Up and Down
It’s been an up and down week. Aren’t they all? It is easy to get caught up in the downs, which is why posting the ups makes for a great antidote.
The artist reception for Creatures Great and Small, my solo exhibition is deemed a success. Definitely an up moment. It is such a treat to visit with friends and family. The exhibition will be up through December 31st, 2023 at the South Shore Conservatory in Hingham, MA.
Up or Down?
I am always experimenting. One of the down sides of wrapping a quilt around a canvas frame is the bulk at the corners. So, at the suggestion of Rebecca, longarm quilter extraordinaire, I removed the corners from the batting, BUT left batting “flaps”. This reduces the bulk at the corners, while still allowing the design of the quilt, complete with quilting to cover the edges/sides of the frame. The Senior Executive Director of Studio Operations, aka SEDOSO, hasn’t wrapped the quilt around the frame. It does look like it should work.
Here is the front side. Several people made suggestions on ways I could enhance the composition. Thank you! Note, the squirrel is no longer in the center, instead it has shifted to the right and is balanced by some autumn foliage on the left. My part is finished and right on time to add this little guy to my open studio. More on that next week.
More Down than Up
Who comes up with new interfaces and operating systems? Grrr. Just when I am confidently working with multiple computer applications – bam! – the techies decide improvements and fixes are needed. Did they consult with me? Of course, not. The last thing the SEDOSO and I wanted to do yesterday is go down a tech rabbit hole. However, that is where we found ourselves. For years, I have blithely printed oversize images on multiple pages by printing them as a poster. I was all set to do so yesterday when I discovered this feature had been grayed out. The SEDOSO did come up with a very ungainly work around. Hopefully, next week I can start on the image below, to add to my portrait series.
Rainbow Scrap Challenge
I finished my Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt! Now the question is what to make in 2024. I am scouring Pinterest for ideas and saving them in my Rainbow Quilt board.
I’m linking up to the following posts:
Promote SEDOSO to SCEDOSO – Senior Chief Exec…..
Apparently the SEDOSO has the authority to promote himself, so need for me to do so.
The Squirrel is just adorable!! I love the tip you picked up from Rebecca!! Must put that into use.
That Rebecca is full of great ideas, isn’t she? One of the advantages of belonging linking groups is all the inspiration and tips you learn. Glad you like the squirrel.
Congratulations on your solo exhibit! Glad it was an up moment. Cute Rainbow Scrap quilt. Yep, it is that time of year to be considering next year’s project!
The only problem with hunting down RSC ideas is just how many fabulous ones are out there. How does one ever choose. 🙂
wonderful.
your son and husband look so much alike! Good to see your smiling face too.
I wonder if the bulk of turning on canvass could be moved inside a bit by leaving more excess fabric to be turned. Also prof. framers cover the back with another bit of paper to finish off all that. Not that it’s called for particularly in fiber work. I used to frame, and it’s not only a finishing tech but keeps dust from the art
LeeAnna
I like the idea of adding paper or perhaps fabric to cover the back of the frame. Something else for the SEDOSO to work out. One of the advantages is it gives me a place to the add the label. Thanks for the suggestion. My husband is the spitting image of his father. Those genes are strong. 🙂
I too congratulate you on the solo exhibit! Bravo! And given your fondness for critters ‘great and small’, the title is perfect.
As for the squirrel — yes; s/he is a real cutie! Looks great a bit off centre and I love the foliage; it and the colours of the branch remind me of the Mountain Ash we have around here.
Here’s to another week of UPs!
You made my day, Margaret. Your comment is an UP. Thank you.
So glad your show was a success! The squirrel thread painting is lovely. I see that squirrel (or his relative!) sitting on a branch out in our yard daily! Have fun deciding on your next RSC project!
The squirrel truly is iconic, isn’t it? Although the squirrel resides in someone else’s yard, it could be one of ours. So many fabulous RSC potential quilts, so little time. Sigh.
I’m pleased your exhibition was a great success, and so nice to see the family photos. Your treatment of Jocelyn’s squirrel photo has turned out beautifully.
Thank you, Jenny. I speak about the SEDOSO so frequently, I thought those who generously read my posts might like to see him in action. Squirrel’s Eye View is 100% finished. I can see it and smile from my computer.
And then, rsc will start next year and everyone’s project will look tempting too. congrats on the show
Wise words, Maggie. 🙂
Congrats on the exhibit!! That squirrel just made me smile so big!
Yes, that squirrel makes me smile, especially when Jocelyn shared her original photo on her blog. Precisely why I sought her permission to use the image.
the leaves are a great addition G.
LeeAnna
I bought the leaf fabric around the time Adrian (son in the photo) was in nursery school. So that would have been 1988 or 1989. Yikes, that is 34 – 35 years ago. I bought, along with a large variety of fall leaf fabric at Keepsake Quilting up in NH. Tossed that WIP years ago. At least this fabric came in handy. Glad you like it.
What an adorable squirrel!!! Handsome family, too!!!
I am fortunate to have a very supportive family. I agree, the squirrel is a cutie. Precisely why I opted to tackle him.
Bravo for the exhibition, I’m grad that it wasa success. SEDOSO and son look great! Love the squirrel too, and the new layout. The leaves are driving the eye on the cute little guy. Love how you finished the squirrel’s tail. The next portrait is going to be wonderful too!
Thank you so much for sharing, and linking up. The quilter’s community is amazing, and always happy to help.
Aren’t those leaves great? I chose them precisely for the reason you mentioned. They do both frame the squirrel and direct your eye to him.
I am so with you about tech changes!! they should truly consult us first…
Your show!!! How amazing!! I am so glad it is such a success – your pieces are amazing… and I wish I lived near you!! I’d love to see it all in person!!
The tech issues continue to make work that was easy peasy, impossible. MACs Sonoma is messing with multiple applications I usually weekly if not daily. Grrr. EQ 8 is working on fixes. Not sure what Adobe reader is doing. I, along with other users, have brought the problem to their attention. This too shall pass.
The internet has brought us all closer, such that it feels as if there is little to no distance between us. Then an in person event takes place and we realize, that isn’t doable. It would have been great to meet you Alycia.