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Showing posts from December, 2018

Acceptance Into QuiltCon

It was a happy day in our house as I received word my pink and black version of  #InTheRightDirectionQuilt  was accepted into QuiltCon! I’m still stunned and will probably forever be stunned. This was my first time submitting a quilt into a juried show. Usually lack of time, resources, money or -  most common – confidence get in the way of me submitting my work. I also haven’t spent enough time studying available shows. I’m familiar with QuiltCon because I’m a member of the Modern Quilt Guild and I had already made the commitment to attend the 2019 show back in the summer. It wasn’t until a month or so until the deadline that I made the decision to enter a quilt. I fully expected to be rejected as this quilt follows all of my quilt patterns – simple construction. I just didn’t think a quilt like that would make it, but something overall aesthetically must have appealed to the judges. It’s exciting to think that simple construction, fun designed quilts can be show-worthy! I really l

Thimble Pad Review

Several months ago, I put a call out on Instagram asking other quilters to share finger cover recommendations for hand sewing. I started on a pretty massive English paper piecing project and my poor finger was tired of trying to push the needle through fabric. I had also asked for hand sewing needle recommendations, which garnered much more conversation and ideas. But one little finger cover recommendation was all that I needed - Thimble Pads! While I was open to all recommendations, I was hoping for something beyond a regular thimble as they don’t often fit correctly on my finger. Someone had recommended a tailor’s thimble as I believe they are smaller/more fitted than most regular ones. I decided I’d try a Thimble Pad as size of finger was not of concern. Thimble Pads are small dot-sized pads. One side has an adhesive to stick to your finger and the other a leather or suede type material. The adhesive sticks perfectly to my finger, but also easily comes off when I’m finished a

My Quilt Design Process

Most of my quilt sketches start here! Everyone’s approach to designing a quilt is as unique as their designs. Where does a designer draw inspiration? How does a designer document that inspiration? What design tools do they use? Here’s a look at my evolving quilt design process. I feel like I draw inspiration from everything around me and I’m sure that it’s a larger influence than I even realize. But specifically, I draw inspiration from several things, including fashion, branding and personal memories. While my personal fashion is pretty bland (I would wear all black and grey every day if I could and it’s simply because I like the colors), I really like Aztec-inspired fashion design. I am a huge fan of half square triangles (am I alone in this?!) and that’s a common element in this design. I also like to look at product packaging. I think fresh brand design concepts and simple marketing design elements are appealing. No one brand draws in my eye. I think part of the reason is th

A Fun Way to Practice Free Motion Quilting

I’m back for Day 2 (or Day 4 for everyone else who started on time!) of the 31 Day Blog Challenge . Today I wanted to share a simple way to practice free motion quilting (fmq). I really enjoy making bags! What quilter doesn’t need 273 bags to carry fabric, notions and other supplies to and from the quilt store, retreats and so on?! Bag patterns certainly range from simple to complex, but one commonality is that they are smaller (at least usually!) than a quilt top. Having a smaller project can make taking a spin at fmq - or even walking foot quilting- feel less daunting. I tend to think that a quilt is much more precious to me overall than a bag. This feeling makes me nervous to try out fmq – I do not want to screw up all the hard work I did making the quilt top. But with a bag top, if something doesn’t quite go right, I’m okay with either the imperfection or even starting over if needed. This is why I like to practice my fmq skills with bags. Typically, I will use batting and mu

31 Day Blog Writing Challenge (Make That 29!)

Last week I saw an interesting post from Cheryl Sloboda of www.muppin.com . She’s hosting a 31 day blogging challenge, as blogging really was the original format to connect crafters (and many other entrepreneurial people) to an audience. You can learn more about the challenge  here . I was intrigued by this concept as I love writing and enjoy sharing my love of quilting via my blog, but I find what little extra time I have is committed to quilting itself :) I decided it could be fun though and that I should join. So here I am joining the 31 day blogging challenge…on day 3 (insert lots of laughter here!). This past weekend I was at the Central Iowa Modern Quilt Guild retreat and it was probably the best few days of this year! There was so much fun discussion and sewing and food. I really wanted to enjoy every minute so the challenge took a back seat. But here I am, Monday morning, tons of stuff on the schedule to do, a toddler hanging onto my legs and I showed up! So, welcome! I wa