CQJP 2019 - May Block, 1950s

Here she is, the all-American girl!  Women of the 50s became consumers.  They left the workplace after the men returned from war and went back to work.  There was a move to fashion and away from the practical.  No more rationing!  They were elegant, polished and charming.  It seemed the height of chivalry when men held the door for them, lit their cigarettes, helped them with their coats, carried their packages for them and treated their women quite royally.  The 50s was also the beginning of differences between more mature women and the young teens.  Neither imitated the other for the most part.  It was fun to be young yet also ideal to be the grownup.  My lady is the more mature woman who wore elegant clothing when they went out, cocktail dresses for the evening out and classic fashions during the day.  Mink coats and stoles, pearls, rhinestones, chiffon, silks, crinoline and other frivolous items were part of the wardrobes during the 1950s.

The ideal figure was tall with small bones, sloping shoulders, a tiny waist and a graceful neckline.  Hats and gloves were still very common.  Also common were hairstyles such as the French roll and Beehive, otherwise hair was shorter.  Emphasis was on the bust and hips and shoulder pads were removed.  Two types of skirt silhouettes were common, full skirts known as bouffant skirts emphasized a tiny waistline and straight skirts referred to as pencil skirts defined the curves and elongated the legs.   Sweater sets also flattered and emphasized a woman's figure. 

Lots of stripes, polka dots and checks/gingham were evident during this decade and styles were influenced by French and Italian fashion.  I chose yellow, black and white to reflect the elegance and European influence.  Of course every lady wore a girdle/garter belt and nylons (before pantyhose were invented).  Another indicator of the 50s were those flattering yet uncomfortable and "dangerous" stiletto heels.  

Although I painted a white skirt I decided to do a black netting over that area so it would show up better.  

Just a few of the influential people of the time included Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Annette Funicello, Doris Day, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor.  Lawrence Welk and American Bandstand were popular on TV.  Three Coins in the Fountain film, TV, drive-in movies, malt shops, and Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle Magazines all influenced the 50s.  Popular dances of the time included Rock 'n Roll, the Stroll, Twist, Rock, Jive, Samba, Rumba, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha.

During the 1950s the USA was a dominant country with a stable economy with American made products.  Eisenhower was President during this time.  Alaska and Hawaii joined the union.  Inventions included TV, vacuums, freezers and of course the Barbie doll.  On the downside this decade is also affected by polio and the iron lung.

How many of you remember the 1950s decade?  Would love if you shared your experiences and memories!

1950s Decade Ladies Work in Progress

I am almost finished with my 1950s block so I thought I would give you a sneak peak.

1950s Decade Lady Watercolor - copyright CREyberg

Above is my painting for the next crazy quilt block.  She is a feminine and confident 1950s lady.  Pencil skirts and Bouffant skirts were very popular during the 50s so to show this I painted a full sheer "Bouffant" over skirt with a straight "Pencil" skirt visible underneath.

When I pieced my CQ Block I was thinking I wanted some yellow, black and white for kind of a French feel.  Gingham, stripes and polka-dots were popular during the 50s so I proceeded to collect fabrics in the colors and patterns I had decided on.  My first attempt at a 1950s block (shown above) was done using the yellows, black, white and red in the ginghams, stripes and polka-dots but I wasn't very happy with the results and had difficulty as I tried to determine stitches and embellishments that would work.   Below is the revamped block with several of the patches replaced them with  black or black and white, still using primarily checks/gingham, stripes and polka-dots.  I will incorporate color, mostly yellow, with my stitching.  I'm much happier with how this is working out.

The 50s is a time period I do remember even though I was a kid at the time.  More about that time period when I share my completed block.  In the meantime I have my 1960s lady sketched and I'm anxious to get her completed and choose some of the bright 60s fabrics I have been gathering.  It will be quite a switch from my previous blocks.

1940s Century Lady Painting

A little behind on my crazy quilt journal project.  I actually have my 1940s lady painted and finally pieced.  The problem I have been having is printing the images onto fabric.  They are losing color when printed onto cotton fabric even though I have boosted the color.  They look fine on paper.  I first printed this one on cotton fabric and then tried silk.  The silk had better color but when stabilizer was ironed on it rippled.  I ended up using my Inktense pencils and adding color to the cotton printed image.  I will be experimenting with other printable fabrics but this will do for now and for use on my Crazy Quilt Block.

