'Ideas and Inspiration'

Small Works by Jamie Kalvestran

2012-01-26T16:00:00.001-06:00

Art show is on the 4th of February. It's looking like I'll be ready. Here a few small works that I'll be showing.

Show Details: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, in Assisi Hall of Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, WI

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

Quilts on Flip Flops from Sandalista!

2012-01-24T17:01:00.001-06:00

I am delighted and excited to announce a new licensing agreement with Sandalista! Now you can purchase flip flop sandals with my quilt designs! For more photos and details please visit the Sandalista website.

I have other designs there as well. Enjoy!

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

New Butterfly Pattern - Print, Paint, Stitch - Art Quilt Wall Hanging Instructions - It's Downloadable.

2012-01-19T16:25:00.000-06:00

This is a fun and easy way to create a one of a kind hand painted quilt block. (If you don't want to paint it you can download one that I already painted for you). Details are found here on my website.

This project is great for any age. In a previous post you saw 11 yr old Jordan the hand above belongs to her grandmother Darcy. It's a great project to do together!

Here Louise is using textile paints, but you could use Paintstiks or acrylics too.

It's kind of like paint by number . . . without the numbers.

Tip: if you can't decide on a color palette, choose a fabric that you would like to use as a border or binding then pull the colors for the butterflies from the fabric. This shows the painting in process with the matching fabric next to it.

Choose the color palette of your liking - anything goes. Here's two examples.

If you want to quilt or top stitch choose your coordinating threads

Stitching is optional, machine or by hand

Sample showing the hand painted butterflies made up into a pillow - (pillow instructions are not included)

8-1/2" x 11" wall hanging sample

Of course you could print multiples and use them in a variety of ways including table runners and quilts. The instructions include yardage and info about the wall hanging only. You will have to adopt it into one of your existing quilt patterns that take a 8" finished block.

Have fun with it! I'd love to see a photo of your finished project!

There are more details on my website.

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

It's a Challenge

2012-01-06T07:52:00.000-06:00

I am working on a piece for the "Earth From Above Challenge".

The inspiration photo on top of the discharged fabric I chose to work with.

Detail of the inspiration photo.

Detail of my progress so far . . .

Thread: Superior Threads Rainbows Trilobal Polyester 40 wt. Color #854

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

The Free Motion Quilting Project

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a great site. Do you know about the Free Motion Quilting Project? She just started a new quilt along series. Check it out!

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

Attitude of Gratitude

2012-01-04T13:20:00.001-06:00

Today I am Grateful for the fact that when I woke up, my driveway and sidewalks were cleared of snow AND I didn't have to do it! I got to stay in side where it's toasty warm and stitch! Life is good.

Jacqueline from Handmade With Love is hosting this wonderful link party. It's called an Attitude of Gratitude. She is asking everyone to write about what they are grateful for and then link up that blog post. Isn't that a great idea? We all get so busy in our everyday lives that we sometimes forget to count our blessings.

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

"Do The Work" Anyone who knows me at all has heard me say this, and here's why.

2012-01-04T09:45:00.000-06:00

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

Hand painted . . . Hand stitched . . . with Love.

2012-01-03T11:08:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I spent the day with my friend Jordan, who just turned 11 years old. Normally we spend time together at the barn where I give her riding lessons on her horse 'Smiles'. Today we are indoors and I am working on my latest project. I asked Jordan if she wanted to join me and work side by side. Here's a little photo journal of her process . . .

Step one, painting on the pre-printed fabric with fabric paints.

I love this contemplative pose.

Painting finished now it's time to stitch!

Jordan confessed . . .
that she actually stitched her work to my table cloth a few times.
Too funny . . .

GREAT Stitches!

Well done my young friend, I hope you'll join me again soon.
Perhaps we can get out the sewing machines next time!

You can find the downloadable pattern and instructions for this butterfly pattern on my website, just click this link!

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

"Time to get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful, and to open space in your heart for all the blessings (hidden or visible) that 2012 will bring." ~ Paulo Coelho

2011-12-31T00:30:00.000-06:00

Live your life one stitch at a time . . .

Never Fear . . .

Happy New Year! 2012

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

"Artists have to take a dive" . . . by Maurice Sendak

2011-12-30T14:17:00.000-06:00

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

My Angel

2011-12-21T11:32:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again. Time to post my Ice Angel photo. She was formed naturally without help from any human. It was water dripping from the eves of the house onto vines growing on the deck. Every time I see this photo I am reminded that our world is miraculous. Happy Holidays to you and yours and a Blessed New Year! Jamie Kalvestran

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

Easy Zip Wallets, One is Texas A&M the other is Virginia Tech.

2011-12-16T08:38:00.000-06:00

I received this note and photos from Linda Beggerly - Perhaps her work will inspire you too. She used my Easy Zip Wallet Pattern to create these collegiate wallets for her daughter. Enjoy!

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

How to Make Your Own Stitched Wrapping Paper

2011-12-15T13:49:00.000-06:00

Do you want to create a one of a kind gift wrap? Here's a fun and easy way to do it using plain craft paper (or any paper for that matter)

This is what my first attempt looked like.

Cut craft paper large enough for the gift. Then stitch like crazy all over it.

Use any stitch you like, but remember it will perforate the paper. This means that if you use a stitch that is too tight the package could easily pop open along your stitching . . . so choose wisely.

Fold the paper, stitch up the sides, put your gift inside and then fold the opening over and stitch it shut.

You might want to stitch across the gift tag too!

Add a nice ribbon or raffia, this one is hand dyed.

Tah Dah! It worked for me and was loved by the recipient! Try it . . . it's fun!

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

A new licensing agreement has been reached between Jamie Kalvestran and Andover Fabrics NYC.

2011-12-14T14:44:00.001-06:00

Yippee Skippee!!! An agreement has been reached. I am very excited the folks at Andover and I will begin working together again. I have been working hard to find my voice, direction and niche. I can't wait for you to see what I've been working on and delighted that Andover Fabrics in New York will be my showcase! Stay tuned . . .

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

Holiday Blog Tour of Quilts - Pine Forest - Single Quilt Block - Perfect for a Quick Holiday Gift

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

BLOG TOUR
Perfect for a small wall hanging or pillow! This classic quilt block pattern can be jazzed up with beads to make it sparkle for the holidays.

Technique: Rotary Cut and Pieced
Block Size: Nine Inches Square
This pattern can be purchased as a download from my webstore: www.jamiekalvestran.com

NOTE: *** If you become a follower of this blog, leave a comment and send me an email telling me what method you use to follow me, I will email you a coupon code for 25% off any of the patterns available as a download. Coupon will expire at the end of December.

Next "hop" on over to Sara's Growing Stitches Blog to continue on your blog hop journey.

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

If you are on Twitter I'd sure appreciate a Tweet! THX

Fiber Adventures: Foiling on Fabric Workshop with Fiber Adventures

2011-11-29T09:53:00.000-06:00

Foiling on Fabric Workshop with Fiber Adventures: Fabulous foiling effects . . . for more info use the link.

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran