Oba Quilts

Valentine Keepsake

2012-01-30T08:48:00.001-08:00

I have created these wonderful keepsake boxes. I am always thinking that if it is something I would like then there is someone else who would like it as well. This box can have your own lovely picture on the top.

I have enjoyed making these boxes so much. Lately, one day has been turning into the next day so fast that it is hard for me to focus. So when I sit down and do some decoupaging, it is like taking a breather. And believe me between my grandson, quilting and cooking, I can really use a breather.

I can't wait to see what I create for Mother's Day. Start getting your pictures ready.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=186

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 10 for 10

2012-01-14T16:27:00.001-08:00

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day the 2012 Metamorphosis Calendar is on sale. On January 15, 2012 you can order 10 calendars for $10.00 (a $150.00 value). Yes ONLY $10.00
They make great gifts for family, friends, and customers.

My father had great admiration for Martin Luther King at a time when I was highly influenced by watching him. I had no idea how profound that would be in my life. I also had no idea that Martin Luther King Jr.'s humble but provocative influence would have such far reaching effects on so many lives. We were poor in a rural area of Georgia. I would see my father first worry when a march would happen and then I'd see a proud-ness when it was over that I had never seen in his eyes before. There was something quiet about the way he hung on every word on the news, watching intensely when the water hoses were turned on the marchers. I always got the impression that he wanted to be there, taking a stand, but had too much at stake to take a risk like that. So he was one of the many that kept vigil and prayed for their safety.

My father went to Morehouse and stood in the long line that wrapped itself around several blocks. My Uncle Doc met him there. They processed past a great man and knew it. It was never lost on us (as a people) that a change was happening before our eyes.

We don't take this day for granted. Even though many of us have to work, we still hold the vigil and pray for even more changes.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id185

First 30 Customers- One Day Only- Mark your calendars and set your clocks

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

Trust me. I really had my sights on the moon but landed somewhere among the stars. I'm talking about posting the entire month of December. 25 out of 31 wasn't too shabby. I had the best intentions. And I know they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but I really tried. Hopefully, I haven't helped pave that road.

Around the 25th, I started feeling the energy called the FLU chasing me. It was always a couple of steps behind me but close. I developed a little cough and was moving kind of slow. I could feel the FLU breathing heavily on the back of my neck as I kept trying to stay a few steps ahead of it. I made it without being knocked out and now I am back.

Today I am posting a quilt called "Imani." I called her Imani because she reminded me of the essence of Kwanzaa. The last day of Kwanzaa is January 1 and represented by the principle called Imani. Happy Kwanzaa as well. "Imani" is hand quilted and 20.5"x39"

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=77

Habari Gani?

2011-12-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, so I greet you with Habari Gani. It means what is happening. The answer today is "Umoja". Umoja is unity. Kwanzaa consists of seven principles, one practiced each day of the seven days. The principles are Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba and Imani. Have a Happy Kwanzaa!
Today's quilt is called Blue Line. I came up with the name because it reminded me of the book proofs that used to be called blue line. They were called that because they were done in blue ink. Why? I don't know. It is 59"x72", just right for a nap.
www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=37&product_id=62

Gratitude

2011-12-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

You never know when that little thing you say or do will mean so much to someone. Thank you so much Carol, you have inspired me. So glad my little posts have inspired you.

I have so much to be grateful for and so many people who have come into my life and encouraged/influenced me. Today I am just feeling all of that gratitude. The quilt I choice for the day is called "No Nonsense." I named it that because the fabric came from a dear friend, Amoyewa, who took no prisoners. I loved her for her no nonsense attitude towards life. When I look at this quilt, I think of her. She had a great idea about what I liked. She knew me well. I miss her.

It is a simple traditional block pattern. This is one of those that I made by stacking up all 20 blocks, then adding the sashing that I pieced with squares and triangles. It is bed sized -77"x100" and my favorite color of orange. I'm sure you hadn't missed the orangeness of it.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=38&product_id=138

Count Down

2011-12-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

When I undertook this challenge that I gave myself, I had no idea how demanding it would be to write everyday. Some input from you would have been nice but we all survived this sale. Hey, I just appreciate that you stopping by and reading my blog.
Okay, so I missed yesterday, but I am back on track.
Today it is another small quilt from the scrap bag. I can't wait to make another one of these. It was a quilt as you go pattern, so when you finish you are finished! How wonderful.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=79

Holiday Is Here

2011-12-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

The days are ticking away really really fast. Soon Christmas Day will be here. I have this great quilt made from a Christmas print fabric covered with holly and sashed by red & green squares and triangles. It is a nap quilt size -65"x76". This quilt is special for the holiday. Lovely lovely.
www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=37&product_id=60

Sale Continues

2011-12-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

Bed quilts always remind me of my childhood. We slept under quilts at my house, at Mama Josie's house, at my friend Leen's house, and my Aunt Marie's house. I also saw quilts on the beds of all the neighbors and all my friends. Quilts were the standard and necessarily so. They were made for warmth over beauty. Sometimes we lucked up and got a pretty one but not often.

Today I have chosen one of my favorite bed quilts. It has my signature favorite color-orange. I called it "Zimbabwe Basket" because the design reminded me of the designs woven into African baskets. It is a combination of two blocks. I thought the combination was a stroke of genius, not mine though. This quilt is 77"x88".
www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=38&product_id=55

Gift of Art

2011-12-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

A gift of art will last a very long time. Art is often cherished and passed through the generations. Fiber art makes a great heirloom that can be shared with generation after generation. Oftentimes, we don't think of fiber art as lasting very long. I was astonished to see some quilts made over 100 years ago. This will be a good place to start your heirloom collection.
This quilt is hand dyed and hand painted. It is quilted with beads. 41"x36"

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=46&product_id=107

Love of Stars

2011-12-19T06:20:00.001-08:00

The traditional star pattern was my first quilt love and I still love it. When I made this one I searched out really great star patterns to put in a sampler. A sampler is a quilt that was originally used as a catalog of sorts. The sampler was true to it's name. It sampled a number of designs on one quilt. I haven't quite figured out why I chose that sea shell fabric as a background. I think it was because it gave a nice contrast. All taken in, it turned out to be a really calming quilt. It is nap size- 62"x61". Snuggle snuggle.
www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=37&product_id=143

Happy Holidays

2011-12-18T07:52:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays to everyone. This quilt is special to me because I was pretty much raised by my father. Our mother passed when we were little and my dad kept it going. There is nothing like a father's love. When I first saw this fabric with pictures of a father and child, I knew immediately what could happen with it. Mother and child is fairly easy to find but father and child pictures are kind of rare. There are some great fathers out there struggling alone to make like happen for their children. It is 9.5"x10" and looks really great in a frame.

This quilt honors those fathers. www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=45_51&product_id=134

Black and White Sleeper

2011-12-17T14:36:00.000-08:00

This quilt is called "Afternoon on the Serengeti". I named it that because of the animals on the fabric and the Zebra print fabric. It is 74"x82". Great sleeping quilt and it's a great gift for someone really special. Today the price is just right.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=38&product_id=160

Left-overs Pay Off

2011-12-16T04:45:00.000-08:00

I originally started quilting to save and recycle the left over fabrics after I finished making a great outfit or dress. I was obsessed with the idea of not wasting one drop of the fabric scraps. I saved and saved scraps until they were taking over. When I was forced to do something with the bags and bags of scraps, I got serious about quilting. The quilts I made, the more fabric I had. It was growing instead of shrinking. One day I just surrendered, quilters just have a lot of fabric; especially scraps.

This quilt was made from one of those scrap bags. Love love love reaching in that scrap bag and coming out with something useful. It is 16.5"x16.5" and hand quilted. It is called Scandalous #1. www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=78
The quilt to the right was also made from the scrap bag and a lot of creativity. I entered it in the Holidays Aglow Art Exhibit for 2012. It happened to be the 13th year of the affair. Much to my surprise and delight, it won Best In Show this year. How wonderful!! Like I always say, these little quilts frame beautifully.

The 15th Already

2011-12-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the 15th is here already. It was just January 1 a minute ago and I was trying to get used to writing 2011. This has been the fastest year I've seen in all my years on earth. I thought I would take it slower this year and enjoy the little things, pay attention to the minutes and it only made it go faster.

So let's celebrate the fact that December 15th is here. Today I chose a wallhanging quilt called "Choice". This quilt was one in a series of abstracts that I thought I would do. When I finished it most people saw a landscape but a few people turned it upside down and yet a few others turned it sideways. As I struggled with a name for it, I decided on "Choice" leaving it open for turning it either way. It is 15.5"x15.5" and machine quilted.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=147

Stardust Bed Quilt

2011-12-14T05:10:00.000-08:00

Stardust is a traditional bed quilt made from satin and cotton fabrics. The star pattern is my favorite traditional pattern, next is the log cabin for its ease and versatility. When I first started quilting, I made a lot of star quilts. I also made mostly bed quilts because my experience with quilts were solely for the bed. We grew up with quilts everywhere. We needed them to keep warm. Now I just cling to them to keep wonderful childhood memories alive.

Quilts are quite different now. The quilts my aunt used to make for our family weren't so much pretty as they were warm. The emphasis of her quilts was on function not beauty. Today's quilters have the luxury of time and an abundance of fabrics. Now I find myself making quilts for the love of quilts versus the function of quilts.

I put a lot of love into this one and hopefully it will find a home fitting its' beauty.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=38&product_id=161

Blue Moon

2011-12-13T05:03:00.001-08:00

The idea for Once in a Blue Moon started when one of the ladies in the Brown Sugar Stitchers Guild brought in her scrap bag to share with us. She thought she would offer them to us before she threw it out. So happy she did. I got some really really great pieces from the bag, especially that wonderful blue stripe on the sleeves. I thought this would be a great way to use up a lot of my scraps as well. It was like putting together a puzzle. I had just learned to make the gentle curve that I added through the middle. I gave her a big afro that kind of flopped in the top like mine used to do. I added the moon and some adinkra symbols to the black side and embellished her dress with a lot of beads. It is 31"x39". I also hand quilted it.

Today she is the new Super Savings Sale item. Check it out!

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=46&product_id=109

Art Magnets

2011-12-12T12:22:00.001-08:00

All magnets are half price. The magnets at www.obaquilts.com are made from my art, my work. I feel a little embarrassed some times when people call it work. When I am in it and communing with the spirit, it doesn't feel like work at all. It is simply my pleasure that happens to consume all my waking hours and some times invades my sleep.
Often times people look at me, as if I have a horn growing out of my eye or something. Then they say, this must be your passion. Now that better describes what I do. I could truly say it is my passion. I think they might be really thinking that I am a tid bit crazy. Who in their right mind would spend countless hours, days, and months making a piece of art that is impossible to get a return in equal monetary compensation.
Lately, I have heard people call it my ministry, a quiet ministry. I have to reflect on that. It is a good thought though, that the art is affecting people somewhere at the core that will make a profound effect on their lives.
So today, I humbly offer the art on magnets at 1/2 price for the next four days of this December Sale.
www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=178

Savings Savings

2011-12-11T05:08:00.000-08:00

This quilt is called Solitude. This quilt features the adinkra symbol- Gye Nyame. This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration, which is a testament to the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people. The meaning is "except for God", symbol of the supremacy of God. I've heard it explained as "only God" meaning that when all things are stripped away, only God is left.

