Sunday Stash #6?

Ah hem. I did say I was coming back to this space, didn't I?
I have proper reasons for being absent, but at the moment, no excuses seem to be justified. I've been feeling scattered in my purpose, blind to my path, just kinda adrift with amazement and an overwhelming exhaustion like I've never experienced before (an explanation for that I'll save for a later date).

But as this year progresses at a more rapid clip than usual for me, I have been overcome with an intense need to finish all these untouched and abandoned ideas around my studio. Like the way a snake must rub against course objects to remove the final traces of a shed. So my progress is picking up, I'm pushing myself to get into the studio daily, to do something, anything.

Almost a month ago I dove into a quilt series that I'd let stew for a while.....like three years stew. I suddenly had the urge to finish the set of five pieces. I've had 1 quilt finished and 3 of the 4 remaining quilts drawn up full scale, it wasn't hard to just start.

So let me share some progress photos today instead of just fabric.

So this is the first finished quilt in the series and really the inspiration for the rest of the quilts because when I made this, I hadn't planned any of it. I randomly had the idea of quilting a gun outline. So I did. Then I thought of wrapping snakes through the guns, but upon searching for snake images for drawing reference, I was inspired by a Celtic art piece of three intertwined snakes.  This piece really progressed on its own.

I'll explain my process and each of the other pieces as a collection at a later time, for now I'd like to share progress photos of the next quilt I've almost finished in this series I tenitively named "Dangerous Things in Pastels"

I began during this months Art Walk, tracing out templates, of which, there were many!

I have a great pile of "snake" fabrics that I've been compiling. I usually keep all fabric possibilities in direct view while working on a piece, like a palette of paints.

Once I cut and lay out the pieces, I look at it for a while, days usually. In case I don't like a fabric I've used and to contemplate the next steps of stitching.

I also like making most of my art quilts raw edged. I also love doing needle turned appliqué, but usually the desire for quicker results gives way to raw edges. Perhaps some day I'll switch over completely.

Today I dove into the background details. 

The finish is near!

I'll share the finished piece later this week! Hope you've enjoyed this peek into my process from my "stash" of in progress projects!

Dreaming of Autumn

This is where I sew. Looking out onto the balcony. The sunsets. I miss cool weather. It hasn't been too bad this summer, but hot enough not to be able to work in the studio once the sun crosses to my side of the building. It gets muggy. Sticky. Thick hot air and no air conditioner. But I've been trying to put some time in after the sun sets.

On my table above, low-volume blocks being assembled from a never ending bag of strips I cut last summer. Yes, last summer. I will have that quilt done before Christmas though!

Before we moved out of our temporary apartment, I made this quilt top.

I added a new pieces to the eyebrows and the eyes to make it pop (see below). Now I think this beauty needs to be quilted up. I do have a show with Collaboration X coming. I'm going to try really hard to finish it in the next week.

Time to jump back into the purging of years of hoarded art supplies and random crap. So I leave you with a lovely photo of my main "Stash" recently relocated to it's appropriate spot in the 'Haus of Stitch' studio.

Happy Friday!

Summer Again

I'm here. Hiding. Fighting with procrastination and dramatic change. Thinking. Creating. Trying my hardest to go forward.

Pinterest Obsessive

As if I needed another internet distraction on top of the endless reading of quilting blogs, I too have become a Pinterest addict. I suppose there are far worse things to be addicted to, but this is seriously not helping me get anything done.

And now one of my favorite sites for quilt projects (and more!), Moda Bake Shop, is hosting a little giveaway called 'Love it, Pin it, Win it'.

This website is one of the most inspiring, with such beautiful photographs and really well planned "step-by-step" instructions. Anytime I browse the quilt projects I feel like I could easily walk into the studio and start one immediately. Biggest problem, which one?!?!?! There are always so many amazing projects! And! They have TONS of different tutorials for quilts, bags, accessories, clothing, home items and holiday crafts to mention a few.
How could I resist, really.

It's simple. Just visit the Moda Bake Shop site. Pin your favorite 'Recipes', be sure your pin is linked to the recipe itself and not the home page and include these three tags (#modabakeshop #modafabrics #lovepinwin).

