Bartlett Arboretum and Botanical Inspirations

The opening reception for Botanical Inspirations: Capturing Nature in Fiber is today from 12 noon to 4 p.m. in the Visitor Center at the Bartlett Arboretum.

Come out and see the show---Bring a friend and tour the gardens. More than 25 works of art will be on exhibit featuring all members of the CTFAC (Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective), a group of artists dedicated to fiber and mixed media.

The exhibit continues through June at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens, 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford, Connecticut.

"Beyond the Bed: The American Quilt Evoluton" in Katonah, NY

Last week on my way home from work I drove to Katonah, NY to see the quilts at the art museum.

It is a lovely exhibit combining traditional and contemporary works of art. There are several vintage quilts on loan from the Shelburne Museum, as well as a Gee's Bend quilt in polyester, a wire and metal wall hanging, a 3-dimensional free-standing quilt, and an all-wood, carved and sanded quilt-artwork.

If you can spare the time, it is well worth a visit before the exhibit closes June 13th. Check the website for docent tour dates and times. http://www.katonahmuseum.org

(And although the museum is the opposite direction from downtown Katonah, the quaint village is a great place to grab a coffee or a bite to eat.)

Spiraling Out

Spiraling Out of Control
17" x 48"

I just finished this piece. I am calling it "Spiraling Out of Control". It was started more than a year ago with machine-pieced fabric based that I quilted using a free-motion swirling design. Then I sprinkled powdered fabric dye on top and added fabric spirals backed in fusible web.

Sneak Peak - Felting Vintage Textiles

I am pleased to learn that an article I wrote, "Felting Vintage Textiles", has been accepted for publication in the August/September 2013 Quilting Arts Magazine!

The article explains my technique in step-by-step detail with lots of photos to enhance your understanding. Here are a few pictures showing the before and after of two projects. Be sure to look for a copy of Quilting Arts Magazine later this year for a full article.

Before: crocheted panel is laid atop wool roving

After: crocheted panel has been sandwiched in wool fabric

Work in Progress

Before

After

SAQA Regional Show - "Local Color"

My quilt "Aerial View" was selected for the regional Connecticut SAQA exhibit that opens in May 2013 at the Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

All the quilts in the exhibit have a Connecticut theme. Mine was inspired by a recent airplane flight into Bradley Airport.

Aerial View
2013

Felting in Hartford

Yesterday, my art quilt group, Connecticut Fiber Artists Collective (CFAC) sponsored a wool felting workshop at the Unitarian Society of Hartford.

What a fabulous day full of fiber and fun!  We learned to nuno felt under the tutelage of Robin McCahill, a master felter, teacher and puppeteer.

Here are some pictures of our day.

Glorious bumps of wool roving in all colors

Placement of wool roving in layers on bubble plastic prior to felting

Toni proudly displaying her "to be" flowers and leaves

Toni and Roz rolling 

A finished scene- wool roving on silk chiffon- magnificent!

Joe's Quilt - Free Quilt Pattern

Joe’s Quilt

Size:  Approximately 46"x90"

By Mary Lachman

Quilt designed and made by Mary Lachman

Materials Needed:

•       Dark and medium fabric scraps or fat quarters – choose a variety of large, medium and small florals and patterns (flannels works well) 
• 2 yards of light fabric
•     ½ yard for binding fabric
•       3 yards backing fabric
•       quilt batting of your choice
•  Thread to match fabrics

Cutting and Piecing Directions:

Four-Patch "Bricks":

• Cut 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles from dark and medium fabrics.
• Sew two of the 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles together along the 4 1/2" edge, press toward the darker.
• Sew two more 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles together along the 4 1/2" edge, press toward the darker.
• Sew each set together along shorter edge. 
• The Four-Patch Brick should measure 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

 Light Bricks:

• Cut 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" rectangles from light fabric

Assembly:

• Sew Four-Patch Bricks and Light Bricks together in rows, alternating each brick.
• As shown, the quilt is 9 bricks (width) and 11 bricks (length) but you could make it any size you wish. 
• Once the top is completed, layer backing, batting and top. 
• Quilt as desired and bind. Make sure to label your finished artistry with your name and date of completion!