TheQuiltShow.com Special Event

Ann, Alex Andersen, Ricky Tims on the day of the filming of Ann's episode.

International Quilt Day is just around the corner, and as a featured artist on a past episode of The Quilt Show, I wanted to let you know about a gift that Alex and Ricky have put together for quilters around the world.  

Beginning on Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, everyone who signs on to The Quilt Show will have free access to over 140 of their internet shows, including my episode #111.  You can watch the shows, check out the tutorials, browse the gallery of over 19,900 member quilts, visit the forum for answers to the most burning quilt questions and lots, lots more. And if you missed my show, you can see it now. Filming this show before an audience was a very exciting experience!

There are prizes and all kinds of things happening that weekend for no charge.

So check in at www.thequiltshow.com on Friday, March 15, and enjoy the shows and exploring The Quilt Show website and all it has to offer!  And I’d love to have you view my show, episode #111.  All of my Oreo quilts will be there!

Ann Fahl

Crisis in Orange

Here we are, Christmas is almost here. Everything should be red and green and sparkly.  So what's the problem?

You know I love the color orange.  It used to be my least loved color, but today it has become part of my repertoire. When I look back at my childhood, how could I have left that orange crayon in the box unused? Below, you will find an anatomically correct, Oreo, walking under some giant coneflowers on a warm background. Actually this was made of leftovers, but it is a really successful quilt.

Under the Giant Coneflowers, (c) quilt by Ann Fahl

Years back, before "Under" was created, the members of the quilt/art list helped me extend my selection of orange fabrics by sending me orange squares to create this colorful piece. I was hoping for 100 squares, but I actually received more than 300.  Wow, That's Orange is one of my top 10 favorite quilts in my career. There is more of the story on my website.

Wow that's Orange, (c) quilt by Ann Fahl

So what's the problem?  I'm wearing an orange top and jacket today; and I needed to wear my only pair of orange socks; my friend Sally gave them to me a few years ago. When I put them on, I realized there were holes in each heel, but I wore them anyhow! It's about time for these socks to go, sooooo sad, because I love them.  I guess I know what I'll put on my list for Santa!

Ann's favorite orange socks

 It is a sad day, but I will recover!

Merry Orange Holidays to everyone.
Ann Fahl

The Cat Hair Returns

Do you remember the first quilt show you ever attended? Or, the first show you ever entered?

My very first quilt was a blue sampler that I made for my mother. It was a large one, full sized and hand quilted. I entered it in the state historical society show, and won an honorable mention in 1979.  It was really exciting to get a ribbon on my first quilt.

Ann's very first quilt completed in 1978

At the time, I knew nothing about quilt shows, I'd never even been to one!  But the judge made a comment on the back of the ribbon that said, "Pet hair is distracting."

After that comment I thought to myself, "I guess I'll have to watch that when I enter another quilt in the show!" That was something I never even considered doing.

Eventually, when I had more of a studio to work in, there is a procedure that I follow. I always clean off my cutting table first, lay out the quilt, and go over it with a lint roller front and back.  This has always seemed to work.  I always mention that first judge's comments in all my lectures with good humor; in the hopes that it might convince others to check over a quilt carefully before going to a show, or be given as a gift.

Every time a quilt comes home after a show, I open up the box and admire it, and hang it up in my living room. Nine out of ten times my quilt will come back with little threads on it, that were probably from someone else's quilt!  How do I know that?  It's because the threads are always the wrong colors for the fabrics I used. Many times I wonder what famous persons' quilt they came from.  Had they touched?  Did they get to be friends?  Where do all these threads come from?  Do other people find them on their returned quilts too? This is truly one of life's mysteries.

Garden of the Sun God, (c) 2012 Ann Fahl

Late November, my beautiful Garden of the Sun God quilt came back from the IQA show in Houston. It looked beautiful when I opened it up. After finding the judges comment sheets, I sat down to look them over carefully.  (This can be either a very trying experience or a pleasant one.) Their comments were OK this time, but one of the judges took the time to write at the bottom, that I should use a lint brush to remove the pet hairs from the dark areas of my quilt!!! I had to laugh. Like other pet owners, I make an attempt to limit the cat hair in the house, but there is only so much I can do. I looked over the quilt, and I didn't see any Oreo hairs, but perhaps I have selective vision.

Here is Oreo helping to fold up a quilt.  Could this be the problem?

