wonderful wearables

Stitch it up

2012-02-27T07:44:00.001-08:00

Get your T-shirt stitched and ready.

Happy Dyeing

2012-02-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

This is the unique look we can get when we stitch and dye a T-shirt or other cotton fabric. I will try and get a diagram for stitching onto the blog later on.

This is thickened dye painted on cotton. Bring brushes and I will bring the rest of the materials we'll need. I have prepared the cotton with a Soda Ash soak and it is ready to go. I'll mix the dyes next week so they will be fresh. I have two designs this bird and some flowers and butterflies if you want to do a guided painting or bring your own ideas if that is the direction you would rather go. Either way is good.

Here is an example of very loose painting with a combination of liquid dye and thickened dye on silk.

Getting ready

2012-02-23T23:02:00.002-08:00

Here are my experiments with thickened dye on silk. I used some discharge paste on a pre-dyed silk to get the white areas to paint the fish. It worked well. We will try it.

This is very free form painting with thickened dye and using black dye in a gutta bottle for the lines.
I think we can have fun with this technique. It will work on silk or cotton.

Same techniques, different flowers.
I will be posting more information over the week-end. I am still painting on cotton and trying a few things.

SUCCESS!!!

2012-02-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

The Fashion Show was a great success. Everyone's garments were sensational. Thank you ladies for all your hard work and dedication to making the garments to show. Thank you also for the lovely flowers.

We are going on a field trip Wednesday so I'll see you either at the parking lot or downtown.

Fashion Show

2012-02-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you and your sewing skills we will have a fashion show this Saturday. I was so pleased at what came in today. The Wearable Art Connection is in for a treat. I can't wait for them to see your wonderful creations. Thank you everyone. My blog will only post 4 photos at a time so I just chose at random, everyone had great garments. Thank you for being so special to me.

Ready for the Fashion Show?

2012-02-14T18:56:00.001-08:00

This Saturday is the WAC Fashion Show. Be sure you let me know what you are planning to show so I can put you in the line up.

busy weekend

2012-02-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

I went to a workshop on discharge using toilet bowl
cleaner with bleach on dark t-shirts. I took old and
stained shirts to try it on. The stains are gone.
There are possibilities for the technique.

We did watercolor portraits and even though I did six different faces this is the only one I liked.
It didn't look like the photo, but I"ll keep practicing. I doubt portraits will be my thing.

I tried the thickened dye on silk. I will keep experimenting before we start that class in March. I am staying awake nights thinking of how to make it do what I want it to do.

Metamorpheses

2012-02-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

Deborah shared her Zentangle with us, then after lunch gave us a mini demonstration of how to do it.
It looks like great fun, but where will I add another thing to try right now? Maybe while I am stuck on a plane for several hours on my way to Italy in March.

I asked Myrna to bring in a few of the garments she has made from textiles gathered during her travels.
It was such a treat to see the wonderful things she has made from them. Here are a few examples.

A garment just waiting to happen.

Now the question is what can Audrey do with this wonderful Obi she has in her collection?

There were lots of suggestions as we all took turns laying out the treasures we have accumulated and everyone had a chance to offer suggestions. It is the class I should have started this session with. I will do that in the future. There were many great suggestions for making the classes better. Thank you all for your input. Next time we sew we will start with a design session and go from there.

2 colors

2012-02-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

In my watercolor class we have progresses to 2 colors of paint. I chose Paynes Grey and Yellow Ochre.
I like what happened in this cold winter scene. If I keep working maybe I will be ready for my watercolor painting trip to Italy this Spring.

Wing Needle and Such

2012-02-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

Julia is ready for the fashion show.

Rose Marie and her amazing dyeing work

Myrna and Missoni go well together

Audrey has perfected a Rauana of a different shape

The wing needle explorations were great fun..

a little more Paradise

2012-02-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

Is this paradise or what?

Don't Feed the Animals along the roadside or 20 more will show up. PS they liked PBJ sandwiches.

Jewelry

2012-01-31T21:45:00.000-08:00

This is the necklace I bought myself for Christmas

I went to the bead show in Pasadena and purchased a few silver hearts and rose quartz and crystal beads and made this necklace on Sunday afternoon. Plus earrings to go with the necklace. I think it turned out well. It was just something fun to see if I could do it.

Costa Rica was Awesome

2012-01-28T06:32:00.000-08:00

That's me on a Zip line zooming through the trees with the monkeys

Sunset over the Pacific

The view of the Arenal Volcano as seen from our balcony.

The river in the jungle we swam in. So much fun and adventure.
Lots of inspiration for painting and sewing creative garments.

Now it is back to class.

Feb 1 Wing Needle and Double Needle

Demo: Using specialty needles

Supplies: Sewing machine, wing needle, double needle 2.5 to 4.00 spacing between needles.

Pin tuck or high groove foot, regular size 40-50 white thread also white embroidery, lingerie or invisifil size 60 - 100. hoop,

1 yard gathered lace, optional: lace and ribbon scraps.

Look for: Cotton batiste or cotton organdy if you want to make more than

one heart sachet.

This will also be a special projects day. You may make a heart sachet ` using the techniques taught. Valentines day is approaching.

Threaded Trapunto Coming

2012-01-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday we will be exploring "Threaded Trapunto" The photos show the outsides and the middle photo is the inside of the vest I am working on using the technique.
Bring your sewing machine, free motion foot, and a large eye blunt needle to make the sample.

We will also do silk ribbon flower buds. You will need a hoop and machine embroidery thread for that technique.

Did you get your scrappy purse done? Bring it for Show and Tell.

2012-01-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

I just finished teaching a class on free motion stitching, which I call "Doodling" It was great fun and the ladies are on their way to some lovely quilted wall art. They just have to finish! That seems to be the problem with classes that you can't complete in one or two sessions. You still have to find time at home to do the work. The only way anyone gets good at anything is "Doing It!" So keep on keeping on.

Scrappy Class

2012-01-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

Today I demonstrated 4 ways to use scraps (we all accumulate them) Large to tiny confetti size there is a use for all of them. Yes, that means we never throw anything away, but if we then use it that counts as double points. We all made small bags from our personally chosen color. Finish the bags at home and bring them back so we can all admire them.

Watercolor Class

2012-01-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

My watercolor class began with a new teacher and the first assignment was to paint using just 1 color.
I chose Prussian Blue. While I was in Utah before Christmas I took a photo of Aspen trees. It was the inspiration for the painting.

Scrappy Cloth

2012-01-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

For those of us with many beautiful scraps the question is "What can I do with them?"
On Wednesday I will endeavor to answer that question; or at least offer a few suggestions.

Come with your scissors, sewing machine, regular foot, zipper foot, free motion or darning foot, black thread and colored embroidery thread for the machine plus a 7" zipper of your color choice. Optional bead for the tassel.

If you have not already chosen a color please send me an e-mail bobbydi@charter.net and specify blue, red, green, brown, or yellow/orange before Tuesday night so I can have a packet of scraps ready for you.

Show Off our talents

2012-01-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

We have the chance to show our painted and quilted canvas at the Glendale Quilt Show.
If you want to show as a group and your painting is NOT in the Hughes Center now please bring the dimensions of your finished painting so we can include it. I can get the dimensions of the ones that are hanging in the hall on Wed.

