yvonne porcella blog

Donation for Cancer organized by Foto/Fiber 2012

2012-01-27T13:55:00.000-08:00

You can win this little 6 x 9 quilt by donating through Foto/Fiber 2012

Foto/Fiber 2012
February 15 and 16
A Fiberart For A Cause fundraiser for the American Cancer Society
Our Goal: Raise $7000 to add to the over $215,000 we have already donated.

90 Fotos/90 Fiber BONUSES from an all star-team of fiber artists including:

Frances Holliday Alford, Pamela Allen, Liz Berg, Sue Bleiweiss, Nancy G. Cook, Jane Davila, Vivika DeNegre, Diane Rusin Doran, Jane Dunnewold, Jamie Fingal, Leonie Hartley Hoover, Leslie Tucker Jenison, Lyric Kinard, Susan Brubaker Knapp, Lynn Krawzcyk, Jane LaFazio, Susan Lenz, Jeanelle McCall,
Linda Teddlie Minton, Karen Musgrave, Gail Myrhorodsky Karen Stiehl Osborn, BJ Parady, Cate Coulacos Prato, Yvonne Porcella, Wen Redmond, Sue Reno, Lesley Riley, Cynthia St. Charles, Susan Schrott, Suzanne Silk, Lura Schwarz Smith (with Kerby C. Smith), Sarah Ann Smith, and Terri Stegmiller.

Plus drawings for fiber artwork from Leonie Hartley Hoover, Lyric Kinard, Lynn Krawczyk, Yvonne Porcella, Susan Schrott and Mary Ann Van Soest.

More information on how Foto/Fiber 2012 works:
http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/FotoFiberHowItWorks.html

Please join us on February 15.

Newspaper Ad for Carnegie Arts Center

2011-12-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

This ad appeared in December 15, 2011 Modesto Bee newspaper
announcing the closing of the Ansel Adams exhibit and the coming soon of Yvonne Porcella Retrospective. I'd better get busy finishing all the hanging rods for 45 pieces.

Fiberart For A Cause

2011-12-09T15:34:00.000-08:00

Put these dates on your 2012 calendar now so you won't miss contributing to the American Cancer Society and get a treasure for your generosity.

The Carnegie Arts Center Turlock CA

2011-12-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

Madama Yolanda : Mind Reader is one of the quilts that will be on display at The Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, CA opening on January 18, 2012. There will be approximately 30 quilts and other objects in the exhibit of a retrospective of my work. I do hope you can attend. The ending date is March 14, 2012.

Yvonne Porcella : A Retrospective

2011-11-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here is the front and back of the postcard for my exhibit opening January 17, 2012 at the newly rebuilt Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, CA. The center is beautiful with 3000 square feet of exhibit space, a gift shop, and a multipurpose event space on the top level. Also two new classrooms are located on site plus an event space in what was the old library space. It is really worth a visit. Turlock is the home of California State University Stanislaus. The old part of town has charming shops, places to eat and a quilt shop. Let me know if you can plan a visit during the time my show is on display. It would be fun to get together and I could do a gallery talk for you. Rebecca Phillips Abbott is the curator for this exhibit.

Just a Detail

2011-10-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a detail of a quilt using orange, fushia, purple and a few other colors. Of course there is a bit of black and white and yellow and pink and green.

New Quilt Today

2011-08-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

My idea was to create a long narrow quilt again. I have made several in this style and it is so much easier to machine quilt this size for me. Finished it is 15" x 60" so putting on the binding by
machine on the long sides and then the short top and bottom is so easy and eliminated lots of hand work. This style of quilt uses MistyFuse bonded to silk fabrics. Most of the silks are very thin and
handle well with fusing to a lightweight surface before batting and quilting. My attempt to was to use more of the two silk blouses I had hand painted many years ago. The colors are perfect to use as granite seen in the Sierra Nevada mountains. "Labor Day" commemorates the last backpack trip of the year that was our family ritual. We would climb into some of the most beautiful areas on the east side of Yosemite, often being treated to wild flowers that struggle to survive in small spaces within the rocks. I finished the top yesterday and didn't think I could ever machine quilt it.
So my suggestion when you are stuck, go to bed and start fresh. The quilting went very quickly today as I put myself in "hiking" mode and remembered all the contour maps my husband used to identify our elevation and route up the mountain. We no longer climb these areas, but the memories and old stories are great.

A New Design

2011-07-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

I just finished a 15" x 60" quilt. Inspiration was memories of hiking in the eastern wilderness areas of the Sierra Nevada mountains many years ago. We were above 10,000 ft and found a fabulous display of wildflowers. I started this piece by cutting up two hand painted silk blouses, out of style yet still great fabrics. Using MistyFuse it was easy to fuse the blouse pieces for part of the background and add a few more silks.

