DC on a Dime on Off the Wall Friday

The Renwick Gallery, The National Museum of Craft

 So this past week, I got spontaneous.  Yep, you read that right...the princess of plan decided at the last minute to take a quick trip to Washington DC.  Two of our favorite art museums, the National Gallery and the Renwick Gallery had some great exhibitions that are going to close in the beginning of January.  We've been trying to make time to see them, but with our early winter here on Lake Erie, it's been hard to find a few good weather days.  I saw that it was going to be 65 in DC this week, so I thought it was now or never. 

Washington DC is a wonderful place to visit.  Still when I talked to my friends, so many people haven't gone because they found the whole trip a little intimidating.  It's not.  No, really, it's a pretty easy place to plan an inexpensive, interesting trip.  My version of ....

DC on a Dime...warning what follows is purely my opinion and anecdotal experience

1.  Choose a date.  Since, I don't do hot, humid very well I shoot for fall or spring (not cherry blossom season which varies year to year).  I will also do warm winter days because DC will get spells of 40-60 degrees in the winter which is actually pretty nice for walking. I also check when Congress is not in session, because with all of Congress AND their staff, the hotels are booked and more expensive.  
2. Drive.  I personally love a nice road trip and we are only 5.5 hrs from DC which is very doable.  Driving through Pennsylvania is a blessing and a curse though.  The blessing is that the Turnpike takes you through the north end of the Appalachia region which is gorgeous any time year. The curse is that the PA Turnpike is literally the most expensive toll road in the world...yes ...THE WORLD. Anyways, if you're within 8 hrs of driving, I suggest take a ride.

   

   Ballston Neighborhood, Arlington, VA

   
   
3. Stay in the Suburbs.  After a bit of research, I decided on staying in Arlington.  It's a quick Metro ride to the capital and it always feels clean and safe.  We stay in the Ballston neighborhood which is walkable and there are a ton of places to eat.  We stay at the Ballston Comfort Inn because they have free parking, clean, reasonable rates (this trip my hotel was $99/night - taxes included!), breakfast included, super friendly staff and a shuttle to the Metro station.  It could use some updating, but for just a quiet place to sleep, it was fine. (I like how Comfort Inn website will give me the prices for the calendar year so I know not to book my stay on January 20th when it would be $600/night)
4. Use the Metro.  The Metro is DC's subway.  Unlike what you might see on TV, this subway is clean, safe and easy to navigate.  Traffic in the area is so horrendous, I'm not sure why anybody would drive to work.  It has a great website, which makes it easy to plan out your day.  You put in where you are and where you want to go and it tells you how to get there.  Rides are usually
   
   
   somewhere between $2.50-$5 each way.  You can pay with your phone, but we just bought cards that can be reloaded at the stations or online.  They have stations everywhere and it's always fun to see where you are going to pop up.  Also, a lot of stations in the suburbs have parking lots so you can drive to an outer station, park and ride into city. (This is handy on days you're driving home).  If you've never used the Metro, I suggest you read the New Rider Guide.  
5. Pick 1 - 3 Places.  There is a TON to do in DC, a lot of which is iconic and free.  So, it's easy to get carried away and want to see it all.  I highly suggest you just do 1-3 places a trip because it can be overwhelming and exhausting.  We keep an eye on the websites of our favorite museums and venues and see what exhibitions are being offered.  We also try to visit mid

   

   Courtyard,
   National Portrait Gallery

   
   week because it's all quieter then.   I keep wanting to take a Monuments by Moonlight tour, but I'm always so exhausted when the museums close, I haven't made it yet.  
6. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.  I keep saying this trip is low maintenance and inexpensive but it's a lot of walking.  I usually do about 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day there and for this office girl who normally does about 4,000 that's a lot.  Still, most of it is very flat, there are elevators at all the museums and there are plenty of places to sit and people watch.  I definitely suggest you do that.  There is no better place to sit and take in your surroundings than on the National Mall.  
7. Use TripAdvisor/Smart Phone.  Between TripAdvisor and your smart phone you can easily find food you want to eat, places you want to go and facts you want to look up.  We always find meals for $10-$20/each.  We have a habit of one big meal a day and one smaller one.  I used Google Maps to get me easily from place to place, but really it's all in one central area so it's hard to get lost. 

What did a day in DC in December cost for 2 of us?  For a 2 night/3 day stay...$200 for our hotel, $150/food (breakfast is free, we brought snacks and we ate one big meal out a day), $30 in metro fees, $0 for the museums and $30 for a new t-shirt.  Plus our gas & Tolls where $120.....$530.  For you math people that's about $88.33 per day per person.  I'm thinking for a vacation in big city, that's not bad at all.