So I have come full circle in my quilting life.  The first quilt I ever entered in a show had cat hair on it; and the best one I've made to date--also had cat hair on it. And, probably the hundreds of quilts I have made in between also had cat hair on them. What can I say?  I do my best.

I hope this brought a smile to your day.
Ann Fahl

House Cleaning and Cat Hair

Most of you have heard about the book I published almost 2 years ago:  A Black and White Tale.  I am still proud of this book and all the effort it took to produce it. The book about Oreo has had a nice run, I find I only have a few cartons left in my closet.

The holidays will soon be upon us, so I have reduced the price from 17.95 to 14.95. Publication costs were higher than I had hoped so it has been priced higher than my $15 target.  Now that the quantities remaining are getting low, I'd like to clear out the closet and make room for new work.

This is a great book for anyone interested in my work. If you know someone that loves quilts or cats, this is a lovely gift for them.  Buy one for yourself. Order two, and I'll pay the postage.

My heart and soul went in to writing this book. Help me find good homes for the remaining copies!  You can read more on my website.

The Back Story of the Purple Iris Quilt and Pattern

Japanese vase made for export, early 1900's

 This quilt came to life during a teaching trip to Empty Spools Seminars at Asilomar two years ago.  I used a mixture of flower shapes so each bud and blossom was different.  There are tight buds, an unfurling flower, and 3 gorgeous flower heads, I love the way the flowers turned out. The shape of the flowers was inspired by an old Japanese vase.  I traced them off, enlarged them, and simplified some areas to make them easier to applique. I used all the rich royal purple fabrics I could find in my stash.  The good thing about the way I work is that I don't need large pieces of fabric for anything except the quilt back. To applique the long iris leaves I used a scalloped programed stitch on my machine that gave the edges a different look than anything I had ever done before.

Finished Purple Iris Quilt

During my workshop, I got all the flowers and leaves cut out and fused onto the background. It made such a beautiful picture that my students suggested that I made it into a pattern. After I finished the applique work, embroidery and quilting, I prepared the directions and pattern pieces. I created a terrific pattern cover and was so pleased with my work. 

The cover of Ann's new pattern

The stumbling block came when I realized the cost of having the pattern sheet printed, it was really expensive.  So I put everything away for awhile.  I pulled it out several times to proof read the direction booklet and check over the pattern pieces, but I didn't know what to do about the high cost of printing the 24 x 36 pattern sheet.  I had never used this large size of paper before. A second time I put it all away, trying to figure out a more economical way to print the large page.  Robbi Joy Eklow suggested I have it printed as a blueprint.  After I checked out several places, I had it printed.  I stuffed a dozen patterns in their ziplock bags and took them with me to Paducah and sold a few copies. 

Oreo demonstrating the proper cat etiquette for quilt sitting

Finally, it is ready for you to check it out, changing the colors will make this quilt your own.  How about red iris on a rich green background?  Or how about yellow flowers on a purple background?  Either of these would create a rich garden atmosphere. This is not a simple pattern, it is for someone with good machine quilting skills. The pattern envelopes are stuffed and ready to go to new homes!  You can check it out on my website.

Since I promised you, the back story, the photo above is showing the back side of the stabilizer and program stitches that I used to applique the long pointed leaves in place.  Isn't it lovely?

Have a wonderful spring.

Ann Fahl

Put this on your calendar! March 16-18

Big news from TheQuiltShow.com! In honor of International Quilt Day March 17, 2012, The Quilt Show, on web TV hosted by Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims, will "open" all of its shows from the first nine series--that is, from shows numbered 100 through show 913--for the entire weekend of March 16 –18. This means that—for three special days—everyone will have the chance to view these 117 shows, featuring some of the quilting world’s leading artists, at no charge.

After the filming of episode #111,  Alex Andersen, Ann Fahl, Ricky Tims

As you may already know, I appeared as the featured artist on TQS on show 111. If you didn't have the opportunity to see this show first time around, now you'll have the chance to see it—and so many other terrific shows. Filming this segment was one of the most exciting days of my career. Being on stage with Alex, Ricky and an audience was quite a rush. Most of my cat quilts were there! The filming was before A Black and White Tale became a book!

Waiting for Breakfast, a quilt by Ann Fahl

Please share this information with all of your quilting friends. It's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy three days of learning and fun without leaving your home…all for free. And...... Support your fellow quilters!