Dick & jane is whole again

2011-07-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

I was able to restore the panel that was stolen in April. The original was spontaneous so making it again was a chore but now that it is finished, I am happy I spent the hours doing the redo. Now I am ready to try something new and different. I do like the concept of long and skinny, about
15 wide by 60 long. This week is full of appointments so
look out next week! Studio here I come!

Artist Reception at Stanford April 15, 2011

2011-04-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

Kathleen Sharp and I looking at my quilt on display until May 19 at
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA in the Paul G. Allen and David Packard buildings on Via Palou. It was a nice exhibit of 20 of my quilts along with
40 paintings by 2 other artists. The vast spaces and large white walls looked great with colorful art.

Dick & Jane

2011-04-07T23:10:00.000-07:00

This quilt is on exhibit in the David Packard Building on the Stanford University Campus, Palo Alto, CA. Every 2 months 3 artists are invited to exhibit 20 pieces as part of the Stanford Art Spaces program on campus in the buildings on Via Palou off Via Ortega. Sometime between April 1 and 5, the far right panel of this quilt was stolen.
It is very hard for me to understand how someone would take one part of a whole and ruin the artist's work. Keep an eye out for this panel! The exhibit is up until May 20 with the artist reception on April 15 from 5 to 7. Parking is available on Via Ortega off Campus Way Drive.

Print on Demand the return of Colors Changing Hue

2011-04-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

My book on painting on silk published in 1994 will soon be available for purchase through Amazon.com and my publisher, C&T Publishing.
This is a how-book showing tools, techniques, and projects using hand painted silks and cottons to create beautiful quilts, wall hangings,
dolls, gift wrapping and more. As with POD books, the original pages
are scanned for digital media, some colors may not be as vibrant as the original. This does not diminish the value of the techniques offered in the book. I hope you will consider adding this book to your library.

New ED search at the Museum

2011-03-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Exhibit opening the end of March at Stanford University

2011-03-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

I will have 20 quilts at Stanford University from
March 20 to May 19, 2011

Still time to make a quilt for the Alliance contest

2011-02-17T12:35:00.001-08:00

http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/projects/galleries/Alliances/guidelines/.

Don Porcella: Cave Dwellers by Don Porcella Reviewed in Staten Island Advance

2011-02-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Don Porcella: Cave Dwellers by Don Porcella Reviewed in Staten Island Advance

The Alliance for American Quilts contest

2011-02-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

Check out the Alliance website for contest rules for the 2011 auction to benefit the Alliance. Each quilt is 16" Square, exhibited at Paducah in April and other quilt shows. The
auction on ebay will be later in the year. Great prizes if your entry is voted on by the public. My quilt is titled "Hi 5"

Baltic Cruise

2011-02-01T17:02:00.001-08:00

To celebrate Valentine's Day, those wishing to join me on my Baltic cruise in May will receive $100 off their registration if it is received by February 14. We will be visiting some amazing ports and having incredible classes with workshops I have designed just for this cruise. See http://worldofquiltstravel.com/Baltic.htm

Ironic Iconic

2011-01-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

Another fused quilt, designed in 2 days, horray for Mistyfuse! and quilted in one day, 44 " x 44". Some of the hand dyed silks in the top background were done by a friend of mine many years ago. I am so happy to use them and not just get them out of a bag to admire.

New Fused Quilt Designs

2011-01-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

These two 44" pieces are at the Long Arm Quilter's studio to be quilted. I am excited to see her selection of quilting patterns.

Announcing the 2010 Legend on The Quilt Show

2010-12-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

TQS Quilting Legend 2010 (Yvonne Porcella)

www.thequiltshow.com

I am so happy to announce that Alex and Ricky have awarded me with the honor of being their 2010 Quilt Legend. I hope you

can all visit their site to see the video filmed in September in my studio. Lets all enjoy a wonderful 2011 and making great art quilts.

Cruise with Me

2010-12-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

"I will be teaching in the Baltic on a World of Quilts Travel cruise next May/June, would love to have you join me."

You can ad the link -http://worldofquiltstravel.com/Baltic.htm

World of Quilts Travel: Quilter's Baltic Cruise

worldofquiltstravel.com

Quilters have voted us #1 quilt travel provider. Deb Roberts' Textile Tours, Baltic Cruise

Bold Strokes

2010-11-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

Luana Rubin and I at the opening of Bold Strokes exhibit. Thanks to Luana for coming from Colorado for the opening and for co-sponsoring the exhibit.
www.equilter.com

Yvonne Porcella Bold Strokes Exhibit information

2010-11-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

This quilt, never shown in a public exhibit will be on display at my exhibit in San Jose, CA. It is big an bold!

My image at Quilt Market

2010-11-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Photos from Quilt Market

2010-11-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

Quilt Market Houston 2010

2010-11-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

I had a great time spending a few days at Quilt Market looking at what is new in the quilt world. Best part of going to Market was seeing friends and viewing the fabulous quilts on display. I had three pieces in ther show that will be on display until Nov. 7.

