Jumpstart Your Creativity: DVD by Barbara Olson

Barbara Olson wrote one of Dragon Threads’ most successful books, Journey of an Art Quilter. While Barbara offered techniques in the book, I think what really captured readers—including me—was her account of becoming and an artist. Barbara is a powerhouse talent, but what was special about the book beyond her innovating quilting techniques was how she harnessed her creativity and translated it into art. Her story is inspirational and motivating.

Well, her new DVD, Jumpstart Your Creativity, is a chance to spend a little time with Barbara in your living room! The DVD walks you through the steps to create your own art quilt in the shape of a large flower. Barbara includes detailed lessons, starting with a flower outline pattern that you can print from the DVD. She then shows you how to select fabrics that work together and then how to machine applique each petal. She also includes a lesson on auditioning background fabric, and how to finish the top with her colorful, random free motion patterns. It’s a unique look and adds so much to the background. In the end you’ll have a large,very graphic floral quilt which will impress everyone.

Special to this DVD is a trunk show at the end. I really like it! She also includes outtakes which are very funny. The run time is 1 hour and 20 minutes and nearly every one of them is full of valuable designing information.

GIVEAWAY!

There are two prizes this week. Leave a comment (with an email address). First prize is the DVD. Second prize is a large Barb Olson flower pattern. I’m including a copy of her book, Journey of an Art Quilter, with both prizes. If you don’t win, get over to Barb’s site to buy the DVD, book, and patterns. Deadline for this contact is PM, next Wednesday April 13th.

While you're there, bookmark her site. There’s always something new to study and enjoy. She keeps a "Quilts in Progress" page that is just fascinating.

Giveaway winner

The winner of the Libby Lehman DVD was Robin (RsIslandcrafts). Your DVD is on the way, Robin! Congratulations and thanks to everybody who left a comment.

A Day of Threadplay with Libby Lehman

I had the most pleasant afternoon last week. I sat down with a cup of tea and watched Libby Lehman’s excellent and enjoyable new DVD, A Day of Threadplay, produced by Ricky Tim’s company.

I took a class from Libby years ago. She was just as warm and friendly than as she is on the DVD. She’s a wonderful teacher, and I think her style translates well from in-person to digital. Go visit her blog if you'd like to get to know her a little better. Before I cover her DVD, check out some of these fantastic quilts from her site:

Skyview II, Crop Circles

Leaves in Living Color

She starts off with some instruction about her famous “Sheer Ribbon Illusion” technique. She walks through an easy small project, but on the way covers some color theory. She also included a fabulous way to chain piece that i just loved.

One thing that is nice on a DVD is that you can stop, rewind, and really get close-up on special techniques. The photography is excellent and clear on this 75 minute DVD. It was a treat watching Libby creating her ribbon illusion with free motion.

Her next subject is her “Potluck Applique” style, which is a great way to design in layers. This is her method of doing reverse applique with her improvements. Libby features the decorative stitches on the machine and some tips on satin stitching like a pro.

The last lesson is “Sheer Fabric” play, in which sheer fabrics are used in layers. Libby shows how to design, handle, and sew these layers for beautiful effect. She also teaches couching and bobbin work.

Even for an experienced quilter and sewer, there is lots of great instruction and tips here. She even shows you her binding method, one that I'd like to use soon. This DVD is so rich in useful information and techniques for all quilters, and it’s one of the best I've seen!

AND!!! I have a copy to GIVEAWAY. One lucky commenter will win. You have until February 27th at midnight to make your mark down below in the comment section.

And if you don't win, or you just can’t wait, go to Ricky's site and order your own. They’re on sale as of today. You won’t regret it!

Calling Sassaman Giveaway Winners!

Last call for the Sassaman giveaway winners. Please contact me by Friday at 5pm @ linda@dragonthreads.com so that I can make arrangements to send you your prize! If I don't hear from you, I'm afraid I'll have to re-reward the prize to somebody else.

I am looking for:

Joyce (commenter #36), who said, "I am a long time fan of Jane's work and love the bag pattern, hope I win!"

and

Lynn (commenter #10), who said "Jane's work is amazing and inspiring."

Another BIG giveaway coming up tomorrow!!!

Jane Sassaman Giveaway Winners

Thanks to everybody who participated! The winners are:

Joyce (commenter #36), who said, "I am a long time fan of Jane's work and love the bag pattern, hope I win!"

Lynn (commenter #10), who said "Jane's work is amazing and inspiring."

From the email sign-up participants, Suntosh won.

Joyce and Lynn, congratulations! Please email me at linda@dragonthreads.com so I can get details about address, etc.

Thanks again and stay tuned. Another BIG giveaway coming up later this week.

