Karen Pharr Studios

Love those Handles

2011-12-13T16:46:00.001-05:00

This set of handles have been hanging around in my studio for a while. I love the handles and new I needed to design something to fit them. I am now down to okay, I have the bag sorta done in muslin, I have created some really pretty crazy blocks. I need a little more fabric to accent the side and bottom of the bag. This ended up being a bit harder task than I thought. I will simply blame it on the handles.

A little Inspiration

2011-12-11T17:18:00.001-05:00

It seems where ever I go Nature inspires me. While doing some teaching and shows in Florida we visited a nature preserve. I was so excited to see the birds. I came home with lots of pictures.

The subtle color of a bird that is the most beautiful color of grey, or is it blue?

but it is funny what might most inspire you...The boardwalk Itself.

Naples Florida Quilt Show 2011

2011-12-09T13:12:00.001-05:00

Earlier this year I attended the Naples Florida Quilt Show. A great Show with outstanding Quilts.

Here is a peak of a few of my favorites.

And then We Cracked Open the Tequila by Veronica Von Zwehl

Shelter by Suzanne Sanger

Beyond the Steps by Deb Crine

2011-08-23T20:20:00.002-04:00

My new Crazy Quilted Stick Horse. New Pattern available at www.karenpharrstudios.com

Free Shipping Extended

2011-07-27T09:31:00.002-04:00

Use code FREESHIP at checkout extended thru Aug 1 www.karenpharrstudios.com

Are you READY

2011-07-20T14:09:00.000-04:00

There is something special in this weeks newsletter, are you signed Up? http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/newsletter.html

Rusting in the Heat

2011-06-01T22:23:00.000-04:00

Rust dying in the 90 degree heat, got some great new colors !!

Don't forget, Rust instructions are now in the Fearless Fabric Painting Book.

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/shopbooks.html

Crazy Shuffle - All Batiks

2011-05-30T14:10:00.000-04:00

This new crazy shuffle is from my Crazy Shuffle Book. Just 9 fats make this large lap size top, add more fats, make it bigger.

This great fabric is from Sew Batik and pattern by Karen Pharr Studios

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/shopbooks.html

Welcome Home

2011-05-28T12:36:00.001-04:00

New Patterns

Never did I think I would work in a "series" but my door have seem to take on their own life. Request for a door for a guild in the Southern part of the country has created the new Blue Door.

With the popularity rising I have turned both of these now in to Patterns and there are a few Limited Kits available.

Next on the Hoizone is going to be a stone wall with a wood door.

Check out the new patterns and kits at http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/shoppatterns.html

The flood Wall

2011-05-08T21:52:00.000-04:00

A reminder of the Flood before the wall is painted on the Flood Wall which protects Paducah from the river.

BryerPatch Studio, Paducah Ky

2011-05-02T16:55:00.001-04:00

Bryerpatch Studios

So last year this was one of the places I never made it too. Now I know what I was missing.

Caryl Bryer Fallert has built a stunning studio called Bryerpatch in Paducah. She works and lives in this large beautiful building specifically built to house both her business and home. Perfectly laid out to accomodate a show room, work room and upstairs living and personal Studio. My friend Bridget who works for Caryl during Paducah week gave me a grand tour.

Caryl Bryer Fallert greeting her guest at the studio

One of my most favorite pieces by Caryl Bryer Fallert

Bridgette, next to her art as a featured artist for the week.

Paducah Class Room

2011-05-01T20:28:00.000-04:00

Making Doors

All three classes went great in Paduach, the classes were moved to a whole new location but the students were great and classes were fun.

Paducah

2011-04-25T22:43:00.001-04:00

Ahh, kits are made, van is packed. Rain or Shine Paducah is On!!! Hope to see you there.

Classes this Summer in Florida

2011-04-22T20:53:00.000-04:00

The dates are official !!! join me at Crafty Threads quilt shop http://www.craftythreads.com/
for Fearless Fabric Painting, Landscapes and Fusing, Fibers and Fun June 30th, July 1st and 2nd.

new Door Update

2011-04-13T18:26:00.000-04:00

In the process of a New Door Art Quilt...

