Pre-Houston Studio Chaos

 If a messy space is the sign of an organized mind, I am in good shape. Several projects are in various stages and I don't want to put them away:

There is more Secret Sewing I thought I was done with but something came up and I had to make 3 more blocks, the kind that are not easy but make you feel accomplished when done. Sneak peek:

I also began an "I Spy" quilt for my 3 year old grandson's "big boy bed" which he will move into soon--one block of 63 done is a start, right?

This is the annual pre-Houston rush to get LOTS done. I will be gone close to two weeks so there are bills to pay, clothes packing to plan, laundry to do so the suitcases can get packed, appointments for personal stuff like hair and nails, and the usual, annual doctor visits I should know NOT to schedule in October. Two weeks ago I got the booster shot so this past week I also got the annual flu vaccine, a must before going to Houston--that's just part of  my annual Fall routine.

At least I don't have any garments to make this year, I will be using prior year garments according to the schedule we have been given. 

Staging area for packing--those two suitcases will be full soon and I'll be on my way to one of my most favorite places, with great people, my favorite hotel, and good food. And the weather is usually the best in Houston in the Fall. 

International Quilt Festival will be extra special this year because the Special Exhibit "My Joyful Journey" will be on full display. Twenty-three of my quilts, representing some of my earliest works to the four Best Of Show quilts, and those that mean the most to me in my journey as a professional quiltmaker. If you come to Festival, I hope our paths will cross during your visit. 

For those who can't make it, I'll take lots of photos and plan to create an "e-book" when I get home.  More on that when it's all set.

Let's quilt. 

Barbara

What Am I Doing?

 I can't tell you. Well, it's more accurate to say I can't SHOW you.

About this time of year Secret Sewing goes into high gear in my Studio. Here is a Hint: I will be in Dallas in August taping The Quilt Show...

Just a Teaser. Due to shipping delays, common in every industry at the moment, I am using my own fabric to test the pattern. Here are bits of tiny scraps--that's all I can show.    

                             

I love to use a wide variety of fabrics in my quilts, because I can never run  out. Short on a deep purple? Select another that is similar. Instead of using a large amount of one background fabric, I use many, from white to tan. 

This year I have some awesome helpers, my Sunday Sew and Sews gang, who are helping get a lot of work done. While they are sewing, I am reviewing all the pattern instructions, which takes a  lot of time. I  have to do that myself, in the quiet of my Studio.  

In addition, I am writing "Optional Alternative Instructions" for those who want to try different techniques. So far, I have 11 pages prepared and ready. A few of the Sunday Sew and Sews will carefully review those for me. Despite best efforts, typos sometimes happen.

Writing patterns/instructions is harder than you might think. The designer knows what they mean but may not provide enough detail so the quiltmaker understands clearly what is meant. 

I also know that our Quilt Show members who make the annual Block of the Month quilt, really like specific instructions. For example, "Press". Immediately the question will be "Which way--to the dark, light  or open?" While it may not matter, sometimes it does, farther down the  line. I try to anticipate those questions.  

When techniques are new to a lot of people. like using Freezer paper for Color My World, the 2021 BOM, I try to provide detailed instructions and often make videos that show the process. I already have two videos done that won't air until October 2022 for the next project.

If you want to see more of my fabric pull, look back at the first Teaser post I made: Fabric Pull and the need to pre-wash. I will write much more about pre-washing in the future.

When not working on this I am creating a second "Charming Sampler" quilt. I will be teaching this locally in October and in Rhode Island in  August. Since I need a sample for both places, I have to get a second one made quickly. Here is the second in progress, small blocks, 3" finished:

And the complete project:

It's a fun class that teaches a variety of speedy tricks, which all can be applied to larger blocks in the future. 

Things are picking back up. I bought two airline tickets this week and booked a hotel at a location I am driving to.

And, I found all 20 of the quilts in my possession that need to be shipped soon to Houston. Two are on the walls of my home, four are stored in a closet. Of the 14 others, three need better labels. Two more quilts will be delivered to Houston by the owners--one is a friend who owns SIZZLE--HOT! and the other is in the Corporate Collection of Quilts Inc--Red and White--By the Numbers. Read more about that quilt here: Red and White--the Wrap Up. This is the blog post I tell people to read if they want to know who I am as a quiltmaker.

That's it for now. More to come way in the future on the "secret sewing" project.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

Looking Ahead

 Things are starting to look up now as more than half of all eligible Americans have received at least one vaccine shot. I hope many more do so in the coming months.

This Fall sees the return of International Quilt Market and International Quilt Festival:

The deadline to enter the Judged Competition is May 27--all details HERE.

I will be there for 13 days as I enjoy the Special Exhibit "My Joyful Journey", featuring 22 of my quilts, from the somewhat humble early pieces to the four that have won Best of Show in previous judged shows. It shows my journey and progress as a quiltmaker. I hope I get to see you there.

