Teaching In 2018, Plus an Irresistible Gingerbread Cookie Recipe!

Scissors and Mother Nature coming together for a day of enchantment!

Squam Art Workshops recently announced their 2018 schedule and I'm thrilled to be teaching in June! A few spots are still open, so if you've wanted to experience all that is Squam, this might be your time! You can read about my workshop and all of the other amazing workshops and teachers: http://www.squamartworkshops.com

Join me for a day in the woods as we take our paper cutting to new heights, inspired by the beauty that awaits right outside our cabin door. Our day together will inspire paper enthusiasts, art journalers, printmakers, quilters, painters, book makers...anyone who enjoys nature and pattern. We'll work first with papers and then with fabrics. (Stitching later on your own is completely optional.) I'll bring plenty of materials, but if you wish to bring a few treasured bits and pieces of paper or fabric, please do! You can read the materials list here for more information. 

Now that the holidays are in full swing, I confess that as an empty nester some beloved Christmas traditions have sadly fallen by the way-side. So when my very dear friend Jodi, a Super Mom who puts the "festive" in "holidays", invited me for a weekend of holiday baking, I didn't pause for a moment before saying, "Yes!!" 

Jodi made sure that every recipe we baked was nothing short of excellent. We made the best tasting sugar cookies I've ever had, very tasty gingerbread cookies and two kinds of biscotti: pistachio cherry and chocolate almond! I'm sharing one of these recipes below - 

Jodi's skilled hands at work!

ABC Gingerbread Men and not-so-Ugly Sweaters share a plate with more traditional cookies. 

Busy hands! Jodi's nine year old son, Keegan.

On our day of baking, flour was flying, cookie cutters were clanking and laughter was bubbling. While snowflakes fell, we sang to all of our favorite Christmas songs and Jodi's entire home smelled scrumptious. Here's to holiday baking, treasured memories, and doing it all over again next year!

If the people you love need a pleasantly spicy, heart warming cookie, here's the irresistible gingerbread cookie recipe we used. 

Before I sign off for the Christmas holiday, this is a good time to remind you of my FREE (QUICK!) quilt pattern in the right hand margin, and FREE Winter Wonderland Hexi EPP template (which fits nicely in a stocking, or conveniently rolled and tucked into the tree or other clever hiding spot)! See this post for a project and tutorial using these inspiring hexis. Gorgeous naturally dyed organic cotton sateen fabrics are in the shop. My Harvest quilt pattern would be a stunning heirloom in red and white! Have a look. As an extra special touch for any gifts, I'll wrap (in brown paper and string with a sprig of greenery) and ship directly to the recipient at no extra charge. Simply email me the details.

These new bags are sold out, but more are under construction. Stay tuned after the holidays. 

Thank you for following along during this year of steady growth and wonderful surprises. You are the reason I do what I love, and having your support matters. I'll be back with a New Year's post sharing some exciting things already lined up for 2018...hint, hint, my very first BOM! In the mean time, I'm wishing you a magical, fun-filled holiday season wrapped with love. 

FREE "Winter Wonderland" Hexis and Black Friday Sale!

A mug mat makes a fast and beautiful gift, especially for the holidays. Pair it with hot cocoa and peppermint sticks, and make someone smile! Striped Hexi Tutorial below.

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed a hearty Thanksgiving with friends and family (if you celebrate), and are now ready for some you-time, perhaps even including some sewing. With the recent release of my "Harvest" quilt pattern, I'm now feeling ready to embrace all that is winter, which is almost upon us, by offering another FREE printable page of 1" hexagons. "Winter Wonderland" is the theme, and the above photo provides a glimpse. In the right side bar you'll find a link for the FREE PDF. Available in the shop are pre-printed card stock pages just like those shown above, and are mailed as whole sheets. 28 inspiring hexis per page.

"Winter Wonderland" hexis really add something special to your hand work. Evoking cherished memories, these words are meant to keep you feeling all the warm fuzzies all season long. Share these with an EPP friend! You can download the FREE PDF and print on your own printer, have your local copy shop print on card stock, or order them already printed in my shop. I hope you'll enjoy using them for your next EPP project, big or small!

To make the Striped Hexis shown in these photos, check out the tutorial below.

The annual Black Friday SALE is on right now!

The entire shop is 20% off now through Monday. This is the time to pick up stocking stuffers for your stitchy friends, or treats for yourself! NEW: Dye kits! The entire shop is brimming with exquisite products chosen and dyed with your stitching experience in mind, offering you only the best! 

Contact me with any questions. Happy shopping!

STEP 1

If you're interested in making the Striped Hexis shown in the sample above, here's a quick tutorial:

Step 1: Arrange your paper hexis into sets of seven per flower. I've used my "Winter Wonderland" cardstock hexis, but any paper hexis will do nicely. Choose two contrasting color fabrics and a background fabric. Fat quarters or scraps are great choices. For one flower, cut one 1-1/4" x 15" strip for the interior stripe, and one 1-3/4" x 15" strip for the exterior stripe. Use approximately 2.5"x2.5" squares for the center hexi and background hexis. 

STEP 2

STEP 3

Step 2: Place the two contrasting strips right sides together and align edges on one 15" side, shown in photo. Stitch 1/4" seam allowance. Press seam open for minimal bulk when basting and sewing. 

Step 3: Cut the sewn strip into six sections, each 2-1/2" long. 

STEP 4

Step 4: Take one paper hexi and measure 1/2" down from an edge, draw a line across the paper as shown. Lay the paper on a fabric section and align the drawn line exactly over the seam line. Trim the fabric, leaving 1/4" seam allowance around all sides of the hexi. Keeping the drawn line and seam line aligned, glue or thread baste each hexi.

STEP 5

Step 5: Baste the center hexi. Lay out all of your hexis as shown. Sew your hexis together in your preferred method of stitching. Baste and layout the background hexis according to your project. Stitch them to the center flower. 

A sweet pink and gold hexi flower.

Finally, layer, quilt and trim your piece as desired. Add a binding, and if it's a gift, consider adding a label on the back.

What will you do with your Striped Hexis?! We'd all love to see: #tierneybarden  

It's Harvest Time! A New Quilt Pattern

Introducing Harvest, my newest quilt pattern! 

Many of us are giddy for this season of comfort foods, flannel PJ’s and board games by the fire. In that same spirit, we gleefully cover our cutting tables with cozy projects to sew during the long cold months ahead. I'm no exception, so it's probably not surprising that I designed this two-color quilt using my favorite naturally dyed color, Tobacco. It feels perfect for this time of year. My Harvest quilt hangs on our Family Room wall and really warms up the heart of our home. I can just as easily imagine this quilt keeping a much-adored child warm.

