Disappointing Christmas fabrics

I went off yesterday in search of fun, bright Christmas fabric to use in a quilted Christmas stocking for Juniper. It was a big bust. But I did find Sue Spargo's "Tinsel" pattern book so it wasn't a total loss. I love her whimsical style of wool appliqué, and I have plenty of bright, cheerful wool in my stash to make it. I'm excited to get started on it!

The Christmas selection in the first shop was nearly nonexistent. The second shop at least had some Christmas quilts hanging up as inspiration and a little more Christmas fabric. When I lived in the Northwest the selection was so much better and I always came home inspired and excited! Maybe it's different here because it's so hot that people don't focus on Christmas like I do. There are two more quilt stores I can try, but they're far away. 

This (above) was one of only two Christmas charm packs I could find -- "On Dasher" by Moda. It's not in my colors, but I bought it anyway to use in this table runner pattern (I'm also not a pattern person) because a sample was on display and after driving half an hour, I had to buy something. But there were no inspiring Christmas stocking samples or patterns to be found at either store. In fact, at the first store I could hear people having fun in the classroom but no one ever came out to ask if they could help me -- not good sales policy. This happens nearly every time I go to that shop, so I don't go there often. They were much friendlier at the second shop, the Quilt Basket, where I bought the book, pattern and fabric.

I did like these two prints from that line (but I'm not CRAZY about them), so they'll probably end up in her stocking. I guess I'll just have to pull old fabric from my stash.

For you non-quilters who wonder why I expect Christmas displays in October, it's because it can take months to make quilted gifts!

However, I did get to see the Tyrannosauras rex that lives near the second quilt shop, and that's always a hoot! And I had lunch at my favorite restaurant, The Eclectic Cafe.

Have a colorful day

Spiraling

Gold foil spiral

I love spirals! I've been using them in my art almost from the beginning -- quilted spirals, stamped spirals, beaded, foiled and cutout spirals. The photos here are just a sampling of my art with spirals. 

 Gold foil center spiral, fused sheer spiral, and beaded spiral

The spiral is one of the oldest symbols used by humans, going back at least 10,000 years on rock art, pottery, baskets. Contemporary jewelry is filled with spirals.

Image of a spiraling hurricane as seen from space

Its meanings have been interpreted as symbolizing water, wind ...

 

Beaded spiral represents monsoon wind and energy 

Stamped with gold paint

... snakes and snails ...

Stamped with blue and iridescent paint

... migration, a journey, a search for one's center or moving outward ...

I quilted each of these two pieces with one big spiral

... evolution, eternity ...

... the cycle of growth and the seasons ...

I often use the spiral to symbolize the sun.

It also symbolizes fertility, which is why I bead spirals on the bellies of my female figures.

Some cultures consider it a powerful symbol of directed power.

I love sewing my fabric bowls with spirals, curving out and out until I feel it's done (or the rope runs out). It's a freeing, meditative sewing. My mind can be blank or can wander, but there are no questions that need to be answered.

Spirals are easy -- no corners or other abrupt changes. Wouldn't it be nice if life was always like that?

I could go on and on, like an enlarging spiral, but I'll stop here. I hope you've enjoyed the trip!

Have a colorful day

My creative mess

Welcome to my creative mess! When you step inside the front door, this is what you'll immediately see:

I've taken to closing the blinds on the window beside the door so that people won't think a hoarder lives here! The rest of the house is neat as a pin, but this is my happy, creative, messy room. I used to clean up at the end of each day, but this summer I decided that I could be more productive if I just left everything out and within easy reach. And seeing different pieces of fabric piled together gets the creative juices flowing.

I finished this piece yesterday and I'll mail it to its forever home tomorrow. 

And I just started the piece on the left today to replace the one on the right, which has been spoken for. I'm on a roll! And since it's still hitting triple digits outside, I'm spending most of the day in the studio.

While I sew, I've been watching the Weather Channel and worrying about everyone in Florida. Are any of you affected? If so, be safe.

Have a colorful day

Collages for sale!

These are the collages I've been working on all summer, and it's time to offer them up for sale! I hand-painted and stamped white fabric and then embellished with embroidery, beading, feathers, sticks, and whatever else caught my fancy. 

They're wrapped around 11x14-inch frames and ready to hang. I'm charging $75 plus $10 for shipping, but when I take them to the gallery I'll probably double that price. If interested, email me at sherriequilt@yahoo.com.

I'm also taking orders for commissions if you want something different. Maybe you have a special charm you'd like incorporated? I've had so much fun making them and I love every single one, but I'm ready to send them out into the world.

"Desert Monsoon"

 

When the torrential summer rains arrive in the Sonoran Desert, everyone comes out to celebrate. The petroglyph figures reference ancient and modern humans celebrating the rain.

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"Healing Rain"

The parched desert welcomes healing rain that brings nourishment and sustains life here.

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"Energy"

Inspired by the sun's energy that heats the desert to over 100 degrees. 

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"Photosynthesis"

Remember this from science class? It's the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize their food. It's what makes the Sonoran Desert green and lush.

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"Morning Light"

The colors remind me of a soft sunrise and a pleasant desert morning.

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"Protection"

The strong hand offers protection against all the craziness out there!

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"Celebration"

Two petroglyph-like figures celebrate! The green spiral represents the womb and its potential for new life. I use spirals a lot to symbolize unfurling life, wind, movement.

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"Protection" 

This one is 5x8 and I'm charging $50 plus $10 shipping. The hand says, "Bad things stop here!"

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The frames are half an inch deep and the fabric wraps around to the back.

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This is a commission for someone who liked "Morning Light" but wanted more saturated colors. I've been having fun working on it this week since I got back from my trip.

And these are two that have sold:

"Web of Life"

"Strength"

(when it was in progress)

Have a colorful day