Quilter's Select, by RNK Distributing, is the wonderful company that has agreed to sponsor my exhibit. I use and love their products, Quilter's Select Threads, Rulers, Rotary Cutters, Mats, and an ever-growing list of excellent quality and well-thought out notions and sewing supplies. Here are some I am using right now:

The most important thing now is to figure out how to box up 22 big quilts. My husband and I will be driving them down--they have to be there by early July. That will be quite a lot of boxes. A few are currently on the walls in my home, several are laid out on the extra spare bed and the rest are folded in a large bookcase. Wonder if I will miss them when 22 are out of the house.  After Festival  they will be shipped back to me. 

In August I will be flying to Rhode Island to present a lecture and an all-day workshop for the Ninigret Quilters. In late August I will be flying to Dallas to tape The Quilt Show again--really looking forward to both of those. In September it's a trip to Houston to lecture and teach for the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston. 

In addition to all the planning for these events, we have been doing some sprucing up of the front porch. I love the painted red front door and the painted battleship gray floor, which looks more blue than gray. Goes well with the "haint blue" ceiling. Add some new cozy furniture and cushions and we have a lovely spot to sit outdoors--only took 21 years to get it this way:

Being close to our grandkids is fun when we get to go to dance recitals and an outdoor lunch. Almost 6 year old Stella did a great job on a big stage, smiling and dancing through the whole number. High School Drama Club is sure to be in her future:

Sweet almost 3 year old Sam, is such a cuddle bug, eager for hugs and kisses. He did great sitting still on the front row and watching all the dancers. He thought the soloists were "pretty". He loves his PopPop:

I hope your life is starting to open up too and we can meet again as we, hopefully, cross paths in the future.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

ANNOUNCEMENT: HOUSTON 2021

 I am thrilled to announce that more than 20 of my life's works will be on display at International Quilt Market and Festival this Fall. Festival dates are  October 27-31, 2021. The Special Exhibit, entitled "My Joyful Journey", will feature some of my earliest, truly beginning quilts, and show my progression to the quiltmaker I am today. Four of the quilts will be those that have won Best of Show. All 5 of the quilts in the banner up above will be there.

Many of them are stored here:

Some are stored rolled up and some are on display throughout my home. A few will be for sale. Photos of the quilts can be found earlier on this blog--I told the story of each one beginning December 20, 2020, and finishing March 21, 2021. 

There is something magical about seeing a collection of quilts featured in Houston. I have had several quilts displayed in the Special Exhibit "In The American Tradition".  Seeing your work among such wonderful quilts is hard to describe. 

 Here is a photo I took in 2018--the black drapes, the perfect lighting, the signs telling the story of each quilt--just so amazing. This is a special exhibit, featuring my friend's quilt: Contentment: A 25th Anniversary Celebration, by Teresa Yielding Rawson:

I told my family I consider this my "Lifetime Achievement Award" and very much want them to come see it. So, I better find them a room...

It is sure to be almost as exciting as 2014. And Red and White--By The Numbers, will be featured as part of my Special Exhibit. It is part of the Corporate collection of Quilts, Inc.:

I hope you will be able to join us in Houston this Fall. Get your shot and wash your hands!

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY JOURNEY: QUILT # 17

 Another quilt from the Special Exhibit My Joyful Journey, part of the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020.

QUILT # 17: Old Stars, New Day: 94" x 94". machine pieced, longarm quilted, 2013 Quilted by Rebecca McCarthy.

The Story: The 2009 Block of the Month pattern for The Quilt Show, designed by Sue Garman, this is a variation of Sue's Washington Medallion quilt. In this one, the pieces are smaller. I love the Feathered Star Center, which has become a trademark of a lot of my quilts. I used some of my favorite fabrics in this quilt.

It was featured as one of the best 500 Traditional Quilts in the book by that name, published in 2014. After seeing this quilt in several shows, one day I saw the "oops"--can you spot it?

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY JOURNEY: QUILT # 14

  Another quilt from the Special Exhibit My Joyful Journey, part of the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020.

QUILT # 14: Red, White and Blue Circle Stars, 57" x 73", machine pieced, longarm quilted, Quilted by Lisa Marshall. 2008

The Story: This old block, Carpenter's Wheel, looks fresh and contemporary in bright primary colors. The custom designed quilting really sets it off as does the pieced border. A more traditional design that started me back to my roots.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY JOURNEY: QUILT # 13

 Another quilt from the Special Exhibit My Joyful Journey, part of the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020.

QUILT # 13: A-Symmetrical Six-Pence, machine pieced, quilted by Lisa Marshall, 2005

The Story: Part of my Artsy Period, I spent a lot of time rearranging all the blocks on the design wall to create a sense of changing direction over the top. Block units were swapped with 12 other quilters. One of my most favorite pieces, it is used on my bed in the spring and summer. 

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY JOURNEY: QUILT # 12

 Another quilt from the Special Exhibit My Joyful Journey, part of the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020.

QUILT # 12: Baker's Dozen Does It, 86" x 88". machine pieced, quilted by Terry Owens, 2003

The Story: Blocks were swapped with 12 other quilters, using colors each requested. I played with this design for a long time before I settled on the narrow black sashing to set off the bright colors. The pieced border added a lot of time but gave it some personality. 

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY JOURNEY: QUILT # 11

 Another quilt from the Special Exhibit My Joyful Journey, part of the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020.

