Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Catching Up

I haven't posted for a bit, so I need to catch up. I spent a lot of time writing my posts as guest blogger for the And Then We Set It On Fire blog. I guess I needed some time off. I have a couple of retreats coming up--one a guild retreat where I will be working on some traditional stuff and one an "art" retreat. For the art retreat, I will be working on several things--EQ7, an art quilt I have committed to make for a blog hop, some extreme embroidery pieces, and my hexagon quilt.

At the beginning of the year, there are lots of Block of the Month patterns. There are several I'm following, but only one on which I'm actively working. I am having a really good time piecing the little 3" finished blocks for the 365 Challenge. Right now I am working on the dark blocks for the sampler. I am enjoying this traditional piecing and love the look of these tiny blocks.

These are the blocks for January. (The blocks are in order by date--January 1-31. The first block you see is a January Bonus block.)

These are the blocks that I have finished for February so far. (The blocks are in order February 1-14. the last block is a Bonus block for February.) I'll be working on the remaining February blocks at my guild retreat.

Check out the number of pieces in some of these blocks. I realize I have missed piecing.

Awhile back I wrote a blog post about the Marie Webster exhibit for which I made this piece.

"Remembrance"

My entry was not chosen to be included in the exhibit. Was I disappointed? Yes. However, I am happy with the piece I made for the exhibit. There will be a place for it. After looking at some of the quilts that were chosen for the exhibit, I realize my piece would not have "gone with" those pieces. I know that jurors not only look for well-designed, well-executed pieces they also look for pieces that will make a cohesive exhibit. I'm going with that as the reason my piece wasn't chosen. :-) This exhibit gave me the impetus to make a piece I really like--for that, I'm thankful. I will be looking for some exhibits for which "Remembrance" will be appropriate. If you know of one, let me know!

I do have a couple of pieces that will be in a special exhibit at the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show in Bloomington, Indiana, March 3-5, 2016. Information about the special exhibit is below.

Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA)

Stretching Their Wings: Studio Quilts by Members of SAQA Indiana

This showcase exhibit encompasses the wide range of artistic interests, styles, and techniques by members of the Studio Art Quilt Associates in Indiana. Some of the artists are “newly emerging.” Others are professionals who exhibit their work throughout the state, country, and even internationally. Many would say their work lies somewhere in-between. ALL the exhibitors, however, have made the decision to allow the spirit of creativity enter their efforts – embracing the unknown, struggling with failure and rejoicing in success – to create work that speaks for them.

Come check it out if you get a chance.