Needs some quilting and I am thinking a Welcome sign.

Finding the Artist In You

2011-04-08T23:50:00.000-04:00

Join me Saturday at the Cincinnati International Quilt festival. At 3:30 on the SAQA stage I will be giving my lecture ( not a fan of that word) Finding the Artist in You.

After the Lecture, Skyline Chili !!!

MMMMMmmmmmm...

I see Somthing New !!

2011-04-05T11:47:00.000-04:00

Last night I wanted to test the Karen Pharr Studios base extender over colored pencils to see how it works.

I drew a simple picture, went over it with the base extender and let it dry. Once dry I ironed to set everything and then washed it. A good wash with Soap and water since I was testing.

No runs, No loss of Color. Still very Soft.

Another great way to use the base extender.

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/catalog/item/7487423/7870859.htm

New Underwater View

2011-04-01T16:19:00.000-04:00

The most fun I have had in a while, Creating this Underwater piece. Scrunching fabrics, melting others. The frame just sets it all off.

New Logo's

2011-03-31T16:25:00.000-04:00

I have always wanted a "real logo" so I decided to get some professional help. What do you Think?

Thanks to PiktureThis Photography.

Urban Inspiration Quilt Show

2011-03-23T10:18:00.000-04:00

New York City here we come !!! This show is held in the Fashion Institute of Technology. And yes, I plan to make my way to MOOD Fabrics.

Fearless Fabric Painting Book

2011-03-15T18:40:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it !!

Pre-Order Your Fearless Fabric Painting Book today

at a special price.

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/catalog/item/7487423/8679507.htm

The Man behind the Scenes

2011-03-15T13:45:00.000-04:00

Rarely seen, the man behind the scenes. My husband Mark is who really keeps things going.

When you see him at the shows, working hard in the booth please thank him for being there. He drives the car while I catch up on sleep, he carries all the fun stuff into the building for set up and re-packs it all so we can move on to the next show.

Thanks Mark !!!

Screen Print

2011-03-13T18:32:00.000-04:00

Found this great new screen at the last show. I could wait to get it home and play. This is my teal blue shimmer paint straight from the jar onto the screen printed onto white fabrics. Soooo Easy !!

One of My Family

2011-03-02T22:10:00.000-05:00

Zip it up Mom, Ready to go !!!

Time to be Crazy ???

2011-02-19T14:07:00.000-05:00

This turned out so great, the center fabric is a new line from Quilting Treasures. My favorite thing about a crazy quilt block is using all different types of fabrics.

A cheesy Heart

2011-02-15T22:45:00.000-05:00

A cute little project to show off hand painted cheese cloth, raw edge painted batting, and painted lace wings.

Hand Painted Cheesecloth

2011-02-15T00:06:00.000-05:00

newly handpainted cheesecloth. Lots of great new colors. Waiting for them to dry.

Painted Silk

2011-02-08T15:51:00.000-05:00

Stenciled dupioni silk with Karen Pharr Studios Coral Shimmer Paint.

My Mini Art Doll

2011-02-07T19:56:00.000-05:00

My new little mini art doll, she is a mear 4 inches tall, I think everyone should try a little pink in their hair at least once. Pattern for art dolls coming this week.

New Rusted Fabric

2011-02-04T14:45:00.000-05:00

After moving, I know the process is the same but I had to get comfortable in my new rust dyeing area. All seems well, Here are a couple of new pieces.

This newspaper print fabric is one of my favorite things to rust, it gives you a wonderful vintage look.

Painted Faces

2011-01-14T11:46:00.000-05:00

Karen Pharr Studios Textile Paints work great on all medias

These are painted clay faces.

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/paintstore.html

Red and White Crazy block

2011-01-11T09:57:00.002-05:00

Ready to embellish, Then set with red-work blocks.

Crazy blocks and Redwork

2011-01-09T11:18:00.000-05:00

Red and white crazy blocks done, need embellished have 4 Redwork umbrellas and one Victorian lady to finish. Football and stitching today.

