Material Obsession

Stash Managed...term 2 wrap up

It's the end of term 2 and it shows with the number of fabulous projects that have been finished this past week. In Stash Management, Lindy has finished her Antique Rose Star top.  The all over print background fabric gives a slightly modern twist to her beautiful hand pieced blocks and was a terrific find. The red inner border helps bring out the red points in all the stars for perfect harmony.  Lindy's next project is Brigitte Giblin's Tesselation kit.

Paper templates are fun and easy.  We like to refer to them as Slow Burners, projects that can be packed up and taken anywhere.  They brew in the background and suddenly, they are done!  Sometime Lindy also found the initiative to make this stunner for her friend. 

Gil brought a lot of different pieces of this quilt to the first class and was wondering how to put them all together.  She has consistently made progress here by setting the medallion and then working out the borders and by learning a lot of new techniques along the way created a lovely soft quilt in blues.

 Gils project for next term is traveling to Europe and the US so have a nice trip!

Judy got that buggy border by Jane Sassaman on and I can say that this top is basted and being quilted already!  It's a very exciting looking quilt that got lots of inspection by admiring fans at quilt group last week while on the basting table.  No dust on Judy, here is her next project revving up the creative engine.

 The name of the class is Stash Management and although there are a few sashings, borders and background thrown in, the majority of these quilts are made from the home stash...with a bit of stimulation. I am not saying that some of these stashes weren't created recently but the fact is there is a real joy in combining what we have with tweaks of new things and by really looking at what we are doing. Judy played around with the Kaleido ruler and had made heaps of these blocks.  They look great and use up scraps really well.  The red isolates the blocks while the hot new Kaffe stripe adds zing to the sashing...

 I know I showed this before but since it is part of the class and part of the finished top theme I thought I'd give it another go.  Notice the use again of fabric (Brandon Mably's fab graphic zig zag color boosting winner!)  This quilt has a celestial quality to it.  Those stars really sparkle in all their bits.  Kate learned a lot here.  Strip piecing is fun and creates a wonderful result but there are tricks to the trade.  It's a thrill to work with quilters that will step off the beaten track and try working without patterns...using their imagination and acquiring skills all the time.

 What else do we have stored up in the photo file you ask?  Hopefully a lot as number oneson took my camera with him to London on the weekend!!!!  We discussed the need for a camera quite regularly but  he didn't sound interested until we were packing up Friday night. Ok, take it, I'll make do.  A concept one reserves for our last minute thinkers.  Honestly, I then had to stomp my feet to get him to put something besides rugby shorts in his back pack.  Read the motherly sigh here.  Where, I asked, do you think you will be wearing these in Paris??????  We do our best and then, WHAM...they are a finished product with lots of quirks.  I wish I had a photo of his face, full of doubt and confusion as to what I could be talking about in regard to traveling in very short white sport shorts.  His identity was in crisis fully facing my own identity crisis.  Thankfully, his grandmother won't be over there to see him in his sporty gear at the Louvre!  If you are and you see him, ask where his pants are please! Enjoy taking chances creatively...kathy

flexible outcomes

One might think I spend all my time making quilts, teaching quilts, thinking about quilts or making plans for quilters and you could be forgiven for thinking that.  However, last night I arrived home from the shop with plans for a quiet evening doing just that...several exciting projects on the go that I would love to fall into and progres... HOWEVER, Oscar had other plans.  

He is off to Europe on Saturday for a month with a couple of mates so he had decided to have a tiny going away bbq for 15, at the last minute. Unfortunately, due to the  afore mentioned fixation with quilts, quilting and quilters I had NO FOOD in the house at all. Fortunately, I have a flexible, helpful, hands on husband who went shopping and cooking with me.   Two hours later we were setting out a spread that was consumed in a matter of seconds by this crew of laughing boys.  Now, as I write this the next  morning they are sprawled from one corner of the house to the other gently snoring on every bed, mattress and sofa space available!!!!!  The stay over is a regular thing for young men this age which is great as it keeps them off the roads at night after a couple beers.

NOW, thank you so much for your enthusiastic response to the Sue Ross BOM!  We were inundated with requests to sign up.  I think we got back to all the inquiries but the general information is that the program is $35 per month, it starts at the end of July this year and runs approximately 10 months.  The end result is a bit of a mystery but will be a quilt filled with traditional blocks made with contemporary colors either in Soft Contemporary or simply Contemporary combinations. The monthly package contains the fabric for the block, the pattern and any templates necessary to make it up.  FUN!  If you would like to sign up and haven't simply ring us on 029817 2733 or email with any questions.  It is very exciting to think we will be sharing this program around the world with all of you!  Much appreciated.