New Class Schedule

2012-01-02T10:44:00.001-08:00

Winter 2012 Sewing for Wearable Art Diane Ricks bobbydi@charter.net home 909/941-0337 cell 909/210-0887Each week I will present and demonstrate one or more techniques. You can then make a sample of the presented technique(s) in the morning. After lunch you are encouraged to sew on a garment either one of your choice or something using the techniques(s) shown in a previous week.Example: This week we will do seams and next week you could work on a garment using the seam technique taught or work on garment of your choice.There will be some fabric or supplies needed for some techniques that you may need to look for. They will be shown and listed for the dates needed.Jan 4 Seams: Demo: Bound seam, and Slot seam Supplies: Sewing machine, zipper foot, sewing supplies, Look for: thicker fabric upholstery, polar fleece, quilted, etc. for bound seams. Garment fabric and underlay for Slot Seams,Jan 11 Scrappy Cloth 1,2,3,4 Demo: 4 ways to assemble those scraps to make unique garments and accessories. Supplies: Sewing machine, Free motion foot, spool of black thread plus 2 or 3 favorite colors of rayon embroidery thread, 7” zipper to match color of scraps. Look for: Scraps of hand dyed silks, large bead. This will be a special projects day. You may make either a small purse or scarf using a “Scrappy” technique demonstrated. I will bring supplies for the purse base and thread for the tassel you bring the zipper, and the bead. If you want to make the scarf bring ribbons and yarns to go with your scraps. Jan18 Threaded Trapunto and Silk Flower Buds Demo: how to make flower buds from ribbon and free motion stitching. Threaded Trapunto designs Supplies: Sewing Machine, Free motion foot, rayon embroidery thread, embroidery needle for machine, 9” hoop, for flowers large blunt yarn needle for Threaded Trapunto Look for: Upholstery fabric with suitable design for adding flowers. Crepe or crepe backed satin and loosely woven flannel for trapunto. Design to use for trapunto. (Quilting stencils work great)Jan 25 no class I will be in Costa RicaFeb 1 Wing Needle and Double Needle Demo: Using specialty needles Supplies: Sewing machine, wing needle, double needle 2.5 to 4.00 spacing between needles. Pin tuck or high groove foot, regular size 40-50 white thread also white embroidery, lingerie or invisifil size 60 -100. hoop, 1 yard gathered lace, optional: lace and ribbon scraps. Look for: Cotton batiste or cotton organdy if you want to make more than one heart sachet. This will also be a special projects day. You may make a heart sachet ` using the techniques taught. Valentines day is approaching. Feb 8 Metamorphosis Demo: Using collected textiles to make into a garment, Ways to cut, join, repurpose, and embellish for a vest or jacket. You will not make a sample, but I will help you envision your possible projects with the textiles you bring. Supplies: sewing machine and sewing supplies. collected textiles, trims, and such. Look for: something to re-purposeFeb 15 Show line up Bring the garments you will be showing in the WAC Fashion Show on Saturday February 18, THE FASHION SHOW will we held here at the Hughes Center. Sewing Day to finish projects.Feb 22 Field Trip This will be our annual field trip to F.I.D.M. to see the Academy Award garments on display in the Museum. Also a quick trip to downtown. Meet at the Museum at 10:00 am. Carpools will be arranged. Bring a sack lunch. schedule subject to change at teachers whim, but I’ll let you know in advance

Back Again

2011-12-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

Here are the drapes I made. Lesson Learned: When you have a long span and the lining is heavier than the drape fabric make the lining bow upward in the middle. I made the lining shorter but it hangs down below the drape in the middle. I am re-hemming this morning.This side of the room looks nice, but the other side is bare. Oh well, another project in the making.The Sewing class starts next Wednesday, and I'm anxious to get back to all of you. Bring your sewing machines and a zipper foot for making the samples. I will post the schedule when I finish typing it.

2011-12-11T15:16:00.001-08:00

I just finished this silk painting and will be putting it in a Surface Art Show in February. It is silk painting with bits of hand dyed silk applique for accents. Then I backed it with batting and free motion quilted it. I then stretched it onto a 16" X 16" wooden frame (like we did with the painted and quilted canvas) It looks very interesting and definitely looks like wall art when presented in that way.I am through making felt hearts and moving onto other projects. I need to make something to wear into the cold when we go to Utah next week, but I also want to make something using the techniques we will be doing in sewing class (two birds with one stone theory). I have several ideas I just have to buckle down and sew.

2011-12-06T20:53:00.001-08:00

I have been getting into the Christmas spirit making these felt ornaments. So far I have made about 1 dozen. I worked on them while I was at my daughters in Nevada. Each one is different but uses all the same elements. Now I am home again and working on drapes for my bedroom. I have never made drapes before and they are sooooo much fabric to rassel around with. They are starting to look good, but I am going to have my son re-enforce the curtain rods; because these things are really heavy. Wish me luck, I want to finish them while I have time off. Tomorrow night 4-7 is "Meet the Teachers" at Gingers Quilt Shoppe, Upland. I will be teaching "Free Motion Machine Doodling", "Monkeys or Macaws" and "Silk Painted Butterfly Wall Hanging". If you sign up on Dec 7 you get a discount on the class price.Hope to see you there.

Put together

2011-11-28T09:34:00.001-08:00

Break Down is put together. This is the vest I made from the breakdown printing I did the last day of class. I backed the fabric with flannel (I'd gotten it to make nightgowns for my daughters 30 years ago)from the stash and quilted the flowers. On the band I did a technique I have been wanting to try for quite awhile. I did bobbin stitching Crazy Quilting. By choosing single stitch decorative stitches on the machine I stitched with perle rayon in the bobbin and followed along the stitch line from the wrong side to create the look of embroidery. I could have added beads and flourishes to make it look more hand done, but this was just for fun. I hope you are having fun also.I will post another thing I am doing in a few days.Bye for now.

Art Show At Hughes Center

2011-11-23T20:18:00.001-08:00

They have hung out little art show at the Hughes Center. I went over today to clean out the and organize the closet and the show was up. They did a very nice job of hanging the paintings. The girls at the desk said they had gotten lots of good comments about the show. Be sure and take the time to go take a friend and show them what we did. I'm so proud of you all.

Taking time off

2011-11-17T10:15:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was the last class for the year 2011. I am taking off December so I can go be with my children and grandchildren during the holiday season. I also hope to get some new things ready for the sewing class which will begin on January 4, 2012. WOW 2012 just around the corner.I took a few photos of "show and tell" yesterday, but they didn't turn out well.I guess my phone was having a breakdown along with the rest of the class. Some very nice printing happened and I am happy with what we got done. Sorry we ran out of Sodium Alginate, I never know how much stuff to make up it; varies from class to class. My printing turned out well, and I am steaming it this morning. When I get it made up I will post a photo.

Time to print

2011-11-14T07:44:00.001-08:00

The photo has nothing to do with the information, but the fabric was also made in my class in Houston by a student. We will be printing our "Breakdown" screens on Wednesday. Remember to soak your cotton in soda ash BEFORE bringing it to class. It must be done at least the day before,and press it smooth. I am thinking about printing on a light colored pre-dyed base of silk. That is if I get it pre-dyed.5 boxes of left over stuff have returned from Houston so I need to put things away. I hate that part.