It is a wonderful patchwork quilt that is hand quilted. It is 37"x37". Great wall hanging quilt.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=174

Super Savings Continues

2011-12-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

It's on now. Putting up one of my masterpieces today. I have been asked, "how long did it take you to make this quilt?" An understandable question, when you stand back and look at all the tomatoes sewn in one at a time or any other vegetables for that matter. It took me some months. Hand appliqued, hand embellished and hand quilted. I loved every minute of it though. Loved it. Every prick of my fingers as well as the search for just the right fabrics. I love their togetherness. I want to stand back out of site and listen in on their conversation. Then at the end I want to taste that great pot of gumbo they make. Humbly I want to ask them to teach me to wrap my head like they do.

I call this quilt "Gumbo Ladies #2: Lagniappe Sil Vous Plait." It is 45"x64" and great for hanging in a narrow hall, beside the bed, in the dining room or where ever. Fall in love with them too!

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=45_49&product_id=121

Red & White Day

2011-12-09T04:55:00.001-08:00

Today I feel all cheery and stuff. I figured red and white would express that good feeling best. As many of you know I love the color red. This wonderful traditional quilt pattern called a square in a square gives a great clean modern effect. Best gift of all and great price.

And don't forget to get your 2012 Calendar. Buy one and get one free for month of December. Go to www.obaquilts.com today and check it all out.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=37&product_id=144

Super Savings Sale Day 8

2011-12-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

Another day and another sale. Today we have this fantastic little beauty. My friend Marquetta calls these little quilts babies. She says, You'd better buy it before it grows up," and smiles. It features hand dyed fabrics and hand quilting. It is bead embellished and fits nicely into a frame. 14"x15.5" Beautify your walls with this one. Great gift for that special person.
www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=73

Baby, It's Cold Out there

2011-12-07T06:04:00.001-08:00

Baby, it's cold out there. That is exactly why I say wrap yourself in this wonderful king-sized bed quilt. It is a traditional log cabin quilt pattern. I simply love all the things you can do with that simple quilt block. It measures 106"x96" in black and white cotton fabrics.
Day 7 of the Super Savings Sale and the month seems to be flying by. Hurry to get one of these treasures for your special family member or friend.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=38&product_id=52

Super Savings Day 6

2011-12-06T04:44:00.000-08:00

Last year Elaine, Janice and I presented "Vistas" as our 4th annual art exhibit. We created several different landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes and more. This is one of my favorites. I used quite a few hand dyed fabrics, a little hand painting and a lot of applique. It is 38"x32". On sale for the next four days or until sold.

Still waiting on you to tell me what you want me to put on sale. We 24 days of the sale to go.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=46&product_id=162

Day 5 Super Savings Sale

2011-12-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

I decided to go with something small that fits just right in a frame for beautifying your walls. This quilt is called Hugs and it is number one in the series. It is an applique of a printed fabric on the courthouse steps quilt pattern. It is 14"x16". I thought the purple made such a regal statement. On sale at a great price for the next 4 days or until sold.
Check it out at www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=45_51&product_id=74

Half Price Bed Quilt

2011-12-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

Today, I have chosen a bed quilt. The bed quilts are my favorites because of childhood memories. I had many good nights sleep buried under a warm quilt. This quilt is for the black and gold lovers. You know who you are. I call it Stellar Experience. Stars are my favorite of all quilt patterns and this one is covered with stars. It is 84"x96". It is a great gift at 1/2 price. This is the first quilt I have slashed to half. Check it out. www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=38&product_id=53

Come on now and help me chose!

Day 3 Dec. Sale

2011-12-03T04:57:00.001-08:00

Precious Precious is one of my most creative endeavors. It started when I was learning to marble fabric in a class with Marquetta Johnson. I fell in love with marbling. The random beauty of the flow of the dye in the water excited me. I started out with the idea of a mother and a baby. Then it developed into the Madonna and child.

The quilt is 41"x36". It is hand quilted, bead embellished, hand dyed, and hand painted.

It can be yours by going to www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=46&product_id=108

Second Day Dec. Sale

2011-12-02T04:21:00.000-08:00

Ninety Degrees is my choice for today. You can help me make the choice for tomorrow. Go to the website (www.obaquilts.com), choose one you'd like to get and email me, facebook me, or write a comment on this blog.
This quilt is the size I call a Nap Quilt. It is 54"x66". This quilt is made for curling up under. Some are wall hangings art pieces. This one is an art piece designed to be used. I used ninety degree angles to make it, thus the name. It is just the right price for a special gift. Check it out. www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=37&product_id=58

Encore: Reception

2011-12-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time. The weather cooperated and the staff of the Atrium on Auburn was so gracious. I wish everyone could visit this exhibit. We have some great works of art from the past four years and some outstanding new pieces. I'll post some of the new pieces here.

If you are in Atlanta, come on by. 236 Auburn Avenue 9am-4pm Monday through Friday

Super Savings Sale December

2011-12-01T05:15:00.000-08:00

I have this wild idea that I will put one different item on sale everyday of December. I thought I would kick the month off with a quilt that so many people have wanted and loved. One lucky person will end up with her.
This quilt is so special. You have got to love the colors, her big jewelry, her flowing dress with beads dripping from the tail, her big hat, her ankle bangles, and lovely tiny little earring. The quilting design across the quilt makes it all the more delightful. She is 24.5"x33". This quilt is number 3 of a 20 quilt series. It is easy to frame and lovely hanging on the wall with or without a frame. The ultimate gift. Get it now at http://www.obaquilts.com/

Encore! Art Exhibit

2011-11-08T09:46:00.001-08:00

Encore is the 5th Annual Fiber, Bead, and Mixed Media Art Exhibit by Aisha Lumumba and Elaine Parker. Happening at the Atrium on Sweet Auburn (The Odd Fellows Building) 236 Auburn Ave. Atlanta, GA 30303Opening Reception Friday, November 18, 2011
6-8pm

This year we are exhibiting the best of the previous four years along side some great new work. The reception features S. Chezon Jackson as the Mistress of Ceremony, F.L. Stanton Elementary School's Dancing Dolls performing a wonderful dance, Sisters of Tomorrow are hotesses and highlighting the affair with her beautiful voice and uplifting songs is Nytavia Jackson. The Sisters of Tomorrow are our hostesses. Meet and greet the authors and enjoy the refreshments. FREE and open to the public. Bring the entire family-children are welcome. This is good way to enhance the children's interest in art early.

We are so excited about the exhibit this year. It opens on the 10th just in time for the 11-11-11 Soiree at the Atrium on Sweet Auburn. FREE Event Call to RSVP with new unwrapped child's toy or canned food- 404-524-7921

For more info: www.obaquilts.com 404-418-5413

Logos Festival in West End

2011-11-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Saturday and Sunday at the West End Mall was wonderful. The Logos Festival is an exciting FREE event featuring great food, top authors and international entertainers. This is a 3-day event is a "Celebration of Life Through Reading and Knowledge" and is one of the few major book festivals in the city of Atlanta that will feature diverse writers and artists from all genres. National and local authors, spoken word artists and world-acclaimed poets will give lectures and sign their work. For more info: alogosfest.yolasite.com/

The festival continues this Saturday, November 12, 2011. Opening at 10am

New Art Quilt Calendar

2011-09-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

I feel like I have been negligent in writing on this blog. I console myself with the idea that everyone is busy too and will still be here when I write something. So for that I say thank you for still being here.

I really haven't been negligent though. It takes a lot to produce this calendar. As soon as I finish one year I start on the next year. So all this year I have been making quilts and planning photo shoots. As soon as one photo shoot is done, we are off to the next one. It sounds so easy now, but trying to schedule my time, the photographers time and the venue's time was very challenging.

This year I added a framer into the mix. Since the glass on the frame reflects back with a glaring flash from the camera, I had some of the work framed without the glass. Rushed to take the pictures and then back to the framer to have the glass put in. Did I mention that when the quilt is big, there is at least a two week wait for ordering glass and mats to fit? I wasn't expecting this to be so time consuming.

When I started on this journey last September I was sure that I would make my deadline. I didn't. I pledged to the photographer that we will do better this time. He reminded me that we did better this year than we did last year. That should give me some consolation.

I spent countless hours on the computer. I set up all the number date pages and watched my son organize the photo pages. I learned to make a PDF document. Then the moment came when I thought I would just upload the file to the printer. At first it looked like my computer security was attacking the file, that was when I called the security company and chatted online; to no avail. Then I called the printer and got someone who obviously didn't know anything about technology. At least he was honest when he said, "I don't know what to tell you." So I called my daughter, my son, my brother. They all made some good suggestions.

Then I called the printer again. I got someone different. He said did you flatten all the documents first. I remembered that my son did that for me last year. He also added that I should load it in Acrobat 4. Wow, he had some solid answers. Tried all of that. Stayed up until midnight trying to send it. I called the printer again. Got the same person. He suggested that I reduce the size of everything. Still didn't work. They were telling me the file was just too big. Too big? It's a big calendar, 12"x12" and I want the highest quality photos that I can get. I was thinking, if you are a printer, how could you not have the capabilities to handle large files.

Frustrated to death, I called again. I got someone else. I asked for the previous helpers. I think the other helpers I had been calling were waving their hands saying, "no no, I don't want to talk to her again." The new person asked me the million dollar question. "Are you on a computer that is using wifi or is it a hard line?" He explained that the wifi connection was not strong enough to carry such a big file. I plugged in and it loaded.

I texted my son, "And the heavens opened wide. The sun peeked through and painted a rainbow across the sky." He knew that the storm had finally passed and I had Finally uploaded that monster of a file.

Now you can own one of these lovely calendars. They make great gifts. Own some today. Go to http://www.obaquilts.com/

Sankofa: Photography by Sue Ross

2011-08-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward. July 15-August 26, 2011. This beautiful exhibit by Sue Ross is a most see. Sue has documented the National Black Arts Festival from 1988 at the inception to present. I missed the Opening Reception but was there for the First Thursdays Downtown ArtsWalk. I was so happy that I went.

The pictures are phenomenal. "I wait on that moment to catch the picture that shows a little of their personality," Ms. Ross says. I spent time with each photo and felt transported to the moment. She has pictures of Cicely Tyson, Gladys Knight, Max Roach, Maya Angelou, Sonia Sanchez, Aaron Neville, Toni Cade Bambara, Dr. Richard Long, Cassandra Wilson, Rachelle Farrell, Philadanco Dance Company!, Elizabeth Catlett and many many more. Be sure to go by and see it before it leaves at the end of the month.

The exhibit is at the Rialto Center for the Arts in downtown Atlanta. In the fall 1916, a 926 seat theater opened in Atlanta. It was named the Rialto. which is defined as an exchange or marketplace. The Rialto operated through the Depression and at one time boasted the largest electric sign above the marquee in the south. The original building was torn down in 1962, and a new 1200 seat theater was erected on the same site. It was the first movie theater to be constructed in downtown Atlanta in 35 years and stayed open until 1989 before falling victim to the declining economy. Georgia State University bought it in 1996 and re-opened a 833 seat performing arts center.

It is fitting to that Sankofa is exhibited at the Rialto. We can "look back" to a time when African Americans had to sit in the balcony (segregated) to view the movies at the Rialto. Now as we "move forward", the Rialto is hosting an African American Art Photography Exhibit. Sankofa!