The 1940s lady is very feminine and put together yet practical even though this decade was a tough one.  Patriotism was foremost of importance, deep in everyone's heart!  It was a time of WWII as the United States was drug into the war.  Hitler had taken power in Europe in '39 and on December 7, 1941 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor forcing President Roosevelt and Congress to declare war on Japan.  Americans dropped the first Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.  The term 'Wartime Glamour Girl' and the phrase 'beauty is your duty' were coined as women were expected to look beautiful to keep up the moral of the troops even though at the same time they were forced to step in to the roles of men to help fill the vacancies left by those leaving to serve the country.  Rosie the Riveter was one such woman whose image  became an icon of the women's role in the war effort.   They were expected to stay optimistic, strong and charming yet elegant and tastefully dressed as 'the girl next door'.

Makeup was soft with full red lips. Hair was generally styled in a pageboy or when working tucked into snoods or bandannas.  Off duty their hair was often styled into a sausage rolls on the crown or neck, referred to as Veronica Lake hair.

Fashion magazines were now in color.  Most women made their own clothing as a matter of practicality.   It was not uncommon that some clothing might have been made from curtains, tablecloths and other such items due to rationing and restrictions during the war.  There was a 'make due and mend' mentality.  Aprons were often worn at home.

Small floral prints in Crepe du Chine fabric and other printed fabrics and solids in fabrics such as cotton, silk and wool were popular for lawn dresses, swing dresses and other clothing.  Hemlines moved up again to just below the knee.  For evening wear fabrics included taffeta and satin.  Wool suits including the L-85 suit, influenced by mens' military uniforms were more utilitarian in appearance.  Shoulder pads were used to give the look of broad shoulders.  Fitted suits or dresses though practical were also figure flattering and sometimes had a peplum to enhance the waistline.  Baggy long yet feminine trousers gained popularity in the 1920s and 30s but began wearing them in public in the 40s but they still weren't really accepted until the 1960s.  An interesting side note, women weren't allowed to wear trousers on the Senate floor until 1993.  We've come a long way baby (as the saying goes).

This was a decade of rationing, including food, clothing and metals reserved for use by the military.  Nylons were scarce so many women used leg makeup and even used eyebrow pencils to draw a seam up the back of their legs to give the appearance of hose.  Head-wear included wide-brimmed hats, lace mantillas, snoods, adorned hats with veils including bird hats, bow hats and bandeaux hats.  Other accessories were non-priority furs, crushed cotton gloves, and clutch purses.  Metal was in short supply so sterling silver was used for jewelry instead.  Large round button earrings, felt flowers and brooches which were cheap and easy, crocheted detachable collars, multiple bracelets and bangles and beaded necklaces completed the look. Bakelite plastics were developed around 1907 and during the 30s and 40s became popular for jewelry due to its low price and bright colors.  

Footwear was back to practicality, they typically had chunky heels and ankle straps, also 2-toned.  They were similar to those of the 20s and 30s but without the flare and color.  Espadrilles in summer, loafers,  and for the younger females, saddle shoes.

Popular dances were the Deb and Lindy-Hop, Jitterbug, Boogie Woogie, Jive, Rumba, Samba, and Swing; for the 20-something the Fox Trot.  Entertainment included Gone With the Wind and Little Women.  Influential and Iconic People were the Andrew Sisters, Dina Shore, Rita Hayworth, Dorothy L'Amour, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Gable, Marlene Dietrich, Rosy the Riveter, Oveta Culp Hobby, Mme Chian Kai-Sheck, Bing Crosby (I love his voice), Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Scarlotte O'Hara.

Fine art was at a standstill to ads and fashion.

Postwar years of this decade was marked by a return to decadence which plunged us into the styles of the 1950s.

CQJP 2019 - March Block and Watercolor Painting

March is finished.  There was a definite contrast between the 20s and 30s.  While the 1920s was frivolous and almost rebellious the 1930s brought with it economic, political and social turmoil.  Leading this was the 1929 Wall Street crash which resulted in what is referred to as the 'Great Depression'.  It was also the decade Hitler took over Germany.  This was the period in our history of the infamous couple Bonnie and Clyde.  Most lived practical lives with some women going to work to help support the family during the hard times.  The ideal woman was mature, efficient and reliable but there was also the spunky working girl.  Think of Greta Garbo and the chain-smoking Bette Davis.  There was a mood upswing later in the 30s decade which brought on gathered and shirred dresses, amusing jewelry and hats.

The 1930s was also a very innovative time.  Inventions during this decade included frozen food, all-color movies at the cinema, jet engine, FM radio, photocopier, ballpoint pen.