Houston Report

2011-11-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

These are some of the silk chiffons dyed in my "Twist and Shout" class in Houston at the Quilt Festival. Believe me they; were shouting with delight. The colors were so great. While I was there I taught 8 classes and everyone was a different subject. I shipped 7 boxes out, but only 3 home again so it was all good. Now I am almost back to normal. Claremont class will be one more class next Wednesday when we will print with our prepared screens. Then no more classes until we start sewing in January. Wednesday January 4, 2012 to be exact. Here is the link for registration.Winter Brochure: www.tinyurl.com/claremontwinter2012 Online Registration: www.tinyurl.com/claremontregWe had a great day today. If you did the class "Quilted Canvas" bring in your paintings we will be hanging our own show at the Hughes Center next Wednesday. That is exciting!I will post again next Sunday evening with any more information I may have forgotten.I am doing a trunk show for ASG in Riverside tomorrow so I have to pack it up now and get ready to go.

Welcome back

2011-11-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

I know it is late, but just in case anyone reads this bring a pair of scissors to class tomorrow. We will make a small project while we wait for dye to dry. Today the watercolor teacher said, "Nice watercolor painting" about my daisies. I'm progressing.I came home for Houston dead tired, but excited to see you all again Wednesday,

2011-10-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have been taking a watercolor painting class. It is very hard to do, but I am working on it. This week I painted the same scene 6 times (threw away 3 and kept 3) For class Tuesday the instructor will critique one painting. I don't know which one to choose. Give me your opinion. I want to be able to hold my own when I go on a watercolor painting tour to Italy in the Spring. Learning to paint a fresh, active watercolor is harder than I thought it would be. Hopefully I will improve each week.I am still trying to keep up with my fiber classes too. Hopefully everything will cross connect in the end.

Having a "Breakdown"

2011-10-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

On November 9 we will start the class on Breakdown Printing. Bring one or more blank screens. Do you want to print on cotton or silk? If you are printing on cotton I will give you Soda Ash to prepare your fabric for the next week, you will also need plastic to wrap the damp fabric in to cure. If you print on silk you will need to steam set.Since we will have time to play while the thickened dye dries on the screen I am bringing the supplies for you to make a cuff bracelet that is very cool. You will need to bring scissors for fabric.I'll see you on the 9th.

The Finish Line

2011-10-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

We are almost finished (or at least started) on the projects with stamps, stencils, silk screens, etc.It has been fun and I am looking forward to class on Wednesday.We will have "Show and Tell" at 1:00 pm instead at the beginning so we can see what you have been doing in class as well as outside of class. I got my jacket almost finished. I will be looking for buttons or some type of closure this weekend.

Good News

2011-10-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

We can once again use the back gate. Jason did not know there was a padlock on the outer gate. It will be removed or they will give me a key. They want us to use that gate and not the side door, well yeah!

We will be hanging our paintings the second week of November and they will be up thru January. I will give you a few more directions on getting them ready to hang next week.

I hope everyone had a good time today and went home with plans to work on next week.

Bring your Xerox copies for making Thermofax silk screens and Duct Tape to stabilize them.

I will bring the saw to make frames for those who didn't get one today, If you want more and different sizes get stretcher bars from either the art department or the needlework
sections of Joanne's or Michael's. bring Duct Tape finish them. I left the organza in closet and I think there is enough for everyone to have a 12" X 12" screen. For the extra screen it is polyester organza from Joanne's.

What a class!

2011-09-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the results of the quilted paintings class.
So Fun, and you can see the results. GO GIRLS!

Next weel we start a new class on stamping, stenciling, and other methods of printing.
I will bring the Thermofax for a few screens to be made.
What to bring?
Ideas of what you want to make, vest, small quilt, purse, etc
What theme you want to use
any screens, stamps, stencils you think you may want to use

We will make some types of stamps, stencils, screens etc. First week we will make a plan
then you have two weeks to implement the plan.

See you.

Get Framed

2011-09-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

We will be building frames for our our quilted paintings on Wednesday. Have your painting quilted,
and zig-zagged to an unprimed canvas 3" to 4" wider than the painting. I will bring the saw, boards, nails, 1 hammer and 1 staple gun. If you have a staple gun and a hammer bring them.
Also bring the eye screws and wire for the back and you will go home with a finished product.

This has been fun, fun, fun.

We have a winner

2011-09-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

One of my students from the Free Motion Doodling class at Ginger's Quilt Shop won not only
a blue ribbon, but also BEST of SHOW. WOW!

Painting

2011-09-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today was the second day of painting. We worked in a more abstract style. FUN!

Next week we will start the quilting.
Things to bring: painting you want to quilt
batting
any fabric for the backing (it won't show)
Cotton thread (YLI variegated, Superior King Tut, Sulky Blendables) Find a variegated that goes with your painting in darker shades. These are just suggestions.
Jeans or Sharp needle size 90 or 100

I will bring spray basting glue
Sewing machine with free motion foot

The paints will still be there so you can start (or finish) another painting and sew while things are drying if you wish.

On the last class we will put the quilted painting on the stretcher bars. I will bring my saw and the wood to make the frames. You will need a piece of plain canvas at least 3" bigger than the painting.

Classes

2011-08-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

These are samples of the classes that just ended.

A silk painting class at Upland Sewing was very fun and the ladies seemed to enjoy the painting and
silk applique expérience. Now they will just need to quilt the painting. They promised to send a photo
when they finished the wall quilt.

The trees are from the "Art Quilt Adventure" which was held at Ginger's Quilt Shop. The student results were wonderful. I was so excited about how well their projects turned out.

Next week Claremont begins.

Claremont Class

2011-08-13T10:51:00.001-07:00

Claremont Class is starting on September 7 and i am getting all our supplies and handouts ready. We will be painting on canvas, quilting it and then putting it on stretcher bars. It is really fun. Be looking for a photo or picture you might want to do or I will have some choices for a guided painting if you want to go step by step with me. I'm getting excited to be back to a somewhat normal schedule.

I need a vacation from my vacation!

Hang in with me

2011-08-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

It has been crazy this summer. Hang in there with me and I will be back to normal after the American Sewing Guild Conference and a quick trip to Utah to be with family for a bit.

Birthday Party Sharing Time

2011-07-24T13:25:00.001-07:00

I'm back...

2011-07-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

...from baby sitting that is. Sara and Kit went to Park City, Utah for 4 days. Sara to a blogging conference, and Kit to fish. I was with the 4 kids in San Clemente. A friend of mine tells me I am an unusual grandma to baby sit for long periods at a time.
I get to know the kids that way. This time rather than have them all pile in bed with me I put them in their parents bed and I slept in the girls room ALONE! It worked out great they were happy and so was I.

Now that I am home again I'm ready to get going on projects that have been delayed.
1. finish the flower wall quilt
2. get things packed to go to Long Beach
3. Make another "Art Quilt" of a trip to Northern Calif.
4. Do a couple of paintings to quilt so I will be ready in September
5. get things packed for American Sewing Guild classes in August
6. Work on a few new ideas
7. Enjoy the summer!

It's Summer Time

2011-07-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Photo class has been such fun this year. This is one of my grandsons enjoying the waves. It will be called "Surfs Up" I just finished it last night and haven't re photographed it so here it is a work in progress.
Several of the ladies were working on wonderful quilts. They have promised to send photos of finished work so I can share them with the rest of you.

We will be off for the rest of the summer, but don't forget I am teaching at Ginger's and Upland Sewing so come and take a class if you are missing me. We will start again at The Hughes Center in September. I will keep you informed about that later.

