Rule #1: Do What They Say Not to Do

Traditional Wax Batik on Muslin 

with Procion MX Dyes

Here's a peek at my set up. It's in the same building as my studio, but in a corner close to the utility room where I have access to a sink.

Add Batiking to My Love-to-Do List!

True Colors

Honestly, if I had known how fun and easy the process was, I would have been dyeing fabrics years ago. As my wise husband would say, "Sometimes you just have to do it to understand it." Yes, indeed. 

Improv Quilt: Gold Rush

Gold Rush

Stripped together from a box of scraps donated by a friend, these outcasts have taken on a new life. Two people said immediately it reminded them of a Gustav Klimt work. I believe this is the piece to which they referred. Stocletfriez

Image: Gustav Klimt, Wikipedia

Custom Color Dyeing: Round One

A Palette From Your Favorite Beer

Playing with an introductory set of Procion MX Dyes was the equivalent of jumping out of an airplane for me--or so I can imagine. It was thrill seeking with both feet on the ground, but what a rush! Dyeing to Share  and Dyeing to Share Part II. 

Christmas came early as I carefully researched what dyes I needed to make the greatest array of colors. Dharma Trading Co. had a deal on sets until the end of December, and I took advantage. I also cosidered what palettes I normally lean toward, and shopped those.

Does Our Work Define Who & What We Are?

Dear fellow Blogger, Quilter, or poor soul who stumbled onto this funky blog titled Pink Doxies:

2015 year is winding down, and some of us feel the need to finish up loose ends. While wrapping up projects, I'm pleasantly surprised to see my work has come full circle. 

Creativity Killers: How to Fight Back

Secrets to Leading a Creative Life

Most people admit they would like to lead a more creative life, but for one reason or another they get stuck. The one thing they tell me that stops them most often is fear. I believe fear is the #1 killer of creativity. Let's deal with fear here, and learn some strategies on how to live with it.

Concept to Quilt: Implementing Your Ideas

Scene: You're relaxed--just falling asleep, and the images are flashing through your head. Some people might hear music, but my movie is a total run of images and color. One catches you, and you think, "I better not forget that." 

Improv Quilt Finish

Let me start by saying this quilt design isn't every one's cup of tea, but it speaks to me. It started off as an improv project at an Amy Butler Dreaming Big in Color weekend.

Dyeing to Share Part II

Fiber Reactive Procion MX Dyes

Those of you who ahhhhed at the Jet Black, I'm with you! Hands down, this is my favorite, but I really think it pulls a dark inky blue, too. Above are 2 fat eighths of Essex linen, and below is a Kona cotton. Linen's texture above adds something to it, although the Kona isn't necessarily 'less wonderful.' It's just more subtly textured.

Dyeing to Share

I've been hanging out in some colorful spots lately checking out new blogs and artists. One that has really captured my attention is Creations...Quilts, Art....Whatever, by Nina-Marie Sayer. She has great linky party each Friday called Off the Wall, and I've used it to do some serious blog hopping. I think I'm being pulled into another dimension of quilting.

Day 5: Quilt Squad Christmas Outing

Bargain Basement flat folds: Most $6/ yard. I surprised everyone by shopping outside my comfort zone. It started with the second print from the left, and the other two blues. Then the border print below was $5 a yard, and I knew what I was making. Does fabric ever speak to you? I need earplugs.

Day 3: Quilting & Art Journaling

This was a good exercise in art journaling for me. I listed anything that came to mind when I thought about December. All lumped together with no judgment either way. I just wrote everything down equally. When I was done, I tried to use a spray adhesive, but mine clogged. Short on time, I resorted to Elmer's, but that was tough to get where I wanted it. It turned out a wee bit over glittered. What was kind of cool about it, though, was the really over glittered words were ones I might interpret as negative. Very interesting.

Day 2: Soft Finish for Improv Quilt & Journaling

This quilt center was started as an improv project at an Amy Butler retreat. A partner and I had to randomly choose fabrics for each other, and build up quilt blocks from the scraps. It was too small to do much with so I kept building around it after I got home. I have to admit I do this type of medallion built quilt a lot. It's comforting to add a border, watch it grow, and then make a decision from there. 

The Delights of Winter & Improvisational Design

We are nearing the solstice, and the dark days of winter are upon us. Our circadian rhythm changes. As soon as the light fades in late afternoon, some of us are ready for bed. Some say it's depressing. It can be. It's a mindless act to turn to t.v. or the internet for entertainment, but those can be unfulfilling. Add to it a month of holidays across several religions, and it's a pretty good reason to stay in bed.