Fall Sheep on Off the Wall Friday

 So I did it.  I manage to get through my first rug hooking project.  Let's just say it's rough but a start and I wouldn't quite say a rough start.  Some things I've learned...

1. Taking a 3 hour starter class to get a taste of a new hobby was one of my better ideas.  It was a relatively small investment ($65 and that included everything you needed including a beginner hook) and you really get a feel for if you're going to like it enough to invest more time and money.  
2. I like rug hooking now as much as I did that afternoon 30 years ago when the lady at the senior center showed me how.
3. It's a perfect busy hands, quiet mind kind of activity that I need to de-stress after working all day in customer service.  
4. This is an acquired skill and now I see those perfect even little loops I saw on the sample are NOT easy.

5. 

   Wool I have left from the kit

   I'm a textile tactile girlie through and through.  From my earliest memories till now, it's gotta feel right in my hands.  Something about the rough wool and the smooth  - so lusciously smooth - Hartman hook really is soothing.  (For Margaret - yes I invested in a #6 Hartman Ergo hook, my goodness - love it!)
6. Finally, it's a start but fortunately not a finish.
   

What I mean by not a finish, is that I plan to just practice on small pieces and enjoy the ride with no agenda other than that.  At least for now.  Eventually, it will be May and I can take my week long class at John C. Campbell's.  

Till then, I can hunt down wool remanent in thrift shops and spend time watching videos on hooking.  

What Have You've Been Up to Creatively?

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Technique vs Design on Off the Wall Friday

 Something that I was reminded of this week is that I have a tendency to create in one of two categories.  Either my pieces are all about technique or all about design.  I know lots of quilters who are all about technique.  They buy a pattern and then spend their energy on learning how to create it perfectly.  The closer they get to perfection, the more of a rush they get.

Oh What Lovely Smoke, Elizabeth Barton 

Then there's the quilters where it's all about the design.  They work on designing a piece and then figure out how they are going to make it.  Or they innately will improvise a piece and just use whatever technique works at the moment to achieve their goal.  Artist that showcase these two methods are Elizabeth Barton (who once had me make 8 value studies of the same design) and Rayna Gillman whose improv work is to die for.   (Also, who actually gave me the idea of calling this blog link up Off the Wall Friday as we were brainstorming back and forth) 

Marimba, Rayna Gillman

Normally, I'm a design girl partly because after 30 years of quilting, I mostly understand how to do techniques correctly and partly because my personality isn't very exacting.  I love the challenge of coming up with just the right composition, not to mention I've had to learn all about art theory myself which I find fun. 

I say "Normally" because this week, I dipped my toe into the technique side of creating.  I drove back to Berlin, Ohio to visit the Plaid Sheep Company to take a beginner rug hooking class.  For $65, you get a 3 hr class that includes a nice 10" square kit, beginner hook and a handout with the basics.  This is basically a "get your feet wet" kind of class.  Now the Plaid Sheep Company isn't your average quilt shop...it's basically two shops in one.  One side is all wool for applique and hooking rugs while the other side is quilt cottons and notions.  It also has a very primitive traditional vibe.  So our kit had a folk art bent with a simple sheep on a grassy knoll.  

All it takes to start a new craft

Melanie patiently showed us all how to make our first hooks taking strips of wool and bringing it through a linen background.  We had the fabric stretched in PVC piped frames, but you could easily do it with a big quilting hoop (which of course at home I'm doing).  I spent the 3 hr trying to make my loops nice and even not really caring that I was creating this lone sheep.  It was more about the push and pull of the wool.  The whole thing is VERY tactile.  I mean hand quilting is tactile but nothing like rug hooking.  Anyways, Melanie would point out what I was doing wrong and I would say okay and then proceed to keep doing it wrong.  I mean what can I say?  The hands do what the hands do.  I think I couldn't get them to switch from hand quilting motions to rug hooking movements.  

What it's supposed to end up looking like

Before we knew it, the 3 hrs was done and I had about 20% of the rug done.  She encouraged us to go home and finish it this week.  I knew I hadn't quite mastered it, but you don't get to be almost  60 without knowing that if you practice long enough sooner or later you'll get it.  Then I remember what she said about going home and watching a YouTube video on how to hook,

I mean as my brother-in-law Steve says, "It's not worth knowing if there isn't a YouTube Video on it".

And guess what?  There was!  This 3 min video showed me exactly how to do it and what I had been doing wrong.  BRILLANT!  Now things are going better (but obviously not perfectly LOL!  It's a process!) and I got this much done.

Don't ask me how this going to play in my creative life.  I just knew I always wanted to learn and since I was looking for a new hand craft for the evenings it was time.  I found another kit cheapie on ebay (because let me tell you, this, like most crafts, rug hooking is NOT cheap).  I'll do that one too just to get my technique down.  For the record, there is nothing I dislike more than primitive folk art.  But that doesn't matter, because this is all about the technique.

