Serendipity and the Art of the Quilt

Last days for AQC 2010 earlybirds

Brenda — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:40:11 +0000

I see there are only a handful of places left in my four one-day classes at the Australasian Quilt Convention 2010. Other classes are filling fast too. If you wish to take advantage of the cheaper, earlybird rates, you must make your booking by no later than 30 November 2009.

Feather Folly

Brenda — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:36:44 +0000

Feather Folly is my entry in the 2009 challenge of the Quilters’ Guild of NSW Inc and was awarded a judges commendation:

You can view a slideshow of the all of the thirty one entries and larger images of the first and second place quilts on the Guild blog.

Desire Lines #3: Running Hot & Cold

Brenda — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:45:22 +0000

The One Step Further juried exhibition of contemporary quilts opens today at 2pm with Victorian textile artist June Brown officiating. I don’t have a complete exhibitor listing but understand the exhibition includes works by Anna Brown, Judy Hooworth, Margaret McDonald, Helen Richards and me!

This is the first outing of the latest quilt in my Desire Lines series:

Desire Line #3: Running Hot & Cold
©2009 Brenda Gael Smith
76cm x 37cm

ONE STEP FURTHER
Central Goldfields Art Gallery
Address: Neill Street, Maryborough, Victoria
Hours: Thursday - Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm
Tel: 03 5460 4588
Email: cgsc.art@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au

An Exciting Announcement

Brenda — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:41:43 +0000

The Twelve by Twelve artists are excited twelve times over to announce that:

(drum roll, please…. )

Sterling Publications/Lark Books will be publishing a book on our Twelve by Twelve Collaborative Art Quilt project!

We are thrilled beyond words to have this wonderful opportunity, and so happy that our art endeavors and friendships are turning us into authors, too. We know that Lark was impressed by the loyal readers who follow our blogs and website, so thanks to all of you friends-of-Twelves for your encouraging words through our explorations!

We’ll keep you posted as we know publication dates.

We are lifting a virtual glass of champagne to each other and to all of you for your support!

Quilting Finishing Techniques DVD - Special Offer for US & Canada

Brenda — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:37:01 +0000

It very difficult to think about packing for winter and snow when you’re sweltering in a tank top and shorts. So I’m concentrating on non-clothing items for my forthcoming trip to America. It looks like I will have room to bring some copies of the Quilters Companion magazine and my instructional DVD on quilt finishing techniques. Accordingly I am offering US and Canadian readers the opportunity to purchase the magazine & DVD for A$14.25, the same price as for Australian residents, so long as I receive your order by Friday 27 November 2009. That gives you a week (or less if my stockpile runs out). Be quick!

A$14.25 (including postage) - this price is only available to Australian/US & Canadian readers who order by 27 November 2009

The DVD covers the following four quilt finishing techniques:

continuous mitred binding;
facing finish;
pillow case with "escape hatch";and
satin stitch/zig zag edging.

In addition, there are detailed instructions, diagrams and photos in the accompanying magazine for easy reference.

PFD - Prepared for Dyeing

Brenda — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:36:31 +0000

I was in Sydney yesterday stitching with Erica so collecting the mail fell to the Laundry King. He complained loudly about having to carry a heavy bundle of fabric up the hill. This is what 20 yards of 60″ wide PFD Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton looks like:

For dyeing, I mostly use PFD Pimatex by Robert Kaufman. The Pimatex pieces beautifully but, with its high thread count, sometimes resists hand-stitching so I thought I would try out the Kona cotton. It helped that Hancocks of Paducah were offering a free shipping deal at the time. If you’re quick, you can take advantage of the current free shipping offer which expires on 18 November 5.00pm CST

• Type 11FREE09 in the Promotional Code box during checkout.
• United States minimum for free shipping: $30.00
• International minimum for free shipping: $75.00

Stock up and you can be prepared for dyeing too!

Walkabout & Illumination

Brenda — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:05:12 +0000

The international tour of the first series of Twelve by Twelve works commences in April 2010 at the Australasian Quilt Convention. To prepare our art works for this adventure, we are each making a small travelling bag to hold twelve quilts. My original plan was to make my bag from some of the shibori pieces I made for the Illumination theme but they mysteriously went missing after a “tidy up” of my fabric storage. So instead I made my bag from an Aboriginal-inspired print (with a lime/chartreuse lining of course!) which seems somehow appropriate as my quilts embark on their own form of “walkabout:

Naturally, now that I have made my bag, the shibori fabrics have reappeared but that may give me some inspiration for the Professional Art Quilters Alliance-South (PAQA-South) call for entry for ARTQUILTSilluminations.

What to do in Pennsylvania & environs?

Brenda — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:25:02 +0000

As has become our custom, and this being an odd-numbered year, the Laundry King and I will be celebrating Christmas in Pittsburgh with his family. We also propose to take a small side trip between Christmas and New Year. In the past, we have made an excursion to Pennsylvanian Dutch (Amish) Country which is picturesque, even in winter, and has a generous quilt shop to boutique brewery ratio. We’ve also taken sidetrips on our sidetrip such as the detour through Gettysburg National Military Park. We’ll probably head to Amish country again this year. However, we’re open to other suggestions. Our criteria include:

the destination must be suitable for a comfortable 3 day/2night excursion - ie within 4-6 hours driving distance from Pittsburgh;
the attractions must be suitable for all weather conditions for 2-4 active and curious adults; and
quilt shops not essential but good food and refreshments are vital.

I’ll do some online research before I go but let me know if you have any ideas!

A New Look Coming

Brenda — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:16:19 +0000

Behinds the scenes here at the Serendipity Studio, I am undertaking a revamp of my logo and associated promotional materials. My current banner, prepared by my brother many years ago, is bright and cheery and has served me well but a new look is quite overdue. It’s exciting to consider all of the possibilities and I look forward to sharing more with you in the new year.

Meanwhile, Candy Glendening has recently conducted her own branding makeover with stunning results and this week she launched her attractive new website - www.candiedfabrics.com. Not only is her site clear and easy to navigate, you have the opportunity to win one of Candy’s beautiful creations in her welcome giveaway. Treat yourself, check it out!

One Step Further: 21 Nov - 13 December 2009

Brenda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:40:46 +0000

One Step Further is a special exhibition of contemporary art quilts coordinated by Victorian Quilters Inc drawing upon the work of quiltmakers across Australia including a new piece in my Desire Lines series that I will share with you next week.

The exhibition opens on 21 November and runs until 13 December. If you happen to be in the Victorian Gold Fields region and view the exhibition, I would love to hear your impressions!