Why I Love Mosaics

I am in love with making fabric mosaics.  As I was working on my newest project, I was thinking about why I like them so much. After 2 years of making mosaic after mosaic, why haven't  I gotten bored with them?
I find them calming and I find them forgiving.  If I miscut a piece, I set it aside and cut a new piece.  I get to use lots and lots of batik fabrics.  I have quite a collection! Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the things that need to get done for my business.  In the midst of the stress, I may get an idea for a new Mini Mosaic pattern.  (Oh who am I kidding, I have a ton of ideas floating around in my head!)  I'll take a few days to design a new one and by focusing on that design, everything else in my brain disappears - work problems, family problems, world problems.

These are a few of my newest ones:

 "Key West Sunrise"

"Rooster"

"Tropical Hideaway"

Can you tell that these were inspired by my time in Key West? (Which I plan on returning to next Winter.)

The Minis measure 11"x14" finished.  The one on my worktable today will measure 28" square.  It's unusual to use a mini for inspiration for a larger piece, but I loved that Key West Sunrise so much, that I wanted a larger quilt.

I do know why I love making these fabric mosaic quilts. They are puzzles.  They are puzzles made up of 3/8" squares.  Squares that I cut and trim to fit my line drawing pattern.  Where do I start?  What direction do I follow? How do I cut the squares to fit? The challenge in making a Mini Mosaic quilt appeals to me.  It appeals to both the creative and logical side of my brain.

There is something about making quilts that appeals to all of us.  Whether it is logically oriented or a creative outlet, we make them because we love to and often we make them because we have to.  Sometimes the origin of a quilt comes from our heart.  Each stitch is made we love.  We think about who we are making them for.  Can they feel the love?  We hope so, don't we?

If you want to see more of my Mini Mosaic patterns/kits, visit my Etsy shop by clicking HERE

One more thing.  If you live in the Glen Mills, PA area and are free this Saturday (3/24), I am giving a second Mini Mosaic quilts wotkshop with The Brandywine Valley Quilt Guild.  I know there are some spaces left, so email me if you're interested. oyveyquilts@yahoo.com

My Hiatus is Coming to a Close

It's time to get into the swing of things.  The natural rhythm of my year leaves me with a 3 - 1/2 month hiatus from lecturing.  During December, most guilds have a holiday themed meeting.  January and February are my months to be in Key West and then the first half of March is for travelling home, unpacking and maybe a couple of  quilt shows.

I am now getting ready for my first lecture of this year at Helping Hands Quilt guild in Dover, DE.  "Turning Travel Into Treasure" is my newest lecture.  I share many fiber pieces that I have created based on my travels over the years.  As I prepare for the presentation, it's like a walk down memory lane, packing each quilt and reminiscing.  Sometimes the memories overcome me. 

In 2011, there was an outdoor art installation in Central Park, in NYC, called The Gates.  I was drooling over photos and wishing that I could walk under those tangerine flags. I grew up in a suburb of the city and have such fond memories of visits from my childhood. One day, my husband said, "let's go!".  Really??  He took a day off from work and we drove the 2 hours North.  It was a glorious, crisp, clear day and I walked and walked and walked under all those flowing pieces of fabric. Then  a volunteer handed me a small piece of the tangerine gate fabric.  I knew I had to use it. 

 I won't share all my stories now.   I could write forever, because many of my quilts are inspired by  my travels.  I'll just share a few photos.

"Filigree Fantasy"  inspired by all the wrought iron balconies and doors in Barcelona.

"Houses of Key West"

"Casa Talavera" inspired by tiles in Mexico

"Concentricity" inspired by sidewalk tiles in St Augustine

Are you inspired by your travels?

Come to one of my lectures if you want to see more eye candy  and hear more of my stories. 

 Click HERE for my schedule.