dye experiments /shibori online class

Not sure I mentioned before heading up North that I had signed up for an online Shibori Techniques on Silk Class via http://shiborigirl.wordpress.com/ .
Thankfully the class is one that lets participants work on the lessons as they are presented weekly OR students may take their time and complete the lessons and  process experimentation when if fits their schedule.
The advantage of keeping up with the weekly lessons is the chance to post and partake with classmates in discussions online. I found enjoyment in following along with the class discussions and enjoyed the class photos that were posted during my family visit in MI.  I'm back in VA and am now in the process of playing catch up. Here are a few photo's of my examples from week one lesson which centered on how to use Colorhue dyes on various silks along with exploring some itajime (fold and clamp) shibori techniques.

close up of silk design by clamping

 

Week two lesson we were to begin experimenting with stitched shibori techniques so I am stitching away on a silk/wool scarf. I am trying some mokume and undulating rows of stitch.  After the stitching is completed I will then pull the rows tightly to create a resist pattern when I add my dye. Shibori is all about resist.

 

 

 

great website for photo booth frames.

/http://photoboothframes.com/

Happy to have gotten this completed and sent off in the mail

I shared in my last post I am heading out of town.  It felt great to manage to finish this quilt before I leave and I even managed to get it sent off via US Post Office to it's recipient. I was very happy with the way it turned out.

light blue backing

detail

 

 

So now I'm off to finish packing, I have a seminar to attend at Prince William Hospital tonight and then an early morning flight to prepare for. I hope to be in touch but until.....just keep on creating

Remember my recent classes?

I am heading up north to MI this week to spend some time with my folks.
In preparation for the trip I made sure to get my 3 fused art quilts ready for the process or step of adding embroidery stitches to create details or as Laura explained "The stitches add some pop to draw your viewers in closer."  It will be nice to have some handwork with me in MI to give me a feel of  working with fiber while I'm away from my sewing machine and work area.
Make sure to check out Laura Wasilowski's blog and website.
www.artfabrik.com or http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/  She mentioned little ole "Me" as a guest artist on her blog ;-) how great is that. ;-)
So here are my 3 pieces I've created after attending two days of class with her.
I am looking forward to dyeing some fabulous fabric of my own in the future and creating some of 'my own designs' via Laura's fusing techniques.

My first class- "Little landscapes" explained on her blog 20x21

My second class - centered more on stitchery 12x14.

"Little house on the hill" was one of her available patterns to try 18x18

I appreciate Laura sharing her experience, hints and techniques.
It will be nice to have something to work on during my time in MI.

I had a great time in NJ last week!

Well lucky me! Last week I had the opportunity to take two (1 day) classes with Laura Wasilowski www.artfabrik.com on fusing fun! I had this opportunity in part thanks to my son JB and his wife Claire for letting me stay with them for half the week. Another bonus was the chance to spend some time with my grand-daughter Charlotte who will turn one in April. ;-)

Charlotte got to visit with both her grandma Teddi and her Nanny last Weds.

So the first class which was on Thursday, we learned the basics of fusing and created 4 little landscapes that will become a little wall quilt. This is mine so far...

Friday I got to go with Claire to Charlotte's music movement class. What fun she had...

Drumming away

Charlotte found the mirror at the end of class

So then Saturday I took a second class with Laura. In this class we first created a flower pot composition and then she centered on how one can add details through stitchery to help draw the viewer closer to the piece.
I got my composition completed and had just started stitching by end of class.So to complete my piece I must add embroidery or stitches.

I headed back to VA after the class ended, thankfully it was not a bad drive.
So my goal this week is to quilt and bind two of my quilt tops waiting patiently and hopefully begin stitching on my fused fabric art pieces.
Wish me luck......and have a great week!