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.

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.

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..

Custom Orders Available

I have been doing a lot of craft shows lately.  My dilemma in this endeavor is inventory.  I never seem to have enough of anything, except for the handbags.

The iPad covers are great, but not everyone owns an iPad - and now there is the mini.  Of course, none of these are the same size - that would be far too easy!

So, I offer custom ordering!  Then, a customer can get get exactly what they want!  So, please feel free to pop me an email a bisbetica at hotmail  - I don't put a real link here because the spam bots will get me.

Art Quilt

My new sign/logo and my very first "art" quilt.  Not bad...

Inventory

I have been working on inventory for an upcoming craft sale.  It was a very productive day, as you can see.

Along with my purses I have made a while ago, here is the collection of iPad covers and journals, some matching sets.  The sets I am hoping will encourage people to purchase together.  It is a wide variety of fabrics, but I hope it will entice purchases.

I had set up fabric choices to make more, but my health has kept me from sewing as much as I would have liked.

Cross your fingers!

A new technique and friendship

I am absolutely in love with the binding technique!  And it does not require handwork as long as you match the bobbin thread to the back and the top thread to the "piping."  You can learn about it here: http://www.52quilts.com/2012/05/tuesday-tutorial-susies-magic-binding.html

I have to say that I had to send this one out for quilting since I was not in good health.  It came out beautifully.

This piece is from my quilting friends from New Jersey.  They gave it to me after my recent surgery as a get well gift.  Not sure you can see their signatures.  I am so grateful for the support of my friends and family.  It hangs in my sewing room for inspiration.