QUILT # 11: Persistence, 70" x 70", machine and hand pieced, hand applique, hand quilted. 2003

The Story: Begun in 1990, I hand pieced the Mariner's Compass, using fabric I hand marbled. Another center medallion quilt, of which I have made many. Finally finished in 2003, hence the name. 

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY JOURNEY: QUILT # 10

 Another quilt from the Special Exhibit My Joyful Journey, part of the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020.

QUILT # 10: Back In Time, 70" x 70", machine pieced and hand quilted, 2001

The Story: This pattern captivated me. I used the block for a secret swap with a guild member. I first made the quilt with a very complex border. When that quilt was done I realized it is the simplicity of this setting that I loved. So I made this one. The hand quilting was a joy to do, though you hardly see it in the large plain blocks. Based on a pattern in American Patchwork & Quilting, October 2000, Living in the Past. 

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY JOURNEY--QUILT # 9

 

Another quilt from the Special Exhibit My Joyful Journey, part of the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020.

QUILT # 9: Purple Plus!, 78" x 102", machine pieced, quilted by Lin Hayden, 2001:

The Story: Each block uses eight fabrics to create both a light and dark block, using all eight, shaded from dark to light or light to dark. I have made several of these. It is a very popular workshop I enjoy teaching. Every quilt is different depending on fabric selection.

Here is a detail shot of the second one of these I made, almost twins:

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY JOURNEY--QUILT # 8

 Another quilt from the Special Exhibit My Joyful Journey, part of the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020.

QUILT # 8: Devil's Claw, 76" x 88", machine pieced, hand quilted, 1999:

The Story: A replica of an antique quilt I bought in Virginia. I call this "planned scrappy". There is one constant fabric in each block and a specific order in how fabrics are placed in the block. The more fabrics in a quilt, the better I like it. 

Let's quilt.

Barbara

My Journey--QUILT #3

 Another quilt from the Special Exhibit, My Joyful Journey, part of the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020.

QUILT #3 Waste Not, Want Not, 66" x 86", machine pieced,  hand quilted:

The Story: My first Log Cabin quilt, made as a teaching sample from all my scraps, 1993. I found someone to hand quilt for me so I could put my time into piecing tops ad teaching quilting classes. 

I think every quilter should make at least one Log Cabin quilt. Seeing this always makes me want to make another. Such a great way to remember favorite fabrics:

Let's quilt. 

Barbara

My Journey--QUILT #2

 Another quilt from the Virtual Quilt Festival, December 3-5, 2020. 

QUILT #2  Charm Quilt, 96" x 104"  Hand and machine pieced, hand quilted

The Story: Begun in a Friendship swap with my first guild in Virginia, triangle blocks were sent to me after I moved to Alabama. The top was finished March 1991 and hand quilted by December 1992. It was in the frame in front of a window for so long the border is badly faded. 

Subtitled: Quilt Shop Nightmare--I Want a Quarter Yard of Everything Please.  My love of fabric, the more, the merrier, had begun.

I designed the hand quilting motif and cut the template to mark it. Many of these blocks are signed by the makers, my first quilting friends who took me under their wing:

Here is the stencil I made--designed to avoid all the intersections. The one tip is chopped off because of the size of the template plastic--I just turned it when marking that tip. I have not used this design again, on any other quilt, but it was perfect for this one:

Let's quilt.

Barbara

Going to HOUSTON this Year?

 You CAN! The annual International Quilt Festival is VIRTUAL! December 3-5, 2020, you can visit the Show from the comfort of your home. 

Four of the Special Exhibits at the VIRTUAL QUILT FESTIVAL: 

For the small cost of $10 you can see over 30 Special Exhibits, including MINE!, featuring traditional. contemporary, modern, art, landscape, all kinds of wonderful quilts. 

There are also MANY Exhibitors who will be offering special deals for those who attend--just like at the in-person International Quilt Festival. Here is the current list of Exhibitors.

In addition, there are a wide variety of Classes and Lectures offered, by the best teachers in the world, and because it's VIRTUAL, you won't miss out on the class you want--there is room for EVERYONE.

Find all the information on how to Buy A Ticket, and to  how to Enroll in Classes, Forums and Lectures right here:

VIRTUAL QUILT FESTIVAL

I may be just a bit biased, but one of the best Special Exhibits I want you to see is mine--My Joyful Journey. Featuring my early, humble quilts to the four Best of Show winners, this follows my  journey to where I am as a quiltmaker  today. Please don't miss it:

 A look back (and ahead) at the life and work of quiltmaker Barbara Black. She began in 1985 with simple baby quilts from pre-cut fabric, and today creates challenging quilts filled with small pieces and complex design. This journey shows her progression from new quiltmaker to quilt artist. Precision piecing and beautiful color and design are the hallmarks of Barbara’s passionate quilt journey.

So, while we may not be walking through the beautiful red doors of the George R Brown Convention Center this year, we can all GATHER TOGETHER at the world's best quilt show:

I hope to SEE YOU IN HOUSTON. For years to come, we will be asking each other "Did you go to the VIRTUAL QUILT FESTIVAL?"

Let's quilt.

Barbara