Lisa Call Exhibit

Spent last week in NYC for work. We started each day at 7:30 and went until 9 most nights. It was an intense and productive week of work. But highlighted by quilts!
I did get to the City Quilter. And I saw an exhibit by one of my quilting heroes, Lisa Call.

a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

Rich, velvety colors. And stitch detail to die for.

Stuctures #115, my favorite

Detail of Structures #115. Look at the stitches!

I have been a fan and follower of Lisa's for several years now. She posts a lot about treating art as business, which is so crucial to success.

She and talks about taking care of yourself in order to make art. (I need to learn this lesson!)

Lisa is so strong at working in a series. Each of the quilts was unique, yet they hung together as a beautiful, cohesive group. No, these are not ALL the quilts! Go, see the show! 

I found these quilts to have a very strong, quiet presence. Beautiful, just beautiful.


My pictures do not do the quilts justice. (Lisa granted me permission to post my photos of her quilts. Thanks Lisa!)


The show runs through October 20.

The (Tula) Pink pt 2

I turned my examination inward to discern the personal Tula effects. These began before I had the pleasure of meeting her. These effects have been evolving. You see, I discovered Tula Pink during her "Hushabye" period. There was one particular fabric that did it for me. It was a tonal damask, very formal in it's layout, but the central feature was made of a bunny. The humor and surprise was so endearing to me. I became a fan, adding Tula's offerings to my stash and my quilts.

Look at those luscious colors

The color, "life" and whimsy of Tula Pink's designs just give me so much joy to sew!

I also began following Tula on Twitter and just became enchanted with her "shout out"s, pictures of projects and general creative joy. She is so active and accessible, and really appreciates her fans. I began seeing more details in her designs, and in my life. The details matter!

Tula custom prints the backs of each of her quilts. 

 These are her labels and remove any doubt about the provenance of these quilts!

Listening to Tula talk about her inspirations opened my eyes to what I am drawn to, and how I can translate these things into creative inspiration. So I became more cognizant of my demeanor and asked my self, "am I creating MY life?" or just letting it happen? The greatest Tula effect I can  see, is that you have to imagine your story, your personal narrative, and have fun with every single part of it. You have to be in charge of all aspects of your life (just the way Tula is in charge with every aspect of her designing business!).

Tula also sticks with what and who works with her vision. Angela Walters quilts all of Tula's quilts. 

The photographer Tula used for her book, Quilts from the House of Tula Pink, 

will be taking all the pictures for Tula's future books!

Maybe I just haven't been exposed to such a great amount of positive and creative energy in one place (in a very long time), but that magical evening has changed me somehow. I am still a work in progress, but I am actively seeking the creative in my life, looking to add cute critters, bright colors, and my own story to my activities. The best "Tula Pink" effect (for me)? Unleashing the rainbow of colors, images and general delight all around. Thank you, Tula Pink!

The (Tula) Pink Effect pt 1

I am still enjoying the delightful after-effects of our visit from Miss Tula Pink. Gina at The Little General Designs posted this week about "Things that Tula Said" and that got me thinking about what I like to call the Tula Pink effect.

First, the Tula Pink Effect on the audience at Gralyn.

Check out the paneling and the marble fireplace!

The surroundings were so magnificent, I felt like I was in a movie, or in a fairy tale! And I believe the atmosphere of a room really has an effect on the people in that room, so needless to say, in such a wonderful place, all there were wonderful as well. I looked around at 50-60 different women, ranging in age from 24 to 70.

 That is a custom-made Flea Market Fancy skirt!

Everyone was dressed in bright, colorful, expressive garments and jewelry (Tula effect #1, rocking your beautiful self).

 (Gina and Sam, picture stolen from Colleen at our "after-party")

Smiling, laughing conversations started as we got to know each other and shared our quilting lore. We sat casually about, engaged in the conversations Tula led as she shared her work. We oohed and aahhed as a collective (Tula effect #2 expressing joy and delight).

This evening's effects were further evidenced at this past week's TMQG meeting. We had 5 visitors to our packed meeting, most of whom learned of the TMQG at the Tula Pink visit! These delightful ladies may have been new to the group, but their adventurous spirits and mad sewing skills made it feel (to me at least) like these were long-lost friends who had found their way home (Tula effect #3 - finding your tribe).

More (personal) Pink effects to come!

ka-BLAM*

*the sound of my head exploding after awesome Quilt Superstar overload!

Last night's TMQG meeting was the BEST YEST! (sorry for the excessive use of exclamation points, but c'mon, peeps, TOTAL QUILT GIDDINESS).

We met at Karen Gray Design, a change in venue for this special meeting. Bittersweet for me, Karen has sold this gorgeous bastion to a delightful young quilter, Gina. BUT Karen is staying in the area pursuing other creative endeavors. Expect to hear great new things from her!

Our guest speaker? 

Yes, the quilt-stud himself! Quilt Dad, John Adams!
Can I just say, besides being a great quilter, imaginative, tall and handsome, he is such a nice guy and a true gentleman. He was delightful. He told his quilt story, showed his awesome work, answered questions and hung out.  His quilts are beautiful. As an extra, several of the quilts were quilted by the Superstar, Angela Walters. And let me tell you, her work is more inspiring in person. We also got to see his 2 Nightshade quilts featured in the current issue of FatQuarterly. Again, gorgeous!

One more awesome Angela quilt was shown, by the sweet Gina (new owner of the shop "The Little General"). And you can read about it here!