Recent Fabric Favorites

There were some fun lines of fabric released at this past Quilt Market, but I personally didn't feel drawn to most of them.  Its not that they weren't great fabric collections, its just that they aren't something I would choose to use in my home.  However, there was one collection that I really loved, and the best part is that it's from a designer that I haven't sewn with before.

It is "Splendor 1920" by Bari J for Art Gallery Fabrics.  The colors remind me of an autumn sunset, and they are warm and invinting.  According to Bari J's website "Inspired by the high society of the 1920s in Europe, Splendor 1920 has a deliciously decadent feel with a modern mix of florals, lively nature-inspired prints, and art deco geometrics that will inspire quilters and sewers alike." 

The 1920s seem to be a reoccuring theme in current pop culture.  With shows like Downton Abbey, and The Great Gatsby, it's no wonder that print design is taking suit.  I am excited to see more art deco influences mix into modern design principles, and there is a pleasant mix of the geometric and ornate.

Sadly, I'm still not allowing myself to buy fabric.  However, if I can get some projects finished before Christmas, I MAY allow myself a splurge for the holiday season.  Here's to hoping right?

I am currently counting down to Thanksgiving, and I can hardly contain my excitement.  It is time for a much needed break.  I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe holiday filled with food, football, and LOTS of recharge time.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Cristina

It's a great day for Kaffe.

One of my goals for this year (and I suspect for next year as well) has been to finish some old WIPs.  Yesterday I was able to cross one of this old projects off the list, and it feels GREAT!  I pieced this quilt in 2005 while I worked at Kean's Store Company in Mason.  The top hung on display for a long time, and now 7 years later (yikes) it is finally finished.

This quilt was made with a pattern called "Granny Squares" (sorry, I haven't been able to find the pattern anywhere, I think it's out of print).  It is very different from the recent Granny Square quilts that have been so popular, but I can definitely see the inspiration.  All of the fabric are older Kaffe Fasset designs.  I love his use of color and the fact that the designs are all hand painted.  We've become so reliant on CAD in this industry, that it is refreshing when someone goes back to basics.

I quilted this quilt by sewing straight lines in the sashing, and then sewing "x's" through the center of each block.  I did the quilting this way because my piecing left something to be desired, and that way miss-matched corners are a little left obvious.  I did all of the quilting on my home machine with my walking foot, and I have to say it's gratifying to be able to finish something myself.  I would love to get a darning foot for my machine, and see if I can experiment with some free motion.

I finished the binding yesterday with added motivation from my dear friend Justine.  She always is a great cheerleader, and we got done with our projects with barely enough time to snap some photos before the sun went down.  Thanks Justine!

Anyway, I had a great weekend quilty-wise and otherwise.  Now it's Monday again and it's nose to the grindstone!  Have a great day everyone!

Cristina