Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Global phenomenon....

It seems the 'scrappy trip around the world' block has indeed taken the blogasphere and instagram by storm. I was a bit late to join the tripping so missed the #scrappytripalong which began around new years eve on instagram thanks to Megan and Katy. Since that time a wonderful assortment of quilts have surfaced almost daily....so resistance was nigh on impossible. My quilt top is an attempt to feature green and saturated brights....which is a little difficult to see in an instagram shot! I can also see a block (second row far right) that needs a bit of adjustment. That rich pink/red dot is bugging me split the way it has so it will be out with the quick-unpick for that one. I've managed 22 blocks so far with 8 more to go.
If you want to have a go at the highly addictive, super simple scrappy trip around the world block you can find the tutorial here.

Monday, January 14, 2013

One thing leads to another.....

Of course it does...never truer words spoken. But, I can't help thinking about how this statement currently relates to my quilting.
For me 2012 was a year of gifting and donating quilts along with some minor efforts at craft markets. And here I am at the beginning of 2013 with a commission list that is pleasantly surprising. I am delighted that my obsession with fabric and the craft I use for my escape is now desired by some and that they're serious about their own 'Little Sew and Sew's' production. (My husband is thrilled that some of the fabric is moving from the shrine otherwise known as the 'stash'!).
Thank you, one and all. I am really quite chuffed that you actually asked me to create your bespoke quilt and have given me the greatest excuse ever to sit behind the machine!
In the meantime, I'll share with you a little project I've been crafting for one of a number of babies I have on my horizon. This quilt top is based on the modern log cabin quilt from the front cover of the book of the same name by Susan Beal. Mine is a modified version based on 2.5" to make a 12" block and is cot sized (48x60). I also switched it up a little more by creating 1/2 blocks to go on the second and fourth rows....I tell you, it never rains, it pours!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Looking back on 2012....

I don't want to say too much about 2012....for me, it was fairly topsy-turvy....like quitting my job of 10 years only to be re-employed 6 weeks later. Don't ask but as Kylie Minogue says, "better the devil you know....".
In the meantime, 2012 was fabulously creative and over-the-top stitchy. I made lots of quilts of varying sizes and styles. I subtracted from the WIP pile only to add at the other end (does that = EVEN?). I participated in two guerrilla markets, the first tragic, the second a veritable bonanza with my little birdies flying off the branches. I donated numerous quilts that left me with more than 'warm fuzzies' not only knowing that  the quilts would go to homes that loved them but that the funds generated would go towards R's soon to depart music department's trip to Ireland. I've used lots of fabric and batting scraps but that bucket is just not diminishing. A big highlight is that I have been approached for consignment quilts and bespoke. And I've spent lots of quality time with my lovely Sew & Sew's friends and plan to continue catching up for fabric fondling and a good laugh each week. So right now.....2013 is shaping up to be full of fabric....just as I like it!
1. Nicey Jane Quilt, 2. Floral Bouquet Quilt featuring Bliss, 3. Floral Bouquet Quilt featuring Bliss, 4. Made in Cherry Finished Quilt, 5. Made in Cherry Back, 6. Confetti front, 7. Butterflies quilt, 8. Confetti back, 9. The Gosling Baby Quilt, 10. Small geometric quilt, 11. Geometric quilt, 12. Granny Square quilt, 13. Scrappy patchwork picnic quilt, 14. Scrappy patchwork picnic quilt, 15. Granny back, 16. Ruby Plus Quilt, 17. Granny Square Quilt, 18. Granny Square Quilt, 19. Granny Square Quilt Back, 20. Zesty Quilt, 21. Zesty Binding, 22. Baby Quilt Non Gender Specific, 23. Granny Square Quilt, 24. Dolly quilts on the line, 25. Garden Party, 26. Scandi Birdies off to market, 27. My space at market, 28. Japanese X and + Blocks