Welcome to Cinderella's Blog
Perhaps a better name would be Journal or News. I chose B.L.O.G.—who knew that “word” would become traditional? The good news is “Quilting” will always be universally recognized no matter what language we translate. We’ll still be searching for creative ways to express quilt art and new locations to shop for essentials. We desire inspirational instructors, exciting fabrics and especially quality THREADS—the glue! Our support network of quilters through satellite groups, guilds, and communities is vibrant (especially here, on Vancouver Island, BC). Join me as I share how-to articles on Threads and techniques, quilting events, profiles on fabric artists, natural things of beauty and general interest to curious and resourceful stitchers! ...Cindy Scraba (Cinderella)
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Article Archive
Focus on FibreArtists--Coreen Zerr (#1 in series)
Posted by cindy on Saturday, September 25th, 2010
COREEN ZERR of Nanaimo, B.C. is the featured quilter/fibre artist in my special "Focus on FibreArtists" series. Do you have a favorite quilter/fibre artist/teacher who has inspired you? Today I'm profiling one of my favorites on Vancouver Island. Enjoy! Cinderella
Q. How would you describe your own style of quilting?
My quilting style has evolved over the years from Traditonal pattern making to one of a kind Art Quilts. I still believe that the fundamentals of traditional quilt making have been the best lessons in construction, design, and colour and set the basis for all my successful Fiber Art pieces.
Q. What is your favorite workshop(s) to teach?
Wow-that is a tough one as I love to teach workshops that inspire the students and there are quite a few. Landscapes and one of a kind design classes, probably give the most gratification to me, especially when the students get really excited about what they are working on and realize that they can do it!
Q.What are some of your favorite quilts, which you’ve created?
Oh I have sooo many favourites- probably why it is so hard to part with them once they are made!
The Flamingo-called "Coral Splendor" "The Kwanza Maidens",
"The Land of Fey",
One of The Five Commissions for the St Phillips by the Sea Anglican Church "The Lenten Seascape",
"Beneath the Surface",
and "The 7th Day of Creation" are probably some of my best work,
but I really enjoyed making and the finished piece -"In Living Colour".
"Home is a Manitoba Farm" is the largest I have made and the latest!
(all photos included are courtesy of the artist Coreen Zerr)
Q. Do you have a favorite sewing machine(s)?
Yes, my Pfaff 7550--actually I have rebuilt it twice and have just purchased another secondhand one in pristine condition!
Q. How many machines do you have?
Yikes!!!! I hate to have to admit--7 featherweights, 2 Pfaffs, 1 Husqvarna, 1 Babylock Quest (newest), 2 Elna's (both older), and 1 old treadle, and 1 new embellisher. sooo 15- and I thought I was doing very good this year- I gave my son a Janome that I had, a niece an old singer, and sold a Pfaff Handiquilter!!
Q. Which instructors or workshops have most inspired you?
I have had many that have been an inspiration but if I had to pick I would say Margaret Miller--any class! Ann Johnson Design, and Joen Wolfgrem Design, and Judy Farrow introduced me to Fractured Landscapes and designing from a photo which has been an awesome tool.
Q. What other things inspire you to teach and quilt?
I have so many ideas rolling around that inspiration is so easy. I think living in such beautiful surroundings on Vancouver Island, gives the quilt artist an abundance of material to work with.
Teaching is so rewarding as I learn or figure out something new, I want to share it with all that have the desire to learn!
Q. Whom is on your instructor/quilter "wish list" to meet and why?
I would love to meet Ricky Timms. I have promoted his Grand Finale DVD on free motion quilting to many students as I love his teaching manner and he makes it look so easy.
Q. What would you like other quilters to know about you?
That I love to teach, share my work with them and guide them to be very successful artists. My success has only come from being focused and I love to share with them that I started at the very beginning, just like everyone.
Q.What determines your Thread choices in your projects?
Usually the colour and weight. I audition the thread colour just like the fabric for the piece. If possible, I also like to choose the thread that will give me the least trouble-i.e. polyester versus rayon. But colour is #1. I choose heavier weights to create texture or three dimensional work, and lighter weights for background quilting...every project effect I want to create determines the weight of thread I would use.
Visit Coreen Zerr's website for ongoing Class Schedules
and her extensive Student's Art Gallery: www.correenzerr.com
Thank you Coreen for agreeing to be the 1st Artist to be Profiled in my special Series. and for sharing your talents and being such a prolific, terrific teacher!
Cinderella
Cindy Scraba (CindysThreadworks.Com)
- Click below for other Quilters & FibreArtists to be profiled in this Series.
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