Ah, that's better, something quilty.   

Although introducing the BOM was a big even this week the shop has been going full tilt with classes.  The quilts of the term are coming together nicely and it was one WOW moment after another.  In Stash Management we had Kate finish her top strip star top.  The best thing with this quilt is that Kate examined a lot of ideas as she went along and tried lots of new things.  We never would have anticipated this result but it is fantastic fun to look at with lots of layering and a result, lots of interest.  

Laurel also has been experimenting with layout with her blocks. The quilt she started was from a magazine and set in straight rows.  Laurel is a willing game player so we took some of her blocks and a strip pieced sashing that she liked and tried a few options...

Good start, lets see those blocks on point.

Then back to the orginal pattern layout with the blocks in straight rows with the sashing option.

ok. that is more and the colorful sashing is really making those blocks jump and connect...so we went back to the on point option...

and really liked it so...

And Voila!!! How smashing is that!  We were jumping up and down and Laurel packed up to go home and get this top finished with a smile.  The story for the week in classes was about what an author had said on the radio in and interview about writer's block.  She said that writers that are going in a single direction can get stuck.  It is flexibility of characters, story lines and outcomes that allows the writer to move forward with the story.  This is true in any creative field.  We have to be able to swap and change direction based on the results of the first steps.  In the surprise outcome is always a bit of joy or an opportunity to try something new.  I have more on this but must go unless this story ends with me driving to the station and the gym in my pj's and no lunch for the boys...not the best surprise outcome this morning!  Lesson of the day...be flexible and go with the flow!!!!!! kathy

Tradition, with a twist!!!!

 

Here's some exciting news!  Sue Ross is one of our very popular tutors at the shop.  She is a former patchwork shop owner come teacher with an eclectic style matched perfectly with a traditional quilting base.  This is the concept that makes us tick at Material Obsession.  Tradition, with a twist.  Quirky color combinations blended with stylish designs.  When I post about Sue's class I am inundated with requests for patterns so....your wish is my command.  We have put together a Sue Ross Block of the Month!!!!  

One thing Sue does well is "pretty" with a dash of spice.  For those of  you who may want to play but not go wild we have two color ways to choose from.  One is Contemporary and one is Pretty Contemporary.

There will be ten months in the program delivered to you straight from the Material Obsession shelves. Some traditional blocks look tricky but we are lucky to live in the age of tools so as we go along the construction of the blocks will be aided by acrylic templates that we make just for the program as well as tips from Sue.  The templates are fun to use as they ensure consistent, accurate cutting, marking and sewing.  (Personally, I have fallen in love with the first blocks presented and have been sneaking off to make them whenever possible!!) 

Watching Sue's class this year has opened all of our eyes to new combinations of fabric and blocks. 

 We have stretched possibilities and learned to be confident going in new directions.   The look is scrappy but elegant at the same time.  The unexpected combinations give the quilts a grasp of honesty and authenticity.  

So think about that and let us know if you would like to be included in this first time offer.  What could be more exciting than a bit of colorful fabric and a fun pattern delivered to your door...except the unique and gorgeous quilt you end up with at the end!  Enjoy for sure, tradition, with a twist. kathy

Tabula "Fulla"

Sue Spargo applique workshop project. Done...tick.  Bag with spotty elephant done as well!  Sue has given us a lot of fun ideas to play with this season but that is just the beginning of the tabula fulla!  On Wednesday we celebrated our Judges Commendation for our Cut Loose quilt, For the Love of Gee's Bend!   Then we moved on to new projects and challenges...as we do!  A big hit at the show were the Bargain Bundles.  Each person got a bundle and a challenge to make something with it. Cath did this in just a few short days.  It's DinoZag...goes Amish...

Just sit and stare at that for a while...I do.  Just loving the way solids are working at the moment.  The simplicity is startlingly wonderful.  

Once it was up on the wall Cath decided to change the yellow to black and maybe add a plaid somewhere...

A previous challenge was about each of us doing our own tree of life.  Cheryl has started here after brewing the concept and changing it from the wheels of life..

What is happening here is a veritable churning of ideas and experience...it all comes together so beautifully with just a bit of consideration.  Each  month we gather for a chat and show and tell and then something wonderful appears the next month.  