Praise the Postal Service

2011-04-12T04:26:00.000-07:00

I mailed two bed sized quilts about a month ago. One was queen sized and the other was king sized. I mailed them on Saturday just before the post office closed by Priority mail. On Monday the black and white one called Soul Sisters had arrived in Washington, DC. I was so surprised and happy that it got there so fast.

Both quilts were meant to be surprises for the new owners. The quilt arrived in DC so fast and I just knew the other one had made it home to New Orleans just as fast. Since I mailed the New Orleans quilt called Sharing the Love to a Post Office box, I figured it may take the recipient a couple of days to check the post box. I waited and waited and still no wonderful surprised call.

After two weeks I sent a text that said "check your post office box for a surprise." Which totally ruined the surprise but by then I was just concerned that the quilt might be lost in the mail. The responding text said, "did you send it to this address?" I was downstairs working and that address did not look the same. I ran up the stairs and searched for the address. I quickly texted back, "no I sent it to P.O. Box XXXX, New Orleans, LA with a totally different zip code." By then I was breathing pretty heavily and trying hard not to panic. I was slowly thinking how dumb it was to try to surprise her and how dumb it was that I didn't put a confirmation on it. The next text said, "This is my new address. I changed my post office box." My heart sunk. Oh no, I mailed it to the wrong address.

Panic was breathing down my neck. I remembered that Aunt Annie said, "If you pray don't worry, but if you worry don't bother to pray." So I switched to prayer mode. I found my receipt and considered going to the post office to find out what ever little they could tell me. When my mail man came by, I asked him what he thought the chances were of getting the box back. He said, "two weeks, I don't know. You might have something to worry about. Somebody might be excited about a nice gift in the mail." Not the right answer but he is still my favorite mail person.

The post office has gotten a lot of bad press of late, but I want to go on record to say that there are some wonderful people who work for the postal service. They always take good care of me. So I settled into a vision of the postman bringing the box back to me. Every time worry tried to slip into my mind, I visualized the postman and my box.

Long story short. I thought I would sleep late Saturday morning. Everybody knows that I get up early. So my friend called at 7:30am on Saturday with the wonderful surprise in her voice. Thank you for the quilt, she said. God is good and so is the postal service!

Superwoman

2011-04-03T04:54:00.000-07:00

I used to be Superwoman. I searched in every drawer and throughout the closet. I know it is here somewhere. I had it. I had a blouse with a "S" on it and a cape. Yes, I had a cape.

I used to wake up in the morning and bound out of bed. I could throw a baby on my back and work all day. I could juggle three children, work a job, come home cook dinner, help with homework and still have energy to spare. Now I have to coax myself out of bed. I tell myself that I need to exercise. Gone are the days when I could take my shape for granted. I have to work hard to look this good.

I could jump from one building to another in a single bound. All I had to do was bend down a little and leap. Now if I bend down someone has to help me up. I could have been gardening in my younger days. I could have grown food for us to eat. But NO, I was too busy out saving the world and making it free of villains and ruscality. I had my ideas about how to help people, but I found out much later that they had different ideas.

Yep, I used to be Superwoman but I am passing that job on. I'm taking it easier and slower. I'm making quilts and loving it. No hurry. I love the idea of taking a few months to finish a project. I know that suit is here somewhere.

I found it. I think I'll make a quilt with a picture of me wearing it to commemorate the old days. What will I do with this outfit? Maybe I will give it to some unsuspecting young person [like I used to be], who doesn't have a clue. Not a clue.

Otherness

2011-02-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

I attended a book signing party on Saturday night. I was pleasantly surprised to know that the physical book has not died the final death. People who actually want the feel and comfort of a real book in their hands still exist.

The Apex Museum on Auburn Ave. was packed with fans of M. Ayodele Heath. In case you haven't heard of it, the Apex museum is entirely devoted to African American history in order to promote cultural awareness and societal contributions by African Americans in Georgia.

I was impressed with the crowd and Ayodele himself. Good company, good performances and good food always make for a pleasant experience. Let me first say that Ayodele's entire family was there to support him. That alone was impressive and I know how much it means to an artist to have that support. Then a multitude of friends and one of his professors. I found some friends of mine in the crowd.

The MC Chezon Jackson was just what you would want: funny, informative, articulate and gracious. I walked in just as Gypsee Yo, a native of Albania, was opening up with some of her great poems. She has received standing ovations on multiple continents, having competed in slams worldwide, including National Poetry Slam 2006 and 2007, Individual World Poetry Slam 2006, and the first ever Women of the World Poetry Slam 2008. She fired the whole crowd up and brought us to our feet.

Gypsee Yo was followed by Emmy Nominee Jon Goode. Jon represents a refreshing change-up to traditional performance poetry, and has established himself as one of the most influential and positive voices in the African American community. Jon's laid back blend of humor and levity have propelled his career and made him one of the most sought after talents of our generation. I wasn't ready. I had not been forewarned. Not only did he have a satirical humor but also slipped up behind you to surprise you with a double meaning in every word. Gypsee Yo and Jon Goode stirred up the crowd for Ayodele.

Then Ayodele burst onto center stage. He performed many poems from his book. He was awesome. I think my favorite was the poem about the Bird family name. If you have the opportunity to see him perform, don't miss it. I was so happy that I made the effort to make it.

M. Ayodele Heath, an Atlanta native, is the recipient of an Emerging Artist grant from the Atlanta Bureau for Cultural Affairs. A performance poet who holds an MFA from New England College, Ayodele has been awarded fellowships from Cave Canem and the Caversham Centre for Artists in South Africa. His first book, Otherness, is available on Brick Road Poetry Press.

http://www.facebook.com/l/4b61e8GO3cakYatq5-Mn6JGtvyw/www.ayospeaks.com

A Visual Tribute to Oprah Winfrey

2011-02-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

The other day I received an email with a title called, "The Book Is Ready!" It seemed to have happened so fast. It was just last fall when the call went out to artists. I set out to make my quilt in a two month window. Finding just the right look on Oprah's face and then on Gayle's face was a challenge. The image I had in my mind didn't exist, at least not in public pictures. I wanted my piece to tell the story of close friends sharing a secret, a story, a laugh together. Of course I couldn't find that picture because it would have to be a private moment and I wanted to capture a private moment between friends. I happen to know what that is like. I have been blessed with some really good friends in my life and have shared some really good laughter, secrets, stories and just plain fun.

I have to admit that I had some help finding just the right look. But when I did, I knew it was right. The hair for both ladies turned out to be much more involved than I thought it would be. At first I layered the colors of fabrics in. Although it is difficult to see on the picture, I did a lot of thread painting on the hair. Then building the faces was next. I achieved a really good reproduction of Oprah's mouth but had a lot of trouble with Gayle's. I just have to keep working at it.

After I finished the faces and hair, I decided on the color of their dresses. Then I worked on the background. I asked my son and daughter for help. I love asking them because they give me such honest opinions. Finally I hand dyed some fabric in order to keep the background from being so stark.

Making this piece gave me a chance to express my idea about Gayle and Oprah's friendship, but it also gave me a chance to pay homage to some of the great best friends I have had through several stages of my life. People come into your life just as you need them and stay as long as you need them and they need you.

Which brings me to my second piece, where my first real friendship started with my sister. This quilt is about friendship, Easter Sunday, and bangs. We all remember the bangs. So many people have told me how closely they can relate to this quilt. The baby doll socks and patent leather shoes, the frilly dresses and the hair experience. I made the hair on this quilt with braided yarn. It took me a good amount of time to braid it and an even longer time to sew each braid to the quilt. The dresses were fun. It took me back to making doll clothes as a little girl with all the skill I have as an accomplished seamstress. Many people have asked me where did I have the little dresses.

I sent the pictures in and waited. It seemed like time really flew after that. The next thing I knew I was accepted into the book. That alone was a tremendous honor. I feel so blessed to have been one of the few artist accepted into this book.

Now the book is ready. I am proud and honored to have three pieces in the book. Click here and peruse the book www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1964832. You can order your own copy today.

Public Library

2011-02-11T05:54:00.001-08:00

The Atlanta Central Library Downtown Branch with African Americans for the Arts presented it's annual Black History program called "Out of Many One". It runs from January 30-February 25, 2011. We were at the opening reception on February 3, 2010. Pamela Diana and Charles Coad performed among the beautifully displayed art. I was so proud to be a part of this exhibit.

Something really wonderful happened for me. I saw these tile pieces that I thought were so beautiful and well done. I kept telling Elaine how great this artist was, since I play around at tiling now and then. About a half hour later the artist came in and I said, "you look familiar." She said you taught a tile workshop last year at the Arts Exchange. I said yes, that is where I know you from. She said yes you taught me to tile. Wow! This is really a time when the student took it and ran way past the teacher. I was just so amazed that she got it. She really understood the intricacies of making it art.

I try to live by a story I heard about Miriam Makeba. I am not sure it is true or where I heard it from now. Very young Miriam was walking to the Laundromat one day when she heard this beautiful music coming from a basement of a house she was passing. She went to the window and peeked in. She saw a lady with her back to the window playing a piano. Miriam decided that day that she would become a musician. The lady never knew the influence she had on Miriam. We may never know the effects of our actions on others.

Be sure to get by and see this exhibit.

Great Quilt Block

2011-02-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am always excited when I find a great quilt block that

is versatile. I first saw this block in a quilt that a friend had done. It takes on an even different look when many of these blocks are sewn together. I made just the block alone as a wall hanging and called it "Gradual Expansion #1 & #2. The first one was an experiment with some brown and beige fabrics that I had bought. Then I thought I would do this wonderful swirl effect with gradations of the same color on each corner. Each one was fun. I like the surprise of what turns out. Sometimes it is exactly what I thought it would be and many times it is a great surprise. Some better and some worse. I usually pick the worse ones out and start over.

I am also fascinated that it tricks the eye into thinking that it is sewn on a curve, but it is really straight triangles. I am always on the look for fun blocks like this one. One day I am going to put it together in a full bed quilt. That will be something to write about!

Making Triptych

2011-01-19T05:57:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Triptych by Janice Hunter, Elaine Parker and Aisha Lumumba.

I was overjoyed when Dee asked if I would talk more about the making of this Triptych. At first I thought we would do some kind of landscape picture. Then Elaine mentioned that she would have a better chance with a cityscape. Atlanta was our choice. We went a bridge downtown where we could get a good view of the city and snapped several pictures. Needless to say we visited that bridge several times. I divided the picture into three pieces so that we could choose. It was quickly decided that Elaine would do the middle because her media was so different from mine and Janice's. Quilting on each end and beading in the middle.

I was the last to choose. Later Janice said she realized that her section had a lot of small buildings. Deciding on the size of it was hard. Janice and I wanted a large piece that would make it easy to replicate those windows in the buildings. Elaine wanted a smaller piece because it would take thousands of beads to cover a really large surface. I want to think we made a pretty good compromise, 20"x40". We made a lot of decisions before we even started working. In order to make it flow from one to the other, we decided to use the same fabric for the sky and the pavement. We met at Marquetta's (www.atikaart.com) and got just the right fabric.
It was much later in the project when we decided that we would all quilt the sky with the same quilting pattern to continue the consistency.

Then we went away to our prospective places to work. I suggested to Janice that she think about some plaid fabric that would give the feeling of the windows in the building. She searched on line and found some plaids that worked really well. Everyone comments on that tall plaid building that instantly reminds you of the real thing, while something inside your brain is saying but the real thing is not plaid.

