Minnesota Quilt Show #3

Today I went to the show to see all the gorgeous quilts.  There is one more day, if you haven't been yet it is definitely worth the effort.  Three large rooms, full of quilts, vendors, and more inspiration than you need until the show next year.
                      

                         
Here is the third quilt I entered in the show.  This one is small, only 12" x 12".  This wall hanging was created for SAQA(Studio Art Quilts Associates) Minnesota. SAQA is an international group of quilt artists.
                         
                             
All of the quilts we submitted were  the 12" x12" size.  I was inspired by some photos I have taken of trees, especially their bark.  I love the textures of different types of trees and how different they are.  This is my version of a mossy tree.
                           
Have a Creative Day
Janet

Minnesota Quilt Show part 2

The second quilt I entered in the Minnesota Quilt show was a challenge quilt.  At last years show they sold packets of black and white material for this challenge.  Tucked in the middle of the fabric was a fabric marker.  My marker was pink, so I could use pink fabric, black fabric, white fabric and black and white fabric.  I also had to use the fabric marker somewhere on the quilt.  

I caught a quick look at all the challenge quilts yesterday and they are amazing.  A lot of entries for this challenge.  Here is what I was inspired to make.
                                       
Have a creative day
Janet

Minnesota Quilt Show

It's that quilt show time of year in Minnesota.  This year I entered three quilts.  My husband and I helped hang the Minnesota Contemporary Quilters Exhibit this morning, so I will start with that quilt.  Our challenge this year was words of wisdom.  Somehow we needed to depict some wise words into our quilts.


"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other" by Audrey Hepburn


I based my quilt on this saying.  My daughter took a photo of my husband and I holding hands.  With fabric, paint and thread I recreated the photo.
                         
This quilt is a gift for my husband for our 31st Anniversary, which was today.  He is such a great guy he helped hang the quilt at the show this morning!
                            
Have a Creative Day
Janet

My Inspiration for sewing

My mom's sewing machine

My first inspiration!

I was fortunate to grow up in a family that allowed me to explore my creative side.  I probably drove my mom crazy asking for this and that all the time, so I could make something.  She always managed to scrounge up what I needed, even though it couldn't have always been easy for her.  My mom was my first inspiration.  She sewed as often as a mother of eight kids could when I was young.  The outfit I am wearing in this photo was made by my mom.  It was one of my favorites, peddle pushers with a matching top with huge pockets.  I always had to have huge pockets.  She loved to crochet and made many wonderful afghans and Christmas stockings etc.                                     

My mom made my peddle pushers and top

 My second inspiration was my mom's sister.  She would always give us wonderful homemade gifts for Christmas or birthdays.  She like to knit and crochet and had a huge floor loom in her house that always fascinated me.  She encouraged me to create and sent me many patterns.

My second inspiration

 This is one of many things my mom helped me find all the materials to make.  A pop bottle, styrofoam, Dip N Drape, fake fur, acrylic paint, toothpicks.  One of the best things my mom taught me was don't be afraid to try something new.  I wish I had a photo of the clock I made for Christmas time one year.  It was only a cardboard box, felt, noodles, & spray paint but I was so proud of that clock.  Funny how those first creations really stick with you.

Dip 'N Drape doll

 My creative inspiration goes back at least one more generation.  I discovered my grandmother was a haberdasher.  I asked my mom what the story was behind all the crazy hats these women wore.  I know they were the style back than but it seemed like there were an excessive number of hats in the pictures.  Here are a few.

3rd level of inspiration

I learned how to sew on the same Singer my mom used.  It is now mine and I am hoping to have it restored to working condition in the near future.  I began making clothes in junior high and made my first quilt when I was in college.  I like to think I have improved a little since that time but those first creations will always have a special place in my heart.


Have a Creative Day
Janet
ps watch for a post soon about the Minnesota Quilt Show which begins on Wednesday evening this week.