Turkey's Dilemma.  I stumbled upon this block on Wednesday in my 5,500 
Quilt Blocks book.  With a name like that, how could I not make it!?  I used three different solids (Art Gallery Cabernet, Appletini and an unknown pale blue) paired with Essex Linen in Sand.

I love making individual blocks just for fun.  It's a great way to practice piecing skills (I definitely need work on my flying geese!), experiment with color, and just audition ideas.
Can I say I'm smitten?

This one will stay as a single block until I finish up other projects, but it certainly has potential!

Head on over the annex for a little tutorial on putting this beauty together.

I arranged my scrappy trip blocks.

Got photobombed by the cat.

And turned my back for 30 seconds.  I'm pretty sure a second cat was involved in this debacle, but she was smart enough to flee the scene.

(In case you're wondering, the new couch is covered in plastic to keep a few trouble-makers from using it as a scratching post.)

Linking up to Freshly Pieced's WIP Wednesday.

I've decided to enter my bright blocks quilt in the blogger's quilt festival.   Not only is it my only finish in 2013, it's also one of my all-time favorites.

Inspired by the work of b.perrino and the color palette found in this quilt and this one, it was gifted to a new baby with modern-design loving parents.    I started with an assortment of solids, cut into random strips, and then took full advantage of my design wall to work through the layout.  Backed in a single geometric print.  Bound in lime green with a few accent colors thrown in the mix and qulited with straight lines. 

I think my favorite spot in the quilt is the upper left of the top block, with the orange square finishing the corner of the red and pink stripes.

I recently came across the finish-a-long hosted at she can quilt.  A little virtual accountability might be just what I need to tackle my growing pile.  


Here's my list for Q4:

1.  night shade swoon. 
This one is close with only one block to go.  There's no reason I can't get the top finished.  The back is going to take some thought, so that will mostly get pushed off until next year.

2.  lucy's trip. 
All 30 blocks are done and need to be assembled into the top.   I don't expect the back to be be too difficult as I have scraps and yardage for it already.   I hope to have it sandwiched at least this quarter.

3.  four square flowers. 
This one is so old.  Like years and years old.  It needs to be quilted and bound.  Or else abandonned.

4.  mod squares.
Top and back are done....sort of.   The back isn't quite up to par and needs a little elective surgery before it will be ready for quilting.  Hope to get this one completely finished.

5.  circus pinwheels.   
Top is done.   It needs a blog post or two, and a back.  This one I should be able to finish as well.

6.  crazy blue.
Another ancient quilt.  Sandwiched with some quilting done.  I've been holding off finishing this one because number seven is hogging the big machine and I really want to have the knee-lift for turning at all those dang corners.

7.  summer sampler.
This is actually on the frame, mid-quilting.   It would have been done some time ago except for tension problems with the machine resulting in endless frustration.  I need to get this one finished.   Not only is my daughter nagging me about it, it's causing a back-log.

I also have a few small sewing projects I've been wanting to tackle:  A small tote bag, a window-seat pillow for the cat, and some new pot holders.  I'll call these 8, 9, and 10.   Just to round out the list.

Linking up to the finish-a-long.

Spring Quilt Market was in Portland this year.   I don't know where to even begin, so I'll just post photos.

Art Gallery's Pure Elements Booth

Carolyn Friedlander presenting new quilt patterns, Tangelo shown

Carolyn Friedlander, Alturas

Denyse Schmidt presenting her new collection, Florence, due August

Jeni Baker's Booth

Seven Island's Booth featuring echino

Emily Herrick, Technicolor

The amazing work of Angela Walters

Portland's own Violet Craft and Waterfront Park, due July

Brigitte Heitland, Zen Chic Shine Through quilt

Tula Pink presenting Acacia (more on Tula's quilts later)

Did you see that Moda is re-releasing Erin Michael's coveted Lush collection in new colorways?  I nearly fell out of my chair.  And then promptly placed an order for the shop.

Stop by the coming soon section to see more future fabrics and click on their images to sign up for notification when they arrive!

I finished this quilt in record time (for me at least).
I cut the first pieces Friday evening and took the finished quilt out of the dryer first thing Monday morning.   It helped that I had a strict deadline (even if it was self-imposed), and that I abandonned all housework for a few days.

Though far from perfect, I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out.  I love the simple blocks and bright colors.

It has been gifted to a co-worker and his wife (both architects) and their new little one.  

A combination of solids from Moda, Robert Kaufman, and Michael Miller.   Inspired by a quilt by B. Perrino.  Backing is Olavi in Blueberry from Lotta Jansdotter's new Glimma Collection.  Somewhat straight line quilting 1" apart. Finished quilt measures approximately 42" x 60".