I leaned on stripes and used one of Janice's plaids. I pieced one building by making strips and cutting them into small square pieces and sewing them back together. Elaine on the other hand was creating buildings and taking them apart and creating them again and again. Some days she seemed so frustrated with those beads. I knew that it would be fabulous when ever she finished. I was never worried.

The hardest part was seeing it as a whole. When you work right on top of the work so much, it is real important to stand back and look at it. For the longest time it was just bits and pieces of buildings, then fitting them into the space was the next challenge. Truth be told a few small buildings might have gotten left off. I had collected green fabrics with leaves over time, so we all shared those.

A few months rolled by and we were steadily working. Then we were quilting.

Finally we were finished. It was just days before the exhibit opened but before was the operative word.

Snow in ATL

2011-01-12T14:01:00.001-08:00

Snow Days are usually the best time to get some work done for an artist. When it snows in Atlanta, the whole city literally shuts down. When my children were little we built a snow man. Mind you, we only would have about an inch or two of snow. So they would take their wagon up and down the street scraping snow off the neighbors cars and then carting it back to our yard. Of course we were know for having the only snow man the next day after all the snow was gone. My new grand baby is too little for that and hopefully I'll still be up to it by the time he gets old enough to cart snow from the neighbors. If things (weather) keeps going like it is going, we won't have to get snow from the neighbors. We had our very own 4 inches this time, much more than enough to make a great snow man.

Boy was I excited to have these snow days. You see, I have this quilt that I have been working on far too long and I just got it to the final stage. I loaded it on the Long Arm quilting machine and planned to wilde away the days stitching up and down. The first day I was really rolling when I noticed a strange smell. It seemed like it was coming from the motor, but the machine still sounded good. I'm always listening for that sound that means something is not just right. No sound, though.

I put my nose close to the motor. The smell was not coming from it. So I started taking long breaks thinking that maybe I was running it hard and hot. Each time I came back to the machine, it would smell the same by the time I reached the end of a row. I couldn't figure it out.

Then all of a sudden the machine stopped. When I pressed the button the motor would run but the machine itself would not budge. Finally I moved the protective cover of the belt and it popped out. It had snapped. Oh well, so much for finishing that project.

So I hurriedly grabbed another one. It would be a shame to let these lazy days past without getting some real lazy day work done.

Happy Birthday

2010-12-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

I was asked to create a small piece of art for a friends' birthday. In the past I have shy-ed away from making really small pieces because my clientele wants the smaller pieces to cost less, when in actuality it takes a lot more time and skill to work in the smaller space. We've been trained to think the bigger the better and the more expensive, but I have found that in the art world objects are not priced by size but by workmanship and skill. The dream of all artists is to get paid for our workmanship, time and worth. We generally settle for less.

All said, I was so inspired by the little piece of art that I made many of them. I decided to make these just because I liked them with no thought to money or worth. So in saying happy birthday to someone, I received a gift as well.

Art Talk

2010-11-24T04:57:00.001-08:00

I have really been working hard all year and now I finally have the opportunity to share. I read a blog where this quilter had vowed to share her work step by step. I tried to visualize myself doing that. It terrified me. I guess I am a closet quilter. I like to work alone with my own thoughts and blaring blues music. When people see things in progress they seem to feel like they should voice their vision of your piece. They always tell me what I need to do to it. Most of the time their ideas are contrary to what I had in mind. I don't take the advice and it strains the relationship. So rather than have that, I work privately.

This the most exciting time of the year for me because our annual quilt and bead art exhibit is going on. We chose "Vistas" this year and it was an exciting challenge. Each year I have great aspirations of all the quilts I want to do for the exhibit. As time gets closer I get realistic. The exhibit always opens with me still working on the last two that didn't make it. I still have a butterfly quilt on the table from last year. It won't go to waste because that one will go in the calendar next year.

Friday, November 26, 2010 we have Art Talk with myself, Elaine and Janice. It's 2-4pm at the Atrium on Sweet Auburn The Oddfellows Building 236 Auburn Ave. Atl, GA 30303. Tell everybody you know, especially people in Atlanta. As tradition will have it, I will tell a couple of my quilt stories. So as you can probably tell, I'm excited. See you there!

The Place To Be

2010-11-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

Last night was the opening reception to our new "Vistas" Exhibit at the Atrium on Sweet Auburn in downtown Atlanta. The exhibit features the work of three artist: Aisha Lumumba, Elaine Parker and Janice Hunter. We've been at it for four years now and it is great.

Of course, I was a mixture of excited and exhausted, but it made for a good combination. Friends (old and new) as well as new acquaintances and my cousin (Mildred, who is always so supportive), were pouring in. Many people who have watched us over the years were there and some who just found out about us this year. Anyway as ZZ Hill says, the party was jumping and we were having a good time. The food was really good and I am told the wine was too.

I am so proud of this exhibit. We work very hard to get better every year. I think we did it this year. Elaine, Janice and I created a triptych of the Atlanta skyline. We were all nervous about how it would turn out. Would they match? Could we get the dimensions right? I think it is daunting enough to be one person doing a triptych but to have 3 people working on one was wild. We communicated a lot and worked it out. Tell me what you think. Look close because Elaine's buildings are made of beads.

If you are going to be in Atlanta for Thanksgiving, you can still catch a glimpse of the artists at the Artists' Talk and Quilt Stories on Friday, November 26, 2010 (Black Friday) at 2-4pm Atrium on Sweet Auburn Oddfellows Building 236 Auburn Ave. Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 418-5413. The exhibit will be showing through December 31. Atrium's hours are 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. Call about Private Showings (404) 418-5413.

Aisha Butterfly

2010-08-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

I made this picture my profile picture on facebook and much to my surprise to I got an overwhelming response. People were writing about it daily. I wasn't sure if it was the quilt, me or the composition. I suspected it was the composition because I had posted the quilt by itself previously and it got no mention.

My daughter took the picture and she called it Mama Butterfly. I vaguely remember her saying let's take the picture in front of this quilt. Then she said move over just a little. I had no idea I was lining up with the body of the butterfly and replacing it with my body. How interesting.

The quilt is called Metamorphosis. I had this idea that the metamorphosis of a thing encompassed the coming together of many different facets. So I collected several colors of fabrics to symbolize the many facets. I knew what fabrics I wanted to use, but had no idea how the different colors would all come together to give a cohesive look. As I started to put it together I saw that a spot of red could bring it all together. Many quilters shy away from reds and golds but I embrace them. I wanted that butterfly to burst out of it's cocoon in full brilliance. Red did that. I didn't overwhelm it with red but dipped a little of it here and there.

I used a crazy quilt vibe and explored the development of my own technique for putting it together. I did some ruching, some beaded embellishments, some fabric painting, buttons, sequins, some lace trim, hand quilting and lots and lots of love.

I think that is what people see, the love.

I Luv Saturdays

2010-08-09T09:13:00.001-07:00

I love Saturdays for several reasons. First it is the monotony breaker for the week, maybe not for me but for everyone else which in turn affects me. Saturday maybe embedded in my Psychic since I was born on Saturday. I mostly love Saturday because it is the day the I can have my whole mind to myself. I mean I can concentrate fully on my work for the whole day and not have to keep an ear out for anyone. I don't have half my brain working on a project while the other half is getting ready to go out, making sure I remember to take this or that. I'm not constantly trying to figure out who gets paid next.

I cook really early so that no one is expecting me to stop to cook. I don't have to pay any bills or answer the phone if I don't want to. I turn my radio on to my favorite Saturday morning blues show and let my sewing machine rip.

I don't have to keep one ear tuned because the baby may wake up and I'll have to stop. Someone else is doing that on Saturday. I don't run errands to the bank, the grocery store, or post office.

I don't go to meetings or anywhere else if I don't want to. I like just going inside myself and ignoring the rest of the world. While I'm in there, I create. Sometimes I create something really super and other times the work just soothes my mind. Sometimes I find it relaxing to repeat the same block over and over and over. Then I find it fulfilling to look back at the pile of blocks I have made.

When my radio show goes off, I blast my CDs. If any of my family members come by, they shake their heads about the loud music. The music helps me get lost from this world into a place where creating is free. Free of all the rules and constraints.

I have to say that I love Saturdays.

Inspiration

2010-07-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

I was so inspired by Raymond Houston's blog about making the quilt blocks for the Global Change project that I set out to make some too. I went to the website http://www.globalchange.me/Global_Quilt.html and thought it was a wonderful cause. If you are a quilter, please check it out and join.

These are the blocks that I made for the project. I pray they can be worked in some kind of way. All the blocks are so vastly different that are made by people from all over the world.

The first block I made using different size strips. I like the seemingly syncopated rhythm it makes because they don't match exactly. The second came straight out of my 2" square solid stash. When I have time I cut the smallest scraps into 2" squares and put them in a box. I separate the solids from the prints. I don't throw anything away larger than 2 inches. The last on was a pattern I wanted to try out. I liked it so much. I love when a pattern is really simple but gives the look of difficulty.

Don't forget to order your copy of my 2011 fiber art calendar. See the video about the calendar at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgON8m9s8bo

Saving Scraps

2010-06-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

I started my career as a seamstress. I didn't know then that it would be my career but I loved sewing and I loved speed. So when I put the two together I became a speedy sewer. I could make a skirt in 30 minutes or whip up a dress in an hour. I relished that speed. I walked fast, all my movements were fast and the older people said I was "fast". I think they meant something else by that. My uncle would say, "Why do you walk so fast? You are going to be old by the time you are 24." We would both laugh. I don't know why he chose 24 nor could I figure out what he meant. Now I know he was saying that I was rushing through life and that I should take some time to smell the roses.

Consequently, all that fast sewing accumulated a large amount of scraps. I'd been taught (very thoroughly I might add) that it was bad to waste. So throwing those scraps of fabric away seemed like a waste. As the pile grew larger and larger and turned into boxes and boxes, I kept telling myself that one day I would make quilts with those scraps. Then my husband started saying little things like, "you sure have a lot of scraps." He helped me store them in the attic. I didn't even miss the boxes that went to the attic. When we moved he conveniently left them there. Some friends moved in the house and Damu brought over the boxes of scraps. He was beaming as he said, "you left something."

I was elated and my husband was disappointed. We all laughed and said, "if it is yours, you can't throw it a way". My scraps came home.

My uncle would be glad to know that I have learned to slow down. I finally started on my quilting journey and fell in love with the lack of speed. I like the idea of taking a project and working on it over a length of time. Quilting has nurtured that in me. Last year it paid off as I received Honorable Mention at the Pinnacle Exhibit for "A Quilter's Dream". I've been able to create some pleasing pieces from my scrap box.

2011 Calendar

2010-06-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

My newest work is the "Laughter, Lessons and Triumph Calendar" for 2011. I am so excited that is ready early this year for pre-orders. This is one of my triumphs because it means I am finally getting a better handle on the use of my time.
Last year I didn't get a calendar out at all. I was a little down about that. I love consistency and dependability. I felt like I wasn't either one last year, although, I did a lot of other things. This year I have had to cut some activities and focus.
This calendar is great. It really showcases my work from all the different angles I like to look from. I said once that I struggle to go outside my box. Even though, I struggle so much to do that I still find a instantly recognizable quality in what I do. I have done some traditional quilts with a slant. I have done some modern quilts with a flair and most of all I have done some people doing what I love to see them do. We all go through times where we laugh, sing, and just "be" happy. Then there are other times when we just barely make through the tough lessons life has to teach us, like it or not. But the sweetest of them all is the triumph we feel when we wake up yet another morning to either laugh or learn lessons. I say, if I wake up in the morning, it is on. I have another day to make it work. That is why this calendar is the epitome of some of the laughter, a lot of the lessons and most of all the triumph.
Pre-order today at www.obaquilts.com and save $5.00.

