When Pam walked into a recent Prairie Makers session carrying this bag I grabbed it right up and tried to steal it, but she caught me. Don't say you wouldn't have tried. She has been on a deep dive into Sashiko stitching. Taking it in all kinds of directions.
I like ALL the places she is going with it. Such creativity. We had a great discussion about threads and needles and stitch lengths and the like. Notes were taken.
Then Ann whipped out a couple of quilt squares. She is using parts of her old lab coats and Dan's old shirts to make these. I would normally not think to use colors like this in a quilt but I LOVE how the black works with them, making the overall pattern so striking. Genius. I have been loving all the photos posted on Instagram of the fabulous quilts at QuiltCon. There is an ABUNDANT amount of talent out there in the quilting world, so many ways to take this incredible art.
Quilt museum field trips were discussed.
So as not to feel like a slacker, I put my feet on the table to show off the valentine socks. After that, a discussion about linen ensued. The different kinds, what you could use it for, what things have been made, how they have turned out...
When I got home I cut 3, 31 inch lengths, ironed the edges, sewed the seams, and made some dishtowels. I had some fabric left which seems like it will be perfect for patching jeans.
They required ironing when they came out of the dryer. This is not a game changer for me. I like to iron. The key to a good dishtowel in my book is absorbency. After only one washing I am liking how they soak up the water.
Do tell, what are your maker groups up to these days?
We are a group with diverse interests. Diane and I are enjoying our online art journaling class called Wanderlust 2022. Different artists teach the lessons, and a new one comes out every Friday. It’s a year long adventure! Arlene and I were both involved in a wonderful book making class called The Magpie’s Nest. Madonna has been knitting and sewing her heart out. Eileen is fully immersed in her small watercolor paintings. Jen is doing the 100 day project, drawing and collaging funny little faces. Inki has a gorgeous slow stitching book project!
Posted by: Chris Oliveira | 02/25/2022 at 08:44 AM
My group is diverse as well. Some focus on only one genre...cross stitch, knitting, needlepoint, crochet, weaving, tatting, beading, journal making, quilting, bowl making, punch needle embroidery. The beautiful thing is there's always a mentor to help the newbie, there's always praise for the effort, and support for 'trying something out of my comfort zone.' I'm definitely one who wants to try new things...but I return to my love of extemporaneous quilt making quite often. Just being around creative women excites my love of learning & creating!!
Posted by: Kathy B | 02/25/2022 at 11:14 AM
Chris and Kathy: Oh I love hearing about what you all and your groups are doing. What a wonderful thing to have creative friends to cheer, inspire, and teach us!
Posted by: carol | 02/26/2022 at 03:06 PM
There is something so meditative about Sashiko. It's also very portable with just a small bag of supplies. It makes the best project for talking to appointments when you may be waiting a bit.
Posted by: Emie | 03/01/2022 at 05:48 AM
Emie: I am looking forward to beginning a Sashiko project. I need to do some patching that seems like a good place to start.
Posted by: carol | 03/02/2022 at 06:18 PM