Dyed and Gone to Heaven

Firsts

2012-01-24T19:16:00.002+11:00

Today I taught my first workshop for 2012 and it was also the first time I had taught my new workshop Fantastic Fusion.

Inspired by my friends at the Chicago School of Fusing I developed this worshop after completing my quilt Candy Floss.

My students were all new to this style of working and they all seemed to enjoy their results

This was my favourite block of the day. Took the least time and really interesting use of the technique.

Can't wait to teach it again in New Zealand in a few weeks.

Sydney Workshops

2012-01-19T18:34:00.001+11:00

Next week the year starts in earnest for me. No more West Wing marathons in the afternoon but it is about time I did some real work.

At Quiltsmilth in Annandale I am doing these two workshops on Tuesday when I am doing Candy Floss which was on the cover of Quilters Companion a while ago. There is no sewing in this workshop - just fusing. We play around with lots of delicious slivers of fabric and fuse them to each other. It looks so complicated but it really isn't.

On Wednesday we are doing my very popular Luscious Landscapes where we create a landscape from your own photo like this valley view in Italy.

I think lots of people are still away so these will be small classes which means lots of personal attention as well as a lot of laughs,

Hope to see you there. Just contact the lovely ladies at Quiltsmith for more information.

Cutout Magic Revisited

2012-01-15T18:52:00.001+11:00

I have designed a lot of patterns and interest in them comes and goes. This is really interesting for me as new eyes see them and like them.
Recently one of my designs Cutout Magic has seen revival so I thought I would show you some of the photos I have received recently of quilts made using my design and or process.

The one above is by Margaret Arama and called Garden

This is by Kelly Hamlyn Harris

Lynette's

Here is one in progress

It's a good thing I still have a few of the Magazines with DVD available on the website.

These are mine

I'm sorry I am not posting much. I am just trying to finish a big project and the end is in sight. They I am sure I will return to the land of the blog. In the meantime I am chattier or my Facebook page.

Something different

2012-01-08T21:06:00.000+11:00

I have always been interested in free style type embroidery using my hand dyed fabrics and threads but never quite managed to start. I have always been impressed by Sharon Boggon and her informative and educational blog and website and have even enrolled and paid for one of her online classes. Unfortunately I downloaded the notes, bought the requirements but something must have got in the way as I don't think I even started it.

However she has just started her Take a Stitch Tuesday which is where she demonstrates a different stitch each week and encourages everyone to post pictures of what they have been doing. I wasn't going to do it given my current workload but I have some gorgeous hand dyed threads from my workshops, just begging to be used so I thought why not.

Interestingly - I just grabbed a piece of fabric which had been a class sample and put it in an embroidery hoop (don't you just love it when you actually have everything you need?).

And what happened - a landscape suddenly appeared! I was so excited that I just had to start.

This week it is Fly Stitch - bit like chain stitch really and quite easy. I used one of my Hand dyed threads in a gradating green and I really like it.

So here is my first week's effort. Nothing too exciting but I am planning to build up texture on this piece.

New Colours for a New Year

2012-01-01T23:13:00.003+11:00

We have been dyeing some new colourways and I wanted to show them to you.

We are often asked for pastels so have done a rainbow of 12 absolutely gorgeous colours. When I look at them I keep thinking of those lovely little musk cachous.

We have also done a mid range rainbow and have divided it into the Warm and Cool ends of the spectrum.

This one is called Heat

and not surprisingly - this one is called Cool

They are all available on the website now and you can buy them in sets of one metre pieces, half metres or fat quarters. Now you can also purchase them individually as metreage with a half metre minimum.

Stencil Play

2011-12-20T07:41:00.000+11:00

Had a fun day playing with the new STENCILS with great friend Erica (who also happens to be the editor of Down Under Textiles so it was technically a work day too)

I still have to master the art of spraying but do like the effect.

The Cathedral Series really worked well once I had the registration worked out. Quite simple really but it took me a couple of tries.

We tried them with Paintsticks which work well although a little slow.

The Steampunk Series have great potential too.

I love using oil pastel crayons with rubbings with the stencil under the fabric. This is a little tricky if you want to tile your stencils accurately but they do give a good sense of instant gratification.

Aren't the Dragonflies gorgeous - these were done with oil crayons and a stencil brush

This is the arrow pattern in the Japanese Traditional Series done with rubbing technique.

Erica was having good fun too

and I loved the way she overlapped the designs. These will look great cut up .

This was just a short session but a great start. I think I am going to have a lot of fun with these.

Some More Fabrics

2011-12-19T10:54:00.000+11:00

I know you are all busy thinking Christmas but just in case you are still thinking of getting some beautiful one-off fabrics (or want to drop a subtle hint for a present) - here are the latest additions to the WEBSITE.
The last ones went really quickly so act fast if any take your fancy.

Exciting New Stencils

2011-12-12T23:07:00.006+11:00

I am very excited that I now am able to show you the new range of stencils created by the very talented Lisa Cousineau. As soon as I saw them I knew I had to have them.

I have the full range of 16 stencils which come in 4 different series

There is the Cathedral Series based on the windows of French Cathedrals.

There are two series in the Japanese styles

Traditional Designs

Contemporary Designs

And my favourite - the Steampunk Series.

They are available individually or in Series sets of all four and are on the Website now.

New Fabrics

2011-12-11T13:24:00.000+11:00

I have just brought in these gorgeous fabrics from the line (before the skies exploded again) and I was so pleased with them I have put them on the website already. They can be found HERE and are $25 each + postage.

I have called them Crystal Cottons and the image is of the whole metre piece and are full of beautiful little sections of unrepeatable patterns.

Student Quilt

2011-12-05T18:45:00.000+11:00

Sharon send me some photos of her recently finished Beneath the Surface quilt from a workshop we did in Perth . She has called it In the Current. Aren't the fish cute.

Fun Earrings Project

2011-12-04T13:29:00.000+11:00

I have been feeling so inspired by the colours and textures of the Felts that I decided to make a pair of earrings. It was not as if I needed to do any shopping as magically I seemed to have everything I needed.

First (using beading thread doubled) I tied a knot in the thread and went from top to bottom of a small ball pulling slightly to allow the know to be buried in the ball.

Then with needle coming out other side thread one large and one small bead and then go back through large bead and ball.

Thread a small bead and spacer and bead and then other small felt ball and repeat till you come out on the top of the large felt ball. I have a wonderful collection of genuine Thai silver spacers which were just perfect.

Tie a knot in the thread and then put needle back into ball to bury the know as at the start.

Using a head pin (from beading supplies) - insert through large ball and then add bead and spacer and bead as before.

Using small round nose pliers, turn top of pin into circle. Attach jump ring and earring wires

And here they are! So simple!

Would you like to make your own? I have made up kits in a variety of colourways for $15 BUT just for this month I will give away a kit in a colourway of your choice with every order over $40 on the website.

New Cotton Sateens

2011-12-01T21:47:00.002+11:00

I have just dyed some more gorgeous cotton sateens. I love this fabric because it has a higher thread count and a subtle sheen - not too shiny - just elegant.

SOLD

If you would like to own any of these (or the others) just check out the website. As these are all one off fabrics I won't be able to repeat them so when they are sold that will be it. So be quick.

New Delivery

2011-11-28T12:34:00.000+11:00

I absolutely love it when I get a delivery. My latest batch of Felts has just arrived and I have spent a while taking photos and getting them on the website.

Each pack is absolutely unique due to the quality of the different felts so I just can't show you everything on the website so thought I would add some additional pictures here.

Chunks

These are Recycled Felted Wool Pieces in 3 useful pieces of 4.25" x 3.5". They come in Greens, Greyscale, Mono ( plain fabric) and Mixed (patterned and plain fabrics)

Rolls

Recycled Felted Wool Pieces in 3 useful pieces of 4.25" x 6". They are larger pieces than the Chunks but in the same 4 colourways

Flowers

Lovely die cut woolen felt flower shapes - 6 per pack

Circles

Three sizes of circles in beautiful recycled woolen felt

Large - 2.75" - 6 pieces in pack
Medium - 1.75" - 10 pieces in pack
Small - .875" - 30 pieces in pack

Also with this order came more Felt Ball Collections and they are so yummy.

My order of beading tools came today too - these are a pefect addition to the kit orders for bending wires and cutting and very inexpensive

Garland

2011-11-27T09:29:00.001+11:00

I was inspired by Jennifer Jangle's blog to make my own garland

I used a mixture of the small, medium and large multimix felt balls, beading thread

and I found one or two beads in a variety of shapes and colours.

So I have strung them together leaving about 10cm of beads between each ball.

Using 50 mixed size balls I will have 5m garland.

If you would like to make your own - I have made up some kits which are on the website including 50 mixed size balls, 100gm mixed beads, silamide beading thread and a beading needle. Great project to do with the kids to help decorate the tree.

