A Quilt and a Nap

I'm starting to incorporate my woodblock prints on linen in this velveteen and linen quilt. Love a checkerboard pattern... very simple and classic! As usual, it's all unplugged - sewn in the garden and on the deck :) This summer has been pretty crazy, harried and full of upheaval. We've had a full house of kids... quilting and knitting seems to be all I've been able to summon up creatively. Mostly, these arts are a comfort and really good therapy. Someday, the tired little girl in her daddy's arms will be sleeping under this quilt!

Afternoon Printing

Excuse the blur!

Hooray, I was able to print today for an unlimited period of time - which is unheard of in my life! These valentines turned out even better than I'd hoped. I did some printing on fabric too. Maybe they'll turn into quilt blocks or become lavender sachets... who knows. Black linen was close at hand so I tried it and really like it- it has a very different feel from the ivory book pages and old sheet music.

Speaking of hearts, tonight I watched the conclusion of Wuthering Heights on Masterpiece Theater... there's nothing like unrequited love...oh so good!

Printing on Linen

Sorry, I know this is a pretty bad photograph!

I did these little experiments today not in the studio but in my kitchen... while my daughter played with the pots and pans. These are hand brayed because it's just too messy and risky to do it on the press. (My blankets would really get trashed!) It was kind of hard doing the woodblocks on fabric... but I tried a few things and rocking a wooden spoon while applying pressure to all parts of the block was the best method I discovered. I also used some stamps I carved out that white eraser material... they were great to work with on fabric.

I did some larger pieces too. First, I cut out 'fat quarters' but they seemed too big, so I cut 'em in half and made some pretty cool pieces - I'm happy with them! They probably will become purses and wallets. Tomorrow, I will be printing larger images on linen using the press... much easier - I forgot what a workout hand printing is!