A Twin Star block is framed by alternating rows of quarter square triangles, effortlessly coming together as a modern medallion quilt. This timeless design would look smart in red, navy, or any other strong contrasting color. A quick and easy project, it's an excellent skill builder for the advanced beginner. I’ve used straight line quilting, but this design lends itself to endless quilting options. The finished quilt measures 44.5” x 44.5".

Complete instructions, yardage and cutting diagrams are rolled into a convenient five page PDF, now available in the shop. (See below for a surprise!) 

To celebrate, I'm having a GIVEAWAY on Instagram!   *This Giveaway is now closed*

To qualify, head on over to @tierneybarden and follow the simple steps for your chance to win your very own PRINTED copy of Harvest! I have 5 print copies to give away, plus I'm tucking in a gorgeous pack of my naturally dyed fabric, one of my handmade needle keeps, and a few more goodies that I've made just for you! 

WAIT! I want everyone to be a winner, so now through this Sunday 12th, Harvest PDF is 20% off!

This just might become your go-to pattern for baby, wedding, holiday and house-warming gifts! Imagine the possibilities by simply changing the colors! 

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE!! WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY 13th ON INSTAGRAM!

As always, share what you make! We'd all love to see:  #tierneybarden #stitchingenchantment

Sparkling in Autumn's Light

This time of year finds me gathering up all the yarn, all the baking pans and all the sewing patterns! September awakens a renewed excitement to make. By October, I'm so far in that holiday gift making has taken over the work table, knitting projects dot couches and chairs, and delicious scents waft through the house - and I send out my silent wish: please let this be the year someone figures out how to squeeze in a few more hours into the day. 

From the posts I've seen on Instagram, I'm not alone with this seasonal urge to get cozy and make. In that spirit, I'm sharing a few recipes and a project to help us get our Fall on! These chocolate chocolate chip cookies are scrumptious! I add 3 Tbsp. of brewed coffee to the wet ingredients. I also freeze at least half the recipe as pre-shaped balls so we can enjoy them on demand. Everything else is "on demand" these days, so why not cookies?

Those fingerless mitts you see are a FREE pattern by Tin Cat Knits called "Maize". Easy. Fast. Cute! A well-written pattern suitable for beginners.

Finally, I'm sharing a lip balm recipe that I recently made and thought you might like, too. The recipe is a knock off of a well known store-bought product. A long time user of the store-bought product, I honestly prefer this homemade version because it's softer on my lips (not as waxy) and I can control the essential oil(s) used. The homemade lip balm lasts a very long time, and you'll have plenty to give as gifts. 

If you'd like to make your own, you'll find the recipe here, courtesy of Wellness Mama. 

I doubled the recipe and filled twenty five 5 oz. jars, shown at left. I purchased the lidded jars on Amazon, the essential oils from stillpoint.com, (I used peppermint), and the other ingredients from bulkapothecary.com and amazon. 

Before I sign off, I have to share a special fall ritual of mine: attending the Little York Fall Fiber Festival in Preble, NY. If you're in the area next weekend, October 14-15, you must stop by! The intimate, historic Little York Pavilion is where you'll find several excellent quality makers and products. In years past, I've come home with sheep skins, unusual and beautiful spinning fibers, exquisite yarns from local sheep and alpaca farms, and beautifully crafted (and now coveted) tools of the trade. The festival offers far more than that - come and see for yourself, and bring friends!

The Release of "Girl Power" & Giveaway!

FREE "Girl Power" Hexi Papers for EPP!

Cheerful Grandmother's Flower dressed in Karen Lewis Textiles fabrics - totally appropriate for celebrating "Girl Power'!

A long-held idea has finally come together, and I'm thrilled to share it with you today for FREE from your desktop computer! It's my "Girl Power" inspirational hexagons for EPP. Simply click the hexi image in the right side bar, or click on the top photo of this post, and download your "Girl Power" inspirational page of 1" hexi papers to your desktop computer. Yes, get yours and start cutting! #girlpowerhexis

EPPers and hand stitchers tend to be a mindful lot, and what better way to keep inspiring words and ideas close than to stitch them into our EPP projects? "Girl Power" is one page of 28 uplifting, empowering words perfect for any one who enjoys English Paper Piecing. Imagine giving these to a young person just learning to stitch.

• PRINTING: When printing your page of "Girl Power" Hexis, use your desktop computer and 8.5" x 11"/Letter Size/A4 paper, and set your printer to SCALE 100%. Print one page and test by measuring one side of one hexagon. It should measure 1" from point to point. You can also give the PDF to your local copy shop.
• PAPER TYPES: EPPers use a variety of papers, so print on the paper you prefer. Many of us use copier paper or a lightweight card stock. 
• IDEAS FOR USE: A few pages of "Girl Power" Hexis would make an excellent gift for an EPPer friend, whether the pages are left whole, or if you've cut them for your friend's immediate use. Gift the hexis with some amazing fabrics. Do you know a young stitcher who'd find these hexis pretty cool? How about using them in an art journal or mail art?

A simple, sweet EPP project sure to brighten a friend's day.

Start your inspired EPP project today! 

For those who aren't interested in printing and don't mind cutting their own papers, I've made "Girl Power" Hexagons available in my shop, already printed on white cardstock.

What you'll receive: the listing is for one page of 28 - 1" hexis, each sporting a fun-loving or spunky word to enliven your stitching experience!   

But wait, there's more: Win a set of four "Girl Power" pages (112 hexis) printed on cardstock for you and four more for a friend! Just follow me on Instagram, tag a stitchy friend and you're both entered! I'll announce the winner on Instagram Monday, August 7th.  Good luck, and happy stitching!

#girlpowerhexis #stitchingenchantment

Antique Quilts from the VT Quilt Festival

Welcome to Part Two of my coverage of the antique quilts from Sharon Waddell's collection recently shown at the Vermont Quilt Festival. I'm excited to share some real treasures today! Sharon's collection is much larger than what I'm showing, as these are just a few of the quilts that grabbed my heart! You can see more of her amazing antique quilts in the previous post. 

This Transportation quilt stopped me in my tracks!

It really spoke to the hand appliquer in me. Just have a look at all the motifs, from cars and planes to sky scrapers and stars! Those clouds - oh, and the parachutes! They're at the top center vertical strip, and their cords were drawn with marker, mostly faded now, but still a neat detail. Enjoy!

These cars!

Making an airplane quilt has long been on my wish list, and this plane is done in a way I haven't seen. Have you seen any like this before? It's really special.