Ann Fahl, and the staff of thequiltshow.com

Oreo is Moving! La Conner to Anderson!

It is time to announce that Oreo's next exhibit will open soon:

January 29-March 25 2012

Opening reception Jan 29, 1:30-4:00
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
-- and they have an interesting gift shop too. 

Anderson Arts Center

121 Sixty-Sixth Street
Kenosha, WI 53143

The public is invited.  Donations accepted.

Valentine for You, a quilt for Valentine's Day by Ann Fahl

 

There will be two exhibits showing:

A Black and White Tale, all of the quilts in the book will be on exhibit.  

Ann will be signing books at the opening

Quilts in Color: The artists are Rhonda Rodero, Melody Johnson, 

Marcia Stein, Barbara J. Schneider, Gloria Hansen

The Anderson Mansion.  Galleries on two floors in a beautiful setting.

I haven't seen the complete exhibit on both floors yet, it is still being set up!  But what I have seen is amazing!  You will love the variety of subjects, use of color, and expertise that all the artists bring to this beautiful art center.  If you live anywhere in the midwest, please  put this on your calendar.

There will be more about this diverse exhibit in the future.

Ann Fahl

It's Party Central at My House!

Party Girl, a quilt by Ann Fahl

We never go out for New Year's Eve any more.  I prefer sitting down with a Diet Coke with fresh lime and watch a good movie.  Oreo however likes to celebrate in a much more active fashion.  This quilt was made in 2002 when her favorite "doll" was much more attractive and the little plastic balls are scattered all over the floor.  She will party with some catnip this evening. 

Here's how the doll "appears" in the quilt.

Being conservative, we always keep our celebrations small and not too boisterous! Here is Oreo's doll.  Don't let this happen to you! 

This is her "fav" doll as it exists 2011.  It's kind of a mess, but she loves it.

Happy New Year.

Ann Fahl

Back to the Studio!

Now that everything is back in place, I've returned to work at the machine. I've started quilting on the collage piece. It's wonderful to work in a room full of light.

Basted collage, partially outline quilted with monofilament thread.

One thing I have rediscovered, is that I need to change my darning foot when I'm quilting around beads. I love the little Janome open foot that floats over the surface, but it is awful around beads.

My favorite open toed adjustable foot catches in all the bead!  Frustrating.

In my excitement about trying some of Lyric's beading techniques on her DVD, I forgot about the fact that I quilt after the beading, not before.  The little adjustable foot catches and doesn't move when there is a bead nearby. So... I have to change to my closed toe oval generic darning foot.

Attach this closed toe plastic darning foot, and it rides right on top of the beads.  Life with beads is much easier sewing with this foot.

So change the foot on your machine and the quilting will go much smoother.  And I'm having fun.

Just a reminder that Oreo still has some books left and we can fill orders received this week by Christmas.  A Black and White Tale is the book I illustrated with all of my Oreo quilts and the verse is written by Jacquie Scuitto, the Quilt Muse.  This is a delightful little book, perfect for a gift for any cat or quilt lover, for under $20! Please check it out. Help support a quilter/publisher and her feline.

It's hard to believe that it is only 2 weeks before Christmas.  Happy shopping.

Ann Fahl

Oreo Continues to Entertain at the La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum

Summer Sanctuary, is a quilt when first completed didn't include Oreo.  She was added later!

Please just one more blog about my show at the La Conner, it runs through Dec 31, 2011!  This is the longest running exhibit I've ever had. Several people have let me know how much they enjoyed my show and the other 2 ongoing exhibits at La Conner, WA.  Some of you have even sent photos for me to see, it's been great. Believe me, it kills me to not be able to go and see it for myself!

A Quilter's Menagerie, is the first quilt that my husband has ever suggested a title for.

Because the size of this quilt is large, it makes a big impact: whether it hangs in my living room or is displayed at a show. This is a fun one to look at because there are so many details when you step up close to it. The green hand dyed fabrics were died by Dagmar Plenk of Milwaukee. She does are marvelous job of blending the procion dyes to make interesting fabrics.  They seem to glow behind the tree!

This is a smorgasbord quilt that contains at least one of everything that I do: metallic thread, hand bead, machine embroidery and quilting, machine applique, and all the animals and images that I've used throughout my career.

