tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804559768829011092024-03-14T01:04:31.221-04:00Mary Ramsey Keasler textile art and beaded jewelryMary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-34242572592967830172021-04-07T10:29:00.000-04:002021-04-12T08:59:09.580-04:00LOST AND FOUND <span style="font-family: verdana;">Way back in 2016, Melissa Averinos came to Chattanooga to teach a group of us how to make faces with fabric. It was great fun and she taught us lots about creating portraits. My first face didn't please me very much, and thankfully I had time to create another. I liked it a bit more and even completed it shortly after the class. Determined to try more faces, I cut and glued and made several more. Then, as usual, I was distracted by something else and I stuck those portraits in a drawer and forgot about them. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Somewhere along the way, in the infamous year of 2020, I completely lost my desire to create with fabric and just sat around making beaded jewelry. After making dozens of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces and lamenting my loss of mojo for fabrics, a friend sent a photo of her beautiful floral collage made with fabrics. That little nudge clicked and I started searching for those old 2016 collaged faces. It was a long search because I had no idea where I had stashed them. I finally found them in a drawer stuffed full of paper patterns from old art quilts from years past. I had even forgotten that I had saved so many of them, since I never, ever make the same thing twice. I also uncovered a couple of portraits I had created of my granddaughter and found that I liked them better now, after they have "aged" a bit. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In just a few days, I have them quilted and bound! Ideas have been swirling around like dervishes. Hopefully my mojo will keep me inspired to play with fabric once again. And I hope that some of you might like to purchase one of them before they are stashed into a drawer to be forgotten for another 5 years. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nw4_LPlp6d4/YG29mgs21TI/AAAAAAAAFSo/kI3l-hNsSjQacC0dRLdmdlUxrD-29GYugCLcBGAsYHQ/7BF3F3EE-4E16-45E3-80C4-02DFB22E1771_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="867" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nw4_LPlp6d4/YG29mgs21TI/AAAAAAAAFSo/kI3l-hNsSjQacC0dRLdmdlUxrD-29GYugCLcBGAsYHQ/7BF3F3EE-4E16-45E3-80C4-02DFB22E1771_1_105_c.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some people say this is a self portrait. I don't really look that, do I? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ThfMFzdjmA/YG2-gjeQUnI/AAAAAAAAFSw/IB7CGSsd1mcS4LGRtjagpWK24I-lcU7BACLcBGAsYHQ/DDCE5920-F705-4232-8FF6-BCBCD8CA1333_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="757" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ThfMFzdjmA/YG2-gjeQUnI/AAAAAAAAFSw/IB7CGSsd1mcS4LGRtjagpWK24I-lcU7BACLcBGAsYHQ/DDCE5920-F705-4232-8FF6-BCBCD8CA1333_1_105_c.jpeg" width="175" /></a></div><br />"Pouty Paulina" is 16" x 22" and come pout on your wall for $50 + shipping</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXI-BibIl1o/YG2-3mcYeJI/AAAAAAAAFS4/Sl11aoGfpAsAV76Khrl9OSllpRa84xgEQCLcBGAsYHQ/A885C88E-E578-43A4-939A-1144F945B17F_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="795" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXI-BibIl1o/YG2-3mcYeJI/AAAAAAAAFS4/Sl11aoGfpAsAV76Khrl9OSllpRa84xgEQCLcBGAsYHQ/A885C88E-E578-43A4-939A-1144F945B17F_1_105_c.jpeg" width="193" /><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />"Sophisticated Sally" is 16" x 20" and could grace your wall for $50 + shipping</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tKy530VfX0A/YG2_PDcs1VI/AAAAAAAAFTA/nBS8oUHKopoXwwOuggj290cN3EijB8q-QCLcBGAsYHQ/3D06DC5A-9168-4B89-8AA7-E518EF4C957B_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="788" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tKy530VfX0A/YG2_PDcs1VI/AAAAAAAAFTA/nBS8oUHKopoXwwOuggj290cN3EijB8q-QCLcBGAsYHQ/3D06DC5A-9168-4B89-8AA7-E518EF4C957B_1_105_c.jpeg" width="189" /></a></div></div></div></span></div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tKy530VfX0A/YG2_PDcs1VI/AAAAAAAAFTA/nBS8oUHKopoXwwOuggj290cN3EijB8q-QCLcBGAsYHQ/3D06DC5A-9168-4B89-8AA7-E518EF4C957B_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>"Just Pat" 18" x 23" is available for $50 + shipping</div></div></div></span></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hfnXt5jy4CI/YG3ASdx4_mI/AAAAAAAAFTI/HlKgjW8MZsEi1HmHJKMPns9Hj26_xaKYQCLcBGAsYHQ/2A43A0C2-E975-422F-B876-4FE49C7F1F0C_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="796" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hfnXt5jy4CI/YG3ASdx4_mI/AAAAAAAAFTI/HlKgjW8MZsEi1HmHJKMPns9Hj26_xaKYQCLcBGAsYHQ/2A43A0C2-E975-422F-B876-4FE49C7F1F0C_1_105_c.jpeg" width="193" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iAWmaF_ZWI4/YG3AWCxRpZI/AAAAAAAAFTM/bjTbJvv8F14lhADLFG8G2e-W5qZ-lR0MACLcBGAsYHQ/0D5570DC-4A35-4C3D-BFF2-F7F3EACF1828_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="817" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iAWmaF_ZWI4/YG3AWCxRpZI/AAAAAAAAFTM/bjTbJvv8F14lhADLFG8G2e-W5qZ-lR0MACLcBGAsYHQ/0D5570DC-4A35-4C3D-BFF2-F7F3EACF1828_1_105_c.jpeg" width="204" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then there are these 2 characters. I'll let you name them, but I think they are a couple from the 1960's Haight Ashbury. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">17 1/2" x 21 1/2" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$100 for the pair</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></span></div>Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com5Chattanooga, TN, USA35.0456297 -85.30968016.4934126506784295 -120.4659301 63.597846749321569 -50.153430099999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-81152138593856130372021-04-02T14:11:00.001-04:002021-04-02T14:11:53.633-04:00Back with more beads!<p>After making the decision that I must do something with all these beaded earrings, bracelets and necklaces, my problem is taking the time to photography, edit, then take the time to sit down and bang out a blog post. Then I must pull out my smartphone to post this latest offering on a couple more apps. I must admit that using a smartphone to accomplish this is a challenge to me. I am always battling with that sweet little old teacher somewhere out in cyberspace, who wants to correct my spelling and grammar. Then I have to mess with the photos to be sure they fit correctly within the parameters of the appropriated space allowed. It inevitably happens that some of my photos get cropped inappropriately. By that time, I give up and move on. Anyways, I decided to open up the old blogger and work for here. Here I do have a little more control. </p><p>In selling a product there needs to be descriptions, dimensions, pricing and if you're lucky enough to sell something, packaging, invoicing, mailing and so it goes. The older I get, the longer it takes me to accomplish anything. Plus the fact that I am a bit lazy and not at all driven to be a successful business woman. After all, I am retired and I just wanna do what I wanna do whenever I wanna do it. Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it all. </p><p>By now you are probably tired of reading. If you have gotten this far. So without further ado, I'll wrangle some photos onto this post. I have also posted these on Instagram and Facebook. I hope you will enjoy seeing them here!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TPuN8u8Rybo/YGdXIMMDrFI/AAAAAAAAFRY/YwF1IZ0yBWci6Poi_qkbkzyikJqjMiKswCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_9227.