Gum Nuts

2011-11-25T11:50:00.000+11:00

One of the American ideas for the little felt balls is to attach them to Acorns but I don't have acorns here but of course being in Australia we have lots of gumnuts so I made these
I just used a multimix packet of the 1cm balls. If I had larger gumnuts (which I will in a few months) I would use a larger size ball

I cut them in half with a pair of scissors or you could use a craft knife

Added a drop of white pva glue - any glue that dries clear would be fine

and stuck the half ball on top and waited for them to dry

Here they are all ready in a little container for a table centrepiece or decoration. You could add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to make it even nicer

You can get lots more ideas on the Project Ideas Sheets

Hemp Necklace

2011-11-24T09:57:00.000+11:00

I have just made the Hemp Necklace Kit - one of the new kits available in out Fabulous Felts range
Above is what you get in the kit, needle, balls, hemp cord and beads and each kit is different with different balls and beads.

I cut the cord in half to have two strands. I also divided the balls and beads into two groups so that I had around the same number on each strand

I then threaded the beads and the balls in random order

You need to use the Felts Needle to easily create holes through the balls but the beads just thread easily straight on the cord.

When you have threaded it all on the cord then you then space either single beads or combinations and tie knots to lock the beads and balls in place

Space them at random - makes it more interesting

Once the first cord is full you do the same with the other cord.
The four ends were tied together to create the necklace. A drop of white glue locks it in place.

Now that I have made one - I can see lots of possibilities for additional embellishment including lots more beads and interesting charms.

I think I would also not bother dividing everything in half. It would be just as effective to make one long one and then adjust when wearing.

This took me about an hour to do and very satisfying.

Fabulous Felts

2011-11-22T02:59:00.000+11:00

When I was at Houston I was on the lookout for products that I could add to our range while still maintaining our obsession with colour and texture and I think I found it. The talented ladies at Handbehg have created an amazing range of true recycled woolen felts which are just so tactile and colourful that they fitted our brief perfectly.

We have just received the first part of our order and I couldn't wait to get them on the website and I plan to showcase some of them over a few blog posts.

I have bought most of their kits which are just brilliant. Original designs with everything you need to make a variety of jewellery and accessories.

The Charm Bracelet was my first attempt. I have to admit that although I have a zillion beads and lots of findings etc (the bits to make jewellery) I have never really done much apart from a few earrings. The kits are well described to tell you what you have in the kit and what extra you might need - which is usually not very much. But in this case it called for jewellery pliers. I had some (of course) but most people don't so I have also sourced some sets of three jewellery tools and have them available on the website in our increasingly popular Accessories Section

Here are some of my little felted balls with the beads and eye rings attached and coiled ready to be attached to the bracelet chain with jump rings (all included in the kit)

It tool me about 2 hours in front of the tv to get them all done and attached to the bracelet and the next day I fine tuned some of them. I think I have left the chain a bit long and could adjust it if I felt like it but I probably won't.
Here is the final bracelet - isn't it gorgeous? (Thanks to my talented hand model Sarah Fielke)

So this is the Bracelet Kit and I think it is really clever. You can get more details on the website here.

I will be increasing the range over the next few weeks but wanted to show you ASAP as these kits are sure to be very popular Christmas gifts either made up or given as the kits. They are suitable for ages over 9 years old and will appeal to a large range.

A Few more Beads

2011-11-21T10:28:00.000+11:00

I haven't really been buying beads lately as some would say I have an obscene amount (and they could be right) but on my travels in the US I just couldn't resist these. The Bead store in Dupont Circle proved irresistible although the staff could have been a little more friendly.

Love the diamond shape - wish I had got more and flat round ones are always useful
This one is about 1'' big - don't know where I will use it but I just liked it.

These bakelite circles in Houston were just too gorgeous to pass up

And finally - this pack of lucite beads was just $4 in the Antique Market in Vermont and apart from my sock wool and memories I just needed another souvenir of a beautiful place.

Sculpture by the Sea 2011

2011-11-19T14:39:00.000+11:00

Took a day off this week to visit the annual Sculpture by the Sea Exhibition at Bondi. The weather had not been kind to us earlier in the week - you really don't want to be walking along unfenced cliff tops in a howling gale - but the wind and rain finally left so yesterday was perfect.

See the cliff in the distance - that was about 1/2 way around the walk and I think most of Sydney (certainly apparently every school child)

Even the seats were decorated - looked like a heavy duty webbing but certainly nicer than plain metal

A surfing Elephant

Who Left the Water Running was a very popular sculpture.

I really liked these rusted metal shapes - so tactile. Unfortunately there were lots of do not touch the artwork signs. I don't remember them in the past.

This old couple had a great collection of frogs all around them too. The old lady is holding one of them

I always like spiral fluid shapes

The one was entitled 'The best of Perth' - not sure why. Some didn't do much for me.

The shark/submarine was cute - but weird

Loved this house made out of stacked timber. Maybe they are just going to set fire it at the end of the show to save carrying it all away again.

This fellow was about twice life size

I liked this one

This fellow was called - Look this Way - not sure if he was fishing or conducting but he had a great view over the beach.

All in all - a very pleasant diversion from the studio where I am planning to spend a lot of time over the next few months - but that is not a hardship. It is one of my favourite places to be.

The most interesting thing is that my first ever blog post was about the 2005 Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. 797 Posts ago - what a ride it has been!

Blog Hop of Creative Ideas

2011-11-11T19:56:00.000+11:00

Follow these great artists over the next 11 days.

November 9:: Jane LaFazio Sketch & Stitch Gift Bags
November 10: Lyric Kinard Glitter, Glisten, Glimmer: Beaded Snowflake Ornament
November 11: Tracie Lyn Huskamp
November 12: Melanie Testa
November 13: Traci Bunkers Moldable Foam Stamps
November 14: Diana Trout Japanese-Style Fabric Wrap(Furoshiko)
November 15: Judy Perez Folk Art Inspired Ornament
November 16: Kelli Nina Perkins Whimsical Spool Garland
November. 17: Lisa Engelbrecht Experimental Lettering
November 18: Jill Berry Geo Papers and Projects
November 19: Gloria Hansen Resizing an Image

Such fun

USA - Houston Festival

2011-11-09T13:55:00.000+11:00

This was my favourite quilt in Houston - the detail was incredible but even so - it didn't win a major prize.

Here are three of the landscape quilts in my exhibition - all from Port Lincoln. Talented group of quilters down there

Another angle of the exhibition. We had so much space it was terrific

This little village was curated by Kathy York and the houses were made by some very talented art quilters.

My favourite button shop

Caryl Bryer Fallert's winning quilt. All pieced in her precise exacting technique. A worthy winner in its category

These artichoke flowers were another worthy winner.

Here is Sally looking very happy in front of her quilt in my exhibition. There was always someone looking closely at it whenever I came by.

Pokey Bolton working very hard as always. Now she has moved to Texas to take on her new job as Director of Creativity. They couldn't have picked a better person. She has probably done more for the art quilting world than anyone else I can think of.

In one of my Thread Dyeing classes the ladies were very keen to add the dyes.

I did a washout demonstration in the mens restroom as it was the closest water source and actually there were not that many men around.

This was a view after dark from an outside window. So big and so quiet!

You can't believe how much of a buzz it was to see these signs with my name on them .

This was my biggest class - and the fabric was flying. So much colour. I love it.

I have bad feet and a bad back so I always hire one of these scooters to get around. Here I am on the walkway between the Hilton and the Convention Centre. My own little dragway.

Here is my 'only in America' shot. A vending machine for Proactiv acne treatment in Houston airport.

USA - Houston Market

2011-11-03T01:51:00.000+11:00

Well I am finally able to post some shots of the Exhibition. I am so proud of it with all the hard work of my students so seeing it finally hanging here is amazing. My photos don't do it justice as they keep the light here very subdued for the quilts but I have taken lots of photos of the walls and individual quilts so will be able to send them to all my participants

Quilt Market was amazing too. So many fabric manufacturers and gadget people showing their new lines and I have discovered quite a few new things which I hope to be able to add to Dyed & Gone to Heaven in the near future.

I won't be bringing in these but I thought you would like to see these amazing little felt items from a Japanese company. Yes they are made of felt!

It didn't seem as busy as usual but this was late in the day

Loved these little mexican decorations

My friend Sue De Vanny has this wonderful quilt in the Text on Textiles exhibition.

Exhibitors go to great lengths to draw attention to their booths. Even to the extent of bringing in a car.

So there is just a touch of Market but with Festival opening to night everything is about to go wild. The award ceremony last night was astounding. Japanese quilts seem to be scooping the pool but they were all awe inspiring. If you want to see all the winners go to the Show Website.