Gotta go to my "studio" and work on this wall quilt. Done from a photo, same technique as the oranges, but much bigger.

Have a Great 4th of July.

A new technique

2011-06-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

In photo class we used the posterize filter on a photo of some oranges and a vase of flowers. It broke it down into a limited number of colors which made it easier to translate in fabric. The photos are of a small wall quilt done in applique with hand dyed silks using the photo as a pattern and guide. It is a very neat way of working. It looks like a painting from a distance.

Threads

2011-06-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

The thread order has arrived. I will bring it to class at the Hughes Center on Wednesdays in June and you can pick it up there.
The Razzle, Dazzle and Sizzle was a special "put-up" for the Spring show and not available. They think they will have them as a special at the Long Beach Show in July, so you might check the Wonderfil Thread booth them.

Photo Class Started

2011-06-05T13:11:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday the "photos for Quilts" began. It is a small class and that gives everyone more "teacher time", whether they need it or not. I was so excited about doing photos again I went to work over the weekend with an idea that had been floating around in my head using old family photos. The photo at the top is the result. Since most of the photos were rather small the size they could be enlarged to was limited. It was my challenge to arrange them in a meaningful way. I used a photo of a house to do a sketch that I enlarged and dye painted and drew for the background. I made silk screens of a family group sheet in my grandmothers hand writing and a pedigree chart for my grandfathers family to add to the background. It has turned out well.
Can't wait to finish it and share it with you.

Great Results

2011-05-29T14:07:00.001-07:00

As you can see it was a very productive class. We were all excited about the wonderful results our fellow class members were getting as we did "Twist and Shout" with silk chiffon and acid dyes.
Starting next week we will reprise the "Photos for Quilts" class.
June 1 is also "Meet the Teachers" at Ginger's Quilt Shop. I will be offering Free Motion Machine Doodling and Art Quilt Adventures. Come and see what is in store and join the fun.

Art Quilt

2011-05-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

I finished the art quilt about my trip to Colorado as I drove along Interstate 70 across Utah. It was a great trip and this quilt is about the way the shapes and colors of the mountains changed as I traveled. I loved the bare trees across the fields and along the rivers. This quilt will remind me of the experience each time I look at it.

INew Computer

2011-05-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

I got a new computer and am having a terrible time figuring out how to make things work.
I hope this is working. Who knows?
We will be discharging color on Wednesday. I am also working on some plans for changes to the format of class.
I'll let you know soon what I have in mind.

Back to class

2011-05-09T19:34:00.001-07:00

Time to get back to class. We will be continuing with Silk Dyes.
I am adding two more techniques you can try. Splish and Splash and Layered Silk Painting.
I am also bringing the setting solution for the "Green Label" dye so if you did some of that last week
we will be able to set it on Wednesday.
Bring your silk and show us what you did last week and paint something else this week.
I know it has been crazy this session.

I'm Back!

2011-04-24T22:34:00.001-07:00

I have returned home. Actually last Thursday, but I have been sick (a bad cold). I'm looking forward to seeing you all again Wednesday. We will start dying silk. I will bring the dye and you bring the silk. Choose the method you want to use.
Splish and Splash, Twist and Shout, Layered painting, Microwave, the possibilities are endless.
I had a great time and will tell you all about the adventures.
See you.

Brief "Hello"

2011-03-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

I have returned from a wonderful Art Quilt Retreat in Gateway Canyons, Colorado. It was an amazingly beautiful area. The photos are of the pallasaide and my quilted painting of it. I'm all inspired and excited about further exploration of the technique.

Coming home I learned that I had won Best Pictorial for my quilt "Tidepools". That was exciting!

I leave again Friday for three weeks of fun and teaching, so I'll come back ready to go to work.
On April 27 we start silk dyeing so choose your method of how you want to put colored dye onto silk.
It will be lots of fun.

Bye for now

2011-03-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

I will be gone baby sitting and attending an ART QUILT Seminar in Colorado so I will not be here at my computer banging out messages on my blog. (They're not that great anyway)

One half a day of cotton dyeing on Wednesday so bring your salt water soaked cotton, rayon or linen and either microwave dye or low water immersion dye them. Then be planning on what wonderful things you will be using all your yummy hand dyed fabric for.

I will hopefully come back with lots of new ideas for us to explore.

Bye!

Start Again

2011-02-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

The Fashion Show was AMAZING! Thank you everyone who particiapted.

Then last Wednesdy we had a field trip to F.I.D.M. where we saw the Academy Award nomonated costumes plus many more. I had not seen very many of the movies, but there were lots of great details to be considered for later use.

Now it is time for class to start again. We will be dyeing cotton with Procion Dye. See below for what to bring.

A new session begins on Wednesday March 2, 2011

March 2 , 9 and 30 we will dye cotton, rayon and/or linen.

You may use the Low Water immersion method or Microwave dye your cotton, rayon or linen.

Prepare your fabric by soaking it in a salt water solution BEFORE bringing it to class. The instructions are the same for both methods.

Dissolve 1 cup of salt per 1 gallon of water and soak your fabric for at least 1 hour or overnight. Wring it out, but keep it damp to bring it to class. (Note* spin it in the washing machine to remove excess water.)

Supplies:

Low water immersion Note* you can do larger than ½ to 1 yard pieces by this method also pre-printed fabric looks good with this method; especially decorator fabrics. Just be sure they are not treated with ScothGaurd or other stain repellent products. It is a good idea to wash them in HOT water and synthrapol before dyeing to remove any sizing or finish so the dye will penetrate.

Pre-soaked fabric
Plastic bins or buckets with lids
You will take wet fabric home

Microwave dyeing
Pre-soaked fabric cut into ½ yard pieces
Freezer style zip lock bags at least 1 gallon size
String for tying designs if desired

I will bring the dye and soda ash

I'm so Excited!

2011-02-16T15:58:00.001-08:00

Clothes came into class today.
Okay, a few were not quite finished, but they will be ready for the Fashion Show on Saturday.

They look so good. What a show it will be.

This is it!

2011-02-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Do we have garments or just fabric?
I really hope we have garments ready as the WAC Fashion Show is this Saturday.
Yikes!
Bring what you have to class tomorrow and let's pull it all together. You have never let me down so let's DO IT!

Felted scarves a BIG HIT

2011-02-04T19:31:00.001-08:00

Felting was loads of fun and some beautiful scarves were made. Betsy did a very creative scarf with roving roses and yarns from her stash. Shirley lookss great in her scarf in tones of blue, and Leslie accented her red scarf with a silk ribbon poppy she had made in an earlier class. Way to go girls!

The new stencils arrived from Crafter's Workshop, but again the order was a bit random, but what they sent are going to be very fun to use. I have sorted them and they will be ready for picking up and paying on Wednesday.

Next week is the last class before the Fashion Show and I'm hoping there will be garments coming in. PLEASE! I want to write the commentery before I see them on the runway.

What are we doing in class?

2011-02-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

I have spent more time on the freeway this week than at the sewing machine.

I hope you were able to get some sewing done as the fashion show is just three weeks away.
In class you may continue felting, finish (or start) a garment. Re-visit some of the previous techniques.
In short PLEASE DO SOMETHING FOR THE FASHION SHOW!

It FELT good

2011-01-29T11:08:00.001-08:00

Above are photos of some of the wonderful fabrics Annie Murray brings to show and tell. We love it!
Also Myrna has dazzeled us with her creations. The photo isn't so good but the coat with the felted silk scarf was wonderful.
We had a great time felting silk scarves. I'm expecting good things for show and tell at the next class.
I have been off baby sitting so much I didn't get anything done this week, but maybe next will be more productive.

