This Way I and This Way II, A Renovation

why

As I begin to record another journal entry, I can’t help but feel so blessed and energized by the opportunity to share with you my love of art. This blog was started in 2012. Since its inception I’ve added over 900 posts. The entry I am recording today is the fourteenth in a series I call Operation Renovation. I initiated the discussion to distract my attention from the ongoing Covid 19 “stay at home order” and to retrofit a number of my art pieces for mounting on canvas. With thirteen projects already tackled let’s move on to # 14 and 15.

A little history

Back in May, 2016, I attended a multi-day class taught by Rayna Gilman, an improv fiber artist, at the Woodland Ridge Retreat. Using the knowledge I gained I created a number of fabric building blocks; many of them were combined to form Crossroads, Art Piece # 10.

Crossroads, Art Piece # 10
Crossroads, Art Piece # 10

One of the remaining blocks became the inspiration for This Way I, Art Piece # 7, and This Way II, Art Piece # 8. Let’s take a look at both projects.

If we lay them side by side you will notice that they have obvious similarities. While they are not mirror images, you can see where the original block was sliced vertically. The left section became This Way I while the other This Way II. Both were surrounded by a soft blue border, finished with facings, hanging sleeve and label. They remained in that condition until now.

retrofitting

This Way I and This Way II were similar in size. This Way I measured 10 3/4” x 14 1/4” while This Way II was 9 1/2” x 15 1/2”. The process of retrofitting both involved stripping away their facings, hanging sleeve, etc. Next I whacked away at their blue borders until they were nearly identical in size. To spruce up their appearance I chose three different colored fabrics. First to be added was a burnt orange. Giving the smoky orange competition is a jazzy gold. Last to be added was a fruity purple with printed flowers. Each color was chosen to bring attention to those already incorporated in the pieced center. The purple, although primarily visible on the perpendicular edges gives each fiber art quilt a joyful pop of color.

The final measurements for the two partners is 16” x 20”. Both were embellished with straight line quilting in the burnt orange border and a grouping of wavy lines in the jazzy gold.

assigning an identity

The names given to identify the fiber art quilts resulted because of the colorful angled strips used in the assembling of their centers. Those strips reminded me of the directional arrows one might observe on a road sign. The sign provides guidance on how to proceed just as I felt the angled strips were advising me. Since there are two siblings I decided to make their names unique by adding a I and a II at the end.

thank you!

Before closing let me thank you for showing an interest in my activities. I am grateful for your participation and look forward to your comments.

Best wishes for a wonderful day!

About Cindy

The world of art has always brought me joy. From my childhood explorations with chalk and paint to my creations using fabric and thread, I have utilized art as my vehicle to stretch my wings and explore the world around me.

My favorite art form has been given many names; I know it as “free-form” quilting. This direction has taken me on a journey resulting in the formation of more than 200 art pieces. Most of them center strictly around the manipulation of fabric. Some of the later pieces have added elements of hand stitchery. All of them have brought me an immense sense of joy.

I use this blog to share glimpses of my art and the environment in which it is created. Most of my art pieces are available for purchase. You may see a sampling of them at Raven’s Wish Gallery in Janesville, Wisconsin.

My art is periodically on display in a variety of venues. To learn about my current exhibits you may send an email to cindy [at] inastitchquilting [dot] com

Now go and create your own masterpiece. With warm hugs…

Cindy Anderson

Smooth Sailing

Not too long ago I shared plans to spend time sewing, shopping, and just having fun with a group of friends. Sadly my first full day has come and gone.

Almost all of my time was focused on my hand stitching pile of unfinished projects. Thankfully all of those items were finished. Take a look.

It feels so great to have crossed over that hurdle. Time to focus on other things!

Warm wishes to you!

Art Piece 97: Mint Shake

Mint Shake, Art Piece # 97 is the second of fourteen items I produced while attending the May, 2019 Susan Lenz class at Woodland Ridge Retreat. All of the items were small in nature and thus the reason for my productivity.

Art Piece # 97, just as with my first Susan Lenz product, utilized polyester stretch velvet and heat. The heat helped to both fuse and melt prescribed areas.

Art Piece # 97: Mint Shake

To embellish my art piece I added free-motion quilting along with numerous hand-applied stitches; their addition helped to add interest and pizazz. Using Susan’s methods to create art was very different from any other I had ever attempted, let alone imagined. While I am happy to add this masterpiece to my portfolio, the process of heating polyester stretch velvet to alter the appearance of the fibers will not be added to my regular repertoire.

The four outer edges of Mint Shake have been surrounded with a black border. Artistically applied rows of stitching were used to give the solid black fabric flair. The raw edges of the black border have been secured with facings. Art Piece # 97: Mint Shake measures 7 3/4” x 9 3/4”. This item is for sale.art,

Interested in the origin of Mint Shake’s name? Elements within my art pieces often provide the inspiration. In this case the mint green velvet was the catalyst.

Thank you for visiting today!

Warm Regards,