Another building block

As I gradually learn about the embroidery software and attachments for my new machine, I am trying to find applications in my art pieces. It is easier for me to absorb new information if I have a purpose. I have been especially interested in quilting with my embroidery hoop. After all, why not?

In the past few days I have been playing with designing a quilt pattern for an art quilt and then actually doing it. I chose the star anise project I wrote about in my last post. I designed a six pointed bud and have actually created an arrangement of them that I expect to use to quilt the surface of my piece.

As  a test, I tried quilting a few of the buds to see how they will turn out. I wouldn't be able to use them as currently designed in other than an art quilt as the back of the quilt is messy. But, I like the way they stitch out. I am looking forward to working on the whole piece next week - when I have my next lesson.

Here is how they have turned out.

Exploring Downtown Denver plus Framing Art Quilts

A number of quilt artists are planning to attend SAQA's Visioning Conference in Denver, CO next May 19-22 in Denver, CO. I had that very much in mind on my visit to downtown Denver earlier this month. The Conference is at The Brown Palace Hotel.

Here are some useful pieces of information to keep in mind as the conference approaches.

• The Brown Palace Hotel is located on 17th St. One block away is the 16th St. Mall which stretches for 16 blocks and has a seemingly continuous free shuttle running its length. I never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a shuttle to transport me quickly from one end of the mall to the other. This opened up all sort of possibilities for restaurants and shopping. SAQA has arranged discount hotel rates at the Comfort Inn that is connected to the Brown Palace. However, if you are unable to stay there, there are many hotels located off the mall that are convenient, given the shuttle. I stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn on 17th St. and the staff was unusually helpful.

• I would be remiss not to mention what quickly became my favorite restaurant that is located just off the mall. Rioja is highly rated and difficult to get reservations for, but very much worth the effort. Their website describes the cuisine as "featuring a menu inspired by Mediterranean ingredients and influenced by local and seasonal products." I was able to eat there twice - I had to go back a second time for more of their Apple Basil Soup. Both times it was a meal to remember and quite reasonably priced.

• A good website for summary information on downtown Denver is coloradoskiauthority.com which lays out clearly city transportation, shopping, and airport transportation.

• Of particular interest to quilt artists may be what is called the Golden Triangle Museum District, not far from the conference location. There are over 50 art galleries in the general area as well as the Denver Art Museum, the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts and the Byers-Evans Museum which is a restored home from the 1912-24 period. In addition, there is the Museum of Contemporary Art which is also off the 16th St mall.

I suspect that all of us who are attending the SAQA Conference will find more than enough to keep us busy!

One Last Thing on Framing Art Quilts


I was just web browsing and found this reference for simple frames with glass and without mats. Thought it might be of interest as it seems there are always on-going discussions of how to hang quilt art. I know some people like to use glass and some don't. If this is of interest to you, here is the link.