Be*mused

Slow Mo

I got back last evening and am moving in definite slow motion today.  It was, perhaps, my most busy trip to Japan yet and toward the end, I developed a terrible cold from which I'm suffering the effects this morning.  It's snowing out and I'm still in PJs, which may just end up being an all-day situation ~ the snow and the PJs.

Although the suitcases aren't yet unpacked, I couldn't wait to upload my photos and am happy that I'll have lots to share over the next few weeks.  As in previous years, I'll put up another Flickr album from the Tokyo Quilt Festival and will post a link here once I get that started.

Until then, here are a few teaser shots from the show...detail shots from some of the exhibited quilts.  I was lucky enough to again be able to visit on two days and am anxious to share my experiences and observations.

Back in a few days!

Washing blues

I've made no secret here that I'm almost fanatic about pre-washing my fabric before using it in my quilts. No matter the color or lack of intensity, 'Be prepared' is the motto of this longtime scout. I'd prefer a little work now to avoid surprises later. Until this time, through all of our moves, the appliances came with the house so in August, I found myself shopping for a new washer-dryer set. I never pay attention to things like what's new in appliances until confronted with replacing something, so imagine my surprise when I couldn't find any like I'd had...only these new high effieciency models.

Now, I'm all for progress, but if given the choice, would really just prefer to use what I'm used to. When I asked about the availabilty of any non-HE model, the slaesman replied, 'Oh, you mean the granny-style?'. Hrumpff. I'll bet that's in the sales training. In the end, due mostly to space considerations, I came home with the new models, which I did learn to like, flashing lights/beeping alerts and all. Until November, when I wanted to pre-wash some new fabric.

As you can see from the diagram under the hood, these washers use much less water and it's normal for the contents to not be totally covered by it during the cycle. Well gosh, how's my new fabric supposed to slosh around and shed all of those loose dye molecules if it's all jammed together with just a bit of water?

Some pieces of Malka's new line...waiting for a dunk.

I thought about this for a while and Googled around, deciding that if I continued my original practice to first soak my fabric in a sink, I'd not only be able to identify any possible offenders pre-washing machine, but now it would all weigh more...wet...which would trick the machine into sensing a bigger load and subsequently add more water! It seems to have worked well on the small bit of fabric I have washed since the summer. Really, I moved so much yardage (tonnage?) when we moved, it seriously discouraged much further accumulation  (That effect does wear off, however, over time...)

Which brings me to yesterday's adventure. Do you remember that last March, Molly returned to the states for a week while things settled down in Tokyo after the earthquake?  She had grabbed a few things she wouldn't want to lose if things got bad again while she was away and then left some of those items with me, for safekeeping, for a while. Including her quilt.

I decided to pull it out and wash it up for her, since my machine is so much bigger than her Japanese mini-version. And to ensure a good, sloshy rinse, I decided to follow my fabric washing routine and put it in the utility sink for a pre-wash soaking.

Gahhh!  You can imagine my horror when I returned to transfer the quilt to the machine. What the #@*! was this?!!  There it sat in this murky, inky mess. Oh well...in for a penny, in for a pound...I decided to move forward and hope for the best.

Luckily, I had some Color Catchers on the shelf, so I emptied a full box in with the quilt.

I set the machine on 'Bulky', pressed start and held my breath...for about 45 minutes.

When the machine stopped, I was somewhat dismayed (though relieved) to find the now-dark blue Color Catchers, but at quick glance, the quilt looked ok. I decided on another rinse and threw 5 more Color Catchers in.  They emerged pure white.  BIG sigh of relief!

Ta-da!  I'm not sure what the lesson is here, if there even is one. I'm *pretty sure* that I prewashed the backing and border fabric when I made the quilt, though I remember rushing to get it finished for a Christmas mailing deadline that first year Molly was living in Japan. Did I skip the pre-wash because the print looked so safe?  If so, lesson learned, again.  All's well that ends well.

Today I'm putting the quilt in a suitcase to bring to Molly, because it's that time of year again...Tokyo Quilt Festival!  I plan to be at the show on Friday (20th) and Monday (23rd), so if you see me there, please, do say hello!  I'll be the one with the camera and the big bag of fabric.  *wink*

Cruising

This is more like it. I'm busy this week but things are finally falling into place here. I think 2012 is going to be stellar! (Attitude is probably 50%, right?) 2011 wasn't bad, but I constantly felt like things were out of control. Like waves rolling in, as I put one situation behind, another came and knocked my feet from under me. Now we're in the home where we plan to stay, in an area we're long familiar with. And just that makes such a difference.