Popular dances such as the Rumba, Jazz, Jitterbug, Breakaway, Air Steps, Conga, Lambeth Walk, Chestnut Tree, Hokey Cokey and Samba were performed to the beat of what was referred to as Big Band music.  Entertainment besides dancing included the Cinema, horse races and the still popular today Wizard of Oz.

Influential people during the 1930s (and some beyond the 1930s) included Bette Davis, Greta Garbo, Jean Arthur, Rosalind Russel, Barbara Stanwyck, Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, Shirley Temple, Katharine Hepburn, Scarlotte O'Hara, Ann Rutherford, Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers.  Several of them were stars of the Cinema and had a huge influence on fashions of the day.

2019 CQJP - March - 1930s

Speaking of fashion, the 1930's took a turn from the razzle-dazzle of the roaring twenties to a more glamorous, unfussy and ultra feminine mature style.  Even young college-age women looked more mature with their long skirts and practical working shoes.  Hems went longer, about 10" from the floor or some even to the ankles.  

Hair was styled into long soft 'finger waves', plucked arched eyebrows and rococo curved lips were also on trend. 

The silhouette was more natural, slinky and sculptural, showing off their feminine curves and natural waistline.  Waists were often belted.  The look was glamorous, elegant and refined yet casual.  

Everyday styles were created with fabrics such as rayon, linen, crepe du chine, chiffon and cotton cleverly cut on the bias.  Floral prints and solids were common.  Printed flour sack fabrics were still commonly used.  Removable collars and cuffs, veiled hats, gloves, costume jewelry and other accessories were often used to change the look of an outfit.  

Silks and satins and laces were reserved for intimates and evening wear, some with a train on the skirt.  Backless dresses were common in evening wear.  Tank vests were often worn instead of brassieres.  Luxury fabrics and expensive beading was not readily available so designers had to be creative.  Styles emphasized the waist through use of color, necklines and pleating.   Shimmering fabrics, ethnic embroideries and amusing jewelry finally emerged in the late 30s.

Common trends included furs, monograms, Jabots, Dirndls (late 30s), gored dresses, penney loafers, Oxford shoes, T-strap heals, baroque shoes, slip on pumps, bandeaux hats and trumpet skirts.  All shoes had a heel.  Many shoes from this decade had perforations (tiny holes).  Bracelets and a watch was often worn over top of gloves.  Hats might cover one eye or large picture hats were worn.  The ideal figure was tall with a small bust and narrow hips.

Pants and blazers, shirt dresses for daytime, and Peter Pan collars inspired by menswear were worn for the first time.

1930s Decade Lady - Copyright Connie R Eyberg

Popular art of the 30s was abstract, expressionism, Bauhaus school of Art, and by artists such as Kooning, Jackson Pollock and Wassily Kandinsky.

In my crazy quilt block I included collars which might be added to a dress or blouse, simple cotton lace, vintage buttons and some pearl beads.  The fabrics are all reproduction 1930s.  I tried to keep it fairly simple for this period of practicality.  Hope you enjoyed learning a bit about this decade!

CQJP 2019 - February Block

Finally completed my February block for CQJP 2019.  I knew it was going to take longer because I wanted it to have tons of sparkle to reflect the frivolous time period.  The fringe and fabric details are all done individually by hand.  I've used lots of beads, sequins and metallic threads and fabrics.  The seam along the lower left is a furry yarn trim with a rhinestone strip in the middle.

2019 CQJP - February - Roaring Twenties

The photo just below helps really show the sparkle.

Tons of sparkle on this one!

Below is the (almost) naked block.  I am having a little trouble getting my images to print out onto the fabric as bright as the actual painting.  I ended up adding a little metallic detailing to this figure so the rest of the block's sparkle didn't overwhelm it quite as much.

1920s naked block for JQJP 2019

Details about this decade referred to as the Roaring Twenties are on the previous post.  Hope you like it!

1920s Decade - Century Ladies

My 1920s painting is completed and fabrics have been chosen for my next crazy quilt block.  This was a somewhat frivolous decade and I will be adding lots of glitz and glamour to my block, a huge contrast to my 1910s crazy quilt block.  It should be lots of fun but more time consuming with lots of added embellishments such as beads and sequins added to already shimmery fabrics.

