Blog sharing

Well, it has been some time since I posted here. Fall is a very busy time for me. Quilts poured in to be quilted for Christmas. I had to do some careful planning as we were away a lot of the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I had to keep a tight schedule to get everything done. Of course that means that some of my personal projects got pushed back to the new year.
I have set some goals for myself for the new year. I prefer goals to resolutions as I never seem to keep up with resolutions. I will be more active in my blog is at the top of my list. I am working with some other bloggers to share their blogs with you. All other quilters who will hopefully inspire you as much as they do me.
Today I would like you to meet Peta of The not so guilty quilter
Here is her interview:

How did you come to be a quilter?
It's hard to say: I have memories of sewing and quilting that go back to 3rd grade in the 1970s. I got back to quilting during my first pregnancy (97) but became more active about 10 years ago.

What is it that you love about being a quilter?
The joy of self expression, creating beauty, and the accomplishment of a project that turns out close to what I envisioned in my mind. Perhaps more importantly, the connection I have with other quilters.
What are you most proud of from your quilting experience?

What’s the one piece of advice about quilting that all new quilters should know?
No one knows how to do everything. It's a learning process, and the joy is in growing. Even bad projects help a quilter develop. Be fearless, you can do more than you ever imagined.

Who’s the quilter(s) that inspire you at the moment?
Karen McTavish, Robbi Joy Eklow, Angela Walters and every one of my fellow Chicago Modern Quilt Guild sisters.

What quilting challenges would you like to conquer in the next 12 months.
Entering a juried quilt show/competition.
Be published in a major quilting publication.
If you weren’t a quilter, what other creative endeavour would you like to master?
I've ways been curious about glass blowing: I think it's the colors.

What is your favourite kind of pie?
Apple, hot. With a side of vanilla ice cream,cold.

What holidays, traditions or religious occasions do you celebrate in your family at this time of year?
We celebrate the Jewish holiday Hanukkah ( or Chanukah) which is an 8 day event. It is a minor holiday with regard to religious significance, but falls during the Christmas season. With all the fan fare and hoopla, we sometimes feel a little left out, and definitely different from the crowd. So, this year I curated a Hanukkah post for SewMamaSew’s Handmade Holiday series. I think it was really appreciated, and the feedback was wonderful. I'm working on finishing up a really great table runner I designed. I love it.

Do you listen to music, watch television or prefer the hum of the sewing machine when you sew?
Movies, or music. My tastes vary from popular hits to reggae, the Grateful Dead and tacky 80s pop.

What’s your favourite colour combination to work with and why?
I try to stay away from favorites, actively go the OTHER way. I made a black-white-red project as a gift, colors I'd never personally use, but it turned out to be simply stunning; that really changed the way I approach colors. Now, I try to play with contrast, high vs. low volume, combinations that create “pop” or calming harmony. Otherwise, all my projects would be purple!

Do you prewash your quilting fabrics?
No. I'm pretty lazy. It bites me in the ass from time to time.

What are you hoping the festive season will bring for you?
Peace, and a ProStitcher.

I hope you enjoyed the interview and will take some time to check out Peta's blog as well as her
Instagram : Petaquilts
Facebook : Peta Minerof-Bartos
Pinterest: Peta Minerof-Bartos
Flicker: Peta Mineroff-Bartos

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Blog Around The World Tour

This is my Blog Around the World Post. Kymberly, my Super Nova Block Swap Partner and asked me to participate and I am happy to share a little about myself and my work. Kymberly of Peas in a Pod Creations and I were unknown to each other until matched up in this swap. It has been fun getting to know a little about her. I love to watch the progress on her Farmers Wife project. Maybe someday I will get to those blocks as well.
As for me, I am a longarm quilter, I have designed a few patterns and am continuing to work on designing more as the inspiration strikes me. My mom taught me to sew when I was very young. I loved making clothes! I have made wedding gowns, bridesmaids gowns and custom clothing for folks. I have tried my hand at many crafts along the way but it wasn't until I started quilting that I found my true passion. Something for which my husband is very grateful...he is so happy I have stoped buying all these supplies for projects only to have outgrown my desire to do hat type of project.
Now for the questions in this tour.
What am I working on?
Well, I can't show you too many pictures here as I am working on many Christmas presents for family and friends. Suffice it to say, I will be working right up till Christmas eve if I don't get a move on. I am also working on the blocks for My Super Nova Swap with Kymberly.