I've already gotten one lollypop block completed, which thrills me for several reasons. I'm finally using many of the delicious Japanese fabrics I've collected over the last few years. And this quilt is destined for a specific place in our house, which will be one big step in settling in and making this seem more like home!

Because of its intended location, I've made some changes. The KM pattern makes 18" blocks, but I've reduced the block size to 15". Since the designs are symmetrical, it's been very easy to user the scanner to change the block quarters from 9" to 7.5". I'm resizing a few at a time...here's the block I intend to start later today. I'm only making 9 blocks and am focusing on the ones that have smaller pieces, though I haven't definitely decided on on the final selection.

Despite a long list of things to do the last couple of weeks, I'm happy to have had some success in reinstating some old 'good habits' and have been trying to decide on some do-able new ones to work on. I say 'some'...I feel I have a lot of areas to address. I've been dipping into these two blogs for the nudges I seem to need ...Zen Habits, an old favorite, and The Nest Effect, a new discovery. Though Zen Habits is quieter and more thought-provoking, The Nest Effect definitely has some good, applicable ideas for action. Both worthy of consideration if you're in need of a nudge, too!.

In the meantime, I've gotten a great start on shedding those holiday pounds (I mean the ones I've put on since Memorial Day!), diet and exercise-wise. I seem to have purged my sugar cravings and have been working out on a regular schedule. I had a good haircut yesterday, somewhat correcting an unfortunate situation totally brought on by me (the worst kind) before Thanksgiving as I urged my hairdresser, against her better judgement, to 'take more off the back'. I have my energy back. A good thing.

This afternoon, it's back to my list of things that need attention this week. Brushing up on things once learned but now somewhat fuzzy. Like my last haircut.

Slow and steady

Yawn

I woke up early this morning (5:00!) and decided to have my Morning Joe in the sewing room. In a 'grab a needle and try something immediately' moment the other day, I started appliqueing at my worktable, as opposed to my usual handwork habit...sitting in my comfy chair in the evening...and it's been a revelation. Technically, I'm finding it easier, sitting at a table, to stitch pieces down nice and flat and I've been much more productive. I almost never plop myself down in the family room during the day, but I'm always in and out of the sewing room. I've adapted a quilting habit to my applique...that of always leaving my work with a needle freshly threaded and the next piece in place...and it's definitely resulted in lots of progress on my new project.

When I decided to applique that first piece on the background fabric at the worktable, instead of running downstairs to raid my hand-sewing basket, I grabbed this random packet from a box of extra needles I keep by the sewing machine. I have no idea when or where I picked them up...at a show?..as a giveaway?...but they are my new favorite. John James Gold'nGlide Applique needles. Fabulous!

This photo's for those of you who seem to think that my workspace is always pristine. Choosing fabrics that will work on a red background is a real job so I've been playing with lots of options until I've found prints, patterns and values that work. I've spent a whole lot more time this week cutting and pondering than stitching.

My plan was to use colors that I loved so much from these blocks, so I put them back up on the board for reference. It's a lot easier to pick three or four fabrics for a pieced block than all the pieces needed for just one of Kim McLean's lollypop trees. I'm trying to remind myself that adjacent blocks will help even out the mix. What a challenge!

I'm still kicking around creative plans for the new year. How about this Building Houses from Scraps sew-along I stumbled onto last week? A house block a day, for a year. I don't think you can officially *join* at this point, but the PDF for the paper-pieced house block is only available until January 16th, so I wanted to mention it for those of you who might be interested. How about a house a week? Jeanneke, the host, has certainly put a lot of effort into this project (multilingual!). It's entertaining just to follow along.

Holiday hangover

Like so many of you, I usually take the week after Christmas to make a clean sweep, both literally and figuratively, and then return with a January 1 post to set the table for the new year. I'm putting that post off a little longer because I don't feel like my new year has really started yet. Hopefully I'll tie up some loose ends this week and have something to say again in a few days.

But I really don't want to wait any longer to wish you all a Happy New Year!

Throwing in the towel

I like to think I never give up but after so many years, I am about ready to throw in the towel on my perpetual goal of trying to adhere to some sort of holiday preparations schedule that would ensure a relaxed and enjoyable season. No matter my plans, lists and best intentions, I always end up frazzled and scurrying around at the last minute, trying to cross things off the list before the very.last.minute. Which this year is right now. An empty suitcase lies at the foot of my bed and piles of clothes sit, ironed at least, awaiting decisions.

