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! 

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:

Free Bee Block for Quilt Dad

It's definitely not very pretty from the back.  I don't think my grandmother would approve!

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.

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!

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 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?

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!

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!).

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!

Making: Free Bee - Procrastination

I've been bad at doing my homework lately.  My blocks for the Free Bee are both being turned in late.  There's still hope that I'll be able to get my act together for May!

March's block is actually an improv strip set based on Sherri Lynn Wood's Mod Mood Quilt for Krista of Spotted Stone Studio.

April's block is a triangle based on the prints of Leah Duncan for Ethne of Flaming Stitches.

May's block is going to be based on the totem quilts of Erin Wilson.  I'd better go get started!