USA - Washington

2011-10-29T12:50:00.000+11:00

Washington is beautiful. The fall colours are in full show at the moment and everywhere you look there are beautiful combinations of reds, oranges, yellows and greens. I can see why it is such a joy for everyone

We have done the obligatory tourist routes - mostly from the top of one of those red double decker buses. Unfortunately when we did it yesterday it was drizzling with cold and very miserable rain but we persevered as it was the only way to see everything without wearing out my feet. I really recommend doing these hop on hop off bus things in a new city. Allows you to get your bearings and then go back to places you want to see more closely.
I loved this Roy Litchenstein face outside one of the many galleries. I can't remember if it was one of the 10 Smithsonian Galleries or not.

But we did go the Smithsonian Museum of American History which holds such a variety of interesting things like Michael Jacksons Black hat, aVietnam war helicoptor, wooden ships, train carriages and the Ruby Shoes worn by Judy Garland in Wizard of Oz.

They even had a complete house and talked about it's history through 5 generations.

I couldn't work out why I kept feeling like I was in Paris with so many obviously French style architecture until I learnt that the original planner of Washington was a Frenchman L'Enfant. That explained a lot. There are some beautiful buildings here.

Of course there is no end to the souveniers of Obama. I personally liked the nodding head one but it really didn't look like him.

Just nearby was a tent city of protestors who were suffering a little in wet and cold weather. Snow is forcast in the next few days.

I don't think I would have the fortitude of a protestor.. They were having a meeting complete with whiteboard in the rain.

But the highlight of today was meeting my facebook friend Karen who has made my Cutout Magic quilt. We had a great couple of hours chatting as if we had known each other for ages.

Ah - the joys of the internet.

So that is my snapshot of Washington - I would really love to come back some time but for now - hopefully a good night's sleep and wake up at obscene o'clock to catch the plane to Houston for the biggest adventure of all.

USA - Lancaster County

2011-10-27T10:27:00.000+11:00

Well another thing to cross off the bucket list - I have been to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. I have always wanted to come here and really enjoyed it.

Above is one of the quilt shops in Intercourse. They are all machine quilted and hand quilted. They are very well done and not too expensive for the work that I know has gone into them.

Of course there were lots of Amish around. We did a tour in an Amish cart and the driver was a young man whose father had been born Amish but had left in his teens when they are given the chance. It was really interested as he obviously had hald an Amish family and knew all about their lives. Very interesting

A visit to nearby Hershey was really interesting - check out the streetlights. So cute. But because everything in town was called Hershey and it was all so pretty and ordered - I kept thinking about Stepford........

We did the free simulated factory tour which was interesting but the whole place was a bit over the top for us. In fact I think we are the only people who ever went to Hershey without buying a single chocolate.

We stayed in the Summer Cottage of this farm.

It was so peaceful even if the bedroom was a little over the top

The Quilt and Textile Museum in Lancaster (we went twice - first time it was closed) was another place to visit but we were a bit disappointed

as it only had two exhibitions and one was the Esprit Amish collection which I have actually already seen twice and a small interesting one by Susan Levi-Goerlich which had some interesting textures.

A trip to Walmart was also required - this whole section was just for microwave popcorn! In Australia we only have a couple of varieties so seeing all these was pretty eye popping.

We resisted the urge to buy some of these - actually it wasn't too hard to resist.

I should have bought Peter one of these Angry Birds as he is addicted

We had fun in Lititz making some pretzels

All in all it was really interesting and I am so glad we went. I think a few days more would have been really perfect.

USA - Boston

2011-10-23T12:25:00.000+11:00

Our time in Boston has been terrific. It is a very vibrant city and actually reminds me a little of Sydney with the harbour and the bridges. Lots of focus on sports but I guess that was because there were final things happening.
We found Quincy Market where there were about 40 different food stands. I had my first Philly Cheesesteak which actually quite delicious. Might have another sometime

We went to Salem (yes the real one) but we were pretty disappointed as it was commercial and tacky. The only part I liked was the cemetery. This is the actual hanging tree where the 'witches' were hung.

They don't have graves for them but there a memorial nearby with a stone for all those who were hung and for Giles Corey who was pressed to death with large stones. The Crucible has always been one of my favourite plays so seeing these stones was emotional.

We are staying in the YMCA (cheap, comfortable rooms with free wifi and pool and gym - which I ignored). It is close to the USS Constitution which is the oldest commissioned boat in the US Navy - it fought the battle of 1812 against England. I wouldn't have been a very good sailor in these conditions.

But I loved all the ropes and knots.

Someone told me that there was a Chihuly Exhibition on at the Museum of Fine Arts so we headed off there only to be told that it finished in September. I was very disappointed although the Museum has managed to purchase this little piece of his which was pretty spectactular

I could have bought this small piece of his but I was a few dimes short of the $6000.

There was however, a brilliant exhibition of Degas with works from the Musee D'Orsey and other collections which was worth the visit.
This was not a Degas but we found it tucked away in a corner near a lift but I loved her shape.

All in all - we really enjoyed Boston but tomorrow we head off for the next adventure - Lancaster County.

USA - Woodstock - no not that one

2011-10-22T09:51:00.000+11:00

We are so lucky to be in New England at this time of year. Even though a massive wind storm came through last week and blew away most of the leaves it is still beautiful.

This is the inside of a covered bridge. You always see the outside but as usual - I like the details and lines. This one is in Woodstock Vermont (not THE Woodstock) which was built by/for the Rockefellers who appear to have owned most of the area. They didn't want power poles so they are all underground - so smart.

I have never seen hydrangas as a tree and these were magnificent.

My friend Anne took us to Gillinghams which is a store which has everything from gloves with ice scrapers attached

and candles and a great selection of hunting equipment in fluro colours so you don't actually get shot. There was everything you could possible need

USA - Vermont

2011-10-20T09:10:00.000+11:00

Well after about 30 hours in 3 different planes of ever decreasing sizes we finally laid our weary heads on a pillow in New Hampshire for our first nights sleep in the USA.
Three hours in this building site at LAX airport was not a lot of fun ,

But I loved this couple waiting at Cleveland airport tapping away on her macbook so intently.

Imagine my delight when we arrived at the breakfast in out hotel to find a waffle machine with maple syrup in jugs. Regular reader will know that this sort of treat really gets me excited.

We then had a pleasant drive to Vermont where I was to speak that night to Maple Leaf Quilters and then today to teach my Beading workshop.
My talk went quite well although Peter had to step in at the last minute to change the pictures on the computer but he was terrific. I think his aside comments and gestures amused my audience more than my talk but he was great at it

Today I taught my workshop to a very full class in a really large room at a local church.

Had a quick lunch downtown where I had an enormous turkey sandwich with cranberry mayo (very yum) with chips and then back to class

My students really seemed to enjoy themselves and I was given some lovely little presents.

On the way home up the mountain we stopped a few times to get some pictures of the changing leaves. Evidently last week they had a big windstorm which blew lots of leaves off but it was still breathtaking. This area has recently been the victim of an enormous flood which turned a little creek into a raging torrent which took away bridges and house. So scary.

And as I type this lying on my bed covered in Ann's great grandmothers quilt I have this beautiful view from my window. How lucky am I?

Spring Festival at Bright

2011-10-20T08:42:00.000+11:00

Just before we left for the US I taught my Beneath the Surface class at Bright during their Spring Festival. What a lovely part of the country. The gardens were beautiful and Bright is a really pretty town with lots of foodie places on the way there too.
I have never taught in a pub before and the class couldn't start till 10 because that's when the pub opened. However we had a large room with lots of space so once we found the airconditioning switch we were fine.

Some of my students - Anne and Janice came all the way from Wagga to have another class with me which was so thrilling for me. Groupies !!
They actually got to the basting stage of their quilts which was terrific.

On the Road

2011-10-14T18:27:00.000+11:00

I always struggle writing blog entries when I am travelling. My carrier is usually pretty good bit this week it let me down (and I was only three hours from Melbourne). Anyway - enough of a winge.

I taught my Luscious Landscape workshop at the Vickery Craft and Quilt Retreat in Alexandria. This is a great venue either for a workshop or if your group just wants to get away and do your own thing - the house sleeps 10 and has a great workroom for sewing, an wood burning heater and airconditioning and a large garden.
As we had two days for a workshop that can also be done in one day, we decided to add my Threads to Dye For workshop as well so that they could use their own hand dyed threads in their finished landscapes

Leanne was so keen to see her threads and fabric that she was glued to the washing machine.

Sarah turned this poppy field into a field of fabric poppies.

This photo of a canola field was perfectly converted to a textile piece by Jill and the addition of beads will be perfect. This workshop also has a beading introductory session included.

Sarah really enjoyed the process and finished her poppy field at night so the next day she started on another piece.

Isn't it terrific?

I had students travel all the way from Adelaide and Sydney and Geelong as well as locals which was lovely.

The owners Beverley and Anne as well as the students were so pleased with the workshop that I have been invited back to Vickery next year - November 19th and 20th to run my very popular Textured Treasures workshop. Places will be very limited so if you are interested I would suggest making contact soon.

Amazing New Store

2011-10-07T22:55:00.000+11:00

I was out and about today and found this amazing store. The displays and the packaging stopped me in my tracks.