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1917" height="399" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TPuN8u8Rybo/YGdXIMMDrFI/AAAAAAAAFRY/YwF1IZ0yBWci6Poi_qkbkzyikJqjMiKswCLcBGAsYHQ/w375-h399/IMG_9227.JPG" width="375" /></a></div><p>These are a collection of earrings that I made following a pattern written by a very talented <a href="https://www.beadinfinitum.com/">Gwen Fisher </a> You may also find her on Instagram @gwenbeads. I would love to sell you a pair of these cuties for $55.00 which includes shipping within the continental USA. Let me know if a pair might appeal to you or if I could create a pair in a colorway that you might like. Or if you would like to have a closeup of a specific color. I will be happy to oblige. </p><p><br /></p><p>The next pair are a 1 off original design. This means that I won't make another pair like this. So if you are sporting one of these pair out and about (now that we are able to get out and about much more these days), you will not see someone else with earrings like yours. Ever! </p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8EsytMzcMow/YGdcgLDITlI/AAAAAAAAFSA/7Vd-VjTcAcUgjJnfRQV5vmI-lc_7vbougCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_9244.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8EsytMzcMow/YGdcgLDITlI/AAAAAAAAFSA/7Vd-VjTcAcUgjJnfRQV5vmI-lc_7vbougCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9244.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /> </span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p></p></blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You might notice the design is slightly different on each piece but the colors tie them together: teal, soft white. light rose, grape, blush on a copper background. They are 1 1/4 " x 1" not including the earwires. </td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote><p> </p><p>$55.00 + $5.00 shipping and handling</p><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More to come............</div><p></p><div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><p><br /><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p>Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-49462961892916961052021-03-26T15:04:00.001-04:002021-04-02T12:30:46.819-04:00BACK AGAIN<span style="font-family: verdana;">After an on again off again relationship with blogging, I am going to try to start up once again. Realizing that once everyone became addicted to "other" apps which show lots of photos and are less wordy, I abandoned my blog to jump into the fast paced, instant gratification, and constant dinging of notifications that someone has just posted something. Can you ignore that urge to drop what you are doing to see what 5 dozen folks have just posted? No? Neither could I. So I turned off the notifications. When the change in algorithms and I had to search for all the thousand plus folks that I followed, that </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">added to the frustration. Of </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">course, I will still post on the other apps, but spending hours of my day down that proverbial rabbit hole must stop. Or at least I will try to limit myself to far fewer hours in front of the screen. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">For those who don't know, I wandered off into another world of fabricating. I have always had a fascination with beads. Those sparkly, teensy pieces of glass originally made from sand quartz, soda ash, and limestone over 3500 years ago in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Many early civilizations treasure these small beauties. Remember the story of Manhattan Island being bought from the Indians for $24.00 worth of beads? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today, most beads are made in Japan, the Czech Republic and Murano, Italy. Always choosing the most difficult path, I chose to begin teaching myself how to make earrings, necklaces, and bracelets by buying books and watching YouTube videos. (How did we ever live without YouTube how to videos!?). </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I followed directions and patterns created by others in the craft until I felt comfortable drifting off on my own. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">And I chose to use some of the smallest beads available from Japan. Known as delica beads, an 11/0 cylindrical bead is 1.6 mm x 1.5mm with a center hole of .8mm. It takes 19 of that size beads to make 1 inch. Of course, that is not the smallest bead available, so naturally I make use of the smaller sizes as well as larger sizes. Not to be too boring about bead sizes, I'll leave it at that. The beads are woven on good old microfused braided fishing line using a variety of stitches. It is a fiddly craft and takes a lot of time to complete a pair of small earrings. A necklace or bracelet can take weeks. Beaded jewelry can take some very light abuse, but should be handled with care. They need to be kept dry and stored away from constant sunlight and dust. If cared for gently they will last for centuries, just as the delicate beaded jewelry made years ago and now are considered museum worthy. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a improvisational quilter, one day I thought why not try improvisational beading. And that was just as much fun as the improv quilting. The ideas and color combinations are endless. And, as you might guess after off and on beading for a couple of years I now have an great supply of beaded jewelry. And just like all the quilts that I have stacked up in boxes, they need to go to new homes. Here are few examples that I quickly and not too professionally photographed. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nogRVKQD9oM/YF4t46psXyI/AAAAAAAAFQg/ffa_RrAbCsY1L4qNt0dEo1Sk3gmd8ucNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9184.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nogRVKQD9oM/YF4t46psXyI/AAAAAAAAFQg/ffa_RrAbCsY1L4qNt0dEo1Sk3gmd8ucNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w214-h210/IMG_9184.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmWOKqIE454/YF4t2qdWyKI/AAAAAAAAFQc/ewe459t2u1YAmb_lIBMjXdGjB2gbvNs-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9186.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmWOKqIE454/YF4t2qdWyKI/AAAAAAAAFQc/ewe459t2u1YAmb_lIBMjXdGjB2gbvNs-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w261-h196/IMG_9186.JPG" width="261" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4z32lsaysL8/YF4t0ghvpFI/AAAAAAAAFQY/mfl7bfGoA0cDrayGs_7TRfogfpa77bBwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9189.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4z32lsaysL8/YF4t0ghvpFI/AAAAAAAAFQY/mfl7bfGoA0cDrayGs_7TRfogfpa77bBwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9189.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jFzvzy4fR0/YF4tyS6ReeI/AAAAAAAAFQU/R5P90bYo2TkkUx0bPQr4-b5aXEE8Y-wcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jFzvzy4fR0/YF4tyS6ReeI/AAAAAAAAFQU/R5P90bYo2TkkUx0bPQr4-b5aXEE8Y-wcACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9201.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycbbg-VO_TA/YF4tvhJkZSI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/lrkPH_Tz7FMwoQlziRzMGJVktorI7_RyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycbbg-VO_TA/YF4tvhJkZSI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/lrkPH_Tz7FMwoQlziRzMGJVktorI7_RyACLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h262/IMG_9203.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll be working on that skill as well as adding sizes and prices in the coming days. I hope you will enjoy reading and seeing them and maybe even make a purchase. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div>Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-49454797806855108052018-01-25T10:58:00.002-05:002018-01-25T10:58:34.180-05:00portrait play<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Several years ago, my son asked if I would make a quilt portrait of his best friend in the whole world. Her name was Florna and she was the most wonderful lady. We still miss her everyday. Catch a snippet of her<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=680455976882901109#editor/target=post;postID=3320173766335271817;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=130;src=postname"> here.</a></div>
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So back to the purpose of this post. Last summer, while visiting with my daughter, I snapped a few closeups of her best friend, Winston. He is quite the lover boy and will win you over with just a glance at his eyes. I swear there is something magical going on behind those soulful, sweet, sad eyes. </div>
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Fast forward to January 2018, where I am moving back to doing some things that I have missed terribly, but didn't realize how very much I missed doing it. Rather than geometric, modern, minimal, quilts, my first love is representational quilt art. And creating faces or figures using fabric makes for thrilling moments when my vision becomes a reality. Enough with the chit chat. I'll reveal the photos of my fabric collage of sweet Winnie. </div>
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All glued together and ready to go under the needle. </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-14039933588669414032018-01-08T18:09:00.000-05:002018-01-08T18:09:07.719-05:00before and after. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The long (64") strips have all been sewn together with a last minute design change. I have such a difficult time knowing when to stop adding doses of colors here, there and everywhere. That more is more conundrum. So there was this problem to my eye, and I thought by adding that bit of purples strips on the left side of the blues would make it better. Letting it hang around like that for a few days, I sewed it all up. Fini!!! </div>
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But, no. The blues oval-ish shape hits a roadblock on the left side and that was bothering me from the beginning. The "fix" of the purple's strips didn't make it better. It only highlighted the abrupt end of the blues. An afternoon of seam ripping and tediously sewing in strips to replace the purples, I feel a bit better with this composition. Fini # 2</div>
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There are still issues, to my eye, that could be improved. Since it began as an experiment, I have learned from it, especially as far taking the time for preplanning as to how something like this will be sewn together. And keep the original sketch composition. Maybe using larger pieces, shaped into similar compositions are more easily sewn together and the design more easily adjusted. </div>
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Next ~ the quilting. </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-51581285136101349082017-12-30T17:34:00.000-05:002017-12-30T17:34:11.791-05:00Searching for a new direction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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had me stumped until I realized that I needed to clear off my studio space, the cutting table and ironing table. Step 2 ~ pull out some fabrics and just do something. Anything. In cleaning up my space, putting away some blocks that didn't work with a previous quilt top, I thought to see what I could do with these quarter square blocks. Got them placed on my design wall and thought, so blah! </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Step 3 ~ sew the blocks together into rows. Step 4 ~ cut 'em up into random widths. What could I lose, right? </span></div>
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Blah Meh! Yuk! Now what? Check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration, where I found plenty.</div>
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One being Adolph Fleischmann. Especially his paintings with stripes of colors within an oval shape. Step 5 ~ sketch some ideas with ovals or circles. Something that I rarely do, as I normally go improving on my way. Step 6 ~ add colors to the sketch. Another rarity. Step 7 ~ make more quarter square blocks in other colors. Sew them together and cut 'em up. Which resulted in this. </div>
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Today I began sewing these strips together. While doing so, I made notes to self. If I decide to try something like this again, remember to incorporate seam allowances in the design. And perhaps cut the strips in one size rather than random sizes. That would certainly make for ease of assembly. As is normal for me, I don't stop to think it all through. Why make it easy when I can make it difficult. </div>
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However, it will be interesting to see the final composition once all those seam allowances reconfigure my original shapes. </div>
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!</div>
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Let's make 2018 great. </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-2140043337284634412017-12-03T17:39:00.000-05:002017-12-03T17:39:38.214-05:00"Just Thinking Out Loud" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It could be time for me to begin writing down my thoughts again. So much time has passed since I took the time to write and post my thoughts. Not to stir up controversy but hopefully to open up conversations. I came across this old draft which I composed way back when. Unfortunately I began editing this and lost the original date. It was probably from sometime in 2012 after having spent a week struggling through a workshop with Nancy Crow. No pictures in this post, so hit the X now if you might be looking for pictures. <br />
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I am so frequently inspired after reading blog posts from <a href="http://elizabethbarton.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth Barton</a> and <a href="http://artwithaneedle.blogspot.com/">Kathleen Loomis</a>. They are able to compose their thoughts eloquently. Often it seems to coincide with issues that I might be struggling with in my mind. Do and don't. Can or can't. Why or why not. These ladies are brilliant. It seems all I have to do is think of the questions, wait a few days and voila! The answers are given in their blogs. Waiting for me to take that inspiration and go with it. <br />
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The great thing about statements coming from Elizabeth, is that she does her research. She gives so much food for thought and makes me feel as if I am justified in questioning the grand world of art. The great thing about Kathleen is that she has has such a grand way with words. I would never challenge her to a debate even on the color of a schoolbus. She can drive home a point so that you can't help but see it her way. The are intelligent, talented ladies. I can hardly wait to see what they have to say next. And what piece of art they might have to show next.
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Just when I wrote my last post about my experiences in Nancy Crow's workshop, feeling that pull between creating and processing in my own way rather than strictly following another method. Just when I am really pulled between continuing to push to find my voice in representational (quilt) art or give that up to try my hand at abstract (quilt) art. Why can I not just do both? Hey, I scored well in both literary and geometry topics while in school. Opposites, to my way of thinking. Left brain, right brain stuff, correct? I enjoy both representational or geometric. So why not do both. I have seen so much geometric, abstract quilt art on the web, that frankly, as I actually said out loud (can't believe I did that) to Nancy in front of the whole workshop, that I have become, yet again, bored with most of it. There is so much out "there" that it all begins to look alike. But then, I am not a learned art scholar, so who am I to judge anyone else's art. I am only looking through eyes connected to my brain and that is the way I view it. I continue to struggle to find something new, different, exciting.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I feel that each and every person is an </span><span style="background-color: white;">individual</span><span style="background-color: white;"> with many facets. I learned that from my two children. They are so much alike, yet so different. Each one, as a child, learned by totally different educational methods. Both of them are very talented and creative, but go about it in totally different ways. Both of them are also very grounded and sensible. They can both do many different activities quite well.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Okay, enough Mom talk, but you get my drift? Mankind has been debating the questions for eons. "Beauty in things exist merely in the mind which contemplates them" said David Hume in his essays, <i>Moral and Political, </i>in 1742.<i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">What began my conflict is something that Nancy Crow told me. I was merrily creating pieced, landscapes, trees, flowers, which I presented in the workshop for her critique. She said that I should decide what I wanted to do before I die. She felt that I need to go home and do the work. Stop taking classes. She said that I should decide whether I want to make representational (flower) or be a real artist creating abstract quilts. I should just get to work and find my voice or style. I interpreted her words as the pressure to create quilts in an abstracted, non representational manner. Yet, I don't want to be in one box. I have been struggling to get out of the freakin' box and be what I am in the moment. And be okay with doing that. I want to learn all I can about all types of artistic expression that I can translate into quilt art. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">So around 2014-ish, I joined the Chattanooga Modern Quilt guild. I learned about minimalism, abstraction, negative space, updating traditional quilt blocks into contemporary quilt blocks, etc. After being distracted for quite some years in that style, I have realized that this would not be something I want to continue. As much as I want to be included in the current trends, it is not what I really want to do. It is just not my style, as much as I want to be liked or recognized by those who appreciate that style. I keep saying that out loud. To my friends. To myself. But I haven't had the strength to venture away. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">May I not have more than one voice, Nancy? I feel that I have 2 fairly strong voices in the representational and also, a bit of the geometric. Having strayed for too long from this, I now feel a bit more justified in deciding to express myself with these 2 voices. Here, a bit of soprano and there, a bit of alto. Or in my case, I should say a bit of bluegrass and a bit of jazz. I hope to continue to learn more and become better expressing my vision with each try. Here's to hoping that 2018 will bring a final end to this struggle. And discovery of what is really hidden inside me, waiting to kick that box wide open. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Does anyone else have this struggle going on? Why or why not? </span><br />
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-8772947264724132352017-03-31T15:32:00.004-04:002017-03-31T15:32:48.981-04:00Blogger gone rogue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It seems my blog is doing all sorts of things without my input or assistance. My apologies to anyone who maybe receiving emails of my old posts or weird notices with other people blogs. Meanwhile I am trying to get to the bottom of this. And well shoot. Maybe I'll start blogging again. ☺<br />
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-54857079185261745632014-08-10T15:48:00.000-04:002014-08-10T15:49:42.060-04:00Improv Month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A couple of years ago I had the privilege of spending some time with two talented ladies from Gee's Bend, Alabama. (If you don't know the history of Gee's Bend, I highly recommend that you google them.) Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway were there to guide several of us ladies as we tried to let go of our structural inhibitions. <br />
This is Mary Ann with a small piece that she put together during those 3 days. I feel that these women and their family members were instrumental in bringing art quilting and the modern, improvisational look to the forefront in the quilting world. I will always be grateful to them and thrilled that their art was discovered. <br />
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Inspired by these women and by my local (Chattanooga) Modern Quilt Guild to try my hand at a modern look, I took a break from patterning and had some fun!<br />
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11'"x 11 1/2"</td></tr>
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11 1/2" x 11 1/2"</td></tr>
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11 1/2" x 16" </td></tr>
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27" x 26"</td></tr>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-79057834994183565592014-07-27T17:03:00.002-04:002014-07-27T17:03:58.935-04:00Now Showing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> completed pattern </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my hand dyed fabrics are chosen</td></tr>
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Poplar Leaves are Falling</div>
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23" x 35"</div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-68232517169281911462014-07-18T18:16:00.000-04:002014-07-18T18:16:48.406-04:00Playing catch up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After returning from a lovely trip to the great northwest, I didn't have too much time to follow up on the fast and fun, cut and paste quilts that we played with in the Freddy Moran workshop. I did manage to get a couple more pieces pasted together and even quilted 2 of them! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hOvViRKDAQ/U8mbBBED9RI/AAAAAAAADhw/evAVG_zztrw/s1600/15+X+27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hOvViRKDAQ/U8mbBBED9RI/AAAAAAAADhw/evAVG_zztrw/s1600/15+X+27.JPG" height="320" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sample to explore raw edge quilting on the pasted pieces<br />15 X 27</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">completed piece began on day 2 of the workshop<br />27 X 46 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMmVnumZdO0/U8mbQnKM1GI/AAAAAAAADiA/WFqNuLGnUpE/s1600/IMG_6121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMmVnumZdO0/U8mbQnKM1GI/AAAAAAAADiA/WFqNuLGnUpE/s1600/IMG_6121.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more playtime<br />36 x 54<br />soon to be quilted </td></tr>
