Friday, July 31, 2015

Moda Modern Blocks #6--Red


Back to Moda Modern Building Blocks

The studio was in shambles a few weeks ago. (Really. The other side of the shelved stash was worse.) I could live with it, and work in bare feet or socks so I don't step on anything vital, but toward the end I was patting at piles trying to find things. (Don't lie. I know you've done this.)

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Scrappin' Inspiration, AKA, When Craft Becomes Art



Nothing makes my heart go pitter-patter more than a wonky scrap block. No measuring. No freaking out over straight seams. Pull your scraps, keep on piecing, and square it up under your 12.5" square. Scrapping speaks to me on a gut level, and I have an emotional response. What makes you swoon?

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Patriotic Quilt Flimsy Finish with Tips & Tricks




I've been blessed with a family that forgives. I apologize to them for rushing in with a quilt over my arm, and declaring an emergency while some were dozing. Getting a picture of the quilt top before the light fades does not constitute an emergency (to them), but they were still gracious to run outside, and hold my 5-minute-old finish before the light was gone.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Cheer On the Makers & Bento Box Blue




My quilting friends have gotten phone calls lately asking if they had anything that needed longarming. No charge. Free. Please, I just needed practice. I didn't realize it would be hard  to rustle up quilts in the middle of summer, but it seems to be a slow time. 

Saturday, July 25, 2015

The Pet Project Show #30 & Tula Pink's "Elizabeth" Line


Elizabeth by Tula Pink





One of my birthday presents this year was a 10" charm pack of Elizabeth by Tula Pink. It's hard to go wrong buying a quilter fabric, you know? Tula Pink is one of my all-time favorties, and I didn't have a scrap of this line yet. 

Friday, July 24, 2015

Patriotic Quilt Update


Patriotic Update


I pushed for a Friday flimsy to show you, but life got in the way. I've made significant progress, nevertheless, and added a blue border, and white outer border. Some of the time was spent imagining both where and how this quilt would be used. I think that's an important component in any design process.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Creative Confidence & Creative Pilgrimage Book Review


Anyone who has spent time with children will tell you they are always surprised by their creativity. They don't say, "This one is just SO creative, but that one...Oh, she doesn't have a creative bone in her body!" Yet we describe ourselves as adults in exactly these words. We say, "Sorry. I'm just not very creative." Why? Did something happen between childhood and becoming an adult?

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Week 4 Blog Hop and 'By the Block' Review


2015 New Quilt Bloggers Group


Morale in the ranks is low. Show your support today. That is, the 2015 New Quilt Bloggers final week starts now. Remember your last couple days of summer camp when you knew you were headed home by the weekend? When the melancholy had shifted from starting camp homesick, and swung all the way to hoping it lasted all summer? Well, that's how I'm feeling, and it's not just me. 

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Optimal Positioning






This or that?



Friday, July 17, 2015

2015 MQG Finish for Riley Blake Designs & Pet Project Show #29


"The Aviary"


Ta-da! There was a sigh of relief on Sunday when I unpinned this from my longarm. It was a fabric challenge, and in some ways a personal challenge for not only me, but many of you, too. While I don't believe we should unveil our work to immediately critique it, it's good to evaluate both the positive and negative aspects. That's how we learn. Even if we don't do it publicly, we take mental notes on what we might change the next time.