Father's Day

2010-05-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

I had such a great Mother's Day that I find myself looking forward to Father's Day. My dad raised us, so Father's Day was always a big deal for my sister and I. I can't say we did very much to make it special but we always thought it was a special day.

Now I have the great fortune of making it nice for my husband and young adults (that I used to call my little children). I went into a store yesterday and said I don't have to help my children pick cards for their dad anymore. They show up with the most wonderful cards that they have searched out for themselves. And like most Dad's, he saves them all.

When I was vending last month, a woman walked into our booth and looked at this quilt called Father's Love. She said, "This is nice. I wish I knew a father." I rattled that around in my head for a while, trying to figure out what she meant. Maybe she meant that she didn't know a father that she thought would appreciate that quilt. Maybe she meant she didn't know her father. Could she have meant exactly what she said, she didn't know any fathers? Whatever she meant it made me feel sad for her. I'm not sure why.

Here's wishing a Happy Father's Day to all those deserving dads out there.

Mother's Day

2010-05-13T04:16:00.001-07:00

I can say I had a wonderful Mother's Day. I worked at a festival, but my children came. It was not the best day for a festival and I don't think they are going to do it on Mother's Day next year.

I met a lot of great artists since we had a lot of time to talk. I love seeing how other people process their view of the world in art. I believe creativity is one of the attributes we share we our own creator. It shows so clearly in the work that people do.

There was a nice mix of kinds of art, from glass blower, painter, hand bag specialist. seamstress, several jewelry makers, a Mary Kay consultant, a chocolate company, Pizza and sandwich shop, a crochet artist, a quilter and many more. Not enough traffic though.

Time vs Organization

2010-04-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

I seem to always feel like I don't have enough time. It looks like I have the same number of hours as everyone else but they seem to get more done. Everything I have read and watched on HGTV points to the fact that organization would save me time. When will I find enough time to organize. Don't get me wrong I organize a little then get back to work. Then I work a lot until it gets the best of me then I stop and organize a little.

I have found that when I am working I don't have time to organize and clean. The elves nor the fairies come in to surprise me during the night. And when I am cleaning and organizing the work time is ticking away. I want to balance the two but haven't worked that out yet. I'm open for suggestions.

I've been watching the way I work and that has helped a lot. I know that I need little baskets for projects that I am currently working on. If I pack it way away I forget about it. It becomes "out of site-out of mind." Then I need places for short term put aside, where I can see them but not put completely away. I have plenty of places where I have put things away and some days I open them and say oh I forgot I had this. I can use it now.

Still Working

2010-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

I think I had forgotten how time consuming it was to remove all that paper. The first time I made this quilt, I cut the center rectangles and strips to measurements given in the book. It turned out a little wavy and I liked that hand made-free looking effect. Someone asked me did I paper piece it. They knew very well I had not paper pieced it by the curves in my lines. But it kind of got under my skin. I wondered if they asked that to insinuate that I should have. So I figured I'd just try it with the paper and see.
I absolutely loved it! The paper piecing fed right into my need for control. Now I'm wondering if I will ever make a free flowing house quilt again. It doesn't matter though, because I make so many other free flowing quilts. It is okay to feed my control issues some times. Isn't it?

How Long It Takes

2010-03-15T05:11:00.000-07:00

"How long does it take to make that one?" the inquisitive viewer asks. It seems that question infuriates some artists and gives others a chance to express themselves even more. The artists that it infuriates perceive the viewer to be questioning their price. I guess I am naive in that I take a question for what it is and try not to read my own prejudices into it. I have found that most people who ask this question genuinely have no idea of what goes into making a piece of art, whether it is a quilt, oil painting, or a novel. I think they are trying to understand what goes on inside a mind that can sit for hours and hours and come out of it with something cohesive. They seem to be wondering if their square thoughts can fit into that round artist hole.
Then they say, "You must be really patient." Patience is definitely a big part of it but so much more goes into making it happen. At first I want to tell them how long I thought about the project before I started it. But there is not really a record of that. I didn't jot down how many mornings I woke up thinking about the best way to compose the piece or how long I thought about what colors I wanted to use to make just the right statement. I realize that part of it can't be contained in a number like two hours in all over three years. What sense would that make to the viewer?
Then I want to say, I searched the fabric stores and online quilts shops for just the right fabric. How much time? Can I say 5 hours online when I really bought fabric for 3 other quilts at the same time? Can I say 8 hours of quilt shop and fabric store shopping even when I bought fabric for other projects at the same time? No don't say that. Maybe this doesn't count.
Finally, colors right, thoughts right, pattern/design right and I get down to cutting. Is this one that I cut all at once or is this one that I cut a little at a time so that I could think about how it is evolving? Sometimes I have thought it through and when I start to work one of the fabrics just doesn't work. I have to re-think. How much time does it take to replace that fabric that didn't work. Eventually, I have something to sew and I dive right in. This is when how long it takes really gets dicey. It gets down to how the artist works.
I work about 8 hours a day. Some people only work on weekends. Others work at night after they get off work, while some early birds get up at the crack of dawn before the family starts to stir and work in the peacefulness of early morning. Then there are the night people who work late into the night.
I started a quilt of row houses in January. I have tried all different kinds of things to get an accurate count on the time I put into this quilt. I decided to do one house a day. First of all it took more than 8 hours to do one house. That got boring after about the second day and I gave myself a break and worked on something else for a while. Then I tried to do 1 1/2 houses a week, which would have given me 6 houses in one month. I got on a roll. I made one house, then it turned into two, then the next day I started on another one and I ended up making 5 in one week. By the end of that week the monotony got the best of me. I found myself thinking about another project. One quilter emailed about the fact that she only works on one project at a time. I thought, how wonderful. I tried that once and it almost drove me crazy.
So now it is March and I have 16 houses done. Three months of actual sewing time and only two more houses to go. I don't know how long it is going to take to make that border or how long the quilting will take. I know it will take me about 4 hours to bind and close it. So I round the time up when someone asks, "how long did that quilt take?" I'm standing there going through all of that in my mind. They are probably wondering why I am hesitating. Don't I know how long it takes. I say about 4 or 5 months. They seem happy at that and I know in my heart that the actual time cannot be measured. It is truly a labor of love.

Simple Play

2010-02-26T05:46:00.001-08:00

I want to say that Simple Play won the viewers choice hands down. Almost everyone commented on the two little girls chasing the butterflies. When I was making it, I had this image in mind but was not sure how well it would translate to the fabric. As it started to come to life, it awakened a childhood memory. I don't usually have an attachment to my quilts, but I knew I wanted to keep this one. It immediately became the subject of one of my quilt stories.

I received so many wonderful comments about the video. My favorite was: "I love them all. I looked at the video 4 times and each time I got a feeling of awe and surprise. Your quilts are so alive and have so much character that I can feel the wonderful spirit (your spirit and love) that is in each one of them. -The Michael Jackson quilt was very touching, this is a awesome way to honor his memory. -Crossing Over has an optical illusion affect, when I first looked at it and heard you say it was called Crossing Over, I saw a pair of hands floating. When I looked the second time I could see the butterfly. -Whimsical gave me a warm feeling, like I knew a secret or something no one else knows. -I could see the free spirit in Lady Butterfly. -In my minds eye, I could see the two little girls running, hear the laughter and fell the breeze of a spring day. I can go on and on, I am so sorry I missed the exhibit." RM, Atlanta, GA

I'd like to thank everyone that offered constructive criticism. I will definitely use that in the next video. If you haven't seen it yet, please be my guest: http://www.youtube.com/user/obaquilts

Resplendent Video on Youtube

2010-02-23T06:40:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that my new video about the Resplendent Exhibition is up on YouTube. The exhibition opened November 16 and went through January 31, 2010. The exhibit featured butterflies. We tried to explore butterflies from many different points of view. Janice did a series called Georgia Grown which focused on three butterflies that are indigenous to Georgia. Elaine created a beaded curtain of a flower garden visited by butterflies. Janice and I dabbled into fantasy as we made our own species of butterflies with Whimsy, Metamorphosis and The Search Is On. I'm trying to figure out which quilt I like the best. Maybe you can help me by posting your favorite in the comments section after you view the video.
We had storytelling and many private showings. I wanted to share the exhibit with all of the people that could not make it. Elaine, Janice and I enjoyed the exhibit thoroughly and now you can see my portion of it on Youtube.com

Click: http:/www.youtube.com/profile?user=obaquilts#plu/0/2OdMoBrHKsl

Time Flies

2010-01-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

I was very surprised to see that I haven't written on here since November. The holidays came in and swept me away literally. We had a great Thanksgiving holiday with family but I was feeling a little under the weather. I had that cough that didn't want to go away. It was really draining and took all my energy away. When I have days when I don't even want to sew, I know I am sick.

Then the end of the year holidays were here before I knew it. We had a great time for Kwanzaa. Umoja night was held at the Atrium on Sweet Auburn and it was wonderful for me. We had the opportunity to show our exhibit that night. We had a big celebration at our home for Kujichagulia and the rest of the week was family time.

The Resplendent Exhibition has been extended through January, which is very exciting. Friday, January 29, the Atrium presents Beverly "Guitar" Watkins at 6:30pm. You can still see the exhibit and enjoy at evening of music, fun, and relaxation. You may RSVP at (404) 524-7921 or call for additional information.

Resplendent Art Exhibition

2009-11-21T05:09:00.001-08:00

Resplendent Art Exhibition with Fiber, Beads, and Mixed Media opened at November 16 and runs through December 31, 2009. The exhibition features art from Aisha Lumumba, Elaine Parker, and Janice Hunter.

I started this purple and green quilt back in April and you all were there with me as I blogged about it. It is finally finished and a part of the exhibit. I call it "Lift Off." You may remember how that developed. I went in my stash and pulled out the fabrics to make it. I was amazed that I had what I needed just waiting for me to put it together in something spectacular.

The theme of the exhibit is the beauty of butterflies. The opening reception was last night and it was a great start to a wonderful show.

People I haven't seen in several years came. Some friends that I worked with over 20 years ago saw my name in the advertisement and surprised me. My cousins are always there and oh so supportive. Pamela Diana, the dramatist and poet, performed. If you ever have an opportunity to seeand hear her, don't miss it. All of us artists were proud and humbled. I'll put some pictures up from the reception soon.

The quilt that we used for advertising is called "Resplendent" appropriately named for the exhibit. I had the idea for this quilt in my head. I knew I wanted a butterfly turned sideways and flying away from a flower. I knew I wanted it to be gold on a black background. I thought that would create the dramatic effect I was after. I collected fabrics and trims for months with that butterfly in mind. When I finally started to work on it, it took shape quickly. I guess I had done most of the work in the thinking process. That new Brother sewing machine was also a tremendous help. I never know exactly how many hours a quilt is going to demand but I was pretty sure this one would take a while. The more embellishments I put on it the more it seemed to need. I may go back and put more beads on later, who knows.

On A Mission

2009-09-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is my new sewing machine. It is Innov-is by Brother Sewing Machine. It's really wonderful. I haven't been writing on the blog because I have been getting to know this machine.