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Next I was off to Italy for a few days. What can I say, my cousin, Beth, twisted my arm to the point that I just couldn't say no to her offer to join her along with a group of other delightful folks. Being my second trip in 2 years, once we arrived I felt more comfortable being able to set out on our own with a smaller group, and had a fabulous time. From Montepulciano, to Rome, to Sorrento and the Isle of Capri, it was non stop gorgeous scenery, food and wine, and superb company. I cannot wait to return. Maybe next year? I won't bore you with too many vacation photos. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oU7XgHf6hE/U8mYW4h0MyI/AAAAAAAADhk/ntIcdlqetvA/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oU7XgHf6hE/U8mYW4h0MyI/AAAAAAAADhk/ntIcdlqetvA/s1600/027.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are so excited ~ having a burger at the airport ~<br />ready to go</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeP47T3Ltto/U8mPYfSj_sI/AAAAAAAADgk/bnDvak_gzUk/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeP47T3Ltto/U8mPYfSj_sI/AAAAAAAADgk/bnDvak_gzUk/s1600/029.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our hotel in Sorrento</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGtEmCkopp4/U8mQWA88eLI/AAAAAAAADg4/9Ut4-1FPoFI/s1600/Positano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGtEmCkopp4/U8mQWA88eLI/AAAAAAAADg4/9Ut4-1FPoFI/s1600/Positano.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Positano</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XShTqyOQb6c/U8mP3uW0fpI/AAAAAAAADgs/0daq48CUH6M/s1600/the+beach+at+Sorrento.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XShTqyOQb6c/U8mP3uW0fpI/AAAAAAAADgs/0daq48CUH6M/s1600/the+beach+at+Sorrento.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beach at Sorrrento</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7UDPhe3nl8/U8mQVW4AscI/AAAAAAAADg0/Uqfle7X05fE/s1600/Trevi+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7UDPhe3nl8/U8mQVW4AscI/AAAAAAAADg0/Uqfle7X05fE/s1600/Trevi+.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trevi Fountain ~ I tossed in lots of coins to assure my return</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkGBSGA6t_g/U8mQ2FZO2eI/AAAAAAAADhM/l1lIxte1FCA/s1600/Pope+Francis+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkGBSGA6t_g/U8mQ2FZO2eI/AAAAAAAADhM/l1lIxte1FCA/s1600/Pope+Francis+.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the highlight of the trip<br />seeing the Pope Francis up close and hearing his sermon<br />in St. Peter's square </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9kb1JREYE8/U8mRA2YfBUI/AAAAAAAADhU/fsXxOSIXf2E/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9kb1JREYE8/U8mRA2YfBUI/AAAAAAAADhU/fsXxOSIXf2E/s1600/095.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Mediterranean Sea ~ ahhhhhh<br />
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Hope that wasn't too many photos to be boring<br />
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Back to Tennessee again, for a couple of weeks and I was off to <a href="http://www.arrowmont.org/">Arrowmont</a>. I attended a workshop on shape resist and natural dyeing taught by Joan Morris. I really can't say enough about this class. Joan is a fabulous teacher and a world class artist. She has been working with shibori/shape resist and dyeing for 30 years, and made it look sooooo easy. And, all of the folks in the class were a delight to play with. A hugely talented group, I must say. I was so inspired and can't wait to do more. Unfortunately, I was so engrossed in the class that I failed to take many photos of the class. But here are a few of my results. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ToH7qrG8c/U8mM2ClGAHI/AAAAAAAADfg/R2uLfvzYv80/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ToH7qrG8c/U8mM2ClGAHI/AAAAAAAADfg/R2uLfvzYv80/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my karamatsu design<br />
cotton backed silk, with tannin and mordent </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LweQAcdNiMM/U8mNBCEfotI/AAAAAAAADfo/TyrfQbnvXsM/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LweQAcdNiMM/U8mNBCEfotI/AAAAAAAADfo/TyrfQbnvXsM/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulled and tied off then dyed in natural indigo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phMoqNnd_5w/U8mNfBzASoI/AAAAAAAADfw/_x5_0jFW86M/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phMoqNnd_5w/U8mNfBzASoI/AAAAAAAADfw/_x5_0jFW86M/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the stitches are cut and pulled </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8TjYdmFxuc/U8mNwxI7MPI/AAAAAAAADgA/LZmhWE6hjuk/s1600/IMG_6180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8TjYdmFxuc/U8mNwxI7MPI/AAAAAAAADgA/LZmhWE6hjuk/s1600/IMG_6180.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cotton side of the design after being ironed ~ a soft indigo color</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgmNiXzm1I8/U8mNgfjSF6I/AAAAAAAADf4/TNzur1xGzM8/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgmNiXzm1I8/U8mNgfjSF6I/AAAAAAAADf4/TNzur1xGzM8/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the silk side of the design after being ironed ~ a shimmering blue green ~<br />
silk does not take natural indigo dye as well</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czBV_6kNLJw/U8mOHxgZnQI/AAAAAAAADgI/pdqc0gjJvmM/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czBV_6kNLJw/U8mOHxgZnQI/AAAAAAAADgI/pdqc0gjJvmM/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more karamatsu ~ not yet ironed </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxs5l60JyPs/U8mOJ2Cp-VI/AAAAAAAADgQ/arwso53Deq0/s1600/IMG_6175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxs5l60JyPs/U8mOJ2Cp-VI/AAAAAAAADgQ/arwso53Deq0/s1600/IMG_6175.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kumo </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7b8nD8N7vjU/U8mOP2FjWUI/AAAAAAAADgY/dRvXLwcNKpw/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7b8nD8N7vjU/U8mOP2FjWUI/AAAAAAAADgY/dRvXLwcNKpw/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mokome on silk<br />
not ironed. </td></tr>
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This is so intriguing and challenging. I didn't think I would ever return to hand stitching, but this has revived my interest. I want to make clothing using some of the designs and perhaps even incorporate it into my art quilts. The fun never ends. There is always something new around the corner. Never say no to learning a new technique. <br />
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-56989361344153657192014-05-04T19:57:00.001-04:002014-05-05T17:37:44.289-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What a fabulous trip to Seattle, Mt Vernon, WA and on to Portland, OR. The only problem being, that is was just a bit too short. Of course, I didn't want to wear out my welcome, as I do want to return soon. Last Wednesday my friend, <a href="http://niftyquilts.blogspot.com/">Nifty Quilts</a>, picked me up at SeaTac and we immediately headed out to the <a href="http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/">Seattle Art Museum</a> to meet Tina for lunch and to view the Joan Miro exhibit. I was inspired by Miro's use of color and style. It is always much better to see fine art in person. Photos can never do it justice. Right? <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDPba1VJJHg/U2av5ZsCrEI/AAAAAAAADX0/7s-eaAk3dUU/s1600/miro-women-bird-star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDPba1VJJHg/U2av5ZsCrEI/AAAAAAAADX0/7s-eaAk3dUU/s1600/miro-women-bird-star.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK ~ I couldn't resist having my picture taken with some<br />
of the other art before reaching the Miro exhibit</td></tr>
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Lots of fun, food, fabric and friends for the next two days. And a tour of a the <a href="https://www.theochocolate.com/">Theo chocolate factory</a>. All organic, and high chocolate content, with lots of free samples. I highly advise anyone, whether you be a chocoholic or not, to make this tour a must when you visit Seattle. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_3Wp7s8bTw/U2bOYwi4xbI/AAAAAAAADZA/68Tu1jCNpuw/s1600/ourmission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_3Wp7s8bTw/U2bOYwi4xbI/AAAAAAAADZA/68Tu1jCNpuw/s1600/ourmission.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then on Saturday and Sunday, Nifty and I are off to Mount Vernon for a 2 day workshop with Freddy Moran. This is the first time I had the opportunity to meet this legendary lady, and I came away even more impressed than ever.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG05TtP1TEE/U2aurvECc_I/AAAAAAAADXk/kBTYsYjlpt0/s1600/Freddy+Moran.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG05TtP1TEE/U2aurvECc_I/AAAAAAAADXk/kBTYsYjlpt0/s1600/Freddy+Moran.JPG" height="400" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
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"That is one cool rock and roll apron, Freddy". I must have one.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freddy with one of her originals. <br />
Love that tree!</td></tr>
