Miami Threads

Quilter's Quarter Marker

2013-05-07T14:39:00.001-05:00

Someone on the Quilt Designer's Yahoo Group asked how to know where the quarter inch mark is when sewing binding on. We're supposed to stitch up to 1/4" from the edge, flip the binding and turn 90 degrees to sew along the next edge. I felt compelled to share my favorite tool. It makes marking that quarter inch spot so easy.

Below is the Quilter's Quarter Marker. The dotted lines designate 1/4" except for the curved lines. Each corner and the bottom center have a hole in the marker at the 1/4" line. A mechanical pencil fits quite well into this hole.

The image below shows how the tool is used, placed on the binding ready to be marked at the bottom center, hole #E. Here is a link to purchase with a tutorial-http://sewunique.com/qqm.htm. (please copy and paste).
I've had mine for years and for awhile they were hard to find. I'm happy to see they are still available.

The Sentinel/ Sacred Threads

2013-04-22T17:52:00.000-05:00

The Sentinel

I'm so thrilled, I just got news that The Sentinel was juried into Sacred Threads, an art quilt exhibit. This will be my third time participating in this show. All of the work must have a spiritual theme.

The Sentinel is an allegorical piece, the cypress symbolic of a guardian angel. I love cypress trees they are so enduring, living more than 1000 years and virtually indestructible. They don't even rot under water!

I had very mixed feelings about this piece as I was making it since it is different than what I usually do. I didn't like it much at all but kept going. I've gotten very positive feed back since it's been finished and now like it very much.

The center background is an original abstract digital image, borders are acrylic paint on fabric, stamped, and monoprinted. The tree trunk is raw edged strips free motion quilted, the canopy is polyester and silk organza. Some of the organza is colored with alcohol inks. I heavily free motion quilted the branches over the organza to give them definition using 5 or 6 different green threads. My son, who is my best critique source suggested I use some black thread in the branches as well. It made all the difference! I also used some of my dyed fabrics.

Here is a link the the Sacred Threads website with all the details of the show. I hope you'll be able to see the exhibit; based on the artists that are showing work, it should be outstanding.

http://sacredthreadsquilts.com/

Summer Harvest-construction tips

2013-04-11T08:42:00.000-05:00

SUMMER HARVEST--pattern cover shot, pattern # 14 from MO and MIKE.

This is the finished piece, it measures 11 1/4"w x 13"h.

This shows how the various pieces fit together. The freezer paper has not been removed at this stage. You can see the margins along the outer and inner edges. The open area in the center is where the photo goes. The edges of the freezer paper should butt up to their neighbors.

Notice that the outer edges are not square. It is more important that the individual pieces fit together at this stage.

The piece has been quilted and is ready to be trimmed. Using the photo as a guide, the edges should be straight and parallel and the corners square. I have taken this screen shot in Photoshop Elements to show how this process looks. The working size is generous to allow for a nice background size. The sample background size is 2 1/2".

The piece was finished with a facing. There is a tutorial on the blog in the archives from Sept. 2011.

A Sense Of Place

2012-12-02T08:32:00.004-05:00

A Sense Of Place

17 3/4" w x 30 1/2"h

full view

This piece was created for the Brush With Burden exhibit that will take place at the Burden Center which is a 400 acre garden here in Baton Rouge. The exhibit is a juried show open to all media. I was very happy to see that they accepted fiber art in their art exhibit. I will know in Feb. if I'm accepted. The theme of the work should be something inspired by the landscape, flora and fauna of the garden. I shot this photo on an earlier visit to the garden. The lily, as well as some of the elements in the lower portion of the quilt, are original digital images printed on cotton or silk organza.

This glorious water lily was growing in an old, cast iron sugar kettle on the grounds; such a contrast between the two elements. FYI--years ago sugar producers here in Louisiana boiled sugar cane juice in very large cast iron, bowl shaped kettles to cook down the juice to make sugar. Some of the kettles have survived and are being used as water features in the garden. You can see a partial image of what they look like in the lower portion, right side of my quilt.

