Our map cushions

OK, this is way overdue... This project was finished more than a year ago and I just realised I never shared it with you. So I hereby present you with our map cushions:

 

At the time my sister shared a blog post with me (from OhDeeDoh, I think) which showed a stylised world map painted over about 12 small canvasses. Because I was not going to be short on wall art for the new house, and because I was keen on some more cushiony-type things in the boys bedroom, I decided to try these instead. I call this a 'fun' project because I think the end result is a fun touch to a children's bedroom. The actual sewing was anything but fun - one of those 'what-on-earth-was-I-thinking-when-I-started-this' projects.

 

The map was made by machine appliqueing the various shapes to the blue background, one layer at a time. I used my free-motion foot for that to save having to turn the fabric quite so much, but it was still a massive job. Love how it turned out though.

Drawing, thanks to my modelling team

Tuesdays are currently no-sew days for me. The plan is to focus on my various drawing projects instead. Today that meant a quick before-school photoshoot. 

Thankfully I have a live-in modelling team.

 

 

Today's illustrations dealt with blaming others and self-examination. Thankfully artistic license enables me to wipe those self-satisfied smirks off those faces!

After a day of drawing, I'm looking forward to getting back to my sewing machine tomorrow!

The red trike

This trike features in the quilt I am working on at the moment. 

 

I've taken it inside, for drawing / photography / inspiration purposes. 

Actually, I have long dreamed of claiming this trike for myself and repurposing it as a side table for my books and a cup of coffee, something like this...

 

but it looks like I may be waiting a while yet.

 

I've been a busy beaver in the studio this week, and this newest quilt is all cut out.

I'm looking forward to piecing it together now, and hoping it turns out something like the mental picture I have of it...

Lovely printed material for everyone on my mailing list

 I picked up a package today. Shall we open it?

 

 Oooh! Stacks of colourful exhibition invitations ready to be mailed out to hundreds of interested (hopefully) people next month... 

And some posters for enticing and interesting still more people, hopefully. We are getting more than a little excited here, especially now that we have all this lovely printed material awaiting distribution!

If you would like to be added to my mailing list (I will only use this 3-4 times a year at the most, so I won't be bothering you too much) just click here to send me your address. I'll make sure you get an in-real-life invitation in the next month!

Display boxes at 'Regeneration - Contemporary Quilted Textiles 2012'

 

When 'Regeneration - Contemporary Quilted Textile 2012' opens in April, each quilt is going to accompanied by an individual display boxes featuring 'any material which the artist believes will help convey to the audience the story behind the finished work.'

 

I love this idea, as my favourite exhibitions are ones that include working sketches and sneak peaks into artists' sketchbooks. So I've made a little pieced sample to include in my box along with some other bits and pieces from the quiltmaking process. I know people are often fascinated as to how my quilt tops take shape, and showing the back of a pieced sample is the best explanation I can give.

 

I look forward to seeing pictures of other display boxes in the exhibition if they become available!

Yesterday and today; on Facebook too

 

yesterday:

6 crazy hours behind the sewing machine

249m of stitching

71000 stitches

sore shoulders and a spinning head

 

today:

20 screen printed quilt labels

screen printed fabric of children exploring for my stitched and bound quilt

housework

certainly a more relaxing day than yesterday, in spite of the housework factor

On another note, I took the major step during the summer of signing up to Facebook. That was a bit daunting, but I'm gradually sorting out how the place works... You can 'like' me on Facebook to stay in touch with me there! (In April there will be a special sneak preview there of the artwork for my upcoming exhibition).

Auditioning fabrics

 

Auditions in the studio today. If you are textile in nature and wish to be included in my 'stitched and bound 12' quilt, be there! (Only cottons and cotton blends will be considered for this one).

On the other hand, maybe you'd rather make your own entry? More information on the WAQA website.

to be a child: contemporary quilted textiles by Ruth de Vos

to be a child 

contemporary quilted textiles by Ruth de Vos

26th April - 5 May 
at the Showcase Gallery, Central Institute of Technology,
cnr Aberdeen St and Beaufort St, Northbridge, Western Australia
Open Wed - Sat (11am - 4:45pm), closed Anzac Day
Ph: +618 9427 1318
www.gallerycentral.com.au

14 - 25 May 
at the Vancouver Arts Centre, 
85 Vancouver St, Albany, Western Australia
Open Mon - Fri (9am - 4pm), Sat (10am - 3pm)
Ph: +618 9841 9260
http://www.albany.wa.gov.au/website/page.php?folder=17l

Observing small children notice budding flowers, snail trails, ripening fruit, textured leaves, floating bubbles, dripping rain and pencil marks on paper for the first time is a wonderful reminder of just how special these ordinary things are. In an effort to retain some of that wide-eyed wonder herself and to share it with others, Ruth has stitched these vibrant textiles which incorporate traditional quiltmaking techniques in a contemporary way to powerfully record the learning experiences of little children.

Caleb draws Jeremy

 

Over the weekend I was thinking about all the various drawing 'tasks' I have to do over the coming weeks, and about how nice it would be if Caleb was more interested in drawing, so that he could join me. Unlike Aaron and Hannah who were always busy doing art and craft at this age, Caleb is perfectly content to play with his really useful engines all day long. 

 

Then yesterday, out of the blue, while he was busy with the trains and their friends he suddenly declared "Mummy, I'm going to draw Jeremy" and off he went. 

 

I love the fact that instead of drawing a stereotypical plane, he put Jeremy next to his paper and drew what he could see - exactly what every high school art teacher drums into his/her students...

 

Now he's back with his engine friends. I'm curious to see when the next artistic urge will strike.

Another birthday quilt

 

After Hannah's birthday last year, Aaron very sweetly asked if he could maybe have a quilt for his bed too, for his next birthday. Of course, I had to think long and hard about that one... just kidding... I was already planning to make him one, but wasn't sure if he'd appreciate it as a birthday present, so I was very happy to be proven wrong.
 

With regular little reminders that February is birthday month, I blocked out today for piecing the top together. So happy how it's looking. I was mulling over various ideas involving plain fabric and simple geometric designs, but when I loved this quilt by Rita of Red Pepper Quilts the moment I saw it. I took chose colours to coordinate with the old school maps hanging in Aaron (and Caleb's) room.

 

The piecing was completed 10 minutes before the kids came home from school - perfect timing!

Slow work

 

...tie granny knot... snip thread ends even... thread through needle... thread needle into quilt and out again... snip threads...

 

...times a billion...

...slow work, but rather enjoyable too - 

the kind of work that allows you to be thinking about what to cook for dinner, 

or which colour to paint that table, 

or more importantly, to dream up the next quilt...