I am asked a lot about the design process of my quilts. I put together a short slide show on one of my latest pieces that I designed for the Textures Fiber Arts show that is hanging at the Merc in Temecula until November 2, 2014. 

The small center piece was designed several years previous to the final piece. David and I were inspired by a trip to Morro Bay and I thought it would end up being an ocean or beach piece. The final design turned out to have more of an oasis in the desert feeling.

What do you think? Have you had a design go a total different way than when you first started? I would love to hear about it. 

I had an incredible and exhausting time in the workshop I took from Elizabeth Busch. There were a lot of my fellow artists from several of the groups I belong to (Textures Fiber Arts, Quilts on the Wall and Visions Art Museum members) and it was great to see them and their work in progress.

Elizabeth had us do several exercises during the five day workshop. We discussed our current work and how our new work was different or similar after the workshop. Elizabeth stressed composition both by using black and white paper exercises and by quick fabric scrap postcards. Elizabeth talked about her design process both for her fabric and large sculpture designs using acrylic painted and woven UV acetate.

We all enjoyed the three days we had to paint our fabrics and having Elizabeth demonstrate her different techniques for mark making and blending of colors. The last two days were spent cutting into our fabric and working with it to compose our new designs. Because this fabric is so different from commercial designs we were given many tips and design considerations for using it effectively. 

Del Thomas was in the class and did a fabulous job of documenting the daily events. I had the pleasure of Del sitting in front of me and we got to chat a bit during the few times we were not feverishly working on our fabric. Check out Del's blog for more details and pictures for the day to day happenings.

I love the fabric and the techniques used in this class. I will be working more in the future with these products and experimenting with others.

David and I were scrambling this weekend between the artist receptions for the SAQA show "Shades of Passion" in Poway on Friday night and the Saturday evening reception for the opening of "The Sky's the Limit" at the Visions Art Museum in San Diego. We had a great time at both shows seeing old friends and meeting new ones and of course looking at the amazing art.

The exhibit at the Visions Art Museum is amazing, so if you are in the San Diego area be sure to check it out. The show runs until January 4, 2015 so there is plenty of time. 

Quilt National is also being shown at the Oceanside Museum of Art thru most of November. Make it an all fiber art day and check out both museums.

The slide show is just a small sample of the beautiful pieces at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts show. Most of the pieces are for sale.

There is still time to come see the Textures exhibit. The show is on display until the 2nd of November. Take in a play or listen to music in the cabaret lounge and view the show at the same time.

David and I had a busy day yesterday. After sitting the gallery for the Textures show during the Temecula Outdoor Quilt show we sprinted out of town with Gail to beat feet to the Palm Springs QuiltFest show put on by Mancuso. We had a great time and saw some fabulous quilts. There was an exhibit of international quilts from different countries (Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Israel, Japan, and New Zealand) of which this was the most memorable for me.

I took lots of photos of many fabulous quilts, some for color usage, some for stitch work and some just because they were incredible. For a first show this was a great start. I talked to a few of the vendors about attendance and sales. We were there on the last day and for a Saturday it seemed light for attendance, but there was a lot of competition of events this weekend.

David, Gail and I all got distracted by the wonderful hand dyed fabrics at two of the vendors. We left a little coin at both booths 413 Always Unique Hand Dyed Fabric and 203 Dragonfly Dyeworks. Check out my Facebook post to see what I got from Dragonfly.

I hope that Mancuso continues this venue. We had a lot of fun at the show and then headed into downtown Palm Springs for a late lunch before heading back to Temecula. 

After strolling a couple of blocks we decided on a restaurant. Totally enjoyed our food at Lulu's California Bistro where David, Gail and myself all got the 3 course special. Pick a soup or salad, main course and dessert for a great price. We were even there for the early bird special. Had great service from all the wait staff who were funny and entertaining. Great choices for meat eaters, gluten free and vegetarian. Thanks Lulu's for an enjoyable and relaxed meal and a place to rest our feet.

Did you go to this show? What was your favorite quilt or vendor?

I have added a new calendar page that links to a Google event calendar. I will be posting shows and events in the local area as well as shows where our pieces will be displayed. I hope that you will check the calendar regularly to see about shows in your area.

Let me know if there are other events or shows that you might like to see on the list.

I also want to invite everyone to come to the Textures show Artist Reception TONIGHT! It should be a lot of fun and a great show. Come by and say hi, talk to the artists, ask them questions about their inspiration or techniques and enjoy some refreshments.

Hope to see you there.