X-mas

Even at Christmas, I still find time to sew!

Cookie Break!

The Tiffany quilt continues to make progress.  Back spasms over the weekend slowed me down a bit but they're gone and  I'm looking forward to going back to my usual routine of getting up at 5 am to stitch.  Measured the remaining pieces today and have about 150' of black lines to go.  Of course the tape get's stitched along both edges, so that translates into 300' of thread.  I'm so eager to see it all finally pieced together!

Of course, when I'm not stitching, I'm busy doing the usual holiday activities, like making cookies with my son and his friends...

Tiffany Quilt Update

Tree layout for the top-most section

Well, I took most of the weekend off due to a mild case of the flu, and we've pushed the due date for this piece back a bit, but it's still moving right along.  I believe I woefully underestimated how long stitching all the little black lines down would take.  I'm using bias tape - 96 feet of it so far, and I don't think I'm half-way done yet.  I've bought out the supply at the local Joann's twice and will have to go back for more!  Here are a few more recent pics...

when I get tired of one section,
I switch to another area

it's amazing how much difference the black bias tape makes!

Tiffany Quilt in progress

The bottom 1/3 of the quilt is coming together well.  I've assembled it like a puzzle - tracing and cutting each piece and then figuring out where it goes.  You can see how I laid the pattern down on top to make sure everything lined up.  There were a few sections I'd missed, so I had to go back and trace more of the pattern to get the final leaves.

the lines on the jack-in-the-pulpit are hand drawn

trillium and orchids, before the iris are added to the background

took a while to get these placed just right

My best work time is from 5 - 7 am every morning, when only the cat is awake for company.  She tries to help as much as possible.

All the pieces are fused in place, and I'm ready to baste and quilt it.  Right now it looks busy, but after the black leading lines are added on top it should look more like stained glass, and the black will visually separate the pieces.  I can't wait to count how many individual pieces there are! 

iris, orchids, trillium, trout lily, poppies, jack-in-the-pulpit, clover, and assorted wild-flowers!

Tiffany Window Project

So, my latest big news is that I'm working on a big piece!  This will be a 4' x 6.5' Tiffany window style quilt for Village Church in Cummington.  The goal is to post regular updates as I go along, but it's been under way for a few weeks now, so it's time to get the blog caught up!  Here's the original sketch.  In the final piece, the mountains will be altered to reflect the local hills, and there will be a slightly different assortment of wildflowers.  The quilt will hang inside the painted arch at the front of the sanctuary.  See below. 

Gallery Reception Thursday, October 2

If you missed the opening reception for my current show at the Amherst Town Hall, I will be hosting a second reception next Thursday, October 2, from 5:30 pm - 8 pm in conjunction with the First Thursday Art Walk.  Stop by to say hello, check out some of my latest work, and peek into some of the other local galleries while you're in town!

I'll be hanging a few new pieces for the duration of my show, which ends October 30. 

Can't make the reception?  The Town Hall is open 8 - 4:30 daily.  Be sure to catch the pieces hanging in the stairwell on  the 2nd and 3rd floors too!  Access is immediately to your left as you enter the building.

Starry Night Over the Pioneer Valley

Storm Horse

Gentle dawns and sultry sunlit afternoons catch viewers unawares, drawing them into the present moment and providing respite from our busy minds. Reflecting different moods and times of day, my landscapes and flowers range from the pale stillness of early morning to the passionate rich blues of evening.

Exhibit - September & October

Time of Day:  Art Quilts by Elizabeth Sylvan

September 2 – October 30

8 am – 4:30 pm

Amherst Town Hall

4 Boltwood Avenue

 

Artist's Reception:  Thursday, September 4, 5-8 pm

Gentle dawns and sultry sunlit afternoons catch viewers unawares, drawing them into the present moment and providing respite from busy minds.  Reflecting different moods and times of day, these landscapes and flowers range from the pale stillness of early morning to the passionate rich blues of evening. 

My one-of-a-kind art quilts are intended to delight the eye and quiet the mind while exploring value, color, and natural themes.  An art quilter for 17 years, I use fiber to capture that moment of solitude when the observer feels connected to the world.  My small wall-hangings recall universal images and symbols:  the sun, moon, mountains, birds, trees, seasons and water, mixed with a touch of the whimsical.  I use raw edge applique, and have also been known to use found and recycled items such as driftwood, dryer sheets, and the foil wrappers from gold chocolate coins!