Indiana Memories was included in A Black and White Tale as part of Oreo's adventures

 Although Oreo isn't in this beautiful swan quilt, it has become part of her story in Jacquie's and my book about her adventures.  The quilt makes me feel wonderful, but when I look at the quilting I did, I'm amazed at how much I've improved since making this quilt.

Under the Giant Coneflowers is always a crowd favorite

Here Oreo is walking under the leftover coneflowers from Wow That's Orange. Wow, is also in the exhibit. I'll leave you with a springy quilt on this rainy November Day.  Do you remember Tiny Tim?

Tiptoe, lots of hand beading on this one

But now I realize that this one isn't in the show.  We can still enjoy it anyhow.  I will be talking more about metallic threads in the near future.

Ann Fahl

This Time It's a Blue Metallic Thread!

I'm almost finished with the embroidery of the papyrus blossoms in this new quilt, but have a loooong way to go.  Next I'll embroider the brown portion of that plant that holds the flower.  I love the way the dark blue accents the blue/green hand dyed fabric. The contrast is greater than the green metallic I used on some of the other flowers.  See my earlier post.  This will make the quilt for interesting for the viewer!

The more you can embroider with metallics, the fewer problems you will have.  Quilting through the entire sandwich is more challenging.  I detail all this in my new Mastering Metallics booklet.

Ann Fahl

It's Not Easy to Give a Quilt Away

Today is a big day.  Just by looking at me you can't tell, but I donated a quilt to hang in our beautiful brand new Mount Pleasant Village Hall.

The quilt has been steamed and all cat hairs removed!

Several years ago, it was decided to sell the old property and build a new Village Hall at a new location. I thought about this for a long time before I investigated what needed to be done to give a large piece to hang in this new public space. December 2010, I talked to someone at the village hall about this request. In February 2011, the new building was far enough along that I could tour it as long as I wore a hard hat!  I saw everything; from the holding cells in the police department, the offices, restrooms, meeting rooms to the lunch rooms.  The village made an effort be be environmentally responsible by using energy saving and recycled products etc.when building.  The focal point of the building is a natural area on the back side of the building, so there is lots of glass!  In fact there is so much glass, there are precious few places to hang one of my big quilts!

At this point I gave my contact a list of 10 quilts from which to choose.  They narrowed the field to 5, so I took the 5 to the large meeting room to see which might work the best. By this time, there had been some personnel changes and my original contact was no longer working for the Village, there had also been an election so there was also a new village board. This is when I met Logan. We discussed each of the 5 options and in a short time decided on November Garden. The colors blended well with the soft gray or beige walls and with the gray/black carpeting made partially from recycled tires.

Here is the large wall, about 12 feet wide, between 2 huge north facing windows.

 Now it is June 2011, and the chosen quilt had to be officially accepted by the Village Trustees (the board.) It was presented, and I talked for a minute or two about the quilt and why I wanted to donate one.  The board swiftly voted to accept the quilt. I explained that I would hold the quilt, until a plexiglass box could be made, to protect it when hanging in the public space.

There was a 2-3 week delay in completing the box. Logan and I finally made a date, in July to hang the quilt in the large meeting room. The night before we were to hang it up, there was some discussion at the open board meeting about where the quilt was to be hung.  So there is yet another delay. I return to the wonderful new building and look at the alternative sites and found there were 3 that were acceptable to me.  An official decision was quickly made about the new spot in the community room which was large enough to hold 100 plus people. Many people would be able to enjoy the quilt here.

Here is Logan and Bob, the precision quilt hanging team!

 So here it is, today, August 1, the quilt is finally hanging. We experienced so many little glitches, I won't even mention them here!  The quilt was hung by Logan and Bob, with some assistance from me.  They were very particular about measuring the wall so the box and the quilt were perfectly centered!  One hour and 45 minutes later, the quilt was in its protective ventilated plexi box, and my long wait is over. November Garden looks wonderful. Time for celebration. Please take the time to hum Purcell's Trumpet Voluntary and join me in my celebration!

Here is the quilt, November Garden, 50 x 56 inches, in its new home in the village hall.

I do hope the residents of Mount Pleasant, and the Racine, WI area will enjoy my quilt, even if just for a moment.  You will find the quilt in the community room to the east of the large main doors.  The hours for the village hall are 8-12, and 1-5 Monday-Friday. The address is 8811 Campus Drive, Mt. Pleasant, WI which will not be found on your GPS.  From I94, turn east on hwy 20, turn north on 90th street at the cemetery.  You will find the building on the east side of the road, the corner of 90th and Campus.

