Blog | Stitchin' Post

Meet June Jaeger ...

For more information, or to sign up for classes, follow the links below...

Pictorial Landscape Design

Painting with Dyes on Fabric

Pictorial Fabric Painting with Inks

Stitchin' Post Logo Tote

Have you seen our canvas logo totes?

The totes are pretty darn cute as is, but we thought it would be fun to embellish a few as well.

Aren't they fantastic! The amazing June Jaeger painted the two bags above for us. I love them. I'm not an accomplished painter, but it makes me want to try. It also got me thinking that for those like me, using paints with stamps or stencils could also be very cool.  

 

I decided to embellish my bag with a bit of embroidery. I'm no expert at that either, but I had a lot of fun experimenting. I used a washable marker to draw in an outline for my mountains and then just started stitching. Fun! I plan to add to my bag, but I like how it's coming together. 

How would you embellish the tote? 

Besides being cute, and a fun creativity experiment, our logo tote is made from recycled cotton canvas and a great size for carrying all your necessities (16" W x 15.5" H x 5" gusset). Use your bag for groceries, your latest knitting project or toting home your next fabric purchase. Whatever you use your bag for, you'll be helping the planet, and doing it in style.

We want to help you, help the planet, so we are offering our totes for only $15 until the end of the year. Plus, if you visit the shop and bring in your bag we will take $ .25 off of your purchase. 

Cheers!

Samantha

 

Tanglewood - Alchemy of Fabric November

Every year I get a little cocky right before Halloween, and start thinking I'm way ahead of the Christmas game. I mean, it's not even November and I've thought about Christmas gifts, and planned projects, so I must be prepared. Right? Then Halloween happens, and the next thing you know Thanksgiving is a week away, and now I'm not feeling cocky at all. In fact, my feelings are better described as anxious working their way toward panic. Sound familiar? 

This month's Alchemy of Fabric collection and project are going a long way to ease my panic. Journal covers are fast, look great, and make a good gift for almost everyone. They are also a fun way to try out new techniques, test color combinations, and experiment with print mixing. 

The cover uses Valori's Journal Cover pattern (pdf version), three fabrics from the Tanglewood collection, and one companion fabric. I chose to cover a watercolor large landscape journal. With a portable watercolor kit, and a brush, it would be perfect for any art lover. 

For the outside of my cover, I used Soft Sand Premium Linen Bend, Scarlett Shot Cotton, and Praline Mushrooms. The moth is fussy cut from Moth Bouquet. I used fusible stabilizer before cutting it out, and then stitched it to the finished cover. The lining is also Moth Bouquet. 

The pattern has instructions to cover any size book, so your options are endless. You could make a cover for everything from a blank journal, to a fiction book, or even a three ring binder. I'm covering my bullet journal next. 

This month's companion fabrics include some 108" wide denims that are great for this project. You can cover almost any size book without extra seams and the fabrics are durable so your cover will stand up to use. Besides being practical, the heavier fabrics also add texture and dimension. The width makes them easy options for quilt backs and they are a darn good value. 

One of the things I like about this month's fabric selections, and companion fabrics, is that a number of them are fabrics men would like. I think my husband would love a book cover in the crosshatch denim, with a bit of green accent.  

Tanglewood fabrics from top left: 

• Poppy in Misty by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella
• Mushrooms in Praline by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella
• Musings by Valori Wells AVW-17320-184 Grid Charcoal
• Shot Cotton in Scarlett by Kaffe Fassett for Free Spirit
• Rabbit Study in Misty by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella
• Moth Bouquet in Multi by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella
• Poppy in Gardenia by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella

 Companion fabrics from top left:

• Sprinkle in Peach for Cotton + Steel
• Quilter's Linen in Forest Green from Robert Kaufman
• Denim Studio Crosshatch Textured Denim in Clouded Horizon for Art Gallery Fabrics
• Forage by Anna Graham AFH-17984-188 Pepper
• Sevenberry Kasuri in Red from Robert Kaufman
• Eclectic Elements Provisions in Sage by Tim Holtz for Free Spirit
• Denim Studio Premium Linen Blend in Soft Sand from Art Gallery Fabrics
• Denim in Cool Foliage from Art Gallery Fabrics
• Nikko 3805 from Diamond Textiles
• Dimples Red for Andover Fabrics

I hope you enjoy this month's collection and project! I'd love to see what you make.