I felt comfortable and safe the whole time.  The only thing that made me sad, was that everywhere we went outside, we would go in and out of the smell of marijuana.  Since, it's legal there, it has a tendency to be smelling the city up.  I guess it's a sign of the times. sigh

I promise to do posts of the exhibitions over the holidays..

Does Anybody Have Any Washington DC Trip Tips?

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The Best of Christmas Gifts Quilters Want on Off the Wall Friday

So today the sun shone in my part of the county while our lakefront once again got pelted with snow. 

Erie is easily up over 60" inches of snow and it's not even winter.  It's been exhausting and kept people from truly enjoying Advent and the Holiday season.  I have a bit of the blahs that have been continuing for about the last 3 weeks.  Sigh the joys of dark grey days.  

Anyways...

Over the years I've done a series of posts about Christmas gifts I thought were what every quilter needed but might not be on the conventional quilter's gift list.  Since I have a lot of new readers, I thought I would pick my favorites and repost them today.

These are the gifts I've gotten ... some asked for ....some not.... ALL have stood the test of time....

In no particular order...

A Functional Pincushion and Bobbin Case  ...both changed my lives.  I got my first little basket pincushion about 28 years ago from a fellow quilter.  I LOVED it.  No matter where it is on our table you can use the handle to stretch and grab it.  I literally wore it out and have made 2 others since then.  No ... sorry...3 others.  Plus, I had fun hunting down just the right baskets for them.

I looked forever to find just the right bobbin case that would be inexpensive, durable, keep my bobbins dust free and wouldn't split open when dropped on my hard wood floors.  Found it on Amazon finally and they were like 5 bucks each  I have three now.  One for just bobbin thread in neutrals, one for bobbin threads in colors and one for 50 wt cotton.  

Amazon for about $4 each

Sharpies and Tracing Paper ... so many uses...I have sharpies in 3 widths and use them for a ton of stuff in my studio.  Also, all the different colors are great.  The tracing paper is amazing

because it comes in a roll and can be used for patterns and mock up designs.  You can find both cheapie on Amazon as well.

A table size cutting mat....stop reading this and go add this to your Christmas list...you need this.  My husband bought me mine 4 years ago and truly I don't know how I lived without it.  It almost fits my worktable perfectly and even though it doesn't feel like a Olfa mat it definitely is self-healing and durable.  I love that no matter where I'm working, I can cut on it.  (He said he found it on Amazon as well, but I do know they have specialty sites which will make them to custom size.  I just happen to have a 4 by 8 foot table)

Finally  - truly my favorite thing ever is  ...

Kai Scissors....I know, I know quilters rave about their Karen Kay Buckley scissors and I have a pair too that like for applique...but...nothing compares to my professional series Kai's.  The action on them is amazing and they stay so sharp.  Really, I haven't ever used anything that even comes close to being as amazing as they are.   Plus, now they have new sizes for every taste.  

The best gift though is TIME.

 Now I just don't mean in the literal sense... like hours to sew....which really is a nice gift.... But I mean piece peace of mind time to sew.  Free of anxiety, free of depression, full of quiet and hope...creative energy in abundance time.  If the people around you can give you that kind of environment, well that's the best gift of all.

Well not quite as good a gift as my Kai scissors.

No, I guess better than my Kai scissors.  But just barely...grin.

So, What is Your Favorite Quilty Christmas Present?

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Oh the Weather Outside is Blowing on Off the Wall Friday

Presque Isle, Lake Erie, PA

 

Living on the shores of Lake Erie is always an adventure in the winter.  You never know what the weather is going to do.  Last year, we got 25" of snow all year.  This year, we doubled that in 3 days.  Yes, there are parts of the county that got 50" or more of snow this last week.  

But we live in Erie County so we take it all in stride right?  Well you would think, but when your authorities  declare a state of emergency and have all non essential workers to shelter in place.well let's just say...it takes it to new levels.

I myself got stuck in the beginning of it at noon on Black Friday coming home from Thanksgiving.  I90 got so bad we got off to "wait it out" at my inlaws.  We were there for three days. YES THREE DAYS. Finally, we made a break for it to finish the 30 min ride to my house.  

Just as the county was starting to dig out (and I use that term very loosey), we get hit with two days of blizzards warnings and 60 mph winds.  

It's all a bit much.  Thank God, my employer is kind enough to let me work from home for a few days (although I'm one of the ones that much prefers to work at the office). White knuckle death rides are truly not my thing.  

So if you start dreaming of a White Christmas, please come visit.  We have enough snow for everyone.  

(I'm sorry between the long dark nights and the cold blowing feet of snow I wasn't feeling creative.  I thought I would give you a sampling of some of the best pictures from this week, taken around the county.)

I mean this picture gave me a bit of hope that someday we might dig out....

