This has a huge Awww factor. Love it!
The sweetest thing I’ve seen…
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Charlotte Quilters’ Guild: Block of the Month
Here is my kitty Daphne with this month’s block.
Download the block here. BOM-DirectionsColor-July
Think Pink!
One evening a few weeks ago I was at Barnes and Nobles trying to find the latest issue of Quilting Art‟s magazine. Hurrah, it was there. I then began to look around the rest of the store to see what else I could find. While browsing I kept thinking about this year‟s block of the month. I had so many questions. Will the ladies try something different? Would I have good participation? How can I increase participation? And, the biggest question, would the guild members really help me make quilts to be donated to CMC‟s Breast Cancer unit?
Hmmm…..I hope so.
I then made my way to the check out. I passed the bargain table and I couldn‟t believe what I saw. “QUILT PINK for hope.” Fifty quilt blocks and one-hundred ideas for quilts to make a difference and fight breast cancer. Wow, it was a sign. A sign, that this was the right thing to do for this year‟s block of the month.
All of us have been touched by cancer in some form or another. It is my hope that when we are stitching these blocks we will remember loved ones and friends who have or are suffering with cancer. In some small way, I feel this is my way of giving back so others can fight cancer.
My concept is pretty simple. Create pink lap quilts for breast cancer patients at Carolinas Medical Center‟s Breast Cancer Unit or GYN Unit. Beginning in July and continuing through April we will create the blocks. In April and May we will finish the quilts and show them off before the June meeting and donate the finished quilts in June 2012.
Quilts should be all pink or heavy on the pink side, but of course there‟s always room for your individuality to shine. We also have a nice stash of pink fabrics to help motivate you with participation. The final size will be 35”x35” (three 10″ block plus 5″ border) so this will make a very nice lap quilt!
The blocks will consist of paper-pieced, appliqué and pieced blocks…something for everyone. You can choose any combination of blocks to complete your quilt. If you choose to, make 2 blocks each month, keep one and donate one. For your donation, your name will be entered in a raffle to win a prize. The major difference with this year‟s BOM is that each month I will collect all blocks that will be made into donation quilts. Throughout the year we plan to have a few “sit-n-sew” opportunities. At these “sit-n-sews” we can make blocks, piece blocks into tops and quilt.
I hope you will participate in this year‟s block of the month. Remember, “blankets wrap you in warmth, quilts wrap you in love.”
So, let‟s spread the love and make it PINK!
———-
PS: I’ve got a great prize for everyone who turns in their block…stay tuned.
Poppy in progress…
I’ve just started painting a poppy and I think it’s coming along nicely. The petals are the most challenging part…how do you make them look like paper?….lots of practice.
I’m hoping to have the pods and background complete soon.
Wholecloth painting or I’m obsessed….
I recently took Susan Brubaker Knapp’s class on wholecloth painting and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this technique. I think I’ve finally found a technique that I can do quickly. I loved the all fabric fusing technique but my tulip quilt took about a year to produce…I need things to move along faster than that.
I finished the class project and already had several ideas for other projects to do. The first project was a magnolia. I think this is the most perfect magnolia I’d ever seen….no blumishes, no brown stops, it was stunning. I think the bloom must have opened that morning and was waiting for me to take it’s picture.
I followed Susan’s instructions to the “T”. Enlarge image, trace image on tracing paper, trace image on PFD fabric and paint. Here is the first one I did. I’ll call it the study.
I think it turned out quite nicely. At first, I didn’t like it at all but I finished it and it started growing on me. There are a few things I’d change but over all I’m very pleased. I keep telling myself, it’s a learning process, let go. So, since this was a study I’ve moved on to the full size version I’ve been wanting to do. It will be approximately 30x 40 when it’s complete. Below is what I accomplished last week.
And below is what I accomplished this weekend.
Sorry photos are not so good. I took them quickly with my iphone when I didn’t have much light.
Things to remember:
-mix more paint than you think you will need
-test paint color on tester swatch—I have an open area on the side
-stop stressing-you can paint over it if you need to
-stop being a perfectionist
Ever had one of those days?
Yup, I feel like I keep having them all the time. Oh, well I should be counting all of my blessings because I have so many. A wonderful husband, a new kitchen that is almost finished, my health, a business that has been doing well even though the economy isn’t and many furry angels that have come into my life. Here is my Herman. The first kitty I had. He only lived 9 years but he was a special kitty. He was so special I had to create a quilt about him. He was my Hermee Angel and I know he’s in kitty heaven having a great time.
It’s here….
Quilt Art 2012 Engagement Calendar has finally arrived and my quilt, passionate pink tulips is the March 12-18 spread. I’m so excited! Last year my quilt was accepted in the AQS Des Moines Show. During the show I received a call from Klaudeen Hansen saying she wanted to include my quilt in the calendar. I’m thrilled my quilt was included with all of these other beautiful quilts.
I want to include a special thanks to Melinda Bula, who answered my questions and encouraged me while making this quilt and other big thanks to Patti Bethune who also helped me figure out how to finish the quilt.
AQS Show: Des Moines
I had a wonderful time at the AQS show in Des Moines. I set off around 3:30 Saturday morning. I arrived in Des Moines around 10am. I got settled at my hotel and then I was off to see the show. The show was amazing. I’m so glad I went.
Here I am with my quilt. Everyone, the vendors and attendees were all so nice. I had so many people wish me congratulations. It was thrilling.
Also, my quilt is being photographed so it can be included in the 2012 Quilt Art Engagement weekly Calendar. I’m so excited.
Now, I’ve got to get working on my daffodil quilt. I’m so inspired.
