Radiancy

Ten days ago, I had no idea what I was going to create for the 2014 Pantone Quilt Challenge. But suddenly an idea came to me, I couldn't let it go, and the vision began to fall into place.

Doing this piece brought a couple of things together for me. I'd been wanting to do another linen + cotton quilt for quite some time - ever since the Zakka Block Quilt I made in the Zakka Along 2 years ago. And I'd also been wanting to try my hand at a Supernova a la Quilting Modern. So this became the perfect chance to do both!

As I was cutting some beautiful natural Essex for the background, I knew I wanted other bits of color in with my Radiant Orchid. During a piecing-break, I rummaged in my stash closet and realized the Newspaper Strips from Carrie Bloomston's Collage would be a perfect backing. On the floor basting, I was thinking ahead to the thread - the most brilliant Aurifil #2535 (Fuchsia) - and the quilting - a design both awesome and intimidating. And of course, while quilting, I was thinking ahead to the binding and how I could tweak the norm just so.

There was some risk in this one! The mix of colors for one. Though I'm definitely a purple/amethyst fan, orchid was a bit more "out there" for me. And adding in those bits of gold, teal, and gray . . . well I wasn't totally sure at first if they would "work". Another stretch was the improv! I've dabbled, but still feel tentative. Guided by the photo in the book, I build it as I went, piece by piece on the design wall. I confess it made me giddy! And lastly, that quilting. Oh my goodness! More than once through the process I stood back warily questioning what I was doing. But in the end, I think it suits the supernova just fine. ETA: And for the record, I was totally inspired by this quilting design by Anita Shackelford. 

So there's that! 30x36" of Radiant Orchid and then some. Another journey of sorts, and some very satisfying creating. Isn't that just the best?

   

If you'd like to see my Pantone challenge projects from previous years, here's Tangerine Tango and Emerald. Linking up with Fabric Tuesday. Also linking with the 2014 Pantone Quilt Challenge.

Fresh Sewing Day

The first day of each month is Fresh Sewing Day, hosted by Lily's Quilts and Sew Fresh Fabrics. The purpose is to show something you've been working on the previous month that made you happy.

Even though Supernova was my favorite project in April, she was still stealing the limelight well into May. Other than her, I think the project I enjoyed the most was this little table runner I made for my ALFALC{Swap!}.

My swap partner had indicated that she liked Dream On by Urban Chicks. Honestly, I had to go look it up! And even when I ordered the charm pack to make this runner, I was kind of ho-hum. But once I dug into those little swatches, I was wowed! They were really a treat! I thoroughly enjoyed piecing this little one, and adding the orange binding was great fun.

Be sure and go check out some other quilty goodness on this Fresh Sewing Day!

W.i.P. Wednesday

It's W.i.P. Wednesday again already! Be sure and stop in over at Freshly Pieced to see lots of fantastic projects!

Ongoing projects

My Comic Strip Quilt top using sherbet pips is done and waiting to be basted. Binding is ready to go!

Now that my Block-a-palooza quilt along top is done, it'll probably sit around for a while waiting to be quilted. Just sayin'.

Next on the sewing agenda is a Dream Big quilt for my daughter. I have made just one of Camille Roskelley's patterns before and really enjoyed it, so am anxious to get going on this one! For fabric, she picked out Kate Spain's Central Park, so it'll be fun to work with that line again. I've picked out my daughter's least favorite prints and will be adding some solids, which will be selected and ordered soon.

Last, but in no ways least, my supernova in DONE and posted on flickr before the deadline! I'll be sharing the story of this quilt on Friday with The Bloggers' Quilt Festival. I confess, I love this quilt!

Need to do

* Cappuccino Bali Pop quilt.

* Stash quilt - Sew Katie Did's zig zag quilt.

* Quilts for our siblings.

* The last project from the Pioneer Women Sewing Circle.

Have a great day!

W.i.P. Wednesday

Yay! It's W.i.P. Wednesday! Be sure and stop in over at Freshly Pieced to see more great works in progress!  

Ongoing projects

My Block-a-palooza quilt along top is DONE!

I started Aneela Hoey's Comic Strip Quilt using sherbet pips and I am loving it! I have the basic blocks done; now need to add the gray borders . . . a fun, quick quilt.

I basted my supernova! I have a quilting plan, and am anxious to get going on it.

Finally, two weeks ago when my extended family was together (we live across the country from each other!), I told my daughter and my nieces about the Scrap Swap I had participated in a while back. We decided it would be great fun to have a family scrap swap! I have my envelopes ready for the girls, and will be mailing them off today! I'm looking forward to more quilty goodness for the stash quilt I want to make, plus fun times with some of my favorite young women!

Need to do

* Cappuccino Bali Pop quilt.

* Stash quilt - Sew Katie Did's zig zag quilt.

* Dream Big birthday quilt for my daughter.

* Quilts for our siblings.

* The last project from the Pioneer Women Sewing Circle.

Have a great day!

W.i.P. Wednesday

Checking in again on W.i.P. Wednesday!

Finished Projects 
coming home using Origins by BasicGrey - I had some issues with finishing up this one, but it looks great now that's it's done. Washed it up immediately, just to enjoy that quilty goodness. This is a nice little quilt from Camille Roskelley's book, simplify. I'll definitely be doing one of her patterns again.

