From Reindeer to Picasso!

The Festival of Trees 2017 theme is "Sparkle of Hope". I thought I'd keep things light by featuring Rudolph and his nose - a sparkle of hope for children awaiting a visit from Santa!

Modified from a design by Linda Sullivan, published in McCall's Quick Quilts, January 2006
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This is an adaptation of a table runner pattern I'd torn from a magazine some time ago. The original design featured three reindeer, but I wanted to make something smaller and more affordable for families to bid on in the silent auction, so pared it down to one. (The best one, of course!)

Also, I didn't actually have the pullout part of the pattern, so drew my Rudolph to look similar to the one in the magazine. Wingin' it, as usual!

I decided to add a bit more sparkle with foiled stars, but they looked a bit . . . unfinished . . . to my eye.

Foiled stars look a bit underwhelming at this point
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Since I'd "sketchy stitched" the applique, I thought I'd take a risk and outline the foil in the same manner. I think it improved things. (Whew!)

Outlined and improved (in my opinion!)
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Hope this little guy goes to a good home (and raises a few bucks - haha, bucks - for a good cause!)

"Waiting for Rudolph" is ready to donate.
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I was home for a week, and then off to Saskatoon to help judge their biennial quilt show. With this judging experience, I now have enough credits to be eligible to take the final judge certification exam in June. Yay!

Because I was busy, I didn't take many pictures, but - oh man - just look at this crazy quilt!
It wasn't in my judging area so I didn't see it until the next day, but it sure caught my eye as I buzzed through the show. I HAD to go in for a closer look!

Modern Crazy Quilt, by Maxine South
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Here's a picture of the tag, along with a glimpse of the type of hand work that covers the quilt's surface!

Loads of detailed hand work covers the surface of this quilt.
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Its maker decided to tie the layers together - but you wouldn't know it unless you looked at the back.

Ties were only visible on the back of the quilt.
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The Guild provided disposable gloves to every viewer as they entered the show. Mine came in handy (haha - hand-y! ~ Okay, it's official. I'm a goofball...~) a number of times, and I saw many others using theirs, too. What a clever way to encourage viewers to respect the quilts!

In addition to everything else, the Guild Market was quite impressive. Naturally there were a few things I simply couldn't resist! (OF COURSE I need three more pincushions...who wouldn't when they are this gorgeous!)

Treasures made by skilled hands
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My fellow judge and travel companion, Elinor, presented a trunk show on Saturday morning. Here she is, mingling with some of the quilters who crowded in to admire her work.


Elinor Burwash and some of her quilts.
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Always time for ART, of course!
Saskatoon has a spankin' new modern art gallery (Remai Modern), which happened to have a Picasso lino cut exhibit in one of its galleries. What luck!

Picasso at Remai
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This newbie, wanna-be lino-printer smiled all the way through this exhibit!

Picasso - I wish there had been tags with the prints. I dubbed this row of prints, "descent into hell". Each print was more and more altered, down the line, until the final print looked like it could be the devil. Intriguing.
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In fact, this exhibit sparked an idea for an upcoming challenge in my art quilting group. Woohoo!

I enjoyed seeing the change in Picasso's work over time (the exhibit was hung in chronological order). Here is a print from 1959:

Picasso, 17.10.59
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And one from 1965:

Picasso, 12.9.65
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Quite a change over time!

As always,

Try, Learn, & Grow!
Carole

Comments

  1. It's always lovely to get an update from you, Carole! The reindeer is a sweet quilt and I bet it will be desired and enjoyed. I'd love to hear more about judging experiences if you are allowed to share. Are you enjoying it?

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  2. That reindeer quilt is just too cute! I love the idea of making something affordable to bid on. So thoughtful. The foil stars look great, too!

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