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Happy Thanksgiving...Off the Wall Friday

Thankful this year for being able to navigate all the changes....changes in a job, family dynamics, our country.  It all seemed so overwhelming at the time, but here it is Thanksgiving, quiet and relaxed.  

 I'm traveling this weekend on the edge of Adirondacks where snow is quietly falling....

What Have You to Be Thankful for?

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On My Mind, Nancy Crow on Off the Wall Friday

You wouldn't think that living outside of Erie, Pennsylvania would be a center of culture. And it kinda isn't.  But it kinda is.  Really, we're within an hour or two of Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.  Plus 3 hrs out of Toronto. As well as 2.5 hrs out of central Ohio.  Yes, you read that right ....central Ohio.   Central Ohio, for you not in the know, is a hot bed of quilting.  Not only is there a plethora of quilt stores, quilt groups, retreat spots but also there is The Dairy Barn Art Center (home to Quilt National) and the Crow Timber Frame Barn.  The latter is the brain child of Nancy Crow.  

Nancy Crow
(photo credit Schweinwurth Art Center)

If there was a mother of the art quilt movement, I would nominate Nancy Crow.  Born in 1943, she pioneered her way through Ohio State achieving an MFA in Weaving and Ceramics.  Moving into fiber and quilting, she developed what we now know as improvisational piecing to take quilting from folk
craft right into accepted art.  (Well mostly accepted.  There are still some die hard haters who insist it's still craft, but if anybody is an accepted artist, it's Nancy).  She's won multiple awards including the Living Treasure Award from the University of North Carolina.  Her work is part of the permanent collection of many museums including The Renwick Gallery/Smithsonian Institute.  (As an aside, if you haven't put the Renwick on your bucket list, stop reading this and do it.  It doesn't get as much press as the National Gallery but it houses the work of most talented artisans in our country)

I say all of this in a way of an introduction, because I took a drive to Kent University in Kent, Ohio.  (Yes THAT Kent University).  Besides its tragic past, it also houses the Kent State University Muesum with it's renowned collection of fashion, costume, and accessories.  At the core, is the collection of Shannon Rogers and Jerry Silverman who donated over 4000 pieces.  

On exhibit this weekend was a timeline history of fashion, a stunning collection of Katherine Hepburn Clothes, and Nancy Crow's On My Mind showcase.  To say it was a textile junkies dream is an understatement.  

There are four series of works that are included: CONSTRUCTIONS, RIFFS, DRAWINGS, and MONOPRINTS.  Although I've seen Nancy's work many times, it was a treat to see all 40 pieces displayed to perfection. Nancy hasn't been just an artist for the last 50 years, she's also been teaching.  Her classes have spring boarded many quilters into the world of art.  I myself have watched her classes and roomed with her students.  I also lucky enough to sit and listen to a lecture that finally explained to me the idea of composition and depth.  

This exhibit runs through December 15, 2024, and I encourage you to take the drive to Kent to see. it.  The campus is lovely, and they even have a nice museum store (we also went into the bookstore which was cool too). 

(my favorite piece)

Under Things that I Like....

Did anybody hear about the Monet water lilies painting that sold for 65 million dollars at Sotherby's this week?  If you want to watch the 17 min auction you can see it here (although spoiler alert...it's a quiet affair).  How often do you get to see a Monet come up for auction?

It does make one wonder who bought it.....

So, What Have You Been Up to Creatively?

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Value is My Thing on Off the Wall Friday

Peppermint Reindeer by Laura Heini

 This week in my spare time, I started thinking about decorating for Christmas.  To tell you the truth, I'm not all that much into decorating, mostly because it takes so much time.  What I do like is designing the composition of the decoration scheme.  Yes, you read that right.  Your decorating has a composition just like your quilts.  One thing I've learned, is that all the elements of design I've been studying over the years can be used in a myriad of ways....like planning your Christmas decorations. 

But this post is not about Christmas decorating - you can thank me later - No, I say all this because it brought to mind my favorite way to evaluate a composition....studying the value of the piece.  If you're a long-time reader, you might have noticed that value truly is my thing.  Mainly because 

Color gets all the Credit, but Value does all the Work

Gosh, I must have been told that by the late great Joan Colvin about 20 years ago and it still holds true.  I pulled some truly random quilts from my Pinterest board to show you what I mean.  (I really did randomly choose them - mostly because they could be easily attributed).

Let's look at detailed look at embroidery textile by Mary Ruth Smith

Great right?  When you first look at it your just taken by the great use of shape and line.

Take the color out and you can see how it's all about the value in the composition.  The contrast between light and dark is giving this heavily graphic piece a lot of much needed depth.  Also, it emphasizes the use of line to form more movement and rhythm which would otherwise have come off very flat.  The darkest parts are acting like a solid ground for all that movement of line going on.  Without color to distract you, it's much easier to see what is truly going on.

