Saturday, May 28, 2011

T-shirt quilt Hot off the Press:)








I just finished another T-shirt quilt for a graduation gift. Thought you might want to see:) I put my heart into these quilts and then the disappear -- pics are all I have left:( But I so love that someone is going to be thrilled to receive it and snuggle up under it!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Ready for Action!
















Well, I've been back from MQS now for a week and a half. I have neglected my yoga and running and am feeling the effects of that, however I have accomplished a major feat....my new studio space:) On the way home from Kansas City I was once again lost in thought about how to make my studio more work friendly. AND, where in the world was I going to put 30 bolts of new fabric??!! Truly there was not one single spot as it was. Soooo...I talked with my husband about this idea I have had to take over our living room for a studio to have everything close (my Gammill is in the adjacent room) as opposed to running up and down the stairs, into the sunporch and such and so. To accomplish this I had to move his computer desk away from his neighborhood watch locale (he's a bit nosey:)) and into the sunporch. Amazingly, he said YES! So, I was off and running and here is the result...now I have no excuse for poor productivity, all the space I can, reasonably, ask for, and everything related to quilting all together.

I have to share my pics even though there will be some tweaking, more decorating and such ... it's my favorite place in the world now:) The T-shirt quilt is the first project completed in my new space...accomplished in 2 very long days since I procrastinated by moving my studio instead of working...so worth it!

Now back to work. I have 5 more T-shirt quilts to make, much to quilt, and 30 new bolts of fabric to list on Etsy. That should keep me busy for a bit:) Then there is the issue of what I have done to the rest of my house...but it will wait and I plan to hide out in my studio anyway with a path to the coffee pot and kitties all around...

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Etsian of Interest

I've run across a woman on Etsy with a daughter who has autism. She has changed and dedicated her life to providing a life for her child and sells Abby's artwork on Etsy to help pay for medical costs providing necessary therapies and such to keep her healthy and happy. Check out her site and help out if you can...Abby's use of color and design is fabulous and her prints will make beautiful framed artwork for your home:) Looking at these designs makes me want to have them in fabric. They remind me of the work of George Mendoza for Art of Possibilities studio as well as my favorite line from Troy corporation seen in my most recent table runners.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AidforAbby?ref=pr_shop

Monday, May 9, 2011

Off to Machine Quilters Showcase

Tomorrow morning I am headed out on my yearly trek to Machine Quilter's Showcase in Kansas City. I will be taking a short detour on the way to Country Expressions quilt shop in Stewartsville, the home of Tula Pink designs. I have never been to this shop so I'm excited to see what it is like:) I also plan to hit the Fabri-quilt warehouse on Wednesday morning to look for fabric to offer to Etsians. I have been there once and am very excited to go again equipt with my wholesale paperwork in place. You never know what wonderful things I may find:)

Wednesday afternoon and evening will be spent at the show. I did not sign up for classes this year so I'm just there to pick up supplies and see whats new. Gammill has made some major upgrades to their machines and although I am not willing to buy a new one just yet, I am curious to see how it runs and if I 'need' to think again..hehe...new and better, right?? $17,800 worth of new and better though so I'm thinking it can wait....maybe...

I'll peruse the quilts looking for ideas which is always fun although show entries are quilted within an inch of their lives and no one (okay, very few) wants to pay for that kind of detail. I am always amazed at the patience these people have...it takes hours and hours over weeks to complete. I'll post some pics upon my return to show you what I mean.

Back after the show with pics and new threads and new gadgets and I'm sure fabric and, and, and...I'm in my element here, can you tell:)

Friday, May 6, 2011

The Beauty in Custom



I wanted to share some wonderful photos I received from a woman who asked me to make a custom quilt for her last year. She wanted something special for her new home; something handmade and unique just for her because she deserved it (and she does!!). Most of the time I make things and never get to see how they are being used and loved. I cherish such pictures because what I do is my passion. I feel connected to each piece; letting them go is not always easy. With custom pieces I want to know about the person I am creating for. It gives me something to think about while I am making it...I think about their story and what I know about it and I picture it in their home. I could ramble on about this but I will spare you and show you the pics of her beautiful boys and their family quilt.

I have one more thing to say about his quilt ... I NEVER would have chosen the bold coral solid fabric. I gave her options. The coral was my least favorite but it was her choice and it made the most beautiful quilt:) A shout out to you Heather for helping me to look outside the box with regards to color. It's a lesson I hope I take to my sewing room with me more and take some chances!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Fabric anyone?!






Instead of sewing lately I have been sorting through fabric...reorganizing what I love and parting with things I may still love, but cannot see myself getting to. I'm listing my destash fabrics on Etsy so someone can get some use out of them:) The rest I am lovingly moving about in part to remind myself to STOP BUYING MORE FABRIC!! There is no way that I can ever use what I do have let alone more but I am as always hopelessly addicted. It is good to go through things and be inspired/reinspired and just reminded of what there is to work with. Pics are of my messes...the stuff on the ironing board includes all the blenders and such I needed washed and ironed so they are ready for use. Then there are piles and the fabric in the cabinet that I intend to offer for sale (to make room for new:)). Do ya think I have a problem????

I've ordered more of Stephanie Brandenburg's fabrics also for sale so they will eventually be listed. I am having trouble getting Camelot to communicate with me through email at the moment so I guess I'm going to have to call them directly. I ordered bolts 3 weeks ago and have not heard anything...heavy sigh.

Anyway, thought I'd entertain you with my obsessions:)