Yvonne Porcella Bold Strokes Exhibit information

2010-10-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.sjquiltmuseum.org
Still time to sign up for the 1 PM lecture before the exhibit opens at 2 PM on Sunday November 21, 2010. I have heard the exhibit looks great and it will be up until January 30, 2011. Cream of the Cloth is also on display and it your opportunity to see an exciting collection of art quilts. While in the museum, be sure to stop by the gift shop for great gifts.

Dona Nobis Pacem

2010-10-07T12:21:00.001-07:00

I made this a few years ago, just reusing images from church banners. Today it is being framed for a donation to a chapel. I am excited about it being in a place of devotion. Question is can you translate the Latin?

Don Porcella at Alphonse Berber

2010-08-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

Don's exhibit will be on display until October 2 at 575 Sutter St.
San Francisco, CA on second floor. Also see Don's exhibit in Berlin opening in September. Info on Don's Blog http://donporcella.blogspot.com

Yvonne Porcella Bold Strokes

2010-08-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

Save the date Nov. 16, 2010 for the opening of my exhibit at
the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles in San Jose, CA. If you can't be there for the opening, visit anytime until January 30, 2011

SAQA 2010 auction quilt

2010-08-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

Please visit the SAQA web site and look at the wonderful 12" square quilts that will be auctioned off beginning on September 20th. "Bid in SAQA's 2010 Benefit Auction starting September 20th: http://www.saqa.com/news.php?ID=1423"

International Quilt Market 2010

2010-07-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

International Quilt Market in Houston opens October 30-November 1, 2010. George R. Brown Convention Center Houston, Texas. This is a Trade show only. Not open to the general public.
International Quilt Festival open to general public Nov. 4-7. Please go to www.quilts.com for registration information. Two of my quilts will be on exhibit, "Dick & Jane" on display in Art Quilts from the Book, 500 Art Quilts and "Madama Yolanda - Mind Reader" in the exhibit Beneath The Surface. Current photos from International Quilt Festival Long Beach can be seen on the Quilts, Inc web
site, click on the ruby red slippers.

High Fiber Under Five

2010-07-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

First Friday in November at the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is the sale High Fiber Under Five. A great opportunity to purchase fiber art. Half of the sale price is shared with the artist and half goes to the museum. Large crowds attend this event
and if you are in San Jose plan to gallery hop that night and see great art. Highest price per piece is $500.00 but lower priced pieces are also available. Title of this still life is Platinum and Pearls

Victory Garden Quilt for Auction

2010-07-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

I posted a photo of my panel on my blog in June and now here is the full quilt. Money raised will support SAQA 12 Voices exhibit in Davis, CA

Yellow Page

2010-06-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

My initials are YP, I have had experiences where people ask for last name, I answer Porcella, then first initial, I answer Y and the comment back to me is "because we need it". The letter Y obviously when spoken becomes "why". I made this quilt in response to the Why P conflict. I used Mistyfuse to fuse each panel to the batting and machine quilted each panel finally adding the border. An old favorite yellow silk blouse with 25 tiny yellow buttons done the front finally became too labor intensive to wear, buttoning each button. I cut up the shirt, wet each piece, sqeezed out the water, ironed it to maintain the wrinkles, fused this to maintain the wrinkled fabric, then used this "new fabric" for the borders.

Victory Garden

2010-06-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Louise Schiele asked 14 artists to make a 7" x 24" panel for a group quilt that will be auctioned off this summer to benefit 12 Voices SAQA artist exhibit. We could choose a fruit or vegetable for our panel. Louise asked that it be colorful and fun. She will join the panels together and do the machine quiltig. "U Pick Em" is my entry, lovely cherries ripe for picking only to find out the birds have had the first taste. To see all the submitted panels.http://louiseschieleworksandwords.blogspot.com/

Quilt Market Houston 2010

2010-05-26T14:31:00.001-07:00

If you attend Quilt Market as a wholesale customer or vendor, be prepared to see this quilt. Selected from the book 500 Quilts edited by Karey Bresenhan and one of the featured exhibits at
Houson 2010, the image of my quilt will be featured on the Quilt Market catalog, tote bag and pin. I am excited, and I hope you will be too when you get to take home a small remembrance of my art. See you all at Quilt Market Houston.

New from Old quilt contest

2010-05-16T10:00:00.001-07:00

The Alliance for American Quilts has a contest every year and
the quilts are auctioned as a fund raiser for this wonderful organization. My design uses images from previous entries I submitted so that qualifies as the old part, the new part is bright new fabrics. I titled the quilt Redotwo Ten, referring to recycling my designs, and redoing images of houses and giant flower trees. The actual quilt is very bright colors, 16" square, my phone camera doesn't compensate for light. Visit the Alliance website to hear more about the eBay auction later this year.