This is An Evening Out by Colette Behrends 

Talk about a lot to unpack with this piece...WoW!  When you first look it's all about taking in how she so masterfully captured the moment.  It's all so relatable.  I love how it's figurative but still abstract.  The colors just add to the vibrancy of the piece eluding joy and energy.

Step back with this version of it...

Now you can better comprehend the composition.  See how easily you can see how she laid it out in a diagonal line.  Also, the focal points pop with the accents used to move your eye around the piece.  Again, the artist uses value to create depth as well as movement.   (hmmm I'm sensing a pattern).  Without getting too carried away, I also want to mention how well soft and hard lines are used in this piece.  That is a difficult thing to do and you don't see it that often done this well. 

Let's go totally abstract with a favorite of mine ...Emily Richardson's Original Copy (I want to confess a true bias where Emily's work is concerned.  I loved it from the moment I saw it, Then I took a 5 day class with her and it added this whole sentimental twist to my crush on her work)

Amazing right?  Now you can see why I have quilt crush.  The palette is so effective in this piece with it looking ethereal.  I love how the abstraction lets the viewer choose their own take on what it represents.  Honestly, in this form I just get lost in studying how the orange/yellow interacts with the blues. 

But in gray scale we get another look at it..

And for the third piece in a row  - what is value creating? Movement and Depth.  Honestly, this whole composition is about movement and depth.  With the color removed it's truly evident.  

So why do this exercise?  Just to play with pretty art quilts...well yeah...but mostly, it's to show that you can do it with your own work.   Traditional quilts or art quilts, it doesn't matter.  When you're laying out your compositions, take some time to take picture and desaturate it (way easier now that everyone had a camera in their back pocket for sure!)  Even take out the quilts that you think of your "dogs".  Take a value study picture of it and I bet you'll see why the quilt isn't quite working.  

Thanks for indulging me on yet another post on value.  

Oh, one last thing, so my new job has me writing a lot of emails a day. When I say a lot I mean 50-80 a day.  Twice this week - not once - but twice...people I email with mentioned the unique fashion of expressing myself through word and how they look forward to my emails.   Cracked me up - literally.  I thought, oh I know why.  It comes from chatting on blog posts for the last 15 years.  

So, thanks for that as well.  That's me this week...

What Have You've Been Up to Creatively?

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Creativity in the Face of Adversity on Off the Wall Friday

 For all my US readers...well it's been a week, hasn't it?  No matter what your political views, I'm sure
I'm not alone to say, this week has been A LOT.  Raise your hand, if you've had enough politics to last you four years?  Living in Pennsylvania, it's been kinda like being the most popular girl at the dance.  THEN living in Erie County, just doubles that.  Apparently, unbeknownst to me, the saying goes in the political world...the way Erie County goes is the way the country will go.  We've picked the winner for the last 36 years.  Who knew?  All I can say is that when you drive down any street and see opposing political yard signs on every other yard, well, let's just say, "We take this $#@! seriously".  

And I've had enough.

But it got me thinking, with all this going on how does one keep creating?  How does one stay grounded in the here and now so not to get caught up in the drama and the rhetoric that seems to be the Special of the Day?  I don't know about you but when I'm not creating, it really effects the quality of my life.  

So for you that are hurting this week, I offer up some ways to create in adversity...

• Embrace the Chaos.  I really think the scariest part of adversity is the loss of control and certainty.  Use that emotion, to step out of your comfort zone and explore what it feels like.  How?  Use colors you hate, try new techniques, explore avenues you never even thought to go down.  If it doesn't work out you can always just say - well ya know, it was 2024

• 

  Order Through Chaos by Robert Ball 

  
  
• Seek Unity.  OMG, how many times have I heard that come from both sides this week.  I mean, they just spent all year tearing the country apart and NOW you say seek unity.  But I really mean it.  One of the best ways to discover a new creative path, is to explore other ideas and cultures.  Why do you think one way and they think another.  The word diversity has gotten a total bad rap.  I think it's because it's not often paired with commonality.  When you bring the two things together, great things can happen.  That's a lot of words to say this - don't be afraid to step out of your bubble  - invite someone into your bubble and find something in common.

  

  Harmony by Alima Newton

  
  
• Calm Down.  Once again, the internet - a blessing and a curse.  The 24 hr news cycle has made things look worse than they are.  Stay grounded in the things that really matter.  Quietness is not the enemy here.  Peaceful music  - maybe a walk - browsing through your favorite art book.  Silence can lead to new ideas - away from craziness.  
• 
  
  

Rant over.  I know it's easy for me to say because I've always been pretty pragmatic and a middle ground kind of chick. But truly...

Elections come and go.

But art is here forever.  

So What Have You've Been Up to Creatively?

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