Some Art Quilt Challenges Completed

It was certainly a busy summer!  Now that all the activity of September is over, I have time to regroup and catch up on some projects.  The real problem is, I have quite a list of projects to work on and I want to just have some fun play time in my studio.  My friend, A, came over and we finally did a landscape with mountains.  We actually did some "Accidental Landscapes."

This piece, I was happy to use a scrap of the upholstery fabric left over from Pete's carpet bag.  Hmmm, I don't think I posted about that project.  Anyway, this landscape measures 6" X 7" and I completed it in one day.  Title:  Ditch Side Beauty

It is highly likely that someone should talk to me about how I name my art.  On the other hand, I should be true to myself.

This piece is 12" X 16" and is hand quilted.  My Unruly Quilt Artist group learned how to do Sashiko, last summer.  (I had taken a class years ago, but I never went anywhere with it.) We were each to make an art quilt with one of the blocks we hand stitched.  I used some of my Japanese fabrics to create my art piece.  Again, I found a scrap (of my Aoi has Two Sisters fabric) to fussy cut and include in my design.  I used some two-holed beads to add interest.  This was a challenge and not my usual design type.  I really like it.  In this last year, I have made quite a few hand-quilted pieces.  I like being able to take the time to make hand sewn/quilted pieces of art.

Title:  My Favorite Dish: Fish

Completed in December 2014

I had three quilts that I finished in September through November, but just did not get the binding on.  I finished the binding on "Aoi Has Two Sisters" quilt.  Refer to what was on my design wall in September.  I also completed my "Sunset Sail"; got it back from Bev Hoek, my long-arm quilter, in September.  Also, I completed piecing the "Christmas Box" quilt in November and Phyllis Oneal long-arm quilted it the first week in December. I did a cheaty binding on it, so it was finished by December 9. "Sunset Sail" was finished on December 28, and "Aoi Has Two Sisters", I finished binding it on December 31.  Good-by 2014.  It was a busy year.  Now, I am going to prepare a cup of tea, find my list of UFO's and some gluten free shortbread cookies, and sit down and mark some things off my list and add two more, I think.  Plus, Caryl V. from Melba forced some reverse drunkard's log cabin thing on me, so I must add that to my list! Oh my!  Well, following are some lovely photos of those last three quilts from 2014.  I am so happy that the Sunset Sail and Aoi I started and completed in the same year.  That is pretty impressive for me. I am now thinking about a nap, but tea, list, and GF shortbread cookies . . . I almost forgot!

Christmas Boxes, blocks made from "hideous fabric" by Knotty Quilters

Sunset Sail quilt

Aoi Has Two Sisters, Japanese quilt inspired by my trip to Seattle

What is on the Design Wall in August?

After the quilt show, I flew off to Seattle for a few days visit with my honey.  I have been determined not to have to visit any quilt shops when I am traveling. We were finding our way to the Ballard Locks to see the boats come and go and see the fish ladder.  We were almost there, when my husband states, "Look, there's a quilt shop."  Well, he said it, not me.  So, that opened up the possibility of a visit!  I said, casually, "Can we stop there on the way back?"  Of course.  How devine!  It was The Quilting Loft, on NW Market St., in Seattle.  Lovely place, and I was sooo good. I only spent $45.00 and had the most delightful visit.  They have many Japanese fabrics and so much more.  I bought "Aoi Has Two Sisters" and three fabrics to go with.  Some of that is up on my design wall, next to my lingering scrappy doll quilt.  My scrappy doll quilt has had it's beginning on the design wall for some time, but has been covered by other projects.  I think one more hour on that and it will be finished.  Then, the wall will be clear of Aoi and her sisters. 

just a reminder, my design wall is the back of a flannel quilt, so pay no attention to all those fish!