"Stellar" evolution

Here is how "Stellar evolved:

I had a bunch of scraps, so I cut them into strips. I put this version together (ALL scraps except the back):

(phone photo)

Then, I had more scraps (all batik strips) and used them with 2 gray solids:

A patriotic version needed to be assembled (stashed fabrics):

Finally a pattern tester/shop sample:

And I have fabrics for a Christmas version yet to come.

Now if I can figure out how to get this pattern published! Any suggestions?

"Stellar" class

I was asked to teach a class for my "Stellar" quilt. That meant writing a pattern. A pattern that made sense! So I set forth doing so.

I am fortunate to have a "master quilter" as my Mother, and a dear friend (& second mother, also a "master quilter") who graciously proofed my pattern and offered excellent suggestions.

Then 2 days of class. With 4 awesome students. I am always amazed at how much I learn through teaching. I had 4 students with 4 different sets of skills, and all 4 created amazingly wonderful quilts.

With my pattern (giggle)!

Casey created a gorgeous purple and blue on white:

Betty used bright greens and solid yellow with a gray/white pin dot background:

(She got it put together, but my picture file was corrupted)

Donna loved my patriotic version and set out to create a similar one (her first quilt!):

(She had hers 80%completed)

Colleen's is a gorgeous riot of color on muslin:

(Colleen probably has hers completed now!)

Aren't they all AWESOME? I am so proud of these quilts and so excited by their enthusiasm!

I am so grateful for these ladies, and their perseverance and patience. I teach this again in October and I am looking forward to seeing the quilts those students create!

And they have asked me to develop a pattern, and teach Monolith!

My work in progress

I have cut into my halloween stash and love the craziness of it all!
Normally I get in the halloween mood too late to make a quilt, but this year, it struck earlier. And it is fun!

August FMQ Challenge

This month's FMQ expert for sewcalgal's 2012 Free-Motion Quilting Challenge was Wendy Sheppard of Ivory Spring. I have been a fan of Wendy's work for quite a while. She is an awesome quilter and it was a delight to get her insights.

Wendy shared a stitch design she calls "Jester's Hat". It is a neat little half-swirl combination.

I sketched it out several times.

Then I moved to the machine to stitch.

 I marked a couple of places as I tried this design out.

It was a bit harder than it looks. I had trouble finding a rhythm. Then I checked out the blogs of other quilters taking part in this challenge and found ideas that really helped.

That is one of the great things about this challenge. Not only are we all learning from some incredible teachers, we are learning from each other!  It really feels like a FMQ community, and that is great.

Monolith, a masculine quilt

My next completion is "Monolith"

This quilt measures 51" by 62".
The prints are from the "Parson Gray" line. I was drawn to these by the masculine feel and the muted, sophisticated colors. I had them together with a light color of the collection, but it just felt too "matched". I liked it, but didn't love it. Then I saw the 3 yd cut of gray/blue batik blender and they all played so nicely together.

I started by sewing half-square triangles. I wanted to keep the quilt more masculine in feel, but modern. Or maybe the word I am searching for is "contemporary". Anyway, the off-set setting of the blocks just worked. It shows off the prints, and left these wide swaths for quilting.

My FMQ stitch design is arc-ed triangle-ish shapes. I think it looks like primitive carving.
The backing is a cute gray on gray dot.

Quilting away...

In an effort to relax, I retreat to my sweatshop/studio for some fabric therapy.
I have 2 completions to show for it.

First up is a wall hanging I am calling "Chroma".

I was inspired by a similar wall hanging by a friend. And I needed to use some of my forlorn scraps.

It measures 24" by 39".

My FMQ was inspired by Angela Walters, and the wish for stitches a bit more Mid-century Modern in feel.

Gratuitous shot of my gorgeous son holding said quilt.

Not bloggin' still quiltin'

As my workplace has again become full of stress and uncertainty, I have dove into my studio as often as possible to relax. No new quilt to show, but a work in process.
And i would greatly appreciate any positive vibes you can send my way as I wait to find out who my mew boss will be (and if she will keep me).