Historical Photo! Yvonne's Fashion Show

2010-05-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I agreed to do a fashion show of my wearables. The local newspaper took this photo. I photocopied the photo and hand colored it to use it in a new quilt titled "Talking Through the Fence". The quilt top requires machine quilting, some day in the future.

SAQA 2010 auction quilt

2010-04-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

I guarantee this quilt is a perfect 12" square but apparently my iPhone camera doesn't think so. Title of this quilt is "Oh - O". Look for the auction on the SAQA web site.

Detail of Ballet Shoes

2010-04-21T12:39:00.001-07:00

Ballet Shoes

2010-04-19T11:14:00.001-07:00

Just for fun project. A friend gave me a pair of size 4 1/2 toe shoes to make art. I used my impression of two different themes to "fill the shoes". The shoe on the right celebrates famous
dance themes of flowers plus my watching a ballerina moving her legs that reminded me of a butterfly. Silk flowers were made using Hannah Silk hand painted ribbons. The shoe on the left reminded me of all the different ballet companies who go on tour. When I go on a tour, I like to make a journal to remind me of places I have visited, pasting trinkets into a book or in this case, a shoe.

Jamie Fingal Designs Collaboration Quilt For Yvonne

2010-03-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Jamie Fingal, Leslie Tucker Jenison and Iris Karp sent out a call for friends to make a block for a "gift of love" quilt for me. I am being treated for ovarian cancer and what a fabulous project for me to enjoy and treasure during and after this "side line" event of 2010. Jamie has the development of this quilt on her blog http://jamiefingaldesigns.blogspot.com/. Check out March 20th entries. I cannot imagine how much effort went into the making of this quilt in such a short period of time. Quilting is all about friendship and I am honored to be remembered by so many.

Beneath The Surface

2010-03-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Dinner at Eight Artists presents Beneath the Surface, a special exhibit at the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach, CA - July 22-25th at the Long Beach Convention Center. Sponsored by Moore's Sewing Centers and Brother International and Dinner at Eight Artists. for more information become a fan of http://dinnerateightartists.blogspot.com/

Jacket Pattern packaging

2010-03-14T15:36:00.001-07:00

My new pattern is now available. Ask your local Bernina Store to order one for you.

New Book Information

2010-03-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

500 Art Quilts, juried by Karey Bresenhan, showcases the work of 363 fabulous contemporary quilters. Martha Sielman, executive director of Studio Art Quilt Associates, describes the book as "an incredible feast for the eyes ... this book is a must-have for every art lover, quilter, and fiber enthusiast." Learn more at http://bit.ly/7RqgW2. Thisbook is also available for purchase from Amazon.com. The first printing is expected to sell out quickly so get your copy NOW. Then go to Amazon.com and leave a five star review of the book. I have two pieces featured in the book (thank you Karey), one is my large abstract titled "Dick and Jane" the other is a tryptic made using a variety of mixed media techniques. A very different look for me but such fun to experiment with Mistyfuse as a way to apply different fabrics to the surface.

March and the color Red

2010-03-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

It was such fun to go out to breakfast with my friend Kay. My appetite is coming back and I had a beautiful cream cheese stuffed french toast covered with blueberries and strawberry sauce. I just sat there and enjoyed looking at the lucious colors; then I ate the whole thing! My red outfit was perfect for the day as I still experience hot and cold periods: off with the jacket, on with the jacket.The hat is essential to cover my bald head. Suzanne Staud, artist supreme, invited us to visit her studio to look at the artwork she is preparing fora local gallery exhibit. What a fun morning. Too bad you all can't come to Modesto on March 13th to attend The Chartreuse Muse opening exhibit : Pets and their People. Great title for a 4 artist exhibit. www.TheChartreuseMuse.com or www.staudesign.com

Amazing how things change

2010-02-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks ago I was lecturing at a museum and now I am recovering from major surgery and starting treatment for my ovarian cancer. Obviously this all happened very fast but with the intervention of a SAQA member and her husband I was treated asap, I have already had one infusion and see my doctors next week. I avoided the shock of hair loss and I have a new do... Our grand daughter came over last night and we played with the computer camera. Here we are underwater. You can see by the photo that I intend to beat the odds and try my hardest to return to full health. Thanks for all the notes, emails, letters, good wishes. If you only knew how much they help!

de Young Museum

2010-01-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

Be sure to visit the Amish Quilt Exhibit at the museum Large crowds on the weekends but worth heading to the textile galleries. Be sure to go into the study center. I love sitting at the computer terminal and looking at the collection. Also the drawers display precious smaller pieces. My lecture was well attended and the audience was enthusiastic about art quilts. Anyone can join the Textile Arts Council to support acquisitions and documentation of this important museum collection. The museum is joined with the Palace of the Legion Of Honor and together they are known as Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. What a treasure we have in our area.