These are the blocks we have completed so far.
I am finishing up he binding on a few quilts for my Guilds quilt show October 4&5. That is my biggest priority right now. I work best under deadlines.

I am working on my IGminiswap project. Gathering the fabrics now and hoping that will inspire the project.

I am trying to make up a few outfits for my grandchildren. They all need a few winter items made by me.

This is my oldest grandaughter, Harper. She is 1 1/2 and so much fun.

These are the twins, Olivia and Lydia. They are 7 months old and so sweet. I do love making clothes for all of them.
I have many machine embroidery projects going on. I love the fact that I can multitask. I set up the embroidery machine, go and quilt on the longarm (non computerized) and come back for thread changes. This is how I will get many of my holiday gifts done in time.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I wouldn't say my work is different. I try to make it unique. Even if I am following a pattern, I allow myself to add my own creative flair to the project. That may be embellishments or a different layout than the pattern. I don't want my work to always be the same as someone else. I want people to be able to look at it and know that it was made by me.

Why do I write/create what I do?
I enjoy the process of quilting from start to finish. Picking out the fabrics, the piecing, the quilting, every part of the process is fun. I never know exactly what I will end up with till the end as here are creative decisions to be made throughout the entire journey.

How does my writing/creative process work?
For me, the writing is my least favorite part of the process. I am trying to get better about taking notes throughout the process. That certainly helps me with the writing. The tools that made the process easier, the tips for making the piecing simpler, these are all things I like to share. I really enjoy teaching. working with students in the classroom setting or private lessons at my home. To see the joy when a student completes a project makes it all worthwhile for me.

The bloggers that I have nominated to join the Blog Around The World Tour are:
Heather from Heather Kojan Quilts. She is the founder of the Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild. She is an amazing quilter and an inspiration to me. I hope you enjoy her work as much as i do.

Sarah from Pitcher Family Adventures. Sarah is a part of the Quiltspiration 365 blog, a group of Quilt Bloggers who share their inspirations.
Watch for their posts on Monday, September 22.

SuperNova Swap Progress Update

Making progress on my Super Nova Swap Blocks. I wasn't sure how I was going to like the two different background colors but I am loving it! I want to make my quilt for a king size bed and since we are only swapping 9 blocks I will have to figure out a layout and add a few more blocks. I can't wait to see what this month brings from my swap partner! Have a great weekend!

Quiltspiration 365

Last weekend I went to the state fair. I had never been to the state fair here so I was excited to check everything out. I love to see all the animals and of course all the quilts. I was very excited to see that one of my quilts won a ribbon for best embellishments. Woo Hoo! Not too shabby for a first time entering!

There were two animals that I found especially cute.
The goat

Most impressive and my personal favorite was a guy named Macho. He is an alpaca and I just love his furry face!

I hope you find these guys as adorable as I did.
What inspired you this week?
Check out the other blog posts on Quiltspiration 365

http://nightquilter.com/2014/07/17/color-inspiration-thursday-10/
http://www.niniandthesea.blogspot.com/2014/07/weekly-inspiration-linky-party.html
http://ateliercaroline.blogspot.com/2014/07/quiltspiration-365-day-of-wonder.html
http://www.adventuresofaquiltingdiva.com/muse-monday
http://neverjustjennifer.blogspot.com/
http://www.beknitpicky.com
Saturday 9/6/14 check out
http://www.aquiltingchick.blogspot.com

Quiltspiration 365

Color is my inspiration this week. It is found all around us, but no where is it as vibrant as it is in nature. The flowers are so bright and beautiful. Some are just amazing shapes,so delicate yet strong and sturdy. I hope you enjoy my quiltspiration 365 photos this week and are able to be inspired by them.

