An Evening with Bonnie McCaffery

On Monday evening, Ruth Anne, Ellen and I attended the Bonnie McCaffery lecture as guests of the Cabin Fever Quilt Guild in Orlando. Besides her own methods, her presentation included a variety of artists who use different techniques in their portrait quilts.

As a long time admirer of her work, I was thrilled to see those fascinating pieces from her book, Portrait Quilts, which has now been reprinted. I was so inspired, I think I'll finally have to try a painted portrait!

Bonnie is also known for her vidcasts. Check out more from Bonnie at http://bonniemccaffery.com/

FiberFusion!

I have been adding a new medium to my fiber art - Fused glass!!
I add fabric / fiber to fused glass, as in this sculpture (called Transcendence). I also add fused glass cabochons onto my fiber art quilts! I call this process FiberFusion!!

I Did it Again

I changed horses midstream.

I was happily working along on a new piece, deciding on the placement of lots of small orange circles. Then, I had, what was for me, a very radical thought: What if I made this a very calm almost monochromatic piece? What? ME monochromatic? I let that idea percolate for a while and decided to audition some sheer fabrics in similar colors.

So, this is where I am now. The photo shows my collection of "cut" (actually soldered) sheer circles. My circles went from opaque orange to sheer blue-greens and such. I'm liking it!

This is the thing about changing horses: I generally find the new one much fresher. I'm almost always happy with my midstream radical changes.

And this is the other thing: these ideas come over time. They're not my first inclination. I think that's one of the good things about the slow process of quilt making. If I were a painter, I could more quickly display my first thought. But then, these slow ideas wouldn't have a chance to develop. Something for me to remember when I get in a hurry.

A Visit to the Focus on Fiber Retreat

I recently got to visit the Focus on Fiber retreat, in New Smyrna Beach, FL for a few hours. Oh what fun! I arrived in time for dinner and Show and Tell. (Apparently, I just missed the dancing.)

Everyone present was clearly having a blast, while also being very creative, and productive. There was gorgeous fabric drying on the line, beautiful surface design going on in the wet studio, and lots of fantastic works-in-progress visible in the dance studio. There was a buzz in the air from the wonderful sense of camaraderie, as well as the adrenalin surges that accompany creativity.

The photo shows a close up of the beading on Marianne R. Williamson's quilt, Constellation. It caught my attention as it was draped across an ironing board, with the beads sparkling beautifully in the afternoon light.

The retreat is held at Atlantic Center for the Arts, which is a fantastic facility. Nestled in the middle of palmetto bushes and oak trees, it's a true retreat in every sense of the word. For more details on the retreat, see http://marymcbridearts.homestead.com/Retreats.html or contact the organizer, Mary McBride, at mrsgorgon@gmail.com

Posted by Ellen Lindner:

Our recent play day at RiverHouse was loads of fun! We spent some time photographing and sketching our beautiful environment. Then, we all made small fabric collages which were inspired by what we'd seen. A very creative exercise.

This is my favorite photo from that day: fire plant hanging down from the porch

Dirty Dozen Exposed! V

From October 2nd – 31st, Boutique 4 Quilters, in Melbourne, will host an exhibit of original fiber art pieces made by the Dirty Dozen Fiber Artists.

The exhibit will feature original quilts and other fiber works, made with a variety of techniques and materials including two new group projects.

The opening reception is on October 4th from 1-3 PM. Come enjoy light refreshments, meet the artists, and see what these innovative gals have been up to. You can also view the exhibit during regular store hours.

Boutique 4 Quilters is located at 2945 W. New Haven Ave. in Melbourne (next to Michael’s).

Store hours are M-F 9:30-5, Sat. 9:30-4.

Phone 321-768-2060

Olde Eau Gallie Walk In Clinic

We are very excited to be invited to show our work at the Olde Eau Gallie Walk In Clinic! We are currently showing our Retreat Challenge - Group Therapy 2 from last year. They are located at 1403 Highland Ave, Melbourne FL. Our work can be viewed during normal business hours - daily from 10am to 4 pm, and on the first Friday of the month from 5:30 to 8pm in conjunction with the First Friday Festival. Come see what we are up to!