And what are they - all candy - in everything from test tubes to specimen bottles. Of course I had to buy a couple of bottles of jelly beans.
The store is called Happy Lab - so clever.

Another Textured Treasure Weekend

2011-10-02T20:42:00.000+11:00

What is this you might ask - well it is a beautiful piece of hand stamped and painted fabric which is drying in the sun. The Sun Dye paints I use in these classes has brilliant colour and creates wonderful sun prints.

This weekend I taught a group in Sydney - Mosman Night Owls is a terrific group and are really getting into challenges so it was great to watch them really have fun with lots of different materials and techniques.

Some of the group hard at work

I love this stamp with its curving motion

Painted fusible web

Stamped and overpainted fabric

Some of Maggie's hand painted and stamped fabrics

Rubbing over a hand carved stamp with paint sticks create a lovely base and then can be overpainted with a painted wash

We also have a beading session in this workshop and Anne-Marie has already started this gorgeous panel for a bag front. She was also kind enough to demonstrate some embroidery stitches for me. Of course she had stamped and painted this fabric in the class too,

This was my new stamp that I made from Wet and Grow and I think it is going to get a lot of use.

I had a great weekend and saw the start of some incredible projects including hand stamped and beaded lavender sachets, quilts, bags and original fabrics.

If you would like more information about this (or other) workshops contact me soon - 2012 is filling fast.

Rockhampton Retreat

2011-09-27T10:53:00.000+10:00

Just back from my third visit to the Rocky Retreat in Rockhampton Queensland.
Always a fun retreat and I have so many friends there it is wonderful. As usual they made me feel welcome from the start.

We did my favourite workshop - Textured Treasures and the fabrics that were created from just white poplin were incredible. We played with Fabric Painting, Stamping (including carving their own stamps), rubbing, foiling, beading, stencils, paintsticks, sun printing, salt effects and other techniques. It was such a beautiful weather that we moved our tables outside for all the messy stuff.

Then they started stitching them together to create an absolutely original art quilt. Here are some of them.
Sue thought she was really out of her comfort zone but her work was wonderful

Gloria just kept laughing as she pieced saying how much fun it was.

Joyce used a resist technique with glue to create her words

These are Maureen's cushion tops

Alexis added some gorgeous foils to her top which really made it sparkle.

Margaret's water inspired fabrics looks so gorgeous as they get stitched together

I love the blue and green swirls in Lyn's fabric

I can't wait till they send me pictures of their quilted masterpieces.
Would you like to do this workshop too - just contact me

Houston Workshop Update

2011-09-23T12:29:00.000+10:00

I have had an update on numbers from IQA about my classes at Quilt Festival so I can prepare all the bits and pieces and was very pleased to hear that they are filling well.
So I thought I would give a quick rundown on them in case you are planning on going to Houston this year.

Threads to Dye For -(#479 and #818) - 3 hour class learning the basics of dyeing threads using Procion dyes. Some recent student blog links
The threads above were Erica's resulting threads and fabrics

Machine Sewing Techniques (#530) - this is actually a variation on my very popular Breaking the Drought Workshop. We experiment with machine embroidery, couching, bobbin work, applique and play around with lots of those buttons on sewing machines you never touch. Then we put our embellished fabrics into a small quilt.

Crystallisation - #723 - this workshop is nearly full and is such fun. We play around with a variety of fabrics including ones you might have always avoided like silks and velvets. A simple but complex looking piecing technique turns these fabrics into an original art quilt. This little sample was created using hand painted and stamped fabrics was pieced using this technique and then quilted.

And last but not least - I am giving a talk called A Jewelled Year (#458) which is all about the wonderful opportunity the Jewel Pearce Patterson Scholarship has given me as well as the Exhibition which I am so excited about.

If you are interested but want to know more - please feel free to email me or leave a comment here. I am so looking forward to my first Houston teaching experience.

New Fabrics

2011-09-20T20:18:00.001+10:00

We have been very busy dyeing some new colourways. I always enjoy the process of identifying great combinations and then creating them.
If you have wondered about our very high tech dyeing workshop - here it is!

Pretty flash isn't it but we love working in the garden and can even (and often have) work when it is raining as this area is undercover.

Regular readers of my Facebook page (where you will find a great FREE offer) will recognise these photos of the fabric drying in the lovely Australian sunshine. Peter always insists on hanging them in order and I love the way the garden fills up with colour.

These are the latest colours and there are many more underway as well. They are all on the website now.

Blue Purple Combination

Fire

Monet - I thought of the soft landscape colours

Ocean - Deep sea blue grading to soft green

Regal

Rose Petals - pink grading to mauve

Sunset

You can order these sets of 6 (or 12 for the rainbows) in metre, half metre and fat quarter sets and now you can order individual colours as well. Watch out for more colours over the next few weeks.

On Its Way

2011-09-12T12:15:00.000+10:00

In this simple box is the result of a year's work and planning and stress and sleepless nights!

Unbelievably all the quilts for my Jewel Pearce Patterson Scholarship Exhibition - Textured Treasures are packed into this innocuous box. It might look small but is quite heavy and has been dispatched to Houston. Nervous few days until it arrives but I am so relieved that it is done and on it's way.

Here are a couple more of the gorgeous quilts in the Exhibition.

This is Windows on Orvieto. Robyn Anderson joined me last year at my workshop in Orvieto in Italy and most of the fabrics in this quilt were created in our wonderful studio and balcony in the Italian sun. It was such fun that Robyn is already talking about returning for my next class this time next year. If you would like to join us here is the link to the Adventures in Italy site.

Jenny Bowker has made this amazing quilt called Talisman and more information can be found on her blog

Maggie Gilbert has combined a wonderful selection of fabrics with turtle motifs from her trip to Hawaii last year. They are so cute and there is some excellent hand embroidery on their backs.

Inspired

2011-09-09T11:57:00.002+10:00

I am an enormous fan of Alisa Burke. I love her work, her enthusiasm, her style and her seemingly unlimited ability to create art out of anything.

I did a class with her in Houston last year where we did Grafitti style painting and piecing.

Anyway - her second book has just been released. It is called Sew Wild and I have to admit I pre-ordered it as soon as I heard about it. I knew it would not disappoint and it didn't.
It is a reinforcement of the workshop I did with her in Houston and so has inspired me to finish my piece. It is broken down into simple techniques which are all achieved with stuff you already probably have at home. If you are anything like me you won't have to leave the studio to get started.
It is available through the publishers Interweave as well all the usual suppliers and I'm sure it will be a best seller.

The technique using Elmers glue as a resist intrigued me immediately so this is my simple piece. I have to wait for it to dry before washing off the glue and adding more but I already like the look of it.

I was also testing some fabric this morning for an upcoming workshop and I will certainly be further embellishing it with more drawing and textures.

Small Quilts for the Exhibition

2011-09-07T20:37:00.001+10:00

Here are some of the small quilts which are part of my Houston Exhibition. These are all about 25in square or less and done in or as a result of my Textured Treasures workshop.

Rita Summers Odyssey

Sally Westcott - Poppies

These are from my Bicheno workshop - Sue Smith - Square in a Square

Julie Robertson - Day in the Life

Pam O'Hara - Glasgow Roses

Sue King - Textured Circles

Pam King - Transisitions

Helen Rhodes - Nautica Botanica (from the perth workshop)

Pamela Troode - Poppies for Rememberance

Marlene Wells - Forest Floor

I am so thrilled with these. I think they will make a perfect addition to the exhibition won't they?

More Stars

2011-09-05T19:35:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago I posted an image of the completed Gaudi Star quilt which is part of my Houston Exhibition. Here is a shot of my original inspiration from Parc Guell in Barcelona

I had quite a few hand printed hexagons left over so when I was invited to contribute a small quilt for the Silent Celebrity Auction in Houston I jumped at the chance to use up more of them

So I stitched them together by hand

Painted a Gaudi inspired star design over the top in transparent paints so that the gold opaque paint still showed through

Then quilted it using the hexagon designs as a starting point in a continuous line freemotion design.

Now faced and hanging sleeve attached - I am very pleased with it. Now I just have to hope there will be some bids on it in Houston.

BUT - now I didn't like the large exhibition quilt as the vast expanse of yellow had always worried me but I was too nervous to do anything about it when my deadlines have been so tight.

But I thought - what the heck and got out the paints again and attacked the yellow. I am so glad I did now and am much happier with it.

Been Busy

2011-08-30T17:44:00.001+10:00

It is a week since I last posted which is very naughty but I have been snowed under with work for my Houston Exhibition. With everything finally coming together and so much paperwork I am going mad but the quilts that my students have made for the exhibition are really wonderful.

I also had great weekend teaching at Forster/Tuncurry (above) on the north coast which was a really beautiful place and it was great just to breathe the fresh air and watch the pelicans.

