Tuesday, September 16, 2014

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.

Friday, September 12, 2014

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!

Friday, September 5, 2014

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