1920s Decade Lady - Copyright Connie R Eyberg

The 1920s, often referred to as the Jazz Age or Roaring Twenties, was the era of Flappers, gangsters and bootleggers.  The war was over, women had new strength and confidence as many went to work.  Besides the end of WWI, the 19th Amendment was ratified giving Women full voting rights thanks to the Womens' Suffrage Movement.  Women gained a new independence and were now free to vote and to drive, and many even took up smoking.  Other influences during this decade included prohibition, development of auto assembly lines making autos more affordable to everyone, discovery of Penicillin and the height of the  Industrial age.  The discovery of King Tut's Tomb brought about an Egyptian influence seen in the fashion industry as well as other applications.  The style during this period is referred to as Art Deco and can be found in the visual arts, architecture and fashions of the day. 

Among the influential people were pioneer aviator Amelia Earhart; racing pilot Jacqueline Cochran; actress, model and dancer Louise/Leslie Brooks; and actresses Greta Garbo, Lillian Gish, Pola Negri, Gloria Swanson and Clara Bow.  Popular music and dances of the time included Charlseston, Tango, Two-Step, One-Step Quick-Step, Turkey Trot, Fox Trot, The Black Bottom, Varsity Drag, The Shimmy and French Tango.  Besides Art Deco, Bauhaus Constructivism, Cubism, Futurism and Dali Surrealism could be seen in the art world.

Previous to the 1920s the ideal was a more mature and sophisticated woman.  Now for the first time women desired a more youthful fun look.  Hemlines went up to the knees and waistlines dropped to the hips during much of this decade.  A flat-chested boyish silhouette with long slender neckline, broad shoulders and long legs with rolled down stockings was in vogue as dresses hung loosely, with little form.  The long straight flat dress was easy to sew.  Among fabrics used were metallics, delicate, thin and airy, rayon, silk, crepe chiffon, mostly in  bright solids or muted pastels along with knits for sportswear.  Egyptian motifs, beads, embroidery, ribbon, stripes, polka dots, large plaids and simple florals were popular.  Hairstyles became short, shingled styles with bangs.  The "bobbed" hairstyle was often topped with a popular Cloche or flapper hat framing the face.  Accessories included long strands of beads, bracelets and/or watches worn over gloves, small, often beaded, handbags, large plume fans, boas or fur wraps, bow pumps, and boxy jackets.  Styles included the flapper/garconne dresses, bare backs, handkerchief hems and everyone owned a plaid overcoat.  Makeup emphasized large eyes and small red bee-stung-look lips.

CQJP 2019 - January Block

I have January's block with a lady from the 1910s completed and excited to get started on February's 1920s lady.  After thorough research my process begins by sketching out the lady, concentrating on her pose.  Next I will size her similar to my previous paintings, work out details and transfer the image to watercolor paper.  After the painting is transferred I will choose fabrics appropriate in color and pattern for that particular time period, make my color choices and begin painting.  Once the artwork is complete I will transfer it to printable fabric and begin my piecing.

Here is the January block completed along with some close-ups of details.
This style is from the mid 1910's around the time WWI began.

The styles had become more practical and less frilly by about 1915 although still heavily embellished with embroidery.  Colors as well had become darker.  The skirt length became shorter and lace up or button up boots were fashionable.

Spider webs are a symbol of good luck on crazy quilts so I like to use them when I can.

Hats were still a fashion necessity and even though the rims became narrower feathers were still popular as decoration and used on the majority of women's hats.

I like to use dragonflies and/or butterflies on my blocks.

The zipper was invented near the end of this decade but not yet used in women's clothing, buttons were used so I wanted to add some vintage buttons on this block.

Now to do a little more research for my February block.  

CQJP 2019 - 20th Century Ladies

2019 is here and I'm ready and excited to begin my Crazy Quilt Journal Project for this year.

As you may know I am a watercolor artist and crazy quilter, so it seemed natural to incorporate some of my paintings into my quilts.  My latest endeavor is painting fashion ladies from each decade of the 20th Century trying to incorporate the character, fashion and mood of each decade.  I thought it would be interesting to create CQ blocks for each using fashion colors and some of the fabrics from each individual decade.  It has been absolutely intriguing studying the fashions and learning what worldly influences and public figures affect the styles and attitudes in women's fashions.  Since there are obviously only 10 decades in a century and I have already created my 1900s painting and block it will not work for a full year so I have pre-planned how I will finish out the final three blocks.  You will have to stay tuned for those.

