something stitched

It was fun designing, planning and constructing for the 2017 Cherrywood fabric challenge.  The theme was Van Gogh and the colors were three blues and black.  My design was simple but pleasing to me.  They had record entries this year and mine was not among those selected for the traveling exhibit.  I did not expect it to be as it was a simple design and there were many gorgeous, complex entries posted at various sites on the web that I admire for creativity and execution. Still it was fun and makes me smile as I walk into my sewing room each day. I look forward to seeing the exhibit when it comes to a quilt show near me.

 

It Moost Be A Moostake 2
I knew a series of quilts would come out of a four month long trip through Canada, Alaska and the northwest lower 48. Per request for a “pattern” for the latest “Moostake”, I am sharing the process for the second one, a colorful moose wall hanging featuring the Kaffe Fasset line of fabrics. (My first is a throw with salmon and raven fabric.)I purchased an acrylic template in Juneau knowing that some way or another I would be making a moose themed quilt. (There are many drawings on the web that might be copyright free.) I picked up patterns for realistic moose but this is the fun one. I used leftover florals of the Kaffe Fasset Collective for the moose so no specific yardage. The background was a yard of stripe and half yard of brown and blue floral. Sashing was about 5/8 yard of burnt orange “Grunge” by MOda and for the border and binding I purchased a yard of KFC. Blocks are sewn into nine 9 ½” by 12 ½” rectangles. I cut stripe 6 ½” x 12 ½” and the floral 3 ½” x 12 ½” . Moose were fused and then stitched with highly contrasting but coordinating thread. Sashing was cut into eight 2 ¼” wide strips with two cut into six 12 ½” lengths and four strips cut 40” lengths for horizontal sashing with the last two strips cut measurement of the vertical sides (I recall mine were 34 ½” but measure for accuracy). The borders were cut 5 ½” wide according to finished top, bottom and side measurements. Very simple with the most time being spent on the decorative stitching around the moose.

This winter I experimented with marbling small pieces of fabric. I loved the varied colors and designs that appeared without manipulating the surface or by manipulating it only slightly in a non-traditional way. I used 100% white PFD cotton. My next experiments are going to be with some blends and different solid colors. Before that happens, however, I have to finish the demolition of the kitchen and bathroom countertops in preparation for a new surface. Once that is done I will be open to others joining me as I continue the experiment. The viscose concoction holds up for about three days so there will be ample opportunity to fit it into your schedule if you’re close to Hannibal and choose to try it. If you have an interest in trying a marbling technique drop me an email and I will let you know when I next mix up a batch. (I picked up more supplies while in Paducah at the quilt show.) To my winter Texas friends I will be doing a demo/workshop this winter.