When I Run Dry....I Stop a While and Think of You....

This time of year, everything is a bit of a slog for me...

it really is unfortunate.  Consistent with my coordinates, this time of year brings the promise of new beginnings. Yet, I am left feeling a bit blue and not quite ready for the happiness of sunshine and warm days.

 

But this week I was on a mission. No time to mire in the muck!

 

 

       

The motivation will have to remain a mystery for now, but I am excited to be sewing with a purpose...

 

 

   

I have been playing with solids {funny how that works!}

 

 

 

lots of wonky triangles on a bed of snow!

 

 

 a nice baby size quilt...now to find a backing and to quilt!

Next up...another baby quilt!  And again, solids, but a very different feel.  This was inspired by a knitted blanket I pinned on Pinterest.  Gotta love Pinterest!

  Not quite finished.

I used a combination of solids for these projects.  Some Konas, Studio E peppered cottons, Moda Crossweave and Art Gallery solids.

It's interesting how different solids can feel and behave!

 

 

I love the depth of the peppered cottons and the crossweave, but I do find they require a bit more attention.  Because of the nature of the weave, they can easily be distorted in the pressing if you aren't careful.  But you just can beat the wonderful texture they add to any project.

 

 

Robert Kaufman Kona's have such a wide range of color, there is always just the right color for any project....and who doesn't love that!  Then Art Gallery solids are so yummy to the touch! I love that they feel like expensive bed sheets!

 

I know there are oodles of other solids out there.  Tell me your favorite!  

 

And just as a little teaser....I will be posting about another amazing line of solids...Oakshott!  

 

But for now, I would love to know which solids you prefer and why!

happy friday!

mary

 

** title...So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright by Simon and Garfunkel

             

First Finish of 2013.....Flowering Vine

The Flowering Vine....

Flowering Vine is an applique pattern from Denyse Schmidt.  A great pattern for those new to hand applique.  Simple shapes, plus the bonus of learning to make bias strips for the vine.  I have mentioned before that I prefer to use bias bars rather than the bias tape maker...for stems at least {more on that later}.

    

I used a Moda Crossweave as the background fabric.  This is actually a deep denim color.  I find the crossweaves a bit tricky to photograph...they are very rich and I love the texture.

If I have any complaint about the crossweaves...they do tend to stretch a bit.  But it is manageable.

The flowers and leaves are from Denyse Schmidt's, soon to be released line...Shelburne Falls.  LOVE. IT.

   

For the backing fabric, I borrowed a favorite choice from my friend- Heather Graham {not the actress ;)

I used a Melody Miller fabric...nice and wide so I didn't need to piece....

Flowering Vine is completely hand quilted with #8 perle cotton...Valdani Thread {my favorite}....

This quilt will be hanging in the shoppe {Sew To Speak} and will be a new class this winter {YAY}

happy thursday!

mary :)