A Twitter Account...

This handsome Cardinal (about 10" x 12") resulted from a bit of collage play with fabric scraps. It's a compilation of methods and ideas from two different magazine articles. I've enjoyed learning about Zentangle-style projects using pen and paper, but this Zen-doodle project went in a thread and fabric direction instead. The idea initially came from Regina Dunn's article in the June/July 2012 issue of Quilting Arts Magazine. While it's in the magazine, you can get some of her instructions as an online "freebie" if you are a member of Quilting Daily (easy to join, full of good content, and free).

Rita's article includes several methods for making these zendoodle quilts, including one that uses the decorative stitches on the sewing machine. I found those blank white areas in the background a bit daunting to fill at first. But ultimately I got into the swing of things. 

The Cardinal design came from Vivika Hansen DeNegre's article in Quilting Arts Gifts, Holiday 2009/2010 issue. Vivika is the editor at Quiltng Arts, so she blogs on that site. But the article references her earlier blog where you can see some of her work. I really enjoy both the collage and stitch-doodle techniques. The randomness of creating a project, and surprise of the finished piece is very satisfying. As so many often say, "quilting is cheaper than therapy." There certainly is something rewarding and therapeutic about spending time in the sewing room, surrounded by fabrics just waiting to find a home in a project. And the hum of a sewing machine at work... I just find it so soothing! More of these to come I'm sure.