Leslie Levison
Crazy Quilter ExtraordinaireLeslie Levison grew up in Beach Haven, NJ, where she first indulged in her collecting fervor by searching out tiny seashells along the beach. By high school, she had accumulated collections of beads and fabrics as well.
Millenium Mermaid In 1985, the book Crazy Quilts by Penny McMorris, provided the inspiration for Leslie to try her hand at crazy quilting. Two years later she began sharing this passion by teaching others to do embroidery, beadwork and just generally wreaking havoc in their lives.
A year and a half ago, Leslie decided it was high time she afforded herself the luxury of a larger space for living, working and accommodating her collections than the cramped walk-up apartment in Manhattan that she had made do with, for so long.
Leslie has been intensely involved in the New York City quilting scene as an active member of the Manhattan Quilters Guild and also a pioneering founder of the Empire Quilters Guild, established in 1982. Since relocating to Naugatuck, CT, Leslie has joined the Greater Hartford Quilt Guild and is also a proud member of CRONES Crazy Royalty of New England Stitchers.
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Details from Millenium Mermaid Lately Leslie has been experimenting with silk ribbon embroidery. Current projects include a private commission for a large wall hanging composed of cottons in shades of pink and green, reflecting the theme of an Antique Rose Garden. When completed it will be embellished with what has become Leslie's trademark signature, a beaded fringe bottom.
Another work in progress is Leslie's Ruby Warrior Quilt, embodying dual inspirations, which will be juxtaposed within the piece. One inspiration is a verse from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, "A woman of valor who can find, for her price is above rubies." The other comes from a photo fantasy image showing an invincible woman warrior, dressed in armor, victoriously posed with her vanquished enemy underfoot. The quilt will contain the words of the proverb in Hebrew stenciled in calligraphy.
Leslie is presently also engaged in putting together a booklet of beading techniques specifically for crazy quilters. She holds her very unique brand of classes at City Quilter in NYC and Thistle Needleworks in Glastonbury, CT. The names of her workshops are as unique as the classes themselves:
Dragonflies and Bellydancers - Introduction to Crazy Quilts, stitches and beadwork.
When the Stitch Hits the Fan - Additional stitches, intro to ribbon flowers, beaded wire flowers, and Brazillian embroidery techniques.
Patience is a Virtue - Concentrates on large embroidery and beadwork motifs.
Step into My Parlor - Finishing techniques for Crazy Quilts
The Tattooed Mermaid - 45-minute Trunk show featuring 15 Quilts and accompanying stories
Time for a Garage Sale - What happens when your fabrics stop speaking to you? Features 3 crazy quilts and 10 sketches in patchwork.------
Details from Millenium Mermaid Leslie is a contributor to the premier issue of Quilting Arts magazine with her enlightening article entitled "Demystifying the Feather Stitch." In addition to her interest in fabrics, beads, fibers and threads, she enjoys cooking, traveling and the roar of a Harley-Davidson on the open road, which is somewhat closer to her front door than before!
For more information about Leslie Levison's classes please contact her at Tatmermaid@aol.com
If you have never tried Crazy Quilting, a previous class by Leslie on the Caron site at http://www.caron-net.com/quiltclass is sure to get you going! Leslie's presents an introduction to making a Crazy Quilt Patchwork Block, step by step, from start to finish and, for really adventurous needleworkers, even beyond.
GALLERY ARCHIVES
Click below if you missed past month's Gallery Features.Leon Conrad - Professional UK Designer and Teacher
The Stoney Creek Collection
Martha DeRaimo-Burch and Her Bears
byAward Winning Designs from the 1999 ANG National ExhibitThe Dynamic duo of Marjorie Hunter and Amy Bunger A Bear Tail, Oops, Tale There are Bears, and Then There Are Donna Cornelison-Henasy's Bears Revisiting Robert Forman New Watercolours and Wildflower Threads K's Creations Tools of the Trade for Stitcher's Contemporary Crewel Embroidery Sampler Fest Christmas Sock Designs Part II The Mary Jane Collection Nan Halberg of Colorific Thread and Dye Works Studio Inspiration "Flower Power" Gallery of Designs
Exhibition of Original Christmas Sock and Stocking Designs
Judy Ritter
of Whiteworks Heirloom Christening GownsDaniele Bertin
the proud owner of Zip Mercerie in Le Havre, FranceThuve-Stua The mother-daughter design team of
Lillill Thuve and Anne-Stine ThuveCarol Tinson Design Booklets (England) Voirrey, Embroidery Centre, in the UK Christmas Sock Motif Contest Winners Barbara Greenberg, artist, sculptor "Lacemaker Extraordinaire", Marjo Timmers. New Caron Designer Patterns and Thread Colors
International Style Collection by Pam Davenport and new Watercolours and Waterlilies threads."Inch" Winifred Sharp
A true industry pioneer whose example and work are an inspiration to needleworkers everywhere.Nautical Contest Entries and Winner!
See the simple nautical motif transformed by these interpretations.The Breast Cancer Quilt Projects Parts I & II
"Raging Light" USA, Life Quilt for Breast Cancer CANADAContest #3 Winner and Participants
Italian Winner Giulia Manfredini, MDNorthern Virginia Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild "Red Squared" by Stephanie Novatski
(Winner and other entries to Contest No. 2)Yarn Painting by Artist Robert Forman Karen Cohn, of Dragonfly Clothing Embellishment of, Deanna Van Assche Contest #1 Winner Roxanne Barkofsky and other contest entries The Wearable Art of, Kimberly Crum