I taught my Textured Treasures workshop and as I usually do demonstrations of each technique I thought it would be silly not to have an idea in the back of my head to use some of the lovely pieces which get created. Even workshop samples should have some thought behind them.

So I have an idea for a Venetian inspired quilt as I just love Venice and we spent a week there after Orvieto last year. I took so many photos and I was really drawn to the amazing window and door shapes. This little collage is a small representation of some of them.

So while i was demonstrating I had these shapes in mind which is exactly the sort of thing I encourage my students to do too.

Using Wet and Grow - I cut this stamp with a craft knife and then popped it in water and it expanded immediately.

I stamped with a gold acrylic paint and when it was dry I overpainted it with transparent paints. I really like the effect and now I am tempted to just quilt this piece all by itself. I can always make more can't I?

I also drew a freehand window design on an Ezy Carve block which printed up quite nicely too. I like to create these stamps freehand as it gives my work my handmade feel.

I think my students had a great time and some of the work they produced was amazing. I can definitely see some incredible quilts happening.

As we left the next day we drove along the river and the morning was so calm that the reflections were just perfect.

Don't forget that I am posting more regularly on my new Facebook page and also having regular giveaways of fabric and Aurifil Threads so why not join in the fun.

Thread Dyeing Workshop

2011-08-22T09:53:00.000+10:00

I am running my last workshop for the year in my home studio in Sydney - THREADS TO DYE FOR - on 10th September. It was originally a week later but my son is coming for a visit all the way from Scotland and that was the only day available for a family get together.

In this workshop you learn how to skein your threads and then dye them in a rainbow of colours along with a coordinated metre of hand dyed fabric. All threads/fabrics/dyes are included in the cost of this three hour workshop along with a yummy morning tea.

Pamela did this workshop earlier in the year and her blog entry will give you a better idea of what you will be doing. I recently went to her exhibition and saw lots of hand dyed threads in her work which looked terrific

Places are limited so contact me soon if you are interested.

For those of you in the US - I will be teaching this workshop in Houston at Quilt Festival on Thursday afternoon (#479) and Sunday morning (#818) and would love to see you there.

Orvieto Quilt Finished

2011-08-15T17:16:00.000+10:00

This is the quilted top once the freezer paper was removed and here is the back. The Handiquilter Sweet 16 made it all so easy. It was hard to stop
I then tested a few paints and discharge products on samples but decided against the discharge and decided a transparent paint would be best (but not too diluted). I used Prochem Profab paints with a transparent base and a touch of the opalescent base.

I painted it first with a pale brown but it was too pale so did it again with a darker green.

However layering the two layers really negated the transparency so it now is more opaque. It was lovely sitting out in the garden painting for a few hours.

So here it is finished and I really like it.

It will be on display at my Textured Treasures Exhibition in Houston.

Patterns Gaining Popularity

2011-08-14T09:40:00.001+10:00

Have just noticed that my pattern sales through Quiltwoman have started getting larger repeat orders through distributors.

Summer Trellis is popular through Checkers

Beneath the Surface has another repeat order through Clothilde.

This is very pleasing although, as I have about 12 patterns available through Quiltwoman - it always interests me why some sell and others don't. Most are available through electronic download now so instant gratification is possible.

Beading Obsession

2011-08-12T14:37:00.000+10:00

I have quite a few new beading converts in my latest Online Beading Class. I only posted the technique to attach Cabachons yesterday and this is what Sarah has created already.

I love her comments - do you think she is hooked?

Cabochon's have replaced my children in the list of things I am most passionate about this week. Okay, not quite, but certainly they are fun, I don't have to help them with homework, clean their room, take them to swimming lessons or wonder if their actually listening to me or in some other universe ...

So, enough of my little tantrum, here is my first effort, I guarantee there will be more to follow because they are so much fun and so pretty!

This is why teaching gives me so much joy.

Orvieto Quilt

2011-08-07T22:44:00.000+10:00

I am now working on my next quilt for my Houston Exhibition and it is based on my time in Orvieto Italy last year where I spent a wonderful week teaching my Textured Treasures workshop. I also had time to create my own fabrics and get amazing inspiration and this quilt is one of the results.
I pieced lots of fabrics together fairly simply. I either painted or stamped or rubbed or foiled nearly all of these fabrics during my time there and they are coming together beautifully.
I now want to overlay a design somehow and the image I have developed is based on this metal grill over a doorway.

I wanted it circular so have repeated it and then drawn a line drawing from it.

Now to get it onto the quilt. I have had a few ideas including discharge and line quilting and overlay. Each has been explored and tested so still not sure what the end result will be.

But I am really enjoying the journey.

And if you are inspired - I am returning to Orvieto next year - September 2012 and would love to have you join me. More information here.

I have been posting progress on my new facebook page and have decided to give away some cotton sateens every time my page reaches a milestone of 200, 300 etc so come on over and 'like' the page to be in the draw. Handy hint -- the like button in in small type on the left hand side. Here is the link

Cotton Sateens

2011-08-02T14:29:00.000+10:00

I had great fun putting my cotton sateens on the website today. They are so soft to touch and such gorgeous colours.

We have sampler packs of 8 fat quarters as well as very generous (40 in x 52in) metreage.

Two of the metre pieces or one of the sampler packs is more than enough to make the very easy Two Up Wallhanging - just a four patch in two different sizes. No little squares - just strips to sew together. A very easy pattern to put together quickly and also to adapt to change sizes.

Finished at Last

2011-07-31T04:51:00.000+10:00

I have achieved two milestones this week based around the same quilt.

I have finally finished my Gaudi inspired quilt which I have called Gaudi Star which is part of my Houston Exhibition and was previewed here in little bits and pieces a few weeks ago.

I was such a breeze to quilt on my Handiquilter Sweet 16 that I didn't want to stop

And the second milestone is that this quilt was also my final assessment piece for my City and Guilds Patchwork and Quilting Course Level 3 which I have been doing for over two years. And it has passed!

I am notoriously bad at finishing courses - even with the best will in the world so this one has been happening in the background and at a snail's pace forever. I am so lucky that my tutor Marie Roper has been a patient and encouraging person. I did the course through Linda and Laura Kemshall's Design Matters in the UK and can not speak highly enough about their inspiration and encouragement. I love their Design Matter TV as well and if you join up - please let them know that I recommended it - you'll love it.

New Facebook Page

2011-07-30T13:26:00.000+10:00

I have been hearing about how Facebook forces you to have a proper business page if you have too many friends so I thought I would jump before I was pushed.

As I have been procrastinating a bit today I took the opportunity to set one up called
Lisa Walton - Dyed & Gone to Heaven (original yes?) so it is a bit of everything.

For those of you (over 1200) who follow me (thanks so much) I will continue with the same sort of content - basically quilts, news and food so I look forward to welcoming you. Please click on the link to 'LIKE' me. Sounds so pathetic doesn't it?

More Student Work

2011-07-28T09:01:00.000+10:00

Mary in Geraldton in Western Australia has completed her Breaking the Drought quilt but has done it in cool blues and greens. Such a great quilt isn't it?

If you are going to Houston this year - this project is the workshop that is called Machine Sewing Techniques and is Class No 530 on 4th November

Landscape Quilt

2011-07-26T17:42:00.000+10:00

My other current exhibition quilt project is a landscape quilt which has been based on this gorgeous photo of the River Murray by my friend Rita in Port Lincoln.

First I layered down lots of fabric scraps and wool rovings and yarns and I am now at the quilting stage which is done over a layer of water soluble stabiliser.

I have been so fortunate to receive some more fabulous Aurifil threads - this time the Aurilux polyester variagated range. Perfect for those mixed areas.

And I needed to top up my range of browns too.

Here it is on the wall about 2/3 quilted. It is looking cloudy as the stabiliser is sort of opaque but still clear enough for me to see what is underneath. It is 50in x 50in.

Here is some of the quilting underway with the Sweet 16 Handiquilter. I just can't stop.

Not long to go now before I can wash away the stabiliser.

Weekend Workshop

2011-07-24T20:36:00.000+10:00

It is always a great treat to teach in Sydney. I get to sleep in my own bed and don't have to stress about packing and forgetting things so it was a great thrill to teach for the Quilters Guild of NSW the last few days.

Textured Treasures was the workshop of choice and although the weather didn't behave perfectly to allow sun printing we still had a very creative time. Some really interesting fabrics were created with hand carved stamps and rubbings and fabric paints and foils. A beading lesson was included so I am sure there will be some beads added once the quilts are quilted.

Alan managed to piece his little quilt (above) by the end of the workshop using his lovely stamped fabrics.

Yvonne already had her inspiration image of tree bark and leaves in mind

She then pieced and free motion quilted the pieces which are going to be joined with the blue leaf printed fabrics (all created from scratch in the workshop)

Some of Alan's fabrics

Susan was very new to this sort of work but I loved this stamp she carved a really interesting design which layered beautifully. We use EzyCarve stamp materials in the class which is like cutting into butter.

