Painting "Solar Powered"

Getting started was the hardest part.  After spending several hundred hours quilting this piece that looked pretty good without the color, I was a little anxious.  But as with many things, that first brush stroke was the most difficult.  Once that was done, I was able to relax and concentrate on building and blending my layers of color.When I have a little extra time, I'll update this project on my website with all the step by step details.  For now though, I'll give you a brief look at the beginning of the task.

The first 3 layers of color to the sun



and the rays



and after the 4th layer...just a touch of gold





I have now finished the sun and moved on to the next section. I'll post another update in a couple days.

New Classes

At MQR.   Starting February 22, 2010 I will be doing an online class series using the Circle Lord.  A one week session each month all year long, featuring a different template each month.  If you are interested in learning some creative ways to use your circle lord you can find the details of the class series and registration info here.

And also at MQR..Starting February 8,2010, Suzanne Earley will be doing her Feather Boot Camp.  If you want to improve the way your feathers look you can check this class out here.

And as long as we're talking about classes, I am also teaching a design class at MQS in May.  "A Walk on the Wide Side"  where we will learn to transform those ungainly wide borders into spectacular complex beauties with ease. You will come away with a lot of new design ideas and you'll never look at wide borders the same again.

So join me! You will be lots of fun and learn tons of useful stuff that will take your quilting to the next level.

The Quilting is Finished...

The soaking and blocking is done, and it's currently drying.  Tomorrow the painting begins. A couple pictures so you can see how it looks before painting.





And the back...



I must admit that after spending over 200 hours quilting this, I am a little nervous about my plan to use a wet technique  for color. But it worked very well on my  small test pieces so I will stick with the plan.    Wish me luck!

Just a photo today

Magnifier

For those who have been e-mailing and asking, the magnifier I use came from the Daylight Co.  I did a post on this a year or so ago.  Gammill is now carrying a very similar one that costs about $9 less than the one from the Daylight Co.

And no, there is no vibration or distortion.

In the background

I'm finishing up the quilting on" Solar Powered"...that means I'm doing the background fill.  Endless hours of tiny stitches.  Thank goodness for my magnifier, or I would be blind by the time I get this done!  Once this is done, I'll be adding the color.  I'll leave you with a few pictures; please  ignore the thread tails...they will be buried later.







I'm really looking forward to adding the color and seeing it come alive.

Have a great night!

Suzanne is having a celebration!

And that means both a giveaway and a big sale!  Be sure to visit her to get your name in the hat for the giveaway. Details can be found at:

Suzanne’s Great Big Giveaway (and sale)

And be sure to visit her shop Knots and Bolts for a great sale on her fabrics and yarns.