MQG Showcase

Have you heard about the Modern Quilt Guild Showcase for the International Quilt Market?

Here's my entry:

This quilt was inspired by the mid-century modern boomerang design motif. It's the first time I've made a quilt using all solids and I was excited to try out three different white/off-white fabrics for the background. I was hoping the subtle variations would add some depth to the piece as a whole.

You might notice that these colors look vaguely familiar. I really like the way they all work together and was fortunate enough to have plenty of leftovers so this quilt came entirely from my stash!

Dense straight line quilting keeps the look clean and simple but adds a wonderful texture.

And the back is all kona white with the leftover bits of color. I swear I squared up the quilt but it's so hard to get the angle just right when taking a photograph!

This was also the first time I tried doing a binding that pretty much blends in with the rest of the quilt and I'm very happy with how it turned out. All in all, probably my favorite quilt that I've made.

Until the next one....

In Progress

It's that time of year when a preschoolers mama turns her thoughts to school auctions.

This year I volunteered to make a quilt as a class project for Bailey's class of 3 and 4 year olds.

Some of the kids were less than enthusiastic about their contribution, but thankfully all were finally persuaded to participate.

I'm kinda loving it.

At first I wasn't quite sure about the color palette. I don't know if I've just stared at it so long that I've rationalized the colors work together or if they really do look good. But I'm actually leaning toward using them in another project I have up my sleeve. Mostly I hope that the other families like it so we aren't the only ones bidding on it!

The backing is almost ready and then it's on to basting and quilting. And binding.

Better get busy!

Petite Piecing

This year, the Portland Modern Quilt Guild decided that it would be fun if we each made our own name tags. Last night I realized I better get going on mine if I wanted to wear it to our meeting tonight!

So here's my super-teeny-tiny paper pieced sewing machine name tag! The entire thing measures 3" x 4" so it's pretty small.

Sewing machine details are embroidered on and I stamped my name with Versacraft ink, which is then heat set to become permanent. Tape measure print is a lovely scrap from Ayumi (thank you!) and the binding is heath by Alexander Henry.

All in all a very fun and satisfying project that took relatively little time. Can't wait to see everyone else's name tags at the meeting!

UPDATE: Free paper-piecing pattern for the sewing machine HERE.

Just a peek

So you don't think I've dropped completely off the planet, I'm here with a little peek of a pattern I'm testing for Sonja. Super cute and lots of fun!

Can't wait to show you more once the quilting is done and the pattern is available!

I have another quilt in the works, complete with a bunch of 3 and 4 year old helpers! Now doesn't THAT sound interesting!

And there's another sock project started, so the crafting is going on full force over here!

Have you seen the amazing information and inspiration over here and here? It makes me want to start hand piecing!

I may need an intervention

Having a little bit of an affair with yarn these days. It's so lovely to have a small-ish, portable project to work on while waiting for kids or hanging out with Gary at the end of the day. This is the latest - a cabled cowl.

It has been immensely satisfying to work on and I am so in love with this yarn - Madeline Tosh Jade. Just the right amount of yellow undertones and the green is such a gorgeous shade. If I could afford to make a whole sweater out of this, I would. But I'm so happy to have the cowl - not complaining one bit!

Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to spending the day at my *gasp* sewing machine tomorrow for the Portland Modern Quilt Guild all day sew. I'm working on some more paper piecing and patchwork, which I will be happy to share. I promise that I haven't abandoned my fabric!

I've also been doing a small amount of teaching/sharing with a friend who has never made a quilt before. It's been a very interesting experience and once I get my thoughts about it all sorted out, I'd love to share more about it here.

Go do something creative! It will make you happy!