Can you see the quilted outline of a star? They were a pleasant surprise.

A crowd had gathered around this next beauty,

and I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't photograph the description or the back of the quilt. Wearing white gloves, the volunteer showed us the front and both the left and the right sides of the back of the quilt. She explained that the back of the quilt has two different designs, as if the maker ran out fabrics or blocks to finish either one, and so joined them to make a whole backing. It's a reversible quilt, really - a fine lesson in economy and making do. To get up close and study the construction and the wide array of fabrics used was a delight. 

Have you ever seen a quilt that brought up beloved memories?

This next quilt did just that for me. Our family's cottage on Keuka Lake in Penn Yan was a very special place, and one of the things that made it extra special to me was my grandmother's pile of quilts. She didn't quilt, but I vaguely recall her saying she'd picked up quilts from women selling them along the sidewalks in town - likely in the 1940's or 50's. I have just one of these quilts and it is a beloved part of my home. This next quilt, Two Stars from Sharon Waddell's collection, brought back a flood of fond memories of the cottage and my grandparents.  

I already feel relaxed just imagining the hours spent making those tiny buttonhole stitches around every star blade.

That brings a close to my coverage of Sharon's antique quilt collection. I'm already looking forward to next year's show. The VT Quilt Festival is so well done in every aspect. The folks who put this show together, and all of the volunteers, deserve a huge round of applause! 

This eco-dyed hussif made of rose leaves on silk noil and other OOAK treasures are in the shop.

Thank you!

Thank you to each and every one of you who purchased items in the shop helping to make my annual Independence Day sale a success. There are still some zipper project bags, hussifs (portable sewing kits), eco-panels and pre-cuts available. I've left the sale prices active hoping you might help me make room for my new work. These prices won't last long! This might be a great time to snag some holiday gifts for sewers in your life. 

Seeing what you do  with my fabrics, or how you use bags or other items I've made is a delight - please share on IG #stitchingenchantment. We'd all love to see! 

Independence Day Sale and the VT Quilt Festival!

We're back from the Vermont Quilt Festival, and what a fantastic time we had!

I had the pleasure of watching my dear friend Jodi enjoy her first quilt show (and we shopped our hearts out!), as well as give my friend, Trista Dufresne, a great big hug! I waited a whole year for that hug. This is my favorite show because it's so well run, has a spectacular quilt show and a wide variety of quality vendors - it was definitely a good choice for Jodi's maiden voyage! 

Upon my return from the VT Quilt Festival last June, I shared some of the antique quilts that were on display, and they were very well received. This time, I thought I'd share some of the antique quilts that were on display from the private collection of Sharon Waddell. I'll show just a few today, and more next time. Honestly, there were so many spectacular quilts at the festival that it's difficult to only share the antique quilts, but in the interest of textile enthusiasts everywhere, since our love of antique quilts unites us, they're the ones I'm showing.  

Before I get to the antique quilts, I feel compelled to share one very special quilt made by Trista Dufresne. Trista fills a number of posts and serves on the VT Quilt Festival's Board of Directors. This busy woman gives her all to the show! This is the first quilt she's entered into a juried exhibit, and not only was it accepted, she won a Third Place ribbon! To stand before her quilt is to be assaulted (in the best way) by a very bright, bold "highlighter" yellow! Her handling of the colors, shapes and texture were a treat to see. To know Trista is to know this young woman can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Congratulations, Trista! 

"Highlight" Of My Year, Trista Dufresne

Rocky Roads, collection of Sharon Waddell

In honor of Independence Day, sharing this red, white and blue quilt seemed appropriate. This is entirely hand pieced and hand quilted. I love the overall energy achieved by each and every triangle. Collectively, they practically vibrate. To get up close and observe tiny hand made stitches was a joy. I'm not sure my eyes and hands would be up for the challenge of so many small narrow triangles.   

Snowflake Star, collection of Sharon Waddell

This quilt stopped me in my tracks. I may have even gasped. My photos don't do it justice, but it has to be seen by as many people as possible. What makes it so special, in my humble opinion, are the fairly fussy cut star blades from a delicate blue dot fabric. If you look closely, those blue dots look as if a paint-laden brush had been barely touched to the fabric. Blue bleeds out from the circle, like ikat, only it's not. Oh, and the hand quilting. The textures created are exceptional, and it took all of my self control not to reach out and run my hands all over this quilt! 

You can just feel the texture, can't you?! Detail, Snowflake Star.

Second Annual Independence Day Sale

July 1-4, 2017

My new Half Pints will be on sale in the shop! 2.5" x 5" strips, 12 to a pack in a variety of colors. Convenient for 2.5" squares, HSTs, EPP, and much more!

Online Sale starts Saturday at 9:00AM EST

• Hand made treasures 
• Hand dyed fabrics: pre-cuts, eco-bundles, individual fabric cuts
• Silks, sateen, poplin, yarn
• Unique pieces I've sewn also featuring fabrics printed by friends!

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED - EVERYTHING IS ONE OF A KIND

Silk Noil, Eco-Bundled with rose leaves from my garden. This is one of many that will be in my shop on Saturday!

New Work and an Announcement

Adding my own touch to vintage barkcloth, linen, printed fabrics by friends like Sara Parker and Karen Lewis! Don't we all need a bit of stitching whimsy?

Mark your calendar for the      second annual

Independence Day Sale

July 1-4, 2017

Fabrics and patterns will be on sale, and the shop will be stocked with lovely new products. I'm having so much fun making these goodies for you. I'm excited to get them into your hands!

The Shark Girl Exhibit

Last weekend, my daughter Alyssa and I enjoyed a visit to the Albright-Knox Museum in Buffalo. We saw the Shark Girl Exhibit and wow, was it impressive! 

Casey Riordan Millard's work includes dioramas, like the one shown here, delicate watercolor and guache paintings, wallpaper, porcelain sculptures and illustrations. She has also published a children's book about the adventures of Shark Girl. Visit #albrightknox or see the work in person. It's worth the trip!

Shark Girl, downtown Buffalo, NY

Shark Girl: Never Quite There is up through October 1. 2017

One of the porcelain sculptures in the exhibit (apologies for not having the title of this piece.)

Quilting Inspiration

So you don't have a day to spend at a museum? How about an online tour of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum's exhibit: Sacred Scraps: Quilt and Patchwork Traditions of Central Asia. It's a colorful, dynamic body of work sure to peak any quilter's imagination!

Today's post is brief. Following my heart, I'm embarking on a new body of work that has been percolating for some time. This new work connects my love of painting and textiles. As I share my process and results over the next few months, please stay tuned. I'd love your feedback.

