There was I saying we're suddenly in September and before I can look round we're nearly through it! I have been very remiss in not blogging but I have several excuses/reasons which I won't bore you with. The main reason is that I have been having very aggravating problems with my internet connection and also with Firefox. I have now resorted to Internet Explorer so let's see if I can get a post up on that.
Where to begin? I have been trying manically to catch up on two projects that I should have been well on with by now. The first is the Journal Quilts for June to September for the Contemporary Quilt Group which is part of the Quilters Guild of Great Britain. (Have you voted yet for them in the Lottery Awards?) I have kept going round in circles trying to decide what to do and made a start on some pieced letters but found it took an awful lot of time. for what it's worth I'll show you my effort.
I used some randomly pieced squares that I had made previouls but found it taxed my little brain to devise the letters. In case it's not clear to you the quilt above should spell out 'Barcelona'.
Having decided this was going to take too long I got a sudden flash of inspiration after reading Quilting Arts for August/September and this article by Jennifer Solon.
Jennifer's method is to make collages from paper and fabric onto a felt base. Collage I can do so I set to and had a play.
Sadly I forgot to take any photos before I cut my base up (I started with a 20"ish square and made 4 separate collages over a bondaweb surface. Above is one of the collages before I trimmed it down with some of the adjacent collage to the left.
This is the JQ for June and apart form satin stitching the edge it is finished.
This one is centred around a fabric postcard that I received in a swap and I am just going to satin stitch this one too (after adding a backing).
The two final quilts shown above need further work and I am planning to add some paint and maybe some printing. I have to have them finished by the end of this week as I won't have full computer access next week and the deadline is the end of the month.
I have really enjoyed making these collages and have Jennifer Solon to thank for getting my creativity moving again. I did say after FOQ that I was going to make a collage a day but I haven't even managed one a week since then!
As well as leaving my JQs till the last minute (no change there then) I have to complete a challenge piece for a new group I have joined. The theme is 'Light and Shadow' and while I had plenty of ideas written on a mind map my first effort has had to be shelved as it involved a lot of hand stitching and my hands complained. That piece will now have to be a long term, sew for half an hour every day or so, project. Instead I have decided to work with my embellisher which is much easier on the hands and I am making progress. Fingers crossed I may just be ready for the reveal on Friday.
The trouble with not blogging for a fortnight is you forget what you've been doing (it's my age!) I did have a very sweet surprise though on Saturday. The very lovely Dilly sent me a funny card to cheer me up. How did she know?
Dilly is a very speshol wagon (dragon) and lives in Colchester with Bob T Bear Esq. Don't you love the magic of blogland with friends who think of you when they have their own worries to contend with? Thank you Dilly :-) Mweah!
I have been spending quite a bit of time trying to sort out the chaos that is my home and workroom and I think I can actually see light at the end of the tunnel. I had great plans to spend the summer dyeing and printing but the transfer of Mum's belongings and Mum herself put those plans on the 'back burner'. There's nothing like clearing out someone's house for making you look at your own quagmire and we have been ridding out cupboards and shelves to try and create some more usable storage space. I doubt I will get it sorted completely this month but I'm getting there.
Well, while I'm winning I'll hit the publish button and hope Blogger doesn't eat this post. If you are waiting to receive some lace doillies from me I haven't forgotten, I will be getting them in the post soon. I have been having trouble getting my comments posted on your blogs so apologies for that. Apparently Blogger thinks I'm not qualified to log in even though I already am and have been reading the blogs. Go figure!
PS Downton Abbey is back! Yay!!!
PPS By the way, did you see the Lottery show last night? In case you didn't and in case you haven't voted yet would you please go here and vote for the Folding the Quilts Project in the Final of the National Lottery Awards. The Quilt Museum in York is through to the final and is in the running to win funds to promote its educational and volunteer project. This is not just a project for quilters but can have far reaching benefits in the wider community. If you've already voted, thank you! The vote closes midday on 26 September so click here and vote!
PPS By the way, did you see the Lottery show last night? In case you didn't and in case you haven't voted yet would you please go here and vote for the Folding the Quilts Project in the Final of the National Lottery Awards. The Quilt Museum in York is through to the final and is in the running to win funds to promote its educational and volunteer project. This is not just a project for quilters but can have far reaching benefits in the wider community. If you've already voted, thank you! The vote closes midday on 26 September so click here and vote!
11 comments:
oh my, but it's been a long time since I visited your blog! I had forgotten that I have that copy of QA and haven't even looked at it! Your pieces are inspiring and gorgeous, as usual, so it's always fun to stop by! Thanks for the birthday wishes. I'm having a nice quiet day. A neighbor brought me some dinner so I won't have to cook my own birthday dinner. Sweet!
XOOXOX
Phew Julie - you have been so so busy! Kitchen DIY seems to be ruling the roost here!
What fabulous quilts Julie, I love them and the colours are so uplifting, we are heading into spring with glorious weather so these are really appropriate for this side of the world.
No wonder you didn't see September with all that going on! You are producing some lovely pieces!
Yes you obviously can do collage - these look great and I love the simplicity of the quilting.
You are right about blogging too, it's been a while since I updated my blog and I can't remember where I'm up to - no change there then!
Blogging seems to be taken over by Facebook and other things these days. I'm still managing to post on mine, but don't know for how long! The travel one I do so my DD's can stay in touch with what we've been doing.
BUT, I'm so glad you're back in blogging land, and my, but you've been busy! You say not, but you've achieved such a lot. Love the collages, and yes, I was able to read "Barcelona" before you told me!!
I've been clearing up the workroom too and it's quite inspiring, chucking out the old, and making space for new. Can't wait to see what you've come up with for Light and Shadow. Go you!
Your first quilt is very striking and I could see 'Barcelona' in there - just clear enough - I always think it best when the lettering is not too obvious. I love your collages - they are gorgeous. You sound frantically busy - dont work too hard, but do enjoy it all.
I have voted, and thoroughly enjoyed watching Downton Abbey last night.
These are going to be really good Julie - looking forward to the finished versions of the last two.
Haven't had your problems Julie and I am still behind with JQs and International Challenge. I am trusting that my designs will work out in practice!
I thought it was just me that blogger was getting shirty with. Can you tell JuNorth that I love her latest photo - the rusty one
- as Blogger is saying I can't leave comments on her blog!
Ar! I see the wench has sent yu sumthing!
Today be Talk Like A Pirate Day!
AAARRRRRR!!!!!!!!!
Come an joyne in, or ye be walking the plank, along wiv Dilly-Frilly-Knickers, the green wench!
AARR!!!
Oh I so love what you did here. That article inspired me too, although I fudged it in my own way last piece. These are just grand Julie. So good to here from you. xox Corrine
Your collages are fantastic Julie. Looks like you have really got into these.
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