it all temporarily to paint the outside of the dresser.)

I have only one problem. That is that my thread accumulation has exceeded the space. Notice the spools on the floor. So, in addition to my dresser, I have several shoe (boot) boxes for thread that I use mainly for quilting my projects. It seems these boxes were made just the perfect height for a cone of thread to stand up in them. (Obviously, they had quilters in mind when they were designing the boxes, don't you think?)

What clever ways have you found to keep your thread under control and close at hand?

Tip for today

2011-05-05T08:38:00.000-05:00

What's your favorite handy tool?

Today, I'd like to share a simple and quick little project for your sewing studio.

As I was completing a quilted project using a wool batt, I trimmed the edge and was ready to throw away a narrow strip of wool batting. Thinking of the properties of wool and how it keep needles and pins from rusting, I rolled the batting strip into a ball and secured with a pin. (Notice the yellow pin head on the side.)

Just like that, I had a small pincushion to keep next to my machine for extra needles and a few pins. Keeping the strip narrow helps so you don't push the needles in too far to rescue and they become dangerous weapons ready to stick you at a later date.

WAB Lobby Exhibit

2011-04-30T13:25:00.002-05:00

Uninhibited Growth

40"x34"

Sharon V. Rotz

You are invited to view the art quilts of

Pat Kroth and Sharon Rotz

at the

Wisconsin Arts Board and Dept. of Administration

Lobby Exhibit

April 25 - June 17, 2011

WI Department of Administration Lobby

101 East Wilson St.

Madison, WI

Calico is Back!

2011-04-29T08:50:00.000-05:00

Calico, it is. And calico is perfect.

I've found that I have a soft spot for calico.

Well, no, this isn't the front of the quilt. You've seen the front in my last post and you know there are string pieced stars on the front.

O.K. so I should have titled this "Calico is on the Back".

Nothing can compare with the quilt fabric offerings we have today. The designs are fantastic and the colors are rich and complex compared to the simple designs of older calicos. But for a backing, calico ranks right up there. It blends in and doesn't offend the quilt front by competing with it. The small bits of color help us hide irregular stitching and tiny knots.

I found this piece in my stash and its the perfect backing. I even love the combination of the fabric and the quilting motifs.

What's on the back of your latest quilt?

Aha, Finally Quilted

2011-04-27T08:16:00.001-05:00

Previously, I had been working on quilting my small string pieced star quilt. For the most part, it's obvious, I have really been procrastinating about finishing it.

I wasn't happy about any of my quilting designs. So, I put it off and played a little more in my sketchbook. I came up with this option that I was more excited about. Not really too different, maybe a touch less busy.

The moment had come when I sat in front of my machine and actually got this baby quilted. As you can see I chose the yellow thread instead of the multi-colored. I felt the yellow would give a crisper line on the blue background. Since it wasn't very big, I was done so quickly. Why did it take so long for me to quilt this?

Do you ever hit stumbling blocks on your projects that keep you from moving forward?

Ready to Help

2011-04-16T08:47:00.000-05:00

Quilters are the most sharing people I know. They are always ready to help, whether the sharing is a simple technique that is baffling us or an emergency situation that overwhelms us.

This past week, a tornado touched down and destroyed the homes of many in a community close by. The next day, the word went out that a local quilt shop was collecting quilts for the families. I know the response was immediate. Quilters care and are there, ready to help.

A small group of my quilting friends got together and quickly tied these quilts to add to those being collected and distributed. With them, we send our prayers and love, to comfort those whose lives were instantly changed in those few seconds.

Whether you are sending quilts to Japan or passing them out in your community, be proud that you are a caring and sharing quilter. I know that I am.

Carried on the Wind

2011-04-12T09:24:00.000-05:00

Quilter's Tile - Blue Leaves

8" x 8"

Sharon V. Rotz

This past weekend, we had some of those dreadful spring storms and overflowing river banks in our area. I was watching the wind bend the trees back and forth from my studio window. It was a good day to be inside.

As a diversion I started playing with bits and pieces of techniques I had tried. One day in the past, I had fun marbling fabric with Dye-na-Flow paints swirled on shaving cream. I decided to use one of my uninspiring efforts as a base and keep building on it until I was happy. I added some brush strokes of acrylic paint and let it dry. Still nothing of worth.....