Just a small snapshot of my garden in June, my favorite time of year. 

Embarking On a Special Expedition

Ms. Boysen-Taylor with her entire class in front of the music building at the University of Idaho. Here, they attended an Opera Workshop, studying several operas based on A Midsummer Night's Dream. 

Since February, I've been steadily working with Shakespeare, a devoted teacher and her thirteen talented students at the Palouse Prairie Charter School.

When Idaho middle school teacher, Rebekka Boysen-Taylor, put out a call on Facebook for a paper cutting artist willing to embark on a long-distance collaboration with her eighth grade students, Elizabeth Duvivier (founder and director of Squam Art Workshops) offered my name, and a five month Learning Expedition began.   

Ms. Boysen-Taylor's post-summary of the Expedition:

Final Product

Students created paper cut art pieces that capture the meaning and emotion of a passage from A Midsummer Night's Dream. This product required a deep understanding of Shakespeare’s use of language, strong paper cutting skills, thoughtful design, and a very steady hand! We are especially thankful to papercut expert Tierney Barden for her generosity, feedback, and encouragement. The process of stamping the passages recreated many of the challenges compositors faced when setting and printing the First Folio in 1623. Students created their own learning targets, criteria and assessment rubric for this project!

As Ms. Boysen-Taylor further explained, "each Expedition has experts to guide students to high-quality work so that they learn to do a particular skill like a real world professional would." What an innovative and exciting experience for all involved! These five months have proved to be a growth-filled adventure, and one I'd do all over again. To see the students' abilities evolve has been a privilege.

Students exploring layouts for their passages. 

In February, Ms. Boysen-Taylor kicked off the Expedition by sending me a brief description of the stages and a snapshot of what the final project might look like. The students would read Shakespeare's A Mid-Summer Night's Dream, and then would select a passage that resonated with them and design a paper cut collage. 

With an idea of where the whole unit was headed, I gave myself a crash course in making and editing a video, and posting it to you-tube (which has since been taken down). The video shared examples and tips for two types of paper cutting, as well as thoughts on selecting a passage and recoding design ideas. Finally, to show how paper cutting influences my designs, I shared examples of my recent quilts.

The sketching process, an important stage before actually cutting paper.

Mid-way through the semester, I was asked to critique the students' hand drawn sketches, offering suggestions and things to consider before moving on to cutting paper. Remember that this entire process was happening remotely, and it was at this stage, needing to really look at each piece and provide thoughtful feedback, that I felt quite connected to the students. Once receiving critiques on their hand-drawn sketches, the students created their own assessment criteria and laid out upcoming steps for the project's completion.

As the weeks unfolded, I admired how much responsibility and leadership the students had in the Expedition. Ms. Boysen-Taylor's dedication to her students, to me and to the project was also inspiring. Late night emails were sent. Thorough, timely instructions were provided. Permission to use photos of students and their work was arranged. She truly went above and beyond to make this Expedition a success. Often, I'd think, "How lucky these students are. How lucky I am."

Kaija's final piece. The background is a collage of text from Shakespeare plays. The creativity, energy and personality expressed in each and every student's work are impressive.

By May, the students completed their collaged art pieces, and I was so impressed by the evolution of their paper cutting skills, design abilities and interpretation of their selected passages. They have much to be proud of. That's not all! Ms. Boysen-Taylor said that, "The Idaho Shakespeare Festival confirmed that they will be using the students' final work in fundraising materials and hopefully, on a series of postcards patrons will use to ask legislators to continue to fund the National Endowment for the Arts." What a rewarding conclusion to their project, and example of the power we have when we work together for a larger purpose. 

Here are the completed pieces (plus Kaija's shown just above) :

Students listed left to right, top to bottom: Joe, Caleb, Riley and James

Jordan, Joseph, Skylar and Adrien

Jonah, Theo, Loch and Molly

Aren't they amazing?! For me personally, the entire experience has been rewarding and truly a privilege. I missed my calling to be a teacher, but this experience comes pretty close, and I'd do it again in a heart beat. 

*** I'm especially grateful to Ms. Boysen-Taylor for putting out the call, and to Elizabeth Duvivier for responding to the call. Thank you to the Palouse Prairie Charter School and the students' parents for permission to use Ms. Boysen-Taylor's photos included in this post. Finally, thank you to Ms. Boysen-Taylor and to each student for your part in what has been a fun and rewarding collaboration - working with you all has been an honor. ***

Buzz Buzz Buzz....

Buzz Buzz Buzz is one of my favorite childhood books, written by Byron Barton, and appropriately speaks of my tendency to stay as busy as a bee. Most recently, I've been busy at the indigo vat. I've just listed some beautiful indigo offerings in the shop. Whether you're sewing a special garment or quilt, sprucing up your home, or knitting up a gift for someone you love, my goal is to provide the best quality hand dyed materials for your enjoyment. 

Indigo is my favorite of all natural dyes. In fact, as I'm typing this post, my fingers are tipped in blue. In addition to Indigo's intriguing history, I enjoy the slow preparation of the vat, the slow preparation of the fabrics and the slow process of dipping and waiting, dipping and waiting, dipping and - yes, you understand. Waiting. It's in the waiting that ideas become reality. A symphony of blues hang on the line. Each piece of cloth is unique, and has its own potential. If you haven't tried stitching or knitting indigo, treat yourself! You're worth it. Indigo is worth it.

Karen Lewis Textiles

Check out these cheerful screen printed FQ's directly from the hugely talented, witty and warm, Karen Lewis! You may already know Karen's Blueberry Park collection for Robert Kaufman, as well as her dreamy retreat center, The Thread House. Karen and I recently did a fabric swap. I sent her natural hand-dyed organic poplins and she sent me her fabulous screen prints on Kona cottons. 

So. Much. Fun! 

Karen's color genius currently sits on my work table, beckoning me to put it to good use. On Instagram, I've seen Karen's fabrics effectively paired with Liberty fabrics, and I've seen the magic Karen swiftly worked pairing her fabrics with mine, which can be seen on her Instagram feed. Too many ideas swimming in my head! Stay tuned. It can only be good!

If you're not yet familiar Karen and her textiles, here's a little intro directly from her website:

Welcome to my shop where you can purchase my hand screen printed fabrics, sign up to my bi-monthly fabric club, purchase my book, Screen printing at Home or come take a class with me!

I am based on the edge of Leeds, Yorkshire, where I spend my days printing, quilting and designing new fabric collections for Robert Kaufman. 

I love travelling and go all over the world teaching printing and quilting so please do ask if you would like me to come over your way!

