Modern Quilting is not new stuff

Came across an interesting post today from Naptime Quilter and wanted to link to it here.  Mostly because I want to be able to read it again and again.  But also because her thoughts are a wonderful summation of my thoughts.  “Modern” quilting is not new…it is a revitalization of old styles of quilting.  Simple shapes and bold colors that come together to make a quilt one is not afraid to use.  I don’t want my quilts to hang on a wall (unless they are a wall-hanging, of course!) but to be rolled up in, sat on, laid under and loved under.

I’m also intrigued by the Process Pledge put forward by r0ssie.  I like the idea of blogging during the quilt process, not just at the end.  Now all I have to do is remember to take pictures!

Right now, I’m starting on the green table runner.  I’ve got the center panel pieced and the border added.  Next are the circles.  But there is a hitch.  I can’t find it…I tore apart my sewing room today and am now in the middle of total chaos.  See?

To the right, table for machines:

To the left, cutting & layout table:

I’m trying to use my small space more efficiently and at the same time, find enough space to set up all my machines. I have two sewing machines, one embroidery machine and a serger.  I want to be able to use each of them without a lot of shifting around.  My older children are starting to sew and I want it to be easy for them to do that.

Hopefully, in the next day or two, I will get everything situated and sorted out.  I need to downsize some fabric and notions.  Those windows need curtains.  And somewhere in there is a half done top for a table runner.

“Coffee Circles” Table Runner

I put this together last week for my Mom’s 70th birthday present.

I’m very drawn to a modern style of quilting.  “Modern quilting” can be hard to define, but for me, it means bold colors and patterns for fabrics, sometimes in traditional pieced blocks, but more often not.  Pretty, not stark or angry looking.  Balanced, with a splash of color or whimsy…something unexpected.  I’m kinda looking forward to seeing how my quilting style evolves.

So, I picked blue for this because my Mom has china that is blue and white.  I choose the border fabric because it matched the center panels and also anchored the piece.  The circles were a little tricky.  I wanted something fun and surprising, but my Mom is on the conservative side when it comes to color and pattern.  I found this piece of coffee pot fabric in my stash and it had little bits of blue and brown, and it just seemed…perfect.

I stiched in the ditch around each blue panel and then again a 1/4″ inside to make a square.  I meandered (sometimes in a unsteady fashion!) around the border.  The cirlces are turned edge applique, stiched with my machine’s blanket stitch.  Then I hand embroidered a running stitch about 1/4″ outside each circle in yellow embroidery floss (2 strands).

Hmm, doesn’t show up in the pics very well, but looks lovely in person. (I must get a new camera…right after we get a new fridge…ugh).

I’m planning to do another runner, with greens for the panels & border and red circles.  Maybe just a bit longer and not as wide…we’ll see!

 

 

Purely quilting

I’ve been thinking about starting a purely quilting blog for some time.  My other blog, Blueflower Treasures, will be the place I blog about sewing clothing, aprons, bag, purses, tablecloths…everything but quilts.  All the quilts will be here.  Hopefully, I will also be posting how-tos and patterns for original designs!  All this while mothering and homeschooling my six wonderful children, while being a supportive wife to my oh-so-patient husband and still finding time to sleep and clean the house (in that order!)

Welcome to LadyMsews.