Cheers,

Samantha 

Alchemy of Fabric- May Collage

Our focus this month for Alchemy of Fabric are neutrals and how they play together and with bright supplemental fabrics, much in the style of Jen Kingwell.   While she was here, she wrote a guest blog post about her thoughts on neutrals. In that blog post, she talked about different tints of neutrals (grey, cream, white) impact colors differently. Jen likes to use over one hundred fabrics in a quilt using all different prints and scale of prints. When first looking at this month’s collage by Valori Wells, texture and scale is what stuck out in my mind.

Look at the entire collage. What do you notice first? What changes in each image? How do the images affect each other? Notice the values throughout the collage.

The first thing that I notice is the kitten because that image has the highest contrast. My eye then moves up to the flower then around and down in a counter-clockwise direction, ending on the cat again. When I look at each image individually, I react the most to the changes in texture. In the kitten photo, you can see how she is soft and fuzzy without touching her but the bricks around her are hard. The wood grain above her has a texture that I can feel simply by looking at the photo. In the upper left, the carvings have a distinct texture by their look.

How can you play with texture using fabric? Maybe finding a woven neutral that has a different texture to it, that will cause it to pop when next to flat cotton fabrics. Maybe stamping or painting on the fabric makes a new texture. Maybe some simple hand embroidery, like French knots or Kantha stitching will create a new texture that you will love.

Something I love about this collage is the difference in scale. If you look at the upper right corner, the trees are small and seem to be far away while the flower just beneath it is very large in scale by comparison. If you compare the flower and the kitten, the scale is very different. If you look at the fabric pack for May, you’ll notice that the scale of patterns on all the fabrics is fairly small but there is still change in scale. How would a background change if you throw in a large-scale print? These are things to consider.

It is important to keep the elements of design in mind, even when working in neutrals (or monochromatic themes). Even without a range of colors, the elements of design are ever present and even more noticeable. If you get a small stack of neutral paint chips from a home improvement store and cut or tear them up to create a neutral collage in your art journal, you can see how a small change in texture or scale will drastically impact the overall design.

Happy Creating!

~Katie

 

Our intention for creating the "Alchemy of Fabric" club is to provide the spark... the catalyst... the inspiration... for a project that your color palette is built upon. We have a monthly tutorial of insights on each fabric chosen. We have also included 10 other recommended fabrics to expand from the core fabrics and further guide your choices.

 We are excited to share this educational opportunity as a study in color and fabric as well as build your artist palette of fabrics. As you practice designing your project from many different designers and collections our hope is to facilitate greater confidence and empowerment in your creative pursuits..

 At the Stitchin' Post were are committed to creativity and inspiration and we are now embarking on a journey opening to new options together as the "Alchemy of Fabric" unfolds each month. Please share with us what the spark has ignited in you using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work! You can also search #AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.

Class-Studio Block Printing with Valori Wells

Friday and Saturday's class with Valori at the Stitchin Post was a Huge Success!!

Here a a few photos to show you how much fun they had and all they accomplished! 
She has promised to have another class here at the Stitchin Post in the Spring 2016.












(You can find our printing supplies here.)

      
Guess Who this belongs to...Jean is putting together a new monthly blog beginning in January 2016, Mixology, Stay tuned!

  gg

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

 

Mr. Warburton's 4th grade class from Sisters Elementary School painting the Stitchin Post windows for the Holidays.  They are doing a wonderful job, stop by and check it out!

