I finally figured out how to put artwork in the title box across the top of the blog, but still can’t center the text inside the box. Fortunately, the color and stitching texture draws the eye and disguises the spacing problem.

It’s cold and bright today. The sun is streaming through the windows, providing the perfect nap spot for Sydney (black lab), Elsie, and The Doggie Daddy (DH). Sydney is stretched out on the catwalk upstairs, safe for the moment, from the rambunctious puppy. And Elsie is snug on the lap of whomever is in the sun. She still won’t leave the little sweatshirt on and shivers in the slightest chill, which is no surprise given her size and lack of insulation.

The photo today is the two-page spread in the next round-robin book. The rust-dyed fabric background provides interesting color and texture—and I really like the additional complexity of the stamped ivy leaves.

I'm putting the finishing touches on a rust-dyed gift set give away, so stay tuned for details!

Beautiful Thanksgiving Day!

The frost(ing) is on the pumpkin (cake) and my family’s all in shock! (With apologies to James Whitcomb Riley.)

What a wonderful day it was yesterday! With family and new neighbors gathered around the table, we paused to remember loved ones who could not be with us and celebrated the holiday with laughter and love. (It was my dad’s birthday and would have been 93 years old. He died in 2000, but wonderful memories keep him close.)

It wasn’t quite cool enough for a fire in the fireplace yesterday, but the overcast sky and chilly temp today holds great promise for tonight.

I didn’t work at all yesterday, but enjoyed spending time on a website with examples of beautiful fiber art of a Japanese man. Follow this link and click on the slide show. The pieces are very interesting and it would be a treat to see them in person. The textural detail is fascinating!
http://www.wallpaper.com/art/tetsuo-fujimoto-exhibition-london/2796

This is the two-page spread in the altered book round robin with some local arty friends. There are eight of us in this round robin, which will be complete next June!

The theme is "Home" and the pages are cut from Fast2Fuse heavyweight, my favorite stiff interfacing.

The book rings are holding the pages together temporarily, just until the pages are all completed. Then I'll bind it properly.

The first spread is so important and it's fun to set the tone for the whole book. The background is rust-dyed fabric with painted surface details. There is a tag inside the pocket on the right and the quotation reads "Home is heaven for beginners. —Channing Pollock."

My studio associate Lori will work in it next. I can't wait to see the next book!

DH is out of the studio for coffee with a friend, so my job is to complete the DSL installation while he's gone. Elsie is helping and we're having a grand time. LOL!

Is it possible I haven't posted a new blog entry since last Tuesday? Not sure where the time goes!

It is gray and stormy today and my little dog Elsie is not enjoying the cold one little bit! She is wearing the new fleece sweatshirt I made for her in the photo above. There was enough in the remnant from Hancock Fabric, I was able to make two for her, but she won't leave either one on!

The goal was to protect her (all 4 pounds of her) from the elements, but she doesn't seem to see the benefit. As soon as it is wrapped around her, a frenzy sets in and doesn't stop until she succeeds in removing the wrap.

Hopefully, she will get used to the feel soon and stop fighting it!

I'm almost finished with an altered-book spread and will post the photo tomorrow.

For now, I'm trying to install the Verizon DSL wireless modem in the house. The cable connection has been a nightmare for all four years we've had it. Time for a change!

Intermediate Photoshop Elements explores manipulation techniques for block composition or photographic quilt images.

The migraine haze still hasn't lifted completely, but it is better.

The sun is shining on a light dusting of snow, which dazzles the eyes. Elsie is quite alarmed at the snow and refuses to do her business outside. Once scooted out the door, she stands on the other side looking in and shivering silently. Even the little wool coat doesn't keep her warm enough to brave the cold.

The new online class session begins this Friday. What an interesting experience it has been! I've been teaching online classes since March and have found them to be extremely effective. What one misses in face-to-face exchange is far outweighed by the freedom to work through exercises at one's own pace. All your supplies are nearby and class discussion includes photos of other students' work, so there is a synergy—albeit at a little slower pace.

Liz Kettle's beading class fascinates me. I've long ago overdosed on hand beading, but her sample project is so charming, I'm tempted to take the class just to make the adorable fabric book!

My Photoshop Elements classes (beginning and intermediate PSE for quilters) have been well received and the class has grown and changed slightly with each group of participants. Each group brings new questions and challenges and I really enjoy seeing where they take the techniques.

The Joy of Rust Dyeing was added this summer and has been an absolute delight! Rust dyeing is now a part of much of my personal work and it continues to captivate me with its serendipitous effects.

If you'd like to see class descriptions, I invite you to the Quilters Keep Learning website: http://www.quilterskeeplearning.com

It's been rainy and gray all day—a perfect day to stay in and contemplate the next project.

Actually, I should have been working on a product-development presentation, but was sidelined by a migraine. Yuk!

A fire in the fireplace and a blanket with my puppy Elsie snuggled under it with me is the perfect setting for a comfort day.

I finished two projects this morning and shipped them to the magazine. After 20 years of designing for magazines and books, it feels odd to start all over again, submitting designs to editors with whom I don't yet have relationships. The joy lies in the design and execution for me, so it isn't a chore, but it does feel odd. Like a comfy shirt that suddenly doesn't fit right.

All will be well.

I just had to share a photo of a Threadography piece my studio associate Lori and I completed recently. I belong to Artlink, a contemporary gallery in Fort Wayne, Ind. and every year they sponsor Art In The Park as a fun-raising project. Artists from all over the area come to one location, create a piece on-sight, and then they are auctioned to art patrons.

Of course, we are the only fiber artists who take part in this project—but that makes it even more fun! With camera, printer, and sewing machine we certainly stand out in the crowd!

We are excited to participate in these events. We meet lots of interesting people, some of whom may become clients or workshop participants!