As those winds continued to whip the trees, I was thinking how lucky the trees didn't have the added weight of leaves to put at them. With that thought, inspiration started to flow and I started cutting leaves from blue fabric to fuse on my background. The leaves became more interesting when I had the courage to cut holes in them giving them a sheer lace-y look. A bit of pink swirl fabric found in a scrap bag became the swirling wind.

A border of narrow strips of wool and a binding of striped pink and blue completed the project. I'm glad a pushed myself to continue. Finally, out of flat, unworthy beginnings, I have achieved something that brings me pleasure.

Pondering Sketchy Quilting

2011-04-08T09:10:00.001-05:00

How to quilt a project is always thought provoking. Should we follow the design by stitching in the ditch? Should we complement the design with quilting? Or should we go off in a different direction and quilt a design that has no relationship to the piecing of the quilt?

I have quilted stars with traditional design motifs in the past and it would be a comfortable choice to go that route again. Quilting an overall quilting design would push me in a new direction and help me grow as a quilter. (As opposed to eating all the Dove chocolate candies so I can use the metallic wrappers in my quilt, helps me grow as a quilter! But, that's another story.)

Back to quilting designs. I've been doodling in my little sketchbook and it's a good time to refer back to it for ideas. I've found these two designs that may have possibilities.

Both of these designs have flowing, curving lines that would be a compliment to the straight lines of my stars. Would one of these be the perfect choice or should I keep drawing?

Threading You Along

2011-04-07T08:59:00.002-05:00

I have not pre-marked my quilt top with quilting designs prior to basting. Actually, this would not have worked well since most marking tools tend to heat set and I would have done just that when I fused my sandwich together.

I now need to make my final decisions on choice to thread and quilting design. First, let's look at thread choices. I went through my thread and found these two options.

The multicolor cotton thread certainly picks up all the colors that are in the quilt top. Because the color changes as I stitch, I've noticed that can be a good thing if my line is a bit shakey or otherwise less than perfect. The multicolored thread also adds more variety to my quilt.

On the other hand, the solid yellow rayon thread will show more with a crisp, sharp line. It will lend continuity to the quilting. It is also the thread that I used for the previous projects with these fabrics. But, I have changed the background color in this project, should I also change the thread color?

What do you see? Should I go with the excitement and movement of the multicolored thread or the crispness of the solid? There are those larger areas of solid blue to fill in. Does the quilt need more action with the quilting or is there already enough going on?

Questions, questions, questions! Enough thoughts and decision-making for one day, tomorrow we'll move on to the quilting design.

Sticking Together and Ready to Go

2011-04-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

It's time to get my star quilt layered with batting and backing for quilting. I'm using a piece of Fusiboo bamboo blend batting. I found that it does fuse nicely to the quilt top and backing. After pressing the top, I turned my sandwich over, adjusted and repressed the back so there would not be any folds or pleats of fabric to quilt into the back. That would certainly spoil a sunny day. The quilt sandwich is a little stiff but I don't feel that will be a problem on this small project.

The extra step I am taking is to hand baste around the entire edge of the quilt sandwich. I know the fusible batting is holding nicely at this stage but by the time I maneuver the quilt several times under the needle of my sewing machine the fusing is likely to start pulling apart. I also find that any seams on the edge of the quilt top are also stressed during quilting and may pull apart. The simple act of basting around the quilt solves the problem and keeps everything secure and in place.

Have you tried a fusible batting for your quilting? How did it work for you?

White is Right, Then Why Blue?

2011-04-01T08:34:00.004-05:00

Previously, I was working on a string pieced star and choosing the best color for the background. The white seemed to be the most appropriate choice. (How can I say that? Is there ever a right choice, or only different choices?) The white did match other projects I have made with the same fabrics and it did offer a crisp look that I liked.

Does that explain why I decided to go with the blue background fabric instead? I knew the white would work and look wonderful. But would the blue work as well? The only way I could tell for sure would be to give it a try. So, into the pond I jumped.

As you can see, I had enough fabric to make a smaller star and add squares to the borders. This became an interesting challenge to piece, but a little planning and measuring was all that was needed to fit the pieces together. It became a jig-saw puzzle to be slowly worked out one step at a time.

I think the blue does work. I have enough blue for the binding which I think will finish this fun piece with just the right touch.

Have you tried a color just to experiment with a different look? Were you happy that you did?