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show - Fiber Arts Stroll

Around the Block - Fiber Arts Stroll
Sunday, July 5, 2015 | Noon - 4:00 pm

Sponsored by Clearwater Gallery

Fiber artists from around Central Oregon will be on hand to demonstrate, exhibit, and sell their work during the 11th Annual Fiber Arts stroll. More than  20 fiber artists share their texttile arts, including quilts, weaving, wearable art, basketry, fabric dyeing, and much more. This is Sisters' most unique Art Stroll--artists will demonstrate their craft, and some will invite you to try your hand as well! Art Stroll maps will be available to pick up at the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, the Stitchin' Post, and other participating businesses.
You can also download a map from the Quilt Show's website:
http://sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org/schedule/around-the-block-fiber-arts-stroll-2/

Sunday, July 5, 1 - 4 pm
See Judy Hoiness & Jean Wells in action creating a collaborative piece!

2015 Fiber Arts Stroll Artists & Locations:

Clearwater Gallery: Tonye Belinda Philips, SOQS Featured Gallery Artist; Tricia Biesmann & Cindy Summerfield, Nuno Felting with natural fibers.
Gary Cooley Collection Gallery – Sharyl McCulloch, Fiber Art, knitting & knotted accessories
Sisters Coffee Company:  Sisters of the Heart, Quilts of Uganda
Paulina Springs Books:  Marieclaire Van Dam, Bookmaking and art with fabric
The Hen’s Tooth:  Pat Riddle, Wool needle work
Common Threads:  High Desert Rug Hookers

Hood Avenue Art: Stephanie Stanley, Weaver, scarves & shawls
Beacham’s Clock Co.: Myrna Dow, Hand wrapped fabric frame mats
Ken Scott’s Imagination Gallery:  Helen Brisson, sculpted bowls & watercolor on fabrics
The Paper Place: Linda Piacentini-Yaple, Fiber inspired artist books & sketchbooks
Bedouin & Navigator News: Linda Gettmann, Handwoven towels, felted hats & bags
Studio Redfield Gallery: Kathy Deggendorfer, Susanne Kibak Redfield and Maren Burck, Printed and handpainted tea towels
Melvin’s Fir Street Market:  Kristin Shields, Hand stitching on applique animals, hand-dyed fabric, and greeting cards
Sisters Drug & Gift: Cindy Merrow, Silk scarves and fabric
Sundance Shoes: Natalie V Mason, Fabric design, digital & block prints
Sisters Log Furniture: HEARTWARMERS,  Blankets & fabric bears to support cancer patients
The Jewel Arts Gallery: Kerry Vine, Beaded jewelry
Ear Expressions:  Joyce Burk Brown, Fabric inspirational/prayer flags
The Stitchin’ Post: Nancy Russell, Spinning fiber
Twigs:  Jean Wells & Judy Hoiness, Mixed media collaborations
The Culver House:  Margaret Doty, Antique Japanese Kimono fabrics with hand block printing
Mackenzie Creek Mercantile:  Jean Nave, Pine needle basketry
Alpaca by Design:  Liz McDannold, Wet & Nuno Felt accessories & decor
Blue Burro Imports:  Jan Isbel, Felted fiber art & accessories
Pieceful Expressions:  Eric & Nicole Gunson, Pattern designers & quilt makers
FivePine Lodge & Conference Center:  Strands of Pearls, Umpqua Valley Quilt Guild,  in the Lodge
Sisters City Hall:  Two Rivers, Three Sisters 17-panel quilt installation
Sisters Public Library:  MIX – In the Extreme, Quilt Exhibit
Sisters Chamber of Commerce:  Penny Byrd & Karen Wykes, Wish Upon a Card Fabric Post Cards, demonstration, sale and auction

Thanks to our Stroll sponsors: Clearwater Gallery, Common Threads, The Hen’s Tooth, Paulina Springs Book Store, and Sisters Coffee Company.

 

Wish Upon A Card Sealed Bid Auction 2015

Desert Story
by Jean Wells Keenan and Judy Hoiness

In celebration of the Show's 40th Anniversary, SOQS invited the Show's founder Jean Wells Keenan, in collaboration with well-known local artist Judy Hoiness, to create the featured card for the 2015 Wish Upon A Card Sealed Bid. You can own this special one-of-a-kind art if you are the winning bidder. To find out how you can participate in the Sealed Bid process, visit the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show website for details. 

All sealed bids must be submitted by 2pm, Wednesday, July 8th.

