first stash in 2013 has arrived

First stash in 2013 has arrived : 2 thick envelopes came from Hawthorne Threads. I have ordered the fabrics way back in December and I am so happy that they are finally here. Take a look on the wonderful colors and designs from Alexander Henry Fabrics Collection (somerville study, sloane and sienna) – these fabrics are just the right ones for quilt backings. As soon as I saw the “somerville study” with all the books in the shelves I just could not resist.

somerville study

sloane

sienna

And the last photo shows the Notting Hill Collection in magenta designed by Joel Dewberry and has a total of 12 different fabrics. Once more the colors and designs are so fresh and bright. This stash is for a custom quilt and I shall start working on it right away!!

notting hill

Happy quilting,

Barbora

from a different corner

This December has been a super weather month, with lots of sunshine and warm temperatures though the daytime. I have enjoyed staying outdoors, reading a book on the terrace or working in the garden.

aeonium arboreum

lantana

faucaria felina

aloe arborescens

osteospermum

 

Looking back on 2012 – this year has been a good year for me. I am happy with what I have achieved :

  • made quilts I designed
  • got more practice and confidence in free motion quilting
  • started giving patchwork and quilting classes
  • worked on patterns (and learned how to write them)
  • got familiar with all the different threads that the market has to offer
  • shared my experience with other bloggers

Looking forward to 2013 – I would like to learn and try :

  • improvisational quilting
  • wonky blocks
  • textured blocks – here a fantastic blog with a free project by Sewn Up by TeresaDownUnder
  • and reorganize my sewing room, get a new cabinet for my fabrics

 

Wishing all the best for 2013, happy quilting and see you soon,

Barbora

 

fire & ice quilt is getting into shape

In my last post I introduced the fire block. Now it is time to have a look on the ice block.

Image

The colors are cool, reminding of floating icebergs near the poles.  This block put together with pieces from 2 different log cabin or better said courthouse steps block. I have finished the top, now I am waiting for the batting to arrive. In the meantime I have time to decide what kind of fabrics I shall take for the backing. Should I stick to the solids or get a fabric with a bright pattern?

fire & ice quilt top

Anyway, I am happy with the result. This was my very first time that I worked entirely with solids. It was a pleasure selecting the colors, Kona solids are available in so many wonderful shades and hues.

I have also finished one more MINI pattern :  Happy Birthday Quilt for this little couch throw.

In the meantime I shall work on a baby quilt – looking forward to work on something smaller!!

Thanks for stopping, Barbora

fire & ice quilt and star gaze variation

One more photo from Star Gaze quilt classes – this one is from Mary. The colors reflect the Spanish flag. Guess what colors it has – yes, red and yellow.

star gaze quilt by mary

On the other hand I have finished writing the quilt pattern “Fire & Ice” for the classes. I have pieced nearly all the blocks, over the weekend I should be able to sew the quilt top together. This time it is a “quicker” quilt. Both cutting and piecing is not so time consuming as with the Star Gaze quilt. I have opted for log cabin and bento box blocks. Both blocks are good for practicing – not only precise cutting but also precise sewing. Here a preview of the “fire” log cabin block :

fire log cabin block

The finished blocks are 12″ x 12″. I have written this pattern either for a single (60″ x 84″) or for a double bed (84″ x 84″). As soon as I have my quilt finished, I shall update my pattern section and post a pdf.

One more word to the fabrics. All are Kona Solids from Robert Kaufman. The colors are exceptional, love the warm reds, pinks and oranges. But my favorite ones are in the bento box block – you can see them in my next post!!

Happy quilting, Barbora

classes making star gaze quilt and photos

Star Gaze quilt classes started in October and nearly all participant have their quilt tops finished or are now working on the quilt sandwich. I am proud to show you in this post some of the patchwork tops and the different color combinations. Remember, mine was in reds and blues with a beige background – see here.

star gaze by anne

star gaze by anne

star gaze quilt by trisha

star gaze quilt by trisha

star gaze by jenny

star gaze by jenny

I have also got a new stash from Prague, this time only with the wonderful Kona Solids. I opted my favorite colors : the cools are in aqua, turquoise, dark blue, the warm colors are fuchsia, pink and orange. As I came back with a bad cold, I didn’t take any photos yet.

The design for my next quilt is nearly finished, I want to start cutting and piecing this afternoon so that I can check the pattern.

Happy quilting to all of you, Barbora