1900s:  My first painting and CQ block was done previously.  It was a lady for the 1900s.  Fashion at that time was pretty uncomfortable and unnatural for women.  It was referred to as Edwardian and included the infamous 'Gibson Girls'.  1900s ladies wore very restricting undergarments that cinched the waist tightly and forced the figure into what is referred to as a 'S' shape where the bust is forced forward, the waist tiny, and the behind extended.  The fainting couch was popular at this time because their corset was cinched so tightly causing the lady to faint.  Can you imagine!  Stiff high collars kept their noses in the air.  Other indicators of this decade in fashion included large, large brimmed hats, gloves, fans, umbrellas, heavy embroidered gowns, large single bustline (uni-bust) with a large flower in the center.  Colors were soft pastels and whites but could also include royal purple, blue, deep red and emerald green.  Fashions often included ruffles and embellishments such as rhinestones, lace and ribbons.  In other words, very feminine, delicate looking but constraining.  The 1900s and in previous decades Victorian etiquette and customs were very formal and included such topics as calling cards and visiting cards, tea etiquette, and it is fun and interesting to read about the language of fans and language of flowers.   I provided links to some of these but it is easy to find an abundance of information on all topics relating to the Victorian period on the Internet and in books.

Influential people included Sarah Bernhardt, Lily Langtry and of course the Queen.  Auto Chrome photography was invented in 1907.  The Theatre was popular entertainment.  Dances included "Boston" Waltz, Two Step and the Chasse'.

Following is my first painting and CQ Block.

1900s Lady - original painting copyright Connie R Eyberg Fine Art

1900s Lady Crazy Quilt Block

1910s:  My next block and the first for my CQJP 2019 is the 1910s lady.  This period also is referred to as Edwardian.  Fashion was influenced by Japanese and during much of this decade and normally included a blouse, skirt, dress and coat.  The heavy corset was abandoned for a less restrictive style, replaced with a straight, more natural figure without the frills and flounces.  The early 1910s was defined mainly by the popular "Hobble" skirt.  I suppose this is where the term 'hobble along' came from.  The length was around the ankles and early on they were so tight around the ankles it was extremely difficult to walk.  This was remedied by adding a bit of fullness, pleats and slits.  The tops were loosely cinched just above the waistline, necklines were V-shaped but with a blouse underneath and sleeves were long and looser.  Colors were brighter and included colors such as purple, pink and peach.  Large often over-sized hats were popular yet, but the brims became narrower and feathers were quite commonly used as adornment on the hats.  I did a painting of a lady in this style but didn't include her in the block. 

Early 1910 Lady watercolor painting - Copyright Connie R Eyberg Fine Art

About mid 1910 WWI had begun but the USA wasn't fully involved until around 1917.  Styles became more practical with fuller skirts (called Crinolines and considered more patriotic and practical) and shorter hemlines above the ankles.  The Armistice blouse came into being around 1918 at the end of the war.  Hats were still almost mandatory.  The tea gown vanished from the fashion scene.  Fashion colors became darker going into the copper, grey, browns, black, still some whites, burgundy, deep blues/navy and gold tones.

Influential people included Mary Pickford, Helen Gardner, Theda Bara, Pola Negri, Isadore Duncan, Lole Fuller, Gloria Vanderbilt, Tina Chow, and Gretta Garbo.  Fashion designer Paul Poiret and his wife Denise who modeled his Empire line dresses (Lecallier) greatly influenced the new fashion.  Fashion, hair and make-up was also influenced by the Silent Screen, Nickelodeon and Movie Stills.  This is also a time of the famous Titanic.  When war started women became involved by filling in vacancies left by men who had gone to war.  You have probably also heard of Rosie the Riveter who led the way to women contributing to the war efforts and resulting in a new confidence by women.  Interestingly also, although men's fashion, a designer named Burberry was commissioned to adapt an army officer's coat for the trenches and the Trench Coat was born.  Popular dances included Castlemaxixe, Ragtime, Tango, Fox Trot and Turkey Trot, Bunny Hug, Duck Waddle and Grizzly Bear.  It is fun to look some of these up on YouTube.  I would say the biggest influence of this decade was WWI making clothes darker and less frilly and more practical and also leaving women with a new confidence and awareness of their own strength.  The Women's Suffrage parade was held in New York City and NAOWS (National Association Opposed to Women's Suffering) was organized.  The actual timeline of the women's suffrage movement is here.

Lots of changes during this decade for certain!  Below is my second painting showing the general style by around 1915. 

Late 1910 Lady - watercolor painting copyright Connie R Eyberg Fine Art

Here is the naked block ready for stitching.  It isn't a very clear image but as you can see it is a stark change from the 1900 block.  There was still some lace and trims used in 1910 but not near as heavily used as in the 1900s.