Love it When it All Works Out

2011-01-07T12:36:00.000-05:00

From This, Rust Dye Day in a skillet

To This

Stencil painted simple brown over my rust dyed fabric

2011-01-04T10:31:00.000-05:00

The first 2011 newsletter will be coming out this week. Get signed up now, http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/newsletter.html so you don't miss a thing.

Happy 2011

2011-01-03T15:18:00.002-05:00

Instead of starting a new diet, or exercise Let's all just make this the year to Color Outside the Lines.

Sale Items on Website

2010-12-22T22:13:00.002-05:00

Check out the website for some new items and also so great End of the Year Sale.
http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/

New Release, Kool Kaleidoscope Quilts

2010-12-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

Kool Kaleidoscope Quilt Book is now out, See my Sticks and Stones quilt on pages 32 (border section) and Gallery section page 36.

Thanks Ricky Tims for including my Quilt.

Teaching in Paducah

2010-12-09T23:52:00.000-05:00

It is official, I am now listed on the AQS site as an Instructor for Paducah. Would love to see you in one of my Classes.

http://www.americanquilter.com/shows_contests/paducah/2011/teachers/teacher_biographies.php

Yeah Tennessee

2010-11-30T22:23:00.000-05:00

We made it, I actually have my studio unpacked and am sitting in it typing on my Blog. My room is small but I am going to take some time and share it with you. I think I used my space wisely.

I have a full size cutting table, a 5 foot sewing table and a 5ft big board for ironing. 4 book cases for fabric and a book shelf. Oh Yeah, also my TV.

Happy to be in My New Home

Moving On

2010-11-02T22:14:00.000-04:00

I have been so busy, I have been a terrible blogger. Hoping for a simpler Life we will be loading a moving truck this week and moving to the Knoxville Tn area. A small town called Luttrell just 15minutes NE of Knoxville. I am very excited to be able to concentrate on shows all around the area and on to the East Coast.

Paint Retreat

2010-08-29T00:55:00.000-04:00

So much fun painting for 3 days here in La Veta. I wanted to share some of the great work from my students.

Beautiful Sun Print, In between Rain Storms.

Hand Painted Silk

Stunning Sky

Great Use of Fluorescent Paints and Black

Wichita Kansas Quilt Show

2010-08-26T20:39:00.000-04:00

Catching up from the summer, here are some great pics of quilts and friends from the Wichita Show.

To the Edge and Back

2010-07-27T16:07:00.000-04:00

So I warned you that you would be surprised at what comes next. I seem to be finding my roots again and will be bringing you some more traditional quilts and designs. I am rekindling my affair with my sewing machine and loving it.
Finally after 10 yrs my hands seem to be allowing me to do a bit of hand work so I am reinventing some new ways to do redwork.
Check out my new etsy shop for some Homespun Fun and New star kit.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/karenpharrstudios

Studio Cleanout

2010-07-14T20:01:00.001-04:00

Your gonna be surprised at what you see next. Close to Colorado. Yard Sale with lots of fabric, patterns, books, and other great stuff on Friday!!!

1/2 price Books

2010-07-13T22:16:00.001-04:00

End on Thursday!!! Don't miss out.

1/2 Price Books

2010-07-04T21:59:00.001-04:00

Just listed all my Quilt Books on the web at 1/2 Price. Get them while you can.
http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/

Common Threads Quilt Show

2010-06-20T13:11:00.000-04:00

Count down to going to Wichita Kansas for the Common Threads Quilt Show. June 25-27th. Hope to see some of you there. Stop by the booth and say Hi!!

Workshops

2010-06-09T21:46:00.000-04:00

Just updated the website, http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/ , New Workshops and Lectures. Now taking bookings for 2011 and 2012

Redesigning

2010-06-07T22:10:00.000-04:00

So I find myself lately working on some new projects. I have been reworking an idea for machine applique. As moth of you know with my carpal tunnel hand work is not something I can still do. So I am working on wash away applique. No glue, all cotton, as realistic to hand work that I think you can get with all new tools. What do you think? Intrigued?

Growing as a Quilt makers.

2010-05-27T13:29:00.000-04:00

Lecture today at the Green Valley Quilt Guild. Workshop tomorrow. Home on Sat.