I am inspired by the delicate beauty of the lily, in full bloom, in a place that seemed very challenging and unforgiving. It is making the best of what it was given; something I need to be reminded of from time to time. Hence the name, A Sense Of Place.

detail view

I thread painted the lily itself, which I thoroughly enjoyed doing. Thirty-three separate colors of thread were used to complete the project. The patchwork squares and some digital images printed on silk organza were left from a previous water lily project. Some screen printing was added also.

I'm finding it harder to photograph my work here in Baton Rouge. The light in S. Florida was always good, here not always and not nearly as bright. I had some difficulty getting the true color of the lily when I shot the quilt.

Life Music

2012-11-12T16:19:00.001-05:00

LIFE MUSIC

I became completely fascinated with the mahogany seed pod depicted above. I found the pod in my yard in Homestead, Fl. last spring. The function and complexity of the design was incredible. The pods are about the size of a goose egg and contain, I'm guessing, about 50-75 seeds. The seeds are perfectly layered in the pod. Each one has a "wing" to catch the wind in order to travel and germinate in a new home. The pod has a very hard, thick shell about 3/8" thick that bursts open to expose the seeds. Divine Design!

I created this triptic to showcase this tropical seed. Each piece is depicted in a different scale, both images in each piece are original, digitally edited in Adobe Elements and printed on cotton fabric. They were then set on a background of rusted fabric. After a critique session with Brett Barker, I added the musical notes in blue thread and the small grids at the top portion of the images.

This is the top piece of the triptic. The seeds are visible in the light yellow, carefully layered one on another. The notes are visible in the lower area.

In the center piece, the musical notes I added with Elements are visible below the pod. The quilting continues the musical theme.

This is the lower and largest piece of the three. Again quilted musical notes in the lower part of the piece. Click on any image for a closer view.

Contemporary Fiber Artist of Louisiana Exhibit

2012-09-08T17:02:00.000-05:00

"A Trace of Sulfur"

The Contemporary Fiber Artists of Louisiana are putting together an exhibit and, as the title hints, each piece must have a bit of yellow in it. I'm posting two of the entries, hopefully this will whet your appetite to see more. I know there are many art quilters in the area of S.W. La. and E. Texas so I hope you'll be able to drop by and see our work. Here are the details--

"A Trace of Sulfur"

The Henning House

923 S. Ruth St.

Sulphur, La.

337 527 0357

Opening Reception Oct. 19, 2012 6-8PM

Through Nov.15, 2012

Acer Rubrum

Wendy Starn

cotton, painted, sunprinted, stitched by the artist; embellished with silk/bamboo fusion leaves; branch from red swamp maple tree.
photo courtesy of John Hartgerink

THOSE MAPLEWOOD GIRLS

Judy Momenzadeh

Clockwise from center, Alice Fay Cole Smith, Judy Kay Cole Jensen and Judy Ann Alleman Momenzadeh.

Photo by WD Cole, 1951, printed on Lutradur and watercolor paper, machine and free motion quilted.

A Photo A Day, May 15

2012-05-30T17:18:00.001-05:00

Love

May 15, theme for today is "love". As I was scrolling through my photos I came across this one, love apples. The French began calling the tomato love apple in the 16th century. I couldn't resist using this photo, taken at Fresh Market in Miami. The vegetables and fruit there were gorgeous. These happen to be heirloom tomatoes.

A Photo A Day, May 14

2012-05-30T16:47:00.002-05:00

Grass

Grass is the theme for May 14. There are, I'm sure, hundred's of varieties of grasses, not sure what this is other than it is an ornamental grass. I liked this photo because of the movement and texture.

A Photo A Day, May 13

2012-05-29T16:22:00.001-05:00

Laura

Today's them is "Mom". I chose this photo, no I didn't take it, because I love the vintage quality of it. This is my Grandmother taken as a young girl.

A Photo A Day, May 13

2012-05-29T16:07:00.002-05:00

A Photo A Day, May 12

2012-05-29T15:40:00.000-05:00

Be My Valentine

Something that makes me happy, that is the theme for May 12. This tulip was part of a bouquet my husband gave me for Valentines Day. That makes me happy! But even better is that I can use the bouquet to take some great photos and then edit them in Photoshop Elements. It's a "twofer".

A Photo A Day, May 11

2012-05-29T15:00:00.001-05:00

Blue Plate Special

"My Kitchen" is the theme for May 11. I bought these beautiful eggplant at the farmer's market and was given the yellow vegetable. I was told it is a cucumber by the man who grew it. I thought they were all so beautiful, they deserved to be in a photo.

