Monday, December 21, 2009

My first little quilt...


I stopped by the Cleveland Handmade Market (a group of Etsy artists that get together and sell their art at different venues during the year) yesterday. It was taking place in Lakewood (Ohio) at the Screw Factory Art Studios. This is a big old nail factory in an old part of Lakewood. The bottom floor is still used as a nail factory but the second and third floor are Artist's Studios. During the market the vendors had their studios open. I was talking to a woman who was a mosaic artist. She had a great studio and did some beautiful work. She had stated that she worked full time in the corporate world and has two kids so this was her time to do something for herself. So I asked her "how do you find the time and the energy?" I'll be honest, there are days after work, and after the girls are put to bed that I really want to go to my back room and create but I'm just so tired! She told me "you have to make the time, and make it every day. I don't watch TV, this is my TV time." She's absolutely right, my New Year's resolution is going to be to make more time for my crafting/art making!

I am not a quilter. Quilting is one of those things that I've always wanted to know how to do but have been afraid to try. Don't ask me what I'm afraid of! I've often used the excuse that I don't have a permanent place to set up my sewing machine, so every time I want to go ahead and try it, by the time I get out my machine (from the dining room closet) and set it up, I'm already frustrated and tired. After picking up a copy of Stampington's Art Quilting Studio I decided to give it a go. This project does not require the use of a sewing machine, it's all done with fusible interfacing. I fused my cotton fabrics to a base of felt and then I'm just embellishing after that. The technique came from an article in the magazine by Deborah Boschert. It has been a project that has been very relaxing. Of course I've had to finish up unfinished Christmas projects first but I'm on my way to actually creating a small art quilt!

2 comments:

The Other Side of Me said...

Hi Cassie,

This art quilt is going to be so wonderful. It is so great that you gave this a try. I can't wait to see it finished.

Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
Tammy

Suzanne said...

Hi Cassie~ sounds like a wonderful new project for a New year!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!