Sheena has been working on her tree of life using the cut up method.  I don't know what you call it but doesn't it just work a treat here!!!  We are loving this tree thing.  It started with a whisper of an idea and now can't you just hear the silent footsteps through the woods?!  I love the moodiness and growth in stages as well as the filtered light effects.  Oh, yea, I can go on but what appeals is the fact that we are all traveling on the journey here.  Quilts aren't just photos, they are experiences.

Here is Cath's germinating tree.  It is a fine line we walk when doing the discussions about these quilts.  I thought they were the seeds of the trees but Cath's intention was that they were the leaves...so where does that take us?  One has to wonder about that darned chicken and the egg idea...or what is beyond the universe.  STOP.

Back to reality.  Here's a real tree.  Propped up in it's new position.  I can't help but wonder if it will take to the new spot and grow big and strong again as a transplanted life form.  Are it's roots tingling in search of nourishment or is it in a tree coma?  waiting for spring...energy and life blood.  One can only hope. k

Tabula Rosa

Tabula Rosa... blank slate... is a concept that has stuck in my mind since a psychology class at university.  The idea of no idea, having no experience and starting life with a clean, clear fresh blank mind void of knowledge gained by experience always intrigues me.    Here is my blank slate...tabula rosa if you will.  I took the day off yesterday and stayed home with this in mind.  Yes, there are emails and kits to cut...plans to make...things to do but down time is important too so I stood before my blank wall and smiled happily to myself wondering what the day would bring to fruition.  

Two things appeal to me at this opportunistic junction of time and desire.  One is a quick and easy design to get the dust out and the other is a more complicated, slow brewing, evolving project.  So, while the day was fresh I got out the large Drunkard's Path template, cut and sewed these blocks using my new Curved Seam Presser Foot.  The fabrics are from the new Kokka range 

and some Anna Griffin texture prints I have been admiring as they walk out the door.  For immediate satisfaction I need look no further!  My other fascination is a secondary pattern which is just beginning to appear here interrupting the ribbon flow...more later.  

On to the next thing...

A lovely friend gave me an assortment of reproduction wedges she had cut and decided not to use.  I thought they would be nice to play with when opportunity ran so I got them out and found that they are absolutely gorgeous with my favorite bird fabric...More on that later too as my head was literally swimming with ideas.  How elegant is that bird!

It was hard not to be stimulated after this week of classes.  Everyone is full steam ahead and great work is being done with great enthusiasm.  On Tuesday night everyone was quite considerate of my exhaustion and got down to steady work.  Hands were busy everywhere...

Vicki, our newest member of Tuesday night is happily quilting away and participating in the group...

Suzanne is designing her own applique quilt based on the paintings of Gustov Klimt.  

Suzanne is trying all kinds of applique techniques with a brave determination that we all admire!

Meegan is resting on her laurels after finishing two big projects for the Craft and Quilt show!  Selecting binding on this Liberty log cabin quilt was the task at hand...

and in the end I think she chose this Kaffe paisley stripe as it had great punch.

Wednesday turned out to be a big day of creative fun as well.  Francis has her Chook Yard together.  It is a little bigger than the original.  I was walking the dog a while back and passed a back yard with chooks running around freely in the middle of my neighborhood.  It was a fascinating discovery and not unlike looking at this happy combination of color darting all over the space!  The pattern is available in this month's Quilters Companion and more chook fabric is on it's way!!!!

Susan found the red butterflies to border her quilt which has been evolving in Stash Management.  The birds have sweet personality and are surrounded by color.

Time is up for me this morning as my coffee is finished the boys are in the shower or kitchen and the day calls for action.  

My mind is warmed up now and thinking that If we are born with a blank slate and all of our ideas is based on experience and perception...imagination is what makes the possibilities!!!!   The concept of sharing these ideas is one of great responsibility.  It is a pleasure to see bits and pieces transformed into people's projects.  Ownership of ideas is really not possible once we put them out there to be interpreted by another's input.  As I look back through this post I see quilts inspired by artists, nature and other peoples' quilts.  We are all gathering experience and perception and making it our own.  What a cause for celebration!  

off to make creative lunches...k

Life after the show...

Somewhere here in the rows of stalls lived we lived for a week. Yesterday as I walked through the aisles and realized it was the last day I thought that I could hang around a few more days, if only I could have a tiny rest first.  It was fun to see the familiar faces appeared out of the crowd all day for five days.  It was wonderful to see so many happy ones!

