Watercolor Workshop

I took a day and 1/2 watercolor workshop over the weekend and this is what I painted.  In case you can't tell it is a view of the fields in Italy.  It was really fun to do, but we went very slowly and painted every detail.  The grape vineyards and orchards were a challenge I hope I met okay.  It is the largest painting I have done as it is about 16" X 24"using a full sheet of watercolor paper.

PROGRESS REPORT

 I worked on one part of the poinsettia wall quilt and am happy with how it is turning out. It is hand applique before the quilting and  I am trying to save the other parts to do the hand work while I am recuperating from the surgery.  If they keep delaying things I may not be able to wait.  I just want to stitch!

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In the meantime I have to make two hand made gifts for the Christmas parties of two groups I belong to.  I had the metal tops in the stash so I painted a couple of orchids, appliqued and quilted them to make these two little bags.  They are about 8 inches long and are really very pretty.  Maybe not practical for carrying much in them, but lipstick, cash and a credit card, but they are pretty.
This could morph into a class.  All I have to do is find the resource for the handles again.

I got the contracts back from Houston for the Long Beach Quilt Show and they accepted all 7 of my class proposals.  WOW!! I will be hopping for those three or four days.

A couple of paintings

 While in Italy we went to a market the Saturday before Easter.  They had everything all laid out including herbs in pots for sale.  I thought it was such a pretty picture that I photographed many of the stalls.  This is my painting of the herbs I love the name stakes in the pots it kind of ties everything together.

While in Costa Rica this red and green bamboo was growing just outside the door.  I had never seen red and green bamboo so of course I had to try and paint it.  I didn't include all the fonds, but you get the idea and I love the colors.
THis week-end I am going to a watercolor workshop.  Good thing as I have not touched the paint since before I went to Lisa's.  However I did sew the dress and have worked a bit on the poinsettia project.
That project is changing a bit from what the original vision was.  Progress report later.

Poinsettia Project

 

 I started a new project before I went to Lisa's to sew.  It is another wall quilt using photographs as the pattern.  This time I did some silk painting which I will hope to integrate into the appliqué.

 This is the map or layout I hope to follow and though the plan in my head works I hope that it will also turn out well "for real'.  One never knows for sure.  I hadn't done any silk painting for many months, but I am happy how things are turning out.  A few runs are to be expected, but the colors are vibrant and the red and green isn't clashing too badly.  I'm looking forward to a few days in the "studio" to see if the plan works.

I will give you a progress report in a few days or so.

Dress for Ella

While I was away at Lisa's house I sewed this dress for Ella.  She feels like a princess in it and is looking forward to her baptism next month.  Each day she came home from school to see if I was done yet, finally on Friday I was done.  It is fun to go for a visit and be involved in all the activities the kids have going, but it is also nice to come home to the quiet for awhile.

Doodle Workshop

On last Wednesday I spoke at the Glendale Quilt Guild and on Saturday I did a workshop on "Freemotion Quilting."  It was great to be teaching again, and even better to see friends from past classes and associations.  I hope a good time was had by all.  If the students in the workshop will get their pieces finished they will be beautiful.

I am off to Nevada to sew a dress for grand daughter  Ella.  I will post photos when I get it done.  Bye for now.

FINALLY!!!

They have scheduled my knee replacement surgery for Saturday November 10.
That will delay the start of classes at the Alexander Hughes Center until Wednesday January 9, 2013.

I will make this announcement several times between now and then and also give supply information later.  I am happy to have a date so I can make a few plans.

Sewing

 Remember when we printed on the organza and the canvas or cotton was under the organza?
These butterflies were printed through the organza onto a light canvas I had put down.  I got the fabric out a few weeks ago and it needed something more so I took it into the back yard and flicked it with paint with off a brush.  It was just what it needed.  Besides I have been seeing garments with the flicked paint look so I am "fashionable".  I made the vest with black bias on the seams.  The back view is down below.

 This is silk painted with thickened dye.  I blew up the drawing and then painted it with a brush and a small tip gutta bottle of thickened black dye.  the lines are a bit shakey, but the blouse is fun.

Back view of the canvas vest.   I doesn't fit my dress form, but I couldn't wear it and take a photo with my phone at the same time.   My small camera is missing.  but the phone photo shows these garments well enough for you to get the idea.  I still need to finish the organza kimono.
Still no date for surgery.
I will be speaking in Glendale Wednesday night at 5:30 at the Glendale Library  for the Quilt Guild if anyone is in the area and interested.