1910s Lady Naked Crazy Quilt Block

This month I hope to finish up the stitching on this block and get my lady painted for the 1920s block.

Happy 2019 to you all!

Commissioned Watercolor Painting and Drawing

Now that the holidays are over I can post two commissioned pieces I created for clients.  Both were Christmas gifts so I couldn't post them until I was sure I wouldn't spoil the surprise.

The first one is titled "Friends in High Places".  The client's husband is a lineman for the power company and she wanted a personal painting with him on a power pole, vertical format, the look of a storm having just passed and homes/landscape showing in the background.

The second one was of a former family home.  It is a drawing and she ordered prints for each of her kids to enjoy.  She said they always had cats and kittens so she wanted a couple incorporated into the landscape somehow.

I'm Back!

My goodness I have been neglecting my blog!  Thank you to those of you who have stayed with me.

I haven't been stitching a lot or doing much of anything with fibers as I have turned my attentions to my love of watercolor painting.  Although I have been doing little projects here and there I haven't shared them here.  The "itch to stitch" is back.  I will be stitching and checking in more this coming year as I have signed up for CQJP 2019.

Watercolor Painting by Connie Eyberg

CQ Block incorporating painting printed onto fabric

    

My 12 blocks will be entitled "Century Ladies".  Above is a 1900s lady I painted and then printed onto fabric and made part of a cq block using period fabrics and colors.  My intention was to do this for the 1910s through the 2000s.  I painted a 1910 lady but wasn't entirely happy with her and got "distracted".  I decided to make this my challenge for 2019 in the hopes it would pressure me into completing the series.  I hope to keep up as it will involve painting a new lady for each month in addition to creating my blocks.  I have already gathered some period fabrics so I should be pretty well set there.

Stay tuned and wish me luck!

I have been neglectful of my blog.  Lots going on.  My family just returned from a trip to Breckenridge, CO.  We try to go there every year and have been taking our granddaughters with us the last few years.  They love it as much as we do.

I have been making a concerted effort to get more serious with my watercolor painting.  I have been doing some paintings from vacation photos and just recently started a series of paintings of local landmarks, buildings and statues.  I joined the Iowa Watercolor Society and have had one of my paintings accepted into their upcoming show.  Winners won't be announced until later in August.  A friend and I went to Perry to see all of the other accepted entries.  There is so much talent in Iowa.  I am just thrilled to have my work among them, especially after seeing the exhibit.  My friend took this photo of me with my painting "The Visitor".  It is from a photo I took while in Venice last year.

I have also been doing some stitching.  Pamela at Kitty and Me Designs had a contest for the 2017 crazy quilt calendar which she publishes along with her quarterly crazy quilt magazine.  Her theme was a secret garden.  I love 'glampers' and the idea came to me instantly.  I was late getting started so I stitched for hours everyday for about three weeks to get my idea made into a finished block.  It was time well spent because I ended up winning the cover spot!  I am familiar with several of the fabric artists that will be included in the calendar so I am really looking forward to seeing their creations!  The calendars should be available to order soon.  Check out Pam's blog to find out how to order one and how to get her magazines as well.  Her site is http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com.  While there you can also be inspired by her beautiful work and find information for the next contest for the 2018 calendar.

Another project I have taken on this year is learning Traditional Quilting by doing a series of blocks through a class by Kathy Shaw.  Her classes which also include crazy quilting are wonderful and very clear and precise...and free!  New to quilting or experienced I am sure you will learn from her.

These are three of my blocks.  Each gets more difficult.

This is the last one I completed.  I have two more to go.

We are still working at growing our organic Aronia Berries.  We met with the organic inspector this morning as part of the process to get certified organic.  We should have had berries two years ago but a tornado and heavy hail at the farm left our bushes as mere stems.  They have come back but it set us back a couple of years.  We should have some berries this year finally, after five years growth.  It has really been a struggle.  We now have Japanese Beetles that quickly devour the leaves.  There are products that will get rid of them, but the organic spray we have to use takes continuous applications and is pretty costly.  Our eyes have been opened as to why "organic" is expensive.

This shows some of the damage from the beetles

Damaged leaves but they seem to leave the berries alone

Here is one of the pests.  They are usually in large clusters and work quickly.

Many of the berries are already turning.

I parked the truck in the shade, looked up and found a mulberry tree!  Yay!