Such vibrant colors. The softness of the petals,the dew drops on the petals all give me inspiration.
Check out the other Quiltspiration 365 bloggers
http://nightquilter.com/2014/07/17/color-inspiration-thursday-10/
http://www.niniandthesea.blogspot.com/2014/07/weekly-inspiration-linky-party.html
http://ateliercaroline.blogspot.com/2014/07/quiltspiration-365-day-of-wonder.html
http://www.adventuresofaquiltingdiva.com/muse-monday
http://neverjustjennifer.blogspot.com/
http://www.beknitpicky.com
Saturday 8/30/14 check out
http://www.aquiltingchick.blogspot.com Have a great weekend and be creative!

Quiltspiration 365

We find inspiration in so many things around us each day. We don't have to make exactly what we see, we could be inspired by the color of an object, the shape, or just suddenly get an idea all because of something we see. Last weekend, my husband and I were in Annapolis, MD for Artsfest. So many vendors with all kinds of creative items. We enjoyed checking out all the vendors and walking around the downtown. It was on this walk that we came across these chicks. Each was decorated differently, so cute and creative. That is the inspiration I want to share with you this week. Does it inspire you?
The creativity put into these chicks was very inspiring to me. I hope you find it inspiring too.
For more Quiltspiration 365 check out the following blogs:
http://nightquilter.com/2014/07/17/color-inspiration-thursday-10/
http://www.niniandthesea.blogspot.com/2014/07/weekly-inspiration-linky-party.html
http://ateliercaroline.blogspot.com/2014/07/quiltspiration-365-day-of-wonder.html
http://www.adventuresofaquiltingdiva.com/muse-monday
http://neverjustjennifer.blogspot.com/
http://www.beknitpicky.com
Saturday 7/26/14 check out
http://www.aquiltingchick.blogspot.com
Have a great weekend!

Quiltspiration 365

As part of the Late Night Quilters, a facebook group, several of us have put together blog postings called Quiltspiration 365. We would like to share what inspires us and hopefully, inspire you.
Every day we see things that inspire us. For me it is the beach. I love all kinds of beaches and find the tranquil waters to be soothing, colorful and fun to explore. From the tropics to rocky beaches there is always something new to see. I am happiest when I am walking the beaches.

These pics are from our trip to the Grand Caymans where we visited such beautiful beaches. I hope that you find inspiration from these photos and can use them to help you create.
Please stop by and visit the other blog in Quiltspiration 365.
http://nightquilter.com/2014/07/17/color-inspiration-thursday-10/
http://www.niniandthesea.blogspot.com/2014/07/weekly-inspiration-linky-party.html
http://ateliercaroline.blogspot.com/2014/07/quiltspiration-365-day-of-wonder.html
http://www.adventuresofaquiltingdiva.com/muse-monday
http://neverjustjennifer.blogspot.com/
http://www.beknitpicky.com
Saturday 7/26/14 check out
http://www.aquiltingchick.blogspot.com

Super Nova Swap

I just received my month two block from Kymberly! So gorgeous! I am so happy with the way this swap is going! I mentioned to Kymberly that I will be away for some of August so she surprised me with her month 3 block as well. It is so cool to lay them out and see it all coming together. Thanks Kymberly. Month 3 will be on its way to you before I go.

Month 2 block

Month 3 block.

All the blocks to date laid out. Loving it! http://latenightquilter.com/2014/04/29/announcing-the-supernova-friendship-block-swap/

Month 2 of Super Nova Swap

Here is my Month Two of the Super Nova Block Swap. I am really enjoying the swap. It is a challenge to get the color combinations to something I really like. Not that I haven't already chosen my fabrics it is the combination of six fabrics from the collection of fabrics so that I can get each block to look different enough. I think I am just being too fussy. All the combinations I choose look good but I feel it is getting too green when the plan was to do turquoise. I just need to limit the greens (one of my favorite colors) in each block and increase the blues/turquoise. This months block definitely reflects the turquoise.

