BeeSewcail July: Looking Up

Here's the final of four catch up posts featuring my BeeSewcial blocks.  Check out the recent blast of April (Miniature Flowers) , May (Bones and Structures) and June (Graffiti)  if you are just tuning in.  Here's hoping that I never fall that far behind again - my head's spinning!     

Looking UP

The BeeSewcial theme for July was "Looking Up" and Debbie posted some great inspirational photos she had taken on her blog A Quilter's Table.  

Redwoods 20"x23"

When Debbie asked us to share our own vantage point, I knew immediately what mine would be.  The subject matter was a slam dunk but the style was more of a challenge: Grayscale Minimalism.  Fortunately, thanks to my bee mates and QDAD my comfort zone has broadened and I no longer feel the urge to work with massive amounts of saturated color in a maximalism design.  I still think that scaling back to just the essence of what you are trying to capture is tough though. 

If you've ever stood in the center of a "Fairy Ring" I'm sure you'll agree it's a magical and unique view.  In my block I tried to depict the light filtering through and the way the trunk narrows towards the sky.  

Late July, I had the opportunity to ride the narrow gauge steam engine at Roaring Camp Felton to the old growth Cathedral Grove at Bear Mountain for the block's inspiration photo above.  I'll include some additional pictures at the end of the post too. 

I also wanted the Ring to symbolize the cross section of a Redwood and the way the growth lines are such a graphic marking of time.  Since I wasn't attempting to recreate a specific image I took creative freedom varying the width and spacing of the trees.  

It isn't often that I switch from pressing to the side to pressing open midway but did in this case to reduce bulk in the center. Machine piecing the final center circle was sure to be tricky and it certainly was.  The construction isn't perfect, it took forever to make and it was the most tardy to date.  Despite all of that, I'm really excited how it turned out.

   

Working with a set amount of fabric (3FQ of Art Gallery Pure Elements) also proposed an extra hurdle.  Improv doesn't yield the most efficient use at times and there is one extra seam in background.   With a target size in mind, I built out the longer trunk portion and worked my way around using some of the cut off fabric.  

Typical of my BeeSewcial block making experiences of the past, I went away feeling the need to explore the process again. Maybe with color and maybe on a larger scale. 

Double Meaning: a Sewing Setting

Every Spring and Fall since 2014 I've been attending a quilt retreat with friends and our workspace is nestled in the trees so I also associate redwoods with fond sewing memories too.

She also asked for a one word title.  I thought of going descriptive like Resilient, Treasured or Epic but opted to go direct "REDWOODS" The final measurement once trimmed was 20"x23" 

More Redwood Photos

Dixianna Shay Locomotive 

from the train

Because we take August off - I'm now back on schedule and ready to get a move on my BeeSewcial September block for Anne -  "Of All Stripes" and she has a gorgeously saturated grouping of blue/greens for us to use with a yellow/gold accent - my go to combo. 

BeeSewcial June: Graffiti

It's time for a bit of blog catch up with the next posts featuring my BeeSewcial blocks.    Yes, it's true that Fall is rapidly approaching and the seasons have flown by but I suddenly realized that I neglected to share April, May, June and July so I hope you'll sit back and enjoy a flash back to the recent months gone by. 

Map Marker and E is for Effort 

Block one: e is for EFFORT

As lead for June, M-R who blogs at Quilt Matters asked us to "Pick a ‘tag’ that represents a word of encouragement or inspiration that you’d want to share with me and others. A word, phrase or even a symbol that gives you strength when you are feeling low or inspires you to kick some ass. Bright colours (black is fine too) on light grey background. "

my favorite room of the exhibit

I was inspired by the album covers at the Summer of Love exhibit at the DeYoung in San Fran and have always like the phrase "e is for effort".   The basic fundamental idea of trying your best and giving yourself and others credit for that rather than being focused on just the outcome.  

considering color choices

Trying to find a balance between having the letters separately identifiable yet uniform so that it reads as a word was tricky.  Originally I thought I'd go monochromatic but was concerned without an outline they would bleed out.  Rainbow felt a bit predictable so I kept trying until I found a combo that felt right. 

Auditioning brights and backgrounds before undertaking the construction was a step that I spent a lot of time on.  I knew that if I was going to pull this off it wasn't going to be a quick fix to modify my choice like some previous improv that has a forgiving process.  I struggled with the R shape then opted to go lower case.

Creating not only a sketch but also a true-to-size drawing on freezer paper for a template is a rare method for me to use.  I went with free hand instead of computer generated and adjusted as I machine pieced.  

