Winner

The winner of WALK is Rachel Singh.  Rachel, please contact me (jacquietps at gmail.com) by Saturday, July 29 to claim your book.  Congratulations!!

WALK

You know, I've been so bad at blogging this year that I was embarrassed when a couple of friends pointed out that I never blogged about the new book.  Yup, I wrote another book, this time about the quilting process.  Most of you know I love that walking foot and so I set about putting it through its paces and trying to get the most out of it and the result was WALK:  Master Machine Quitling With Your Walking Foot.

The walking foot is awesome for straight lines as we know, and I'll never disparage simple linear quilting, but that's only the start of the creative quilting options that are possible with the walking foot.  Just check out the back cover of the book to see what I mean.

WALK has been selling like hotcakes since its publication in December and has been one of the top selling quilting books on Amazon.  It popped back up to number one once it got back in stock and I thought we should celebrate with a giveaway.  Just comment here and let me know what you love about walking foot quilting to win a copy of the book.  Leave a comment by Monday 9 a.m. CST.  

After I wrote the book I've continued to push myself to find more walking foot friendly quilt designs and I'll be sharing some how to's for those soon.  In the mean time, if you haven't got the book, check with your local quilt shop, library or get it in your hands the Amazon way.  Walk on!!

The Challenge of Simple

In my artist statement I state that I love simple, but I tend to overcomplicate.  I've been studying minimalism in the hope of creating minimalist work that has the simplicity and graphic impact that I crave, but at the same time is interesting and unique.  It's been a challenge for me for sure. Simple is hard!

I spent my evenings this week cutting and pasting with my favorite material...craft foam.  I think I might have the start of a series I'll be happy with.  I love black and white. I want to stay with that for now and add a bit of color when necessary.  It might be fun to work in a series too.  I think working on these will be a blast.  I'd like to control myself and work small, but knowing me that's not going to happen.  Stay tuned.

Fed Up

I know it's not about quilting, but in some ways it is.  In our community I've experienced and witnessed personal attacks and verbal violence targeted at folks who are different or who have different opinions or positions as well as folks who make accusations with no basis in fact in order to damage another person's reputation. I've watched folks jump to conclusions and attack and ridicule with no thought of asking questions or finding or sharing information to solve problems. I've been demoralized by those who attack without thought and who react without thoughtfulness.

It's time for me, for all of us to speak up.  I am starting at the top.  I believe that our current president has contributed to the atmosphere of violence and polarization that exists today in our country.  This week of twitter tirades is just one example, but it pushed me over the edge. I ask each of you to write your own letter, contact your elected representatives or work in your own way in your own community.  

I wrote this letter to the President and I have followed up with a letter to each of my senators and representatives.   At least it is a place to start.

President Donald J. Trump

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Sir,

Over the last week I have been increasingly disappointed in the messages you have sent from your twitter account.  I know after watching you over the first months of your presidency that you don't seem to desire or react well to feedback, but I hope you can receive this in the constructive, positive way in which it is intended.  While I understand that constant criticism must be difficult to receive, it is a part of the job of the President to listen to all sides whether they support you or not.  It is not the role of the press or the citizenry not to criticize. In fact, it is their responsibility.

I have heard all the criticism of your twitter messages, for example, that they are beneath the dignity of the office, immature and a distraction from the challenges that the country is facing, and while I agree, that is not my primary concern.  I was especially disappointed to see how you shared the WWF video with the inserted CNN logo and implied that beating up those with whom you disagree is an effective way to deal with a dissenting opinion.

 I'm not interested in debating whether CNN or Morning Joe is fake news.  I am a literate, well-read citizen who can make that determination for myself.  What is important to me is the message you are sending to Americans, both adults and most importantly children:  through your tweets you are advocating violence and name-calling as effective ways to solve problems.  I can't find the words to say how much your example cuts to the core of what I know is wrong.  Name calling from the President of the United States?  A video showing the President pummeling someone with whom he disagrees?  It's both disgusting and dangerous.  Our country as you know is already polarized and violence, both physical and verbal is pervasive in our daily lives. How can you in good conscience put out these messages to millions of people who look to you for leadership? 

Many Americans jump to violence as a solution to their problems and now you, the leader of this great country, are setting that same example and providing justification for those who choose to do the same.  You state that you want the violence in our cities to cease; yet you show a video showing the citizens of the United States that you choose to solve your problems with violence.  Is this the America you want to create?  Is this the way you want Americans to behave?  I hear you invoke God in your speeches.  Is this what your religion teaches you? Were you taught to insult, to strike back, and to use violence to hurt others?  Or, is religion only a ruse to develop a following?  I see a person's religious beliefs in their actions, not their words.  Your actions speak volumes.

