However, by the time this magazine hits the newsstand, things will
likely be different. In New England, the snow and cold of winter are
inevitable. But the season doesn’t have to lead to hibernation. On the
contrary, some of my most artistically productive months are those
where the temperatures dive below freezing. Let’s face it: it is more fun
to print, paint, and sew than it is to shovel!
This issue has enough material to distract even the most enthusiastic
snowbird during the waning winter months. We’ve gathered a wide
variety of techniques on the following pages, and encourage readers
to experiment along with our expert contributors. While gathering
the articles, projects, and techniques for this issue, special focus was
placed on creating portraits. You’ll fi nd an article on cyanotype printing
from Sue Reno, which also explores creating a self portrait using this
innovative blue-and-white printing method. Learn thread painting tips
from award-winning quilter Lea McComas as she explains how to soften
a line between colors and values in her portrait quilts. My own pixelated
portrait experiment using readily available software as a design tool
is also included. And don’t miss the amazing quilts from our Reader
Challenge (p. 26), all featuring faces. All in all, this issue contains more
than 35 portrait quilts—and each tells an interesting and creative story.
The temperatures are dropping and it is time to create! We hope you
make time for art every day.Best,Vivika Hansen DeNegre
Editoreditor's note
“Ed Note” • 64" × 64"
Learn more about
pixelated portrait quilts
in this issue of Quilting
Arts Magazine.FROM WHERE I SIT TODAY,
WINTER REALLY ISN’T THAT
BAD. Since we work a few
months in advance, I’m
enjoying a hot cup of tea on
a mild November day, with
not one snowfl ake in the
forecast.