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| Confetti Quilt Class with the South Bay Modern Quilt Guild |
It was a lovely day, both inside Sue Dee's Quilt shop and out! You can read more about the class on the South Bay Modern blog.
Teaching: Confetti Quilt Class with the South Bay Modern Quilt Guild
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of teaching an Improvisational Confetti Quilt class for the South Bay Modern Quilt Guild. The San Francisco Bay area is so saturated with amazing modern quilters, that we have FOUR guilds covering the North Bay, South Bay, East Bay, and one general Bay Area group. We can't get enough around here!
It was a lovely day, both inside Sue Dee's Quilt shop and out! You can read more about the class on the South Bay Modern blog.
It was a lovely day, both inside Sue Dee's Quilt shop and out! You can read more about the class on the South Bay Modern blog.
My Whirlwind Tour of PIQF
Click to see all of my PIQF 2012 favorites on Flickr.
Last weekend, I ran through the Pacific International Quilt Festival. I only had a few short hours to take it all in, as I had to pick up my son from school. But, since I didn't have the time to stand in front of the quilts for a long time, I made sure to snap some pictures! Here are some* of my favorites.*Of course, the East Bay Modern member quilts are among my top favorites, but not included in this list because I took pictures of them on my phone and somehow managed to delete them. Whoops! I wasn't using my brain very well that day. To see those amazing quilts, check out Adriane at Little Bluebell's post on the show.
Making: Free Bee - September
Free Bee time again! This month, Nicolette of Dutch Comfort requested a block inspired by summer time in Provence. Click to see what she gave us for inspiration.
Personally, I was inspired to hop on an airplane! But, instead, I channeled that energy into pulling out some solids and getting to work. I found it hard to find the right mix of sun-bleached neutrals and pops of Mediterranean color.
What do you think?
Personally, I was inspired to hop on an airplane! But, instead, I channeled that energy into pulling out some solids and getting to work. I found it hard to find the right mix of sun-bleached neutrals and pops of Mediterranean color.
What do you think?
My Deluxe Zig Zag Beauty
I might be getting a new bad habit. It seems I have a thing for sewing machines. Really, how many does a girl need? It turns out, I need five. My Bernina (that's my baby), my Pfaff Grand Quilter (that's my work-horse), my Vogue Stitch by Janome (it was such a good deal, how could I pass it up?), my Gammill longarm (just to make all the guys who come to my house go, "Oooooh!"), and now I have added another to my collection.
This turquoise Universal Deluxe Zig Zag sewing machine from 1959 just had to come live at my house! I know it's from 1959 because it came with the original receipt. Such a beauty. I haven't even used her yet. I just sit and stare at her.
Here are some more glamor shots for you!
Sew pretty!
This turquoise Universal Deluxe Zig Zag sewing machine from 1959 just had to come live at my house! I know it's from 1959 because it came with the original receipt. Such a beauty. I haven't even used her yet. I just sit and stare at her.
Here are some more glamor shots for you!
Catch me on Craftypod!
I was featured on the Craftypod blog yesterday! If you've never listened to CraftyPod, you should! Sister Diane is like the Terry Gross of Craft! If you click on picture below, you can check out my interview and then click over and give her podcast a listen. It's definitely one of the best craft-related podcasts out there.
I've also been sewing up a storm and have been adding some new items to my Etsy shop. Among other things, I just added this new patchwork quilt that I quilted up on my longarm. I'm so happy with my new machine and so happy I haven't broken it (yet!).
On the subject of Craftypod and podcasts, what do you like to listen to while you're working? I'd love to add some variety to my iTunes!
I've also been sewing up a storm and have been adding some new items to my Etsy shop. Among other things, I just added this new patchwork quilt that I quilted up on my longarm. I'm so happy with my new machine and so happy I haven't broken it (yet!).
On the subject of Craftypod and podcasts, what do you like to listen to while you're working? I'd love to add some variety to my iTunes!
Making: Free Bee - August
My Free Bee block for the month of August is finished...and almost mailed! It's in an envelope, at least. This block is for Leanne from she can quilt.
She requested a large block (15") with a small focus area of color in an otherwise neutral block. Preferably, the focus area would reflect the each quilter's personal style. For my focus, I chose to do a tiny split log cabin block. For the neutrals, I did lots of strips of off whites and a light khaki. In reading back over her directions, I now see where she requested a "minimal" approach. Whoops. I missed that part.
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| Leanne's block for the Free Bee online swap |
She requested a large block (15") with a small focus area of color in an otherwise neutral block. Preferably, the focus area would reflect the each quilter's personal style. For my focus, I chose to do a tiny split log cabin block. For the neutrals, I did lots of strips of off whites and a light khaki. In reading back over her directions, I now see where she requested a "minimal" approach. Whoops. I missed that part.
Making: A Memory Quilt for Noa
It's been awhile since I posted anything new here. It's not that I have nothing to post, actually, it's the opposite. I've been having so much fun making new work that I haven't been able to slow down enough to photograph it and put it up on the blog! Not really a bad problem to have.