When I am not working I am usually rambling around our local countryside with our scrumptious puppy Scout and any of my 3 (almost) grown up children and hubby.

Enjoy perusing my shop and thanks for visiting! If you don't see what you want just drop me a line and ask as I take commissions in both fabric printing and quilting.

Follow Karen on Instagram and Facebook - her feed will boost your mood in a heartbeat! Follow her Instagram Thread House feed. Inspiring!

Remember to download my FREE Striped Octagon EPP template located in the right side bar, and dive in to some excellent summertime hand work. Also, download my FREE Gingham For Giants quilt pattern (crib, throw, queen) and stitch up a quick baby gift or new bed quilt. It's charm friendly and fast! Stitch something you love! 

I'm working on some new offerings for the shop, including finished quilts for sale, and some exciting new pre-cut bundles. Busy as a bee. Until next time, happy stitching! 

500 Instagram Followers Giveaway!

Who will be the lucky winner of all this loot?!

Spring has ushered in the return of eco-bundles and, wait for it......500 followers on Instagram! I'm so grateful for the continued interest in my natural dye and stitched pursuits. You know I have to celebrate with a giveaway: One fabulous eco-bundled piece of organic poplin, three gorgeous pieces of organic sateen and a copy of A Dyer's Garden by Rita Buchanan, just in time for planting one of your own. 

To qualify for the drawing: 

1) follow me on Instagram

2) tag a friend or more who you think would like my IG feed. Your friends will get a chance, too!

That's it! Click here to go to my Instagram feed. Winner announced on Monday, May 8th, 2017! Good luck to you and your friends!

Just some of the contents of my Earth Day dye kit giveaway. Congratulations, Mary and Brooke!

You can find these, and more, in the shop.

The shop has just been updated with beautiful Fat Quarters, half yard cuts, eco-bundles and more. Have a look!

Not only have Indigo vats and dye pots been in full swing these past few weeks, but I've also been elbow deep in a total studio overhaul, which is almost complete. When it is, I'd love to share it's transformation with you. I think you're going to like it!

I've sent off the dye kits to the two winners of my Earth Day Giveaway (a portion of one shown above). Congratulations to Mary @maryartspirit from CA and Brooke @gardenvarietycookie from PA! You're both in for some serious fun with natural dyes. I customized each dye instructions booklet because Mary is interested in dying animal proteins, and Brooke is up for dying plant proteins. Maybe we'll be lucky and they'll share on Instagram what they make? 

Earth Day Giveaway!

Happy Earth Day!

Let's celebrate being excellent stewards of the earth with a giveaway!

Two lucky winners will have their choice of one natural dye kit, either for animal proteins (such as wool, silk, alpaca) or for plant proteins (such as cotton, hemp, linen). To qualify:

1. Follow me on Instagram @tierneybarden
2. Sign up for my Newsletter, if not already (right hand margin of this page)
3. For FIVE extra chances!, tag as many friends as you think would be interested 

Madder, Cochineal and Quebracho Rojo

Two winners will be chosen on Monday, April 24th, 2017.

The winners will be contacted, and I'll ask which type of kit you'd like to receive, plant or animal protein. Each kit will contain three GOTS certified natural dye stuffs (Madder, Cochineal, Quebracho Rojo), mordant(s), dust mask and complete instructions. This is your chance to dye up gorgeous colors and experience the natural dye process right at home! Good luck! 

Kitsie Demeree with one of many of her beautiful quilts.

My Recent Talk and Trunk Show

This past Tuesday evening, the talented women of the Thumbstall Quilt Guild in Marcellus, NY graciously invited me to speak about my work as a dyer and quilter, as well as show some of my quilts. Their support, enthusiasm and excellent questions made me feel so welcome. Before that evening, I had decided to join the guild, so that night I became a member! I'm looking forward to pitching in, continuing the guild's purpose:

"...for the preservation of a unique art form and to foster the highest standards of excellence in the practice of quilting through an active program of education and study to preserve this heritage."

I'd especially like to thank the members for supporting my work as a dyer by purchasing my fabrics and yarn that evening. To hear their feedback and their thoughts about how they'd use the fabrics or yarns was rewarding. I can only hope they'll share their finished pieces with me! :)

Most of the shop has been updated, with a Fat Quarter update coming very soon.  I'm currently in the midst of overhauling my studio, and plan to share that process right here in the near future. Don't forget to try for your chance at a FREE natural dye kit! 

Celebrating You!

Rebecca's original EPP design in progress, 2017. All of the fabrics shown are naturally dyed organic cotton sateen.

This post has been a long time coming. How might I properly celebrate the many talented, lovely artists who believe in and support my business? How do I thank those who've gone the extra mile, posting pictures of their work using my fabrics? Putting three of them directly in today's spotlight is a start, so on with the show!

Rebecca Bell

My first overseas order came through on a Saturday night. The customer patiently emailed back and forth as we figured out how to send the order through my online shop (which isn't set up for overseas shipping). The patient night owl is Rebecca Bell of @greenandbell, and this original English Paper Piece is one of her own designs. I feel she's used my fabrics to their best advantage. Rebecca's sense of color, shape and form all come together in this exquisite composition. I believe she's still considering a background for this piece, so there may be more to look forward to...hint, hint, Rebecca!

Self-taught, Rebecca has been quilting for four years and discovered her love of EPP after making the Spring Carnival pattern by Katy Jones. Rebecca has been hooked on EPP ever since, and now prefers to design her own patterns. She's drawn towards geometric shapes and curves, as well as improv quilting. Please say hello to her on IG @greenandbell, and enjoy much more of her stunning work!

Trista's HST's bring to mind exquisite antique silk quilts. There's just something about naturally dyed organic cotton sateen that gets me every time! 

Trista's string block made with organic cotton sateen from a scrap bundle combined with some of her own commercial cottons (black, gray and white).

Trista Dufresne

This young woman holds a special place in my heart, as she was the first person to really make me feel a part of the Instagram quilting community. While "meeting" people on social media is fantastic, actually meeting them in person takes the cake, which is how it felt to meet Trista at the 2016 Vermont Quilt Festival! This incredible young woman has faced life challenges with courage and gumption, and quilting has been her creative outlet for over 20 years. She's also the VT Modern Quilt Guild Program Chair, and a Vermont Quilt Festival Volunteer Chair, plus handles their social media.

These string blocks are the most recent pieces Trista has made using my fabrics. I just love the line quality she achieves, allowing her own hand to come through. She's also pretty daring with a rotary cutter, which I might guess is how those gorgeous Half-Square Triangles came to be! To see what might be next for these blocks, follow @trista_deee. You'll like her authentic, heart-filled Vermont life!