For most people it is a day visit but for those of us that work the show it is many days of discovering all kinds of things. In stolen moments we wandered around and found treasures amongst the stalls, people and the quilts.  I love this view of the show as there is no real detail but rather just a blur of stuff we love. Fabrics, wools and the creative endeavors of many.   One of our favorite show stops is Claire Patterson's knitwear stall.  Every year we all head over there and buy a cardigan...or two and sometimes three.  

I was seriously too busy (read entertained!!! or maybe even too busy talking...) to snap off many photos this year.  The quilt show was filled with beauties and if you would like to see them the NSW Guild website has them all here. http://quiltersguildnsw.com/quiltshow/  (can I have some applause for doing a link please!)  Anyway, we are not permitted to show photos of quilts at the show unless we have permission so I didn't bother to take many.  Quilters can be like shy birds only visible in passing and flapping their wings to avoid a photograph.  Here's one I managed to capture in front of her beautiful prize winner.    You can see why it won a prize as it is filled with beautiful detail, perfectly executed and just a bit fresh and quirky stylish grace.

Some of you might remember the workshop I did with Rosalie Dace last February at the AQC.  Jane was in that group and her quilt project was one I watched carefully from across the room.  Here it is, with Jane at the show...Finished!

I love this quilt as it was originally much bigger but Jane pulled it all together into a compressed mini walk through the woods.  It is the first in a series of quilts I look forward to seeing develop.   Looking at Jane's finished quilt is making want to get back to mine as well.  The tree theme is so emotive and full of potential.  Looking at it I can hear the twigs snap under foot and smell the moss.

Cath's quilt was wonderful to see hanging in the show too as it is full of garden secrets and hidden beauty.  There were so many gorgeous quilts this year that revealed themselves more and more every time they were revisited.  It is amazing how much detail comes out the second and third time around.  People were surprised to see me white gloving and not on the stall but it was a great opportunity to walk through the quilts and have a quiet look with all the visitors.

Fractured and Garden Party were two popular kits.  I love that fact that people are following us out onto the proverbial limb!    I very much appreciated all the kind words and support from all the visitors over the week.  It was fun to know that making quilts with a twist is a passion for so many...and that making quilts for boys is an option too!  We heard lots of stories about color adventures and passed out lots of tools for making fun designs.  Thanks for all the encouraging compliments on the books as well.    My boys still can't figure out why anyone would want my autograph!  I'm with them.  I think that the book is representative of where all things color and design collide as a reflection of what is happening in the world...as quilting always has been.

Block Party kits were a fun hit as well.  We put together fabric combinations that we love with free quicky EASY patterns included.  Gone are the days when a quick quilt has to be boring to make.  

So as the lights dimmed we packed up what was left into boxes and went home...only to go back to the shop this  morning for our fabulous Monday group!!!  Moira has already got her DinoZag quilt together and just so you know life is returning to normal...here is a shot of her lush quilt...just before my camera died.

I am thinking we might see a few DinoZags around town soon as it was also a popular pattern at the show. 

 So, so many sentences started with "after the Craft and Quilt show we will..." and now, in the first day after the show we sit and wait to see what a new day will bring...kathy.

Show OFF and running!

How did we fit it all in? Boxes jammed with stock filling every corner until there is only room to throw one's arms in the air in wonder and certainly no room to swing a cat. Dolly quilts, block party quilts. big quilts and fabric...books and stuff everywhere!   

Today was a blast. I love the first day of the show because I can still talk and talk we did, all day.  Six years of quilt show exhibiting and its as close to a family reunion as I get down her in Australia!  Faces of friends appear from the crowd with cheerful greetings and all is good.

We started with a walk through the quilts and although I didn't get a good enough quiet look we did do some joking around in front of For the Love of Gee's Bend!  This is our collaborative group quilt effort from Cut Loose and we proudly accepted a Judges Commendation for it.  We suspected they were giving us an award just for having the nerve to put it in the show.  When I look at it I see a lot of laughs stitched into the blocks.  As you can see, any recognition is enough to get us jumping around in excitement and ridiculous behavior.  We have photos of each of us in every combination.  Ah, the thrill of it all.  

Here's my entry and me looking seriously dorky with my  Kaffe Fanfare which was fun to see hanging flat and square. 

