Summer Update

"Enchanted"

 I have been busy with various quilting projects. I might have even finished a couple. The above quilt was inspired by a quilt I saw at the Texas Quilt Museum in LaGrange a month or so ago. The quilt was created by Ann Moore. You can see her online gallery here.  I was intrigued by her use of tiny glass beads throughout the quilt. I could see that she had used the reverse applique technique. Hers was much more intricate with beautiful borders, reverse applique, and exquisite quilting. I did not know how she created hers until I called the museum to ask about the artist. I found her webpage and as usual,  I had already started mine using my best guess. LOL

This was my first time using the quilt-as-you-go technique.  I like how it came out,  but for improvement purposes,  I will check into Ann's classes.  I know she uses templates for the quilting and that is something I have not tried yet.  The reverse applique process is so much fun. I love the reveal of the fabric underneath the design when cut out. I struggled with the satin stitch going around angles and curves of the designs. I have seen some people leave the edges unstitched. I don't know if I like that idea. 

I entered this one into the Austin Quiltfest 2024 for September 2024. 

It is about to be September here. It is hot, hot, hot. All we want to do is stay inside and stay cool. I am looking forward to cooler weather in the fall.  Happy quilting. 

Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024

 The Quilters Hall of Fame ( Marion, IN) presented a call for art to celebrate the total solar eclipse that is happening on April 8th. I participated by sending in these photos of my piece called "Behind the Scenes".

AND,  the 18X18" quilt was accepted for display at that Museum. What an honor! It was a fun piece that I thought about for a week or so. I finally decided on these layered circles to represent the sun and the moon. Then I added the phases and lots of stitching with both metallic and regular embroidery threads. The background fabric is one of my favorites from Marcia Derse which is a piece of art all by it's self. I love her fabrics.  Yesterday, I got it ready to mail and I will pop it in the mail today. Wish me luck! Will keep you posted. 

Raspberry and Lime Tumble

 

Raspberry and Lime Tumble Digital Pattern

Created In EQ*

I'm currently working on the above quilt design. I created it using the Improved Nine Patch block and the Mosaic block.  I had the hot pink and black on hand for another quilt that I decided I did not like. I was inspired by a quilt I saw on Pinterest that had the bottom of the print fabric curved. I plan to curve more than what I could draw on the pattern. Then it will float onto the black background. I don't plan to add a border. Finished it should be about 50X70-a perfect nap on the couch quilt or wall hanging. 

This is my second time to do the Improved Nine Patch. The first time I did it, I did not mark or clip the pieces as instructed on the templates I purchased. Some came out good....others not so much. But on this one, I am slowing down and taking the time to mark all the pieces so that they will fit together nicely and show those beautiful points. I am very pleased with how they are coming out. I only have 2 more of these blocks and then on to the mosaics. I can't wait to create that curve at the bottom. I will keep you all posted!.

Raspberry and Lime Tumble

 

EZ Speak Pub Gal

  This small art quilt was inspired by the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY challenge using the 1920's as inspiration. It got accepted as a finalist but did not place. I don't even care! I felt so honored that she gets to be on display at the Museum for a few months! 

I designed this using EQ8 Software. I used Drunkards Path blocks which I thought were appropriate given the times and prohibition! I used a magazine picture of a woman for the silhouette of the woman and drew the dress and accessories on to create a freezer paper pattern. Same for the old refcord player. I hand stitched the woman completely. I quilted all around her with a digital pattern and Longarm Sewing machine. I did decide afterwards I should have tacked down the woman after I quilted her, but I did not-which caused her to puff out a bit. You learn something every time!

Treasures Left Behind

Several months ago, one of my coworkers at Over the Top Quilting Studio brought in this plain brown box, maybe a hat box? When she opened it up and I peered inside, I was amazed at the contents. Tons and tons of paper pieced hexagon blocks from a time gone by.  The story is that a man took this unfinished quilt top to an appraiser to see if she knew anyone who would be willing to piece it. I believe it belonged to his mother. I was so taken with the perfection of the pieces and the neatness of their placement in that box. We call them unfinished objects (UFO's). Who knows why this top was discarded. Perhaps the maker had another more exciting project? Maybe she did not like the colors? Could it be that life got in the way and she no longer had the time to quilt? Oh so many thoughts come to mind. 

You would be surprised how often people bring similar items to the quilt studio seeking assistance with repair or construction. I have seen so many beautiful and sometimes tattered and weathered quilt tops. I feel honored to get to be part of their resurrection.  It seems like the stories are usually the same.  "Mom passed away, we were cleaning out her house.....we found these in the attic...". Something like that.  Often times, it is very emotional as we help our customers decide on their preferences for quilting and finishing their treasure. 

Back to the hat box. Upon closer examination of the hexagon blocks, you can see the newspaper is quite old.  Look at the price of those tires! WHAT?! The car ad is about a 1959 model. Look at that story on Jimmy Hoffa! It is just so interesting. 

I have several quilts started that may never get finished. I imagine what my kids will find when they clean out my estate. I think about this every time someone brings one of these quilts in to the shop.  

This is the quilt top being constructed. 

 Many thanks to Shari Heacock Sloane for her beautiful construction of this treasure and for all of the photos. 

Circle Back in Black

 

I feel like I have slowed down quite a bit on my quilt making frenzy. I think I got a little worn out after working so hard to finish a few pieces for deadlines for the Quiltcon 2024 possible entries. I got the ones I wanted completed and just kind of rested my mind a bit.  I am trying to slow it down and pay more attention to details which is hard for me because I always feel like I'm in a race to finish a quilt so I can start another. LOL. But here is my latest design. I'm calling it "Circle Back in Black" with a bit of a nod to my youth and ACDC rock song "Back in Black" that can always get me singing and dancing. 

I am exploring the use of negative space, in this case-the black. I love how primary colors pop on top of black. I am loving geometrical shapes and as you can see, CIRCLES and curves. I am currently on row 4 and the challenge of this one for me is the whole slowing down and getting the pieces fitting together nicely. The yellow and green blocks are very small and I have seam ripped many times trying to get these suckers to fit right. Geez. Some are really good and others I'm asking myself if I am willing to redo when I get to the end. I tell myself there will be an inspection at the end where I ask myself these same questions. 

I am currently on row 4 and I'm already thinking about how I will quilt this. I'm wondering if I truly am going for negative space, then how will I fill the black squares so as not to draw away from this design. So, happy Saturday. I am spending the day with the family and some quilt piecing. I hope you enjoy your day. I will keep you posted on this piece!. Happy Quilting.