Medallion Quilt Top Done!

With classes all done I finally was able to get working on the Marcelle Medallion Quilt again.

For those of you who don't know about this awesome quilt it is from Liberty Love

A book by Alexia Marcelle Abegg.

It's a great book with 25 must do sewing projects including quilts, clothing, and bags.

There are even a few projects for the hubby and Fido too!

At first I thought I would do each boarder in a different fabric collection/color.
But, I just fell in love with the way Shelburne Falls, Pearl Bracelet, and Architextures
worked together.
So why quit a good thing?
 I just kept going with it and used up all my stash of that great
 crosshatch from architextures :(

I thought that the cross block border would be my least favorite out of the whole quilt.  

Turns out it was my favorite!

Of coarse as soon as I laid it out Sophie had to come test it out.

As I was attaching the last boarder it dawned on me that now I have to figure out how to quilt it.

oh no!  What to do?

 

Overall I really loved piecing this quilt.  I was shocked how forgiving the piecing was.  There is more than one seam that didn't quit match up and even a pearl bracelet piece or two that is even sewn in wrong side up. shhhh...don't tell anybody.

While I'm trying to figure out how I want to quilt this thing I'm preparing for the local monthly craft show in town.  I'm trying to figure out what I would like to make for it.  I have a few quilts that I will sell but I need more than just a few quilts.

I made a few bags like these...

Have you ever sold at an art market? 

What types of items sold the best for you? Or what have you bought that was a must have ?

I would really appreciate any input!!!

Paper Piecing My Way to A Brighter Day

Wow, what a week. I don't know about you but I have been on CNN overload watching all that has been happening across the US. I needed to take a step back away from the tv and try to concentrate on something more positive and bright.

I searched the internet for some inspiration and I found this cute little butterfly paper piecing pattern on Craftsy. Its been awhile since I have done any paper piecing and I had to break out a book to help me remember how.

Even with the book, i still messed up and sewed the fabric to the wrong side...I've never been good a reading directions.  Thank God for seam rippers right?  I finally got into the groove and picked out some bright and pretty tonal fabrics form Art Gallery and Robert Kaufman.

At first I thought this would be a nice sort of mindless sewing project that I could do while still keeping one eye on the news.  But after ripping out more than one seam and a few missed pieces altogether, I really needed to focus.

Believe it or not the toughest part to this pattern was piecing the butterfly body piece.  Of coarse it was getting late by that point and everything was getting a little harder to do.

This is by bright little butterfly.  Now I need to decide what I'm going to do with her.

I think I will put her on some Essex Denim.  What do you think...pillow?...bag?...

Sample Spree 2012

This year was my first for the International Quilt Market in Houston.  Luckily I live relatively close and only needed to travel a few hours east.  I was also lucky enough to have free lodging in a beautiful house just a short drive away from the convention center.  Getting to the convention center literately couldn't have been easier.  The first day was schoolhouse and I never expected how quickly the classes would move.  Sometimes it felt like you just found a seat and then had to get up to go to another room.  Almost all the classes had raffles, but I didn't win anything :( and there were some really good giveaways.  But the absolute highlight of the day (or should I say night) was sample spree!!

People started standing sitting in line really early.  I got up there at around 6pm and the doors didn't open until 8pm.  I thought I wasn't that close to the front until I
saw(more like heard I wasn't about to get out of line) how far back the line went.  Turns out I was in good shape.  I would have taken a picture of the crazy line but I had abandoned my camera to make more room in my bag for fabric.  I had been hearing all day about how crazy it would get once the doors opened and that generally nice ladies that quilt would turn into ruthless fabric hunting beasts.  So my expectations were not high that I would get much.

So here is what I scored...

Riley Blake Flutter & Cotton Solids

Aurifil and Mettler Thread & Type FQs from Windham

Kona Solids & Architextures Charm Pack ( I could kick myself for only getting one of the charms)

 Posy by Aneela Hoey for Moda

 Echino Fall 2012 & Heather Ross Nursery Versery (I can't believe I scored these!!!)

Art Gallery Fabrics: Luxe In Bloom, Coquette, Paradise

Art Gallery Floral Elements & Oval Elements

I think It was a success!

For my first time out I think I did pretty good.  Actually way better than I thought I would.  It also was not as bad as all the stories I heard.  Was it hard to get up close to the tables?  Some what.  Were people rude and pushing? Not really, and most people were very polite.  My shoulders are still aching two days later from all the heavy bags. But then I look at my fabric and the aches and pains go away.  Some of this fabric I would never purchase at full price, like Echino and Heather Ross.  I'm so glad I have them to add to my stash!

While most of this will be stashed...Some of the bundles are up for grabs in my Etsy Shop!  Check it out before they are gone!!!

More Quilt Market highlights in the coming days!

~Alician