Jane Sassaman Giveaway

I met Jane Sassaman in 1996 her when she won Best of Show at IQA in Houston. She was standing by her huge, amazing, gorgeous "Willow" quilt with white gloves on, answering questions. My question was the stupidest: "How long did it take you to make this?" Gracious Jane answered the question. Over the years we’ve become friends.

From the second I laid eyes on her work I’ve been a fan. It’s almost impossible not to be! Her trademark design sense, distinctive applique technique and use of machine decorative stitches are inspirational. If you get a chance, take a class. They’re informative and invaluable in terms of developing and opening up your own technique. Soak up some of Jane’s spirit and creativity in person. I've taken classes from her twice and I promise you will love working with her.

Lovely Jane is helping Dragon Threads get readers off to a creative start this year. She generously donated this nifty set to one lucky reader. Here’s what’s included:

Pretty Perfect Pocket Purse Pattern

and a piece of the main purse fabric from the front cover

and a piece of the blue fabric from the back:

Now, this bag is perfect. I love it. It’s been road tested: Jane uses it every day! Look at the fun details. Note the shisha mirrors in the daffodil centers. Who can resist the fun felt ball fringe? This is a happy bag, perfect for chasing away the winter doldrums.

Jane featured fabrics from her new Garden Divas collection for Free Spirit fabrics. This line is so luscious. I want every pattern in every colorway! I'm planning to make a shirt mixing 6 different prints. Looking for your own ideas? (After you’ve made the bag, that is…) There are some beautiful FREE quilt patterns for this new fabric on Jane's blog.

I am always inspired to see what is new with Jane on her blog, which she obviously lavishes with attention. She seamlessly weaves fabrics, travel, stories about life on the prairie, and her own terrific photos in the most compelling, almost painterly way. Her posts are as exotic, colorful, creative, and interesting as she is.

But back to the giveaway!

Post a comment below by Sunday evening, January 16th about Jane's work for one chance to win. For a second chance, sign up for our newsletter and say "Jane sent me" in the “How can we help you" box. Lucky winners get the Pretty Pocket Purse pattern plus two fabric swatches directly from Jane. Two runners up are going to get something special. I’m digging into my stash for two coveted special Jane Sassaman fabric pieces. You’ll each get two samples, half of each piece. Enter now, then start planning your next project a la Jane.

PS: Jane is having a Noriko giveaway this courtesy of Dragon Threads over at her blog. Don’t miss it! If you can’t wait to get your hands on Noriko’s book yourself (here comes a plug) head on over to my shop and buy one!

Big Giveaway Next Week!

Two words:

Jane Sassaman.

Master Machine Stitching Thread Sketching WINNER!

WOW! 123 total in email and comments. Thank you to everybody who participated. The winner is .... (drum roll please) ... Creative Dawn!

So much coming up on Dragon Threads Open Book. Right after Christmas is the much-anticipated Jane Sassaman giveaway, then a Judith Montano prize for the New Year. Lots of other great stuff coming up.

In the meantime, thanks to Susan Brubaker Knapp and to all of you. Congratulations Creative Dawn! If you didn't win, be sure to head over to Blue Moon River and pick up a copy. You will not be disappointed.

Fabric to Dye For Winner!

Sophie W was the big winner in last week's giveaway. Congratulations, Sophie! Your book is on the way.

Stay tuned.....This week's giveaway coming up soon. It's a good one.

Review & Giveaway: Fabric to Dye for by Frieda Anderson

Disclaimer: I've admired Frieda Anderson’s work since I saw a quilt from her first book years ago. I visit her website from time to time to see what she’s doing; it’s always something interesting. Finally last week I got a chance to meet her when she was in town to teach a class for my old quilting guild. After the class we went out to dinner. Frieda is great company: nice and easy to talk to. Given that we’ve both been working in the industry for years we have mutual friends and lots of common ground to cover. She’s no diva, rather very open and down to earth, an “old” new friend.

Now, I’ve never dyed before. I’ve been interested in it for quite a while, in fact I have a 30 yard roll of PFD fabric waiting. But how to get started? Well, Frieda is famous for hand-dying all her fabrics, so at dinner I picked her brain. She gave me a synopsis of her latest book, Fabric to Dye For . Her method—eliminating urea—seemed easy. (And not too messy!) I was intrigued.

I went home and bought the book. Over the next week I studied both Frieda’s book and another dyeing technique book somebody loaned me. It was like a high school homework assignment: “compare and contrast….”