This gorgeous print was created with the fabulous Wet and Grow.

Another fun couple of days which also included a quick visit at lunchtime to Sweetness the Patisserie which was nearby

New Wool Sets

2011-07-21T08:24:00.006+10:00

We have some gorgeous new wool sets in stock. They are sets of 6 in both solid and textured hand dyed wools. Each piece is 16in x 4.5in and will be perfect for any applique projects.
Stocks are very limited so check them out at Dyed & Gone to Heaven

Landscapes in Port Lincoln

2011-07-20T10:34:00.001+10:00

I spent last weekend in Port Lincoln in South Australia with a very enthusiastic group of quilters. Part of the cost was subsidised by Country Arts SA which is a great way for groups to get tutors.

We did Beneath the Surface on the first day and most quilts were well underway by the end of the day. The ladies really enjoyed the free form piecing as well as the beading session so I expect there will be some gorgeous quilts finished very soon.

Day two was Luscious Landscapes and I was so impressed by the quilts which start magically appearing. I have been promised photos of the finished quilts so will show them to you when they arrive.
Here are some underway with the inspiration photos so you can see how they are developing.

I am teaching Luscious Landscapes again at the Vickery Retreat in Victoria on 11/12 October and there are still places available for a great coiuple of days. There are only two places left. I am also doing my Threads to Dye For Workshop that weekend too and it will be one of my last workshops in Australia this year so don't miss out.

Cover Girl

2011-07-13T10:07:00.000+10:00

My latest quilt has just been published Quilters Companion Magazine - Issue no 50 and it has made the cover which is very thrilling.
It is called Candy Floss due to its slightly pink colourway and is made using a fusing technique so there is NO SEWING except for the quilting. You will be amazed at how quickly and easily it can be made.

Here is a detail of one of the blocks.

It was originally made for a challenge in a group I am in and we had to make a quilt (or something) using only a set of hand dyed pink fabrics and one other fabric. My other fabric was a hand painted piece which gradated from yellow to organge.

Kits are available on my website in this or your favourite colourway.

More Student Work

2011-07-05T09:42:00.000+10:00

Danielle in Bundaberg completed her Aurora and Luscious Landscape quilts really quickly.

Heidi made her own version after our Breaking the Drought Workshop

This is the workshop that I am teaching in Houston which has been renamed Machine Sewing Techniques (Class 530) on Friday 4th November.

This is Joy from Geraldton's Cutout Magic quilt - isn't the quilting terrific too.

Influenced by Gaudi

2011-07-01T14:23:00.000+10:00

I am working on one of my Houston Exhibition quilts. I had two main inspirations - the mosaic above from Gaudi's Parc Guell and his paving stones design in Barcelona.

I made a thermofax screen of the paving design and printed hundreds before hand stitching them together. I must be mad.

I am now in the process of overpainting the quilt using the mosaic as inspiration.

My Aurifil Threads have been ordered and I can't wait to start quilting.

In the Mail

2011-06-29T09:37:00.000+10:00

Look what I got in the mail today!

The last 12 months have been pretty amazing for me but NEVER in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would see this.

Needless to say that the quilts are underway but with all my travelling recently most of the creative work has been in my head (and dreams/nightmares). It is a pretty terrifying prospect but hopefully it will be all right when it needs to be. My group of students are all working hard too and I am so excited about the work that they are creating.

Also another unbelievable prospect is that I am teaching at Quilt Festival as well. I hope some of you who are planning to be there will consider my classes or lecture as it will be very embarrassing if no one signs up.

I will give you more details later but now I am back to the studio.

Exhibition Opportunity

2011-06-28T04:29:00.000+10:00

Here is an exciting new opportunity for textile artists to participate in a new travelling exhibition to be curated by Brenda Gael Smith in 2012.

Open Arms

2011-06-25T07:40:00.000+10:00

Bard Haerland - great photographer and husband of the very talented Kay Haerland took this great photo of me at my exhibition.

Kay is the featured Bernina artist this year at the Quilt and Craft Shows demonstrating her amazing techniques so do come and watch her in action.

Sydney Quilt Show

2011-06-23T07:32:00.000+10:00

Yesterday was the start of the Sydney Show which is Australia's largest quilt show. I was very fortunate to win 4th Prize in the Anything Goes Category for my quilt Flowing.

All the prize winners can be seen on the Quilters Guild of NSW website.

Thanks to the Guild for a great show including all the sponsors including Dayview Textiles who sponsored my award and major sponsor Bernina who are a major sponsor for all Australian Quilt Shows.

Also very exciting is the fact that I am the Guest Exhibitor this year and it is amazing to see so many of my quilts hanging together in such a large space. I give a floor talk every day too which is a bit scary but going well so far.

Dyed & Gone to Heaven of course has a stand (F32) which is full of hand dyed and painted fabrics including our gorgeous new cotton sateens, hand dyed wools and an amazing collection of our overdyed vintage linens.

Cohuna

2011-06-20T20:49:00.000+10:00

I have spent the last few days in Cohuna at their annual Quilters Weekend. It was my second time there and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I love workshops where I can spend more than one day with the same group and watch them develop.

My happy group with some of their magnificent work.

This was another Textured Treasures workshop and I had a mix of traditional and art quilters at many different levels and experiences which is always a challenge. I always try to ensure that everyone gets what they want out of the workshop which can be difficult as a teacher. However, it is always what makes it so rewarding when I feel I have achieved it. The feedback I get from my students often blows me away and I will continue to strive for this.

Stamps made with Ezi Carve of leaves and combined to form a collage

Stamps made of foam

Fabric which has been painted then rubbed with texture plates and oil crayons with a spider web made with foil.

Next Online Beading Class

2011-06-16T09:05:00.000+10:00

I have been teaching quite a few workshops lately that have a small component of beading in them. This has definitely whetted a few appetites and when I mention that I also have an online workshop I keep getting asked when it is.

So I have decided to run another one starting 14th July which will run until mid August. There are 6 lessons which each comprise videos and notes. The videos are available for future reference for the forseeable future (or until youtube decides to remove them) and are clear and detailed. There is also a class blog where you can ask questions, post pictures and just chat to your fellow students.

The price is AUD$60 for the six lessons and there is also a kit available with everything you need in a variety of colourways.

There is a link to a taster on the right hand side of this blog

You can sign up here.

Inspired by a Workshop

2011-06-10T09:43:00.000+10:00

Jeanette Cattanach did my Aurora workshop in Adelaide last year using a piece of her own hand painted fabric as the base.
She has sent me a picture of her stunning finished quilt. What a star.

Textured Treasures in Bundaberg

2011-06-09T05:38:00.001+10:00

I really enjoy teaching my Textured Treasures workshop. I absolutely never know how it is going to turn out. Still in Bundaberg we changed venues for this 2 day workshop to an enormous building. Lots of available space, tables, water, light and even grass for drying fabrics. Topped off by perfect weather of wam sunshine and low wind so our fabrics didn't blow away.

There was even lots of foliage for sun printing.

Joy (above) created some beautiful fabrics from stamps inspired by her recent travels and by the end of the workshop had completed a stunning little quilt. I am looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.

One of my students was a last minute addition who was very hesitant about 'letting go'. By the end of the workshop Leanne was painting and stamping along with the rest with a relaxed and creative attitude. It was wonderful to see her change over the two days.

Shirley used my Orvieto stamp and an Indonesian batik stamp to create this multilayered (and multicultural) wholecloth. She even started quilting it by the end of the workshop

I love it when I have younger students in class and Mandy really enjoyed herself. This is one of her pieces which was painted and then stamped (with her own design carved stamp) and then further embellished with couching

and then amazing additional features made out of painted make up removed pads and organza shapes.

Bundaberg Luscious Landscapes

2011-06-08T17:35:00.000+10:00

Now I am in Queensland teaching the enthusiastic Art Quilters Group of the Bundaberg Quilters for four days.

First day we did Luscious landscapes which is a workshop where we use a wide variety of fabric scraps to recreate an inspirational image.

My latest sample is this image of Orvieto (where I am returning to teach in September 2012) looking over the valley. The finished little quilt is above but probably needs more beads.

This workshop really moved quite a few ladies out of their comfort zones but some of the resulting quilts will be magnificent I think.

This one by Julie looked absolutely gorgeous once the water soluble stabiliser was washed away. She plans to add some more beads and embellishments.

Last days in Western Australia

2011-05-31T21:53:00.000+10:00

I have been teaching for the last few days. Having a great time as my students are enthusiastic and very creative.

Here are some of my students from West Australian Quilt Association above with their Beneath the Surface Workshop and below are the ladies in Busselton working on their Breaking the Drought pieces.

Finished Textured Treasure

2011-05-27T17:12:00.000+10:00

I always love it when a student sends me a photo of a finished class project. This quilt is by Edith Burgess and is very special.