Denver Mancuso Show

2010-05-21T23:30:00.000-04:00

So after leaving Paducah we headed to Denver for the Denver Mancuso Show. One of my favorite shows I love the extra little art vibe it has and there also was a wonderful SAQA exhibit.

This was my favorite quilt and I met the Artist. It won viewers choice but not judging ribbons. It was not quilted to death which I thought was a nice change.

Paducah Final Thoughts

2010-05-17T22:56:00.001-04:00

So yes this year the crowd was down, not sure exactly why. But I would have to say if you ever want to plan to go to Paducah it will be a great year next year. With the new pavillion in place, and it is wonderful. Air conditioned, carpeted floor and I already have my same space reserved for 2011.

Some tips, I have heard it always rains at least once each year. So bring an umbrella.
Wear good walking shoes, but take advantage of the buses that run all over town to all the great spots.
Start booking a Hotel Now.
If you want to have dinner downtown. Make a Reservation.
Don't forget to visit Karen Pharr Studios.

The Amazing Quilts

2010-05-16T18:57:00.000-04:00

So here are some of the quilts that caught my eye at the Paducah Quilt Show

Paducah - "It's Like a Picnic"

2010-05-15T21:57:00.000-04:00

While setting up our booth at Paducah one of the other vendors told me Paducah was like a big picnic. I wasn't sure exactly what he meant but as the week went on I kinda figured it out.

First of all Food, one of the parking areas was set up with tables and a tent for shade and surrounded by food vendors. Bar-b-que, by the way, The Best! Another learning experience is you must partake in the Strawberry Shortcakes made by the boyscouts. About 10 inches tall, they looked wonderful. Didn't get a chance to have one.

On a stroll out to get some lunch, there were people, under the tent at the picnic tables, sitting on the flood wall, Yes, it was a picnic.

I caught up with this lovely lady while she strolled thru the new Pavillion and I couldn't resist asking for a picture of her shirt. She was set for the Picnic.

I am glad she made it!!

Paducah Best of Show Quilt

2010-05-14T22:37:00.000-04:00

So let me show you the Best of Show Quilt for Paducah 2010. Stunning is a simple way to put it.

Up Close

Paducah

2010-05-13T22:12:00.000-04:00

So I am going to take the next few days to tour you thru Paducah. It was my first trip to the show so I really want to share it with you. Our Booth Opening Night !!!

Kelli Nina Perkins - Blog

2010-04-27T22:50:00.002-04:00

Please check out Kelli's Blog, she has been trying out my new paints and has some great things to say and a new piece done with the Paints.
http://ephemeralalchemy.blogspot.com/2010/04/introducing-karen-pharr-studios-paint.html#comments

Thanks Kelli !!!!

Karen Pharr Studios Fabric Paint

2010-04-21T00:04:00.000-04:00

So Exciting, I got the pleasure to meet Kelli Perkins author of Stitch Alchemy and Belinda Spiwak writer for Cloth Paper Scissors. Both used my new paints in Make it University at the International Quilt Festival in Chicago.

International Quilt Festival - Chicago

2010-04-20T23:53:00.000-04:00

Best of Show

Viewers Choice, My Favorite as Well.

New Jersey Quilt Fest

2010-03-21T23:31:00.000-04:00

Some great quilts at the NJ Quilt Fest. A few of my favorites.

Best of Show

New Jersey Quilt Fest

2010-03-05T21:59:00.000-05:00

I took photos today at the New Jersey Quilt fest show, will post pictures in the next day or two.

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival

2010-03-02T19:55:00.000-05:00

Here are some great shots of the Mid-Atlantic Quilt festival quilts.
Best of Show

My Personal Favorite

I love this one, then I read the description, Hand Applique, wow all needle turned, no raw edges.

Fabric Paint

2010-02-25T21:54:00.000-05:00

Today I sold my first jars of Karen Pharr Studios Textile Paint. I am so excited to have a product that is great on the fabric and so fun to work with. There are matte colors and of course shimmers too.

