Thursday, December 12, 2013

Challenge continued

Here are blocks 1, 2 and 3 of the Quilter's Newsletter challenge.  They are found in the December January issue.  Keeping the fabrics differentiated is difficult, but I like the way they turned out even if I got some things wrong.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Challenge!

This challenge is from Quilter's Newsletter magazine, beginning in the November/ December issue with the center block.  I fell in love the royal purple floral and chose all of my other colors based on it.

This is admittedly the most difficult block I have done.  But I am up for the challenge!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Fantastic Flannel

When I saw the sample of this quilt at the Hershey Quilt Show I just HAD to get the kit.  Hand dyed flannel - stunningly beautiful.  SewBatik makes them, the price was reasonable, and the end result is gorgeous.  The border is another flannel from my stash.  I will go out tomorrow to acquire batting and backing.  Most likely it will be more flannel or maybe fleece.  It is a full sized quilt and will be a present for a lovely 8 year old girl - the daughter of friends.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Vikings!

I LUV this fabric!  When we were medieval reinactors, my hubby was a Viking. (yes, ladies, I married me a Viking!)

So, this fabric is fun in many ways and I thought boxers shorts for him would be awesome. 

Then he gave me the idea to make them for friends for the holidays.  Then he gave me the other idea to make some for sale!  Then I found girly fabric and thought of making them for girls for sale!

I know, I am silly, but I think it is worth a shot.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

I made this messenger bag for a children's librarian friend.  This fabric features great illustrations from a favorite children's author/illustrator, Mo Willems.  I have had several requests for bags since this fabric came out.  This one is my favorite so far.  Not a complicated design and simple quilting around the motifs.  The bag is roomy and has 2 pockets, one inside and one outside.


I may need to make one these for myself!


Monday, September 16, 2013

Complete!

It feels so good to say that!  I don't know why I was putting it off, but it is finally done.  Not half bad, If i do say so.  I can see mistakes and I am not just being humble.  But it is pretty good.  Every quilt is a learning experience.  I learned quite a bit on this one.  It will be a very warm quilt, with batting and a fleece backing.  Here's to the next one.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Progress

Product DetailsI have been making much progress on the Doctor quilt in the past week.  All of the denim squares are finished.  After practicing and starting the spiral design on the other squares, I decided to rethink it.  I am just not good enough yet and my machine cannot handle all of that bulk for that design.  It required a lot of movement and the quilt got it it's own way.  I like the linear choice I have made instead, but I am disappointed that I couldn't use my original idea.

The design I chose is from 501 Quilting Motifs from The Patchwork Place.  It has a lot of good designs in it and directions on continuous line quilting.  A very handy book to have for inspiration.

If I keep up this pace I could have this one finished in a week!  Cross your finger.

I made the most progress today while my friend kept me company.  I get so much more done in a social setting than I do alone.  Although I avoid cutting fabric in a social setting - that I have done in the past with disastrous results.  But I far more enjoy piecing with friends.  What do you think?

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Doctor Who

It has been a while since I have posted about the Doctor Who quilt.  Mainly because I had put it aside for a while.  But it is back on my radar. 

The denim squares are done with alternating angles.  I am aiming for the look of waves, movement.  I think the outer points of the block look like Tardis - fans of Doctor Who will know what I mean. The surrounding squares with the mini Doctors I want to use a large spiraling pattern to simulate time travel and chaos.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Paper Piecing

My first attempt at paper piecing.  I did fairly well, though there are some mistakes.  The center was difficult and I took out more stitches than I have ever cared to in the past.  But I wanted to get it as right as I could.  Taking this class was an excuse to branch out and try new things.  There is a block per month.  I started late in the class, so I have some catching up to do.

I am pretty sure that my seam ripper will be getting a lot of use, but it is a fun challenge.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

it's the most wondeful time of the year

Winter Table Topper
Yes, it is that time of the year.  Time to start thinking of the holidays if one is going to make things for gifts.  This is rather important this year in particulr.

Since I have started to quilt, I have made a number of quilted and sewn gifts.  I think almost everyone I know has something I have made.  But this year, I really need to make gifts.

I lost my job at the end of June.  So, no income.  What I make is going to have to consist of what I have on hand.  So that is even a bigger challenge.  I don't have the luxury of going on a hunt for the "perfect" fabric.

I have a reasonably large stash, so I do not think it will be too difficult.  though, I find that when i am auditioning fabric for a project, there usually seems to be one I have a hard time working in to the project.

Take this winter table topper.  I had enough fabrics on hand, in the quantity that I needed.  The light was a stumper though. I had originally chosen another fabric, frosty lite blue.  Then I made a cutting mistake.  So, of to hunt for something else.  I didn't like it, but I stuck with it. Now that the piece is done, I am happy with the results.

So, let's hope that the rest of my holiday gift experiments go as well.

Friday, July 26, 2013

It Speaks to Me

You may know by now that I am at heart into art of all sorts.  I was privileged in my career to host some art galleries for young artists and I was always so very impressed by the quality of their work.  But once in a while, there is a piece that just speaks to you.

With the exception of the flash reflection, his piece just says it all.  I felt like this young artist reached into my soul and stole a picture of my inner drama queen.

I call it "Color Me Overwhelmed."

It is just so very expressive!  It makes me smile as well as remember times when I have felt this way.

I asked the child if I could purchase the piece.  I think she thought that I was crazy when I offered her $50.  It was worth every penny to me, more so really.  And I wanted her to know how much I respected her art, the time it took and the imagination that inspired it.

