November Book of the Month

So the book of the month series had devolved into book whenever I am inspired. And inspiration has struck. Denise Schmidt has such a unique quilt style and color combination that her book became a must read. The use of modern fabrics with some traditional patterns, with a twist, is a great way to move quilting to from Grandma’s pastime to a modern day trend. Her slightly off-kilter designs are a reinterpretation but add whimsy to the straight edges and formality of many quilt patterns.

Her book offers up a range of patterns, from full size quilts to aprons and scarves. Her example of a stuffed animal cat was so cute, I used it an inspiration for an upcoming quilt. You will see the results soon…

All Squares

This is a simple design with all squares. It was designed mostly to use up some old Beatrix Potter themed fabrics and also the rather large supply of pink fabrics that have accumulated. More pinks to come - or time to destash.

It was paired with the previous Beatrix Potter panel quilt as a gift for twins.

New Quilts, Old Fabrics Part Two

This is the second wedding quilt from this past summer. These are the first two larger sized quilts in a long while and it was quite an adjustment to working with all that fabric.

Both quilts are made with vintage fabrics and new fabics, past and present coming together to make something new. The challenge of working with old fabrics is quite large, given the limits of selection and colors. Overall the quilts were a success and a great learning project.

New Quilts,Old Fabrics

Better late than never. Here is the first of two quilts made for weddings. The quilt combine new and old fabrics - something old, something new - for an over all modern look. The quilting is done with a thin zig zag stich to off-set the pieced fabric stripes.

Favorite Freebies

My current desktop background is from http://www.thekindredsite.com/

The free Desktop downloads are varied and all lovely. The ability to customize what you look at while at a generic workspace is always something to enjoy, so check back for their new releases that change with the seasons.

A True Artist

There are many pop culture stars right now, but so few true artists. This week, we lost one of them, Michael Jackson. His talent was so clear and for a while his star could not be higher. However, sometimes the brightness that only hides a darkness that lies within.

This video, from Filipino inmates, illustrates how art can come from so many, no matter their past or their future. It’s a great watch, if you haven’t seen in already - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK25cfzdTTg

I believe that art is everywhere and inspiration just has to strike. Perfection can lie in imperfection and every so often you have to see ugly to know beauty.

July Book of the Month - The War of Art

For anyone looking to find their path, The War of Art is a must read. The title is a bit misleading as this book applies not just to those struggling with creativity, but anyone struggling to find their way whether it be in life, love, health or business.

Author Stephen Pressfield states some unique ideas on life and how to succeed through perils along the way. Pressfield proposes that we are not all born able to be anything we want to be when we grow up. Rather each individual is pre-set with a calling and to which each person should adhere. He also argues that there is no such thing as a level playing field, but instead we should acknowledge and accept that there is no day like today to start what we always wanted to do. Pressfield believes that the things that we fear the most are exactly the things we should be doing. I hope to put this into practice for the future.

I just finished reading this book and loved it. I almost never purchase books but this one is a keeper.