Print and Stitch

My Saskatchewan students pushed their creativity beyond boundaries for two days. The first day was the painting and printing. Then 'what do I do' with these lovely pieces of fabric. The second day students worked at their sewing machines to interpret their prints. Choosing thread colours for stitching and fabrics for borders took up some time in the early morning. Input from others in the class and some from me helped each person choose threads and fabrics. Discusions and sketches helped students decide how to 'put it all together'. They worked on designs for their art quilts, then they got right at it. Sewing machines hummed madly for the rest of the day. Have a look at the results. Some people were planning on going right out to purchase their own setacolor paints to work on projects over the summer. I can't wait to see photos of the finished works of these creative people! Send me your photos.

Amazing!....From White to Glorious Colour

My student's work from the Saskatchewan Stitches Conference Every time I teach a class, my students absolutely amaze me! I offer materials to work with, suggestions for design, thoughts about my own work and that of other artists. These few thoughts and ideas along with a field trip to collect materials and 'get out into the world' stimulate imaginations far beyond my wildest expectations. Everyone has something different that gets pulled out of their brain. So many tell me that they are 'not artistic' or 'not creative' but look at what they produce. All of this glorious colour from a sheet of white fabric, a few fabric paints and brushes. Over a number of years I have taught many classes in fabric painting, decorating and surface design and each group of my students never cease to amaze me with their creative juices running wild. This was the painting day. Next each person in the group created a small art quilt with piecing and machine embroidery. Look for those pieces in my next post. I would be really pleased to hear your comments about these works. You can now follow my blog by subscribing by email. Have a look at the box at the top right of this page the fill in your email. You can always unsubscribe. I DO NOT GIVE OUT EMAIL ADDRESSES ANYONE.

Saskatchewan Stitches Conference Challenge Winners

Ten days, 250 participants, 13 instructors, 39 classes, a fabric challenge and 50 entries. Another fun conference was held at St. Peter's Abbey in Muenster, Saskatchewan and sponsored by Haus of Stitches and Wendy Toye from Humboldt, Sask. All of those sewers - mostly women and a few good men had another great time over the week participating in quilting, painting, bra, swimsuit and panty parties, painting fabric, stitching threads and yarn into scarfs and making wild dolls and even knitting. The work times were intense and the social times were great. Beverly Johnson gave her 'Uplifting' presentation at the gala evening and had the room of 100 people rolling with laughter. I had a day off prior to my teaching days so had a chance to sew on my project that I will present next year. My students were fabulous and creative. Every time I teach, my students amaze me with their creative ideas. I give them white fabric and paint and they come up with amazing work. Over this week I will post photos of my student's work. But today I will post photos of quilts of the winners of the fabric challenge - Beverly Johnson and Annette Schultz. Both of these creative women received prizes for their artworks. Congratulations to both of you!