It seems like it can do everything. It is easy to thread and threads the needle by a simple push of a knob. It can sew regularly, then turn around and embroider. It has some great large decorative stitches that can be used to quilt. I have found myself on it well into the night.

Next month I have a quilting workshop at the West End Public Library. Bring sewing machine or sew by hand. Saturday October 10, 2009 12:30 P.M. Reservations are requested. Space is limited. West End Branch Library a part of Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System 525 Peeples Street SW 404-752-8740 All Programs are Free and Open to the Public

I also have a Mosaic Tile Workshop planned for Saturday October 17, 2009 at the Arts Exchange. I'll post more info later.

I also have a video on Youtube. My journey as a quilt artist.

Please watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tobn9KHyHo

40% Off Quilt Sale

2009-09-03T03:40:00.000-07:00

As much as I love having quilts all around me, they eventually become quite a challenge to store. So this month, I am attempting to clear out. It seems like a good time to purge and get ready for the holiday season.

July was a real whirlwind for me. I opened it with a few quilts for Bastille Day hosted by the French Club here in Atlanta. I wasn't there but I heard that it was a greatly attended event. Then I swished off to the Ebony Stitchers Quilt Exhibition at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center. That was big for me, since I was the featured artist. Being the featured artist is a wonderful thing if you have all the quilts ready. It proved to be a big challenge but I rose to the occasion.

We set up the Birmingham Library Exhibit at the same time of the Ebony Stitchers event and planned to go later for Artist Reception. Then the National Black Arts Festival and the Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Show happened simultaneously. it was impossible to be in two places at one time, so I missed one. I had quilts everywhere. That was the beginning of the clue that I had a really large inventory.

I rushed off to Birmingham the week after NBAF, I planned to put up pictures immediately after but pretty much passed out from all the exhibits. But now I am back. The next big thing- Quilt making workshop in October at the West End Library and this big September Sale. Don't miss it. See what's on sale at www.obaquilts.com

National Black Arts Festival

2009-07-31T06:01:00.001-07:00

The excitement seems to never end. I have to thank Robert Townsend and Lamman Rucker for being so gracious at my exhibition. I'm scheduled to tell quilt stories today and that should be great. This festival is the best. Come on down to the Woodruff Arts Center and enjoy the festival. It ends August 2 at 5:00pm

Look out Birmingham!

2009-07-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

"The New Quilt Zone"Quilted Artwork by Aisha Lumumba opens July 20-August 28, 2009 Birmingham Public Library 4th Floor Gallery 2100 Park Place Birmingham, AL 35203

Artist Recepetion August 9, 2009 3-5pm

This quilt is called "The Conversation". It is mostly hand appliqued with beaded embellishments and hand quilted. It was inspired by a request from someone who was one of three sisters.

Reception Pictures

2009-07-24T05:33:00.001-07:00

The best birthday ever. The reception was just great. Thought I would post a few pictures for all of you that were not able to come. I should have known they would have a birthday surprise but I was so busy finishing up all the quilts that it never crossed my mind. So of course I was just blown away when they brought out the cake. Hope someone got pictures of that look on my face.

I got calls from near and far. All the lovely people in my life called to wish me happy birthday. Then all the rest of the people I know shouted out on facebook. The cap was having a crowded reception. It was so to open the exhibition with so much family and so many friends.

Sneak Peak of Exhibition

2009-07-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

The "Award Winning" Quilt Exhibition opens tonight at 6:30pm. It will be a great cocktail reception. Help me tell everyone you know in the Atlanta area. We plan an entire weekend of fun and quilt art. Bring the whole family. We have children workshops and activities, quilt workshops, door prizes and more.

Don't forget it is a celebration of the African American Academy Award winners. A must see exhibition.

Learn Paper Piecing

2009-07-15T03:54:00.000-07:00

Learn paper (foundation) piecing in my workshop at the "Award Winning" Quilt Exhibition. I am so excited to be teaching paper piecing on Friday July 24.
Paper of foundation pieces are used to create an accuracy in piecing that is often difficult to achieve with free hand sewing. Foundation piecing is usually used when piecing very small pieces or when stitching a complicated pieced unit. Even basic designs can be pieced using this foundation technique.
Students will learn to make the house block in this quilt. For more information: www.ebonystitchersquiltguild.com If you are in Georgia or will be traveling to Georgia and want to take your skills to a new level, sign up to take this class.
This quilt is called "Inside An Architect's Mind". It took about 8 months to complete and gave me great pleasure in the process. It is a tedious undertaking which needs your full attention but promises gratification when finished.

Fabric, Fabric, Fabric!

2009-07-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

If you are a fabric lover, we have just the thing for you. You see we are having a fabulous Quilt Exhibition July 23-27, 2009. Ebony Stitchers Quilt Guild, in partnership with the National Black Arts Festival, will host a quilt exhibition at the Porter Sanford Art Center and the Woodruff Arts Center. The opening night reception is Thursday July 23 at the Porter Sanford Center; with the exhibition beginning July 23 – July 26 weekend. The feature exhibition is a collection of works authored by Aisha Lumumba, entitled, “Award Winning”. This collection of works celebrates African American Academy Award winners in the areas of motion picture and music. This premier artistic exhibition will also feature traditional and contemporary art quilts and dolls from artists and quilt makers. Structured around a theme of natural community living, there will be several activities such as quilting classes, workshops and lectures for adults and children to participate in throughout the weekend.

Staging any exhibition of this kind can be costly, so we are constantly in need of supporters like you.

Here's my proposition, if you are going to buy fabric anyway (and you probably will), why not help us out while you are shopping? For every dollar you donate to http://www.ebonystitchersquiltguild.org/ you will receive an equal dollar value in a fabric gift certificate. It is as easy as going to the fabric store.

Did I say that right? Make a donation to the Quilt Exhibition and receive a dollar for dollar gift certificate from Intown Quilters.

The fabric certificate will be sent to you from Intown Quilters 1058 Mistletoe Road Decatur, GA 30033 - (404) 634-6924 Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 1pm-6pm www.intownquilters.com

We buy fabric anyway, and lots of it! So this is an opportunity to support two very worthwhile businesses. You can support the Ebony Stitchers Quilt Guild exhibition in DeKalb County and you can also support Intown Quilters. When we reach the $4,000 mark, this opportunity will close. Hurry to www.ebonystitchersquiltguild.org and press donate.

Josephine Baker

2009-07-05T04:13:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this one for a while. It is almost finished and excited to close it off and start on the next project. It is all applique with beaded embellishments. I call it "Stunning."

Still working hard close out the quilts for the "Award Winning" Exhibit. I am teaching a paper piecing workshop on Friday July 24 there. Get more info at www.ebonystitchersquiltguild.org and if you are in the Atlanta area, sign up to take the class.

The opening reception is July 23 at 6:30. For tickets to the reception www.ebonystitchers.eventbrite.com It promises to be a fantastic event. I plan to unveil a new quilt.

Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Show

2009-07-03T07:06:00.001-07:00

The bi-annual quilt show of the Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild will be held August 1, 2009, and "Make Mine Dry" will be part of the beautiful collection of quilts on display. The theme of the show is The Many Facets of African American Quilting, and in addition to the quilts, the guild will exhibit over 30 dolls!
Opening day of the show will also feature a silent auction and a lecture by Carolyn Mazloomi. Also, included in the show will be a special collection of quilts that will be donated to children in the Carrie Steele Pitts Home and a collection of first quilts from a girl scout troop.
The show opens August 1 and runs through August 7 (closed Sunday). Admission is free. The location of the show is South Fulton Arts Center, 4645 Butner Road, College Park, GA. See you there!

This quilt is a part of my 2009 quilt calendar. It is called "Make Mine Dry" and was inspired by a picture in a quilt magazine.

Counting Down

2009-06-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

We are counting down to the "Award Winning" Exhibit With only 25 days until it opens on July 23, I am working hard to be ready. I'm putting the finishing touches on most.

This exhibit features seven African American award winning men in motion pictures: Jamie Foxx for the movie Ray, Cuba Gooding for the movie Jerry McGuire, Morgan Freeman for the movie Million Dollar Baby, Sidney Portier for the movie Lilies of the Field, Forest Whitaker for the movie The Last King of Scotland, Louis Gosset, Jr. for the movie An Officier and A Gentleman and Denzel Washington for the movie Training Day. More info at www.obaquilts.com and www.ebonystitchersquiltguild.org

This quilt is called Predictable. It is a traditional pattern callled Square in a Square.

Award Winning Quilt Exhibit

2009-06-24T04:03:00.001-07:00

The Ebony Stitchers Quilt Guild featuring Aisha Lumumba's "Award Winning" A Quilt Exhibition

About the Exhibition

Ebony Stitcher's Quilt Guild, in partnership with The National Black Arts Festival, will host a quilt exhibition at the Porter Sanford Art Center and the Woodruff Arts Center beginning July 23 through August 1, 2009.

A collection of works authored by Aisha Lumumba, "Award Winning" highlights and celebrates African American Academy Award winners in the areas of motion picture and music. This premier artistic exhibition will also feature traditional and contemporary art quilts and dolls from artists and quilt makers. Structured around a them of natural living, there will be several activities such as quilting classes, workshops and lectures for adults and children to participate in throughout the weekend.

About the National Black Arts Festival
National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) is one of the premier national and international
celebrations of the art, music and culture of people of African descent. The mission of the NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression. http://www.nbaf.org/
Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners through the Fulton County Arts Council, Georgia Council for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Zeist Foundation, City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, Georgia Tourism Foundation, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Nonprofit Finance Fund/Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Woodruff Arts Center.

Calendar of Events

July 23, 2009
Opening Night Reception
Porter Sanford Art Center
Rainbow Drive, Decatur, Ga.
6:30pm—9:30pm

July 24—26, 2009
Porter Sanford Art Center
Rainbow Drive, Decatur, Ga.
10:00am—5:00pm
July 29—August 1
Woodruff Arts Center
Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga.
10:00am—5:00pm

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Ebony Stitchers Quilt Guild
www.ebonystitchersquiltguild.org
Email: ebonystitchers1@bellsouth.net

This quilt is called, "My Reflection". It features Jamie Foxx, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for "Ray" (2004) It is one of the 13 quilts that I made for the 2010 Art Quilt Calendar, 12 of them depicting an actor or musician plus the cover. Everyone that got the 2009 calendar is probably excited to get this new one. The calendar will be available for sale by September but pre-order info will be available soon on my website www.obaquilts.com

See you at the Festival!

Traditional Patterns

2009-06-21T04:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks for asking about the quilt on the last blog entry. Sometimes I search my old quilt magazines for inspiration, or to see what kinds of names others use on their quilts. That quilt with the circles was one I found in a magazine. I forget what exactly drew me to that one but it seemed like something I wanted to do. Maybe it was one of those times when I was experimenting with curves. I added the circles around the border because I felt it helped pull all the colors together and added a little flair to a traditional quilt. I can't remember what I named it and the label didn't turn out right so I took it off. I was sure I would remember that name. I have it written down on my inventory list just need to look it up. But glad you enjoyed it.

This one is called Starburst. It is from a pattern as well. So many people liked this one that I have made three of them. I think I fell in love with star patterns early in my quilting career. I started a blue one just like this one about 3 or 4 years ago. Don't know when I'll get back to it.

I like the repetition of making a traditional pattern because it allows me to slip into a slight state of meditation while I am repeating the same task. Life gives me plenty enough excitement, so I take it slow whenever I can. It's like giving my brain a rest.

