Spotlight on Fiber Artist Twentypoundtabby!

Tiny Doll Demo
Originally uploaded by twentypoundtabby

This tiny, almost 3 and 1/2 inch doll is just one of the marvelous creative endeavors being produced by the talented Denver, Colorado artist, Twentypoundtabby.

This very diverse lady is also a photographer and was kind enough to answer a few questions for me to share with you here.

1.In the range of over 50/under 50, where would you place yourself?

I'm exactly at 50.

2.How long have you been a member of the Quilts and Heirloom team and what made you decide to join this group? Are you in any other groups?

I believe I joined it right at the beginning which was the summer of 2008. I belong to EGADS - Etsy Guild of Doll Artisans, FAE - Fantasty Artists of Etsy, EtsyFAST and the Mile High Club (Denver Etsians). Right from the start this group was friendly and social so I wanted to join.

3.What do you consider your fiber art passion?

That's going to be hard to pin down. I sew, quilt, dye, embroider, felt, lucet chord, and do a little bit of weaving. Sewing Art Dolls is my biggest passion. I don't knit, which some people find strange because I have so much fiber.

4. Where or when did you learn this art?

I learned to sew from my mother at a very early age. My first sewing machine looked like -->this.

5. Do you have any encouraging suggestions or tips for someone new to your skill?

I've met folks who say they can't sew. To those I say anyone can sew if they take the time to take classes and practice. Very few people are going to be great at it right away - anything worth doing well takes study, practice and time.

6. Do you enjoy any other creative endeavors? And if so, could you tell us a little about them?

I paint, draw, sculpt, do calligraphy (SCA scrolls), bead, garden, and play a variety of instruments. I used to dance.

7. What is your shop and do you have other shops at Etsy?

I'm at twentypoundtabby.etsy.com and tabbytoo.etsy.com


8. As you look in your shop(s), what would be your favorite item in the bunch? The one you almost hate to part with?

Probably my dragon. I really like dragons.


9. Do you have any suggestions or advice for someone just starting out on etsy?

Not really. I could use more advice myself.

To see more of her work, in addition to her etsy shops, you can also find Twentypoundtabby on Myspace, Flickr and blogspot:
MySpace:
www.myspace.com/twentypoundtabby
Flickr:
www.flickr.com/photos/twentypoundtabby/
Blog:
twentypoundtabby.blogspot.com/

Spotlight on Fiber Artist Stormeejean!

Late Autumn in Tennessee Duster
Originally uploaded by Stormeejean

I love this garment, created by another Quilt and Heirloom member, Stormeejean. Her etsy shop promises, "My only gimmick is quality". If you stop by her shop, you'll see what she means. I decided to interview her and share with you a little about this talented artist.

1.In the range of over 50/under 50, where would you place yourself?
Over 50 and close to 60 and lovin it.

2.How long have you been a member of the Quilts and Heirloom team and what made you decide to join this group? Are you in any other groups?
I don't remember, I know that I joined then quit then decided to rejoin because I really enjoyed the fellowship here.

3.What do you consider your fiber art passion?
I love working with fabric. I love the textures and colors and the way they all come together. Jackets are my favorite, I like the challenge of taking something that is worn all the time and making it different, one of a kind. But lately I have started quilting and I find that I really love that too. Only I think that I am more of an art quilter. I love to see the way patterns come together, no matter what colors or techniques you use.

4. Where or when did you learn this art?
I learned to sew from my mother and my grandmother, my grandmother gave it to me as an art and my mother gave it to me more as a skill. My mother was strict about how it was put together, she always checked my work from the inside out.

5. Do you have any encouraging suggestions or tips for someone new to your skill?
If you want to learn to sew, try to follow through on every project even if you mess up. I have learned that these are not mess ups but another way to be creative. Sometimes you have to put it away and come back to it later but always try to finish the project.

6. Do you enjoy any other creative endeavors? And if so, could you tell us a little about them?
Yes I have started crocheting, it gives me time to think about things like what am I going to make next, or meditate on something I read. Also it is so relaxing. I like crocheting with thread.
I also make casual men's clothes. I named the shop after my husband and his car.

7. What is your shop and do you have other shops at Etsy?
http://stormeejean.etsy.com/
http://bobbyjoes40designs.etsy.com/
http://relaxedhands.etsy.com/
Here is my blog;
http://stormeesewgoods.blogspot.com/

8. As you look in your shop(s), what would be your favorite item in the bunch? The one you almost hate to part with?
I love the Crazy About You" patchwork jacket. I love the way it feels on, it is made of colors that are neutral and looks good on you if you wear jeans or dress up.