It is very satisfying as a teacher to have students actually complete their workshop projects. Sometimes you just know that they are going to end up in a UFO collection so to see something finished is so great.

I was really impressed with these fabrics as they were created in class in Devonport so to see them put together is a real treat. She created her own stamp in class and also used lettering.

I may be quiet for a few days now as I am teaching five days in a row which might be a little tiring but I do love it.

Fabulous Fabrics

2011-05-26T12:27:00.000+10:00

This week I taught my Textured Treasures Workshop at Ocean Keys Sewing Centre near Perth. I love teaching there as it is such a wonderful friendly place and the students are always such fun.

Here are some of the fabrics created on day one - all started on white fabric and them embellished with paints, hand carved stamps, foils, inks etc. They are all on their way to being incorporated into quilts and bags and other wonderful textile pieces.

Perth Sights

2011-05-24T15:24:00.000+10:00

Perth is very beautiful and there are a lot of public art works which make wandering around even more pleasant. The above is the fairly ordinary Council Building which comes alive at night.

At the Perth Art Gallery there is a coffee shop with this great mural on one wall.

And what is it made of - coffee cups of course.

I particularly like this metal sculpture of paper planes

And this one although I am not sure what it is meant to be

More Cutouts

2011-05-23T08:40:00.000+10:00

Sandi in Geraldton has sent me a couple more photos of nearly finished Cutout Magic quilts. We had talked about trying the technique with triangles instead of squares and so the challenge was set. Looks really interesting doesn't it?

I do have some great photos to share of Perth but seem to have mislaid the gizmo that transfers photos from my camera to Macbook Air (one of the few negative aspects of this otherwise terrific computer - no camera disk slot). Will show you some great street art when I get another.

Dongara and Geraldton Workshops

2011-05-16T09:28:00.001+10:00

I have just spent a couple of days teaching in Dongara and Geraldton in Western Australia. It was a quick trip to both places this time. I have been before and really enjoyed seeing a parts of Australia that I don't see very often. The country hospitality is always welcoming and friendly

Classes were fun and full of laughter.

Shirley had finished her version of Breaking the Drought from my last visit. Didn't she do a great job.

Here are some of the Geraldton ladies with their Cutout Magics. This is a very fun workshop and I think there are going to be some really interesting quilts resulting from this workshop

Travels in Western Australia

2011-05-15T18:49:00.000+10:00

After a long day travelling from Sydney to Perth and then to Geraldton I was rewarded with this beautiful sunset over the ocean. Sydney gets sunrise over the water and Western Australia gets the sunsets. As I am rarely around for sunrise - this was a special view.

New Toy

2011-05-11T09:41:00.000+10:00

I have wanted a long arm for a very long time. I don't know why I think that my quilting will be better on a long arm or maybe the sort of quilting I want to do is better suited to a long arm or whatever.

But I just wanted one.

Unfortunately as wonderful as my studio is - it is just not big enough for one so for quite a while I have been eyeing the Handiquilter Sweet 16 sit down machine. I have heard great things about it and so have bitten the bullet.

It was amazingly easy to set up and my first sample was quite acceptable so I am pleased.

It makes a perfect combination with my Bernina 820 and I am really looking forward to the three of us working together on some exciting new projects. Can't tell you exactly what yet but believe me - they are very very exciting.

Kimberley Jewel

2011-05-08T19:37:00.000+10:00

This gorgeous picture of the Kimberleys was Janice's inspiration in our Luscious Landscape workshop in Wagga Wagga
Here is here finished quilt - love the beading

A Perfect Gift

2011-05-03T16:20:00.000+10:00

As you might know - we have been finding and giving new life to vintage linens and tablecloths. Every now and then we find a treasure and this is one.

Crisp white cotton with hand embroidered wattle blossom and leaves
It is 1.3m x 2.4m (53in x 98in)

The embroidery is beautiful

I just couldn't over dye it - I think it is perfect as it is.

I have listed it on the website for sale and think it would be a perfect Mothers Day present - for you or your mother. I will be adding other linens when I have time but this one just needed to be shown.

Published in France

2011-05-03T08:35:00.000+10:00

You can never tell where something will lead can you?
When I was in Houston I was introduced to a lovely lady from France who writes for Magic Patch Magazine. She interviewed me for a profile in the magazine and it has just been released.
I am so impressed with the quality of the photos and although my French is not brilliant - I can make out the jist of the text. I think it says nice things.

They also purchased my pattern for my very popular Aurora from Universal Magazines so it is also included.

As a result of this article I was contacted by the organisers of Quiltfestival Wilwerwiltz which is run every two years in Luxembourg and invited to hold an exhibition of my work in May 2012. Of course I have accepted and am very excited about it.

New Challenges

2011-04-26T10:52:00.000+10:00

I am so excited that the organisers of the Textile Arts Festival have offered to have a dedicated display space for my Whimsical Woollys Challenge pieces. This will allow them to be displayed really well to be admired.

So I have decided to run the Challenge again so some of you who bought kits but ran out of time or others that want to join in the fun can have a try. The more entries - the better the display

More time to complete your pieces this time - entries due by June 6th and you can enter on the website.

Australian Patchwork and Quilting Magazine also want to do a story on them so here is your opportunity to be published.

Also - the amazing variety of entries has inspired me to run another Challenge using my Hand Dyed Vintage Linens.

I will be awarding a prize of $100 worth of Dyed & Gone to Heaven goodies in each competition.

This is an opportunity to give a new life to some gorgeous bits and pieces which have been overdyed to bring out their beauty.

I will also be including a small pack of coordinating beads in the linen pack for further embellishment. You can paint, stamp, bead, cut up, hand or machine stitch your items to create something beautiful.

Deadline for this Challenge will be the same - 6th June.

Missing in Action

2011-04-25T23:00:00.001+10:00

I have just returned from a fabulous Symposium in New Zealand. Unfortunately I left my camera battery charger at home and the internet access wasn't all that good so I didn't blog.
We had snow on the first night above the town. It melted after a few days but was pretty impressive while it lasted

My classroom for the five days was light and airy although the heating was a little erratic. My first two day class was Breaking the Drought.

A smaller group for Crystallisation but no less ethusiastic

Outside my classroom was this beautiful tree. Don't know what it was called but it was already half into autumn with beautiful red berries.

Queenstown is on the water surrounded by mountains and so picturesque.

On my way home but just able to capture the mountains.

My classes were great - such enthusiasm from the students and it was wonderful to just immerse myself in it for a week. I also spent time with some of my idols in the quilting world and it was amazing to realise that we had so much in common. It is not all that usual for tutors to spend time together and just chat.

Roll on Taupo Symposium 2013. I will be teaching there and you can already register to keep up to date with all the news as it develops.

New Pencilcase

2011-04-25T11:03:00.002+10:00

Possibly not all that exciting for most of you but during my Symposium Crystallisation workshop I started a sample for demonstration and didn't like to waste it.

I used the same technique as for the quilts but slashed it again and again and then quilted it with Dazzle 8wt metallic thread in the bobbin very simply.

Once home I added a zip and a couple of seams and now I am very pleased with my resulting pencil case.

I was inspired by Laura Kemshall on Design Matters Tv - a wonderful resource for creativity. I am in awe of their work.

Might need to make some more.

Whimsical Woollys Winner

2011-04-15T18:06:00.001+10:00

So much alliteraton!

The talented Jane Davila judged the 19 entries for me on setup day and admitted it was a hard decision. She narrowed it down to three and then finally decided on Judy Hammersla's gorgeous pincushion.

Judy - who also works for Aurifil created a lovely appliqued pincushion and the pattern is now available on the Aurifil blog as a download at the Always Quilting blog along with Jenny's Thread Whimsy Wallet.

Here are some of the other entries - such fun

Workshop Opportunities

2011-04-13T06:14:00.000+10:00

I just wanted to mention a few opportunities coming up.

I am teaching my Textured Treasures Workshop at Ocean Keys Sewing Centre in Perth on 23/24 May. This is the workshop which is the basis of my Houston Exhibition and some student works from this workshop may be included in the exhibition.

We play with surface design, painting, stamping, foiling, beading etc and it is a great opportunity to try out techniques in a fun environment. A materials fee is included so you don't need to outlay lots of money for things you may decide not to use again. Spaces are very limited in this workshop so if you are interested contact Faye at Ocean Keys ASAP.

I am also teaching a workshop in Port Lincoln in SA on 16/17 July. This will be my only trip to South Australia this year so I will also be available the following few days if any group or shop is interested in a workshop too. Travel costs can be shared with the Port Lincoln group. Contact me for more information or check out my workshop information on the website.

Kona Cottons

2011-04-12T09:13:00.000+10:00

I fell in love with these sets when I was at Houston and have managed to bring some in. They have between 20 and 22 fat quarters each.

They will also be at the AQC but be quick as I only have a few of each colourway.

They are the perfect addition to your stash as well as going beautifully with my hand dyes.