A beauty from Kerry Lemon's sketch book, 2016, incorporating a 5" square of naturally dyed fabric. The dots are made with Kerry's own handmade botanical paint.

Another page from Kerry Lemon's sketch book, 2016, incorporating a 5" square of naturally dyed organic cotton sateen.

Hand stitching. Brilliant, Kerry!

Kerry Lemon

Using my pre-cuts in a most original way, artist Kerry Lemon knocks it out of the park! When she posted these original drawings on fabric and paper, I was speechless. That she thought to use my fabrics in this way filled me with awe and gratitude.

To be so young and accomplished, so sure of her own voice, is truly admirable. This leading lady is a role model with a desire to encourage and applaud artists of all walks. She follows her curious mind where ever it leads, creating stunning public work for generations to enjoy, as well as grand botanical experiments, sumptuous product packaging and larger than life hand painted retail windows, to name a few. Kerry's work is all at once exquisite, lively and enchanting! Visit her website www.kerrylemon.co.uk and follow her IG feed @kerryannelemon. You'll be changed, I promise.

A final word

Since I began my dye business, Instagram has proved to be a most powerful marketing tool, second only to being in-person. To call many of my customers friends is an honor and a joy. Seeing what you're making with my fabrics fills me with a sense of purpose, after all, I lovingly spend days with each and every yard of fabric before they land safely in your hands. Going forward, I'll continue to showcase customers' work - it's all too good not to share! I'm grateful for the ability to meet so many of you, to get to know your stories - where ever you call home - and to participate in our journeys with cloth.

Thank you Kerry, Rebecca and Trista for allowing me to show off your work, and to use your photos. You're all very special to me, and I look forward to seeing what you do next! xo

National Quilting Day and a Free Pattern!

To celebrate National Quilting Day I'm releasing my newest FREE pattern, Gingham for Giants! To download your free PDF, simply click on the picture of this quilt located in the right margin, or on the photo above. 

National Quilting Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in March. This day came about in June of 1991, when a resolution was passed at the National Quilting Association's 22nd annual show in Lincoln, Nebraska. This is a day to appreciate and celebrate quilt makers and all that goes in to making a quilt, possibly making it my favorite day of the year! 

Use #NationalQuiltingDay to share your handmade quilts on social media. 

While local quilt shops, quilt museums and guilds will have their own ways to celebrate this special day, I'm sharing my quilt pattern, Gingham for Giants, for free with hopes of reaching new quilters, as well as seasoned quilt veterans. Charm friendly, the quilt comes together so quickly, resulting in a smart looking, snuggle-worthy addition to your nearest couch or bed!

Complete instructions are provided for three sizes: crib, throw/twin, and queen.  

If you have baby gifts to make, this modern take on a traditional design will look fantastic in any nursery. Think of the colors you could use! This design goes a long way in that it's universal appeal is perfect for toddlers, teens and adults alike. I've made more than a few of these and I'm always excited to see how the colors I've chosen come together! 

Please share your Gingham for Giants quilt(s) on social media: #ginghamforgiants. I'd be thrilled to see your colors and your quilts!

For those of you interested in natural dyes, I've created the gradients in the two quilts shown here by dyeing the first vat, and then proceeding with two more exhaust vats. While I no longer dye with Logwood (purple) because of its toxicity, I always feel great satisfaction from the variety of warm pinks obtained with Quebracho Rojo. If you're interested in trying your hand at natural dyes, please contact me for a custom dye kit (colors and pricing.) I'd be happy to put one together just for you!

These quilts were made using my 100% organic cotton sateen. Because of their silky softness, touching these quilts really is a pleasure. Yardage is available in my shop here.

As you can see, when it comes to quilting this design, it lends itself well to straightforward stitching in the ditch, but it also shows off free-motion feathers, spirals and circles! HAVE FUN!

Expanding My Comfort Zone

Last week's near 70 degree weather was an unmissable opportunity to dye about ten yards of organic sateen. With five yards each of Tobacco and Flutter pressed and ready for use, I chose to take this week to challenge myself with some design exercises. 

Each day this week, I used one yard of Flutter and one yard of White primarily to see how far this amount of fabric would go in the making of a quilt top, and to push myself out of my comfort zone with composition and techniques.

Flutter. So pretty!

Monday was devoted to half square triangles and some solid squares of each color. This photo shows all of the yardage in use. I had fun coming up with three compositions, and this was my favorite. You can see the others on my Instagram feed @tierneybarden.

Tuesday was the day for strip piecing. I wanted to challenge myself to come up with interesting patterns from random strip sets versus predetermined widths that create a regular pattern. The only rule I gave myself was that all strip sets needed to be the same finished width. Once at the design wall, I saw the need for some solid strips to give the eye a place to rest. Otherwise, I have to say that I enjoyed the Morse Code-like patterns, and could see this idea being even more successful with a wider variety of random strip sets. The Type A in me needed to make a few regular, repeating patterns....

Cutting curves.

Laying out blocks.

Wednesday was all about the curves, and I was ready after two full days of rectangles. I chose to set aside my Drunkard's Path templates and went for Sherri Lynn Wood's method for Template Free Curved Piecing, as explained in her book, The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters. What a lesson in slowing down! I warmed up by sewing all of the two-piece curved blocks, then advanced to the three piece, and so on. I don't have this technique perfected by any stretch of the imagination, but I will say that I loved taking them to the design wall. Curves are powerful and playful, and more are in my future. 

Thursday's exercise isn't shown yet because I'm still working on it: quarter square triangles. I think I'm in love. I'll share these in a future post, but for now, rest assured that they're keeping me busy at the machine, the iron and the design wall. 

Don't forget to download my free Striped Octagon EPP template in the right sidebar. Quilters like Jayne @twiggyandopal are doing extraordinary things with it! Share what you make on Instagram and FB, we'd all love to see! #stripedoctagonepp #stitchingenchantment

A Splashy "Reading Circle" Mini Quilt

If you're a quilter, you may know that QuiltCon takes place in Savannah, GA next week. While I won't be there in person, my mini quilt will! Heather Givens of Crimson Tate is revealing her new fabric collection, as well as this EPP design called Reading Circle. She selected a group of EPPers to whip up her design as a mini quilt to be hung on her booth walls. Heather asked that we use fabric designers carried in her shop, and that the piece convey the spirit of Crimson Tate.  #readingcircleepp 

Choosing fabrics was so much fun. How best to show off those little books and their spines? Shot cotton, always a winner. For the remainder of the design, I selected Kaffe Fassett fabrics that conveyed the qualities of many a good book: wild, splashy and adventurous! On the label, not pictured here, we were asked to include our favorite book. Mine? Harold and the Purple Crayon. Good luck to Heather Givens, and I can't wait to follow #crimsontate and #QuiltCon on Instagram!