Holiday Distractions

2010-01-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

Well they are over, decorations put away (the last ones done today at church) so I guess it is time to get back to the job of being an artist. I am preparing silk kits for a fabric painting class this week for a guild and it is such fun to get all the materials out an then trying to see how well they will fit in my car. Driving does have its perks but a trunk is only so big. I go from my lecture and class on to another venue of a lecture. Then home again to put it all away. We will be doing my silk embellishment class that uses burned silk, the subject of my 1994 book Colors Changing Hue. Still a great technique with such varied results. I spent the last few weeks learning how to use my new Mac Book Pro laptop and transferring my power point presentations to that computer. Wow the images look so good on a larger screen. My former travel computer was a small PC with a small screen.

Trying Something New

2009-11-16T14:24:00.001-08:00

Madama Yolanda:Mind Reader a new 36" x 48" quilt. Black damask fabric background, Mistyfused photo transfers, selective cut flowers, funky YP flowers, and of course, a variety of images that reside deep inside the complex yet creative mind of M. Yolanda.

Class Salt Creek Quilt Guild

2009-11-16T14:18:00.001-08:00

All the members of this Chicago were so lively. I lectured last Thursday night and taught Friday and Saturday. Our Fantasy Floral and Fabulous Face class on Saturday produced some wonderful blocks. Stitching was to be completed at home.

The New Baby Boy

2009-10-23T16:17:00.001-07:00

We had a baby shower last weekend and it was an opportunity for photos. I have more on my Face Book page but here is the quilt and new owner.

Portfolio 16

2009-10-16T13:06:00.001-07:00

The SAQA annual portfolio showcasing work by professional artist members is available from www.saqa.com. Visit the website to see what else is available at the SAQA store.

Four Quilters Hall of Fame Honorees

2009-10-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

During the American Quilt Study Group annual symposium (held this year in San Jose CA) the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles exhibited a lovely selection of quilts from the Joyce Gross Collection. The welcome event for the AQSG attendees was held at the museum with a special tour of the exhibit. Karen Alexander caught up with four previous Hall of Fame Honorees but unfortunately Merikay Walvogel the 2009 inductee was not in the gallery nor Barbara Brackman during the impromptu photo session. Visit the QHoF blog to read a brief bio of all the inductees and the special information on Merikay. Back row L to R, Jean Ray Laury, Yvonne Porcella, Bets Ramsey, front row Joyce Gross. The "gold" medal around Joyce's neck was given to each honoree. Jean, Bets and I all left our medals at home, but Joyce is the best and she wears hers to special events.
thequiltershalloffame.blogspot.com

Baby Boy Byrd

2009-10-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our family continues to grow and my role of making next gen baby quilts is just beginning. This is the second quilt for our grandson's family. New baby boy was less than 24 hours old when I took this picture at the hospital. They had not picked a name when I made the quilt so the quilt shown here un-quilted is lovingly named Merlin. I will correct the title when I get the now finished 40" quilt back from the photographer.

Mistyfuse at Quilt Festival

2009-09-26T12:56:00.001-07:00

Check out the Mistyfuse booth at Houston Quilt Festival and see the special "buttons" of individual artists who use this product in their art quilts. I love MF and just made a quilt for our daughters soon to be new grandchild. Mistyfuse is so easy to use and the MF goddess sheet is the best.

Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

2009-09-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

Martha Connell is archiving exhibits at Arrowmont and she sent two gallery photos showing my art from the faculty exhibit 1987 and 1989. "Stella" is viewed in 1989, a multi panel quilt currently in my collection. The second photo shows the back view of "This is a Long Distance Call" shown in 1987. This quilt was purchased for the collection of the Mint Museum Art + Craft by SAQA in 2000. Such fun to view these quilts from the past.

2009-09-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Dublin has beautiful towers of flowers along the main mall street. Bob is waiting for me to take this photo before we have a cup of tea and a pastry.

Cruise around British Isles

2009-09-10T23:11:00.001-07:00

We visited major port cities in England, Ireland, Scotland. I posted more photos of the trip on my Facebook page. The weather was cool and often windy or light rain. I taught a class and gave a lecture to our tour group on the ship. What fun. We visited Stonehenge and Festival of Quilts in Birmingham before meeting the cruise ship in Southampton.

Julia Child

2009-08-16T15:38:00.001-07:00

With the launch of the Julia and Julia movie with Meryl Streep, I thought I would share the quilt I made with Julia Child for the 1996 exhibit Women of Taste. I was able to meet Julia several times during the development of the quilt and exhibit. She was a wonderful lady.

Don Porcella Art at Alphonse Berber Gallery

2009-08-13T10:58:00.001-07:00

Wonderful exhibit in Berkeley, CA across the street from UC campus. Don's sculpture is made from pipe cleaners. The standing figure has been purchased by a collector from Germany. It is a
such fun to see "Art Lover" standing in the gallery, viewing art on the wall.