Doodling

2011-03-29T14:51:00.001-05:00

Just like you, I cannot always be sitting in front of my machine. (If I were forced to, wouldn't it become a job instead of a pleasure?)

But, doodling can be done when and where ever we might be. All we need is a scrap of paper and a pen or pencil. I find myself doodling when I'm on the phone, waiting for an appointment or during the commercials of my favorite television show.

It's a great relaxing technique to forget, momentarily, the problems of the day. Or, it may be something for your hands to do as you are mentally solving the problems of the day.

I've found I can easily get lost in a doodle and find it hard to put away. I've also found these silly little sketches stimulate me and maybe some day a doodles may turn into a quilting idea. I am playing with design, pattern, and value; all those art principles that can improve my quilts.

This zen-doodle was done in my sketchbook with a permanent marker pen (no second chances, no going back). For me the first lines are easy. What I fill in between those lines is the fun and creative challenge. It's a little piece of paper. If I like it, I can keep it. If not, no problem.

Is there a quilting idea hiding in there somewhere or should I add it to the paper recycling box?

Zen-quilting

2011-03-27T19:07:00.000-05:00

Zen-Quilting Tile

8" x 8"

Sharon V. Rotz

I have heard of zen-doodles and Zentangles, but as free-motion quilters we can certainly be the artists who create beautiful Zen-Quilting. I found this a relaxing activity and a fun way to practice (or design) lines and shapes that I can use in the future on larger quilting projects.

Being so much a color fanatic, I keep thinking of various ways that I could add color to my quilt tile. Am I done? Should I hold back? Or, should I splash color all over? I am trying hard to keep my hands tied behind my back and just stop. I keep telling myself, this tile is done and bound, get past it.

Do you create in black and white? Or are you, like me, ready to throw each piece into a multi-color dye pot?

Scrap Play

2011-03-19T11:50:00.000-05:00

Spilling Over- Color and Pattern

8" x 8"

Sharon V. Rotz

Gathering my scraps, I decided it was time of a bit of play. First, strings of fabric were randomly stitched together. This, of course, is liberating fun -- no seam allowance concern, no matching, no pattern arrangement -- anything goes. Pressed and trimmed when necessary to keep things flat.

After I had an 8" square, it was time for embellishing. I added shiny candy wrappers after taking a moment to relax and enjoy the candy. Only then did I decide to divide my project into three sections with the addition of a narrow strip of navy. No plan, just playing.

A strip of narrow ribbon, curling off the spool, was draped across the fabric. It was definitely more interesting left curled, instead of when it was straighten. So curled it went on.

What next? Digging in my thread box, orange embroidery thread popped up. Perfect for some of my favorite candlewicking knots. (Candlewicking knots are similar to french knots but looped in figure eight fashion around the needle and pulled through. They give a heavier look then a single french knot.)

For the binding, again I had fun using three fabrics adding different colors to finish the piece. A fast, easy project. A perfect distraction for the day.

We've Pressed Our Last Seam Together

2011-03-17T09:04:00.000-05:00

I checked to see if it was still plugged in to the wall outlet. I checked to see that it was turned up to the right setting. It just wasn't doing a thing to press my fabric. I hesitantly touched the bottom. Then I placed my whole hand on the bottom. Nothing but the tiniest of warmth.

It's time had come. My iron had pressed it's last seam. It's a sad moment because we do become friends with our tools. We like the way they feel in our hands. We find comfort in their familiarity. We become in tune with them as we see them as an extension of our body.

My iron. I remember where and when I purchased you. We've built a lot of quilts together. We've scorched a bit of fabric, and we've melted some, too. When I fused adhesive and interfacing to your bottom, you patiently waited for me to scrub it off. Was this your spa treatment?

I know you weren't always happy with me. When I was impatient and didn't give you time to warm up, you spit water on my fabric. But, we did work well together and I am sad to see you go.

Reduced to Strings

2011-03-14T09:13:00.000-05:00

Now my scraps have been reduced but there are still some left and I still love the bright colors. So, one more project is in my future.

Only narrow pieces, oddly shaped, strings of fabric. Perfect for string piecing. Obviously, I have stars on my brain so a star shape it will be.

The first step is to cut out muslin diamonds as a foundation for the strings. Then on to the fun part of selecting each fabric and stitching it on to cover the foundation. A little trimming and I have one point of my star.

