Monday, November 30, 2009

company and a play day

I have not been in my studio for weeks: first I was away and then we had the long weekend. Even before that, however, I was so busy making scarves and getting ready to teach that I had not done any creative work (well,not that the scarves are not creative - but you know what I mean). I just have had a head full of sawdust and been feeling like the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. But this morning - a welcome change -- company arrived for a play day in the studio! Sherryl Buchler was in town for the Thanksgiving weekend and we had planned a visit. Sherryl and I had met at QSDS 2008 and have stayed in touch and gotten together a few times when she has been in NJ. She brought silk scarves to dye paint and here she is, pinning one to my print table. To add to the fun, Jane Aldoretta had e-mailed me that she was coming east from Grand Junction, CO to visit her brother and wanted to see me. So she and her mom came to play today, too. Her mom is so much fun - we all enjoyed her stories! I supplied them with a couple of scarf blanks and she and mom got busy wrapping and dye-painting them. We hung them on my drying board, put the fan on; dried and steamed them. And here are Jane and E.J. modeling them afterwards! LOL.Jane had invited me out to teach in her studio space last March and I had a wonderful time! She has found bigger space and hopes to have it up and running in her new location in January so people can come and play and take workshops. At any rate, while I was foraging around in the studio bins today I came across this and it was exactly what I needed to get me going again. If this doesn't fall into the realm of "what was I thinking?," nothing does! In the days when I was experimenting with different blocks, I had a million of them lying around. Why on earth I thought these would work together is beyond me. I can't bear to throw it out but it is too ugly to keep, so once again, I am challenging myself to see what will happen when I take the rotary cutter to it and get busy slicing/dicing and re-sewing. Watch this space. In the meantime, I'm going to bed (are you surprised?).

14 comments:

Kay Koeper Sorensen said...

I don't think even slicing and dicing can salvage that one Rayna!
Put it in the goodwill bag.

Gerrie said...

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha I can't stop laughing.

Beverly said...

Looks like you all had fun! As for the blocks- I'm inclined to agree with Kay.

kathy said...

How about a layer of gesso on those blocks (to mute them a bit), then some collage, stamping etc on top?
You got a lot of seams there and chopping them up and sewing them back together could get scary...

kathy said...

...And I'm glad you got a play day Rayna...life gets boring without them!

Sujatha said...

Play day sounds like it was fun. I like Kathy's idea of layering on those blocks...I am watching this space...

Judy said...

I wonder what would happen if you discharged that thing? LOL

xo

Debra Dixon said...

You can send it to me and I'll finish it for the women's shelter. I bet there would be a kid in there who would love its wonkiness.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for your time and inspiration Rayna! My mom had a ball and I loved to see your studio and get my hands on real fabric and dye once again after a very long time. I LOVE your scarves! You should post photo's of the last ones - maybe, you will sell them as Christmas or Hanukkah presents.

Rosemary@semo.net said...

Hi Rayna, that quilt top is, um, challenging. I thought perhaps over-dying it, then maybe slicing and piecing, but Debra has the best idea yet. Why use valuable art time on something that perhaps has little to redeem it. Possibly have it made up, but a charitable group, and donate it to someone who might enjoy the colors and different fabrics, the different blocks. Might enjoy it. Then again, dogs need blankets sometimes. Don't throw anything at me. LOL

Rosemary@semo.net said...

Hi Rayna, that quilt top is, um, challenging. I thought perhaps over-dying it, then maybe slicing and piecing, but Debra has the best idea yet. Why use valuable art time on something that perhaps has little to redeem it. Possibly have it made up, but a charitable group, and donate it to someone who might enjoy the colors and different fabrics, the different blocks. Might enjoy it. Then again, dogs need blankets sometimes. Don't throw anything at me. LOL

silk scarves said...

The design looks nice! love it.

Del said...

Debra has the right idea, I think. I'm still in Portland and you will hear about my meeting with Terry and Gerrie (I thought it was Geri!!) and they have pictures!
By the way, it is Jaba,the Hut, not Java. Love, Del-on-the-Road

Judy Rys said...

Remember the Quilt I tried to Revision by painting. You told me to give it up and spend my time on something worthwhile. You may be in the same boat! good luck

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