Modern Quilt Guild Fabric Chalenge

As a member of the Modern Quilt Guild, I took part in the Michael Miller Fabric Challenge. We were given 5 fat eights of fabric and were to make a quilted item. I of course sketched and sketched coming up with several different ideas but just never made a decision. FINALLY, as time is running short I make my choice. With a few added Michael Miller Cotton Couture Solids I was off. I wanted to do something with petals, I purchased some panels of Quiltsmart petals and started sewing. I tried a few layouts and finally decided I liked the chrysanthemum look. Of course I decide to sew all my petals down by hand because it will look better. Well it did, but it added more time to my already behind project. I do like the way they look when they are hand sewn down. Top finished. Now to get it loaded on the longarm and get it quilted. Finished quilting the background and was going to echo in the petals but I didn't like the way it looked. A little removing of some stitches and I was off to another background fill in the petals. Worked on the binding at my guild meeting. So excited to come home, hang the quilt and take some pictures, then...thunder and lightening and rain. Grrrr. This has been a challenge! But finally, I have pictures. I can't wait to get this guilt on the bed in the guest bedroom.

July Hexie BOM

Finished my July Hexie Block of the month. I love sherbet so that is what is on my cone. Yum!

Adorable wallhanging for the sewing room

I just made the most adorable wallhanging for my sewing room. This pattern from Sew Fresh Quilts was a fun project to put together. I hink my favorite block in this pattern has to be the iron. I hate to iron but this block is just too cute. Lorna did a great job with this pattern. Directions are clear, well, clear if you follow them. I actually made my spool blocks a little larger by mistake so I added a strip to my sewing machine and iron blocks to make them all the same size. I really should not be sewing at 3am. :0) When I looked again at the directions I don't know why I made the spools larger, it says they should only have 5 colored strips in each spool. Clearly I am just use to sewing with the bigger spools. Thanks Lorna for a great project for my sewing room.

Work in Progress Wednesday

It has been a crazy week since I got back from Market. More to come on that at a later date. We just returned home from visiting my Daughter, Son in law and my two gorgeous twin granddaughters. Now it is back to reality, and back to work. I have started on a project I have wanted to do for some time. It is the swoon block done scrappy and large! It has been a great way to use up some scraps. Love the way this project is coming out! Such a great way to clean out some overflowing scrap containers. WIP Wednesday

What a great week!

What a great week. Well first was Mother's Day, then our 31st anniversary. my husband got me a featherweight! So excited! I have already pieced a quilt on it and it sews beautifully. The best is yet to come. I am off to Pittsburg for Quilt Market! This is a first for me but I am so excited to go and check it all out. Keep checking back for updates while I am at the show. Have a great week!

This week in the studio

Quilted this beautiful quilt for my quilt guild. It will be the raffle quilt for our quilt show this fall. It is a beautiful hand appliqué and machine pieced quilt. I am proud to have taken part in this project.

Tie Dye Diva Patterns

I just finished pattern testing for Tie Dye Diva Patterns. What great patterns. The directions are clearly written and the the dresses worked up quickly and are just adorable! This is the peasant dress and popover pinafore. They look so cute on my granddaughters! Check out Tie Dye Diva Patterns for more great patterns.

So excited to be joining the Supernova Friendship Block Swap of 2014! http://latenightquilter.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/lees-original-supernova-quilt.jpg I will be partnering with someone to swap blocks with to make this amazing quilt. You can follow my progress here. I will be posting my blocks as I make them and receive them. At the same time I will be making a new online friend. You can read more about this project at The Late Night Quilter http://latenightquilter.com/2014/04/29/announcing-the-supernova-friendship-block-swap/comment-page-1/#comment-139 My color choices are shades of turquoise with a grey background. I am open to mixing with something of my partners choice as long as it has a modern feel.