Friday, March 14, 2014

On a Roll Here!

Posted by Strlady at 7:26 AM 2 comments
Last weekend I wrapped up my second project this year.
I started Piece of Cake 3 (Designed by Camille Roskelley for Thimble blossoms) last November during my Modern Quilt Guild retreat.


I struggled at first with the fabric (Salt Air by Cosmo Cricket for Moda) because, although I loved most of the prints, it had some bubble prints that just threw me off. On top of that, it felt like the layercake had SOOOOO many of those bubble prints.. It was driving me batty and was a joke at the retreat. Me and my bubbles.


With a pattern like this, where it's made exclusively with a layer cake and some background, you have little choice but use the full layer cake and cross your fingers hoping that in the grand scheme of things you won't focus on the gazillion bubbles.

I must say, I no longer see the bubbles. LOL!


I debated at first with the large border print since I found it very busy. So, I decided to give the eye a place to rest, and added the inner border (which is the same as the background print)  around the whole quilt instead of just the top and bottom as the pattern dictated. This gives the illusion of the blocks floating (which is why it's called floating the blocks) and now the border is not so heavy on the quilt.


It ended up a little bigger than the pattern at 66.5 X 78.5.
I picked up a nice flannel back and a solid red for the binding. Looking forward to getting this one quilted so I can swap out my Piece of Cake 2 that has a permanent residency on my sofa.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

A Coat for Penny...

Posted by Strlady at 5:00 AM 4 comments
Last week we saw a bit of cold weather hit us here in Texas. Nothing like what we have seen this winter, but it was cold enough to have Penny shivering. I got her groomed the weekend before and with the short hair and strong winds she was shaking every time she had to go out. I felt so bad.

Penny got this cute, cute, cute coat over the holidays but it was a bit short on the tail end.


And at times... she was not pleased having to wear it.

Last week I finally broke down and made her a new coat.


The fabric is Woodland by Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches


The design of the coat is definitely more simple and much easier to put on.


Plus, I don't think she is so embarrassed wearing it. LOL!!!


Monday, March 10, 2014

Dallas Quilt Celebration 2014

Posted by Strlady at 5:00 AM 1 comments
Every year the Quilter's Guild of Dallas puts on one of the most fantastic quilt shows in the area. This is the best guild show I have ever seen. Every year these ladies make it appear flawless. Every year I'm super impressed and I realize how lucky I am to be part of this guild.

This year's theme was Modern Quilts and you could see the theme reflected among the 400+ quilts that were at the show.


From the second place winner in last year's Riley Blake Challenge,
which was made by our very own Modern Guild president, Shannon Page 
(Quilted by Michelle Kitto). 


To incredible realistic pieces, like this one designed and quilted by Melissa Sobotka. 


Abundant talent could be found every time you turned the corner (Designed by Glyniss Wood / Quilted by Richard Larson)

The quilts were not the only talent displayed at the show. I had a chance to attend Lisa Calle's lecture on how she has found her inspiration through her journey as a quilter.


You might recognize Lisa from her blog Vintage Modern Quilts and from the Moda Bake Shop blog. I originally met Lisa in 2010 when my daughter dragged me to my first meeting of the Dallas Modern Quilt Guild. We met in the back of a local quilt shop and that first meeting was probably attended by 10 people. Currently there are over 80 women in the Dallas Modern Quilt Guild and Lisa was our president for the first 2 and a half years. It was great catching up with her and getting to know her a little better.


 After the lecture I wrapped up the quilt viewing and I will say that even though the theme was modern, there was a little something for everyone. (This was a Collaboration effort submitted by Timi Ann Welch / Quilted by John Liddicoat)


This was one of my favorites among the traditional designs. I love the feathered star pattern and the applique is just gorgeous. (another collaboration effort submitted by Marla Kelsey / Quilted by Helen Rode)


But of all the quilts in the show... This was my absolute, drop dead favorite.


The design is exquisite, the use of her prints and solids nailed this one. I was in awe.
This piece was created by Marie Zaczkowski (Quilted by Richard Larson). Marie is moving away from Dallas this year leaving a HUGE hole in our guild and in our hearts. She always has a smile on her face and is always there to help you if you need anything. She was the first guild member I met when I joined in 2009. She made me feel part of the group and that says a whole lot of her when you consider I joined a Guild of over 600 members. I will definitely miss her.

As always this show was fantastic. My only complaint was that the Red Crinoline booth was not there this year. They always have a booth, Paula being from TX and all, but with her moving out of state earlier this year, it looks like the show was sacrificed. I definitely missed her booth.

Other than that, it was another great show. Looking forward to next year! Enjoy the slide show.



 

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