I was interviewed by a friend for her blog check it out. www.TheMidlifeGurublogspot.com. She is featuring people who have made a career change in the middle of their living. That's what I did for sure.

No class on the 19th

2011-01-13T21:49:00.001-08:00

But look what's happening when we return on the 26th.
We will be doing some felting on silk chiffon. This scarf looks really great, and is easy to do.
Here are the supplies to bring and make your own, while it is still scarf weather.

Felted Chiffon Scarves Diane Ricks
bobbydi@charter.net

Materials:
Silk chiffon (hand dyed preferred) 3/4 to 1 yard
Wool roving
Sewing Machine
Shirring foot for sewing machine, sometimes called gathering foot
Thread to match chiffon
Clover felting tool and felting brush or block of poly foam
Felting Foot or Embellishing Machine (Optional, but makes everything faster and tighter)
Sheet plastic. pieces of string. and panty hose legs
Old pillowcase
Spray bottle

Don't bring these to class, use them at home
Clothes Dryer
2 or 3 tennis balls or tightly rolled socks

More Upside Down and Backwards

2011-01-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

bring your sewing supplies we have more techniques to try.

I got new furniture

2011-01-09T17:15:00.001-08:00

I have been keeping company (aka baby sitting),with my 15 tear old grandson while his parents were away. So when my new furnitre arrived on Friday I just ran home to welcome the delivery guys. I am so excited, but have not had the time to do much but admire it so far. The other photo is my firplace re-do. Now I can quit wondering and worrying about how it is all going to look. I love the look! Now I will get back to busy on class projects and such.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

We are off for two weeks. Enjoy the Holidays, I know I will.
Thank you all for the card filled with love and money. What a surprise. I love you all and am so blessed to be your class leader. I hesitate to say teacher; because you all help me with the teaching by sharing your multiplicity of talents.

When we return on January 5 we will be doing Speciality Threads. Here is a bit more information about what to bring.
I will be gone most of the two weeks and may not get back to the blog so enjoy the pictures and get ready for some fun.

Upside and Backwards

bobbydi@charter.net

Things to bring:

Sewing machine, with a darning or free-motion foot
Needles: 80 or 90 Universal, 80 or 90 metallic needles,
100 topstitch needle, 80 or 90 embroidery needle (optional)
small screwdriver to loosen tension screw on bobbin case or extra bobbin case
Embroidery hoop that fits under your presser foot. Wood, plastic, or spring hoop ok
15” square fabric sandwich. Top fabric (silk, or cotton), batting (any kind okay), backing white or light colored cotton preferred
white or beige thread to match the backing.. fabric
3-4 empty bobbins
large eye hand sewing needle
# 2 pencil

You will receive :
Specialty fabrics for technique samples
Threads for making samples
Wash away stabilizers for samples (different kinds for different techniques)
Jewels, sequins, etc.

Many of the specialty threads are too large for the needle, but you can sew upside down and use them in the bobbin. Don’t be afraid to adjust the tension on your bobbin case or invest in another bobbin case so you don’t have to mess with the tension on your regular bobbin case. Just remember “righty tighty and lefty loosey”

New Class, new projects

2010-12-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

A new calss has started and we have a man come to sew. His name is Alex Pena and he is a student of Kathy Sterling.
I know coming into our class can be overwhelming at the begining, but what a great oppertunity for a young person to learn from all of you. I really am blessed to be your leader, and sometime teacher. I learn so much from you maybe I should pay the entrance fee.

I am going to go into my "Studio", (you all know it is really the garage) and make samples for the neckline of the "Chiffon Circle" top. We will be making our 2 scarf jackets so bring your 2 scarves or fabric and now that you have made samples of possibilities for the front of your jacket bring the embellished fronts or the things to embellish the front. We will put it all together and then make a few samples for the Circle top.

Or you can work on anything you wish. I just thought these two quickies would get us up to the holidays and on our way.
See you Wednesday.

This jacket is an adaptation of a design shown by Sherrill Kahn at her workshop
for WAC.

Materials needed:
2 silk scarves 30” to 35”
thread
embellishment of choice
sewing maching and sewing supplies

The big advantage of using scarves is that the edges are already finished by
a rolled hem.

1. Cut or tear one of the scarves down the middle.

2. Embellish the front openings by turning each torn or cut edge to the front or back about 2" and stamp, stencil, stitch or whatever along the band formed. You may need batting or intrfacing to stalilize it and if doing decorative stitching do use tear away stabilizer to make the stitching smooth.

3. Sew the shoulder seams by sloping the seam from the neckline to the shoulder about 1" to 2" lower at the shoulder.

4. Sew side seams by coming down 12 " from the shoulder seam and stitching the side. Option: leave a slit in the side seam.

5. Add a couple of tassels or a few beads to weight the bottom of the fronts and you are done.

Time to Start Sewing Again

2010-11-27T18:27:00.001-08:00

This is me after the WAC Suzi Click Workshop. I have got to go shopping for good accessories; however
I was not at the Mall over the Holiday, I was with family and having fun.

Now I am home again and it is time to get the new class ready to go.

Wednesday we will start with the 2 scarf jacket, so if you painted, or dyed two scarves or fabric which amounts to two squares of 30" to 35" square bring them. This is the easiest jacket in the world to make, but we want to do something fun with the front opening. Bring your sewing machine and let's sew.

Houston Report

2010-11-12T20:53:00.000-08:00

It was a busy month for me. I took painting classes in Pasadena for two days, then flew to Eureka, CA and dyed 100 yards of silk chiffon at Hanah Silk, came home and slept one night in my own bed then off to Houston for 11 days of non-stop activity and teaching. I did take two classes. One on How to print and sell your own patterns. I don't think I will do that. Then a Forum on Machine Quilting. I loved the work of an Austrailian woman, last name Bower, I want to try her technique. I have bought some Kafee Fassett prints to try it out. My quilt "Tidepools" looked good in the show. I didn't win, or place but I did show. The show was great this year. I am so amazed at the quality of work and creativity displayed. They are all so good!
They ran out of 50,000 tickets on Friday and had to print another 10,000 for Saturday and Sunday. Jammed with people. It did keep me from buying very much, so I guess that is okay.

In class Wednesday bring your sewing machine if you want to work on the animal quilt. I also left the dye in the closet so you can dye silk if you want. I am busy planning for the next session. It starts on Wednesday December 1 and we will have three weeks then two weeks of Holidays and back January 5 for the push to the fashion show in February.

My Internet was down

2010-11-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

When I arrived home from Houston I was so ticked that my cable and Internet were both out, now four days and two repairmen later I am up and running again. I apologize for to those of you who didn't know what to bring to class on Wednesday, but I had no way of updating the blog announcement. (No Internet, remember)

I left the dye in the classroom closet so you can dye silk next time or bring your sewing machines and work on the animal quilts. I will try and post more information over the weekend, but now I have to go do the things I couldn't; because I have been waiting for repairmen to show up. See you.

