*LIVE* VIRTUAL Workshops and Lectures



I have been very busy the past weeks setting up my *LIVE* ONLINE classes. You'll be able to watch my videos and follow me during *live* workshops.This will  be a hybrid, the best of both worlds. You can ask all the questions you want. We'll share our experiences and have FUN doing what we love.

Filming and editing the videos with clear steps took a lot of effort to make this work - each class is loaded with information.

I am excited about the new virtual platform and I hope it will bring us together.

Story of *the quilt*

 
 
If you have been following me you must know by now that I enjoy doing art quilts. Let me tell you the story and technique of my latest *utility* quilt. It took me double the normal effort to fabricate it. Add on the piecing and it took even longer!

I made this quilt for a very special person. The only thing that she wanted on the quilt was the presence of bright  colors. And since I love lettering of course I had to include a personal message.

I wanted to do a no pattern quilt.
 
I got his book more than 10 years ago and I've used it only once ever since. The author makes the lettering based on strips, narrow and wide. No letter is the same. Hmmm, I like that approach.

I started by dyeing pieces of fabric, all the color of the rainbow and a grey fabric for the background.
 
I did not like the very first word I made. I don't know why. Could it have been the blue letters? I took the word and hanged it on my design wall. Then I realized it was the grey fabric. Yes, it's a neutral color but this grey felt unappealing...

So....
 
I went to my garage/wet studio and ice dyed fabric. Then I cut some of this fabric in strips and silkscreened designs with opaque paint. Afterwards I started piecing the colorful letters and my enjoyment grew in the process...

Half way through I ran out of fabric but since I dyed my own, I knew exactly which colors to use. To tell you the truth I didn't even know how big it was going to be.

I combined the lettering with hearts and kisses.




And here are some details combining the silk screened designs:



In some areas I sew simple lines with 12w cotton thread.




The backing fabric it's also an iced dyed fabric combined with leftovers fabrics. I like the back as much as the front so I called it a two sided quilt!



 
I am standing beside the finished quilt. The special person absolutely  loved it. The surprise on her face was priceless and I will keep that happy memory in my heart!

I am linked to : ninamariesayre.blogspot.com Go and visit the work of other artists and get inspired!

An *Artful* Apron


This is the finished apron.
Techniques: INC- Infused Newsprint Cloth -WASHABLE-  with masks, silkscreened words and ice dyed fabric.
 

First ,the fabric was colored with the *Ice Dyeing* technique. It is a fun technique with unexpected and beautiful results.Two colors of dye has been used: chocolate brown and butterscotch.
 

 
INC- Infused Newsprint Cloth was applied with circle and triangle shapes. I found this image on a French paper and couldn't resist to use it...maybe I put that face when I am developing a new technique?! or...when something is not working...HA
 



 
And these are close-ups. The words says: BE BOLD -Tell your story.
 
I am linked to: http://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/. Go and visit what the other artist are doing and get inspire!


International Quilt Festival 2017 *My Experience*

I was honored to have been one of 142 instructors from around the world chosen to give a presentation at the International Quilt Festival 2017 in Houston.
 
Here, I am all set up and waiting for the students to come in. This was the *only* moment I was able to sit down during the entire 2 hours of my presentations.
And here I am in *action*, explaining my technique. It was fun to see old friends and meet new ones.

Every year, on the last Saturday before the Festival ends, IQA throws a party called *Festival after Hours*. It comes with life music to relax, eat, mingle and dance. I always meet with the same group of friends and we dance like nobody is watching!!
A FUN night to remember.
I am back home and it feels good to be playing with paint again. The fabric above has been *infused with a Houston newspaper* I picked up during the festival. I will sew a special present for my dear friend who helped me with my presentation.