By the time I get to John C. Campbell I'll have a good idea of how to work a hook. THEN I fully intend to let the design side of creative nature out to play.

But for now, the technique part is in charge.

What technique is on your bucket list and why?

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Summoning the Wind on Off the Wall Friday

 I really think it's important to feed your inner creative soul.  I know that sounds "artsy", but it's true.  I think after preaching this so much at home, my husband has finally gotten it.  That's why I wasn't shocked when he dragged me out to the Erie Museum to see the latest exhibit, Summoning the Wind, by Qian Li.  

The Erie Art Museum was never this powerhouse in the art world.  Lately, though, I can see that it's upping its game bringing in some really nice exhibits as well as developing its own.  Qian Li, who was born in China, educated there and in Massachusetts, and teaches at Cleveland State University.  Her work which includes mixed media, print making, painting and video has been shown all over the world.  She also does installation art, which was very evident in the exhibit in Erie.  The exhibit wasn't large nor was it earth shattering, but it was very impactful.  I love mindful art because it proves that pieces don't need to be showy or provocative to be good.  

The medallion is gorgeous but look how the reflection becomes part of the exhibit

Although the exhibit included an interesting, animated video as well as an interactive piece, what I liked most was the mixed media and surface design installation.  The gallery was set up in a rectangular formation with paper compositions running along one side, silk screens running along the other and a lovely medallion showcased at the base. I found the artist's statements to be thoughtful and genuine which was a refreshing change to the pompous rubbish I usually read.  But really the pieces spoke for themselves.  

I loved the play of light in the pieces.  She played with transparency though out and it was so interesting.  My husband and I were talking about how we both like the silk screen side best.  He thought the little compositions were interesting and as a whole they look amazing.  I liked how light played even more into these pieces since you could see through them and light surrounded them instead of just landing on the surface.  

And then there was the idea of moving from warm to cool .... like the day does. Just gorgeous.

Like I said - not loud - not shocking - mindful and thought provoking.  

Again, I would encourage you to seek out local art or take a ride to a near by museum.  We put off our trip to see Buffalo's Albright-Knox Art Muesum till November because they are bringing in a new fiber art's exhibit then - I can't wait!!

So What Have You Been UP to Creatively?

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Another Idea on Off the Wall Friday

 

Anybody who has been paying attention would know that the last 6 months, I've been a bit obsessed with my new job.  Let me just say that Customer Service is not for the weak at heart...but...if you love your product and you love working with people, it can be really fun.  Not to mention throw in a nice work environment and a touch of technology and its really is fun.

That all said, my creative side is slowly but surely coming back to life.  I've had this idea baking in the back of my brain for two weeks no.  Has that ever happened to you?  You get an idea, and it just sits there and grows little by little while you're doing other things?  

Well, here is my story of the day...

Another passion this summer is my return to thrift clothing...a little because it's good for the environment...a little because it's cost effective...and a lot of it is the thrill of the hunt.  Last month, I was looking for long sleeve shirts when I spotted a rack of linens.... Where this was on the end....

 

Pretty, right?  Folded up I had no idea what it was but it felt like a polyester/cotton blend with a good hand (not too slinky).  For $2.40 where could I go wrong.   I actually thought it would make a nice skirt.   Then it sat on my shelf all folded up, just waiting for weeks.  I swear, I had no idea it was a tablecloth till I opened it up to take the picture! Then I went to our fair and I was lamenting how boring the quilt offerings were.  Plus, nightly I would look on Instagram where there are some really great upcycling and Re-making going on and it gave me the bug to give that flowerily fabric new life.  

The print made me think of a card that has been sitting on my studio wall for a couple of years just waiting.  It's a pretty card but I thought it would be a better art quilt.  I never wanted to copy the card exactly but just let it inspire me into piece with the same kind of feel.  Which got me thinking....

What happened if I put the two together?

I was hoping to have a sketch done by tonight, but I've been too brain dead.    I'm quite sure my boss told me twice this week, I better slow down and maybe this is what he means.  Apparently, there is more to the world than USA made Pliers.  

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No You Don't Suck on Off the Wall Friday

 

Okay, since I've had a big day that started at about 3:45 am...I'll make this short and sweet.  You do not suck.  You only think you suck, but trust me, you don't.  

As in most things, the internet is a blessing and a curse.  It brings us together as "makers".  It helps us connect and finally we feel like we fit in.  It's like we're with a tribe that understands why we take $300 in fabric, spend hours cutting it all up, only to take hours to sew it all back together. You get me and I get you.  It's wonderful.  

Until it's not. With the internet comes a plethora of images to gaze upon.  Every "maker" loves to take their best work, photograph it in its best light, then digitally edit so it looks even better. This is what they post on Facebook, Instagram and gasp! Twitter.   Most never show you the flaws and especially the failures.

It leaves you feeling that you can't ever make something that amazing, so why even try?  I mean you suck, right?!  

