I cut into my last batch of hand dyes to make this piece. I’ve decided it is too abstract to submit as my mathematics themed quilt for the next Twelve by Twelve challenge. However, I am super-happy with the way the quilt turned out - the fluid curves; the interaction of colour; the quilting and the finish. I’m certain this will be a springboard to some larger pieces along similar lines.
The next “reveal” of the Twelve by Twelve challenge quilts is on 1 December US time. I have one three four five numerous mathematics themed quilts in various stages of completion and am not sure whether “the one” has emerged yet.
While I don’t like making quilts to a deadline, challenges can work in a benign way to give you creative focus. Here is just a handful of quilt challenge and exhibition opportunities coming up in the next few weeks and months:
It’s easy to lose count of all the opportunities that are out there so let me know if there’s one that I have missed.
As the Twelve by Twelve Collaborative Art Quilt Project demonstrates, the 12×12in format is remarkably versatile. This versatility is also evident in the One Foot Squares featured in the 2008 Benefit Auction put on by Studio Art Quilt Associates. Fellow Twelves, Kristin, Terri and Gerrie have each contributed works for the auction. Enjoy the online gallery.
I have numbers on the brain at the moment. First there was the scary task of processing two months worth of receipts from our sojourn in Europe when the A$ plummeted. Then I had to get my tax return into the authorities before the end of October (they sent me my refund in under a week - yay!). I am also conscious that I need to get on with my maths themed quilt for the next Twelve by Twelve challenge that is due at the end of this month. (My first attempts have been rather pathetic.)
However, the numbers that have been occupying me lately have been the statistics for some of the websites that I administer. I am not so interested in the actual headline visitor count but it is always interesting to see what posts and pages capture most attention, where people come from, where they click out to and how long they linger.
I use a variety of data collection and reporting programs and services to monitor my statistics. I like Sitemeter for checking stats in realtime and looking quickly at referrals and outclicks. However, the free version doesn’t allow much scope for analysing data beyond the last 100 visits or the last 12 months.
I really like real time IP tracking, filtering and visitor analysis features of the “Blogger” statistics plan that I have with Performancing Metrics. It allows you to “name” your visitors and you can see who is popping in to look around, even if they don’t actually comment or say hello. Performancing Metrics offer a free plan plus several premium plans. You can sign up for a 21 day fully-featured free trial to see what you think:
Issue 126 (November 2008) of Down Under Quilts magazine has been dubbed the “Brenda and Kirsten edition”. Not only is there a profile of fellow “Twelve” Kirsten Duncan but, under the heading of “Global Quilting”, there is also a three page article about the Twelve by Twelve Collaborative Art Quilt Project with insights (and photos!) from Kirsten and me. Grab a copy from your newsagent, or order online, today! 
I interrupt this blogging silence to bring you evidence that, after exchanging numerous e-mails over the past 18-24 months, Helen and I have at last met in person. What a delight! I hope to meet my other Twelve by Twelve sisters sometime too.
If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to pop over the Twelve by Twelve blog to vote for your favourite collaborative quilt theme mosaic created by the group so far. You will find the poll in the blog sidebar. As you can see, currently the Dandelion mosaic is out in front, followed by Shelter. However, the poll still has nine days to go and anything can happen…
Today is the grand reveal of our “shelter” themed quilts over on the Twelve by Twelve blog. Be sure to come and visit to see how we all interpret this theme.
This also happens to be the midpoint in the group’s challenge timetable. To help us celebrate this important milestone, we encourage everyone to leave a comment to go into the draw for a special set of notecards featuring some of the Twelve by Twelve collaborative theme mosaics. Come on over!
As regular readers will be aware, this extended sojourn in France is only possible because we are undertaking two home exchanges (see Home Exchange FAQs). Once again, it is proving to be a very agreeable way of travelling with all the comforts of home and without the expense and confinement of other accomodation options.
This is a pre-scheduled post. By the time you read it, we will hopefully be comfortably ensconced in our new abode near Chef Boutonne in the Poitou Charente region in western France. We will have had a refreshing shower; unpacked our bags; taken a tour of the house and wandered into town to stock up the cupboards in preparation for Amy & Paul’s arrival tomorrow.
On the subject of nesting, don’t forget to keep a lookout on the Twelve by Twelve blog. Our “shelter” themed quilts are due to be revealed on 1 October (US time) and there will be some special treats as we celebrate the midpoint in our challenge timetable.
As regular readers to this blog will know, during the winter months it is not unusual for me to see whales traverse the bay from headland to headland as they make their way to warmer climes.
However, yesterday was extra special as a family of whales stopped into Copacabana for several hours rest and relaxation very close to shore. The three of them (Ma, Pa and baby W) were not very active. They basically lolled around in the waves. It didn’t make for very spectacular photographs but it still put a smile on my face.
As the whales took refuge in the bay, I’ve been working feverishly on my shelter-themed quilt for the next Twelve by Twelve challenge which is due to be revealed on 1 October.
Subscribe to RSS Feed
Feel free to take my button. Click here for the code.
Workshop Schedule Workshops Brochure
©2006-2008 Brenda Gael Smith trading as Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting.
All rights reserved. All images and text are copyright of the artist.
Reproduction of any kind is expressly prohibited without written consent.