So easy. I created a board just for my favorites. Now I have no excuse! I must make these!
http://pinterest.com/mandamillar/modabakeshop-recipe-loves/

The quilt projects I've pinned are all favorites that I'd like to make. I'm not sure I could have picked just one, so I'm glad we can pin as many as we want!
Of course, there are awesome prizes to be had, the winners being chosen randomly from tagged photos.
So come join the fun and add to your "To-Make" list some really amazing projects!

Okay. Really, I must stop. I keep pinning! I have a baby quilt to finish up! Someone pry me from my computer chair.......

Works In Progress Wednesday

I have so many many many things I'm doing at once, I feel like a machine. I am a machine. I like being a machine.
After work yesterday, I spent a few hours at the downtown studio again and finished up another quilt top and basted it. (Insert amazement here.)
That's two quilts ready for stitchery. Makes me squeal with delight.

Yes. The Summer Sampler Series I started last summer will be finished before this summer! I like this photo, the angle lets you ignore the not perfect alignment of the blocks. I didn't do that bad of a job, but you know, if it's the tiniest mistake, I see it.

Anyway, I look forward to doing a bit of stitching on both tops this weekend.

I also am working on a super special custom doll for the daughter of a very good friend. I've redesigned my patterns again, attempting a more child-play friendly design. And new eyes, no more buttons. PLUS this darling child has a passion for dressing, so I'm making this doll some nifty outfits! I'm so thrilled for the challenge.

I've got some great doll inspiration these days. I pulled some fabrics for the doll itself and below is the beautiful fabrics she gave me to incorporate as I wish, though I already know I'm going to make some fabulous little dresses to start!

Doll body fabrics

Dearest Friends contribution.....simply cheery

I leave you now with a view of my table this morning. Happy Creating!

Link up!

Persistence Chases Gloom

I've been quite busy. The end of February brought about new business ventures. I opened a studio with best friend Roach in the Life Arts Building downtown. The photo above is from our opening night during March's Art Walk. There were tons of people. Even those who wanted to steal $1 items. Lesson : leave nothing at pocket height. Sad but true.

Aside from that, I've been working steadily. Odd. But it's working. I have space to work on a large white wall, (Yay! for a huge 15 ft. design wall!) a place for photographing the finished projects and display them. But really I've immersed myself in finishing things.

And starting things of course.

While painting the studio walls of all things, I get the itch to start another painting.

                     

Random yes. Highly enjoyable project to accompany my time. Yes.

And another. In all fairness, I just started this one on Saturday. Coming along nicely. I'm going to do a bit of Mola applique on this i think.

Also, as of this evening, this project from last summer is finally all pieced together. I decided on a solid white for the borders. And I admit, I did it kinda free form. By eye. The blocks aren't really all the same size. It was an experiment from start to finish. But I like the look of it, very crisp. 

I did a quick three hour work shift at the downtown studio and was able to piece the backing and get the whole think basted. Whew. 

I know. It's a lot. It FEELS like a lot. Continuously. And its an awesome feeling to close my eyes and think of all the things I've made today.

I used my first lap quilt "Worldly" on the balcony to watch the sunset at the studio and beamed with happiness in what I'd made.

Quilting = Love

I leave you with the design wall. The purples and tans will unite like wind etchings. The skull will get more English paper pieced rose stars and say something poetic. 

This is why I get up everyday.

-manda

Must Work Faster

Still making progress. Spent some time this last weekend piecing more of the Flamingo Me quilt. Started making some small stitch lines to hold the background together better. I like it more and more every time I add to it.

And I was graciously given a vertical loom from friends that are moving to New Zealand at the end of the month. Very excited to see what i can weave up with this!

And though Wednesday is almost over....I've linked up. Enjoying the process. Visit others processes too! WIP at Freshly Pieced.

Wednesday Already

Making progress is taking a step at a time. Continuously.

I'm refining the very basic step and resolving to do it daily. Even if its for X amount of minutes. I must do at least a little something everyday. Key. New Year, new beginnings. 