I went to painting classes

2010-10-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to Pasadena to "ART EXPO" and took a few classes. It was such fun. One class was called "Curious Cows" a title I could not pass up. This is the result of the class. The other class was "Urban Landscape" in watercolor. I have never workded in watercolor before, but loved it. I think I will look for a watercolor class locally to take.
Then I went off to Eureka where I worked with Brooke of Hanah Silk and we dyed 100 yeard os chiffon in two days. Whew! Every thing was beautiful and she is taking them to Quilt Market. I'll see you soon.

Lots of fun

2010-10-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

We had fun exploring what the possibilities were for screen printing on silk and nylon organza. We also wanted to use discharge paste for some images. Discharge paste does not work on the man made fibers, but it is great on the silk organza. Then someone said let's put paint into the discharge paste. Volia! What great results we got. Next week there should be some show and tell of the results students were getting.

Speaking of next week we will have a schedule change and continue with the organza for those who were not ready this week. Those who wish may also start on their animals or birds. I showed the process with the rabbits on the first day, but we will review. If that is the direction you are planning to go, bring your patterns, fabric scraps, and either white or black cotton to build the applique on. Plus the background you painted.

I am going off to spend the week with grandkids at two houses, and won't be back until time to teach a class at Ginger's on Tuesday night, so I won't get anything new done this week. Hopefully you will. See you next Wednesday.

We Had Breakdown

2010-09-23T07:21:00.002-07:00

Printing that is. Dryed dye was breaking down all over the place and some stunning results were happening. Can't wait for "Show and Tell" next week.

Bring the images back along with your stencils, silk screens, stamps, rubbing supplies, printing ink and paint to accent what you already printed. I will bring more thickened dye be sure your cotton is soda ash treated and DRY before you come to class.

Don't forget to make your gelatin plate ahead of time. (Before Class) so it is set and ready to print on Wednesday.

Get your organza and cotton duck ready for printing if you want to screen print organza for a kimono. We will be doing this in 2 weeks. If you need to order fabric DO IT NOW.

We Had Breakdown

2010-09-23T07:21:00.001-07:00

Finished!

2010-09-18T14:34:00.001-07:00

The cabinet man just left and I took the first shots of my kitchen without the plastic and sawdust all over the place. The stove is once again hooked up and the fridge is out of the family room. WOW! I can cook in my own kitchen if I so desire. I'm very pleased with how it all turned out. Now I need to go shopping for some nice accessories.

Class notes* We will be doing breakdown printing on Wednesday so don't forget your screens and prepared fabric.

Breakdown Printing

Materials:
Blank silk screen
Squeege
Thickened dye
Made with Sodium Alginate and dye powder
Fabric Silk for Acid Dye Cotton for Procion Dye

Pre-preparation:
Mix Sodium Alginate
Into a quart of warm water stir 1 to 2 Tablespoons of Sodium Alginate powder.
Stir until dissolved or use a dedicated blender to mix (It will still have a few lumps)
Let it sit for at least 1 to 2 hours or overnight. If it is too thick stir in warm water to thin the solution. If not using right away refrigerate until ready to use.

Soak Cotton, Linen, or Rayon
Make a Soda Ash solution of 1/2 cup Soda Ash with 2 quarts water and soak the fabric at least 15 to 30 minutes, but overnight is best. Hang to dry, press lightly with warm iron.

Silk Printing:
Mix Acid dye powder with thickened Sodium Alginate (1 or 2 teaspoons dye powder per 1 Cup thickener). Mix well the day before using. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Screen:
Lightly paint inside of the screen with a couple of colors of thickened dye, leaving several open spaces. Let it dry upside down. This needs to be done far enough in advance to be completely dry before printing.

Printing:
Iron the silk fabric smooth and place on a padded surface. Lay the prepared screen down and use another color thickened dye or clear thickener or more than one color thickened dye and squeegee it across the dry dye. As you print the dried dye will breakdown and each print will be different. This is the magic of this technique.

Setting the Dye: The silk will need to be steam set. Then rinsed (run through the rinse cycle in the washing machine for best results) to remove the thickener and any excess dye. Damp dry and iron until dry.

Cotton, Linen, or Rayon Printing:
Mix Procion Dye powder with thickened Sodium Alginate ( 1 or 2 teaspoons dye powder per 1 Cup thickener). Mix well the day before using. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Screen as above and let it dry upside down.

Printing: Lay out the smoothed Soda Ash treated fabric on a plastic covered padded surface and print as above; however while the print is still wet roll plastic and the fabric together and place in a plastic bag for 24 hours to “batch” and set the dye.

Its in the Details

2010-09-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

We will start layering over our backgrounds in the next class. Bring the fabrics you painted last week and make them sing with rubbing, stamps, screens and stencils. Bring thicker paints, like Luminier, printing ink, paint sticks or oil pastels. A stencil brush is also handy for blending and smoothing.
I will bring the Thermofax machine in case you need a few more silk screens. Bring your Xerox copies, remember printer copies do not work so head to a copy shop and get a copy made.
The "Birds on a Wire" pattern seems to be very popular. That makes me happy. If you ordered more patterns I will bring them with me. I'm going to get the copies made today. I have been off baby-sitting for Sara for a couple of days so now am catching up.
My kitchen is coming along beautifully. Right now it is still wrapped in plastic and tape, but he assures me another week we will be finished. In the meantime I have no access to cooking, but that's okay I spend more time in my "studio" working on ideas for us to try.

Class has begun

2010-09-05T20:51:00.001-07:00

We are going to work with Paints for a few weeks. This is a jacket made with two 30" silk scarves painted with Dyna Flo (thanks to inspiration from Sherrill Kahn) So easy. After painting and ironing to set I did oil pastel rubbings and gold paint stamps. It is so easy and great results. This week we will be painting backgrounds and next week we will layer on stamps, rubbings, stencils etc.
Also we will paint backgrounds for the "Dangerous Animals" if you wish.
The black holes are part of a sample I am making for a class I will be teaching in Houston on using the speciality threads out there. Thick threads go through the bobbin and you sew upside down. In fact the class is called, "Upside Down and Backwards". Yes, they are holes.

WAC Workshop

2010-08-24T13:16:00.001-07:00

What fun we had with Sherril Kahn. Lots of ideas spilling out everywhere. Thes a are few of the technique samples I made.
I loved doing oil pastel rubbings over the breakdown prints the blue and ochre are examples. The lighter beige, ochre and blue is a gelatin print. Wow! we will have to do something with that technique. Lots of us bought Sherril's rubber plates, (hopefully we got different ones). We will definently use them. I have also come up with a couple of ways we can make our own rubbing plates CHEAP! Not as detailed, but it will work.
See you soon.
I will be keeping track of my 15 year old grandson Justin this week. He is the last little bird in my son and daughter-in-laws nest so they are off to celebrate 27 years of marriage and I will be the transportation, cook and morning wake up caller. Also three dogs need food, water and walking.

A New Class Starts Set. 1

2010-08-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

After spending three days with Sherril Kahn I am inspired and fired up to go.

Be sure and bring the things you have been doing over the summer for Show and Tell. I did almost nothing over the summer, so I am counting on you.

For the first class bring a pair of small sharp scissors and a pair of paper scissors, I'll bring the materials for making a couple of samples just to get us going.

Here is the proposed schedule:
Fall 2010

Painting and Dyeing Plus Diane Ricks
909-941-0331
bobbydi@charter.net
blog: www.wonderfulwearables@blogspot.com
www,dianericks.com (will also get you to blog)

Sept. 1 Introduction, plans, make a few samples, have some fun.

