Here Little Fishy!

Another fun quilt top to make for Binky Patrol is this one, again from designer Sindy at Fat Cat Patterns

I tried to find the funkiest fabrics I could to make these sea creatures

The water fabric was a batik that I found at Fabrics where with $35 purchase, there is no shipping fee and we can't find $35 worth of fabric?!

this is the first fish in the collection and I made him before I had the background so he doesn't quite stand out like I would want him too, but not all fish are noticeable in the ocean

He's just a plain old run of the mill flounder fish in my book!

Ahhh, a kissing fish! 

Anyone Want to Inkle??

There are various ways to weave--and inkle loom is one that is used for making bands, hence inkle means "ribbon" or "tape".

Inkle loom weaving is a nice video (with great music accompaniment).  Our local weaver's group has members who are interested in learning this technique.  The more we learn, the more we incorporate into our weaving skills.



Leigh (in green, standing) is giving some instruction to Joan with Marian looking on.  Gretchen is warping her inkle in the foreground.

Gretchen winds her warp--over this peg, under this peg "oh, did I do that right?"

Gerry is counting her warp for that first pick-up

Leigh is working her directions with experimention--Leigh is a 'master' at inkle!

A look at Leigh's work

This little loom has heddles but can still be used as an inkle

Samples to inspire!  Inkle on gals!! 



BARNS!

The history of the American Barn Quilt can be traced back almost 300 years to the arrival of immigrants from the central regions of Europe; Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. It is widely believed that barn painting/quilting originated in Pennsylvania with these immigrants and then spread through much of the New England and Midwestern states. Paint was very expensive in those days and painting a decorative and distinctive quilt pattern on their barns was a wonderful way of allowing for decoration. It also became an excellent way for travelers to find particular families or cross roads as towns people would just tell them which pattern to look for.  Info from American Barn Quilts

So, jumping on the 'barn' wagon is Acquilt with their Barn Quilt Design contest.  Take a look at the winners! 

When you travel through the midwest, you can still find barns with these delightful paintings over their doors. 

Bee in My Bonnet QAL is just the place to find the pattern.  This quilt along has been fun

A chance to use up some 6.5" ophran blocks floating around the stash bin

also, a way to use up some of those interesting barn fabrics that have been collected over the years.

animals can be added along with other farm equipment

These will definitely be added to the Binky Patrol quilt collection for some little adventuresome person to enjoy.



On our return flight from Las Vegas, I was able to tune into any TV show and came across Eleanor Burns doing this quilt.  Well, needless to say, this quilt will be in my personal collection--once we have finished with all the other barns.  Interesting information about barn quilts in this publication. 
Happy barn hunting to you!



Who Gives a Hoot??

Who Gives a Hoot?? Well, I didn't! Until I saw these wonderful owls perching HERE

They look so mysterious and inviting, so there was only one thing to do

But, to create these forest creatures to cloth!

I really like this one!  He has a crossed eye look!

And these guys are super great to been peeking at you..............so jump over to Sindy's site and begin your collection of Owls! 

Oh, Those Talented Expatchers....................

We are perkin' along with our Expatchers group. These are gals who formed their quilting group while serving as expats. Some of our members have returned and retired to United States while others are still out there in the foreign countries--we hope sewing away!

Karen (our May birthday gal) had this selection of fabrics to create blocks from so here is what she did.......................

NICE!  Loving these black and white fabrics

Camilla was finishing the binding on this prayer quilt

The loose stitching threads are ready for prayering hands to tie as they say prayer for a special person

This was a request for a young man who had a serious accident and the family chose his school colors

Judy M's studio always has a great display of quilts. 

Great color combination with 'friendship' stars as focal point

These were school house blocks that had different patterns for the center section

Patriotic quilts are always welcome sight

And a hanging for the upcoming red, white and blue holidays.....................

Weavers Delight!!

May's WOW (Way Out Weavers) gathering was a luncheon to end our regular session of meetings. Not only do we eat and catch up on the latest news from members, we also have 'show and share' time! and these gals never disappoint with what they have been working on in since our last meeting

Sharla showed off her place mats, Huck Lace weave structure in 3/2 cotton.  Sharla is a 'new' weaver--never would guess.................

Close-up view of the weave structure

. 

Sharla presented her new weaving from inkle loom workshop that some of the WOW members attended.  This will be a guitar strap for her grandson.  Nice work Sharla!!

 

Then Karen I begins with her presentation--some of us call her 'overachiever'! but her husband calls her 'miss weaves alot!'  She has this strap from her band loom.

Karen is fascinated by Rep Weave and she has been weaving rugs

Front and back of this rug--she has also woven two other larger rugs and was asking about pricing--which is always hard thing for weavers to decide

View of length of band loom weaving strap from Karen I

This is block weave uses rag strips for weft.

The closer is a heavy bead on an inkle strap

Oh my gosh!! Here comes another band from Karen I--how does she do it?  And to think she has only been weaving for a few years.

Kyla is working on shibori dyeing--turning white silk chiffon into this lovely drapey scarf

Joan had a 'find' from her Aunt's closet--no information came in the wrapping, but we were all intersted to know more

How cool is this little machine!!  If you have any information to pass along, please let me know.

Barbara decided to investigate crackle weave so did a sampler

And now she's hooked!!

Scharine had a couple of lovely pieces--this nuno felt piece with interesting tassel

And can we say--absolutely fabulous!! this ikat woven yardage (3 yds). 

Scharine continues to weave her culture and heritage!

Gerry has definitely found her 'niche' in the weaving world--she loves to do these small tapestries--I'm proud to say I own two of her award winning pieces!

This piece uses hand dyed silk (from recent workdhop) as weft.

Close-up of Barbara's crackle weave table runner. 

Crackle weave sampler

Every two years for our state conference, we gather items for a theme inspired basket to be used in door prize drawing.  We have chosen kitchen theme and members have really outdone themselves this year.

This basket certainly will be a big draw during the conference--five handwoven tea towels, food products, ceramic mugs, woven ribbons, bottle of Texas wine, flavored vinegars, etc.

Wrapped and all tied up with handwoven ribbons--who wants to win this one??