So, while I've been away from blog-land, I made a few things which I'll post over the next few weeks. Let me start with this quilt that I made for a friend from her now two year old's baby clothes.
These clothes sat in a box next to my sewing machine for nearly a year before I had a chance to start the project. (Thank goodness my friend didn't mind that I held her sweet baby clothes hostage for that long!)
She gave me an idea of what she wanted - mainly something BIG! I got started.
The clothes still smelled like baby! Some of my friends know this; I'm a sucker for that smell. So cute. And here it is, the finished quilt! Yay!!! She only had to wait a year!
So, while I've been away from blog-land, I made a few things which I'll post over the next few weeks. Let me start with this quilt that I made for a friend from her now two year old's baby clothes.
These clothes sat in a box next to my sewing machine for nearly a year before I had a chance to start the project. (Thank goodness my friend didn't mind that I held her sweet baby clothes hostage for that long!)
She gave me an idea of what she wanted - mainly something BIG! I got started.
The clothes still smelled like baby! Some of my friends know this; I'm a sucker for that smell. So cute. And here it is, the finished quilt! Yay!!! She only had to wait a year!
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| Noa's Technicolor Clothes Quilt |
Making: Free Bee - June
Another month gone, and another block done! The Free Bee is in full swing and I actually finished before the end of the month this time. Then a huge storm came along and knocked out the power! Yet again, I'm turning in my block late. It was an Act of God - nothing I can do about that!
This month's block choice was dictated by Lynne of Lily's Quilts. Her inspiration was a scene from Schindler's List - all black, white and grey, with a touch of red. I got a little carried away and made two.
Want to see what everyone else made? Check them out on the Flickr pool.
This month's block choice was dictated by Lynne of Lily's Quilts. Her inspiration was a scene from Schindler's List - all black, white and grey, with a touch of red. I got a little carried away and made two.
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| My Free Bee blocks for Lynne |
Making: Miniature Mania
I adore miniatures. Maybe it's because I never got a Barbie dreamhouse...I don't know. I just love the look of a tiny little things. Nothing makes me happier than a diorama!
I've been thinking about making some miniature quilts for awhile, but have been too distracted by making my big quilts. However, I came across the book, Little Lonestar Quilts by Lorraine Olsen, and was inspired!
It combines three of my favorite things, miniatures, Lonestar quilts, and paper piecing. So, I pulled out my stash of vintage 1930's and 40's scraps and got busy. Here's what I've come up with so far.
I have learned that I definitely want to use dissolving foundation paper on the next little star I make, as I spent far too much time ripping out tiny wee bits of paper on this one. Also, that if you try to line up a seam and have to rip it out more than 3 times, just live with a little imperfection.
I still need to choose what color fabric I would like for the background on this one. I'm having a hard time deciding between a sort of linen look neutral, or a solid-ish purple. What do you think? I'd love suggestions!
P.S. If you're miniature obsessed like me, check out my most recent favorite mini's: the miniature interiors of Sabinne Timm and the edible waffle furniture.
I've been thinking about making some miniature quilts for awhile, but have been too distracted by making my big quilts. However, I came across the book, Little Lonestar Quilts by Lorraine Olsen, and was inspired!
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| Little Lonestar Quilts by Lorraine Olsen |
It combines three of my favorite things, miniatures, Lonestar quilts, and paper piecing. So, I pulled out my stash of vintage 1930's and 40's scraps and got busy. Here's what I've come up with so far.
I have learned that I definitely want to use dissolving foundation paper on the next little star I make, as I spent far too much time ripping out tiny wee bits of paper on this one. Also, that if you try to line up a seam and have to rip it out more than 3 times, just live with a little imperfection.
I still need to choose what color fabric I would like for the background on this one. I'm having a hard time deciding between a sort of linen look neutral, or a solid-ish purple. What do you think? I'd love suggestions!
P.S. If you're miniature obsessed like me, check out my most recent favorite mini's: the miniature interiors of Sabinne Timm and the edible waffle furniture.
Making: Free Bee - May
I know, it's June already. But, as usual, I'm running a bit behind on my Free Bee blocks! The Free Bee is all about improvisational piecing and each month, the recipient of our blocks chooses a theme. May's theme was picked by John from Quilt Dad and was based on the quilt totems of Erin Wilson. Here's my block:
It's definitely not very pretty from the back. I don't think my grandmother would approve!
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| Free Bee Block for Quilt Dad |
Shopping: My Latest Obsession - Peppermint Tea Vintage
I live in California, but this summer, I'll be staying with my mother in Virginia as she recovers from some surgery. Although I'll miss some things about my Berkeley home and studio while I'm away, I'm very excited about spending the summer in a hot and humid place (I'm crazy, I know), and I will also have lots of extra time for quilt making! I've brought two huge suitcases full of fabric, borrowed my sister'sewing machine, and set up a temporary, but very functional studio for myself.