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Stephanie, a delightfully energetic young woman, hosted the event with fabric, friends, and foods. Check out her blog for some great photos at <a href="http://kwiltzbystephanie.blogspot.com/2014/05/whoop-whoop-freddy-moran-is-in-house.html">http://kwiltzbystephanie.blogspot.com/2014/05/whoop-whoop-freddy-moran-is-in-house.html</a> <br />
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I was able to create one piece and begin another with my twist on Freddy's collage methods. I may really get into this instant gratification of cut, glue, & paste. I can create a large piece ready to quilt in a day. That is movin' on for me! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EUPy1JAR9w/U2avJ0msF7I/AAAAAAAADXo/gEmxTgeUFfE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EUPy1JAR9w/U2avJ0msF7I/AAAAAAAADXo/gEmxTgeUFfE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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unedited 40" x 48" <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wV1U16fegew/U2bO5cU2hhI/AAAAAAAADZI/YP9R2GibBZw/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wV1U16fegew/U2bO5cU2hhI/AAAAAAAADZI/YP9R2GibBZw/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
in progress<br />
unedited, 34-ish " x 54-ish "</td></tr>
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Then it is on to Portland to hang out with my daughter, Casey for a few days. My friends Tina and Mary drove me to Portland where we lunched at a new French~Norwegian spot named <a href="http://www.mauricepdx.com/">Maurice</a>. What can I say ~ other than exquisite. Then it's off to catch up with Casey. <br />
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She had a busy schedule and I had to be on my game to keep up with her. She was a host for the grand opening of the <a href="http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/style-and-shopping/lookbook/articles/madewells-grand-opening-and-giveaway-april-2014">Madewell shop</a> in Portland on Tuesday. The shop will also feature items from local artists, and Casey created hand turned wooden vessels for ceramic pots filled with succulents that will be sold in the new shop.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-Y7muWFRUU/U2bJ0IJVeNI/AAAAAAAADYQ/2fhT37FSJQY/s1600/Casey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-Y7muWFRUU/U2bJ0IJVeNI/AAAAAAAADYQ/2fhT37FSJQY/s1600/Casey.JPG" height="640" width="459" /></a></div>
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Champagne brunch, shopping, and the grand opening gala at 6pm. Food and beverage is the best in Portland, and Casey always chooses just the right spots to enjoy. As an added treat, the weather was very warm and sunny. Perfect for walking around the city and enjoying the sights. We did stop off at the Tanner Goods shop to see our collaborative quilts. I must admit, I was thrilled to see them hanging in the shop. Plus, the light fixture you partially see, was designed and made by Casey.<br />
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On Wednesday, my lovely friend, <a href="http://bonniehull.net/">Bonnie</a>, picked me up and we go for a deliscious lunch. And off again to the 'burbs to meet with <a href="http://willywonkyquilts.blogspot.com/">Bill Volckening </a>and view some of his fabulous antique quilts. It was a treat to meet and talk quilts with such a knowledgeable person. And get to see some of the quilts that he has made. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill proudly shows his latest quilt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an antique quilt from Tennessee</td></tr>
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Those are a few highlights of my week in the great northwest. I can't wait to return. There is always adventure around every corner. </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-80730364801145191592014-04-22T14:39:00.000-04:002014-04-22T14:40:39.844-04:00next up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is a top that I made in preparation for a workshop with Ruth B McDowell in 2009. I wasn't happy with the composition, so it never got quilted. However, for several reasons that I won't mention just yet, it is time to become a real quilt. </div>
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Yet, it will have to linger a bit longer, as I am off to the great north west to visit friends in Seattle and my daughter in Portland. Got my bags pack and early to bed, since I'll be getting up in the wee hours of the morning to catch my flight. I will tell all when I return.</div>
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I am soooooooooooooooo excited. </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-10938471074014086542014-04-07T10:30:00.000-04:002014-04-07T12:50:03.040-04:00made my day in such a good way <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been several years since I have entered any of my quilts into national shows. However, the quilts are stacking up around here, so it was time to get them out in public again. I entered a couple of quilts into the M<a href="http://www.quiltfest.com/activities_detail.asp?id=320">ancuso's Quiltfest Destination Savannah</a>. I was delighted to have them accepted into the show and was even more delighted when they safely returned to me along with nice compliments from the judges. Opening the box and unwrapping the quilts, I was thrilled to discover a blue ribbon for </div>
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Best Use of Color in the Innovative category. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26QNg6RQWFE/Uz73sjLa73I/AAAAAAAADV0/HydWJTzgAgc/s1600/IMG_6069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26QNg6RQWFE/Uz73sjLa73I/AAAAAAAADV0/HydWJTzgAgc/s1600/IMG_6069.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I blogged about her creation, but never added a photo once I had, at last, completed quilting her. </span>Introducing a completed Ms. Lantana </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">54" x 70" <br />
hand dyed and commercial fabrics<br />
machine pieced and quilted<br />
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-68042019739514368342014-04-03T16:19:00.000-04:002014-04-03T16:19:20.096-04:00a finish and a new name<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Introducing "Totto" </div>
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(channeling Georgia)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">36 1/2" x 45 1/2"<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lv4MfXENg1I/Uz3B0FiABJI/AAAAAAAADVo/eyldOyQGth0/s1600/IMG_6068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lv4MfXENg1I/Uz3B0FiABJI/AAAAAAAADVo/eyldOyQGth0/s1600/IMG_6068.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">closeup of quilting<br /></td></tr>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-87215433665892763122014-03-30T20:45:00.001-04:002014-03-30T20:45:47.944-04:00And More Progress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7vNp-Y0TXY/Uzi01m4_2KI/AAAAAAAADU0/NYRNqITzTdU/s1600/bicycle+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7vNp-Y0TXY/Uzi01m4_2KI/AAAAAAAADU0/NYRNqITzTdU/s1600/bicycle+101.JPG" height="400" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bicycle 101<br />pieced and ready to quilt<br />@ 30 x 36<br /><br /></td></tr>
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I had this next piece hanging on my design wall since August 2013. It was done during a workshop with Elizabeth Barton at Arrowmont. Elizabeth graciously complimented the composition, but all I kept seeing was the big CBS eye. It began to make be a big crazy, as it stared at me day in and day out on the wall. A few days ago, as I was cleaning up some the the piles of fabric from a project, I decided that I was tired of it's glare. And I had exhausted all ideas of what to do with it. This thing had become an intrusive monster. I snatched it from the wall and hacked it up with my rotary cutter. There! I said as I tossed the pieces into the trash and went back to my cleaning. Feeling much more relaxed. </div>