Ragbrai, a bicycle ride across Iowa, begins July 24.  We will have bicyclists from Chicago and Wisconsin staying with us the night before the ride begins.  It starts in Glenwood, just a few miles south of us, this year.  We will meet our friends down there.  My husband and his friend will ride the entire week.  I have decided not to ride this year as I have not been training and since it will be a really hilly ride I would be struggling.  I may take my bicycle along an maybe ride a day or a couple half days.  I'm just wavering on this.  We will be spending two nights with my old college roommate and I am excited to get to see her and visit since it has been quite some time, several years in fact, since the last time we were together.

I have been rambling on!  First there is no word from me and now I can't seem to shut up.  Lol.  Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

Another Watercolor Painting - Portland Head Light Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

I decided to paint a scene from a photo I took during our trip to the Portland, Maine area where we went for a family reunion and to visit friends a few years ago.  I'm sure many of you are familiar with this lighthouse which was commissioned by George Washington around 1787.  It is called Portland Headlight and is the oldest lighthouse in Maine.  I thought it wouldn't be as detailed as the paintings of Italy I did recently with all the structures, tiny windows etc.  However, as I began to sketch this out it dawned on me the rock formations are almost as descriptive as the building.  They were actually formed by volcanic activity millions of years before.  Just any rock formation and color wouldn't do so I found myself getting into a lot of detail again.  There is a lot of history that is interesting.  I am always at kind of a loss when I finish one painting and before I start my next.  I do have two more paintings in mind from photos I took while in Maine and I'm looking forward to getting started on them.

I have been also doing some crazy quilt stitching but haven't had a chance to photograph that yet.  Hopefully I will be posting that soon - maybe after I finish the project.

Watercolor Painting - Approaching Murano, Italy

Another painting from our vacation to Italy has been completed.  Water is a challenge for me but I will never improve if I don't face the challenge - right?  This one was done on a half sheet of  300 lb. watercolor paper so it is a bit larger than the last two.

Venice/Murano Italy painting by Connie R Eyberg - 2015

I haven't decided on my next painting yet.  So many ideas going through my head.  I am thinking I would like to do a series of paintings from our many trips.  I also have a couple of other 'series' paintings I want to start but not sure if this time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a good time to be able to focus on the work.

Watercolor Paintings of Italy

I have been pulled away from crazy quilting and all other things with fibers/fabrics as my watercolor paints and blank papers were calling my name.  I guess I was inspired by our recent trip to Italy.  Thought I would share.  My fabrics are calling me again and so have my beads but I am in the middle of another painting.  I want to finish it so I can clean up before my Thanksgiving company comes for dinner.

Watercolor Painting and Macrame - check!

Stepped away from crazy quilt blocks this past week to fill a couple orders.

The first is a watercolor painting that was commissioned.  I had never personally seen the home until I delivered the painting and really worried I had missed some detail in the photo that was provided.  The client seemed very pleased.  I love painting!  

I do tend to worry and fret when I am working on a painting for a client.  One false move or spill can ruin the painting and make it necessary to redo it all.  There are some tricks to fix minor problems that I've discovered.  I have essential tremors (shaky hands) and have to be especially careful with details such as the scrolls in this painting.  It is always a relief when I finish.  I hadn't painted for quite awhile so now I have the urge to do more and I'm already mulling over ideas for my next painting.

The following little guy is from my last post.  There was a request for one from a friend.  Done and on its way to Canada!  

Now to figure out my next block for CQJP 2015.  I will be falling behind the next couple of months as I have a week I will be spending with my granddaughters while their mother takes a class out of town and then spending two weeks in Italy.  So excited about the upcoming trip!  If any of you have advice, please share as I have never been there before.  Anxious and excited at the same time!

Plans and A New Word for 2015

A small chicken scratch apron I made using 1/4" check gingham.

It is that time again when the chatter is all about New Year's resolutions.  I have never been real good at resolutions but always start off being quite serious about how things are going to change.  Then after a day or two of that I go back on my merry way doing what I always do.

Last year I did focus more on finishing projects that I had started in the past and then moved on to something new, leaving the UFO(s) in limbo.  I actually did pretty good and completed a lot of projects but sadly not all.  It was a very good year overall.

The other day as I was thinking about the new books I had purchased, new inspiration I was excited about from blogs and that evil Pinterest, and some of the newly acquired supplies I was trying to find places for in my studio, it dawned on me I needed to really hunker down and make use of what was at my disposal.  As a result, my plan for 2015 is to "learn"!