And here is Sheena in front of her quilt

It is always fascinating to see the judges choices for the prize awards each year.  It is a special moment in each woman's life to hear their name called, maybe one of the best.  As they modestly walk up to get their prize it's hard not to imagine how it would feel to be rewarded for all the hours and planning that goes into any quilt. From children to granny quilters it was a special day for many.

Upon arriving home I was pretty happy to have planned ahead last weekend.  We had a roaring fire and a big bowl of soup that had sat just the right amount of time for dinner.  Perfect combination to rest my weary chatter box and feet. (what was I thinking wearing heels?sensible shoes tomorrow!)

By the way, it is a pleasure to hear all of your comments about the blog.  It's nice to know that you are enjoying the photos and finding inspiration amongst the photos of everyone's work.  Creativity breeds creativity and we all feed off of each other's energy...sharing inspiration is the heart of it.  

Enjoy the show if you are lucky enough to get there.  I haven't been through all the shops yet and will be doing some time on my feet tomorrow white gloving and having a huge peep at more quilts.  And now for some hand sewing to relax...is that insane or what! k

Sights on the show...

   This gorgeous vintage quilt hanging in the sun against the heavenly background creates a feeling of serenity. It makes me hear a song in my head that goes something like...give me a fan amongst the gum trees...but if I start singing it you will know for sure I have lost my mind with one more sleep to go... These two gorgeous vintage quilts are available from Ric Rac (aka Sheena!) from the Material Obsession stall this week at the Quilt and Craft Fair at Darling Harbor.  They are stunning examples of fan quilts and I am a fan of the fan.  My entry into the show featured fans made of Kaffe and set on Anna Maria...fans of fan material.  Anyway, the tree back drop makes me gasp for their beauty.  The subtle blue hue says cool air on the way as we settle into winter down here.  

Winter means quilt show preparation time!  The other night we did our traditional pack it up night.  Despite the rigor of the routine we still had smiles and laughes as we cut and folded and cut and folded and then sat on the floor for a pizza picnic.  It is fun, I have to admit to hear everyone chatting as they fold about the things in their lives.  I never tire of the fact that a patchwork shop is a place were lives mingle while fingers work.  

Once it was all folded up we packed the boxes and then had a couple of days of semi quiet to make lasagna and soup for the late home dinners this week. And then...ta da!  it was time to hit the hall.

We got a bit silly at the start but as the hours wore on we wearied as there was still so much to do.  We wondered aloud and to ourselves where everything was going to fit into this small space.  I am NOT however, complaining.  It was a fun day with friends  Sheena, Cath and Bundle helping to unpack the boxes that seemed endless.  They, being the good gorgeous friends they are managed to withstand the pressure of ME.  I know it isn't easy so I appreciate the kind, gentle nature of my companions and the energy they gave freely today.  Here we are styling in our day glow orange safety vests admiring our handy work which I will not reveal here yet!

 

 At one point I stepped out for a breather and had a cursory glance amongst the quilts on display in the show.  I didn't ponder carefully but rather just did the show at a pace.  I seriously had to wipe tears from my eyes as I went, overwhelmed by it all.  It never ceases to amaze me how creative women can be.  To walk through the quilts and see nearly 400 wonders makes me think the same thought each year...the mind simply boggles.  Where do we find the time and the inclination to cut, piece and quilt the beautiful, creative quilts on display? 

Congratulations to each and every one of you for your efforts. There are so many gorgeously divine quilts on display.  Some  traditional, some modern and some in between but all of them from the heart.  It is world peace at it's best. Hoping to see you at the show!  kathy

Packing a Whopper!

It's the final countdown with only four more sleeps until we set up the stall at the Quilt and Craft Show at Darling Harbor. I have heard a rumor that the quilts this year are a magnificent collection of beauties which is always a huge draw card.  EVERY year, I walk through and imagine the hours of ideas and think to myself, "the mind boggles at the creativity of women!" EVERY year I think the same thought.  Walking through the show I always imagine that I will do a versioin of "this" quilt or "that" quilt and think how wonderfully talented all the quilters are to have thought up and made their quilts.   From beginners to experts, it is always a thrill.

This is my sixth year of being a shop stall and the experience is still the same.   I do wonder how all the other shops do the Sydney show and others  throughout the year as I only recently recovered from last year. (being a motor mouth by nature it takes of few days of perfect, silent, non speaking to recover!)  