A fun time in Long Beach

2009-07-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Wonderful dinner in Long Beach with Iris and Jamie and Leslie who took this photo (I captured the photo from her blog). My room mate Cathie and I had some free time between classes so we finally had an excuse to go shopping. Before we departed, dressed for serious shopping, I took our picture in the hotel room mirror. This mirror thing has become my photography of choice. Perhaps it is because my phone looks so good from the back.

Quilt Festival Long Beach

2009-07-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am teaching three classes and doing all the prep this past week. My Mixed Media Silk Quilts includes fabrics to make the project. Fortunately we are driving so it will be easy to transport multiple suitcases in the car. Part of the fun of being at Quilt Festival is
seeing friends particularly in the Bernina Booth. Have you purchased your new Bernina yet?

Why oh Why add more tasks to my day

2009-06-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

I set up a Facebook account and have enjoyed connecting with people. Seems like being on line takes up more time than it should but one click leads to another. I have been trying to clean up my studio but that too gets put on the back burner. I have been working with painted paper lately and finally finished a knitting project. I even tried making a drawing with the Type app on my iPhone.

Bernina Celebrity (Sewlebrity) Scrapbook

2009-06-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

BERNINA is introducing a new section on www.berninausa.com website to highlight the National Artisans called Celebrity Scrapbook. Bernina is excited about the opportunity to feature the most creative people they know! I guess I qualify and my posting will be up by June 15, 2009. I hope you check out the pattern I have offered to make a block with Bernina amazing Satin Stitch used to Machine Applique around the edges of my pattern pieces. My original quilt will be auctioned later this year on the eBay auction site for The Alliance For American Quilts crazy quilts contest. I made 3 little quilts and our daughter Suzanne made her first ever quilt for the contest.

Facebook

2009-06-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

Our extended family seems to be scattering all over the country and what better way to at least see photos of them - join Facebook. As if I didn't have enough to do, it is still fun visit on line to see all their candid photos. While on my recent trip along the East Coast, I took a self portrait a la "American Gothic" style of Don and I in front of a mirror. Good news is my IPhone has a lovely pink case so that also adds to the concept of living the 21st Century life style. Good friend Suzanne Staud of Staudesign performed her magic with the photo and don't you love all the colors! I posted this photo on my FaceBook album and here is is for you to enjoy.

Quilt National Colonial Williamsberg and North Carolina

2009-06-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a 10 day trip to Athens, OH to enjoy the 2009 Quilt National and SAQA 20th Anniversary event. It was so exciting to see the exhibit but the highlight was meeting the artists and SAQA members who attended. From there I traveled to New York to meet our son Don and he and I toured Virginia and some of the historical spots. Rain and all, it was great fun. Then on to Raleigh NC for the NCQuilt Symposium and teaching 2 classes and giving one lecture. This is a well organized symposium that travels to cities in NC. They offer great classes with outstanding faculty. Getting caught up on emails and surfing the web and I was thrilled to see my SAQA auction quilt on their June virtual newsletter, and one of my quilts in the virtual special exhibit "Three".

Alliance For American Quilts Crazy Quilt Contest

2009-05-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

The contest deadline is June 1st to get Your crazy quilt finished and shipped to the Alliance. I just finished my third 16" square. Remember you can bid on these donated quilts on eBay later this year. Continue to check out www.allianceforamericanquilts.org.

2009-04-30T02:47:00.000-07:00

Self Portraits

Paducah Kentucky

2009-04-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

I just returned from serving as one of the three judges who awarded the prizes for the quilts at the Paducah 25th Anniversary Show. The museum displayed 24 of the past quilts and many of the makers were able to attend and be recognized at the awards banquet. A portion of the museum's collection was also on display and I was pleased to see my quilt "On Wednesday Morning" on display. It is always nice to visit one of your quilts and see it in the beautiful surroundings of a museum. I was able to spend part of Monday with a group of Wisconsin Quilters who graciously invited me to join their motor home trek to Hancock's and other fabric sales as well as having lunch at the famous Patti's 1860 restaurant. I didn't take photos of the Paducah show but here is the speciality of Patti's a 8 inch coconut cream meringue pie (back view of Lemon meringue is across the table seen here as a white mountain).

Alliance For American Quilts Crazy Quilt Contest

2009-04-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is my 16 inch square quilt that will be submitted to benefit the Alliance For American Quilt. This and many others will be auctioned on eBay later this year.

Look for the Alliance on the web or in a major quilt conference in your area. The contest is open to all but should reflect a crazy quilt style. I couldn't resist doing one of my fantasy faces using left over fused fabrics. Buttons and stitching add to the embellishment of the block. www.allianceforamericanquilts.org

Fabric Self Portrait

2009-04-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

Fabric Pictures or Self Portraits Class students will design a fabulous face using a self image as a starting point. As you can see in the six quilts shown here the faces became

male and funky and fun. Pierre, Maurice, Monty, Pablo, Elvin/URA star, Jack/Joker

are titled top left to bottom right. Send me a comment or question regarding this class.