A Photo A Day, May 10

2012-05-14T12:07:00.000-05:00

"My Favorite Word"

Faith is my favorite word, although it was hard to chose just one! This is a photo I took of the altar cross in my church which has since been torn down. I'm so thankful I took this photo. Of course, I had to edit it in Photoshop and add the text.

A Photo A Day, May 9

2012-05-09T16:40:00.000-05:00

" My Daily Ritual"

I have tea every morning; no, not as fancy as this. I enjoy it but I wish I could have coffee instead. That's another story for another day.

A Photo A Day, May 8

2012-05-08T05:51:00.000-05:00

"My Favorite Smell"

This is a photo of the line of oaks at Oak Alley Plantation on the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Live oaks have a very earthy, distinctive smell or fragrance. It is very apparent when walking among them. I never associated this smell with the trees until recently in my life, something I took for granted and never paid attention to. To me, it is the smell, aroma, fragrance of home. It is the smell of my roots.

A Photo A Day, May 7

2012-05-07T11:29:00.001-05:00

"Who Inspires Me?"

This composite is my two grandchildren, Ava, doing her nerd imitation, and Jack, playing in the pool. They inspire me so much, they work hard, play hard and accomplish great things for kids their age. I'm very proud of them and know they will accomplish great things in the future. I really have to step up and keep up!

A Photo A Day, May 6

2012-05-06T17:42:00.001-05:00

"YOU"

Today's theme is "you", a photo of yourself. I hate having my picture taken so I took a photo of my reflection in my sliding glass door and played with it in Photoshop Elements. I couldn't help jazzing it up a little bit, maybe it's my alter ego!

Photo A Day, May 5

2012-05-05T05:47:00.000-05:00

Bird

Today's theme is bird. I took this shot at a bird sanctuary in Key Largo. After looking at several similar shots, I noticed his eye had different expressions. I wonder what he's thinking. He's an old bird, as the sign said. Maybe he's thinking, "go away, I want to take a nap!" I do have a couple of him asleep. I believe he's thinking what a handsome fellow he is.

Photo A Day, May 4

2012-05-04T05:11:00.002-05:00

Halloween Fun

The theme for today's Photo A Day challenge is FUN. This is my grandson Jack all set for Trick or Treat.

A Photo A Day, May 3

2012-05-03T16:10:00.002-05:00

"What I Wore Today"

Warm balmy water, soft sand between my toes and beautiful sunshine. That's what I wore today. Went down to Ocean Reef on Key Largo for lunch; stuck my toes in the water. It was beautiful!

Photo A Day, May 2

2012-05-02T14:32:00.000-05:00

Skyline

May 2 challenge photo, Houston skyline, Nov. 2011

Photo A Day Challenge

2012-05-02T14:28:00.000-05:00

My friend Kathy Zeiben sent me this link to an online photography challenge: http://www.fatmumslim.com.au/2012/05/photo-day-may-its-time.html

We are to post a photo everyday that fits with the chosen theme for that day. This is the complete list for the month.

1. peace {something peaceful, a peace sign etc}
2. skyline {where the sky meets land, can be buildings, the beach, forest, whatever!}
3. something you wore today {while you're wearing it or not}
4. fun! {something you do for fun - big or small}
5. bird {a bird in the sky, an ornament, a picture, a pet etc}
6. you {a self-portrait, a picture of a picture of you, your reflection in the mirror}
7. someone that inspires you {could be someone in real life, someone well-known}
8. a smell you adore {perfume, a food, flowers, anything!}
9. something you do everyday {share something from your daily routine}
10. a favourite word {a word that you love to say, write or read}
11. kitchen {can be a picture of your kitchen, something from a kitchen or a cafe kitchen etc}
12. something that makes you happy {a person, a thing, etc}
13. mum {a picture of your mum, the word mum, a mum, mother's day celebrations etc}
14. grass {the green stuff that grows on the ground etc}
15. love {something that represents love, something or someone you love}
16. what you're reading {a book, a newspaper, a blog, a sign, a note etc}
17. snack {something you're eating as a snack}
18. something you made {food, craft, a child, anything!}
19. a favourite place {a place you love being in}
20. something you can't live without {something you'd rather not go without in your life}
21. where you stand {take a photo of where you're standing}
22. pink {something pink}
23. technology {something that uses technology}
24. something new {what's something new in your life?}
25. unusual {share something a little odd or weird}
26. 12 o'clock {take a photo at noon or midnight, whatever you're doing}
27. something sweet {a candy/lolly, a cake, a person, something cute ... anything!}
28. the weather today {is it sunny, rainy, cloudy today? Shoot it!}
29. a number
30. your personality {show us your personality in a photo, a word etc}
31. something beautiful {share something beautiful in your life}