I admit I love the thrill of planning and packing and preparing.  Lately, I have made the analogy that I am that guy running the marathon whose legs give out just before the finish line, leaving him crawling just to finish the race...my brain is mush. Each morning I wake up, my eyes pop open and I think, "I know what I'll do" and then spend the day trying to remember what the bizarre idea was ... but here's one I remembered for you!  

We went bargain hunting!  As a budget minded quilter myself I find I always freak at the expense of 5 meters of backing fabric which can add an expensive punch at the end of a project.  I like a border to be fun so we got a nice little show special for you to take the sting out of finishing that project this month.  Visit us at E28 to see the great assortment of backings that will add ZING to your quilts!!!!

Reproduction, retro, colorful...we got it all going on but there are limited quantities and when they are gone, they are gone.  We also have our now famous Bargain Bundles in production as well which have been really popular.  

These colorful little beauties have been a huge hit!  I overheard a couple of the Quilt and Craft Show elves discussing a bit of a challenge amongst themselves using the bundles as they rolled them up yesterday...hmmm, just a hint of light at the end of the tunnel and an idea of starting NEW projects! (as if I didn't start a new one last night just to be really insane!) 

As it is we have been finalizing new patterns, packing up kits with a difference and really, just plain having a ball! I have also got a lovely stack of boxes of Material Obsession, Shared Inspiration if any of you are waiting to get one.

Every sentence these days starts with "after the quilt show..." but this one now is off to make breakfast for the boys.  They are doing exams this week and fortunately, that is keeping them busy.  I run past heads down at desks and point to the food and all appears to be going well.  Closer inspection will come...after the quilt show!!!!! kathy

wonderland...

For the Friday workshop Wendy brought in some more of her work for everyone to look at.  These machine appliqued pillows really brightened up the room...they are just the icing on the Wendy cake as she has also made a bunch of delightful bags...

Watch this spot for news of workshops for these fun bags and cushions or even a quilt one day soon!  That was Friday and then the weekend was upon us and full of wonder.   The rubber band of life that draws us back to the shop wasn't stretched since Sue Ross was in the house!  Here are some updates on the quilts being done in this class.  Stephanie had hers on the wall looking spectacular.

Stephanie used the Anna Maria fabric as a border which works, as you can see, really well to set off the multi-layered pattern of these blocks.  Everyone agreed that this block was much harder than they thought at the outset but that in the end it was very rewarding.  It is proof that this goes with that...as long as you like it.

oops, major focus problem here...Marg has also got her quit to border stage and  has used a completely different but equally effective border that gives this quilt real umph! 

Same blocks, completely different feeling to Stephanie's, both great results.  These blocks renew an interest in straight line, multi structured blocks. As soon as we got Susan's held up the squeals brought everyone running from the other room!

Susan has achieved great results in the class as well with these gorgeous stars.  The blue floral border really establishes the warmth of the blocks and creates movement throughout....Notice anything here...like they are all getting ready to finish these quilts and...and...AND...START A NEW ONE?!

This is one of Sue Ross's quilts on show as a possible next quilt. Momentary pause for manly activity...

Happily sewing away on Sunday I happened to look out  my window to this scene.  "We" are moving a tree (cross fingers that it lives!) and this scene reminded me a bit of a Dumb and Dumber movie.  In the end they got the tree moved to a new spot but not without a few laughs.

Then today Lynn brought in her Heaven and Earth.  Lynn has used the strip for the back which looks beautiful with the coolness of the stars.  Let the quilting of the heavens begin!

Lynn has also gotten this quilt to the border stage.  This is always a fun exercise as we look through possibilities.  it takes a bit of bravery to put it up on the wall as we all chime in with suggestions.  This one ended up with a surprisingly hot combination of red and a Brandon Mably  stripe.  Imagine it if you will as I get so darned excited I fail to take photos.  It is fun to see such a classic quilt done in Kaffe fabrics.  It's so joyful.

Here is an update on Susan's Flannel star.  The design wall really helped to get the blocks in this formation for her son's quilt.  There were several half square blocks in several layouts but this one looks like the winner!  

And Jill, hiding behind her Zig and Zag dolly quilt...just a shy gal hiding behind her work!!!

Today was Michele's last class for a while as she is going home to Colorado for a visit with her empty house.   Today Michele put some blocks together  to take on the road.  Nothing better than a hand piecing project, all laid out and ready to go.  In case you haven't seen it before, this is a Kim McLean Lollipop Tree block.  

I am surrounded by loudness and boys at the  moment...gotta run and hide.  more later ....kathy