Latest work

I just finished up Devil's Postpile, and I really like how it turned out! Not exactly what I originally had in mind... better! Sometimes an idea has to sit on the back burner, simmering for awhile, before it is ready for execution. This was one of those times! Here it is:
This is the third in a series of Rock formations... I have no idea how many more will come about, but rocks is where it's at for me!
One thing that isn't noticible in the picture is the quilting I used around the border... I quilted octagonal shapes in two sizes, representing the shape of the columns when viewed from the top. It's very subtle, but I think if I had used a lighter thread it would have detracted from the overall appearance of the piece. Finished size is 21 1/2" h X 29 1/4" w.

Canyon quilt

I just finished up my latest art quilt, "Canyon". I'm very pleased with how it came out... one of those things I had in my mind a long time, and it came out even better than I imagined it would... nice way to end the year! Here it is:

This is the second in my 'Rock Series', and I have ideas for at least 2 more, which hopefully will come to fruition in 2009. This one is made using mostly hand-dyed fabrics, with just the black on the upper left, and the black border and backing being commercially dyed.

Fusing is done

I just completed the fusing step on my Alabama Hills Rock piece... now it's time to start the detail work with machine quilting. I am excited about this next step, but it's also a little scary. I'm still getting used to free-motion quilting, and although I have been pleased with the results I have achieved with previous pieces, it's still very new to me and my confidence level is not where I would like it to be. So we'll just have to see how things progress from here. I hope to have another progress report to share soon! Here is the latest picture:

Crazy about rocks!

I am a rock-lover... got the bug from Grandma Doane when I was a kid, and never lost it. Back in 1997, Bruce and I went on a 12-day driving trip around the perimeter of California. Our first stop was at Lone Pine, on the east side of the state, and the big draw there was the Alabama Hills. I had never heard of them until we went there, but the minute we drove up into the hills and I saw the incredible rock formations, I was a goner! The rocks are ancient, enormous, and very soothing. It was very quiet there and incredibly beautiful. Naturally, I took rolls of pictures of these huge beauties, then tucked them away in an album. Well.... while I was casting about for ideas for my next project, I pulled the album out, and sketched a few of the pictures. So here's what I will be working on next:

Here's the photograph, and below is my design

I will be using hand-dyed fabrics, and free-motion quilting for the details. And with all the pictures I took, hopefully this will be just the first in a series!