Here is the recently completed Mt. Pleasant Village Hall--now complete with quilt!

You may read more about the details of the quilt itself on my website.  I am so pleased that this very special quilt has a new home. My thanks to everyone that helped with this quilt donation project.  Thanks Logan.

Ann Fahl

An Interview with Jacquie Scuitto, The Quilt Muse

The following is an interview with my co-author of A Black and White Tale. Her writing really made my vision for the book and the quilts all come together into a delightful story!

Jacquie, tell us about yourself.

Jacquie at the sewing table!

I was born and raised in Maine, went to college in NY State and lived there for some years afterward, then moved to  Europe for 25 years -- Italy and Germany.  My two daughters were both born in Italy but grew up and still live in Germany.  I married my DH, Louis, right out of college and we were married for nearly 58 years before his death in 2010.  We returned to the USA in 1986 and lived in his home town in Sayville, NY, and moved to Vermont in 2003.  Though I had sewn clothing for years I’ve only been quilting since 1991.

How long have you been writing poetry?

My first poem was published in a local newspaper when I was 8.  Then I took time out for years!  I did write poems in college, some of which I still have and most of which I cringe at now!  Joining a couple of on-line quilt lists in 1996 provided impetus through the many discussion threads to express myself in verse.  Since the first ones posted elicited positive responses I was encouraged to write more.

How long does it take to write an 8 stanza poem?

I rarely write any that long and there is no set time required in any case.  Some verses practically write themselves, others refuse to coalesce to a coherent conclusion no matter how long I try.

What does it take to get an idea for another verse?

Usually a comment or question on one of the on-line lists I belong to. Other times it is just from a stray thought.  A few have been written for particular people or events but those don't get posted to the lists!

Did you enjoy verse when you were a child? Who was your favorite poet?

We often learned poems in school and I also had a delightful book, 100 Best Poems for Boys and Girls, where I first met verses by Ogden Nash, Emily Dickinson and many other poets.  I also read the Alice in Wonderland books.  One of my aunts gave me a notebook in which she had copied some of the poems by A.A. Milne as well.  Looking back I realize that I liked verse with strong rhythms and vivid word pictures.

Scrapyard Cats  by Jacquie Scuitto

What is it about quilting that makes you want to write about it?

Quilting opened up a whole new world to me especially after I joined on-line quilt lists and I found a lot to say in verse.  I could even make some fairly sharp comments without getting flamed!

How did you choose the quilts that were added to the story in A Black and White Tale?

Some seemed obvious like the tea table and teapot to go with the one of Oreo with the broken teapot.  The flowers and leaves went well with Oreo in the garden and the Winona Lake ones, even though Oreo was in none of them, seemed to add to the reactions she could have had.

What is it about cats or pets?

Jacquie's cat T2 supervising the quilt scraps

I always had cats as a child as well as for most of my married life.  My husband liked them as well.  In fact when we hadn't had one for several years he wanted to take home some kittens we met at a place where we were staying!  I realized that we NEEDED a cat -- and we haven't been without one or more since.  I currently have two, a tiger named T2, and my black and white Flecki (German for spotted).  They are both getting on but seem to be good for a number of years yet.  I find that they add a bit of life to the house.

How long did it take you to write the verse for A Black and White Tale?

I don't really remember.  The tricky bit was incorporating the new Oreo quilts that Ann kept making!

Flecki guarding the front porch

Are there any amusing stories or difficulties about writing for the book?  

Not really.  It was pretty straightforward once I had settled on the sequence of the quilts -- which did keep changing as more quilts were added!

Any stories about working with Ann Fahl?

I loved her comment that my adding the non-Oreo quilts to the story made her look at her body of work in a new light.

What’s your favorite part of the book?

The Oreo quilts!

Has the publishing of the book changed anything for you?

I feel more like a 'real' author, even though I had already published a book of verse in 1996. This one has an ISBN number!

What's next?

I am trying to gather up my courage and energies to try to publish some of my quilt verses, probably self-publishing in some way.

Jacquie taking a moment away from her quilting!

If you are interested in learning more about Jacquie Scuitto, and reading some of her poetry go to her blog at http://quiltmuse.blogspot.com

Thanks for reading!

Ann Fahl