NW Quilting Expo

Lots of quilty goodness from the NW Quilt Expo held in Portland OR. this weekend!

While I really enjoyed a lot of the quilts I think this one was my favorite. There were so many beautiful pieces being shown it was very hard to choose! I also didn't get a chance to go back through all the quilts and take pictures of some of my favorites so I know a few of them are missing. I did get a chance to go back through at least half. Hope you enjoy the show!



This one also really appealed to the realist / portrait artist in me.


Cross stitch quilt and details...




Harry Potter themed quilts...





her hair was all that metallic fuzzy yarn laid out and sewn over to attach it to the fabric. I wish now I'd gotten a closer picture. It was pretty cool.


All 200+ blocks, was made using reverse applique! I wish the lighting had been better - it wasn't quite this yellow...




Such bad lighting - but this was beautiful. There were quilts more technically stunning but the fabrics and colors were so ugly - this! This one I would love to have and hold and use and snuggle under. What you can't see was the variegated "rainbow" thread they used to quilt it. The quilting was impeccable. It really popped off the black fabric and of course I love batiks. I thought about slipping it off the hanger and making a mad crazed dash for the exit with it clutched in my greedy paws. I figured I could fend off any of the off the old ladies who tried to stop me on my way out... if it wasn't for those pesky security guards by the exit doors I would've tried! ;^)


The colors and fabrics on this Hawaiian quilt were subtle and bright and beautiful. Sadly the lighting is crap and I didn't get a good shot of it... but none the less here it is.


Ah, Poison Green.... something or other was the name of this quilt. Fascinating really. I guess in the 1800's fabrics made in this color used a dye that was quite poisonous. Of course the interesting title drew me in but the subtle beauty of the quilt kept me staring for quite a while. All 20 blocks are perfectly placed applique. Sick really. I wish someday to imitate the feel of this little gem.




This one was a bit unusual as it was made of woven wool fabrics.












Pineapple quilt's strips were all about 1/2" and the quilt was at least a full if not a queen!

WIP's

I dragged my sick dead self off to the fabric store yesterday evening. I had to get out of the house. While I blew the very last of my personal rainy day fund I didn't squander it on random bits of fabric for new projects*. I'm so proud of me! That's so my MO. lol... I actually found a backing fabric for my super outdated celestial navy / yellow log cabin that works.

I wandered all over looking at the seasonal in-line fabrics and couldn't find anything. It's all marbles and florals and repos and retros.

So I started poking around in the Christmas fabrics which I normally don't look at too closely. I found the *exact* fabric I was envisioning! A mottled navy/cobalt back ground with a smattering of bright yellow stars. Perfect. The best part? I needed seven yards. I think they had 7 1/2. lol... It was so close - I was nervous that she'd unravel the bolt and there wouldn't be enough. I also managed to pick up some more black fabric to finish the borders on the twisted sisters quilt. I think the next time I get a chance to sew I'll start there.

I'm also excited to head off to the 2008 NW Quilting Expo on Thursday. I hope this cold is waning by then.

*Okay that's not total honesty. I did buy 1/2 yard of really cute fabric that I have in mind for the Bento Box. But I'm not working on that quilt so it doesn't really count. lol ;^)

To do, to do

Sorry there hasn't been much to share here lately. It's the end of summer and I've been spending a lot of time working in the garden, we also have company here for a few weeks. I did get one block done for a Bento Box quilt I'd love to make. I have a round robin border I need to be working on. I've got it all figured out in my head I just need to get it done. I think I owe a Birthday Block for that swap too. I really should check up on that.

That is all - happy quilting everyone!

D8 - Dee Dee's Delight

Block: D8 - Dee Dee's Delight
Started Quilt: 07/02/08
Block Completed: 09/08/08
Number of Pieces: 9
Description: Appliqued and Reverse Applique, by Hand

Blocks: 19
Triangles: 3
Kites: 0
Total Pieces: 234

Well I can see why Dee Dee was so delighted to work on this block. It's my favorite so far! I love it and think it came out quite well. Of course as with all of Jane's blocks I learned something. And that something was this: If you have a point and want it to stay exactly in the spot you've placed it, don't start with the midpoint of the mellon - it'll shift by the time you get to where you want it to be. Start at the point so it sticks. I think there maybe a life lesson in here somewhere too but I won't get all philosophical on you. ;^)

E10 - Five and Dime

Block: E10 - Five and Dime
Started Quilt: 07/02/08
Block Completed: 09/01/08
Number of Pieces: 6
Description: Machine Pieced and Reverse Appliqued by Hand

Blocks: 18
Triangles: 3
Kites: 0
Total Pieces: 225

Not much to say about this one. I think I made it more difficult then it needed to be by sewing the melons on the bias so I could the get the squares in the pattern "on point". Ah... form before function. ;^)

D3 - Jason's Jacks

Block: D3 - Jason's Jacks
Started Quilt: 07/02/08
Block Completed: 09/01/08
Number of Pieces: 2
Description: Hand Applique

Blocks: 17
Triangles: 3
Kites: 0
Total Pieces: 219

There were two corners that came out a little wonky but otherwise the points in general look good to me and the curves are nice and smooth. I'm finding it really is in the ironing and folding the seam that determines so much of what the finished applique piece looks like. It almost seems like the stitching is a formality!

B1 - Batchelor Buttons

Block: B1 - Batchelor Buttons
Started Quilt: 07/02/08
Block Completed: 09/01/08
Number of Pieces: 5
Description: Hand Applique

Blocks: 16
Triangles: 3
Kites: 0
Total Pieces: 217

I stitched this one with a fever so if it didn't come out perfect I blame that. ;^) Though I actually think I'm getting better at this whole applique thing. I can see my improvements with each block. I'll be sad when I've appliqued all the DJ blocks I can... lol. I'm really enjoying the technique. I just wish the colors came out in the photo a little better... The warm espresso chocolate looks black and the creamy background is missing all it's cream!