Guild Presentation - Voyage of Discovery

The Cabot Quilt Guild has a committee of talented ladies who look after the guild program for the year. They may introduce a new technique, have a slide show, a book talk, a guest presenter . . . the list goes on. This month, I was the 'program'! The committee felt it was time for me to do my 'stuff'. Since we have had quite a few new members over the last several years, it was decided that I should give a general talk about my art work.

I had no difficulty with a title as my first piece of original art was called "Voyage of Discovery" - very fitting, as it was completed the year I retired from teaching. Since then, I have been on my own voyage of discovery into all things related to textile art and embroidery. I love to experiment / play with new materials. However these days, I find it difficult to get much time to do that and I miss it. Note to self: make time!

I am not a quilter of quilts like most of the guild members. However, here's a couple I have done: Sheep at Stonehenge, and Quiltennium Dreams. Photos of some more of my work can be viewed HERE.

I decided to do a power point presentation of my art as well as have some actual pieces on hand. One thing I did discover while searching through my photographs to prepare for this presentation, was the importance of taking good photos! In the beginning, I was learning (still am really) and the images were not always taken in good light or were a bit fuzzy. I was told over and over to use the RAW mode on my camera as the images can sometimes be 'fixed'. You can't do much fixing if they are jpgs. I am now using the raw mode on my camera - live and learn. There are a few pieces of art that are sold and I wish I had better photos of them! Oh, well . . .

I do have to 'tag' all of my photos as it makes it easier to find certain ones. Some of them are done but not all.

The presentation went well and I was asked to do a workshop on some of the techniques I use. I am teaching Fantastic Fabrics (surface embellishment on fabric) next month. I have taught that one before and it tends to be lots of fun for participants as it is completely stress free! I also have to prepare a project for another workshop in the works, on making fabric clapboard. That was the topic for a presentation I did a few months ago for the Eastern Edge Quilt Guild ! Now, to get back to work!



Cod Fish - the fish are in 3-D. This is in a private collection.

Planning . . .

My husband caught me on camera a few days ago as I was planning my presentation for the Cabot Quilt Guild in February. I have been asked to talk a bit about the various stitching techniques I use in my framed textile art pieces. For example, how I create the foliage and flowers using organza and threads. I will also touch on the making of my Fantastic Fabrics which is a workshop I have taught in the past and will be offering again this winter.

In November, I did a power point talk at the Eastern Edge Quilt Guild, about some of my art work with a focus on making clapboard from cotton. I think there will eventually be a workshop on this technique as well.

On the wall behind me, there is a wall hanging with row houses. This was an experimental piece. The finished one has more houses and is part of the art collection of the Newfoundland Government. The colourful stars is called "It's Not Going Up In Here" - was completed in 2001, after taking a workshop with Libby Lehman, Houston, Texas. The Christmas Tree in the corner is cross stitch on sparkly linen. It hangs there all year. It reminds me of why I don't do cross stitch any more. I did more frog stitches in that piece, it's a wonder it ever got done (that was years ago). Oh, the frog stitch? Rip it, rip it, rip it!!!

Work in Progress - Windows

Last Sunday I showed you the 'clapboard' pieces for my miniature art pieces. Now I have some of the windows in various stages of completion. The basket of colourful fabrics are some of the ones used for window trims. I still have some machine stitching left to do. The foilage, rocks, and flowers will be the last to be added.