Lynn Krawczyk and Virgina Spiegel's Java Art plus Some More Woolie Fun

Top row left to right: Michael Cunningham, no name as included!
Bottom Row: left to right: Gisela Towner, Virginia Spiegel

I am so pleased to have been able to be a part of Virginia Spiegels's "Java Art" project in honor of the publication of Lynn Krawczyk's wonderful new book, "Intentional Priniting" . I had eagerly awaited the release of the book, and it does not disappoint.  It's a real 'keeper' of a book; beautifully done, wonderful projects and expert guidance in a variety of methods for making your own adventures in printing a success. If you don't already have the book - you should go and order it right now!

The simple directions were to make anywhere from 4-12 blocks for exchange. I only made 4 - I should have made 12! The blocks had to include the coffee cup design that is rather a 'signature' of Lynn's. You could use the design in any way you chose, but Lynn offers the thermofax screen on her Etsy shop and so I decided that I wanted to give using the screens a try. Oh My! I want more screens - they are so easy, and so cool, to use !

This is the block that I exchanged - minus the word.
I decided that I really did like the way the words
worked on the block but I left my word on!

My handwork addiction continues, although I am craving my knitting needles so I have to figure a way to fit both into my evening hours. Maybe alternating days might work? I made this little block up - two things that have meaning for me.

I have an embarrassing thing to admit, but I have fallen in love with my first ever BOM (block-of-the month). For those of you who may not know what a BOM is - it's a pattern, and fabrics that are put together and sent to you every month. I have always stayed away from them because I generally do not like using someone else's pattern. 

This one has enchanted me from the minute I saw it  because of it's it's whimsy and, of course, it's birds. Bertie is designed by Bonnie Sullivan of "All Through The Night".  I am finding a little solace in the realization that even with a pattern like this you can really do a lot to "make it your own". That assuages my conscious just a wee bit! 

I got my pattern from Shabby Fabrics, but I did not find it listed now. Quilting By The Bay (some lovely people to deal with) still has it on offer. Shabby Fabrics is now offering a very whimsical "Bertie's Winter" pattern which is really, really cute.   Since when do I do cute anyway? What's happening to me! I just discovered that one of my favorite "fabric shacks", The Fat Quarter Shop (the sell lots more than fat quarters!) also offers Bertie's Winter - along with all of the fabric and accessory pack (buttons and such)

I have to admit that having something rather mindless in the evening is nice. Best of all the fabric is laser cut, and I had to admit to liking not having to cut, copy and fidget with pattern pieces in the evening. The fabric that is used is Maywood's Woolie Flannel line of fabrics. They are very nice and have a good heft . I am finding that I really prefer working with wool  though, so I will be continuing to design some of my own blocks for wool. Sewing with wool provides such a lovely tactile sewing experience!

This is a close up of a small section of the ' Bertie's Year' block for  January.
I enjoyed playing with the bird's expression.