Working on this is giving me much joy. I remember arranging the pieces on my dinning room floor.Seven years ago, beginning sewing quilts in a makeshift plywood bare attic. Summer. Pulsing wasp activities. Dreaming about travel. Global.

And now, picking it up again to put in the final touches. Thinking again about travel and progress. Personal.

Enjoy.

Linking up with other awesome WIP folks at Freashly Pieced. Go check it out!

New Year, Better Blogger.....

The start of this new year has not been as productive as I'd hoped for. I let my brain have a vacation and spent endless days dreaming of the projects I should have been working on.

Weaving Practice. "What Are You Making?" "I have no idea. Really."

It's been over a month now since I last posted here...and to think I was trying to be a better blogger three months ago. Clearly, that didn't happen. So I will try try again. Fall off horse, run after horse, jump back on horse and hold. Something like that.
It's pretty sad that I've been falling off a proverbial horse that hasn't even been in motion.

I have been working on things, new and old. It's been a good mix of chaos. I've noticed that trend in blog-landia among other quilt artists, too many starts, not enough finishes. And I came to the conclusion the other evening, that in admitting to myself that I have a problem with finishing, I could tackle it easily, better yet I wanted to tackle it. For some reason calling it out make it less scary. I love the process and am afraid that when I finish, it's over and gone. Silly, I know.

I have been compiling my usual "New Year Goal List" which I'll share here as a reminder and a source of inspiration.

• Regular & Frequent Blogging// I need to record my progress accurately as well as make better connections in the art/quilt world.
• Revamp of Process// I clearly need to work differently, like from start to finish and not have multiple projects going at once until I master this.
• Finishing of the Unfinished// My first goal of the year is to get all 14(ish) quilt projects that have been started, finished. finally.
• Better Use of Time// The more time i have, the more i slack off. That needs to change.
• Online Store Fronts// I need to treat my online shop like a brick&mortar store. My dedication to it has slacked again. Embarrassing.
• More Book Work// Though I made quite a few mini books this last year, I'd like to flesh out some of my bigger ideas (children's book), as well as a sewing/quilting book and get it pitched to the right peeps.
• First Solo Show// I've done everything but had a real Solo show of my textile art. It's about time.
• Natural Energy Development// Better eating and more exercise. I need to take care of myself better and keep the bad mood mind away. I'm afraid this includes a running routine.
• Connection// Better my connections to the things I am inspired by and love. People, places, information.
• Self Love// I need to give more of myself to myself than to others.
• Travel & Adventure// I need to see new things. Freshen up my perspectives. 
• Inspire// Nothing motivates me more than to be able to see my creativity inspire others to follow their passions.

Okay, really, this list could go on and on. But this morning, these are the points in my mind. Things I meant to share and never got around to it.

I acquired tons of new fabrics over the winter vacation, going on a chance trip to my nearest fabric mecca M & L Fabrics in Anaheim. Plus I received a Joann's gift card for Xmas from Mum and was able to score cotton batting at 50% off.

While out doing last minute Xmas shopping at a local thrift store, I came across this most awesome "Battle Star Galactica" vintage bed sheet. As soon as I saw it wadded up in a bin under a table, I knew I wanted to turn it into my first whole cloth quilt. To make it even better, when I pulled it out, it was saturated with a stomach turning stale urine aroma that took seven washes (4 being vinegar) to remove. Quite the adventure. Leave it to me to have to buy something covered in urine. But totally worth it.

I've also been slacking on my submission to The 2012 Sketchbook Project. Which must be mailed before the end of this month! Eek!

Making good progress on it though and happy to be using it as an experimental zone.

Spent a moment working on this piece as well. "Dangerous Things in Pastels" Thinking about making a series of them, snakes and guns. It warms my heart.

And I leave you today with this next image, what I wake up to, glorious sun rays highlighting the work table in the studio. And yes,  the "Worldly" quilt that I pieced about seven years ago is finally being quilted and will probably be my first 2012 finish. Fingers crossed.

Cheers to a beautiful day!
-M.

Evolutionary Processes

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." E.E.Cummings

Things in progress.