How Instagram Saved My Design

The Process Is the Prize

You may not believe the above statement, but I do. I find more joy in working out problems than finishing the project. That doesn't--or shouldn't occur if using a published pattern, so I choose to go the organic route, and create my own. 

This started as an experiment in improv block making, and merged with another design I'd made a few months back. It's dominated my design wall for weeks, and I pushed myself this week to finish all the improv blocks. When it came to the setting triangles at the sides, I decided more improv blocks would muddy it up. It was back to the stash to find a fabric that would work, and once again the Moda Grunge won with it's unique texture. There was just one problem.

#BraveQuilter Winner for April & May Linky OPEN

Welcome back to the #BraveQuilter link party!

Although anyone is welcome to link up, four bloggers completed the challenge for April, linking up at both the beginning and end of the month. I had my husband draw lots, and he came up with #3. That means Jennifer at 

The Inquiring Quilter is the #BraveQuilter winner for April! She will receive a custom dyed bundle of fabric from me in the next few weeks. Congratulations, Jennifer! Cheers to everyone who joined the challenge.

And now it's time to open the May linky!

#BraveQuilter Wrap Up Linky for April

Do not panic! It's here.
I didn't forget, but life got in the way this weekend.
Now back to the agenda.

This ending link up will be open May 2-4, 
and the #BraveQuilter for April runs
April 5-11.

Bee Hive Blocks & My Month Arrives

Tic Tac Toe Block

April's block was the Tic Tac Toe, and the Queen Bee requested an orange center with blue or turquoise corners. I think this is going to make a beautiful quilt from the pictures I've seen so far. 

Mandalas Created with Ice Dyeing

These four mandalas were created using a new technique for me: Ice dyeing. After reading all I could find, and watching several clips from You Tube, I gave it a try. 

Dyeing a Mandala

Experimental Dyeing Process: Mandala #1

I spent several months working with both vat dyeing, and low immersion dyeing. I played with wax/paraffin, soy wax, and glue resists. I stitched shibori. But up to this point, I never did good old tie dye as most of us grew up with. It was time.

Improv Art Quilt Progress

I thought I should show you some progress after a design wall stall. I jumped ship on this project to work on the Naked Ladies quilt, but I'm back. 

This particular project has taken a lot of my time just standing and staring. Rarely have I ever made anything like this, and it has taken a while to adjust to. First was the color, width, and variety of the strips.