And I am here, writing a post! I got the cookies finished this morning and although the gingerbread is a small batch this year and just some basic shapes...nothing too fancy...there wasn't a dud among them. I love when that happens! The trick is to mix your icing to the right consistency, a little less stiff than you'd think it should be, and use a small decorating tip. (#2 is my favorite.) When it flows well, it's fun and your hands don't get tired. I don't always remember this. (As Molly will attest...)

I only have a few minutes but I've been meaning for a couple of weeks to share a recipe with you. Maybe you can use it if you're hosting a gathering over the next few weeks. It's for a dip...perhaps the most universally beloved recipe in our extended family. My sister has served it for many years at her annual Thanksgiving feasts and when it comes out of the oven...several hours before dinner, among an assortment of hors d'oeuvres...people flock to the table to get *their fair share* before grazing at the rest of the spread. I don't have a photo of it. It never lasts long enough to snap a shot! The phantom dip. Anyhow, Lori has graciously agreed to let me share it here.

* * * * *

Salami Dip

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chopped salami, ½" pieces (Genoa, thin sliced, is best!)
• (1) 4oz. can chopped green chilies, undrained
• 1 ½ TBSP minced dried onion
• 2 tsp chopped chives (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients together except pecans.
• Spoon mixture into baking dish and top with chopped pecans.
• Bake at 325º for 20 minutes or until puffy and edges are bubbly.

A couple of notes. This recipe can be doubled...and always is at our place. We like to serve it with original Wheat Thins, but tortilla chips are pretty good, too.

Ok, the suitcase isn't packing itself. I may be back before the end of the week, but just in case, I wish you all happy and healthy holidays!

Out and about

Although I started my blog shortly after we moved to Indianapolis seven years ago, several times through the years I have written about some of my extraordinary experiences as a member of the Textile Art Alliance. An affiliate group of the Cleveland Museum of Art, its large membership is comprised of artists, craftspeople, educators and collectors and its purpose is to promote fiber art though education, exhibitions and purchases to enlarge the textile collection of the museum. For a number of years before I moved away, I was involved with TAA as a member, then a board member and finally, program chair. It's a wonderful, vibrant group and last week I attended the opening of its triennial show, Focus: Fiber 2011-12, at the Canton Museum of Art.

Bonsai ~ Emily Feldman

The juried exhibit includes 53 pieces chosen from almost 300 submitted for consideration by 111 artists from Ohio and seven surrounding states. It must have been quite the task for juror, fiber artist Dorothy Caldwell, to whittle down the entries for the show, but she did an admirable job.

Resurrection ~ Heather Ujiie

The work ranges from intimate, stitched pieces, to this massive, 10' x 19' cloth panel piece which has been hand drawn, digitally printed and highly embellished.

Detail ~ click for closeup

Thousands of hand-stitched sequins, shimmer on this piece (above). It's quite stunning in person.

A Phase of Light: Unfold 1 ~ Fuyoko Matsubara

A number of impressive weavings are among the show pieces.

Mummie Bags / Influenced ~ Pat Pauly

Of course, it wouldn't be a fiber show without some quilts and this piece drew a lot of attention from viewers. It was fun to meet the artist, Pat Pauly (Pittsford, NY), who was happy to pose with her work.

In a Different Light ~ Xia Gao (artist photographing her work)

A number of pieces were quite intriguing. You might have noticed that this large screen-printed piece (to the left, photo) is suspended away from the wall. Even standing close to the front of the piece, it is difficult to notice the many small holes, burned by incense, that dot the buckram, screen-printed with a pattern of trampled cornstalks (if I'm recalling correctly). However, when viewed from the side, the light filtering through the piece reveals a stunningly detailed map of Nebraska on the gallery wall.

Gothic Vessel ~ Jennifer Reis (detail)

Hanging next to the Gao piece is this small, framed fiber collage by Jennifer Reis. The echo quilting design is actually all stitched bugle beads.


Burger, Taco, Fries ~ Simone Schiffmacher

One of the bonuses of attending a show opening is getting to meet the artists. Unlike most of the exhibitors who have practiced their craft over many years, Simone Schiffmacher is a fiber student at the Cleveland Institute of Art. She was a delight to talk with and her work is meticulous. Check out the 3-D beading below.