"e" is for EFFORT  9" x17"

The top and bottom are meant to be cropped when sewn in. If you flip it upside down it's easier to make out the word but the lower case e shape is flipped.  Reinforcing the concept of adjusting your viewpoint.  The colors in the outdoor photo are more accurate with the yellow getting the emphasis I wanted. 

upside down, left to right, top to bottom

To say that it was time consuming and challenging is an understatement.   Fortunately it was also fun and rewarding.   Each time I got to the next step I'd remind myself to focus on the effort, puzzling my way to the end. 

In hindsight, there were things that I could have been done differently, more easily with smoother results.  And maybe I will take those lessons along with me for future endeavors.  Or maybe, I'm OK with taking the backroads where there are bumps and potholes getting to where I'm going - we will see. 

Block Two: Map Marker

Map Marker 

Sometimes I'm stumped and other times like this month there's an over abundance of ideas. Finally pinned down which to do for block two (pun intended) I've got zero sense of direction so when we were deciding on features for my new car we splurged and got Nav. The concept for my "tag" was inspired by the icon. Because the shape was to be a cement brick rectangle, there are three which brought to mind Past, Present and Future. 

Also in excess this time was the meaning and message for the symbols so I just shared them all:  1. Destination is a moving target with many options on how to get there. 2. A modern day version of X marks the spot on a map - seeking to find the hidden treasures within yourself. 3. You are here=Be Present. 4. Enjoy the journey from point to point.   

To let loose my improv a bit after such a technical approach (for me) - I whipped out a non template version for friendship block to mail off before deadline.  I'm hoping to explore more possibilities with the technique like flower petals and maybe balloons. 

Check out #beesewcial 

BeeSewcial May - Bones and Structures

It's time for a bit of blog catch up with the second of four posts featuring my BeeSewcial blocks.    Yes, it's true that Fall is rapidly approaching and the seasons have flown by but I suddenly realized that I neglected to share April, May, June and July so I hope you'll sit back and enjoy a flash back to the recent months gone by. 

Block One: You've got a Shoulder

Silvia's May prompt is "Bones and Structures".   You can read about the details HERE and if you're not already familiar with her work,  you should definitely check out the amazingly talented creator that she is. 

For an abstract Improv Shoulder -the zoomed in view and attempted blending of curves was influenced by Georgia O'Keeffe (an all time favorite artist of mine).  I'm really pleased with the composition in a subtle palette which doesn't come easily for this All the Color All the Time kinda girl.

11"x17" Shoulder

During a visit to the art museum shortly after making the block I enjoyed not only viewing inspiring art including O'Keefe but also the interactive virtual dissection table in The Future of the Past exhibit at the Legion of Honor.

My choice of body parts has to do with the strength we show one another when we lean on each other.  A tribute to knowing friends and family will always have a shoulder for you when you need one and that you have one for them in turn. 

Block Two: It's Elementary

For my second block, 11"x18" I went architectural depicting the front of Soquel Grammar School built in 1921 designed by W.H. Weeks as a tribute to educators past, present and future- the elementary experience is a foundation for childhood memories they will reminisce about to their own children and grandkids. The teachers and staff are the backbone.  

I referenced a painted tile made by a teacher and an old yearbook while creating the minimalistic design.  There is something therapeutic about documenting and sharing a little bit of yourself with others and the opportunity to walk down memory lane was very special.   

It was hard to decide what part of the beautiful structure to use and originally thought of the hallways but in the end the front steps and classic arched entry won out.  The window and glass door details were fun to create. 

Bonus for special meanings and connections is that I found out after that Silvia has an O'Keefe quote on her blog and her husband is an educator.  I can't wait to see what the blocks all look like together.   

BeeSewcial April - Miniature Flowers

It's time for a bit of blog catch up with the first of four posts featuring my BeeSewcial blocks.    Yes, it's true that Fall is rapidly approaching and the seasons have flown by but I suddenly realized that I neglected to share April, May, June and July so I hope you'll sit back and enjoy a flash back to the recent months gone by.

Miniature Improv Florals

Marci requested something a little different for April (described HERE on her blog).  With Spring in the air, she asked for four 6.5" squares.  I love the idea of our group creating a floral bouquet of miniature flowers for her.  The Kona midnight background makes the blossom glow.

April 2017 BeeSewcial 4 Floral Miniatures 

Although I do have favorite flowers, I decided not to create any particular kind and focus on more of a general feel.  The thin leaves in my first improv composition is my favorite and I like the contrast of the straight stem holding up a top heavy blossom.