Custom-framed by High Desert Frameworks! the 2015 diptych fabric card will be displayed at Sisters Chamber of Commerce, noon to 4pm Sunday July 5th and Sisters High School July 6th and 7th and until 1:00pm on July 8th

2015 Guest Teachers & Classes!

Whos ready for 2015? Well, we are! 

With The Stitchin' Post celebrating its 40th year in business, we decided to invite many of our favorite instructors to give workshops.

Right now on our website, workshop descriptions, costs, and registration procedures are available to view. On July 28th at 10am, we will begin accepting registrations on-line at www.stitchinpost.com, on paper (in person or by mail), and by telephone. We will process all registrations in the order they come in.

Listed below are instructors, titles of their workshops and dates.

 

Violet  Craft  - April 16–19  April 16:  Flying Falcons - $85 April 17  & 18:  Forest Abstractions - $170 April 19:  Breeze Blossoms - $30 (no lunch)   Jean Wells - April 20–24:  Color, Texture, and Stitch - $340   Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably, & Erin Gafill – May 25–28 May 25:  Sunny Snowball (Patchwork with Kaffe & Brandon) - $150 May 25:  Get In, Get Out, Get On With It! (with painter Erin Gafill) - $150 May 26:  Gridlock (Patchwork with Kaffe & Brandon) - $150 May 26:  Lecture: Color & Inspiration (Kaffe) - $20 May 27:   Concentrate on Color (Knitting with Brandon) - $150 May 27:   Creative Jumpstart (with Erin Gafill) - $150        Sue Spargo - May 28–31 May 28–30:  Textural Study - $300 May 31:  Fun Wool Piecing - $100      Rosalie Dace - August 24–September 4 August 24–28:  Here and Now - $430 (students must have taken a previous workshop with Rosalie) August 31, September 1 & 2:  Over the Moon - $260 September 3 & 4:  African Cloth, Color, and Quilts - $175     Amy Butler – Sept. 18–19 September 18 - Unique Color Story! - $160 September 19 – Improvisational Patchwork - $160     Gwen Marston - September 21–25 September 21–23:  Small Studies - $263 September 24 & 25:  Minimal Quilts - $175       Valerie Goodwin – September 21–27 September 21–25:  Complex Composition - $430 September 26 & 27:  Favorite Places - $175       Rosalie Dace - Sept. 21–25:  Line Dance - $430       Julie Herman - October 1,2,3:  New Workshops TBA - $85/day (Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts will be teaching some of the newest designs from her line of quilt patterns, using the Hex-N-More and/or Sidekick rulers.)     Sherrill Kahn - October 16–20 October 16–18:  Mixed Media - $255 October 19-20:  Creative Books - $170     Jean Wells – November 2 – 6:  Exploring Your Own Personal Theme  - $340   For more information about registration procedures and polices visit us at www.stitchinpost.com

 

Exploring: Art Quilt Maps

Art Quilt Maps by Valerie Goodwin

I was so inspired by Valerie Goodwin's process that I hunted down some cotton crinoline (we now carry it at The Stitchin' Post) and tried out a sample. The crinoline is like a layer of stability to work the surface piecing and embellishment on. It gives your piece stability without being bulky or stiff.

This is a new piece I just started, see the crinoline. (I can remember crinoline petticoats as a child!!)

You can see some hand stitching embellishment and some soft body Liquitex paint  that I added. And now I am auditioning the top layer of design elements that will be stitched down (raw edges showing).

This is a very fun process and I want to dive in on a map quilt next. I am in the process of inviting Valerie to teach for us here in Sisters in 2015! Stay tuned!

Happy Exploring, Jean

Final Touches

We finished our painting about 3 weeks ago and it feels like we created a brand new store.

 

 

With beautiful white walls and accents in grey, the fabric just POPS! Not to mention the fact that we had all 206 fabric boxes painted white, as well. We keep saying it feels like noon, all day long! Must be those new "full spectrum" bulbs!

 

 

Here's a little peek at Yarn Dept and Twigs.

 

 

And to top it off...A new cutting table! Wow, what a difference new rulers and cuting troughs make.

 

Thank you to everyone for your supportive comments. We can tell it's a hit by the SMILES on your faces.