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However, those pieces were still wimpering for help the next day. I reluctantly salvaged them from the trash and began to play with them again. The results were very pleasing to my eye, and as it hangs on the wall today, I am at piece with it's rebirth. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3aMaCuHThnM/Uzi1PWYgsoI/AAAAAAAADU8/WMochnPkOTc/s1600/an+eye+for+an+eye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3aMaCuHThnM/Uzi1PWYgsoI/AAAAAAAADU8/WMochnPkOTc/s1600/an+eye+for+an+eye.JPG" height="640" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eye to eye<br />@ 20" x 28"</td></tr>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-39517151638094971642014-03-26T12:28:00.000-04:002014-03-27T13:25:03.046-04:00Progress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working with my hand dyed fabrics, choosing colors and shading</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNo8Z6tjoDQ/UzIMWPPc1MI/AAAAAAAADUA/0bzgiSFrdII/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNo8Z6tjoDQ/UzIMWPPc1MI/AAAAAAAADUA/0bzgiSFrdII/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" height="320" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming along, with a change here and there</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All pieces cut and pinned on the design wall.<br />
Well, almost all. </td></tr>
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Now to allow the bicycle to hang around while I mull over any changes that might need to be made. Once I have decided that this is as good as it's gonna get, then on to piecing. </div>
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Meanwhile, I have had interludes of quilting &<br />
finished quilting the peacock.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRNMH2vBDIM/UzL-nx-XjNI/AAAAAAAADUg/Fwy3lkq1ET4/s1600/IMG_6053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRNMH2vBDIM/UzL-nx-XjNI/AAAAAAAADUg/Fwy3lkq1ET4/s1600/IMG_6053.JPG" height="400" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie's peacock.<br />
50" x 60" </td></tr>
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Now to finish quilting the nephew and bride quilt. AKA, "Flight Patterns" </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-63324259528916149682014-03-19T19:57:00.000-04:002014-03-19T19:57:51.482-04:00WIP struggles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I was a little girl I always wanted a purple bicycle. When I was a little girl there were no purple bicycles to be found in my hometown. Daddy bought me a pink bicycle. I did not like pink at all. But it was a bicycle, and so begins the education of accepting what is given to me with grace and thankfulness.<br />
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A few years ago a took some photos of bicycles snuggled into their stanchions. It reminded me of the dairy cows in my daddy's milking barn. The juernesys were semi locked into a space with piles of oats as enticement while they were being relieved of their milk. Later on they were replaced by the more productieve holstiens. You might ask, what does this have to do with anything? I might reply, this is just the natural progression of my thoughts. <br />
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This piece began as a deep violet bicycle with golden wheels. Those colors were just not as enticing to me as a golden yellow bicycle with violet wheels. Sometimes what you think you wanted is not really what you want at all. <br />
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The subdued background may be changing as well. Life is, after all, a work in progress.</div>
Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-21102804287882151882014-03-09T12:19:00.001-04:002014-03-09T12:19:26.951-04:00Collaboration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4M6vgStVjW8/UxySn69vUPI/AAAAAAAADSg/09mPdz3s6Ak/s1600/orion-5_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4M6vgStVjW8/UxySn69vUPI/AAAAAAAADSg/09mPdz3s6Ak/s1600/orion-5_1024x1024.jpg" height="339" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last fall my daughter, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/caseyk/">Casey</a>, suggested that we might collaborate on a project, and since it involved quilting I readily agreed. Also, to collaborate with my talented daughter and learn from her was exciting. She had several ideas and sent me sketches. After a bit of back and forth on the sizes, colors and design, we were off and running. Her ideas were based on bringing the outdoors in by using constellations, but in a very minimalist style. That style was a challenge for me, as I tend to over do it, just a bit, (wink) </div>
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However, we were able to agree on the designs and once completed, I felt that they turned out quite well. Click <a href="http://www.tannergoods.com/collections/artwork?utm_source=Tanner+Goods&utm_campaign=cbad45cd45-Wall-Art&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0e742c11ba-cbad45cd45-298319113&mc_cid=cbad45cd45&mc_eid=a42ae4519e">here</a> and<a href="http://www.tannergoods.com/blogs/news/12737825-tanner-goods-pdx?utm_source=Tanner+Goods&utm_campaign=cbad45cd45-Wall-Art&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0e742c11ba-cbad45cd45-298319113&mc_cid=cbad45cd45&mc_eid=a42ae4519e"> here </a><span id="goog_1091722768"></span><span id="goog_1091722769"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>to see the photos of the completed quilted blankets They are hanging in Tanner Goods shop in Portland, OR and are for sale! </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-45008006078628732582014-03-07T12:18:00.000-05:002014-03-07T12:22:00.457-05:00Moving along<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wild Rosie is pieced together and ready to be quilted. Or should I say, she is ready for more accessories. </div>
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Off to find the appropriate threads. Hope she agrees with what I find. </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-28311670007047261172014-02-26T15:03:00.000-05:002014-02-26T16:27:27.801-05:00I just had to take a break....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">.... from machine quilting and do something else for a bit. I searched through all my old photos and found this photo I had snapped at the Portland Rose Garden a few years ago. </span></div>
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Next step, draw up a pattern and enlarge it.</div>
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I loved the luminosity of original rose, but I didn't want to work with pastels. I was in the mood for something brighter, and I chose some of my hand dyed fabrics from a couple of summers ago</div>
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I started cutting and pinning with a definite result in mind.</div>
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Feeling my way slowly and deviating quite a bit from the pattern, as usual, this wild rose took on a personality of her own and I let her dress herself with my assistance.</div>
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Being a fan of high contrast, I think I will accessorize her with this blue background. Hope she likes it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approximately 44" x 52" at this point</td></tr>
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Now to let her hang around on the wall for a bit while I get back to machine quilting.</div>
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Once she decides that she likes her new style, I'll start piecing her together.</div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-28762772379998074892014-02-22T17:01:00.002-05:002014-02-22T17:02:13.622-05:00getting it together<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After spending a delightful afternoon with <a href="http://fibermania.blogspot.com/">Melody</a> and some fellow <a href="http://www.badassquilterssociety.com/1st-annual-baqs-exhibit-the-thrill-of-it-all">Bad Ass Quilters,</a> I am inspired once again. And not to take away from the charms of these artists, but the sunshine and 72 degree temperatures helped as well. We were all reveling in the glorious weather. </div>
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The quilt for nephew and bride, has come together at last. So without further ado</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">to be quilted, soon, very soon<br />
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After chatting with the kids about what they might like to have, I tuned in on a few of their key words:</div>
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greens</div>
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earth tones</div>
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neutrals</div>
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triangles</div>
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traditional<br />
an original Mary quilt</div>
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SO</div>
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greens, earth tones, neutrals = my loose interpretation of colors</div>