But, then I got sidetracked and I decided to open a vintage home shop on Etsy. Let me explain. Over the years, my mother has acquired quite a collection of collections. Everything is gorgeous and lovely, but she needs to simplify a bit. So, now I'm obsessed with my little flea market shop over on Etsy which is called Peppermint Tea Vintage. My goal is to list 5 new things a day, and at that rate, everything might be on the site by the end of June. Pretty crazy, huh? It must be the humidity.
Every once in awhile I manage to tear myself away from the computer and get some sewing done, so in the next post, I'll show you what I've been making. In the meantime, if you're interested, you can keep up with all the "decluttering" I'm doing around here on the Peppermint Tea Facebook page.
But, then I got sidetracked and I decided to open a vintage home shop on Etsy. Let me explain. Over the years, my mother has acquired quite a collection of collections. Everything is gorgeous and lovely, but she needs to simplify a bit. So, now I'm obsessed with my little flea market shop over on Etsy which is called Peppermint Tea Vintage. My goal is to list 5 new things a day, and at that rate, everything might be on the site by the end of June. Pretty crazy, huh? It must be the humidity.
Every once in awhile I manage to tear myself away from the computer and get some sewing done, so in the next post, I'll show you what I've been making. In the meantime, if you're interested, you can keep up with all the "decluttering" I'm doing around here on the Peppermint Tea Facebook page.
Learning: Vintage Quilt Inspiration
A couple of weeks ago, I was able to attend a vintage quilt sale. These were not just any vintage quilts, but some of the traditional American quilts collected by renowned quilt collector and curator, Eli Leon. I have been a HUGE fan of Eli Leon's books on improvisational African American quilting (you can order copies of his out of print work directly from him through his website), and was excited to see what he had for sale. I was not disappointed as the gallery where the sale was held was was piled high with quilts.
Here are a few of my favorites.
I didn't end up leaving with any of these beauties, but I did pick up one of Mr. Leon's books and a wealth of new scrap quilt ideas!
Here are a few of my favorites.
I didn't end up leaving with any of these beauties, but I did pick up one of Mr. Leon's books and a wealth of new scrap quilt ideas!
Learning: Bonding Time
I've got a lot to learn about longarm quilting. I've had some practice quilting on a frame with a mid-arm sewing machine, but there are so many more wonderful options with a longarm, I feel like I'm back to square one...well, maybe square two. To get some practice, my friend and fellow East Bay Modern Quilt Guild member, Deanna Davis generously allowed me to use her quilt and a few others made for the Children's Quilts project as guinea pigs. Deanna coordinates this huge program that donates over 1000 quilts to children in need every year!
Deanna's quilt was made using the Daisy Janie Organic Shades of Grey organic cotton as part of an East Bay Modern fabric challenge. Doesn't it look great with the red roses?
I'm pretty pleased with how the quilting looks on the back. I hope Deanna likes it!
If you would like to get involved with the Children's Quilt Project, check out the information on the East Bay Heritage Quilt Guild site for the many different ways you can contribute.
*I meant to post the next couple of entries awhile ago, but I was so busy getting ready for my trip to Virginia, that I completely ran out of time trying to finish up all the orders from my Etsy shop, teaching my Split Log Cabin class, and packing! So, here they are now...but I'll get to all the fun in VA next week!
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| Deanna's quilt on the frame |
Deanna's quilt was made using the Daisy Janie Organic Shades of Grey organic cotton as part of an East Bay Modern fabric challenge. Doesn't it look great with the red roses?
If you would like to get involved with the Children's Quilt Project, check out the information on the East Bay Heritage Quilt Guild site for the many different ways you can contribute.
*I meant to post the next couple of entries awhile ago, but I was so busy getting ready for my trip to Virginia, that I completely ran out of time trying to finish up all the orders from my Etsy shop, teaching my Split Log Cabin class, and packing! So, here they are now...but I'll get to all the fun in VA next week!
Learning: Tricking out the Longarm
I added a couple of new accessories to my longarm! I tricked it out with some new wheels that are oh-so-smooth. I got some new gadgets to make loading and unloading the quilts much easier than pinning them on (I hope - I haven't had the chance to try them out yet!).
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| Isn't that pin-pod the best thing ever? |
But, my favorite new additions are a beautiful turquoise, oversized pin-pod and small felted orange bowl from Papaver Vert. The pinpod fits snugly between the handle and the machine head and holds all my pins and other random pokey things - even my tape measure if I take the time to roll it up! The bowl is attached with 3M sticky velcro and holds all the little bits of thread that I'm constantly clipping, so now, they won't get all over the floor.
Next time, I'll show you what I've been practicing on!
*I meant to post the next couple of entries awhile ago, but I was so busy getting ready for my trip to Virginia, that I completely ran out of time trying to finish up all the orders from my Etsy shop, teaching my Split Log Cabin class, and packing! So, here they are now...but I'll get to all the fun in VA next week!
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