Snow Dye

We have lot's of snow so decided to try Beth's method for snow dyeing. Here is her tutorial:
http://quiltersstitchtogether.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-version-of-snow-dye-process.html
I can probably tell you what not to do after my first try, don't take it out of the snow bath too soon.  I was over anxious and took it out way too soon, that is why there is little color.
I'm pleased with my first results, they will make nice backgrounds for wallhangings. However I am really looking forward to the next batch.
I've got two more on the go and will leave them long enough to become saturated with color. And I used Dharma pigments...just using what I have on hand :)
Thanks for the inspiration Beth.
I think the first one looks like a jelly fish with a huge clam shell in the corner, and I can see some trees in the second one. What do you see? Let me know. Thanks for taking a look.
A friend  just drew my attention to the face on the left hand corner of the first piece!

Inspiration

I got the camera out this morning. I don't do this near often enough. Inspiration is right in front of us and often we miss it.
A gorgeous sunrise and a lonely wheelbarrow. Enjoy.

On t he design wall

I've started a Disappearing Nine Patch for my brother in law. I don't really have a pattern, so am winging it from blocks I've saw on the net. I've used two shades of green and two of gold, so far I'm pretty happy with it. Now must get it sewn together.

Bliss FFFC#40

I was the host for the challenge this time. We were to do a still life, plant, and the color scheme from product packaging.
I love dark chocolate, especially during the cold winter months.
While researching the topic of  color schemes of product packaging and the mood they evoke I now know why I reach for Bliss Dark chocolate.
Brown for warmth, comfort and security, pink for romance and calmness, and gold for happiness.
This was a great exercise, both in putting together the challenge and in doing it.
I used some gold leaf on the background
.
I've included a picture of Hersey Bliss package and my still life.
If you would like to see more of this challenge visit  http://fastfridayquilts.blogspot.com/
Enjoy, and I look forward to your comments.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I have sadly neglected my blog for too long. I had surgery on my left hand Nov. 18th, a few complications so lot's of pain. Have been in a cast since...it comes off Jan. 7th!!! Then a brace for six weeks.
Therefore my accomplishments have been few.
The grandaughters got right into the Holiday spirit and we had a baking day. They followed directions very well :)
Hoping everyone has a Healthy Happy New Year.
A picture of the lefse and sugar cookies the girls made.

New bags

It feels good to be creating again. I finished three bags this weekend, I like the style; lot's of pockets but not too large.
Now onto to some different color schemes :)

We had a huge snow storm on Fri. It melted a bit yesterday but then cooled off and made it quite icey out there. Halloween was very quiet, only a handful of trick and treaters.

Fast Friday Fabric Challenge #38

I've missed the last two FFFC so managed to get this one done in time. Our challenge was to do an animal and create depth by reverse applique etc.  I cropped a picture of a zebra and used it as a reference for drawing.  Laid down a piece of hand painted fabric, with black overtop. Drew the design on the paper back of the stabalizer and stitched. Then came the hard part, cutting it all out.  I used a blanket stitch with blue thread on the black lines. It measures 21x24" I call it 'African Sunset'.
 A fun piece.
Thanks for having a look.

Heavy snow fall warning in the Peace, and it has been coming down pretty steady all day...oh well It is just about Haloween.

New purse/bag

After nearly a month I finally got into the studio on the weekend. My sister, son and I took a trip down to North Central WA, we did the shop hop and had such a great time. Wow, the fabrics south of the border are sure less expensive than up here.
Then we stopped at Keremeos and loaded up on veggies and fruit, so then when I got home it was canning time.
Anyway, here is what I did on the weekend.
I painted paper sided stabalizer and ironed it to the fabric, added some shapes and gold foil etc., I like it. But I like the back side the best :) I can see making more of these.

Have a nice day.

Quilted Tote Bags

I deesigned a tote bag pattern and have been having some fun with it. The bag is quite large, and has 3" deep sides, It also has binding all around, which I like. It is quilted on the back and the front, which makes it quite sturdy.

I've posted some pics of the ones I've made.

First Class

I taught my first fabric class on the 12 and 13th. I was quite nervous going into it, but it was a huge success. Lots of great feedback on the evaluation forms.
Here are a few pictures from the class, and you can see more at this link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gizmo100/
I love that the participants took my pattern and made it their own. That's what teaching is all about.
I'm planning another one for the end of October.

Enjoy.