I recently ran across this on Pinterest and it says exactly how I feel when I purchase art.


When you purchase from an artist,
you are buying more than an object. 
You are buying hundreds of hours of
failures and experimentation..
You are buying days, weeks and months
of frustrations and moments of pure joy.
You are not just buying a thing.;
You are buying a piece of heart,
part of a soul,
a moment of someone’s life.
Most importantly, you are buying the artist
more time to do something they are passionate about.

Monday, June 10, 2013

It was mostly cool

Here I am, back from the Punk rock Flea Market.  a very cool event that attracts very cool people.  So cool, in fact, that I immediately felt somewhat uncool.  As a vendor, it was a wash. Folks said they liked my stuff. they were intrigued about the lotion bars and I sold a few, But mostly it was an observation opportunity.  I thought the fabric jewelry would be a hit, especially at a low price.  Not this time.

So, I continue to wonder if I should keep doing these fairs.  Maybe try to only put out a few things next time.  The journals people like, the lotion bars they are curious about.  I know the eye pillow/hand warmers sell.  We'll see.

But, i do have to say that the best part was that I had a goal - something to work toward.  It gave me energy and inspired me.  I need goals like that, otherwise I flounder and get distracted easily.  Making stuff that other people like is hard - taste is so very subjective.

So, we shall see what comes next... until then

Monday, May 27, 2013

Flower Power

 Okay, so these are lousy pictures, I admit.  But i am having soooo much fun making these!  Tshirt necklaces that will be nice to wear when it's hot out and flower power necklaces with adjustable cords.

That knot was darned hard to learn, but I think I have it now.  I hope people like them.

I will be at the Punk Rock Flea Market in Reading PA on June 9 and selling these babies.
Can't wait!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Souveniers from Minnesota

I have spent the past 3 weeks in Minnesota, visiting the Mayo Clinic.  It was a trip to find answers.  We have less than answers, but a few more choices.

I had the chance to revisit a fantastic quilt store and these are my souvenirs.  I love fabric as souvenirs.  I remember where each one came from and have the memories to keep me content.  T shirts are fun too.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

For a Good Cause

Here is the tote bag I made to hold spa items and a gift certificate.  It was all donated to MawPa Siberian Husky Rescue for it's annual fundraiser.  I am please that the person who won really loved the bag.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Progress

Made lots of progress on things this weekend.  Borders are on the purple block exchange top and I am very happy with it.  It won't be a large quilt.  Just enough to make for a fun quilting opportunity.  I am going to experiment with new quilting designs i have been inspired by on Pinterest.  I get a lot of inspiration there.


Pinterest was where I got the idea for this off center log cabin block.  The other blocks are from a panel I cut into blocks and i wanted something interesting to go around them.  i was going to mix it up with different blocks.  However, this block proved to be enough of a challenge that I decided to stick with it.  I just could not wrap my head around the order of the piecing!  and the graduating colors only added to the confusion.  But after several attempts and my trusty seam ripper, I think I finally nailed it.  i am going to like my coffee quilt.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Stuck for Inspiration

I have been very stuck for inspiration and motivation lately, so I have started art journaling.  Even there, I still stare at the blank page for a while.  so, I began with my little birdie.  She seems to be my muse lately.  Not knowing whether to stay in the comfort of her tree or fly away and be free.

We all must start our journey somewhere.  Might as well start at a new beginning.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Layout Trials

I participated in a block exchange this past year.  We only recently received our blocks back, so I am now playing with layout options.  The only fabric I provided are the tiny squares that make up the Irish Chain.  This being my first time with a block exchange, I wanted to see what I would get back if I gave the others the freedom to choose the other pieces themselves.

As you can see, it is quite a dynamic bunch of blocks.  Some very dark, others light.  contrast in fabrics is also extreme - a lot of contrast to hardly any in a few places.  I have one extra block and I here that a couple more are still have not gotten to us.  the one block is so unlike the rest that I have reserved it for now.  It may yet make an appearance.  All of the block makers did a great job coordinating with my focus fabric.  The bright blues are a bit of a surprise to me, but 2 of them included it, so who am I to judge.

I will, most likely, play with other variations of the chain and see what strikes my fancy.  The "ah ha" moment has not yet hit me.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Cathedral Windows

I took a wonderful class this weekend at Chester County Quilting. Ramona gets the best teachers. It was all about Cathedral Windows. I have been wanting to make a grey background piece and it went perfectly with this floral I acquired in Kansas last year. I need to practice more on my machine tacking, but I like this look a lot.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Inspiration

It has truly been a long while since I have sat down to create. My health has been a hindrance, or an excuse. I am not sure which, frankly. I instead keep seeking, searching, gathering ideas. Pinterest can be a great place for that. However, it may also be a lazy way out.

I have a few UFOs. I never used to do that. I was pretty good about finishing a project before starting the next one. Lately, I feel that I have lost my muse. I have the desire to create, but it is somehow not enough to help me push forward past the obstacles set before me.

Chronic illness is very stressful in many ways. Mostly, I seem to not trust in the future. I keep waiting for yet another shoe to drop or curve ball thrown my way. I have been duped before. I started to feel as though I could get on with my life and then my seizure came, bringing momentum to a screeching halt.

I am admittedly a very driven person, ambitious, goal oriented. I cannot remember when I have not had something to work toward. This has not been able to be the case for some time now. Making plans is very difficult. And something else, almost a sense of futility, keeps holding me back.

I share some beautiful images of art quilts I have found. I am in awe of their beauty. I am interested in why these images stir me...space...the universe...creation..