Last evening after getting another great haircut by Sara at Pageboy I walked the opposite direction of where my car was parked and noticed a new boutique on Butler Street.  (You gotta love moments like these that behalf upon us!) Werk caught my eye because I noticed textiles (Quilts!!!) hanging on the wall. You could tell from peering through the storefront windows the place has a great vibe. The boutique recently opened and is owned and operated by mix media artist, Jenn Gooch.

I briefly spoke to her at the shop. She was very popular with several people waiting to engage her. She has a variety of things for sale in the shop including three quilts, which were the first she ever made. There are screenprints on the wall, bowties, handbound journals, some zines, and other textile-related items on the tables. She mentioned she will be cranking out more work and is hoping to display more handmade items by other local artists. From the looks of her craft table she was working on making more of her adorable bowties. The shop is very much in its infancy, but it looks promising. I think she is even offering classes for beginning sewists and craftsters.

Werk has a Facebook page right now, and it looks like a website is in the works. If you happen to be brunching, shopping, or socializing in Lawrenceville drop by and check Werk out. Show another

Werk
3627 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA
412.737.8503

This past Sunday a few of us from the Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild revealed our modern mood works in progress at the monthly meeting. My mod mood quilt  has taken me on quite the journey during the month of April. I ended up practically starting over Sunday morning working with one or two pieces that were really speaking to me. The photo to the left is what I am currently hand and machine piecing. I'm really happy with the overall composition and cannot wait to see it once it is all put together. I've decided to call it The Circus.

The original mod mood quilt was conceived by Sherri Lynn Wood. I am very fond of her work, her aesthetic, and overall approach. Our work is very different, but I would certainly say I am influenced by her. Reading her blog and admiring her quilts reminds me to listen to my "inner quilter" as I am work through designing and putting together my quilts.

I will write more once the top is complete.