Peace

My photo for May 1. Taken at Fairchild Tropical Garden, 2010, Miami Fl. Dale Chihuly installation.

Mellow Fruitfulness

2012-04-22T14:56:00.000-05:00

Full View

Finally I am able to share images of my Seasons Challenge with you. Machine Quilting Unlimited magazine invited me to submit a piece for the challenge months ago but we were given strict orders not to show the completed piece to anyone until the magazine was published. Twelve artists were selected with three artists for each season; I was given fall. The only requirements were the size, 24"w x 18"h and it needed to have machine quilting. Needless to say, I was totally surprised, thrilled and so honored by the invitation.

Detail View

I made the outer border using the tissue fabric technique (visible on the left in photo above). Thin cotton, gel medium and then lots of scraps of tissue, candy wrappers, lace, newspaper, fabric and whatever else I could find that had text or texture. I applied another coat of gel medium and let it dry. I dry brushed paint in several colors over the surface and let it dry again.

The border to the right or next to it is commercial fabric. Next to that is a small border of digitally printed and burned lutradur.

The fabric behind the leaf is also digitally painted with a leaf image digitally stamped onto the surface. That's what I used for my leaf design. I extended the lines of the leaf beyond the printed image, laid a piece of polyester organza over it and stitched over the lines. When I was through stitching, I burned through the organza.

I created the heavily stitched small leaves by stitching on water soluble stabilizer in a hoop. Next post I will have photos of how I did this.

All of the Seasons Challenge quilts can be seen in the May/June 2012 issue of Machine Quilting Unlimited. The magazine is available at larger Barnes and Nobles and Joann's Fabrics. Here is a link to the Machine Quilting Unlimited website: www.mqumag.com

The Eleven other artist who participated are: Sue Reno, Heidi Zielinski, Patty Hawkins, Patricia Anderson Turner, Eileen Doughty, Roxane Lessa, Carol Ann Sinnreich, Lea McComas, Patt Blair, Kate Themel and Kathie Briggs

Decision/ Faces And Places

2012-02-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

"Decision"

Judy Momenzadeh and Michaele Shapiro

Detail View

We just received notice that our piece, Decision, was juried into the Faces And Places exhibit in St. Augustine, Florida. The exhibit is put on by the Fiber Artist Network.

Faces And Places

Fiber Art Exhibit

A juried exhibit of contemporary fiber art

Butterfield Garage Art Gallery, St. Augustine, FL.

April 6 – 28, 2012

Juried by Gretchen Ebersol

fiberartistsnetwork.org

This piece has a lot of meaning to Michaele and I since we both have ties to New Orleans, which is where I took the photos. The main theme of the piece are the decisions so many had to make when Katrina approached New Orleans but I think everyone can relate as we are confronted with difficult decisions, big and small, on a daily basis. It's about the known vs. the unknown. The scenes were shot in the French Quarter on a visit there last summer.

We used one of my favorite techniques, collagraphy (a type of monoprinting), to add another layer of color to the photos. Five separate images were used. In the background we used flour resisted linen and upholstery toile. A design decision was made to reverse the door on the left, the numbers are reversed to show things are not always as they seem, the unknown.

Moulding Paste/Mango Color Study Project

2012-01-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

Completed Project 12" x 12"

Well, I decided it would be a good idea to post a photo of the finished molding paste project! I was so excited about the results, I couldn't wait to share the technique. So here is the finished piece. I used a piece of tissue fabric I created for another project for the border. It has lace, paper, packing material, candy wrappers, organza and cotton all coated with gel medium then painted with acrylics. I love the subtle contrast or blended look of the piece.