Shop update!

One of our favorite models, Avery, wearing the Ballet Sweater (pattern by Heidi and Finn).

Buttery soft, naturally dyed, organic cotton jersey in one yard cuts, ready to go! These pieces are excellent for your hand stitching pleasure, or for whipping up a decadent little something at the machine. Either way, once you feel this medium weight jersey in your hands, you'll be anxious to get stitching! Not all of these colors are on the color cards - they're one time only - so grab what you like before it's gone!

A long-time fan of all things Alabama Chanin, I stitched by hand the Ballet Sweater designed by HeidiandFinn. The instructions are for machine sewing, and are clear and very well written; however, I was comfortable modifying as needed for hand stitching, and what a joy that proved to be. Because our jersey yardage is 60" wide, one yard easily accommodates a pattern like this one. 

Only a limited supply of 1 yard cuts of Indigo jersey remain - get yours before they disappear!

Large Project Bag, Eco-Dye and Quebracho Rojo, now in the shop!

A few one-of-a-kind project or travel bags are also in the shop.

They're pretty special, and each is a labor of love. Gorgeous fall days spent wrapping bundles, steaming and waiting...and finally unwrapping and sewing. Each is made using organic cotton sateen exhibiting a gorgeous luster made better only by the leaves and lines captured in the eco-bundle process. 

Use as a knitting project bag, travel sewing bag or general travel pouch. Because each one is silky soft to the touch and roomy, let alone just plain beautiful, you'll want yours within reach every single day.  

If you're inclined to make your own project bag, a handful of unique, naturally dyed/eco-dyed fat quarters remain. Have a look in the shop, and happy stitching!

Deep Into Winter

Being a bit of an introvert, I relish winter months here in upstate NY. Short on daylight and long on snowfall, these months practically beg for hand work, hot drinks and quiet reflection. My sketchbook is brimming with new quilt designs, my work table is heaped with fabrics of all kinds, and the dye pots are simmering away. I'm most productive when I don't have to leave my studio for days at a time, much like having a few snow days in a row!

So far this year, January saw the release of my free EPP template, Striped Octagons, and I've been floored by the positive response it has received. For those of you who have featured it on your blogs, reposted it on Instagram and shown off your talent at #StripedOctagonEPP, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love interacting with you, and look forward to seeing this talented online community spread its wings. 

With February in full swing, and your positive messages fueling me to charge ahead with more quilt designs, I'm knee deep in pattern design and testing! Pictured here is a test run for one of those new patterns. It's during this stage that I work out design flaws and make construction notes. As I'm stitching, I'm asking myself, is this a pleasure or a pain? Is this shape awkward to stitch? How does this fabric respond to this technique? Is there a better way? It's YOU I have in mind as I'm testing and scribbling notes. Your happiness stitching any of my patterns is paramount. 

Freezer paper for reverse applique. Nice!

The colors used for this test pattern seem to be an excellent remedy to the cold winds blowing around outside my window. Well, that and connecting with all of you! For now, I have a few more samples to stitch up before releasing this beauty later this year.  

Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest news on pattern releases, secret sales, workshops and more! 

Free Striped Octagon Template!

I'm so excited to tell you about this free template that I designed just for you! I wanted to find a way to express my gratitude for the support and positive feedback you've given me since I began my company in 2015, so I'm kicking off 2017 with a token of my appreciation: my Striped Octagon Template, FREE! 

Rainbow brights set on point. (This might be my personal favorite!) Cotton Couture solids by Michael Miller Fabrics.

A lively combination of Kaffe Fassett prints and Cotton Couture solids by Michael Miller Fabrics. 

The math has been done for you, the template lines have been drawn with care, and basic instructions for block construction are provided. All you need to do is download and print off a few sheets (to get a good start,) and then dive into your stash and get piecing! Pull out your big scraps, fat quarters, charm collections, solids, prints of every scale...any fabrics that make you happy! 

To download your FREE PDF, simply click the photo of the green and white sample shown below. The template can be printed in black and white, or in color allowing the red lines to act as a guide for seam placement. To check for scale, in case you're following the instructions provided, the center stripes should measure 1" wide.

The template is yours, free! Happy New Year and happy stitching!

Let's share our Striped Octagon creations: #StripedOctagonEPP                                                   Follow me @tierneybarden

Timeless two-color palette using Marcus Brothers, Studio 37's New Aged Muslin.

Click the above image to download your FREE Striped Octagon EPP template and instructions! 

A Spectacular Year

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Overall, 2016 has been a positive year, and looking at both the highs and the lows provides the perspective I need to plan 2017.  Before I get to the milestones, I'll say that this year saw the passing of my beloved uncle and my father-in-law. Shortly thereafter, my constant companion, Stanley, whom you may recognize from his IG cameos, also left us. Loss of loved ones always reminds us what really matters. 

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Having said that, I've given all I've got to this little business, and am happily seeing the fruits of my labor. I have nothing but excitement and eagerness about the year ahead. My company is two years old now. My first year, 2015, was filled with all the necessary tasks for a small business start-up: defining my mission and setting goals, intensely researching and developing product, marketing, branding and building a website. My first year was fully funded out of my own pocket. I'm proud to say that 2016 has seen my business fully funded by online sales and vending. I'm grateful to each and every person who showed their belief in what I'm doing by making a purchase or sharing a kind word, or both! You and my love of textiles are the reasons I do what I do.

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2016 milestones: what a spectacular year! 

January-May saw the release of 13 natural dye colors on three substrates. Pre-cuts were added to the product line. Oh, and there was that ridiculously cold, February photo shoot when I thought my camera wouldn't survive, let alone my fingers.

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A glimpse of the joy and talent in Enchanted Paper Cutting. Shiny happy faces!

June: Teaching Enchanted Paper Cutting Workshop at Squam Art Workshops! While there, I took a remarkable book making workshop with the completely delightful Rachel Hazell, as well as  sewed Sarah Waldo Jagger's Ondawa Wrap with her personal guidance. Vending at the Art Fair went above and beyond my hopes. New friendships and outpouring of support through sales and kind words sent me home on cloud nine.

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At the end of June I drove to the Vermont Quilt Festival, where I met the very talented and sweet Trista Dufresne, @trista_deee! Another highlight was seeing the festival founder's private collection of antique quilts was my favorite exhibit. Maybe this will be the year I actually begin sewing my tiniest scraps?

