what I've been up to

I wanted to end the year with a post of some of the projects I've been working on.  It's been a few months so there's lots :0)

 In anticipation of meeting up with some longtime internet friends I did a little applique, a little handquilting and made 2 little zippered pouches to give as gifts. 

 It was fun to try quilting them 2 different ways.  I could not pick a favorite.

I also took a class with Helen Frost while I was in Houston.  The class was called Starstruck.  She had an different method for cutting and a few other tricks.  It was interesting and I enjoyed it very much. 

 She had this mirror tool to try different layouts with diamonds once they were pieced in rows.  It was cool to see how different they looked.

 I decided on option 2.  I didn't get it completely together until a few weeks later.  Now I have to decide what to make with my star.

 Using the leftover cut off bits was fun too.  There was no way I was throwing them out.  I made this little mini quilt for a friend.  It was quick to machine quilt and bind. 

 I also participated in a sew-a-long with Temecula Quilt Shop in the weeks leading up to American Thanksgiving.  Wow!  I had no idea we were making a Burgoyne Surrounded quilt!  It was so doable broken down into sewing 9 patches and 4 patches etc... 

 I worked on it a little bit everyday until it was a completed top. 

 It was a nice idea to get it quilted and have a new Christmas quilt but...  it didn't happen.  Maybe in time for next Christmas.  I do love how scrappy it is :0)

I also finished the 8th applique block for my Radical Rose and Reel quilt.  8 blocks does not make a very pretty picture but its exciting to see it nearly ready to assemble.  There will be borders to applique yet so lots more stitches to enjoy for this project. 

So that should nearly catch me up.  I look forward to lots of lovely quilty projects in 2019!

Happy Quilting!!  and  Happy 2019!!

Marvellous antique quilts

Another very wonderful part of Houston International Quilt Festival was the antique quilts.

  After I stopped to see my own quilt in the show I hurried into the vendor area to see for myself these booths full of antique quilts for sale.  I'm sure the first few antique quilt vendors thought I was a little nuts - I was that excited.  Even now - looking through my pictures I can't believe all the amazing works of art I was able to see and touch.  The vendors were very kind and patient with me - I came around and visited each booth at least once a day to see if anything new was on display and I wasn't disappointed. 

 Mary Koval's booth was a real favorite.  She was very welcoming and happy to talk with me about her lovely quilts. Honestly I wanted to see every single one but since I wasn't buying I could hardly make her unfold each one. 

 This one had the most marvellous quilting motifs. 

 This is one Mary did unfold for me - the photo doesn't do it justice - it was incredible!

 Julie Siber was another vendor who very kindly would talk antique quilts with me.  Her assistant Deborah was very fun as well.  This trapuntoed quilt was unbelievable!  Such fine, lovely quilting - and so graceful!

 Even folded there was so much to admire and be inspired by.

 Jane Lury had a booth full of wonderful quilts too.  Can you imagine the time to quilt these 4 parallel lines all around the border

 Cindy Rennel's and her husband were very welcoming at their booth too.  They let me prowl around and take a few pictures.  This quilt had the most amazing stuffed buds.  I can't imagine sleeping under a quilt with such puffy buds ( Probably wasn't intended to be slept under...). 

So many amazing quilts - it was such a treat just to see them!

I love a feathered star quilt.  This one was exquisite. 
I also really enjoyed meeting Julia at her Pique booth.  I can't find any pictures from her booth however  - I was probably too busy talking with her - she was lovely and her quilts were fabulous too. 
Are you feeling inspired??  I sure am :0)
Happy Quilting!!