Seven more points and I have a star. As I'm laying them out, I play with the arrangement, of course. The trouble (or really the beauty) of random is that it is just that. No amount of arranging and rearranging will really make a difference. Enjoy it as it happens.

I can't wait to stitch my star together but I have yet to decide on a background fabric. Should I use white as I've done on the previous projects? I did really like the look. Or, should I choose a different color? How about blue? What do you think? Which would you choose?

From Strips to Stars

2011-03-11T08:55:00.001-06:00

Some of my favorite quilts are star quilts. After some thought, I chose to arrange my half square triangle blocks in a star shape. Immediately, I realized that I would need points and reverse points to keep the strips all going in the same direction. (No, you can't just turn them.) Some days, a little playing before we plunge in and make all of the blocks is a good thing.

Also the center blocks will combine two stripped triangles rather than a stripped triangle and a muslin triangle. Because the strips were random widths the seams are not meant to match. Ha, ha, no stress.

And here we go, arranging the blocks into a star pattern. Because the muslin is light and the seams are more likely to show through, I pressed the seam allowances toward the colored sections as much as possible.

At this point, we always have to play with the block arrangement to try to get the best coloring distribution. Let's face it, it's impossible to improve it. Too many colors, too many fabric combinations. Let it flow and enjoy it as it happens.

My completed star

Have a little fabric left. What comes next?

Distracted and Pulled in by the Brights

2011-03-07T08:59:00.000-06:00

While I am pondering and plotting what to do with my star quilt, I'm distracted by another collection of scraps that popped up.

In a previous post, I showed the pillows that I made from the remnants of my serged 13's a Charm quilt.

I've been sucked in by the bright colors and now I've found more of the fabric. What can I make now? Can I keep thinking up more projects until I have no fabric left? What a fun challenge!

There is a pile of serged strip ends. These were left when the triangles were cut for 13's a Charm.

Obviously, they are not big enough to cut more triangles. Or are they? What about a smaller triangle that could be used for half square triangles combined with muslin?

Now there are so many optionals, where do we go from here? What is your favorite block or quilt made from half square triangle blocks?

Bang, Hit the Nail on the Head

2011-03-03T09:15:00.000-06:00

I love Sharyn's comment about moving on. Yes, every project that we start does not have to be finished. We can certainly learn lessons along the way and benefit from a start that isn't completed. A smart, logical person would look at this as a lesson learned and get on with their life.

But.........

Just as there are animal rescuer's (my sister), there are crazy, insane quilt rescuers (me). I look at this start as a quilt to be rescued. After pressing, I unpinning the pieces from around the edge. By the way, what a bad idea to leave pins in stored work for rust spots are sure to be part of your future. I was lucky not to have found any. This doesn't look too bad, I still like the fabrics and I have plenty of my favorite, the deep purple Hoffman print.

The little gears in my head are starting to turn. And they are beginning to gather speed. What if I took my few corner applique pieces and placed them like this?

Or like this?

More applique from another fabric? Borders?? So many options to be explored. What comes next? And, there still is that circular file if all else fails.

What to Do with the Hole in my Star?

2011-03-02T09:11:00.000-06:00

While I had my head in the closet, searching and cleaning, I discovered an unfinished project. Surprise! Surprise! Please, tell me you have one hiding in your closet as well.

My project was wrapped up in a bag with assorted fabric to finish it right there. Easy task, right? Roll it out, do a little pressing and I'm on my way.

I remember there was a book on adding applique to a pieced project that I thought was a most creative idea. Mmmm......who was the author? Jinny Beyer, perhaps? Obviously, this was the start of a project with applique done in the center of the star. I see the plan was to add more applique around the points. Two sections are pinned on. There are also two outer corners ready to go.

No problem, I'll just cut two additional sections for the points, or maybe 6 to go between each of the remaining points. Then I'll find two more outer corners and I'll be ready to sit down and applique.

Unwrapping and sorting the additional fabric, I found one flaw in this great plan. There is extra yardage of all the fabrics, except the one that I needed, the one that was used for the applique. Was there more but somehow it wandered into another project? (yes, you know how that occasionally happens) Or wasn't there ever enough and that was why the project was tucked away?