Sept. 8 Paint a Background Layer with Seta Color, or Dyna Flow,
Materials: fabrics: cotton or silk or silk scarves (this fabric or scarves will become garments next session)
If you want to do the “Dangerous Animals” paint
Additional backgrounds for the animals you want.
Paints, brushes, sponges

Sept. 15 Start to Layer onto the backgrounds painted last week
Materials: stamps, stencils, silk screens, rubbing plates
Paint, printing inks oil sticks, squeegee, roller, etc.

I will bring the Thermofax if you want a few new screens bring
your copies ($5.50 per 8” X 10” screen) Duct Tape

Bring your blank silk screen to prepare for “Breakdown Printing”
Let me know if you are going to use cotton or silk

Sept 22 “Breakdown Printing”
Materials: fabric or scarves tee shirt or sweat shirt
Prepared screen squeegee or 3” wide foam brush
You will set the printing at home according to the kind of dye you use.
If you are using cotton bring some sheet plastic and a garbage bag.

Sept. 29 Layering the Breakdown Prints
Materials: what you printed
Stencils, stamps, silk screens, etc.
Paints, printing inks, oil sticks, etc.

Oct. 6 You may continue with what you have been doing or try this:
Screen printing organza
Materials: Silk Organza, cotton duck to lay under the organza
Silk screens, paint, printing ink etc.
I would like to try discharging a light or dark color of organza first
and then over printing the fabric. Joan Knight got great results last time.
This fabric will be sewn into garments next session.

Oct. 13 You may continue with what you have been doing or try this:
Glue stick Appliqué I have made patterns of my “Dangerous Animals” Quilt and many have asked to do these as a quilt or
Wall Hangings.
Materials: white cotton
Batik scraps or hand dyed scraps for the animals
Glue stick, pencil, small sharp scissors, paper scissors

Oct. 20 Continue Glue stick Appliqué or your choice of technique
Materials: painted background for animals, water erasable pen
Glue stick, fabric scraps sharp scissors, paper scissors.

Oct. 27 No Class I’ll be headed for Houston
Nov 3 No Class still in Houston

Nov. 10 Layered Silk Painting
Materials: Stretcher bars push pins or prepared frame with elastic and pins
Silk fabric or scarves fabric will be sewn into garments next session
Silk screens, and/or stencils if you want to add resist in a design
Foam brushes 1” and 2” regular paint brushes

Nov. 17 Continue Layered Silk Painting
Materials: Same as above

Happy Thanksgiving

Get ready to sew great artful garments!

for the birds

2010-07-16T07:24:00.001-07:00

The next grandchild quilt is in the works. My grand daughter Julie who lives in London asked for a quilted wall hanging of birds sitting on a telephone wire. This is the result of that request. I have painted a silk version and also done a cotton applique version. They are not finished yet, but coming along. I will probly create a pattern from the applique cotton version with a Seta Color painted background.
In the meantime I am still battling bees in my roof tiles. These little creatures have been an expensive pain. I hope we got them this time. Isn't the third time the charm?

last class for the summer

2010-07-06T14:22:00.001-07:00

This Wednesday will be the last class for the summer. I need to go off and regenerate, come up with a few new ideas, work on a project or two and just chill generally.
I'm looking forward to what you have done with the photo quilts so we will have "Show and Tell" at the begining of class this week. Also bring what else you have been working on for us to see and admire.
See you then.

putting it together

2010-06-28T08:03:00.001-07:00

Are your photos printed? Have you assembled the fabrics to use? Are you ready to put it all together?
Great! then that is what we will be doing on Wednesday. This is the part of the project that often takes the most time.
Trying to decide what to use and how to assemble it. We will talk about the possibilities and them create these little masterpieces.
See you.
PS you will not need your computers.

Another day at the computers

2010-06-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was the last day with computers. Now we print the images we have been working on and start putting it all together into a quilt. We took a field trip to Ginger's Quilt Shop and looked at the fabric possibilities there. (She gave me gift bags for all of you. I'll bring them Wed.)

Next week Supply list: Digital Images in Quilts

Images printed onto fabric and set with fabric softner
Fabrics to add to quilt
Embellishments if desired example: ribbon, lace, beads, buttons, etc.
Wonder Under, Misty Fuse, Steam a Seam Light, etc. about 1 yard if planning to applique
Batting 3” to 5” bigger all around than your finished quilt ( not just the photo)
Straight pins and safety pins for basting
Needle and basting thread
Sewing thread in colors that blend with the fabrics
If you have Wonderfil Invisafil thread bring that
Glue stick
Small sharp scissors for "fussy cutting"
Paper scissors
Regular fabric scissors
Sewing machine
Machine needles size 80 or 90 a pkg of size 60 if you use Invisafil
Ruler
Rotary cutter and mat (optional)

You will not need your computer next week . If you are doing something quite small you may bring your sewing machine to sew the background and start appliqué, but you might not get that far on a larger quilt. If you will be sewing bring a free motion foot as well as a regular foot.

Now the fun begins!

I'm almost ready

2010-06-03T08:23:00.001-07:00

I know you are all anxious to begin class again. Sorry for the delay, but I needed the time to get it together after the funeral.
I'll be fully ready on Wednesday June 9 so be there ready to turn digital photos into Art. I havelearned a lot of things to make the whole process better since last summer.
Come with your laptop or share with a friend and learn what to do when you go home to your desktop. We will be working with the Photoshop Elements program. You can download a trial version from the Adobe site on the Internet if you are not ready to purchase the program yet. It is not the expensive Photoshop. Photoshop Elements is under $100 and if you shop the Internet it is considerablly cheaper. Have a few photo loaded to work with or you can practice on the Sample Photos which come with the program to practice.
See you soon.

Funeral

2010-05-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

The funeral will be Tuesday June 1, 2010 at the LDS Chapel on Woodruff Pl
one block East of Milliken and the 210 Freeway.
From the 210 exit Milliken go South 1 block to Kenyon turn left 1 block to Woodruff Pl turn left the chapel in on the corner of Woodruff and Highland.
The service is at 11:00 am.

Bob passed away

2010-05-27T21:46:00.001-07:00

After a long and hard battle with Parkinson's Disease my dear husband passed away on Wednesday morning. I was holding his hand as he slipped away after 5 days of holding on to that last vestage of his life. Over the weekend all the children got to say their "good byes". Spent everynight on a cot beside him until the end. I have feelings of sadness, but also such relief that he is in a better place and can talk and be understood. I think that was the part he hated the most.
Since our class was supposed to start the day after the funeral I have asked to delay 1 week and extend it 1 week into July.
I will be ready to go on June 9.
Thank you all for the love and support you have shown to me over these years of Bob's illness. It has kept me sane, or at least somewhat.

In Loving Memory

2010-05-27T14:18:00.001-07:00

Fashion Show and on to the next

2010-05-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

We had our fashion show and it couldn't have been better. Every garment was great.
Thank you all so much for your support and participation. I don't have photos yet, but Judith Baer took them and will have a CD ready when we go back to class.

Speaking of "back to class" we start again on June 2 so I will now go off and baby sit and post more information later.
See you!