Down Time

2010-02-22T22:26:00.000-05:00

Finished a Fun and Full Original Sewing and Quilting Show in Tampa. Taking a Break between shows in Savannah, GA. Never been here before. Took some quilt inspiring Photo's today.

New Fabric Paints

2010-02-15T20:56:00.000-05:00

So I can hardly believe it but there is a New Fabric Paint being released. Yes, it is called Karen Pharr Studios Textile Paint.

Two lines, Matte and Shimmers. How could I do anything that didn't offer a shimmer. Love my shiny stuff.

So Next time you can visit my booth please check out my New Fabric Paints.
If you can't visit the booth, I will be setting them up on the website as soon as I get a chance.

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/

Ready for Some Quilt Shows

2010-02-12T22:43:00.001-05:00

One Day Countdown. Leave for Tampa on Sunday. Machine Quilting and Zany Zinnia classes are both full but there are still openings in Atlanta.

http://www.sewingexpo.com/

Tucson Quilt Show

2010-02-07T13:09:00.000-05:00

Best of Show for the Tucson Quilt Show. Hand Pieced and hand quilted. A Beautiful work in stunning Colors.

You can always count on a lot of Day of the Dead quilts in the Tucson Show as well... Thought this one was a lot of Fun.

Winter Quilt Show

2010-01-28T00:36:00.003-05:00

Winter Quilt Show in Oklahoma City was full of fun. I taught one class and had one lecture. Great group of Ladies. We introduced a new thread line, Cucirini Tre Stelle from Milano, Italy. The favorite of the show seemed to be the 24wt silk thread in a wonderful variety of colors.

On the Road Again

2010-01-19T20:30:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma show is done and over, On the Way to Tucson. Made a fun stop in between at the Moda Fabric Warehouse. Wish I had a bigger Van.

Keeping Your Thoughts

2010-01-11T10:12:00.000-05:00

How do I keep my desings after I have thought of them, well, ideas come to me at many different times so I always carry a small journal style book with me. I record ideas in them, sometimes draw pictures. Some ideas turn into things, some don't. When I am at home I have a folder I put them all in so I can refer back to them anytime.

Cucirini Thread

2010-01-09T00:40:00.001-05:00

Thread Shipped to Oklahoma City today. We will pick it up and unpack it for our first show of 2010.

New Thread

2010-01-07T02:57:00.001-05:00

Waiting Patiently, well maybe not so patiently for the new Cucurini thread to arrive.

Explosion

2010-01-05T02:57:00.001-05:00

Do you ever feel your head will explode with thoughts of all the things you can make. New techniques, new ideas, Never enough Time.

Starting Fresh

2010-01-02T22:36:00.000-05:00

Christmas is Done and the New Year has Rung. Everyone I talk to says they are looking forward to a new year. Next show is only 11 days away. Oklahoma City, See Ya there !!

Fabric Shopping

2010-01-01T23:04:00.001-05:00

Started the New Year off right!! Fabric Shopping. I am looking for the perfect black and tan prints to work with some sephia prints on fabric for a New Crazy Shuffle Quilt. Getting close, could use a couple more prints. Then have to choose the pictures.

End of a Decade

2009-12-31T23:44:00.000-05:00

So I realize I haven't been a great Blogger, I haven't kept up. Now I am not big on New Years Resolutions but I am going to try hard to keep my blog site up to date.
I met so many great new people while doing shows in 2009. After doing our last show in the Chicago area we counted and had done a total of 28 shows.

We saw a lot of the Country, a lot of Quilts and met wonderful people. Teaching classes is truly my favorite thing. Somewhere along the road I lost 60lbs.

So what is coming for 2010. A new book for Spring Market. Shows begin as Early at Jan 12th in Oklahoma City, then on to Tucson.

New products are on their way, new patterns and Techniques too. I will do my best to keep you posted as we go along.

Happy New Year and Happy Quilting !!!

On the Road Again

2009-10-13T00:44:00.000-04:00

Off to California for the Santa Clara Pacific International Quilt show. Hope to see ya there!!

Home Again

2009-10-07T01:00:00.001-04:00

Home for only 4 days then off to Santa Clara for the Pacific International Quilt Show. Hope to see you there.