No, you do not suck.  You only think you suck, but - I repeat - trust me you don't.  

So, stop reading this and go sew - your work is amazing!

Lecture over ...What Have You Been Up to Creatively?

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Zink's Fabric on Off the Wall Friday

 So, this week I was blessed enough to spend a couple of days in Amish country, Holmes County, Ohio.  Since it's only a couple hours away, it's become a favorite when we need a quick getaway.  Plus, summer is hanging on nicely with 2 weeks now of sunny weather in low 80's.  Anybody who's ever lived on a Great Lake knows what a blessing that is.  What does one do in Holmes County?  Well mostly shop,
browse, explore, chat.  It's quiet and fun.  

The best part of it  - at least for me that is - is that there are several quilt shops in the area.  Now, I do take pity on my poor husband and don't drag him to all of them.  This trip I just asked to shop at Zink's Fabric

Outlet.  The thing about Zink's is that you're never quite sure what you are going to find there.  In the past, I haven't had much luck with finding quality quilt cotton but have found some AMAZING garment fabric that had great potential in art quilts.  Plus, they have decorator fabric, trims, notions, some thread and a big bin of discount patterns.  If it relates to sewing, you'll find it there.

This trip though there was a TON of quilt fabric.  They definitely have added more.  Plus, I saw some lines that I'm not seeing so much in the quilt shops like Benartrex and P&B and Marcus Brothers.  All bolts were $5-$8 a yard.  There was something for everyone's taste, but I was looking for the different.  With my fabric collection full of nice basics, I was on the hunt of interesting patterns. And I wasn't disappointed.  Here is what I found:

Cool huh?!  I have a rule that I can't buy fabric without buying a stripe, yellow, red, dark, light  - I did come home with a little of all of those...buttttt.... these patterns were what my stash has been craving.  I've been itchin' to do some improve piecing and a good pattern will make a world of difference in adding interest. Besides these, I brought home this huge bag of decorator fabric scraps for $5.  I have a collection going and I thought I would add these to it - plus it seems to be you should be able to cut them up to hook rugs too.  

One last thing...for all you panel sewers....Zinks has the largest collection of Panels I've ever seen.  I mean like hundreds large.  I'm not one for panels but seeing them all hung out like that and so many - well let's just say it got me thinking.  I saw this one Christmas panel with a 60's flair that caught my eye.  It reminded me that I've been wanting to make a big Advent Calendar wall hanging ... something a bit different than the normal Manger based ones.  Since the panel also had a matching set of blocks panels I thought it would be perfect.   I have a good idea of what I'm going to do with it but I'll keep it under wraps until I start it.

So What is Your favorite Get-Away Fabric Shop?  Do Share...I'm always looking for suggestions.

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Just some thoughts during Fair Week on Off the Wall Friday

Albion, PA has the 3rd oldest carousel in the country

First, I want to thank everyone for their kind comments and welcome back. I truly can't believe that while I was gone, blogger has FINALLY made it possible to reply back to comments (which I will do more now that I realize I can!)   That only took 15 years!  

Also thank you so much for the encouragement as I dip my toe into the world of rug hooking.  I'm going to take Margaret's advice (which is always good) and  do some research using some of the great rug hookers online including Deanne Fitzpatrick.  I wish I could thank all the quilters over the years that posted free information that really enhanced my quilting education.  

Honestly, I don't foresee myself becoming this great rug hooker.  I just really think it's a good idea that while you are on your creative journey you don't stay too much in your own lane.  Inspiration lies everywhere and if you change lanes you never quite know where the road will go.  Anyway, thanks for coming along for the ride. 

Okay, maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to start blogging the week before our fair.   Our fair takes over town one week every year.  Businesses close, school closes early and the traffic in front of my house is insane. Add to that, that the weather is picture perfect this year and I'm sure you get the idea.  At our house we look at it as one last chance to chat with neighbors and friends before the snow flies plus give some  $$$ to all the local non-profits that set up tables.

One thing I noticed was the HUGE decrease of entries in the Homemaking Building.  At one time, there would be so many quilts, they could barely fit them all in more less open them to show.  There would be walls of embroidery, needlework, and cross stich.  Plus a nice selection of yarn work and sewing. 

My Entries from 2011

 I know that hobbies come in and out of fashion, but the entries have decreased across the board.  The funny thing is that it's not that way in the other buildings....just homemaking.  It makes you wonder why.

I asked the question on our community Facebook page and the consensus was that people did not like the online pre-registration that was put in place (at least 5 years ago - so it's not new).  I'm not sure if that's the only reason but it was definitely the one people pointed to the most.  Next year, I'm going to make it a point to remind people of deadlines and offer to help people register.  We have a great little local library and it would be a great place to do that.  

Oh and btw....the beer and wine making categories have grown...shocker!

What is happening in your community's fairs?  Are the Homemaking Entries down or up?  What's popular?

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