Overwhelmed

2009-06-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Some days I wake up so incredibly overwhelmed that it makes me almost inactive. Then other days I wake up ready to go and take on all quilt projects. Today I seem slightly overwhelmed by all the deadlines I have coming up for events in July.

The Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild is having a Quilt Show the weekend of August 1st. I am almost ready for that.

Vending at the Artist's Walk at Midtown Saturday, July 18th. Just half ready for this one.

I also have an exhibit at the Birmingham Public Library July 23 to August 1. I have those quilts ready.

Lastly, I plan to enter a quilt in the East Cobb Quilt show. That image is due to be mailed by June 30. Not quite finished quilting that one.

I'll make it though and post the pictures here for all to see.

How Long Did It Take?

2009-06-12T04:40:00.000-07:00

I find thinking about a project to be an important part of the making of it. Sometimes it takes months for the idea of a quilt to stew in the back of my mind. It is hard to count that intangible part of the process when people ask, "how long did it take you make that quilt." Sometimes I just say a long time but when they look like they really need a time frame then I round out the physical hours that I put in.

Honorable Mention

2009-06-11T04:32:00.001-07:00

I often get "call for artists" emails, usually for entering quilt shows. The call for artists at Florida A&M University Pinnacle Exhibit was strictly an art show. So it is always special to mingle with visual artists of other media.
The exhibit opened Friday June 5 and runs through June 26.
The call for artists had been out for 4 months and 43 works were accepted. At first I was just excited to be accepted, but when I got the notice that I received Honorable Mention excitement turned to ecstacy. Wow! I was in the top 5.
Thanks FAMU!

Graduation Season

2009-05-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? I ask myself as if I don't know. It's graduation season and our daughter graduated from Howard University last week. So for at least two weeks before that I was preparing to go to the graduation and for a week after I have been recuperating from the trip.

But the trip was spectacular. Haven't uploaded pictures yet but I will. Not only did we have the pleasure of going to two graduations, we also visited with other family members and lots of friends while there. And we took one whole day and acted like tourists. I have been to DC many many times but never had the time to explore. We didn't make by to see the Obamas' :-), but we did do many other things. Maybe we'll pencil them in on the next visit :-).

We visited the African American Civil War Museum and Memorial. Big excitement for me. We posed and took pictures by the monument. We photographed my Great Grandfather's name listed on the wall. From there our daughters whisked us off to quilt exhibit 44 quilts for the 44th President. How fascinating! Mr. Roland Freeman said that many of the quilts in the original exhibit had gone home and been replaced. Replaced or not, I was totally in awe. I love exploring what other quilters do and how their minds work to come up with the fascinating outcome. This exhibit certainly has fascinating outcomes.

Let me just say something about the whisking our daughters were doing. The parking situation in DC is atrocious. They knew it all too well. So we were constantly whipping into some tight little spot with a quick flip of the wrist and parallel parked we were. We were proud of their driving skills. My husband and I both taking credit for who taught who to drive.

Then we dashed off to the Sticky Fingers Bakery. A must for Vegans and Vegetarians looking for dairy free soft serve ice cream and cake with no eggs or milk. Did I forget that we did quite a bit of eating-out on this trip. The Graduation dinner was at the Vegetable Garden, another DC area delight for the vegetarian in you. Then dinner at our friends house who have delightful children and made us exquisite food.

A whirlwind trip, about 10 added pounds and then back to the sewing machine. I kind of missed the machine while I was away but of course I was armed with plenty of hand sewing projects.

Taking Wings

2009-04-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

It's starting to look like a butterfly. I feel a little tingling in my toes. It is funny how some quilts excite me from the very beginning while others take their own time to warm me. When I am working on one that excites me from the very start, I wake up in the morning and can't wait to get to it. Maybe it's the most challenging ones. I dream about how to work out the smallest details. I think about them when I am away from them. But as soon as I get close to the end of it my mind is off and running to the next project.

I have also found that the challenge doesn't feel the same the second or third time around. Maybe that's it. I have made this pattern before so there is nothing for me to figure out. I know! I'll figure exciting ways to embellish the wings and the antenna.

It needs to be trimmed before I can put it together and I've decided to add a squared border to the edges. But at least it is taking wings.

No Excitement Yet

2009-04-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

The process of creating that wonderful butterfly quilt continues. I cut all the wedges this weekend, but still have not felt that excitement that makes you want to hurry and finish so you can see the end result.

I'm ususally really impetuous. This time I am purposely taking this slowly so I can see how that feels. Lol. Quilting always takes a long time but I rush around the room to make myself feel super busy. Then when I am thoroughly exhausted and have no choice, I sit down and sew by hand. That seems to help me unwind.

I did start on quilt #6 for the 2010 calendar. I'm hand quilting #1 and staring at #2, #3, and #4. I plan to machine quilt #2 myself and send #3 out to be machine quilted. #4 is surely going to be a hand quilted one but that's a ways away.

I had to walk away from #5. You know sometimes a project can get to you and you need to step away. It may take me about a week to get back to it but that is okay. My mind had to rest from the intense project and that heavy imagery made me a little crazy.

I plan to layout #6 and #7 this week. I'll let you know if that happens. #7 definitely warrants a trip to the fabric store. Of course, I am behind schedule (self-imposed of course) but behind none-the-less. if I can keep going at this rate I may be able to make up some of the lost time.

Working It Out

2009-04-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

I finally sewed some strips together on this butterfly project. I'm surprised that it took me all week to do this. I had planned for this to be a slow project but not this slow. I did six of the nine required panels. I should be able to do the last three this week. Then I will be on to cutting the wedges. After the wedges are cut it'll be time to start forming the butterfly. Then I'll probably start feeling anxious about seeing the finished product. But for now I'm pretty relaxed with the level of progress, it doesn't look like anything yet.

What I really did this week was to create some new art pieces for my Mosaic Tile Workshop. The idea was to do some pieces that could be easily finished within the three hours of the workshop. I was able to do them in less time and am completely confident that a beginner can finish one in three hours. The workshop is on Saturday, April 25, 2009 10am-1pm at The New Arts Exchange 750 Kalb Ave. Atlanta GA 30312.

This workshop helps you to create memorable tile art. Mosaic Tile Basics is a great place to start. During this mosaic tile course, you will learn “Pique Assiette” (broken ceramic pieces) construction. We will cover the basics of mosaic tile materials, mosaic tile tools, cutting methods and application. If you like puzzles, this class is for you. The skills acquired in this class can be applied to limitless mosaic projects. Once you get started with this great art form beware, nothing is safe from you. For more information: http://www.obaquilts.com/ or call 404-624-4211 or email: iamcomplete7@yahoo.com

Chosen Fabrics and a Plan

2009-04-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

Here are the chosen ones. I think they are going to make something really fabulous. It is not so easy to sew and blog at the same time, but I'm working it out. My strategy is to start the cutting process this weekend.

Lately I have been working on the quilts for the next calendar (2010). So far I have 5 made but I thought I would have at least 6 by now. I'm finding that it takes me a good amount of time just to come up with the concept. I take all the things I want to say in the quilt and mix them around in my brain for a while. It feels like making fire by rubbing two sticks together. Sometimes the spark comes right away. Then other times I'm shivering with cold before the flame comes. A faint idea comes but is shadowy and far away looking. Those take a long time to come into focus. I look at everything around. I look at books and magazines for inspiration. Still I am stuck on the cocept for the last three pictures.

It doesn't matter because today I loose myself in work on Number 6 and then cut some strips for a butterfly quilt.

Stash Mania

2009-03-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

I've decided to do this one. I went shopping yesterday in my stash and found some wonderful greens, purple and lavendar. At first I though I needed to go to the fabric store, but I remembered that I had done that a LOT already. I should have what I need here. The beautiful thing about being in love with fabric is that you always have something you can use.

But sometimes the lure of the fabric store attacks and you can't resist. You have to go there, walk down the isles and rub your hands across the fabric, while all the time your eyes are peeled to the color you are searching for.

I step back at the beginning of the isle and squint my eyes. Then I see it, the fabric that I must have. Sometimes it is just what I need for the current project and then other times I know it will be great for something-I don't know what yet. Those "great for something" fabrics come in handy in times like this.

Butterfly Quilt

2009-03-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have been remiss with my blocking. I've been putting a lot of thought time into this new project. Of course you can see that I borrowed this picture from http://www.amazon.com/ I bought this book a couple of years ago and made two quilts from it, neither one a butterfly. This time I am going for a butterfly.

When I originally bought the book, I searched all the fabric stores for the ruler that goes with it. I finally ended up ordering it from the address inside the book. They were very prompt in responding and I was off and running.

Hope you will follow me as embark on this new project and maybe even make your own at the same time. I'm gathering my fabrics and will keep you posted.

Do As I Say

2009-03-07T15:27:00.001-08:00

"Do as I say, not as I do." That was a saying I heard often as a child. It didn't make any sense to me but that didn't stop adults from saying it. When my aunt was teaching me to sew, she would say that. She would tell me to work on one thing at a time. Then I would look around her studio which was overwhelmed with half finished projects and wonder what she meant.

I think she was trying to save me from the fate she had fallen victim to. Only to no avail, I followed her footsteps exactly. I learned from what she did and felt bad for years that I couldn't follow her words.

Then I realized that no one who sews works on one project at a time. I also realized that I liked working on several projects at one time. It helps take the monotony out of it. Sometimes I get frustrated with a project and need to step away from it for a while. I work on a second project until I'm ready to go back to the first one. Most times I limit it just three projects going at once. But sometimes I slip pretty badly and find that I have started over ten things, then I have a finishing day. I work hard to get it back down to three.

I'm up to five right now, so I guess tomorrow will be a finishing day.

Out The Box

2009-03-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

I was pleasantly re-united with a friend that I hadn't seen in many many years. She asked me what kind of quilts do I specialize in. I hesitated with my answer as I contemplated exactly what to say. "I try to work outside my own box," I said. She said, yeah I looked at your website (www.obaquilts.com) and noticed that you have a little of everything, some geometric, some people, some abstract.

I think my style is pretty distinct. When you see my work it has a certain look but I like to try all kinds of things. I will work on a wonderful abstract and then cross back over to a traditional pattern. I go to people with faces and then back to silhouettes. I work with light backgrounds, dark backgrounds, solids and then patterned fabric background.

Although, I am constantly striving to go outside the confines of my thinking, I still struggle with certain control issues. A visual artist cannot hide behind his/her work. The work will shout out quite loudly--she likes bright colors, she likes to frame a picture, she likes a certain amount of rest for the eye in the piece and she tends to focus her work to the right. Who knew?

Good Times at High School

2009-02-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

I have to say we had a wonderful time at Eagle's Landing High School. Special thanks to Principal Crerie, Mrs. Jordon, Mrs. Spencer, Mrs. Wright and Ms. Georgia for all they did in putting together a great Black History Month Program that everyone could be proud of. An outstanding list of students displayed various talents: Zaire O'Neal, Iachin Goggin, Isiah Hamm, Trevor Oliver, Rodney Joseph, Casey Gardner, Lindsey Bloodworth, Daniel Hyde, Mia Black. the Eagle's Landing High School Chorus and a special presentation from the Bellethnic Dance Company. Black History month has come a long way since I was in high school. A welcome change.

I also gave away copies of my book, "Afterwhile: Secrets of a Woman's Heart." Some of the readers should come on here and block with me about it.