Studios Magazine is Available now

2009-03-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

I just receive my copy of the spring issue of Studios and my article is on page 42. The every page in the magazine is full of ideas,
delights, and creative people with unique styles. I hope you will all pick up a copy soon. You don't want to miss this! To see more
of my work check my archive list for information on my Zine.

eBooks from C&T Publishing

2009-03-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

The time is now! Download your copy of my book from C&T Publishing



2009-03-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

C&T Publishing is bringing back out of print titles as eBooks and they are currently preparing  Magical Four-Patch and Nine-Patch Quilts (60184) for sale on line. I will post launch date and ordering information when available.   
  


Cloth Paper Scissors Stitch Magazine
2009-02-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

The Spring issue is now available for pre-order. It will be sold on select newsstands March 31. See my studio. To pre-order http://www.interweavestore.com/store/p/2518-Studios-Spring-2009-Pre-Order-.aspx



Here We Art On The Set
2009-02-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Pokey for sending a photo of us on the set of Quilting Arts TV show taping.


Quilting Arts next Season
2009-02-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

Great fun to visit Quilting Arts TV studio to tape a segment for the next series. I arrived in Cleveland Sunday afternoon, drove to the studio Monday morning with Jeanne Delpit, who was the Bernina support manager on set. After makeup and set up in the green room, I did my segment taping with Pokey Bolton, had lunch and left for the airport, arriving back in CA at 11 PM. Here are photos of what I would look like if I were taller and thinner. I couldn't resist taking my own picture in the mirror propped up on the wall. The distortion was perfect, I think I look at least 6 inches taller. Helen Gregory was Pokey's support team along to help  the star of the show. Thanks to Jeanne for taking this photo of Helen and I. This is what the set looks like when you walk in the room - big cameras and lots of cords. Challenge is not bumping into or tripping over anything.  



New Bernina 830 Launch
2009-02-24T17:02:00.000-08:00


What excitement to actually be able to stitch on the new Bernina 830, the dream machine. Bernina has identified National Artisans and over the years we have suggested new features we would like to see in a machine. And here it is! Also check a new web sitededicated to the 830 launch. 
http://www.berninausa8.com



2009-01-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

February is my month in the Bernina Sew Red 2009 calendar supporting the American Heart Association. Last fall I blinged a Bernina! Imagine taking a wonderful sewing machine and embellishing it with treasures. Check out the calendar at your localBernina store. Red is one of my favorite colors so finding things to add to my bling-ing was easy. Hearts are also another favorite symbol, what could be better? I will be teaching at the Honeybee Quilters retreat in Jacksonville, FL for their quilt stampede, wear your cowgirl hat and boots was the request on their web page, come and be prepared to line dance. What a great opportunity to show off my wearing of the hat and boots by doing a photo transfer on a denim apron, decorated with red of course. 



Chartreuse Muse Reception
2009-01-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

Chartreuse Muse opening reception, my quilts are on the back walls to minimize sunlight from the front west windows. Scroll down for more photos.www.TheChartreuseMuse.com 



Porcella's quilts at Chartreuse Muse gallery
2009-01-02T16:54:00.000-08:00
January 2, 2009 Modesto Bee newspaper had an announcement of the exhibit at Chartreuse Muse gallery opening on Monday. Such a nice way to start a new year, finding your photo in the Art Scene section of the paper.http://www.modbee.com/scene/story/550852.html



2008-12-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

Come to Modesto to see the exhibit.




Studio News
2008-12-11T19:49:00.000-08:00
It is always nice to have a clean studio and just the right time for a photograph. The box on the wall  to the left holds my ironing board. The door opens and the board is lowered to ironing height.  The room behind me was my studio when we moved to this house and eventually we added on a bigger room. What a luxury to have two rooms of my own. Fabrics, books, computer, batting, class samples are in this room along with a large design wall currently holding small art quilts. The big room is reserved for making art quilts. The table is high so I can stand to work or sit on my chair. The chair is on rollers so I can move it around to all sides of the 4 x 8 foot table.  Windows are all along the north wall to provide light. 


January 2009 Exhibit
2008-12-05T21:41:00.000-08:00


I am showing approximately 20 art quilts and a few of my dolls at the Chartreuse Muse Gallery in Modesto, CA. This is a wonderful space at 917 10th St. in a renovated store in the downtown area. The gallery is near the new Gallo Performing Art Center. My show will open on January 5 with artists reception Saturday January 10 from 5 to 8 PM. Shown on the left are three quilts on the south wall. All the art work is for sale. Come and see great art, jewelry, art glass and MY quilts. Exhibit up until Feb. 27, 2009


Visions Gallery San Diego, CA
2008-11-10T22:28:00.000-08:00
Current exhibit at Visions Gallery includes Playing With A Full Deck and small art work by artists who are part of the collection of 52 quilts that make up the Full Deck exhibit. Visit the Visions gallery web site for more information. Shown here is my small quilt titled "Always" featuring mixed media collage with silks, paper, and hand colored photos.