Ongoing projects

My quilt top for the Supernova Quilt Along with Lee of Freshly Pieced is complete!

I also got the backing pieced, so next up is basting!

Block-a-palooza quilt along - need to get those setting pieces cut and pieced to finish the top - the next sewing I hope to do.

Need to do
* Cappuccino Bali Pop quilt.
* Stash quilt - Sew Katie Did's zig zag quilt.
* Aneela Hoey's Comic Strip Quilt using sherbet pips 
* A birthday quilt for my daughter
* Black and red table topper/runner for my Mom's friend.
* Quilts for our siblings.
* The last project from the Pioneer Women Sewing Circle.

That's all for now! Head on over to Freshly Pieced to see more great works in progress! So many great projects and people to inspire you!

W.i.P. Wednesday

Finished Projects 
I'm excited to have a finished quilt to show today! Freshly back from the quilter's, I was able to get the binding on (looove doing the binding!). So here is "Geese in the Park", using Kate Spain's beautiful Central Park.

(Dare I say, I was disappointed, and somewhat surprised, that Central Park got beat out in March Madness. . . sigh)

Ongoing projects
The Supernova Quilt Along with Lee of Freshly Pieced was where my real efforts went this week. I'd sneak down to the sewing room early and late, to piece just a bit. Am happy to say I have eight of the nine blocks done. Tomorrow Lee will post instructions for the next step, so I won't be too far behind. I must say, I haven't enjoyed piecing a quilt this much in ages - such drama! I am thinking of rearranging my block placement once they are all done - we'll see.

Block-a-palooza quilt along

coming home using Origins by BasicGrey.

Need to do (Wow, this list hasn't changed much in the past weeks. Hopefully soon!)
* Cappuccino Bali Pop quilt.
* Stash quilt - Sew Katie Did's zig zag quilt.
* Aneela Hoey's Comic Strip Quilt using sherbet pips 
* A birthday quilt for my daughter
* Black and red table topper/runner for my Mom's friend.
* Quilts for our siblings.
* The last project from the Pioneer Women Sewing Circle.

That's all for now! Head on over to Freshly Pieced to see more great works in progress! So many great projects and people to inspire you!

W.i.P. Wednesday

Finished Projects 
Well, life didn't allow for much time in the sewing room this last week, but I DO have a finish! The little sneak peek from last week became this table runner, made from my Hawaiian batiks.

I really do love this pattern from Anka's Treasures by Heather Mulder Peterson.

Ongoing projects
Block-a-palooza quilt along - I found fabric for the setting squares and border - just need the time to cut and piece! Glad at least to have a plan now for finishing.

coming home using  Origins by BasicGrey. Still waiting for a chunk of time to brave the stippling I want to do.

The Supernova Quilt Along with Lee of Freshly Pieced continues! Seriously have not had a chance to start piecing, but I DID get my background fabric, KONA cotton solid in 'sand'. I really like how it goes with my Hawaiian water prints. Hope to have my first block pieced and posted soon!

My Central Park quilt has been quilted. I pick it up tomorrow!

Need to do (Wow, this list hasn't changed much in the past weeks. Hopefully soon!)
* Cappuccino Bali Pop quilt.
* Stash quilt - Sew Katie Did's zig zag quilt. Hoping to use fabrics from my Scrap Swap, as well as dig into my stash. I have received all of my Scrap Swap packages, and look forward to using them.
* Aneela Hoey's Comic Strip Quilt using sherbet pips - an obvious choice!
* A birthday quilt for my daughter
* Black and red table topper/runner for my Mom's friend.
* Quilts for our siblings.
* The last project from the Pioneer Women Sewing Circle.

That's all for now! Head on over to Freshly Pieced to see more great works in progress! Talk about inspiring!

W.i.P. Wednesday

Finished Projects 
It's a little depressing to still not have any finishes to show, but progress has been made . . .

Ongoing projects
Block-a-palooza quilt along - The 16 blocks are now complete, though I'm still puzzling on the layout and finishing fabric.

coming home using  Origins by BasicGrey. The top is now done, and waiting for a chunk of time to brave the stippling I want to do.

The Supernova Quilt Along with Lee of Freshly Pieced has begun! I'm loving the fabrics I brought home from our recent trip to Hawaii. Layout is complete, and blocks are cut out and waiting for piecing instructions on Thursday.

My Central Park quilt is being quilted. Anxious to get this one home and bound.

New Projects
A little peek of a project I am sneaking into the line up. Enough said for now.

Need to do
* Cappuccino Bali Pop quilt.
* Stash quilt - Sew Katie Did's zig zag quilt. Hoping to use fabrics from my Scrap Swap, as well as dig into my stash. I have received all of my Scrap Swap packages, and look forward to using them.
* Aneela Hoey's Comic Strip Quilt using sherbet pips - an obvious choice!
* A birthday quilt for my daughter
* Black and red table topper/runner for my Mom's friend.
* Quilts for our siblings.
* The last project from the Pioneer Women Sewing Circle.

That's all for now! Head on over to Freshly Pieced to see more great works in progress!