Hooked On Sewing

2009-02-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

It's here. It's here. I rushed out this morning to get my machine. I was glad to see it as if were an old friend. I think I was about to have some kind of withdrawal or something. Four whole days without my machine. It really was just the thought that it wasn't there that bothered me. Of course I have gone days, even weeks with using it. The idea of not being able to use it when I chose to was a drag. All that is behind me now.

I hurried in with it, stopping for nothing. Plugged it in just to see how well it worked. The people at Atlanta Sewing Machine on Metropolitan Blvd. are my heroes. I've been using them for about 15 years or so. They really made it sew like new.

I finished the eyes I was working on when my back up machine caught on fire. I even worked on the hair. Changed thread color and started stitching the face. I was there stitching away for a while when I remembered how hungry I was. I am so happy to have my machine back.

Missing Sewing Machine Blues

2009-02-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

We had our monthly Brown Sugar Stitchers guild meeting today. It is always so good to see everyone. I feel blessed to be in the presence of so many talented quilters.

No sewing machine yet but the repair shop promises to have it ready by Monday. Can't wait. I'm getting a lot of hand work done, even some computer work. I'll be good and ready when that machine gets back here.

What Next

2009-02-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

It is a pretty sad day in the Lumumba house today.

My main sewing machine got sick the other day. I figured that wasn't too bad because I had a back-up. So I pulled out my back-up which is a wonderful old sewiing machine that belonged to my mother-in-law when she was a young woman. I have had it serviced a couple of times. I knew it was delicate so I set out to work on a really small project. Just eyes on the face of my new project. Just eyes! how much harm could that do.

It was sewing beautifully. Then the paddle started to stall. The motor felt hot, so I guessed it was running hot. Stepped away to another project for a while, let it cool off and back to the eyes I went. Then I smelled smoke. The foot paddle was fully engulfed in smoke. I unplugged and could see a full day of sewing gone. Oh well, there's always hand quilting.

Big Calendar Sale!

2009-02-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

$0.99 Calendar SALE!

I am glad to say that I am down to just a few calendars left. I am sad to say that I am down to just a few calendars left. Talking about mixed emotions. On one hand it is good that I have almost sold out and on the other hand I may not have enough for you if you don't hurry.

So for all of the people that meant to get a calendar but forgot and all of the people that couldn't afford the $15.00 original price and for all the people who just heard of my calendar and all the rest-they are now $.99 plus shipping and handling at www.obaquilts.com/calendar.html

2009-02-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

I rushed to Bloomingdale's at Lennox armed with my camera, excitement and anticipation. They did not disappoint. The exhibit was beautifully set up. We scurried from the first floor where several quilts were set up in the men's department to the second floor where Elaine's beaded "Transitions" was featured in a vitrine (fancy name for a glass box). My "Mad Sax" quilts were there by the elevator.

Then the third floor featured my black and white pieces. How wonderful!

2009-02-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

Bloomingdale's

Our Black History Month exhibit opens today at Bloomingdale's in Lennox Square Mall and Perimeter Mall (Atlanta, GA). Are we excited you ask? the room can hardly contain us. We are ecstatic! I haven't seen it yet but I am so excited to see what they did. Our art is so full of lively color and Bloomingdale's doesn't seem to relate to lively colors. The store was beautifully brown, beige, and black. One thing is for sure, our quilts will stand out no matter what they do with them.

Saturday I speak at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Library. I have my list of quilts to take for show and tell. I'm packing the stands, artist info packages and the like. Always hoping for a big crowd.

Sunday will be something different. A sister circle has invited me to exhibit and tell my stories at the Arts Exchange. A dear friend is having a baby shower at the same time. Sorry that I am going to miss that. Maybe I'll tell an extra story with the new baby in mind.

2009-02-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

The panel discussion went very well at the Decatur Library on Saturday. We had a nice size group and really good energy. I told my father's story which is always touching for me and many others.

I'm starting to memorize parts of the stories which makes the telling easier for me and more enjoyable I am told to the audience. So far this story is my favorite but I think my mom's story is going to top it. Don't know yet because I am still working on that one.

This is my family quilt with young pictures of my parents in the center with my brothers, sisters and me on the sides. I originally thought I was going to make one for all of us, then my computer crashed and now I have to edit all those pictures again.

2009-02-10T16:35:00.000-08:00

“Dreamers, Visionaries, and Leaders”

February 1-28, 2009 Presented & Sponsored by ►Victor Valley Museum & Art Galley►tps Creative Expressions, Inc ►Paul Stark ►Gi & AssociatesVictor Valley Museum & Art Gallery 11873 Apple Valley Road Apple Valley, CA 92308 (760) 240-2111 www.vvmuseum.comThe purpose of this exhibition at this very historical moment is to recognize those persons and events that are a part of the history of our nation; local, national, and international through artistic works, photography, sculpture, fiberarts, prints, and music.

This Black History Month program opened February 1 to standing room only. If you are near Apple Valley, California, don't miss this great program lasting all month. These are a few pictures of my Obama quilt hanging there.

I have all my exhibits and lectures for Black History Month listed on my website (www.obaquilts.com/events.html) under the events section.

2009-02-02T06:23:00.000-08:00

Two wonderful exhibits -both happening in Maryland. If you are in the area, please check them out.

Uhuru Quilters Guild's latest exhibit, An American Sampler, is located in the third floor gallery of the Miller Senate Office Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD. The building is open Monday - Friday from 9:00AM - 5:00PM, excluding holidays. Visitors to the building must show ID. The exhibit, featuring patriotic quilts and quilts honoring Obama comes down on February 27. Courtesy of Senator Nathaniel Exum, we will be able to have an Open House on Saturday, February 7, from 10:00AM - 3:00PM. Please invite your friends and neighbors, church members and co-workers to share in this experience with us. Light refreshments will be served.

Please join us at our Opening Reception for a show of Artquilts celebrating the election of President Barack Obama. You will see many different perspectives on what this historic event means to a group of very diverse artists.
Here are the details!
President Obama: A Celebration in Artquilts
Montgomery College Cafritz Art Center, 930 King Street, Silver Spring MD. Open February 9 through March 5, 2009.
Opening Reception February 13, 6 to 9 p.m. Gallery PH: 240-567-1368 . PARK IN THE FENTON STREET MONTGOMERY STREET GARAGE . there is no onstreet parking in this part of Silver Spring on a Friday Evening.
Regular Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This show, organized by Sue Walen, is an exhibit of artquilts created by an all-volunteer, grassroots, multi-ethnic group of fiber artists from all across the United States and as far away as Australia. The work in this show is a tribute to our new President, in gratitude for the hope and inspiration he has brought us.

2009-01-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

Black History month is only days away and many wonderful exhibits are happening. The Dekalb Library System in Georgia has four weekends of events:

Feb. 7, 2pm-4pm -Quilt History Panel Discussion- Decatur Library- Members of Brown Sugar Quilt Guild will conduct a panel discussion on history of quilting and a brief slide presentationwhich discusses the evolution of quilting from Africa to America. A quilter (me) will display quilts and tell quilt stories. All ages are welcome.

Feb. 14, 12:30pm-2:30pm- Fabric Postcards-Chamblee Library-Fabric Post cards are easy and fun to make! This program is designed for youth ages 8 years and older and for Adults also. Quilters will be present to lead a workshop on designing and constructing quilted post cards. These post cards may be mailed to friends or used as artwork in a photo frame. Open to all library goers.

Feb. 21, 12-1pm- TBA- Wesley Chapel Library

Feb. 28, 2pm-4pm Fabric Postcards-Redan-Trotti Library- Fabric Post cards are easy and fun to make! This program is designed for youth ages 8 years and older and for Adults also. Quilters will be present to lead a workshop on designing and constructing quilted post cards. These post cards may be mailed to friends or used as artwork in a photo frame. Open to all library goers.

2009-01-23T07:01:00.000-08:00

I was excitedly awaiting these notecards all week. So many people asked for notecards with pictures of the quilts. So I'm finally at work making a series or something like that. These cards are ready to send out as thank yous, missing yous, just thinking of yous or what ever you want. Stop by my website (http://www.obaquilts.com/) and get some.

This is "A Quilter's Dream (is to be one with the quilt)" My friend just told me yesterday that it was a picture of me piecing the Improv quilt. Never thought of it that way. I surely have been ingulfed in a quilt like that before.

2009-01-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

Honor to Mr. President. I have been glued to the tv all day. This is so exciting. President Obama delivered the inspirational speech we all expected. He has continuously reminded us that it is going to take all of us to make it work, so I'm rolling up my sleeve.

This is the quilt that I made from the Khanga cloth of Tanzanzia (http://www.simplytanzanian.com/). The fabric made a really nice sized that will make either a nice throw, wallhanging or nap quilt. I quilted the United States right in the center of the quilt. You can see it on the back view. I am now inspired to do another quilt about the President.

2009-01-11T10:41:00.001-08:00

First I want to thank Kyra at Black Threads for the wonderful post about my website. If you haven't seen it yet, please be my guest at http://www.obaquilts.com/ . It has taken me several years to finally get to this point with it. I had no idea that finding someone to create the site and publish it would be so trying.

I started out with someone I kind of knew. He promised me the moon and barely delivered one star. Then he went through a divorce that landed his wife with the computer and all my stuff. So that was when I decided to do it myself with one of those sites that promise you don't have to know anything about websites to design your own. How untrue. I did something but their template software was not ready for primetime. It couldn't link pages. It couldn't do rollovers and on and on. So I gave that up.

Then a closer friend who did this on the side. He put up a wonderful site but never could find the time to finish it. Then more friends and friends of friends.

One of my daugthers found someone who promised the other side of the moon. I wonder why some of the people who work on computers talk such a good game but can not deliver. He was not only going to lasso the moon but reel in the stars with it. Still not much.

Then the sky parted and my daugther decided to learn to create websites. She is wonderful and patient. I can't thank her enough. She's probably out there working on it right now. Check it out to see what she has done recently.

2009-01-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

This Harriet Tubman quilt always inspires awe and conversation, maybe because it is queen bed sized. it feels like she could step right off the quilt. Harriet Tubman said, (and I paraphrase) "I freed over 300 people but I could have freed more if they knew they were enslaved." Wow!

Extraordinary Results!

2009-01-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

This quilt is called Improv. It is the star of the Extrordinary Results! quilt exhibit. When I started I thought i would do a small color wheel but the more I worked on it the more it grew. I wanted to express the sounds coming out of the trumpet and the player as it starts out methodically then turns to improvisation.

What do you think?

Two Step 2009 Wall Calendar

2008-10-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Two Step Calendar is filled with 12 exciting quilt pictures. This 2009 wall calendar celebrates the rich classic elegance of black and white through fiber art.

This calendar features a quilt and a theme for each month as the year unfolds. The cover quilt was inspired by the idea of an elegant dance as well the two colors both connoting two steps. Some of Ms. Lumumba's most exquisite quilts such as "Make Mine Dry" which is a black and white martini glass done in abstract, "Afternoon on the Serengeti" displayed on a queen sized bed, and A-T-L which is a dramatic depiction of the Atlanta skyline are in this calendar.

This calendar is an off-shoot of the highly successful Art Exhibition in 2007 at the Atrium on Sweet Auburn, Atlanta, Georgia by Aisha Lumumba, J. Stacey Grayson and Elaine Parker

For More info: www.obaquilts.com