We're going on a Cruise
2008-11-10T22:18:00.000-08:00
Deb Roberts is organizing a Cruise around the British Islesand I will be teaching while we are at sea. Save the dates,
August 25 to Sept. 5, 2009. This cruise benefits the
Quilters Hall of Fame. Please visit the web site
for all the details http://worldofquiltstravel.com
and click on Quilt Cruise for a Cause. Be the first
to get your reservation in.





Rendezvous
2008-11-01T13:07:00.000-07:00
International Quilt Festival, Bernina Fashion Show Rendezvous. It is a great  show "A Body of Work, Essence of Me"  is the title of my entry.  To see more quilts and visit the show room floor go to http://www.quilts.com/fqfo8/enVivo/ and click the link to the Festival. 



Have you ordered your Zine?
2008-10-18T14:21:00.000-07:00
Visit my website, contact page for information to ordera copy of my new zine. Information is also posted on this
blog. Thanks




STITCH Magazine Nov. 11
2008-10-18T14:16:00.001-07:00
Visit www.quiltingarts.com  to order a copy ofa new specialty magazine. Cali Nicole, is featured
on top of her new quilt in an ad for Mistyfuse.
Cali, age 10 months  is the daughter of our grandson.



High Fiber Under Five
2008-10-15T15:04:00.001-07:00
High Fiber Under Five, November 7, 2008 6 to 11 pm, San Jose Museum of Quiltsand Textiles, 520 So. First St. San Jose, CA For details about this sale and opportunity
to purchase fiber art by 92 artists, go to www.sjquiltmuseum.org
Pictured is one of my pieces, 
Bloom Bloom



Fabric painting
2008-10-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

I love using bright colors in my art and I also am happy to use a softer palette when I paint  my own 
silk and cotton fabrics.  In the late 1990s I authored 
two painting books using different techniques. My 
new mini quilt series is fun, easy to do, with a focus 
on  family stories.  Titles  top to bottom: Paris View, 
Lou and Who, Two + Two.



Peak inside ZINE
2008-09-08T09:05:00.000-07:00


Here is one of the page spread inside the zine. Each page hasa different design style including full view of quilts and details.
On the left is page 17, on the right is page 18
Yvonne





Zine is available
2008-09-07T12:26:00.001-07:00

Copies of the new Zine are available by ordering from this blog. Checks or money orders only. Leave a comment on this blog and I will send mailing address for Yvonne Porcella. Cost of one Zine to U.S. residents is $10.00 plus $2.00 ship and handling.
California residents add .75 cents sales tax. Zine is full of color, 26 pages, small format, text and photos of  art quilts. For 2 or more retail copies, add $4.00 ship and handling. For wholesale orders, please leave a comment on this blog. 


Mixed Media Self Portraits
2008-08-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

Mixed Media Self Portraits book published by Quilting Arts should be available for purchase this fall. Check the web
for availability. Two small quilts of mine are included.




Studio News
2008-08-24T12:29:00.000-07:00
Tomorrow the proof of my zine will be ready for approval. I am so excited. Suzanne Staud, the graphic designer already made her 
minor corrections and said the project looks fabulous. Continue to 
check this blog for news on when you can order your personal copy. 
To pass the time, I have been busy in the studio making art quilts 
that are due for fall exhibits. I will post photos and information later 
about where you can see the new work. Since I have learned  how to 
use Mistyfuse in my work, making new art has been such a fun and a 
quick way to satisfy my need to be creative. Our family reunion this 
summer renewed my interest in ancestors, family history and memories. 
I have been revisiting some of the photo transfers I made for my  book 
"Six Color World" published in 1997 to use in the new work. 
I am having so much fun!

Yvonne






APNQ Quiltfest 2008
2008-08-12T17:01:00.000-07:00
I just returned from Seattle after working on the judging panel for the 2008 quilt entries. There were 289 quilts from which
to select the top winners in each category. After one day to
enjoy shopping opportunities in downtown Seattle, we had
3 days of teaching. This was the first time Quiltfest added
classes and they were very successful. Check out the website
for APNQ to read about Quiltfest and plans for 2010.
www.apnq.org




The ZINE is in progress
2008-07-28T18:51:00.000-07:00
Suzanne Staud has been working very hard to create a beautiful zine ofmy art work. I have seen all the pages on her computer. What a gem.
I can hardly wait to see it in print. It will be available soon and you can
learn more about pricing and availability by checking this blog.