Block One

With the blue, I just had to get a little scrappy with the gradient colors and wanted to capture the sense of growing towards the sun as well as in various stages of bloom.

Block Two

In my third block I added a touch of embroidery thread.  The construction of this one was the most labor intensive and IMO the least successful.  I really struggled to convey what was in my head.

Block Three

Like I said, I didn't consciously set out to depict a specific flower in my approach.  The fourth and final floral miniature developed into an improv bird of paradise all on its own.  When I made it, I had my bags all packed and was just about to hop on a plane to Hawaii. The tiny center stitches were made with embroidery thread but that one very thin sliver is made of fabric.  

Block Four

If I had to pick a favorite. I think it would win.   

Full Bloom

Leading up to the making of my four blocks, I did take some photos to get me warmed up.  It was helpful to have the Rhododendron  in our front yard in full bloom at the time.  

Down the street there is a large hedge that brightens my day when I walk past.  

Of course when I was in Hawaii, I took lots of photos of flowers but I will save those for another day.

2017 FAL Meet the Host: Lucy

I'm excited to have Lucy as a guest blogger today and as I am typing I am realizing just how far behind I've become on sharing my own projects including two of the goals off my Q3 list, bee blocks and the #EPPparty I've joined.  Read on for some inspiring work from this fellow multi-tasker and check back again soon for an update, I promise. Karen

Hello! I am Lucy, Charm About You blogger and one of the Finish-A-Long hosts, here to share a little more about myself.

I come from a creative family, everyone is an artist or crafty type - whether it's by profession or a hobby. My creativity and love of art was encouraged as I was growing up but it wasn't until I was at university when I made my first quilt. It was really, really bad. I used the type of wadding meant for furniture, it was nearly impossible to quilt and it put me off for a long time. Fast forward and after breaking my elbow in a roller derby accident, with two small children to look after at home, I needed a safer hobby and I returned to quilting.

Eager to learn, I got some great advice and support from the two women in my family that quilt, I read lots of blogs, tutorials and quilt books and then went for it. I made simple quilts and a sampler quilt, building up my skills trying out new patterns and techniques. The addiction gripped me and the more quilts I made the more I discovered which elements I was good at, enjoyed and wanted to do more of!

I live in Manchester, UK with my husband and our three kids. They are wonderfully supportive of me and put up with the piles of fabric and works in progress that have filled the house. During the evening I love to do hand sewing, whether that be English Paper Piecing, hand piecing or quilting. It's my time to relax and I find it really hard to sit without sewing now!

I was lucky enough to get a job at Patchfinders, a local quilt shop, where I also began teach quilting classes (and still do!). It was brilliant to be able to 'talk fabric' with so many people - I learnt a lot about style, colour, print etc. from being in the shop and witnessing the whole process of how people chose fabrics for their quilts. The same sort of inspiration and delightful insight into creativity comes from the people in my classes and is one of the many reasons I enjoy teaching.

Then this year I also started doing demonstrations on the Sewing Quarter shopping channel. It involves travelling to work and train journeys equal sewing time! One of my recent finishes was the Everything In It's Place Bag, which I wanted to make to hold all the sewing 'stuff' I can't live without. It feels so good having my supplies with me and there's such a buzz that comes with using handmade. 

The tangible products we create, the snuggly comfort of quilts and the fact that they are enjoyed and used is a big part of the joy of making. I am also drawn to all the possibilities of patchwork and quilting, the various techniques you can use, the choice of fabric - prints / solids / colours and all the patterns. Machine sewing is my choice for quick sews, the precision of foundation paper piecing and meditative chain piecing. More recently I have had to hone my skills at machine binding because I just don't have the time to hand sew binding on the quilts I make for work. Hand sewing would generally be my preference for patchwork and quilting, though I really love being able to switch between the two and do machine sewing when I have that need for speed.

Having insatiably explored various patchwork and quilting methods I share tutorials and tips on my blog, from cross hatch quilting to cleaning your cutting mat;  free patterns and fun things to make.

Visit my Etsy shop for patterns like the popular Stitchy Pie needle case and my most recent A Piece of Me pouch. Later this year I will be adding quilt patterns too, all being well!

I have a 'to sew' list, along with a notebook of design ideas - making them into patterns is my intention and my goal for the next few months is to make time to do that. I would love for you to come and visit me at Charm About You or jump over to Instagram and follow me there, I share all my finishes and everything I'm working on.

So how is everyone getting on with their Finish-A-Long list? Any finishes checked off yet? If not, don't fret - there's still about 7 weeks before the link opens... just remember that time flies when you don't stick to one project!

Hope you all have a great week! 

Lucy