Here in no particular order is my list of new things I want to learn or improve on or even just experiment with:

1. Pillow Smocking and Fabric Manipulation
2. Bobbin Lace Making
3. Bead Knitting (small bags)
4. Beaded Tatting (tatted jewelry)
5. Chicken Scratch, a/k/a cross-stitch
6. Bead Weaving Lace
7. Refining Drawing Techniques
8. Hardanger
9. Beaded Embroidery

Why? you ask.

My grandmother used to do chicken scratch (#5) and pillow smocking (#1) as well as beautiful counted cross-stitching.  I've done some counted cross-stitching in the past and although I enjoyed it I wanted to do something a bit less structured.  Chicken scratch is interesting because when working on checked gingham simple stitches can take on such interesting forms.  I have a few of my grandmother's aprons that she worked her magic on and I just want to play with it a bit.  I bought a variety of checked fabrics at a garage sale this past summer that was priced so I just couldn't pass it up.  Thus the opportunity to play 'fell in my lap'.  I had seen a photo of some pillow smocking and of course had to go to Pinterest where I was blown away by all the possibilities in manipulating fabrics, including ribbons.  I have several books on my 'wish list' but they will have to wait a while.

This is a cross-stitch piece I did.  It was a pattern in a magazine.

Some of my garage sale find.

Lace making just intrigues me.  You will notice four of the things on my list that I want to learn are lace related.  There are links on my side bar to a couple of online lace sites I've joined.  Bobbin Lace (#2) is a beautiful lace that lends itself easily with crazy quilting which I do a lot of.  For Christmas this year my son gave me a bobbin lace kit for beginners!  It has everything you need to get started and a book with simple instructions and patterns.  Bead Tatting (#4) is so pretty.  I found video instructions that I shared on an earlier post.  I taught myself needle tatting a few years ago but must confess I hadn't done much with it, just a few little things.  Some of you know I did a bead journal project in 2012, and my theme was bead embroidered lace.  It was eye opening and I was pretty happy with the results.  Beading Daily offered a Web Seminar on weaving beaded lace (#6) by Cynthia Daniel earlier this month.  She was a lace maker herself and used her expertise to develop woven lace with seed beads.  Having a love of both beading and of lace, I signed up!  Now I need to use what I learned and see what I can do.  The fourth form of lace, (at least it can look very 'lacey' but may just be considered embroidery by some), is Hardanger (#8). I am on a site called Stitchin Fingers (link on my sidebar) and Connie K shares the most incredible Hardanger pieces that she has created.  I was hooked within a short time and have bought a pattern to give it a go.  I am having a hard time finding the right fabric at the right price so it may be later in 2015 when I get started on that.

This is the bobbin lace kit I received at Christmas

Some of the beautiful bead woven lace pieces by Cynthia Daniel

A book 'I need' about bead tatting

One of my embroidered seed bead designs from BJP 2012

Panels were all attached to a piece of antique lace for a banner.

Another of my bead embroidered lace shown with inspiration pc

As you can see I have also chosen a lot of project with beads, another of my passions.  Bead Knitting (#3) is on the list because I have a lot of beads to use in my lifetime and because I bought a beginners bead knitting book in a stash swap.  That plus I love amulet type bags.  I know how to do bead weaving and have made some amulet bags with that technique.  In fact I learned to brick stitch/weave seed beads following instructions for a doll size bag.  I am in the process of trying to round up supplies for bead knitting also.  Bead embroidery (#9) is on the list also because I bought a couple of books on the subject on the stash swap.  I pretty much have what I need for that...at least for now.

Some of my beaded bags.
Top center is the doll purse I taught myself to do.

Finally, another passion of mine is watercolor painting.  I have just bought a bunch of WC paints to replenish some of my old ones.  I found a free online drawing tutorial by Darrel Tank.  At least the first 5 lessons were free, but they were enough to teach me things I never knew or thought about.  They were excellent actually.  He creates amazing portraits.  So I added Drawing Techniques (#7) because the better you can draw the better your paintings.  I plan to practice the techniques he demonstrated and to use his subtle gradations in my watercolor paintings.  I can only offer to share a link here so you can sign up if interested.  I believe these are offered for a limited time.

As you can see I have high expectations and lots of goals for 2015.  I've also signed up for CQJP 2015 and a mini round robin.  Of course with all this hopefully in my future, an attorney I know has asked me to fill in temporarily part-time while his secretary has hip replacement surgery.  It is going to be tough returning to work after being retired and pretty much unemployed for a couple of years.

I am super excited to get started on 2015.  I hope to report back at the end of the year and review what, if anything, I accomplished.  Hope the new year brings each of you much joy!