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When I joined High Fiber Diet here in Portland, I discovered this method of hanging small quilts, which I love. It works especially well for the small vintage Japanese fabric collages that I do. I have some small quilts made over the past few years sitting in my studio that I am starting to give as gifts and some need a sleeve or a method of hanging. I like this method because it is something that a person can take home and hang on a couple of small nails.
Here is one that I finished this week-end. I made it when I still lived in Santa Rosa. I call it the Chico’s Bird of Happiness because it was taken from a Chico’s t-shirt.
I purchased some bamboo poles from IKEA. I bought red and lime green. I think they had blue, too. You can also find these at Michaels and JoAnnes. Sometimes, I buy bamboo stakes and paint them.
I cut the pole to the size I want. Then, I stick t-pins through the pole to make the holes. I leave the pins in until I am ready to add the beads. Sometimes the bamboo will split, but, I just use some Elmer’s glue on it when I am finished.
I use beading thread, doubled. I bury the knot in the seam of the front and back. The I pick up a bead, remove the t-pin and go up through the hole and into another bead, then back down and finish off.
This same method could be used on a larger quilt by using a dowel and drilling the holes, I think.
I am feeling like such a putz. I missed two show deadlines last week. I have no one to blame but myself. The trip to Israel took a lot of time — 2 weeks there, a week preparing, at least a week to recover. We also have this bathroom renovation going on which is quite distracting. So I have my excuses, but it comes down to my own indifference that has gotten me into this box. I have schemes and dreams and ideas in my head. I just need to get back to a more dedicated work ethic.
Any body else in the same boat? How do you work your way out of it?
Good info on the hanging method! My mind races to using small tree branches for the “natural wood-sie” look which I really like. Ummmmm, pinecones, acorns, sweet-gum balls, wow, I can see them already!
Procrastination? Lack of motivation? Waiting for more inspiration? Or just plain tired! Be kind to yourself! I think it is perfectly ok to have several things “waiting.” If it must put food on the table, the delay can’t be for long, but don’t we always get back to the things we really LOVE to do?
My goodness, I don’t see how you keep up with half the things you do! Israel can provide the counter balance to a couple of missed deadlines – that was really a once in a lifetime experience.
Love the hanging method and thanks for sharing.
Ah, you are usually so on top of things and enter so many more things than I do! You will be back in the groove very soon I’m sure. I’m glad everyone likes the hanging method. That was my invention, you know! I have even used regular dowels, painted and drilled for the beads, for a sleeker hanging rod. One of my favorites was a square dowel.
That is the cutest darn quilt!!! Looks like Mrs. Mel had a bit of influence on that one. Thanks for the hanging tute.
When I’m having trouble getting going I think of what you told me a while back: prioritize and make lists. I’ve been logey lately too, but don’t have a trip to the Holy Land to blame it on: unless you categorize Durham as the HL. So, I’ve prioritized, set some time limits, and made some lists. Of course, the extreme heat we have been experiencing doesn’t help much.
Give yourself a little bit of slack girly girl!
xo
Thanks for the sharing the details on the way you hang small quilts. What a great idea!!
Of all the subjects here I picked up on the getting back to work after a trip. Jane Dunnewold told me long ago that she leaves town with a project started, so that when she comes home she can pick right up and keep going. I have tried it and it works!!! The blank design wall is my mortal enemy!
I love this hanging method…very clever!!!
I’d love to have you join my new quilter’s list blog! Just ran across your wonderful blog and wanted to say HI. Here is the link. 🙂
http://justusquilters.blogspot.com/
I find that at times I take on too much and then it just becomes a chore instead of a joy. I really try and discipline myself to stay on task, but when you have all those ideas in your head and want that excitement of starting a new project it’s hard. Unless this is a business to make money I wouldn’t worry about it. Get it done when it gets done and enjoy the process.
Gerrie, I work my way out of it by first being gracious and forgiving of myself for being “in it”. Then much like you I start pulling out quilts I’ve done…kinda like proving to myself I didn’t just dream I was a quilter/artist..then I puddle around in another format…altered books, postcards, sketching…and then gradually I’ll move into dyeing/painting fabric with the intent of making one of my sketches/designs come to life….then I just keep going until I feel the fire, no matter how long it takes.
That hanging method rocks!
Don’t be too hard on yourself, my friend. To everything there is a season. I think what Kristin said is really smart… we just have to keep making working and when a show comes up, we have work to enter. Trying to make a specific piece for a specific show can be a set up for failure.
Another great thing about this hanging method is that you can pratically hang it with two tiny straight pins rather than nails. Since quilts are relatively light, I find pins are enough and don’t make big holes in the wall and are nearly invisible.
I try not to worry about missed deadlines. If something comes up and I have appropriate work, then great. But if the planets aren’t aligned, I’m not going to beat myself up over it. I’ll keep making art regardless of whether anyone sees it or not.n Of course, I’m in the enviable position of not having to support myself or anyone else with my art. If I was a professional artist, I might think differently about deadlines (and by professional I mean someone who makes a paying career out of art — it has nothing to do with degree of talent or skill).
I just sent a quilt Express mail $$$$$. I started it in January and knew the deadline. Procrastination and some medical problems caused me to pay dearly. It takes me sooo long to do anything, but this has hit me where it hurts=the pocket book, which is decreasing all the time.
Lesson learned, I hope.
I have found these bamboo poles in dollar stores made up as placemats! I just cut the binding thread that they are woven through and they all come apart. I love them! They are great for a variety of art projects. I love how they look as hanging poles! Great idea!
My problem is that I keep starting new things without finishing anything! right now I’m helping to make an altar cloth, etc. for a summer altar at the church I don’t go to! We keep having to do just one more seam or one more thing on it. Now I find that there has to be a small cross to mark the center of the pieces!! LOL.
Jo
Gerrie, I find that I always miss deadlines. I’ve kinda decided I sabotage myself. I do this I think out of fear. My work isn’t good enough…etc.. But the only way I will grow is to risk alittle. Still working on that! Liz Hinze