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traditional = flying geese</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">triangles + original = </span><span style="text-align: left;">circles with loosely drawn geese</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">(my theory being, that no two geese are exactly alike)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">= an original Mary quilt</span></div>
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This quilt was one of those that I felt my way blindly throughout the making, as I am not so good at discerning just what someone else's vision might be. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Here's to hoping the kids will like it once it is quilted. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Which is rumored to be soon, very soon. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Cheers, y'all</span></div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-86582276983973183862014-02-17T15:09:00.000-05:002014-02-18T08:37:42.088-05:00a long winter's nap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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First of all I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to those who have checked in with me the past few months that I haven't been blogging. It is so appreciated and so nice to be remembered even though I haven't been "out there". All is well, but sometimes life just throws up too many obstacles for one to always what one wants to do. </div>
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So tired of our exceptionally cold, dreary, wet winter, I just returned from a walk in the most welcome sun, some pre-March winds, and warm temperatures. It was inspiring for me, to say the least. After 5 months of not posting, and with the holidays past, it is time to shovel out of the rut.</div>
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One of my projects included a collaboration with my extremely talented daughter, Casey. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/caseyk/">Check out her Pinterest boards</a>. It was such a great experience to work with her on 3 pieces. I can't share details or photos of these designs quite yet, but it is coming soon. </div>
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Meanwhile here are a few photos of some of the experimenting and quilts I've been playing with before and after the collaboration. All are unfinished, my normal way of playing. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyGOvSYPqto/UwJmi5kpe5I/AAAAAAAADPU/TeJmT3abbiw/s1600/IMG_5961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyGOvSYPqto/UwJmi5kpe5I/AAAAAAAADPU/TeJmT3abbiw/s1600/IMG_5961.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14" x 27"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">64" x 78" for Chase & Andrea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin size for Evie<br />
(remember those chenille bedspreads of the 1950?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dD78NX1-lc4/UwJntE4mNCI/AAAAAAAADPw/dk8tnRPIpDI/s1600/IMG_5974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dD78NX1-lc4/UwJntE4mNCI/AAAAAAAADPw/dk8tnRPIpDI/s1600/IMG_5974.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">twin size for Silas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWoaqEkUsAM/UwJojk0H44I/AAAAAAAADP8/fgu9_N5zYtY/s1600/IMG_5986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWoaqEkUsAM/UwJojk0H44I/AAAAAAAADP8/fgu9_N5zYtY/s1600/IMG_5986.JPG" height="200" width="108" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16" x 22"</td></tr>
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Now to settle down and get some things finished, right? </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-52661397035614538442013-09-07T12:26:00.001-04:002013-10-02T17:59:49.129-04:00out of commission<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6F83yS-loc/UitSLd7g04I/AAAAAAAADGs/SjM62_AachI/s1600/misc+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6F83yS-loc/UitSLd7g04I/AAAAAAAADGs/SjM62_AachI/s320/misc+060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It began with my photo of Dad's hayrake as it lay rusting behind the shed. As always, these old things bring back a flood of memories. Dad is no longer here to hook it up to the tractor and it has been out of commission for years. The old farm implements intrigue me in their complicated simplicity. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMQpow4RfHU/UitgeWleeVI/AAAAAAAADHY/C3gRsraDLcs/s1600/the+wheel_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMQpow4RfHU/UitgeWleeVI/AAAAAAAADHY/C3gRsraDLcs/s640/the+wheel_edited-1.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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All wheels keep turning in some respects,<br />
whether out of commission or not. </div>
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Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680455976882901109.post-26885332716397279022013-08-21T18:29:00.002-04:002015-07-14T11:56:36.082-04:00A Glimmer <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Where to begin. My week at <a href="http://www.arrowmont.org/">Arrowmont</a> will forever live large in my mind. Not only does this facility have a grand work space for fabric arts, but there are nice accomodations (read nice dorm rooms & bath) in a pristine setting. Spending the days with fellow textile artists, a brilliant teacher, and meeting other like minded artisans was simply inspirational. I was so taken with the experience that I neglected to take many photos. Elizabeth summed up the classroom experience very well, so I won't go on about the virtues of Arrowmont here. <a href="http://elizabethbarton.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-successful-class-at-arrowmont.html"> <i>If you are reading</i>, please take the time to jump over to Elizabeth's blog to read about and see all the good stuff</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm6a_9xC7Pc/UhIuhmbD9qI/AAAAAAAAEzM/EN1xB4jzQVU/s320/harbor+island+arrowmont+2013+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm6a_9xC7Pc/UhIuhmbD9qI/AAAAAAAAEzM/EN1xB4jzQVU/s320/harbor+island+arrowmont+2013+054.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the last day at Arrowmont</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Not having an art education, I had hoped to learn a bit about abstract art, and learn I did. I must say that Elizabeth Barton is among the best instructors I have ever had the pleasure of listening to and learning from. When I left my home design wall for Arrowmont, I jokingly wondered if I might return to this design</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dqTHBc7dDY/UhU4B_LEZEI/AAAAAAAADEE/pFIDDsHD4Y8/s1600/+leaning+wheel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dqTHBc7dDY/UhU4B_LEZEI/AAAAAAAADEE/pFIDDsHD4Y8/s400/+leaning+wheel.JPG" width="338" /></a></div>
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and make it into something more abstract. I decided that was a good idea, but first, this one is taking up too much room in my studio and I really want to finish it up before I hop on the abstracting bandwagon. </div>
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Here are a couple more photos on my Arrowmont design wall.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh-yxzYI6PM/UhU7lbCz1II/AAAAAAAADE4/f-AChXMn9E4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh-yxzYI6PM/UhU7lbCz1II/AAAAAAAADE4/f-AChXMn9E4/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">value sketches </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQUJkydc2Ho/UhU5hPppTKI/AAAAAAAADEU/F8yVS-cry1g/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQUJkydc2Ho/UhU5hPppTKI/AAAAAAAADEU/F8yVS-cry1g/s320/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this design in hand dyed fabrics is the value design from the top right sketch,<br />
all pinned and ready to be sewn & quilted. <br />
Oh and disregard that funky, goldish strip to the right - I couldn't delete it. </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">More photos to come when blogger and my internet connection are more cooperative.</span></div>
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Off I go to begin reading the book that my postman just delivered. <i>"The History of Modern Art"</i> by H. H. Aronson. (I ordered two editions of it, among others, after discovering it in the library at Arrowmont) I know it is an oldie, but I thought it was a goodie. While browsing through the huge volume, I was thrilled to discover all sorts of grand surprises. </div>
Mary Keaslerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.com7