QuiltCon Lecture Series from Craftsy

I didn't make it to QuiltCon last month and if you didn't either, you can see what it was like! Craftsy has a series of QuiltCon lectures available through its website for free. If you don't already have a Craftsy account, you just have to signup for one and off to QuiltCon 2013 you can go!

Zakka-Style Potholders

One of my colleagues is getting married, so I needed to make a wedding present. I got "Zakka Style: 24 Projects Stitched with Ease to Give, Use & Enjoy" by Rashida Coleman-Hale earlier this year, but had yet to make any of the projects. One thing I really like about the book is that most of the projects incorporate linen. Linen is a beautiful material that adds texture and depth. In any case, "Zakka Style" had a quilted potholder project that made a great wedding gift.

Blue and Purple Zakka-style potholders. Photo by Shelby.

Blue potholder and "Zakka Style." Photo by Shelby.

Potholder close-up. Photo by Shelby. 

Potholder quality test! Photo by Shelby.

Quilting Reflections on Sydney's Death Anniversary

Last year this month, my childhood dog died. I want to take a moment to reflect on what that meant for my quilting life.

After Sydney died, I thought deeply about what quilts mean to me. I branded my quilting enterprise after my dogs, because they are so dear to me. Dogs live in the moment. They live and love one day at a time. When I remember their example, I'm inspired to live one day at a time and love people, including myself. In fact, I decided to make a quilt (the Sparkle Punch quilt) for myself for the first time after Sydney died.  

Why was her death so significant? Well, she was a great friend, but I think her death officially marked the end of my "youth" and ushered in my "adult" life. Sure, I was in my mid-twenties, but graduation from law school, buying a home, and getting married were new beginnings, not necessary the end of phases that had already existed. Sydney's death was a stark ending--the ending of my youth. I reflected on life, meaning, and what I wanted to do going forward.

I used to measure my growth as a quilter by how many quilts I made in a year. Now, I understand that it's more than that. This past year I made very few quilts, but grew immensely. I refined my personal aesthetic and strengthened my quilt making skill set.

There are three significant quilts that I want to finish this year (which I will blog about, of course). I might not make many, but they will all be beautiful expressions of love.

"Fabrics by the street" from sxc.hu. Photo by hworks.

Sewing Kit in a Jar

I've been browsing for mason jars lately. I use them in my kitchen to store pasta and other foods. I have some in the bathroom for storing cotton swabs and balls. I wanted to explore other uses and came across this sewing kit in a jar from FunkyTime.

I decided to make my own with Ball pint size mason jars and the cocker spaniel silhouette.

Two sewing kits in a jar. Photo by Shelby.

Getting the right amount of batting for the pin cushion on top and the painting the cocker spaniel was a little tricky, but it was a fun project!

Pink Turtle Pincushions!

Recently, I finished up these turtle pincushions. I got the pattern in December and after a few missteps I learned how to make the pin cushions.

Turtle pincushions on my sewing machine. Photo my Shelby.

I chose a monochromatic, small print pink fabric and Michael Miller's "Yule Trees" fabric. I normally dislike holiday themed fabric (it can be too traditional or novel for my taste), but "Yule Trees" just spoke to me for some reason. It's probably the use of atypical Christmas colors (including pink and aqua), its white space, and varying tree shapes.

I decided to leave the turtles without decorative eyes or a mouth, because I couldn't make ones that I liked.

I especially like the textured effect of the yo-yos.  It took me a while to make them all, but I'm glad I learned how to do yo-yos.

Quilting Gifts from Christmas 2012

I got so many great quilting gifts during the Christmas 2012 season! Fabrics, accessories and even a Janome sewing machine!

The best gift is my Janome 3160QDC! It's a wonderful machine. It runs smoothly, has an array of stitches and many other features that quilters enjoy. I started some piecing after Christmas and I like how it sews so far. I look forward to quilting more with my Janome.

My new Janome 3160QDC. Photo by Shelby.

 In addition to my machine, I got several accessories and fabrics that I am very excited about. I got a sewing project bag made with Dritz fabric. It's a cozy bag that will help me carry projects in a more organized way. I added a new color wheel to my inventory too. I already had one, but this one had different features for color coordinating. In late November, I landed the highly sought after 2013 Moda Calender towel from an eBay seller. I'm so glad I found one of these before it sold out. I like the color and simplicity of the towel. Lastly,  got a number of exciting fabrics. One of my favorites is from the "Cruzin" line by Barbara Jones for Henry Glass & Company Fabrics. I'm a sucker for bicycle fabric ("tela con bicicletas" en Español) for some reason. 

Sewing project bag. Photo by Shelby

New color wheel to coordinate fabrics . Photo by Shelby.

The 2013 Moda Calender towel. Photo by Shelby.

All 12 months on the towel. Photo by Shelby.

 Kaufman fat quarter bundle. Photo by Shelby.

Misc. bright colored fabrics. Photo by Shelby.

¡Más tela con bicicletas! Photo by Shelby.

Saint Louis Art Museum

Over the holidays I stopped by the Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM). I was impressed by the museum's layout--three generous floors with two wings. The museum had a fair blend of different art styles. As always, I enjoyed the modern art. But I also enjoyed some Spanish-Islamic tile, impressionist and African art.

Largest room of the modern art exhibit at SLAM. Photo by Shelby.

What speaks to me? What is it that I like about the art I am drawn to? Usually, I am inspired by simplicity, bold color, and finding the beauty in every day objects. Some pieces I like have all three of these features, while others just have one. I like the simplicity and familiarity of "Still Life" (see below). While de Vlaminck's use of bold colors in "Le Havre" is beautiful to me. I also like the geometry, color and elegance of Islamic mosaics found in Spain, Morocco, and other countries. And for some reason stout, round vases and vessels appeal to me.

"Still Life" (1953-54) by Giorgio Morandi. Photo by Shelby.

"Factory" (c.1949) by Emilio Vedova. Photo by Shelby.

Tiles from mid-16th century Spain. Photo by Shelby.

First half of 16th century cuenca tiles. Photo by Shelby.

"Le Havre" (1906) by Maurice de Vlaminck. Photo by Shelby.

Nupe terracotta water or wine vessel. Photo by Shelby.

3D art from Tejo Remy. Photo by Shelby.