What do I do now? Try to come up with another solution or abandon the project entirely? What if I took the applique off? After all, only the center was attached so far. Quick decision was made, yes, that's what I will do.

Well........ until I turned the quilt top over and looked at the back.

I had neatly trimmed away the fabric under the applique. I'm sure it was to eliminate the bulk in the center of the star. Well, that certainly "eliminated" my quick and easy resolution to finishing this project.

Now what do I do?

Do you have any helpful suggestions?

Found It, Found It

2011-02-27T15:35:00.000-06:00

I knew it was there someplace. After all, how could it disappear? It's not like it could leave, you know. I just had to keep digging and I would find it.

I had two rooms and the hallway full of boxes, and bags and miscellaneous piles when I finally saw it in sight. There it was.

The back of the closet.

What I didn't find was the unfinished project that I was hoping to find along the way. I did find other projects which may distract me as ideas start popping into my head. Some reorganization was definitely in order. What will I finish? Should I save this? What should I do with that?

I found ten perfectly good pair of jeans that I was once going to make a jacket or several jackets from considering the amount saved. I no longer find this idea as appealing as I once did so tomorrow, the jeans are going to Goodwill. Hopefully, someone else can use them and I will have new space in my closet.

What led to the closet search and cleaning? Well, I was looking for that project (a pillow, no less). Did I discover it in my search for the back of the closet? No. But there are more boxes and corners I can search.............

It's Been Framed

2011-02-25T10:46:00.000-06:00

Open Sew Meets Laundry Day

15" x 19"

Sharon V. Rotz

Now that it's time to finish my quilting project, I thought it was time to try a new approach.

Instead of a traditional binding, I wanted to attempt an organic, curving edge. This could be finished off with a satin stitched edge.......... at least, it could in my head. The first step was to free motion stitch a curving line that would be my edge. I then did a open zigzag stitch over the line. The edge was trimmed as close as possible to the zigzagging. The final dense satin stitching was done over the previous stitching to complete the quilt edge.

Was I now done?

What would happen if I layered this onto another fabric, as if I was mounting my organic quilt onto a frame?

After tearing into my fabric stash, I came up with a batik that made my little quilt sing. Because my original quilt was already quilted, my border had to be quilted as well. I ended up basically making another quilt, complete with batting and quilting which would serve as my frame. The little quilt was pinned and topstitched to the center of the batik quilt. I am now finished.

Would there be another way to achieve the same effect? Of course, there is always another way. But sometimes, one step just leads to another and another. It's the fun of the adventure that lures us on.

From Fabric Sketch to Quilted Project

2011-02-22T08:54:00.001-06:00

Things were shaping up with my design and I decided to transfer the elements onto white fabric because I liked the sharp contrast with my white table where I was working. Working on another color would completely change the colors of the translucent dryer sheet sections. This could be very dramatic in another project, but not today.

After positioning the elements with basting glue and a few pins, I layered the quilt top to the batting and backing. Appliquing (That term doesn't flash into my head when looking at this, but isn't it?) and quilting will be done in one step as I secure the pieces with my quilting stitches.

Some of the threads chosen for the quilting were wonderful shiny and sparkly metallic threads. These can be troublesome and lead to hair-pulling trauma when we are fighting with breaking threads. Liz Kettle offers great tips for using metallic threads on the Quilting Arts blog. I tackled my project and smiled as I finished the quilting.

Now what's next? Will I finish with a traditional binding? Or is there another option hiding out there, just waiting to be tried?

Sketching with Fabric

2011-02-20T11:57:00.000-06:00

Touching pencil and paper is certainly the approved method of sketching, but could sketching be done with fabric instead?

For me, it's fun touching and playing with the elements of my design. Here I have spare triangles left from another project, some sections of dryer sheets that I painted with Dye-na-Flow paints and some Dove metallic candy wrappers that are cut or formed into circles.

How can these be arranged into a pleasing composition? Are the parts too different? Will they work together? I'm pushing myself to experiment with various elements. Outside of the box? Or just starting to push and shove and break down the edges of that box to make room for expansion?

What will come from this? Will I go forward or will I squash it all back in the box and sit on the top?

What is in Your Sketchbook?

2011-02-17T08:36:00.000-06:00

Do you sketch? Do you plan your projects? Do you make working drawings that are colored, or filled with swatches of fabrics that you will use?

