Sun Goddess

No, she's not new. I actually made her in a doll class with Martha Green, but didn't like the way she looked after she was stuffed so I decided to make her into a wallhanging instead. She originally had a button face, but no one liked the face button I used so she's remained faceless for a year or two.

She's headed off to Michigan where she'll be on display at American Sewing Expo in Novi, MI. If you're in the area, stop in and say "hi" to her - I'm sure she's going to enjoy showing off her radiant robes!

Ready to Experiment Again

I decided it was time to give the Chicago School of Fusing a try. I know - I hate fusing. But Melody keeps insisting that it's still easy to hand-stitch as well as machine quilt so I'm going to give it a try. I got some Wonder Under and some Hobbs 80/20 and will follow her instructions to a T. I'd like to make some small pieces for the foliage crowd. Wish me luck!

Magazines?

Our list mom, Diane, has asked us what magazines we subscribe to - and why. I only have one magazine subscription right now - Quilting Arts. Why? Well, first because I used to be Features Editor so I still feel somewhat attached. Articles that don't particularly tickle my fancy will come back to me and years later I find myself searching through the archive trying to find details on a particular technique. And what eye candy! The photography is top-notch, and even if you never make a single thing, provides a wealth of inspiration. Speaking of which, my Fall issue hasn't arrived yet!

I used to subscribe to Stitch - the UK Embroiderer's Guild magazine - mainly for Beaney-Littlejohn embroidery types of articles. And Inspirations - the Australian embroidery magazine. Talk about a gorgeous magazine with phenomenal photography! But there's only so many bullion roses one can make in a lifetime, and I figure my collection is good enough.

Another great magazine is Maggie Gray's Workshop On The Web. Okay - it's an online magazine, but well worth the price of admission! No, I don't subscribe to it any more either, but I do check the back issues on occasion to see if there's anything I can't live without.

When I'm making a trek down south I'll stop in at Borders or Barnes and Noble to see what wonderful new magazines they have on their racks. Now that I live in the North Country, those treks are much less frequent. That's probably a good thing - it means I actually get to spend more time in my studio!

Art Doing Good

Katrina - it's on everyone's minds. The stories are horrific, yet I keep hearing about compassion, caring, stories that restore your faith in humankind. Creating art is calming, and it's one thing I can do to help the victims - the evacuees - the survivors. The truly amazing Laura Cater-Woods, along with a group of helpers, has created Art Doing Good - a three-phase project to raise money for the American Red Cross. The first phase is an online art sale of pieces as small as ATC (Artist Trading Cards) and as large as Journal Quilts (8.5 x 11) . I finished two pieces that have been hanging around for a while, as well as created two brand new postcards. The first two have already sold!

Remnants (8.5 x 11) - this piece was started in Laura Cater-Woods workshop; only fitting that it be contributed to the cause. Bits of sheer organzas, gauze, and mulberry bark embellished with threads and beads.



Latte #1 (4 x 6) - originally intended to be our Christmas cards last year, but never finished.



Celebration I and II (4 x 6) - tissuetex on felt, hand-embroidered. The inspiration came from the Peace Prayer of St. Francis - "where there is sadness, joy" I couldn't think of a more appropriate sentiment. A new beginning, new hope, new life. Hopefully this worthy cause will bring some joy into those lives that right now can only experience sadness.