Trellis Quilt

I pieced and chopped my multicolored strip sets into string-x blocks.  The quilt reminds me of a flowery  lattice against a stone wall.  The various grays from the charm pack I used recede really nicely, and I like the variation they give to the background.

This lovely old stone church with its shady garden was too perfect to resist for some snapshots.

I quilted free motion swirls on the strips and border, and in the gray diamonds I quilted straight lines with the free motion foot in alternating directions to create some movement up and down the background.

The quilt is backed in Farm Fresh flannel in a sunny yellow crosshatch.  Flannel is just the best for baby quilts.  It finishes at 41 inches square.

I made this quilt entirely from my scrap bins and stash.  That is a great feeling.  And I'm so happy to be able to donate it to Project Linus.  This is my third quilt for them for the year, so I'm well on my way to be able to donate my goal of four for 2012.  I hear they are in need of larger quilts for older kids, especially ones for boys, so that's what I'll shoot for with the next one.

Grateful

 

The school year is over tomorrow, and there is so much to be grateful for, including the start of summer.  I made these little note cards to accompany my teachers' gifts (don't worry - the male teachers will get gift cards as I don't think they'd appreciate ruffles).  Simple.  Some cards, fabric swatches and a stamp.  I hope each one feels my appreciation for all the time and care they put into every child, particularly mine.

Quilt Market

Wow.  Quilt market was quite an experience.  I was able to help at the DS Quilts booth from set up through opening day.  I had no idea how much went into putting together a booth, from assembling walls and laying floor tiles, to organizing marketing materials and arranging quilts and samples.  Put 800 exhibitors in a convention hall all working hard and you've got set up day.
I snapped a few pictures with my phone along the way.  Here is Denyse creating her inspiration wall - all the ephemera that helped inspire her newest line, Chicopee.  I thought that was such a creative addition to the booth.  It offered such an interesting glimpse into her creative process. Jenny posted a close up shot of part of the board.  Chicopee is so pretty.  I love the color palette.  It reminds me a little of Hope Valley, and I can see the prints working well with several of her previous lines.

Here is the completed booth.  She had most of the quilts from her most recent book and all seven of her patterns on display, and did you know there is Denyse Schmidt stationary?  I didn't, but now I definitely need some.  Betsy says Bon Bon has some locally, if you're interested.

Denyse is so gracious and warm.  She hand pieced some improv blocks during spare moments to add to the design wall.

I had a few chances to walk around market, and everyone is right when they say it is overwhelming.  Here are just a few of the booths I enjoyed.  This is Anna Maria Horner's booth.  Again, this is just an iPhone snapshot.  To see closeup, high quality photos of all the new fabrics, be sure to check out True Up for market coverage.

And I stood about ten feet from Joel Dewberry in his booth most of the day. He, like everyone I met actually, is super nice.  This booth was for his new line of patterns.

I spotted this beauty which I'm guessing from the sign underneath was created by the New York City Modern Quilt Guild.  I think it's such a unique setting for improv blocks.

And speaking of improv, have you seen this new line of cheater prints by Kona?  Yes, it's printed fabric, not piecing.

I even managed to find my Advent calendar in the Brewer booth.  They distribute patterns, including those by Empty Bobbin.

I ran into many of my guild friends. Jacquie did a book signing, and I even met a few bloggers like Jen of In Color Order, Amanda Jean from Crazy Mom Quilts, and Adrianne from Little Blue Bell. It was an amazing experience to be a part of market for the first time.  I'm so grateful to Denyse for the opportunity.

Wiksten Tank

Thanks to your well wishes and tips, my Wiksten tank is finished.  The pattern is very clearly written, and the details of this simple top really make it feel like a quality garment.  It has french seams and bias binding for the arms and neck, so there are no exposed seams.  The A line cut makes it really easy to wear too.

I made the size small, and it is pretty big on me.  Next time, I'll make an x-small.  I will also take an inch or so off the length, but I'm used to that, being petite.  I would say the pattern seems to run a bit big, so keep that in mind if you're thinking of making one.  

Did any eagle eyes out there spot the selvage on the fabric I used?

It's a piece from Denyse Schmidt's new line for Free Spirit, Chicopee, which will premiere at Quilt Market next week, where I will be wearing my Wiksten tank to help out in the DS Quilts booth.  That has to be the most exciting sentence ever to appear on this blog. It is so great to have market in KC this year.
If you're in town for market or a local modern quilter, be sure to stop by the Modern Meet Up Saturday the 19th at the Marriott.  There are tons of fantastic door prizes!  More details here.

On My Cutting Table

I am not a garment sewer.  In fact, it has been many years since I sewed anything to wear, but I'm jumping on the Wiksten tank bandwagon.  You can download the pattern as a pdf.  It does require some taping together, but it much less expensive that way.  Wish me luck!

Calendar Pattern Winner

Thanks for all your comments.  The randomly selected winner of Empty Bobbin's Advent Activity Calendar pattern is Pamela, and it sounds like she's going to get a lot of use out it!  I've sent you an email, and I'll mail it off to you once I get your info.

Advent Activity Calendar - Giveaway

Okay, it's giveaway time.  Shea kindly gave me an extra pattern for her Advent Activity Calendar to give away to one of you.  Leave a comment telling me who you would make this calendar for, and I'll pick a random winner Saturday morning.  Be sure I have a way to contact you, or I'll choose another winner. Giveaway now closed.

Look, my calendar made the back of the pattern.  It's on it's way now to hang in a booth at Quilt Market too.