Saturday, August 22, 2015

INSIDE LOOK-SMALL STRIP STUDY CLASS


A sold out Small Strip Study class was the highlight of my experience at the AQS QuiltWeek in Grand Rapids, MI.  Thanks to all who joined me!  This was a talented group who really made me look good during my debut as an AQS instructor. My mom enjoyed 'take your mom to work' during QuiltWeek, and it was my pleasure to have her along.  Mom offered an observation about our work without a pattern, our improvisation.  She said she had been advised to encourage children to use their imagination, give them crayons and blank paper instead of always offering a coloring book.  Watching the class, she saw people using their imagination and having fun doing it.  

As side entertainment, my class was the stage for a reunion with my college roommate Ellen!  We had not seen each other since graduation all those many years ago.  My Beaver Island Quilt Retreat friend, Karen, gave me another happy reunion opportunity.  Ellen and Karen have generously shared photos of their small strip study quilts.  


JOUEZ (Francais for "go play")
by Karen Duling
  
Ellen's work in progress-above & below.  Approximately mid-right, a gap was produced via improvisational piecing giving the opportunity to add another design element.  Ellen experimented with an oval appliqué pierced with a small strip.  Nice work Ellen!  I should add that this is Ellen's first experience working without a pattern, and I think she has an exuberant and successful start.

Several students offered kind words:  Overheard............."great energy in here-a positive, joyful vibe"..."I loved this class"..."I can't believe I made this"..."I had so much fun"..."I thought I had made a mistake, then I decided I liked it"..."I was way outside my box & loved it"... 

Thanks everybody!  pjb

and just a little more about Karen Duling, an AQS published author:

Quilting for the Paws by Karen Duling & approved by quilters and their 4 legged friends--
    White Chocolate Mocha Joe seen here, tips from Merle inside.

karendulingquilts.com

americanquilter.com


Thursday, August 20, 2015

DOG MEETS VICTORIA FINDLAY WOLFE

Dog Walks Girl in Uptown Grand Rapids.  My quilt was a semi-finalist at the American Quilter's Society international show.  It was displayed in the Hand Quilted category, which was on exhibit right next to the group of Large Quilts-Longarm Machine Quilted.  Dog Walks Girl 49" x 54" was one quilt away from Lace 86" x 86" by Victoria Findlay Wolfe.  Now that is uptown. 

DOG WALKS GIRL BY PAM BEAL


LACE BY VICTORIA FINDLAY WOLFE

DETAIL OF LACE
Here is a look at the ribbon winners in the Hand Quilted category...............

IRISH CROCHET LACE 77" X 77"
Chieko Shiraishi, Saitama-shi, Japan
3rd Place Award
INVERARAY, A TRUE SCOTTISH TREASURE 81" x 81"
Antonia Hering, Hoorn, Netherlands
2nd Place Award
LADIES OF THE SEA 84" x 84"
Peggy Green, Sparta, TN
1st Place Award
(with apologies that the photo is poor)

Saturday, August 8, 2015

DOG WALKS GIRL AT QUILTWEEK IN GRAND RAPIDS

Dog Walks Girl 49" x 54"

pam j beal, quiltmaker

Inspired by vintage silk kimono, yukata cotton and walking my dog, I improvised the piecing and quilting, played with funky shapes, then chased a ball.


AQS QuiltWeek in Grand Rapids, DeVos Place Convention Center August 12-15, show hours W-F: 9-6, Sa: 9-5.  My quilt is #301 on display in the hand quilted category.  

I will be at the quilt Wed. afternoon around 3:30 if you would like to stop by and chat.  pjb

quiltweek.com

Monday, August 3, 2015

SOON TO BE RELEASED

Free Range Triangle Quilts by Marston and Jones, published by the American Quilter's Society will be available soon.  Gwen Marston and Cathy Jones promise a free wheeling, free form, free ranging look at triangle quilts.  My quilt has a gig in the gallery of quilts, in the company of several quilts made by liberated quilt makers.  

I present BREAKING TRAIL 26" x 27"


  
The name of this quilt was inspired by two grand, bright, free range loving girls who have many "bentures", translation-adventures on mountainous trails.  These two are grand daughters in fact!  

Consider this a sneak peek, and I'm sure you will want to add another book to your library! pjb

Watch these sites for more information-
americanquilter.com

gwenmarston.com