March 2014 Newsletter

Our last meeting was on Monday, March 24th, and was attended by 11 people.  There was some very nice show and tell, as well as a few of the challenge pieces.  There are many out there yet to be finished and viewed, so feel free to continue to bring them to the meetings!  It's always fun for us to see what you've been up to these days.

Member News:

Sheryl Sleboda and Catherine Redford have finished filming more episodes with Quilting Arts TV!  You go, girls!  They will let us know when they can be viewed.

Natasha Lehrer was mentioned in an article in the March 16th Daily Harold.  "Folk Art.  Just What is it, Anyway?" was the name of it, and it was very interesting.  Fun to see you name in the paper, isn't it?!

Especially when it's not in the police blotter!

The Latest Challenge

was due, as I mentioned earlier.  It was about new techniques, with no size restrictions.  The due date has been extended until the day you are finished.  That's pretty much the way I work anyway!  Keep in mind that we have our show coming up in the fall, and this would make a nice addition.

Aloe Vera Gel

was discussed as a way to get tsuseneko ink to become a tint rather than a full strength color when "dying" fabric.  This can be found in the hand lotion department, as well as along with the sunscreens.

The other option is shaving cream with ink.  You merely need to heat set this with an iron.  I did not see any You Tube videos on this technique, but we're in luck.  Read on, dude!

May Demo

will possibly be a demo on the above mentioned technique for dying fabric with aloe vera gel and tsuseneko ink!  Woo-hoo!  Take THAT, You Tube!  We'll discuss this more privately as to whether it will be in May or another month.  More on that in the next newsletter.

April Demo

was supposed to be Sheryl Sleboda teaching us how to do smocking.  I discussed it with her.  Because we will be meeting in the gallery rather than the classroom, we are moving this demo to another month.

Lighting and work space will not be available, and this is also a hands on event.  More info on supplies, and possible cost will be written about another time.

Benedictine University

has a wonderful collection of specimens (animals, birds, bugs...) which are good for drawing.  If I understood correctly, you are able to "check out" some of these to take home, just like a library book.

"Look what I'm 'reading', honey!  A pheasant!"  Anyway, there is free parking in the south lot, and you enter the science building.  I'm sure you can call there to get more information as to their hours, etc.

Sharon Malec - "A Gallery of Nature"

That's the name of her show at Wasco Nursery and Garden Center.  It runs from July 3 - August 5, with an artist's reception on Saturday, July 19th, from 4 - 6 pm.  I am unsure of the show hours, though I assume it is open when the garden center is open.  41 W 781 Rt 64, St. Charles, IL  60175.  (630-584-4424)  Creative, textural fabric art.

More Sharon Malec:

She was the showcased artist at the Nature Artist's Exhibit at the Morton Arboretum.  She combines felting and quilting to form a colorful and tactile, soft-textured expression of nature.  I have no idea where I got that info from cause it sure doesn't read like I wrote it!  Nice job, Sharon!  Congratulations.

Wool 'n Magic 

by Jan Messent is the book that Sharon Malec got her inspiration from when working on her crocheted pieces on a hoop.  Very colorful, and looked impressionistic.  This book is out of print, but she happened to find it on Amazon for $4!  Maybe you'll be lucky, and find your very own copy!

The end:

Well, that's it for now.  I hope you will join us at our next meeting which is Monday, April 28th at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.  There is a $3 charge per person.  Be there or be square!

xo,

Laurie