Sunday, September 19, 2010

Batik Gems - Part 8

The orange quilt is now finished and I even had a proper name for it - Garden in the Sun.  Here it is all finished.


Here is what I quilted in the border. It is a picture from the back, the picture from the front didn't show the quilting very well.


Below I've attached pictures of what the butterfly quilting looks like which was done down the middle column.  If you remember these were outlines that I created from images of butterfly tatoos.





So now onto the next 75th birthday quilt, Cherish Nature.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Ricky Tims Quilt Seminar - Part 2

A couple of folks have asked me if I could give a few more details on the Ricky Tims Quilt Seminar and what I learned from it. So here goes. First of all we got a history of how Ricky got into quilting and his story of the process of how he went from your basic pieced block sampler (which I think most of us is where we likely started our quilting experience) to where he is now.

One of the main themes along the way was Ricky was willing to take a chance, take a risk and try something new. So what if it didn't work out the way he hoped it would, he still learned from the experience. Too many of us are afraid of taking that risk because it might not work. As Ricky said, you still learn from the experience, you improve your skills and in taking that risk you may also figure out a way of doing what it was that you wanted to do. As Ricky would say "Whoo Hoo!!! Below is a picture of Ricky's first landscape quilt that was done not knowing the so called "rules" of needing to add a seam allowance to the pieces that he cut. He experimented with different shapes and methods and when two pieces were giving him extra trouble he just steam ironed them to death LOL. After a good steaming the fabric fell into place. (sorry about the photo it's a bit crooked, but it was hanging crooked)


One other key philosophy that Ricky has is that time is your most important resource and you only have a finite amount of time so use it wisely. From this philosophy emerged the concept of when you have to be precise then you be precise, but where you don't have to be precise why worry about that 1/4" seam. Ricky is a master of figuring out ways of doing things that give amazing results yet you don't have to fret over every little detail. His "Caveman" quilting emerged from this and the use of paper piecing to get precision without the headaches. Oh did I just say an evil word to some of you, paper piecing. Don't fret, Ricky shows an easy method for paper piecing as well. Below is one of Ricky's Caveman quilts.


In addition Ricky shows you how to make his Convergence quilts, Kaleidoscope quilts and Rhapsody quilts (see samples of these quilts below). He also goes over design elements, as well as shows tips and tricks including how to piece curves without pins, setting in corners to make great looking borders, machine appliqué, machine quilting, piped bindings that save you time and look great, and some bobbin work. In  case you are wondering you get a wonderful workbook that has all the key information and instructions that are taught in the seminar so you are not taking a pile of notes.





Libby Lehman teaches two sessions.  She is a master quilter and one of the sessions she shows how she developed her Sheer Ribbon Illusion quilts.  It looks amazing even complex, but once you know the secrets you are going to want to try it for yourself.



Alex Anderson is a renowned hand quilter and teacher and she demonstrates hand quilting techniques and she talks about quilting design.  Here is one of Alex's hand quilted quilts.


I hope this gives everyone a better sense of what the 2 1/2 days are all about.  They are packed full of great information, learnings and wonderful stories.  I really hope that you all can get a chance to attend one of Ricky's seminars in the future.  It is time and money well worth spent.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Whoo Hoo!!! Ricky Tims Quilt Seminar Two Thumbs Up!!!

I'm back from a fabulous time at the Ricky Tims Quilt Seminar in Hyannis MA. This has got to be one of the most memorable quilting seminars/retreats/events whatever you want to call it available.  It was a jam packed 2 1/2 days of information, demonstrations, tips, tricks, stories, laughs, and all around good times. I highly recommend this to anyone who is thinking about taking it and for everyone who hasn't to really look into it, because it truly is an amazing time to get away and have a great quilting experience. Ricky, Libby Lehman and Alex Anderson have created an awsome seminar and their skills and talents complement each other.

Here are just a few pictures from the event.  Here is Ricky at the sewing machine, yes he really does sew his own quilts.


They had an area of samples and some of Ricky's design ideas on display which gave you a sense of the process he goes through in designing a quilt.


In addition there were lots of quilts on display, done by Ricky as well as others.  What is interesting is that not only does Ricky do contemporary quilts but he also does traditional designs.


You also get to see the quilts up close and see the actual quilting. Ricky has some lovely quilting designs on his quilts. Yes he also quilts his own quilts.



So now I wish I had another week off so I can start trying out some of the new things that I learned.  But it's off to work tomorrow and I still need to finish the orange quilt for the 75th birthday.  I've got a few ideas brewing so stay tuned and once the 2nd 75th birthday quilt is finished (Cherish Nature), I'm thinking I'm going to tackle a Kaleidoscope quilt.