In Thanks

Meg Rogers — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 13:49:38 GMT

Pokie, I just logged on and saw your post about your father. I am so sorry - my father died 2 years ago of lung cancer at age 79 - also way too young in my mind. Your attitude is wonderful - I wish I'd been able to be where you are at 2 years ago. I know what a painful time this is for you. Know that I and many are others are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Shelley Gaines — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 19:59:46 GMT

I love your work and all your ideas! I wish I had been one of the 30 people. Let me know if you are extending it. I would love to try it. Keep up the beautiful work you do!

Kathleen — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 21:23:33 GMT

Dear Patricia, I'm so sorry about your Dad. It's a tough time to go through. When I experienced the loss of my Mom, I found that making beautiful things made me happy even while I was grieving and I hope it does the same for you. I enjoy learning about all of the different artists and techniques. Keep up the good work. Sincerly, Kathleen

elizabeth beck — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:59:28 GMT

OH! ....i have been so busy doing art that i have not been keeping up with the blog! shame on me ....i'm sure i'm too late to get the surprise...... but, i would love help with altered books.......it is one of those things where i am sure i am trying to invent the wheel......figuring it out as i go along......rather than reading up on it and following tried and true practices......i want a beautiful altered book and i usually end up with my favorite pages stuck together and a mess rather than anything lovely......i am a book girl, a reader, a bibliophile, and yet, i've never made an altered book that i adore...... a bit of my art is on the flickr site below......i love cps...... e. beck http://www.flickr.com/photos/ebeck

Carolyn Gavranich — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 20:15:07 GMT

I just discovered your blog as I was trying to renew my Quilting Arts subscription. I have been quilting for a few years now, and have tried many different techniques. Currently I want to get back to making fabric bowls and try doing fabric vases. I've made them before and they are great gifts. I want to use more batiks and hand dyed fabrics and try to replicate the look of blown glass bowls.

Inge Nielsen — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 04:27:26 GMT

I am experimenting with painting on fabric, discharging, and free motion quilting, and to apply it all to clothing. I am a member of an exciting group, The Wowsers,[Wonder of Wearables] we meet once a month throughout the year, and we inspire, inform, teach and experiment, it is so very exciting. I am so sorry for your loss, I also lost my father, when he was too young, but I feel him around me constantly, and it is now 35 years ago. Inge

Art Tea Life — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 00:56:17 GMT

oh my gosh I didn't know and came here for something else and read of your loss I am so very very sorry and my heart breaks for you This is such a sad time for you I hope you will be well. Love, S.

Jean Fengler — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 02:30:25 GMT

I know I am at the tail, tail end of this -- but, of course, I would like to address the passing of your Father. You will find, with the passing of time, it just gets easier. You will find times when you are certain he is with you -- and those in the know -- that work with grief and religious institutions believe a loved one's presence is very, very real, and not to be discounted. I have something that I am working on, but more importantly, I wonder if we could not create art cards to sell for an wonderful organization in here that that cares for the great, great numbers of orphans there and is helping to rebuild the Catholic Church. Many of these children were orphaned as the result of sad, sad circumstances. The people that help them are beyond dedicated and tireless. The title of the organization is Queen of the Apostles Mission Association. This is what I would like to work on, if any of you are takers -- you will find the organization listed on the web under the acronymn of QAMA. I know one of the men who had dedicated his life to these children, and they are always in need -- so I do wonder if we might start some of the art cards for their organization?

Jane LaFazio — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 18:57:34 GMT

So sorry to hear about your dad. Sonny's comment really touched me too, we really have to live our own lives to the fullest and I'm so thankful that your dad felt he had done that. Love the photo of you all on the boat. My current passion is sketching in my journal, nearly everyday, and then posting it to my blog. www.JaneVille.blogspot.com I'd also like to do more with organza, and old stuff. I'd like to bring more of my painting skill into my art quilts. “What I do today is important because I am paying a day of my life for it. What I accomplish must be worthwhile because the price is high.” Jane LaFazio www.PlainJaneStudio.com

Normajean Brevik — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:09:45 GMT

Hi Pokey, Yes, it is important to live life to the fullest, your cup is half full, not half empty. As for my pursuits... #1 "having more of my work published" ;-) and #2"art quilt competitions". I hear that you will be serving on the SAQA BOD soon. That's terrific! Hugs, Normajean

Robin Parton — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:00:46 GMT

I am currently trying to improve my free motion quilting, trying new designs and improving my stitch length. I tend to use too small a stitch length which is ok in some applications but not in others. I am also doing lots of postcards and have recently begun some artist trading cards and fabric books. There are so many things to try and so little time to do them all for me. You do have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father, my family has been through that twice in the last couple of years. Robin Parton

Pat Smith — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 13:32:57 GMT

I want to do fabric and bead collage, fancy hand and machine stitching - altered books and - - -The list goes on and on - and the days are too short! Bury yourself in your work for a while - that will help.

heather buysse — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 03:59:20 GMT

Patricia, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss; it's good you are already working through it constructively. I'm probably not in the top 30 respondents, but would like to add my two cents anyway. I would like to become more adept at pulling a project together. I suppose that ties in with becoming more familiar with the principles of design. Your interview with Rosalie Dace in the Fall 2006 issue of Quilting Arts reinforced the need for a working knowledge of design principles. Rosalie's work is absolutely exquisite. I love her "beach walk" quilt. I too love the sea and am trying to emulate sea foam on fabric. I'm also going to try really hard to start quilting for real (?) with an art quilt journal. I'll be referring back to Maria Elkins' article about quilt journals, also in the current issue of QA. Finally, I'm also working on paper/paint collages and trying out different art doll patterns. The Fall 2006 issue of QA is the best yet, in my opinion. QA keeps me abreast of new techniques,products, trends and artists on the cutting edge of fiber artistry.Your hard work and the staff's hard work really shine through the pages of the magazine. Heather B

Terri Takacs — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 03:36:24 GMT

I understand what you are going through. my mom-in-law died of lung cancer in almost the same time frame as your Dad 4 yrs ago. It seemed overnight she was gone. One thing that stood out to me was at the moment of death....her entire face changed and even the feeling in the room went from utter sadness to peace. She was not a religous person but there was no denying she was in the arm's of our Lord.God bless you as you go through the process of grief. It offer's growth and wisdom like no other "season" in life :) To answer your question ~ I am interested in Bright colored fabric and beading. I am tired of the dark color's! Except for black which is such a lovely backdrop to everything! And I just can't stop lovin' hanky's! They make me giddy inside!I also GREATLY appreciate simple step by step instruction's.All the play by play detail's are important to know but I'm much more likely to jump in and try it if this is all accompanied by the simple step by step.Best Regard's ~ Terri TerrisThreadArt.etsy.com

Donna Funnell — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 01:06:06 GMT

Hi Pokey, I am so sorry that you lost your dad. My thoughts are with you.I am working on a silent auction fabric journal called Flexability for Osteoporosis Canada. For each page I created a thought using the letters of Flexability. I embroidered,quilted, photo transferred,added ribbon,vintage lace etc. I used Pam Sussman's book for inspiration. This journal will be auctioned at the Oshawa Fibre Art Show and sale from Set.16 to 24. My other work can be viewed at www.fibreartstudios.com Hope you will visit my group's website.