I have to admit that this is my downfall. These are the steps that I want to skip so I can jump right in to cutting and arranging the fabric. I want to get things done. These other steps seem too much like practice and I don't like to practice (much to the dismay of my music teachers all those years ago). I like to think that I practice in my head as those ideas go tumbling around and around.

I am working on it. For the past year, I have been working in a sketchbook, at least taking minor steps to draw, arrange and plan some of my work before I attack the fabric. Is this approach as much fun as rambling around, tossing fabric in the air and hoping it comes down "artfully"? As they say, the jury is out.

Sketchbook drawing

Marigolds

Spring Fever

2011-02-16T08:38:00.000-06:00

Maybe its the warmer weather we've been having the last few days or maybe its the seed catalog that just came in the mail, but I've been thinking of summer. Last year I captured these marigolds that brightened my yard and I just love the color and the contrast between the shapes of the flower petals and the leaves.

Don't they inspire you? I think a new quilt design could be in the making. Will I find fabric to compliment my vision? Would applique be the best choice or could some piecing be involved? Today, my imagination will fly and maybe tomorrow there will be a sketch and a plan.

What are your suggestions?

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:09:00.000-06:00

May your day be filled with love and the joy of creating.

WOWSPACE The Art of the Quilter

2011-02-12T14:05:00.000-06:00

If you are ready for a week-end adventure, a central Wisconsin destination is WOWSPACE gallery in Wittenberg, WI. This juried quilt show presents a wonderful variety of quilting types, from traditional to contemporary.

"Bed quilts, wall hangings and wearable art, the artistic creations of more than 25 Wisconsin quilters, delight the eye with a riot of color and design accompanied by fine stitchery." states Susan Hanson, coordinator of the event.

Pillows, Pillows, Over the Top

2011-02-11T09:15:00.002-06:00

How could I NOT include a serged pillow in my pillow collection? Although I have more, these favorites lead the way. Could it be that I just can't resist the bright colors and exciting fabric designs? You can be the judge.

After finishing my quilt "Thirteen's a Charm", included in Serge and Merge Quilts, I fortunately had a few pieces left over. Since this quilt is one of my very favorites, I wanted to add to its splendor by accenting it with pillows. Four blocks became a pillow top and a few of the fun prairie points poke out of the pillow edge.

And still I had fabric left, how lucky was I? Not enough to make more of the same design, another break. I had the opportunity to once again think in a new direction. What new design would work with my serged strips?

I decided to crosscut the strips into bars, various widths to add variety. What fabric could be added between? Perhaps a crisp white for a sharp, fresh look. This seemed to be working.

Yes, indeed, I was more than pleased with my Serged Bar Pillows. They are, without a doubt, my new favorite especially when I add my "Thirteen's a Charm" pillow.

And, with that addition, the pile got just too high and my pillow world came tumbling down.

Pillows Reaching the Sky

2011-02-09T08:58:00.002-06:00

Yes, we are reaching the sky. The pillows are precariously perched and we are still moving on.

We have looked are various pillow edges but one we have not encountered is the flanged pillow. This flange can be compared to a "flat ruffle", (if that even makes sense) and gives a more contemporary look.

The"Joy Patchwork Pillow" from Quilting Through the Seasons is finished with a flange. It certainly adds to the pillow, both in size and in design. This looks like a complicated finish for a pillow and the first time I tried this, I did make it, oh, so hard. I made four sides and stitched them into a frame and then tried to figure out how to add them to the sides of my pillow. EEK, what problems, I had.

Today, I can tell you a simple way to achieve this look. Think of the pillow top as the center of a quilt and add four (pieced) borders onto the "quilt top".

Measure the "quilt top" (3" border, 12" center, 3" border plus seam allowance, 1/2" equals 18-1/2") and construct your back this size. Make your pillow back with an center overlap (envelope style) and pin right sides together to the pillow front. Stitch around the pillow.

Turn the pillow to the right side through the overlapped back closure. Press. Stitch in the ditch between the patchwork borders and the pillow center to form the flange pillow edge.

How High Can the Pillows Go?

2011-02-07T08:54:00.001-06:00

While we are savoring our Packers victory in the Super Bowl, I am still piling pillows up higher and higher.

