Another year ahead! Welcome 2025! Projects and an Online Quilt Challenge

Greetings everyone!

Welcome to a New Year! I hope this one will be good for everyone, and we can make the most of what we have.

I have some textile projects I have started - I will share some progress photos later for these (they are knitting and weaving projects).

I'm planning to work on a little quilt for Project Quilting Season 16, which has started this week.

Week 1 is the theme of "Mythical Creatures". You can find out more about this annual online quilt challenge at:

https://kimlapacek.com/2025/01/16-1-mythical_creatures.html

It is a lot of fun, and a great way to get your creativity started for the New Year!

Blessings to you,

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

Many Projects in the works! - Day 17 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

My studio space has gotten very busy lately! Here is a view of my work table:

Very busy studio work table!

I usually worked on one project at a time, but lately I have been going in many different directions. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes when you stop and experiment with different techniques, the results work their way into new projects you are working on. This is something I am becoming more aware of in my studio.

For example: Earlier this year I decided to create some machine needle-felted fabric. I made some striped felt fabric using acrylic and polyester felt and wool roving. I then put the samples aside for awhile. When I began my next project, an entry into a Quilting Arts Reader Challenge, I found myself working the fabric into my design. No time was wasted experimenting in the studio, only more options for creating! The good news is that my little quilt was accepted into the challenge. I will write more about that once it is has been published in Quilting Arts.

Recently I found some nice linoleum cutting blades at an estate sale. They came in the original box, which I believe is from the 1950s or 1960s, perhaps. The find inspired me to get out my cutting tools, I have blades from the 1970s, and recently from the 2000s. I have been meaning to use them to cut out some designs for stamping/printing on fabric. I found a small sketchbook in my supply stash to draw designs on, based on the little linoleum blocks in my stash. I will share the results of the experimenting later! Here are some photos of my Speedball Linoleum Cutting blades collection:

My collection of linoleum cutting supplies, you can also use 

them to cut rubber stamps and eraser stamps. 

The Linozips  are from the 1950s or 60s, I believe 

(maybe even earlier, not sure!) The orange handle cutter

 has blade storage in the handle and is from the 1970s, 

the stamp cutting set is from the 2000s.

Speedball Linozips Linoleum Cutters Made in the U.S.A.

 

Little sketchbook with a cutting design in process.

Don't forget to play and experiment in your studio. The results may lead to creative results in your own work! There is no time wasted.

Happy Creating and Experimenting,

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

Happy Spring!

I hope you are having a wonderful Spring! I know it has been a snowy one for many this year.

I am writing a short post today, since I haven't written in a while. I have been taking a break to reorganize and Spring clean a bit. Though, I do believe you can do this any time of the year, it doesn't have to be Spring!

Back on August 29, 2017, I wrote about entering Challenges. I thought I would share a photo of a quilt top I completed for the 5 Fat Quarter Fun Contest, an online Instagram challenge.

Here is a photo of a portion of my completed quilt top, though, I plan to do more to it, add borders, applique, and stitching, perhaps?

There is also a sale on classes, on April 12, 2018 only, at Craftsy.com. Any class $19.99. Use code PICKYOURCLASS. You can check it out here:

Sponsored Ad, Craftsy.com:



Spring is a great time to learn new things, watch nature grow outside, and  you can grow at the same time!

I picked up some new sewing notions, and also 2 Weave-it Pin looms at an Estate sale this past weekend. I had been wanting to try out weaving with a pin loom for a while, and it was nice to find some at a good price. The booklet and looms are from the 1930s. The booklet is a little musty, so I will put it in the sun for awhile, then make a copy to use.

I will share my progress and creations with them in the future. Hoping to combine the weavings with my wall hangings/quilts.

Happy creating everyone!

Blessings,

Denise Buchwalter-Losczyk