Detail ~ Fries (Click to enlarge)

Ohio has for many years been recognized as a hotbed of fiber art, quiltmaking in particular, from the most traditional to the forward focus of such now-revered shows as Quilt National. Another well-known contemporary quilt showcase is The Artist as Quiltmaker, a biennial exhibit at the Firelands Association of the Visual Arts in Oberlin. Entries are now being accepted for The Artist as Quiltmaker XV, which will run over the summer, 2012. If you make quilts of your own design, consider entering. (Full prospectus here.) My friend, Ruta Marino, is the coordinator this year and she is waiting to hear from you!

And if any of you are in the area before the Focus: Fiber show closes in early March, do consider a stop at the Canton Museum of Art. I think you'll enjoy it.

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas

I always loved these wire trees and found one right before I left Chicago in my friend, Tina's, shop. I had snagged a large box of miniature vintage Christmas balls at a house sale years ago...for $2.00!...and I knew they'd be perfect for it. Among other favorite items, I had segregated them from the things to be packed by the movers and hand-carried them to our new place. They were on a high shelf in the laundry room.

A disappointing start. The cellophane over the top of the box loosened as I took it down and several balls tumbled out. I saved three others. As I was hanging the balls on my tree, several wire branches needed adjusting.

*Sigh*

Clearly I'll need more. I have some larger vintage balls in with my main tree ornaments. Hopefully, a few will work. Otherwise they'll go on the *hunt for* list for antique excursions next year. I'm so happy to be back in Ohio, a true treasure trove for the seekers of old things among us.

I have my work cut out for me today.

First thing on the list: Stash the pumpkins still sitting on the buffet. How's your holiday prep going?

Amish adventures

One of my early 'Amish adventures'

During our many years here in Cleveland, one of the things we most appreciated about the area was its close proximity to Holmes County, often referred to locally as Ohio's 'Amish Country'. It's developed into a very commercial area over the years, but our family made at least an annual day trip down each fall as our kids were growing up. Each of us had our favorite stops...restaurants, a bakery, the bulkfood shop, the hardware store, the apple orchard and, of course, the quilt shops. It might surprise you to hear that one seldom sees what would be considered traditional Amish quilts among the newer pieces offered for sale. However, 'gift items' adorned with the familiar Amish quilt images fill the shelves of local shops.

I've been a fan of the classic Amish quilt since seeing them in my very first quilt book, the classic 'The Pieced Quilt', by Jonathan Holstein (1973). I've collected a number of wonderful books on the topic so last summer during one of my stops in Shipshewana, I was excited to find this book, 'Antique Ohio Amish Quilts ~ The Darwin D. Bearley Collection' on display at Rebecca Haarer's shop. At first I thought it was a new book, but it was published in 2006 in conjunction with a European exhibition of the featured quilts. It's a gem!

Slightly oversized (about 9.5"x13"), the book showcases example after example of gorgeous antique quilts. In the beginning, there are numerous pages of detail shots in which quilting patterns can be easily studied.

I had a difficult time photographing pages because of the reflections, but I wanted to share how beautifully the quilts are presented. The images are large and set off beautifully against a black background. Very graphic.

My favorite...at least, today.

Written in 3 languages...English, French and German...the text includes two essays, one on the history of Amish quilts by Jonathan Holstein and one by Darwin Bearley himself, relating his experiences in amassing this wonderful collection. I consider it a great addition to my quilt library and am guessing that if I hadn't come across it before, perhaps lots of you haven't, either. If you're making out your Christmas lists, this is a book I'd highly recommend. Surprisingly, or maybe not, when I went to Amazon to link the book, they don't carry it. However, if you're interested, Mary Koval does have it in stock.

Perhaps you recognized the still-unfinished Amish quilt top in my first photo from a post I wrote a couple of several years ago. Yikes. I had used a solid black cotton for the borders that was somewhat lightweight, but what was available at the time. I used the same in a quilt for Molly when she was a child and that particular cloth is disintegrating now. (Yes, black...her request! She fell in love with a quilt on display in a quilt shop when she was with me one day. A good post, maybe?) Anyhow, when I realized this, I decided I'd better switch out the borders first. Back to the WIP pile!

This week I ordered yards of black for some new curtains I need to make for my sewing room. I've tried several types of rods and purchased/returned a couple of different darkening curtains in an effort to keep my fabric from fading but after just throwing a piece of black up temporarily, I've come to the conclusion that the best solution is going to be the simplest and cheapest...the standard, couple-of-buck rods that wrap around the edge, preventing light from sneaking through, and a double thickness of black cotton, lightweight to easily push aside while working yet dense enough to darken. There should be plenty left to re-work my borders.