Bookmarks

If I am making Rosh Hashana resolutions, perhaps I should resolve to figure out how to use my digital camera and how to upload pictures.I made these two fabric bookmarks for the Koffler Centre of the Arts Bookmark 2008 Project. The theme of this year's project is "Insert". So aside from making the bookmarks, I had to write an artist's statement and a bookmark statement for each one, explaining how I made them, how they tie into the "insert" theme and the connection between them.
I didn't find out about the project until about a week before the deadline so I really had to rush. Making the bookmarks was the easier task. Writing the statements was more difficult.

On another note, I have substantially completed Eshet Chayil, a challenge piece for the Pomegranate Guild, and am pleased with the result. I wasn't sure where I was going with her but once I got going, the ideas fell into place and she turned out quite well. I suck at free motion embroidery but other than that, I'm getting better.

I wasn't sure where I was going with the FibreArts exhibit at the North York Public Library in March. The group decided on a broad theme of "travel" and each of us is doing 3 pieces. Midway through Eshet Chayil, I decided to repurpose her as part of the NYPL show. My take on travel is time travel through Jewish texts, in this case, Hebrew. So if Eshet is biblical, my next piece will be middle ages, and I found a poem by Ibn Gvirol with wonderful imagery.
The third piece will be modern and I am considering Erev Ba. Right now I am grappling with copyright issues for use of the English translation for Ibn Gvirol and both Hebrew and English for Erev Ba.

I also am trying to use up fabric I have. I made a gorgeous place mat from fabric samples for my sister and b-i-l's at whose home we celebrated Rosh Hashana last night. This is the first time in many years that the get together wasn't chez nous. B and S outdid themselves. And it was a real treat for us to sit back and enjoy, although Menachem did make gefilte fish.

Today and tomorrow we're off work so we're just taking it easy. Shana Tova to anyone reading.

Name Change

Growing up, I had only one name, my Hebrew name, Chaya. Very few kids had Hebrew names (other than my siblings...). And of my siblings, I got the name which is difficult to pronounce with the "chet". Chaya means life, but there is another vocalisation which means animal. So, in addition to variations of people clearing their throats and spitting up phlegm in order to pronounce the "chet", I was often called "vildeh chaya", a wild animal, which I most certainly was not.
Although I did change my name briefly in my teens to something pronouncible but to me meaningless, I have come to terms with my name. I have even come to like it. And have finessed my comebacks to two. When someone says "Hiya Chaya (pronounced hiya hiya by those who can't or won't use the "chet") or says "vildeh chaya", I just say, now that's original. Never heard that one before. And when someone asks me how to spell my name and then pronounces it the way they think the spelling indicates, I thank them for enlightening me and saving me further embarrassment, having mispronounced it all these years...
So when I talk about a new name, I am referring to a new first name I hope to be adding soon -- Savta.
Nuff said.

So far today

I'm taking a bit of a break because I pricked myself with a needle while hand-sewing and don't want to bleed all over the work.
So far today, I've Kool-Aid & microwaved a silk scarf. Interesting results. Learning what not to do next time (if there is a next time...) but the process isn't terribly difficult, the materials aren't terribly expensive, and it could be a fun activity to do with others.
I am just about finished my second of two bookmarks I am making for entry into a show at the Koffler during Jewish book week. Once I finish the second one, I have to write artist statements about them. That may prove to be more difficult than the actual creative process but I shall try.
Now back to the sewing room and designing my next project.
Photos to follow.

Eshet Chayil

Last night at the POM meeting, our guild challenge was announced. We are to translate the "Eshet Chayil" verses from Proverbs 31:10-31 into a textile creation. Upon reading the text in the English translation provided, I was stumped. But then the lightbulb went off. On my way downtown this morning, I had my sketchbook/journal out and was drawing and jotting down ideas. I think I will be doing an Eshet Chayil a la Pamela Allen. And that's all I'm saying right now.

Getting back my groove

Not there yet but trying.
Last night I was at a local meeting of Israeli artists. Shaked invited me to joint. I was all gung-ho until I realized that their meetings are the same night as the York Heritage Quilters Guild meetings. Bummer.
But this morning before work, I started sewing bookmarks which I may or may not submit to an exhibit at the Koffler. I have a few ideas for the bookmarks. The first one didn't turn out the way I wanted but I have another idea I'll give a shot, maybe tomorrow morning.
I went downtown this morning for work and on the way back, while walking through the Atrium on Bay, I stopped into a store/gallery which had the most amazing Chinese Su embroidered pieces which gave me an idea with respect to the library travel pieces. Hmmm. Gotta think about it.
This evening is the season's first Pomegranate Guild meeting. So I'm looking forward to that.
Anyways, gotta blog more often, stitch more often, and post photos.

Go Jeremy!!

Yesterday, we went to a baseball game. Little League type. It was the championship game and our nephew, Jeremy, was playing. Jeremy only started baseball this year so to be in the championship game was quite a feat. We had a great time. The game rules are way more flexible than official baseball, considering the kids' ages and abilities. It was great though to see the parents, all supportive of their children's efforts.
And Jeremy played surprisingly well. His team came in second (I refuse to use the word "lose" in any of its variations) and there was an awards ceremony to boot. So way to go, Jeremy!

Afterwards, we popped into Costco to buy Menachem's ciabata buns. It's the only place he gets the kind he likes. Of course we left with more than just the buns, but really only essentials -- laundry detergent and hummus. I usually go up and down the aisles to see what they have but couldn't be bothered.

Stitch-wise, it's been a totally unproductive weekend, so far. I've been surfing, playing computer mahjong, and watching TCM. Maybe next week will be better.

We're waiting for special news from Inbal and sending our positive and happy thoughts her way.

Baby steps

I am slowly getting back into a routine after being out of one for so long. I still haven't been bitten with the energy I had before and my creative process has definitely slowed down. So I am trying to spend time in the studio even if it's only to reiron and refold fabric.

I have several projects underway.

For the York Heritage Quilters Guild show, one lap-size quilt is finished but needs a hanging sleeve. The second slightly larger quilt has most of the quilting done. I have finished tying and hiding thread ends. Now I need to quilt the borders, then bind, and finish with the hanging sleeve.
I am also donating one or two smaller pieces for the YHQG's silent auction, probably the "blues" I made in my fibrearts group.

I am also trying to figure out what to do for the Toronto Public Library exhibit in March. We are each doing three new textile pieces on the theme of "travel". I have a few ideas but I need to move them from the idea to the how-to stage. I guess when someone looks at a piece of art, they consider the time put into the actual making and less so the time thinking about it...

I also need to figure out how to make a textile mezuza for the Pomegranate Guild's traveling exhibit. Also due in the spring.

While reorganizing my studio, I came across a few crazy quilt pieces which are pieced and now need to be embellished. I'd like to get them done as well.

In the meantime, and back to the "baby steps" title, I am putting together a quilt from 2" squares I cut up during the summer from leftover fabrics. I arranged them on my design wall and am trying to get at least one row done a day. Then I'll add borders and hopefully have another baby quilt.

So, just to let you know what's going on.