Holidays

These are the posts I dread the most!  The ones where I say:

                    Material Obsession will close for the holiday  at close of business

                    Thursday 21 April and re-open bright and early Wednesday 27 April !!!

I hate when the shop is shut.  Even though it means I can sleep in a bit it feels like a loss of possibility...the doors shut and the opportunity to see quilts come to life takes a breather.  I do realise that this is the wrong perspective and like everyone else I should look forward to a break to rejoice while reclaiming my home from the dust and piles of laundry, family celebrations and hopefully a few creative projects!!!  

This has been a big week.  We had our Monday design class and as per usual, there were lots of interesting things going on.  Each month we take an aspect of quilting and everyone in the class works a project.  Recently we have been focusing on stripes.  I find a lot of quilters resist using stripes.  The most common reason is the cutting.  However, I say go for it! Stripes are a dynamic graphic that add a lot of directional movement to quilts.  Cut them across and they consolidate the palette beautifully.  Cut them along the stripe and use the stripe as a guide to get it straight. 

Cath took the assignment and got started with these blocks:
How fun is that!!!  Random fabrics from her stash all cut into one unifying shape and tied together with the picnic style red check.    Try to look away, I dare you!

Jill has combined the last two classes to do this block.  We started the year with my Soul Searching quilt and here Jill is using the premise of that quilt and the 60 degree diamond to make this block and more!

Soul Searching is all about our personal stash and using colour.  If this is a topic you like and you are a member of the NSW Quild I am doing a workshop 21 May on just this topic...understanding your stash.  We have been doing this quilt in class and everyone that has done it is having a blast so come join the fun!
If you are not a member of the guild but live in NEW ZEALAND !!!! I will be making my way to Wellington to teach this quilt and give a lecture for the Queen's Birthday weekend.  If you don't live in New Zealand and you want to do this workshop there I am sure they'll have you.  Check out the details for Handmade 2011 at this link: http://handmade2011.co.nz/programme

OK, back to Drummoyne...Moira grabbed the Cloth words as she came in the front door.

Moira used the Marty Michele Kaleido ruler and made up this block.  We were exploring options with the blocks as borders and when Moira comes back we will see what she decided to do.

Kate is making this quilt in Sue Ross's class.  It is now at the point where we can see just how gorgeous it is going to be.  A ribald gathering of colours sure to delight and a palette she has created that for her daughter. 

Alex, (seen here in such fast motion that she is but a blur!)  Is doing one of our kits for Folk Art Birds. It is very different from the original version which I did on white but when we put the kits together we thought it would be fun to do it on spots and now we know that yes, it is FUN on dots!!!
When we talk about stripes we have a loose interpretation.  Maree wanted to make a quilt with a Mexican influence.  She chose one of my favorite fabrics at the moment....
Simple fussy cutting of these "stripes" or repeat patterns reveals fun wedge shapes.

The fun alternate block is fussy cut as well to create extra motion.  These blocks just vibrate with excitement and we look forward to seeing this quilt finished.  Maree is also playing with my other favorite fabric...
These fabrics will turn into squares and flying geese for a young man.  That Brandon Mably plaid in the background is yet another fabric.  I am noticing that I have a lot of favourites at the moment.  How does one control that?  The shop is full of my favorites arriving all the time.  It is frightfulll having a fabric addict in charge of the buying.

Julie has been working on Gypsy Kisses for a while now.  She got this far and realised a stumbling block with the plaid fabric as a background.  The diagonal was hard to cut properly, without a bias on the outside edge, and still keep the plaid going in the right direction.  We soon worked out that she could use her border fabric with a nice contrasting inner border and get a great option to finish off the quilt.

Just because a pattern was originally done one way it doesn't mean you have to do your quilt that way.  It is always a good idea to think about a variety of options and to be sure that your quilt has a bit of your own voice sewn into the seams.

Even here, Robyn has also done one of our kits.  This time it is the Sand Castle quilt by Chasing Cottons.  The pattern is cleverly designed and a real treat for any fairy tale princess.  Robin put a few different fabrics in for her grandaughter princess. 

So, we prepare to prepare food instead of quilts and to reflect on the religious moments of the coming weekend.  I have to admit that Good Friday is always a day for considered thought in a world where it is easy to forget to appreciate the moments as they pass.  Whatever belief you hold in your heart the story of Jesus and his resolute stand to represent the good in all of us gives strength to go on and be good.  Be good.  Promise yourself to be good to all. Rest, eat, and think about how to make your life your own. k 

 

 

Comments

[cardygirl]

Great quilts & lots of inspiration as always! Treat yourself to some well deserved R & R ...Happy Easter!

[Di]

Love Love the stripes. They look great in all of those quilts. Hope you enjoy your break. Happy Easter. xo

[broderie]

i often enjoy your posts and your writings on things other than quilts. if we are happy with ourselves and happy with our lot in life and content, then our lives are our own and we find time to share it with others. enjoy your easter break!

[Pam]

Happy Easter week Kathy! I agree! Be good...virtue is it's own reward!

[Elizabeth]

Happy Easter to you, too, and enjoy the break. I'm off to visit my parents today, leavning behind a blank pin wall, calling out for a quilt! Later, when I return.

Love your final thought--thanks.

[Meredithe]

Hi Kathy, thanks for your thoughts on Easter. I do enjoy reading your posts. Cheers, Meredithe

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