Breakdown

2010-05-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I would like this technique all that much, but it was awesome and everyone had a ball.
Breakdown Printing

Materials:
Blank silk screen
Squeege
Thickened dye
Made with Sodium Alginate and dye powder
Fabric Silk for Acid Dye Cotton for Procion Dye

Pre-preparation:
Mix Sodium Alginate
Into a quart of warm water stir 1 to 2 Tablespoons of Sodium Alginate powder.
Stir until dissolved or use a dedicated blender to mix (It will still have a few lumps)
Let it sit for at least 1 to 2 hours or overnight. If it is too thick stir in warm water to thin the solution. If not using right away refrigerate until ready to use.

Soak Cotton, Linen, or Rayon
Make a Soda Ash solution of 1/2 cup Soda Ash with 1 gallon water and soak the fabric at least 15 to 30 minutes. Hang to dry, press lightly with warm iron.

Silk Printing:
Mix Acid dye powder with thickened Sodium Alginate (1 or 2 teaspoons dye powder per 1 Cup thickener). Mix well the day before using. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Screen:
Lightly coat inside of the screen with a couple of colors of thickened dye, leaving some open spaces. Let it dry upside down. This needs to be done far enough in advance to be completely dry before printing.

Printing:
Iron the silk fabric smooth and place on a padded surface. Lay the prepared screen down and use another color thickened dye or clear thickener or more than one color thickened dye and squeegee it across the dry dye. As you print the dried dye will breakdown and each print will be different. This is the magic of this technique.

Setting the Dye: The silk will need to be steam set. Then rinsed to remove the thickener and any excess dye. Damp dry and iron until dry.

Cotton, Linen, or Rayon Printing:
Mix Procion Dye powder with thickened Sodium Alginate ( 1 or 2 teaspoons dye powder per 1 Cup thickener). Mix well the day before using. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Screen as above and let it dry upside down.

Printing: Lay out the smoothed Soda Ash treated fabric on a padded surface and print as above; however while the print is still wet cover with plastic and roll the fabric and plastic up and place in a plastic bag for 24 hours to “batch” and set the dye. After 24 hours rinse and rinse again then dry until just damp and iron dry.

Try again

2010-05-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Last week when I tried to put in a blog it said I had to update. So I tried what it said and it didn't look like it worked. This time it looked like it always had. Oh well, what do I know about a computer? Not much that is for sure.
We only have two more classes in this session. One more of discharge and then one using the break-down printing. I you have not prepared your silk screen bring it next class and put the thickened dye on it so it will be dry for the next week.
Also on the 12th bring the things you are planning to show in the fashion show so I can get the commentary and show order put together.

More Seta + Marbling

2010-04-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

We are going to continue with Seta Color and adding shaving cream marbling with Dyna-flow Paint. You will need to bring a few things.

Shallow pan (broiler pan, cookie sheet with a rim, plastic bin lid, etc.)
fabric cut to fit the pan you are using cotton, silk or blends okay
paper towels

I will bring the shaving cream and the paint plus a few tools to use.

I'm Back

2010-04-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have returned from baby-sitting duties. Thank Goodness it is warm here. When we got to Utah it was snowing and there were 4 inches by morning. Cold!!!
It was nice to see kids and grand-kids and to get away for awhile. Sara had a wonderful experience working with a photographer, a food stylist, a florist, and the lady who runs the whole show. Everything looked wonderful when it was set up and styled.

Now we will get back to class and see what we can create with paint.

Bear in the Woods

2010-03-28T10:21:00.001-07:00

I just finished this quilt and love it! You will see it on Wednesday.
Be sure and scroll down to see the posts of the things we did in class.
Let's have another great day of dye.

Layered Silk

2010-03-28T10:15:00.001-07:00

These are the results I got from layered silk painting. They looked like a mess before steam setting and washing them out. Once they were washed and ironed they were really very lovely. I was experimenting with colors I usually do not use that much. I have gone on to create enough fabric to make something with these very stunning colors. I'll show you the results next time. We will be doing this same techinque again on Wednesday so you might want to add some silk screens for interest and texture. See you then.

We twisted and shouted WOW!

2010-03-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the results of our "Twist and Shout" day. They are really amazing. I love the colors and the variety the ladies come up with. Now on to Layered Silk Painting.

Another Grandkid Quilt finished

2010-03-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

This is for Trey. He wanted pirates and in a way it is. The back is pirate print fabric, but I figured he would grow up and this will be the only quilt I will make him (I still have 14 to go) so the pirate ship, treasure chest, Jolly Roger, and various denezins of the deep are in the quilting.

Success!!!

2010-03-21T17:31:00.001-07:00

As you can see our day of "flying dye" was very successful. I love the stacks of colored fabrics.
Next we will do some ftechniques with acid dye for silk.
Bring silk, stretcher bars, and more chiffon if you want to continue "Twist and Shout"
See you.

TWIST AND SHOUT

2010-03-13T12:55:00.001-08:00

It is called TWIST and SHOUT; because we will twist silk chiffon and then shout WOW! when we see the results.
get ready for some amazing results.

WHAT A DAY

2010-03-13T12:50:00.001-08:00

Dye was flying in all directions. Some groups were doing a 24 step process,( anxious to see the results. ) Some tub dyeing low immersion method. And splish and Splash. Show and tell should be great!

What are we going to do next week?

2010-03-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

That is the question I so often hear. Well, it is up to you to deciede what you want to do. There are several choices.
I will bring the Procion Dye and from there the choice will be yours.
If you like to work in a group 3-4 you can do a 24 step set of gradation dyed 1/2 or 1/4 yard cotton pieces.
If you want a smaller project bring a few yards of cotton and a plastic bin with a lid and do low water immerision.
If you stitch or tie some fabric in patterns you can shibori dye it.
Or lay out a sheet of plastic and "splish and splash" the dye on.
There are several options. See you Wednesday in your rubber gloves.

New Session has began

2010-03-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

Here we go again. Show and Tell was great the very first day as you can see. We have a full class and will be doing a variety of techniques. Some old and a few new. I am posting the schedule.
Spring 2010

Painting, Dyeing and Discharging Fabrics

3/3 Introduction and Demonstrations

3/10 Procion tray dyeing BRING YOUR FISH QUILTS
materials needed: FOR GLENDALE QUILT SHOW
cotton or rayon fabric pre-washed
plastic bins with lids shiboir techniques:
rubber gloves PVC pipes
string or needle and heavy thread
3/17 Twisted Chiffon
3 yards silk chiffon electric drill
string

3/24 Layered Silk Painting
materials needed:
stretcher bars 36”X36” or long scarf sizes
silk fabric or scarves
clear gutta
3” foam brush
3/31 Layered Silk Painting continues

4/7 SPRING BREAK NO CLASS

4/14 Seta Color or Dynaflow paint
Materials needed:
Silk or cotton fabrics
Opaque items
Order the paints from Dharma Trading Company

4/21 Seta Color or Dynaflow continues

4/28 Discharge (removing dye from fabric)
dark fabrics old CD’s
string wood blocks
PVC pipe

5/5 Discharge continues

5/17 Breakdown Printing
blank silk screen
fabric to print on

Oh Baby!

2010-02-21T09:49:00.001-08:00

It was an exciting day yesterday. Mike and Michelle had their baby girl and I got to be there. Her name is Ivy and she is beautiful. Sorry I missed hearing Linda Merrifield speak an WAC, but this was too good to pass up, and since I was in the area I dashed from Torrence to San Pedro to experience the birth of my 23rd grandchild and it was as exciting as the first.

Surprise

2010-01-29T08:35:00.001-08:00

What a surprise! My quilt "Constellation Leo" sold in Houston. I'm so excited.