No contest! Frieda's book is so clear and concise, perfect for the beginner. She skillfully uses full-color photographs (see below) to walk readers through the process from beginning to end, including setting up a place to work, sourcing materials, fabric preparation, etc. And she does it in only 79 pages, which will set you back only $23.95. The things you need you might already have sitting around. Here are two pictures from the book to show you what I mean:

The book is very nicely organized, something I really appreciate as I organize and produce books for a living. She includes easy-to-understand charts of formulas to mix dyes. She suggests a 12-step gradation to avoid dyeing too many odd colors. Her method demonstrates how to dye a value family of a color. The quilt projects included in the book will not only make it easy to use your new perfectly colored fabric to create beautiful effects, but will inspire you to get creative. You will not be able to help yourself! Here are two pictures, courtesy of Frieda, to pique your interest:

I am sold on Frieda’s method of dyeing and I have my quilting friends fired up to get colorful with me. We’re planning a “dyeing party” as soon as the weather is over 70 degrees. As I look out at the snow falling here in central Ohio, I realize we have some time to plan.

Ready to plan your own project? Can’t wait to get a copy of the book? We’re giving one away! Everybody has up to 2 chance to win. Here’s how:

1. Post a comment below. If you were dyeing fabric, tell me what color you’d choose to do first. Then tell me what you’d use it for.
2. Sign up for the Dragon Threads email newsletter (click here). In the “How can we help you” field write “Frieda sent me!” Even if you’re already on the list, signing up again will give you another chance to win (and I promise not to send you two newsletters unless you send me two different email addresses).

One winner will be chosen at random. Contest ends at midnight on December 14th. If you can’t wait to get your hands on a copy, or you want to send one to every quilter you know then start planning your own “dyeing party”, head over to Frieda’s site. Tell her Dragon Threads sent you!

Joan Lintault Book Winners; Nick of Time Sale

Our first contest was such a great success. Thank you to everybody who commented; who emailed me; who "poked" me on Facebook; and who signed up for the Dragon Threads newsletter.

And now...Drum Roll please....

THE WINNERS OF SIGNED JOAN LINTAULT BOOK

Eugenie.qs, Li Hertzi, and Vickie Clontz

Congratulations!

Our month full of giveaways continues Wednesday. Stay tuned to this station! (Better yet, subscribe to our feed.)

If you didn't win the Joan Lintault book, I bring you tidings of great joy. Head on over to Dragon Threads where Joan's spectacular book is on sale. Lots of other books are on sale, too. They make great gifts for your quilting friends....or for you!

Dragon Threads Giveaway: Joan Lintault in your Mailbox

Last Friday, my dear friend Candace and I went to have lunch with Joan Lintault, one of my authors. Joan’s sister, Jaimee Uhlenbrock came, too. Joan's house is in a beautiful wooded setting in new Paltz, NY. Joan’s studio is large, fully equipped with everything one could want or need to make fiber art. She even has a full kitchen for dyeing (indigo dyeing in the summer) and silk screen printing!

While we were there, I got a peek at the quilt Joan is making for me. Gorgeous. Check out a few of the silk-screened pieces:

I can’t wait for the finished product.

When I visit studios, I always love to see what is on artists’ inspirations walls. It’s always interesting, and well, inspiring. Joan’s, of course, is no exception:

This is what is in her sewing machine now…

Joan has a Japanese tea house on a small pond in her backyard. I can just imagine how it must look in the summer with everything in full bloom!

I can’t say enough about Joan’s quilts. She’s been creating amazing fiber art pieces since 1965. Her works has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the American Crafts Museum, the American Museum of Quilts and Textiles. (And soon my house!) Her quilts are masterpieces: exquisite, dimensional, sculptural, deeply personal. Take these, for example:

Quilt #1

Quilt #2

Quilt #3

Quilt #4

Working with Joan was a delight from beginning to end. She is delightful and as unique as her quilts. Her book is a tour of sorts demonstrating how a talented, experienced, creative master craftsman and artist translates an idea into art. Joan’s warm, clear guidance, instruction, and ideas will have you anxious to fire up your inner artist.

THE GIVEAWAY!
To get those creative juices going for the holidays, Dragon Threads is having a giveaway! Three lucky winners will bring Joan right into their homes/studios via her wonderful book. Everybody has up to three chances to win a signed copy of Joan's book:

1. Leave a comment below letting me know which of the pictures above is your favorite and why.
2. Head over to the Dragon Threads newsletter signup page and sign-up. In the “How can we help you” field, type “Joan sent me”.
3. Go to the Dragon Threads Facebook page and post “Joan sent me” on the wall.

I'll put all the entries into a big virtual hat, and 3 winners, randomly chosen, will be announced this weekend. Lots more contests and giveaways coming up in the next few weeks! Stay tuned.