Saturday, October 8, 2011

Art Inspired

It occurred to me that I hadn't posted the last photo updates of the other end of my studio that I had finished since the remodeling.
I am very happy with the arrangement and can now work on things that inspire me.
As you can see, I have a new recently finished piece.(click for a close up)
The quilt evolved from an inspiration and influence of other things. It came to be, As our friend Sherry will be going through Chemo treatment, so I had our quilt group get together to help make a surprise quilt.
I have loved Karen Stone's patterns and came across this quilt that was designed by her.
Although I liked the original setting, it took a trip to Las Vegas to decide the setting that I would do. I was in the bathroom at a Casino and loved the setting of the tiles on the wall, so I quickly sketched it out. The tile blocks actually had consisted of 4 small tiles in a 4 patch, but one 4 inch block would be just what would be what I was looking for and the tilt in the design was so attractive! I wanted the quilt to pop out more and the green was just the answer for the background.

I had each gal paper piece wedges using any batik or dyed fabrics they wanted while I added a black center to each and quilted with variegated threads.

The results I feel quite stunning!

I also was inspired by the design on the carpet at the hotel in Vegas. It may work itself into a quilt one day.

But for now, I decided to make a name tag to wear to the retreat with the inspired designs.


I had my step son, who recently started a business, Cat Claw Engraving, engrave the names on metal tags for each of the gals in the group so that they could create their own inspired pieces.

Our retreat was held this past weekend.

We laughed....(Sandy)


and laughed!(Lori)


And we ate good food!(Barb, Michelle,Kris,Lori,Gabriela and Sandy)


We also shopped and occasionally even made something! lol
(Michelle, Barb, Monica and Carol)


Sandy S made chicken pin cushions.


Monica made hexagons.


Lesa made quilts.


While Kris made faces! lol (Ok you had to be there)

Some even pointed fingers!(Michelle)



Even more than they cared to count! lol (Sandy E.)


Some of us were distracted by all of the shiny beads that Gabriela brought to sell!



I had one extra block left to work it into something, so made a bag to put Sherry's quilt in.


Luckily we had Debbi in the group who has an embroidery machine that did the stitching.


We presented our creation for Sherry with many thoughts and prayers with the treatment that she faces ahead.


Again we had another wonderful retreat inspired by art and compassion for others.

6 comments:

Nancy said...

What a lovely way to comfort your friend as she faces chemo - and a matching bag too! Looks like a fun time was had by all.

quiltmom anna said...

I love your happy quilt for your friend. It looks like you all had so much fun working together building something that would support a friend in need.
Gabriela's beads are gorgeous- I would have found them very distracting.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring post- quilters do make things that lift people's spirit while hoping to heal their bodies.
Regards,
Anna

Pattyskypants said...

First of all, the quilt is FANTASTIC! Where's your quilting machine?

NEEDLEWINGS said...

Hey, Patty, my quilting machine isn't in that room at all! It's in the dining room. It didn't occur to me that I don't even have a photo of it in other posts! I shall have to photograph it sometime in the near future.

Norma Soulet (AZArtist) said...

Hi Wanda,
Your studio room is gorgeous! You have so much room! Your quilt AMAZING! That is so nice of all of you to make a quilt for your friend, Sherry as she faces Chemo. She will be in my prayers.
All of you ladies always have so much fun together. That is great.
Hugs

Jan Hennings said...

What a fun retreat and your friend's quilt is gorgeous...I'm sure she'll treasure it always! Looks like you girls were having so much fun. Thanks for the visit to my blog and becoming a follower :)