Time for Purple

Quilt production is in full swing in advance of my solo show coming in November (through mid-February). Purple has made a big showing, but color, color, color is bursting out in unusual combinations. It's been great fun to be surrounded by all these colors. Tom seems to agree. He likes to plant himself on each project, adding his little kitty blessing.

First, Something Happens

What  makes a doctor leave a 9-to-5 position and take off for distant, often dangerous places, to help The Great Unwashed and suffering? I suspect that something happened while growing up. Some kindly adult said to a would-be doctor, "Did that touch your heart?" That led to a new Compassion Filter through which that future doctor interpreted new relationships and interactions. And instead of a regular, plush life, that new understanding led to journeys of colorful experiences and surprises.

Here's to Doctors without Borders!

Doctors Without Borders

Art for a great cause!. 41 artists will donate pieces to raise funds for these brave medical humanitarians. The theme is "Journeys." It's almost finished...

Paper Beads

Dee Danley-Brown has the cleverest eyeglass/cell phone case that hangs around her neck...truly hands-free. So I am attempting my own version. Hers has paper beads that she made, taught to her by Judith Content. I found an online YouTube tutorial, gathered some old wrapping paper, and now I have paper beads for the outside trim. I made up a pattern. Now to select fabrics and assemble. Oh, yes, and this little pouch also serves as a nametag, since I keep forgetting to bring one to the meetings. That's my goal for next meeting: a quilted nametag.

Where do ideas come from?

Often from the materials themselves. And where did I find extra thick wool felt? The hardware store, of course. There's a great little arts supply section at Ace Hardware in Half Moon Bay!  Thus, a new medium. It will still be a quilt: three fabric layers stitched together. Just how that will happen will unfold.

In the Meantime

Thomas found a handy perch. He's just occupying the ironing board until I need it for the next quilt.

It's always landscapes

They pour out of me. It comes from primordial outdoor images. Those Sunday drives in the Iowa countryside. Hills and wooded riverbanks, planted rows of corn, farmhomes, and gravel roads. It's Grant Wood everywhere. And it's my place to start: my entry for the SAQA trunk show "This is a Quilt." A little 8" x 8" landscape.