Cotton Sateens

2011-04-10T17:05:00.001+10:00

Also new to Dyed and Gone to Heaven are our gorgeous Cotton Sateens.
They are extra wide so our one metre pieces are a very generous 52" wide by 40" long.
This quilt is called Two Up as it is made with only two lovely contrasting metre pieces and is just made up of the classic Nine Patch Block in two sizes

As an introductory offer I am giving away the pattern with any purchase of two one metre pieces. You can also order the fabric with free pattern online now.

They will be available at the AQC as well as lots of the Sateen Sampler packs which contain 8 fat quarters in a brilliant selection of colours.

Here is Peter packing the Sateen Sampler packs - always a favourite job.

He is much better at tying the ribbons than me!

Whimsical Woollys Arriving

2011-04-09T05:50:00.000+10:00

It has been so exciting to get deliveries each day this week of the entries in our Whimsical Woollys Challenge.
Here are some of the amazing arrivals.

These are far exceeding my expectations. I am thrilled and look forward to showing them all to you. I will post images of all of them when I am able and they will be on our stand at the AQC, Perth and Sydney Quilt and Craft Fairs and the Textile Arts Festival in Brisbane in June

Jane Davila has kindly agreed to judge the challenge for me at the show and she (yes all entries have been from women) will win $100 worth of goodies. I am so thrilled with the standard of entries that I am already planning another challenge using the Vintage Linens I showed you yesterday so get your thinking caps on.

Vintage Linens

2011-04-08T04:41:00.000+10:00

Something new for us to be launched at the AQC are our overdyed linens. We have been scouring the charity and opportunity stores in all our travels and have found an amazing treasure trove of unwanted damask tablecloths, serviettes, lace and cutwork. I am becoming an expert in identifying suitable items for a new life.

We have dyed some in sets and some in gradations for variety in a rainbox of colours

I originally planned to use damaged items as cut fabrics for patchwork - to give them a second life - but have been amazed at the quality of what I have found. They can be used as backgrounds for applique projects, wholecloth quilts or even reverse applique.

This wholecloth piece was just spray basted over a contrasting piece of hand dyed fabric

and then free motion quilted around the design. So easy and such fun and effective. I have only gone around the design in this piece but there was even more opportunity for interesting quilting in the centre and larger areas but I wanted to keep this one simple. It is about 1m square.

This was a set of 6 napkins cut into quarters and then stitched together and free motion quilted

This technique could be used to make a really quick baby or lap quilt and the silky feel of the serviettes makes it very tactile.

Once they are given a second life with dyeing they start to take on a new life of their own.
Imagine using these as decorator items in your home or on your table for afternoon tea.

I have lots of different colours and shapes and sizes so can't put them on the website yet but if there is something specific you want like a damask tablecloth in a certain size - just let me know.

New Fabric Combinations & Price Reductions

2011-04-07T06:47:00.000+10:00

Due to the great Australian dollar - we have been able to REDUCE OUR PRICES on our basic cotton poplin fabric sets. This is our main fabric and is a high thread count 100% cotton. I never use homespun as I prefer the soft hand and fine texture of this fabric. Check out the website for the new prices.

We have been dyeing some new combinations of our colour sets to celebrate the price drop.
Above is Boysenberry
and this one is Mocca

This is Rockmelon (Cantelope to some)

And this is fresh cool green is Peppermint (I keep thinking of Aero Bars)

Hope you like them.
They are available in Fat quarter, 1/2m and 1 metre sets of 6 and will be at the AQC next week as well.
I will be posting more of my new products over the next few days and am very exited about them.

Crystallisation with a Twist

2011-04-05T13:13:00.000+10:00

Helen Conway in the UK - one of the famous 12 x 12 group did my class in the UK last year. Being the creative soul she is - she used the technique but made it her own.

You can read more about her inspiration on her blog where she also has brilliant detail shots of the stitching

Luscious Landscapes

2011-04-04T05:50:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago I taught my Luscious Landscapes workshop in a new format for the first time in Wagga.
I was thrilled to receive this photo of a finished quilt by Anne. Didn't she do a wonderful job?
Here it is underway

This is how I last saw it - think that sun has moved slightly :)

I believe there are a few more from that workshop finished too and can't wait to see them as well

Houston Exhibition Quilts Underway

2011-03-31T20:34:00.000+11:00

An exciting part of my Jewel Pearce Patterson Scholarship is to mount an exhibition of my work and work of my students.

There are quite a few of us working away on our quilts so I thought I would occasionally let you see what I am up to.

The exhibition is called Textured Treasures and works will be based on my workshop of the same name where we explore different surface design techniques on fabric and then assemble them into textile works based on influences around us.

I am working on a series of pieces based on my travels and the patterns and shapes and colours of Italy and Spain.

My first one is influenced by my love of the work of Anton Gaudi in Barcelona. I was totally wrapped in his organic architecture when we were there last year. His hexagonal design for the paving stones in Barcelona intrigued me to a point where I just had to incorporate them into a quilt.

I attended a great workshop in Houston with Maggie Weiss on thermofaxing and just had to get my own machine. So I have designed a screen and have spent a couple of days printing up my base fabric.

Now to cut out the 300+ hexagons and stitch them together. A great activity to do with all my upcoming travel.

My first idea was to print on coloured fabric but that wasn't going to work for the design I have in mind. After some false starts I realised that I could paint the quilt top after I have pieced it so now I have decided to print three different colours of hexagons on white fabric so I have a great canvas to work with when they are done.

Hope you follow my journey.

Awesome Aurifil

2011-03-30T11:52:00.001+11:00

I am so thrilled that Aurifil have offered to sponsor my Exhibition at the Houston Quilt Festival for my Jewel Pearce Patterson Award.

They have even offered to supply sample packs of threads to my students in my Houston Workshops.

For a thread junkie like me - this is a dream come true and I can't wait to experiment with the gorgeous colours and types of threads in my exhibition quilts.

If you want to buy Aurifil Threads in Australia - check out Jenny Scott's site at Always Quilting for the full range and brilliant thread knowledge too.

Busy Time

2011-03-28T19:21:00.000+11:00

We have been so busy getting ready for the Australian Quilt Convention - Setup day of 13th April might seem a long way away to you but it is only just around the corner for us. Everything has to be ready for shipping in about two weeks and there is still a lot to be done.

I have spent the last week making some more samples of our fabulous new products.

I am also working very hard on some quilts for my Houston Exhibition. I have to create 3 or 4 quilts and they will be displayed with some of my student quilts. There are some amazing quilts underway. I am working on quilts influenced by Orvieto, Barcelona and Venice and using a combination of techniques including Thermofax Printing

and Stamping

A long way to go but as I am away teaching for many weeks this year I need to have work that I can do on the road as well as in the brief periods I will be home. Should be a fun year.

More Whimsical Woollys

2011-03-21T20:27:00.000+11:00

These cute pieces by Cindy in Florida were the inspiration for my challenge. She has gratiously allowed me to post them for you to see.

Aren't they cute?

You can still enter the challenge and join in the fun.

Speaking of inspiration - this beautiful version of my Breaking the Drought quilt was started in a workshop in Napier New Zealand about 18 months ago by Margaret and this is what she has said about it.

I bought some of your fabrics as they were far superior to anything that I had in my stash that day – and they are wonderful and I finally finished the quilt and I quilted it myself and it is honestly the first quilt that I have made that I really like. Maybe it is because the bright colours work so well.

Isn't it gratifying to get these sort of emails.

If you are in the USA and planning to be in Houston this year. I am teaching this project but instead of calling the workshop Breaking the Drought it will be called 'Machine Sewing Techniques' - not sure why the change but it will be the same workshop.

Whimsical Woollys

2011-03-20T09:42:00.001+11:00

I am running a very quick competition using my luscious new wool collection.

Using a selection of 3 pieces of my gorgeous felted wool fabric (9" x 7") and your imagination, I would like you to create a little item - it can be a hanging ornament, a pincushion, doll or even a mini quilt.

These may be displayed at the AQC, Textile Arts Festival, Perth and Sydney Quilt Shows on our stand.

Entry fee of $10 covers the wools and postage to you and entries need to be received back to me by Friday 8th April 2011. Due to the short time frame I would expect entries to be mainly from Australia but don't let that stop you if you are further away and really want to join in the fun.

Prize is $100 credit voucher for anything on the Dyed & Gone to Heaven website.

Here are some of the wonderful colours of the wool.

Can't wait to see what you come up with.
Here is the link to the kit
Have fun
Lisa

Wonderful Quilts

2011-03-18T20:46:00.001+11:00

My friend Rebekah came over the other day with a couple of quilts made from my fabrics and pattern.

Above is her version of Power of Three with a different colourway - isn't it brilliant?

Also she made a fabulous tree quilt using one of her Monthly Metre fabrics and really interesting three dimensional leaves.

And if you are interested - this is the March fabric and bead set which I have just sent out. Still a few pieces left if you just have to have some.