Velda Newman Show

I've always admired Velda Newman's painterly and colorful, nature inspired quilts. So when I found out her work is on display at The City Quilter's gallery in NYC, I parted with train fare and made my way down to the city. As I imagined, her work is awesome in person but what I didn't expect to see was how large the scale of some of her pieces are.

Zinnia, shown above measures 81" x 210". It is magnificent, really something to behold. Ms. Newman starts with her own hand dyed fabrics and continues to develop her creations by incorporating pastels, paint, ink and resist.

Zinnia, Detail

If you are in the area, check out the show, it runs through October 18th. Of course, The City Quilter, with its gorgeous collection of fabrics, books, trims, and other goodies is reason enough to make the trip...

Zinnia, Detail

Summer Travel

Summer is a great time to rejuvenate, to be outdoors and to look for inspiration among the bright colors and patterns that surround us.

That’s exactly what I did this summer with an eagerly anticipated trip to France.

It can be very motivational to visit a new place.  One appreciates things that are often overlooked if they are part of your every day environment.

I am always looking for inspiration and ideas for new fabric designs and there was no shortage of these in France.

This tiny shop was tucked into a passageway in the medieval center of Annecy.  Just imagine if your favorite fabric store was in a stone fortress built hundreds of years ago!

Not everyone likes fun patterns and colors. Not too many quilters in this shop:

Shown below, is the picturesque town of Honfleur. 

Closer inspection reveals a color combination in the making.

And check out these café chairs for a delightful burst of color.

I will leave you with a few of my travel photos. I hope you had an inspirational summer too.

The View from Notre Dame

Annecy at Night

Flower Shop in Paris

Annecy

Mont Saint-Michel