I was heartened by the First Lady's commitment to the cause of anti-bullying and I fully support her work.  It is a passion of mine as well.  It is hard to understand how she can do this good work in the shadow of your behavior. 

I ask you to consider that multiple viewpoints are what make America great.  Listening is a skill that will bring you the information and perspectives that can create solutions to the problems we face.  Utilizing the language of argument, spirited debate, artful compromise and respect for those who disagree are the hallmarks of a great leader.  As you have learned, leading is a difficult task, but effective leaders can make a world of difference in the lives of many people.  It is time to turn your focus to others rather than yourself.  We face many challenges in America and we can't afford to waste time with the nonsense I am seeing from you. Listen, debate, compromise and most importantly, lead.  Set an example for us all.

Sincerely,

Jacquelyn D Gering

Kansas City, Missouri

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Weekend Abstraction - Week 8

Is it still the weekend? Days are running together for me, but here it is anyway.

This weekend's abstraction might be good to keep the chill away if winter ever shows its face in Kansas City.  I used the fireplace for the first time the other day to clean it and get it ready for the winter season and as always I was entranced by the flames.  They're mesmerizing in a calming, but inspiring way.  I watched them intently and noticed the color changes, the shapes, and the movement.

I wanted to translate what I was seeing into a quilt design.  

It's odd that I chose lines because they can be very static, but I love a line and so I went for it.  It always amazes me how straight lines in the right arrangement can give the impression of curves and movement. It's coming together for me, but I'm not thrilled with it yet.  I still need to play and live with it for awhile. I think the colors are pretty good (I think it might glow a bit when it's made out of fabric) and it has a little movement and a nice shape.  I love the little flicker at the top.

Here it is in its current form. Enjoy!

Mighty Lucky Strikes Again!

I'm excited to be a part of the next round of the Mighty Lucky Quilting Club.  The Club has a fantastic set of folks to learn from in 2017.  If you didn't join the club in 2016, head to the Lucky Spool site to learn the details.  Essentially, you'll get one challenge from a different instructor each month in 2017.  You'll have the opportunity to learn and practice all sorts of concepts, skills and techniques that will help you become an even better quilter. The Mighty Lucky Quilt Club costs only $5 per month, or just $50 for a full, one-year membership.  Stay tuned to jacquietps on Instagram for a chance to win a full year subscription to the club.  I'll be announcing that soon or sign up today!

2017 Instructor Team

January - Amy Friend

February - Emily Herrick

March - Jacquie Gering

April - Krista Fleckenstein

May - Emma Jean Jansen

June - Kim Eichler-Messmer

July - Dan Rouse

August - Melissa Aveniros

September - Amy Smart

October - Deborah Moebes

November - Camille Roskelley

December - Stephanie Ruyle

Geared Up

This is the Geared Up quilt, one in a series of quilts that I'm working on to explore the concept of activating space, both positive and negative in my quilts.  I love the interplay between the navy and gray spaces in this quilt.  The gray dominates as the primary design, but the navy supports in such a great way.

I also love the quilting on this piece.  I used one of the geometric quilting designs that will be in my new book, Walk: Mastering Machine Quilting With Your Walking Foot.  Jaime, my studio mate pushed me to do this quilting on this piece and it so worked.  Sometimes you need a push from a really smart cookie!

I think the quilting design creates beautiful rotational movement for the piecing without overwhelming a simple, graphic design.  I'm very pleased with it, I hope you enjoy it too.

Photos by Silvia Abisaab

Weekend Abstraction - Week 7

I've been sort of obsessed with medallion quilts over the last year.  I have a whole folder of them.  I've made a few of them already and when I have time I'd like to do a whole series, probably in black and white.  I have a long hallway on the lower level of the condo that is empty and I'd love to see a set of those fill that space.

I designed this one the other day and I'm loving it.  I can't wait to get home to make it.  

Here is the block.  I focused on the spaces created in the lower right hand corner of the block.  It's how those spaces come together with four blocks that creates the shape in the center and makes the design for me.  The truncated triangle adds a unique shape that transforms this into something special.

This is the medallion quilt.  Enjoy!

Weekend Abstraction - Week 6

I'm continuing with this simple block and finding it intriguing to work with.  I created another design and buckled down in the studio and almost finished a top.  I'm pleased with the colors and the graphic impact of this quilt.  I also love the combo of flat solids and shot cottons.  A few more seams and it'll be done. I think I'll call it Whirl-a-way!

Weekend Abstraction - Week 5 Part II

Sometimes I fall in love with a block and can't stop thinking about it.  I'm sitting in a different airport this time and again playing with blocks.  Could airports come with sewing lounges?  Would definitely work for me!

Same block, different layout, new color.  Enjoy!