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July: I attended AQS in Syracuse and found a supplier for Japanese yarn dyed wovens. Since then, I've been able to find these fabrics a little easier in the US. I've been stitching my own sampler, a few blocks at a time, and I'm considering offering the sampler as a pattern. Working with these fabrics is an entirely different experience than traditional quilting cottons. I'm a huge fan of Yoko Saito, and would love to take one of her workshops. Some day. 

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Fabric colors from left to right: Tobacco and Journey; Lagoon, natural and Golden Age; Lagoon and Lake. Glue basted and copier paper templates.

For much of the year, and mostly under the radar, I've steadily made progress with English Paper Piecing. I've been teaching myself. I've been testing various wrapping techniques; exploring a variety of fabrics, from my own hand dyed fabrics (photo above), commercial cottons and Japanese wovens; and trying a wide variety of templates, from plastic to copier paper. I'm putting myself through these rigors with an eye on offering workshops, templates, patterns and/or kits. More on this in 2017.

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Sugar Maple leaf from the back yard.

September-October: I produced my first limited collection of eco-dye fat quarters (a few are still in my shop) using India Flint's method with a few of my own modifications. These fabrics have been so well received, and I'm grateful for the feedback and sales. I will offer them again in the fall of 2017. Seeing what you'll make with them is the BEST!

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My design is a reproduction of an antique quilt shown in the book, Infinite Variety: Red and White Quilts.

Also in the fall, I participated in Sherri Lynn Wood's #MakeDoChallenge. My quilt is awaiting quiet winter evenings for quilting. I have to say, my eyes have been opened to the process of reverse engineering a quilt. I learned a great deal starting with only a set amount of fabric and then figuring out a design, size and construction techniques. This is just the way that I went about the challenge. We're spoiled by today's quilt designers who provide all of this information in their patterns! This is a great challenge with no deadline, and I encourage any quilter  to give it a try!

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In Havanna with my mom.

October - November: Visiting Cuba with my mom. This trip inspired a new quilt collection that I'm just beginning to work on, hoping to make the patterns available later in 2017, or 2018. 

November: I enjoyed working with paper, scissors and ink on Sunday mornings throughout Rachel Hazell's online PaperLove e-course. Working outside my norm was beneficial in many ways. Thank you for a splendid workshop, Rachel! 

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Eco-bundle example from my one-day workshop. 

December: Presented and vended at the Quilters Consortium of NYS year-end meeting. I had the best time meeting with and showing my work to so many talented quilters from across New York State. What a fantastic way to wind down the year! 

2017 Goals:

1. Design and make quilts for everyone, not just children. Taking a look back on the year has shown me that my original model focused solely on children is too limiting for me as an artist. I need room to spread my wings and explore the wealth of design ideas in my head and stitch the stories waiting to be told from my heart.
2. Strike a better work-life balance. Working from home, I tend to work seven days a week. I love what I do, so that's not a complaint, rather, an observation based on a need to take better care of myself. Sundays will be my day to recharge, turn off the computer, and stay out of the studio. 52 Sundays. Let's see if I can stick to that!
3. Share my knowledge of the natural dye world and stitching. Spread the joy of coloring cloth safely, naturally, beautifully. I'm aiming for early February to offer dye kits for sale in my shop. I'm working on finding a location for teaching stitching to youth in my community. 
4. Make at least one quilt during the year for the #MakeDoChallenge. As quilter Sherri Lynn Wood says, imagine if every quilter made even one quilt a year from found fabrics the positive impact that would have on our landfills, water and soil. 

I'm ready for 2017! Are you?

The Quilters Consortium of NYS

The support and positive energy given me by quilters from quilt guilds across the state this past Tuesday was amazing! The Quilters Consortium of NYS gathered in Cicero for its quarterly meeting, and very generously invited me to be their speaker. Being my first Consortium meeting, I didn't know what to expect, and I was blown away by their warm reception, their enthusiasm and appreciation for my fabrics, not to mention their collective talent! 

The Consortium is dedicated to bringing together, inspiring and networking with all of the quilt guilds in the state (who want to participate), and promoting quilting in general. Their annual Passport can be purchased for $5.00, and not only lists every participating guild's quilt show dates and information, but affords you the chance at a fabulous raffle at each show, just remember to bring your passport and enter each raffle. The Consortium not only supports the quilt guilds, but also independent businesses. To learn more: www.qcnys.org. 

Public speaking has never been my strength (despite Mrs. Hopkins's best efforts), but my confidence in bearing my soul to an audience has steadily improved over time, so as I was handed the microphone on Tuesday, I plunged in. The room full of quilters, all of whom are far more experienced than I, attentively listened to my Simple and True talk (found in Workshops). During the talk, I spoke about what motivates me as a natural dyer, and briefly shared my concerns about damage done to our soil and water by commercial dye houses and fabrics going into landfills by the tons every day. Fabrics surround us in our daily lives, and I believe that being aware that damage is being done is an important first step.

Shibori baby quilt, 30"x35"  Organic cotton sateen and commercial cottons. Indigo, clamp resist Shibori technique.

In my own quilting and garment sewing, I'm exploring using slow cloth, salvaged fabrics and commercial fabrics. When I began my dye business in 2015, I thought I'd only be using my fabrics, but I've evolved over these past two years, and I now see that I can tell an even richer story using more fabrics than just my own hand dyed. There's room for all fabrics in our stitching, so looking to the future, if we as quilters make even one quilt a year using slow cloth, salvaged fabrics or make a huge dent in our scrap bins, imagine the positive impact that would have on our environment, as well as ourselves. I will post more on this topic in the future, providing facts, stats and sources for anyone interested in learning more.   

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This one-of-a-kind quilt is available for sale in the shop. The sweet handmade bunny will even accompany the quilt, ready for the ultimate cuddle with your little baby!

While at the Consortium's meeting, I neglected to use my camera - too caught up in meeting as many amazing, talented quilters as I could - but if I had used it, I'd show you the many smiling faces of happy quilters, stunning quilts brought in by several of the guilds, and festive decorations made by the Plank Road Quilt Guild who hosted the meeting. I also regret not having my picture taken with Ann Hawkins, QCNYS president, and Mary Jane Frind, both of whom were responsible for inviting me to speak. The quilts made by the guilds can be seen at: www.qcnys.org. 

The day was brimming with the best of the season, and I was thrilled to be a part of it! I'm looking forward to seeing these quilters and visiting their quilt shows throughout the new year. Do you belong to a quilt guild or sewing group? I'd love to hear more - email me at tierneybarden@gmail.com.