9. Do you have any suggestions or advice for someone just starting out on etsy?
Just enjoy, and don't take it personal if you don't sell stuff right away. Some people sell and sell alot other things take a little longer to sell. Just don't get discouraged keep listing and don't give up.Join a couple of groups, get into the forums,and create some treasuries and also comment and click on some treasuries. You know what you made and you know that you loved making it, you know that you did your best, you know that you put your heart and soul into it,you know how long it took you to make it, you know what products you used to make it and how much they cost there is always people that understand all that and they are your target market. I could go on and on but I won't.

Be sure and stop by Stormeejean's shops. She is multi-talented and that quality she speaks of definitely shows in her work.

Going Green with Quilting

wool applique
Originally uploaded by jacistuff

Ladies who quilt have a long history of recycling fabrics. Clothes were expensive and when they started wearing out, they didn't go into the trash. Rag rugs and quilts picked up where clothes left off. Repurposing is not a new method.

That tradition is seeing a current resurgence as more and more individuals turn to recycling instead of filling land fills. The Free-Cycle group often aids in this process and provides a free source in the way of clothes, sheets and blankets. These “finds” are morphed into their bare fabrics, added to our own recycled clothes, either too small, too large or just not loved anymore.

The picture here is an example of one such recycled project. Bright, cheery and warm, Jaci’s appliquéd quilt is made from wool suits, cut up and felted in the washer and dryer. I hope her lovely project will inspire someone else to try their hand at some scrap quilting. Grab your old jeans, suits and other clothes and go green with them! Sew a quilt!

Stepping out to new horizons...

Confetti Sudoku
Originally uploaded by starryhomecrafts

Hello, fellow needlecrafters and fiber artists! This Confetti Sudoku is just one of the many pictures you can find on Quilt and Heirlooms new Flicker page! This is a great way to see not only the items from our shops but also little projects we've been working on. Most of us, always have some little portable project in the works. We have to keep our hands busy. That's how we roll. LOL.

Please, stop by: http://flickr.com/groups/quiltheirloom/.

Did you ever want to learn a new craft? In our Flicker discussion forum we will be discussing many topics that may help beginners to quilt, embroidery, crochet, needlefelt and so on.

So stop by, say hello, and feel free to put questions toward some very talented individuals.

**Scroll down for our JOKE OF THE DAY****Featured Artist: StormeeJean

1. Briefly describe what you make?I love making jackets, I love patchworking jackets with bright colors. I also love making quilts, fabric boxes, and also men's shirts.

2. What mediums do you enjoy working in most?I love working with fabric. Mostly cotton,linen,silk.mostly natural fabrics. I love buttons, beads, rhinestones, bright,bright colors.

3. How long have you been creating craft?Since I was a very young girl. But I have been selling my art for about 20 years now.

4. How did you get started?I don't know it is something that I have done most of my life, I don't remember not doing it.

5. Where does the name of your shop come from? My nickname is Stormee and a friend thought that I should have a middle name so he gave me Jean.

6. What would you most want people to know about your work?That each item that I create is a work of love. I love creating beautiful pieces and it shows in my work. Also that I pray before I start each project, I pray for God's guidence and blessing on each item. I also pray for the person that buys the item, even though I don't know who that person is at the time. I feel that each that I create is a gift from God. He wants everyone to have something beautiful.

7. What words of advice do you have for other artists? Don't create making money your goal just create, the money will follow. Please visit my shop at http://stormeejean.etsy.com/.

How About Grandma? - Dresden Grandmother's Fan Quilt Project

I decided to add these SCRAPPY FANS variations. You decide.

I can do these samples in ANY color combinations. Let me know if you'd like to see a different color combination.

Click for a prettier view.

How about this for a future team project?

(Must be finished in a 4 day period

Uh uh, 99.5 % of the team stampeded off)

It can be done in any color scheme that you like.

The fans can be foundation pieced or string pieced.

The dresden fans can be appliqued to the background, or inset.

The blocks finish at 8 x 8 inches. (You may make yours smaller or larger)

The finished quilt size is 60 x 60 inches. (variations on the block size will change your quilt size)

There are 36 blocks. (hides as I type that)

Can we get a vote?

Type YES or NO in your comment space below.

(Seriously, with our busy schedules, it could take at least 3 months to finish this one.)