Around the World Blog Hop

I am delighted to be part of the Around The World Blog Hop, by invitation from Franki Kohler.  Her blog hop post can be found here.  Next week look for Kay Pennington's blog, when she jumps into the hop.  Hopefully hopping from blog to blog you will discover new bloggers to add to your blog roll. 

There are four questions I'm to answer, so here goes:

1.  What am I working on?

Oh, the possibilities!  The #1 item on my ToDo List is a Snow White costume for my granddaughter.  The #1 quilt item on my ToDo List is a wedding quilt for my middle son and his new wife.  I will be making this costume this week, and (hopefully) piecing the quilt this weekend.  Goals are good!  I usually have at least 5-6 projects that I am actively working on, but the last few months of the year seem to center around family-type items.

2.  How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I don't work from patterns and I don't work in set techniques.  I like a little bit of everything, usually beginning with lots of tradition then morphing it into something different.  I LOVE handwork, but often do machine work.  My current thrill is to add hand embellishment to transform something simple into something extra-special.  What do I mean?  How about this piece, which is actually very simple piecework, with some handsewn beads and French knots added for interest:

 "Inspired by Sara"

Suzanne Kistler, 2014

This is a detail of the beading/knots.

3.  Why do I write/create what I do?

I have constant ideas and images swimming around in my brain.  The best way to truly "see" them is to write them down or sew them out.  My writing, and especially my quilting, are my most effective means of communication.

4.  How does my writing/creating process work?

It flows from who I am.  I don't analyze, I just do.  And if I don't do, I don't function properly.  I am happiest if I am composing words on paper or fabric into design.  I imagine a quilt, then consider the best techniques to bring it to life, and go from there.  Quite often the finished product differs from my first imaginings.  Quilts take on a life of their own, and I just go with it.

Like this "finished" quilt,

that really needed beads.

And with that, I invite you to hop along and visit other 'Round the World Bloggers.  I've seen a few others here and here.  Happy Blog Hopping!  :)