Today, I've gathered my scraps strips. We often have extra strips of fabrics left over when we work on a project. These become orphans in our stash, too good to throw away and not enough to make anything. When my pile of strips gets big, I start making "freedom blocks", log cabin blocks of various colors and width of strips. These are recut to a common size and make wonderful, zany quilt blocks. The full instructions are in my book, Log Cabin Quilts with Attitude.

To go even further, you can make a lively butterfly pillow to brighten your room and coordinate with your bed quilt. Four blocks were made from excess strips from the quilt. These were cut into rectangles and stitched into a four-patch. I added a bit of rickrack on the to edge of the pillow as I stitched the front and the back together. A wired ribbon is wrapped around the pillow and ends are twisted to make the butterfly antennas.

Today, take a look at your scraps and see what you can make.

Piling Pillows Higher and Higher

2011-02-05T08:46:00.000-06:00

Making a pillow can be a small experiment with creativity. Perhaps, you want to try a technique without working on a grand project.

I love crazy quilts but never have the time or enough of the fabrics, the velvets and silks, to make a large quilt. Making a crazy quilt pillow was the solution for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the patchwork and the hand embroidery stitching. I have my small pillow completed but I'm still dreaming of that large crazy quilt I will make someday in the future.

Sunshine and warm summer days, these are the ideas that came to mind when I saw this gay sunflower fabric. Why not decorate with a giant sunflower and bring the summer day inside my home? This pillow became the star with a cast of "Sunflower Cube" pillows and of course, a wall quilt to match. My, did I really work backward, making the pillows first and then the quilt? Instructions for this project are in my book, Quilting Through the Seasons.

As you can see the pillow pile is reaching ever upward.

And the Pillow Pile Grows

2011-02-04T08:24:00.000-06:00

Do you have left over triangles from your project?

Here are two options for using them to make decorator pillows to match your quilt. After making large flying geese blocks, I had flannel triangles that I cut from the corners. I pieced these together and cut them to size to fit a common pillow form (14" and 18"). These new triangle blocks can surround a large square or be set triangle block to triangle block as in the second example.

For this pillow, I added a narrow strip of fabric around the triangles to achieve the size I needed for the pillow form. This narrow strip also gave the illusion of a binding with less work.

For my third flannel pillow (scraps from a different quilt), I chose to try a pillow with a bit more character. I paired the triangles with the wrong sides together, top stitched the 90 degree corner and trimmed with pinking shears. I tucked these three dimensional triangles into seams on my pillow top and along the long edges of the pillow. Instantly, a pillow with a jazzed up personality.

The pillow pile continues to grow. How high will we get?

More pillows

2011-02-02T08:47:00.001-06:00

One lonely block can add a big punch with you make it into a decorator pillow.

Here, I had extra fabric and made just one more block. After hand quilting it (using muslin as a backing), it became a eye-catching pillow top. A strip of rust fabric was wrapped around cording for the matching piping. A navy ruffle completes the edge. Pow! a great accent for your room.

Another ruffle-edged pillow was made to match my Tuscanitily quilt.

The pillow top was cut from a large print fabric and smokey black "ironwork" was machine appliqued around the edge. A narrow border substitutes for the piping, a simple solution to add color to the pillow edge. Again, the pillow top was quilted before the ruffle was attached. The look of a double ruffle can be easy to achieve by stitching together two strips of fabric. (The back strip is wider by 1-1/2" to make a 3/4" overlap unto the front.)

Have you added a ruffle to your latest pillow?

Don't forget to come back for more pillow ideas as my pillow pile starts to climb.

Sparkle Your Decor with Pillows

2011-01-31T13:20:00.000-06:00

Snowball Fight Bed Quilt

80" x 94"

Sharon V. Rotz

After many years of working with decorators making custom soft furnishings, I've grown to love the sparkle pillows can give to your room. I thought it would be fun to look at a number of pillow ideas.

A pillow idea can be as simple as making an extra block from your quilt. These pillows named "Throw Snowball Pillows" laughingly refer to what often happens to them in a lively household. An extra block from the quilt border makes a fast quilted pillow top. Add a solid border to size it for a standard purchased pillow form and you can finish in a snap.

The instructions for making "Throw Snowball Pillows", "Snowball Pillowcases" and the "Snowball Fight Bed Quilt" are all in my book, Quilting Through the Seasons.

How have you decorated with quilted pillows? Share your ideas by commenting to this post.

I'll be back with more pillows, pillows, pillows.