what day is it?

Confusion reigned yesterday.  We taped up the last box for AQC and dropped it off at the shipping depot on Wednesday.  Phew.  That was a big task on top of many and it took every spare space and hand in the shop for days on end as we cut, folded and packed up all the goodies for Melbourne.  It is fun but as soon as I got home I grabbed a book and had a nap.  This is part of my new relaxation mode.  So is this...

Slowly but surely I am making progress on the background of my bird.  I never dreamed this would take so long but it is always nice to have a slow project on the go that can easily be picked up and carried on without much thought.  I am awkward with a needle so the back is a bit of a mess but the front will be nice...sort of not worrying about the back of your hair if the front is ok!

I arrived back at the shop feeling a bit rested only to find this little beauty made by Suzanne Cody. 
She used my Wandering Mind fabrics for the medallion and then mixed them in with a beautiful palette of mixed goodies.  This is what I have been waiting for...to see how other fabrics get mixed in with mine!

Just like I pictured it!  One of the ranges I have loved this year is Dogma.  It has great strong graphics used in more traditional fabrics so it slots in with everything from modern to civil war.  Using a drunkard's path block was a simple but effective way to surround the whimsy of the applique.  Love it!

I popped into quilt group for a few minutes to find Helena literally jumping up and down with something to show.  Her Magnificent Big Bang quilt from the Kaffe Fassett workshop.  Grinning from ear to ear...and it is no wonder as this quilt is a challenge to select the fabrics and sew together.  Not too hard but it is big for the bang!

Just because I know you want to see it again!!!  It certainly grew a crowd.

In another corner Deidre had her finished Soul Searching to baste.  She has really worked the blocks to bring out the best of every colour and it is a soulful expression...

Then I spied my book open to Big Fluffy Love and what?

The big hexagons were going up on the wall in the beautiful chintz fabrics.  Really nice use of the fabrics as the pattern lets them be shown off.  We now have this range in cottons and it is flying out the door.

This is another Soul Searching from my workshops at Sisters last year.  I love the layout which creates a completely different mood while the color blocks still work.

My friend Cheryl has alerted me to the fact that she bought Adding Layers and Wild Blooms, Colorful Creatures in her local patchwork shop in SF.  Cheryl and I spent many years trolling the clubs of NYC together but we now share a quilting life across the sea.  Both books are now widely available and we have them in stock at the moment...again, selling fast.

 

Cheryl also sent me photos she took at a recent local event which I have to share on for obvious reasons.  This my friends, is a gratifying experience.  To know people like the books enough to make and then exhibit the quilts is a thrill.  Thank you for buying the books, making the quilts and then showing them off!  Forever grateful and thrilled with the results...if you made them, pat yourself on the back!

 

 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Sue is getting her doggy quilt ready to hand quilt.  This method of basting, done with the quilt top clampted to the cutting table is a great way to save stress on the back! 

Wendy's girls are gettings some great lessons on using my Sunburst block with some very clever changes.

 

And that is enough of that...dashing off as per usual! k

Comments

[Lynelle Slade]

I'm also working "slow" at the moment. A broken foot has seen to that!

[Toni]

Oh my! Wow! Those images are so beautiful.
I always see so many things that I want to try immediately! Like Ann above - I need more time!!!! My day job interferes with my quilting life. Thank you for sharing and inspiring!!!

[Meredithe]

Fabulous!!

[Alison]

Going to pop in tomorrow if you are around!

[Rebecca Rohrkaste]

Hi Kathy, I'm the quilter who made the Fractured quilt, the first of the pictures your friend Cheryl sent you from the East Bay Heritage Quilt Show last month. It"s named "Not Entirely My Fault"; we live in earthquake country so immediately saw fault lines! Loved the pattern. Several folks in my quilt group made variations on your theme. Many thanks!
Rebecca Rohrkaste, Berkeley CA

[Cathy]

I always have a slow project on the go. With 2 little kids I quilt when I can even if it's just for a few minutes, gives me a breather! Beautiful quilts, thanks for sharing the pics :)

[Diane Côté]

How I love reading your blog for endless inspiration! Today, I specially appreciated Solar Power, Lynn Crook's rendition of your Fractured pattern.

[Janet Morley]

Is there a pattern available for the doggy quilt that Sue is basting? I would love to purchase it if it is available.
Thank you
Janet Morley