Monday, February 16, 2009

Quiltmaker

Look at these great name blocks I got from Brenda, Victoria, and Lynne. These are going to be fabulous in my Name quilt. Brenda and Lynne were so sweet and sent additional blocks, so it's embarassing to admit that I pounced right in playing and mixed them up with other orphans - before I got photos. Eeek, sorry. Thanks, guys!

I wanted to let you all know about Small Blocks, Stunning Quilts by Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms. The book is about making full-sized quilts with little blocks. The authors dedicated it to Gwen Marston and included one of Gwen's beautiful basket quilts. My favorite (other) part of the book is the medallion quilt where they put Gwen's theories into practice - if something doesn't fit, just whack it off. Woohoo! A great book for taking baby steps towards liberation.

In other publication news, check out Quiltmaker magazine's March/April '09 issue. They took inspiration from my wonky houses tutorial and wrote a fabulous article on free-piecing houses. Pokey is intrigued:

Quiltmaker did a great job of showing the steps needed to build the houses and an even better one of putting the houses together into a top. Lily was willing to pose for me today:

In other news, Florida continues to be good to me. I'm amazed at how much color my skin has already picked up from just walking around - I certainly haven't been laying out. I'd better be careful though or I'm going to turn into a leathery raisin.

20 comments:

M. Regina said...

Beautiful blocks. I never sew NAME QUILT.
I love the idea.
Regina, from Brasil

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

Cool! quiltmakers article! Your fabulous wonky houses!

Kristin L said...

Congratulations on the good press. And just think, if you turn into a leathery raisin, people will know you're a local and not a tourist from the midwest. ;-)

Brenda said...

Wonky houses rule! Did you get credit in the article? I'll have to check it out. and you're welcome for the name and orphan blocks. I can't wait to see the finished project.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on being published! Also, kudos to your cats for the great poses.

Nice that Florida is being so nice to you. I am intrigued with Paris, and might have been sad to leave. Everything in time, that will work!
--Annette

Twisted Quilts said...

I am going to make a name block to send you. I not been doing a lot of sewing the last week. Florida sounds very nice, cold in NC today. Congrats on the mention in the magazine. I love Pokey's blue eyes!! He looks very smart.

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Your cats are stunning! The color of their eyes are so intense on my computer. Pokey's are bright blue and the other kitty's eyes are olive green! Are they really that color in real time? Please include more pictures of them in your posts!!! They're beautiful!

Unknown said...

Right now I sort of can't find my sewing machine, under all my mess, but once I DO find it, I promise I will get right on making you a name. I really mean it!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh there is my pretty baby! She looks great by the pic! And I'm hoping I get that book for my bday. If not I"m buying it myself!

Millie said...

I am so glad you liked the extra goodies and put them to good use. I can't wait to see where they ended up. And I am equally eager to see the names quilt.

Lynne

Lynn E said...

What size is it for the name blocks. Can anyone send to you.

Oh and your furbabies are very beautiful

jmb_craftypickle said...

I think your kitties like Florida too...their eyes are practically glowing!

jude said...

raisins are sweeter than grapes! and congrats on the good press!

Magpie Sue said...

Congrats on the article! The pic of the Quiltmaker house quilt reminds me of the two little house quilts I put together from my orphan blocks! Some of them were kinda wonky ;- )

Katie said...

I just bought that book! I've got my eye on those little thimbles. LOL Just what I need. Another quilt that'll take me years to finish!

jovaliquilts said...

I was so excited when I saw the houses in the magazine! Yay!!!

antique quilter said...

great article!!!
oh I posted about that book on my blog a few weeks ago
MY favorite book in the past year. and the quilt I want to make from it doesn't have a pattern and I bet you love that one too!!!!
I LOVE it
Kathie

Laura said...

Congratulations on the Quiltmaker article. I don't usually buy quilt magazines but I am going to pick this one up!!!

Lynda said...

Quiltmaker hasn't made it to this side of the Pond yet, but I'm certainly looking forward to getting my copy! (Love all the lime green in this quilt!)

Brenda Groelz said...

I'm sitting in my office looking at that fabulous Wonky Houses quilt right now. The Quiltmaker staff and other CK Media employees made it for me as a going-away present (I left my position as Editor-in-Chief to join Handi Quilter as their Director of Marketing & Education). Each participant got your great improv piecing instructions and was asked to include a bit of lime green (because I am a lime green kind of girl). I LOVE this quilt and everybody who visits me here loves it too. It's full of ENERGY! Kudos to you for your part in this incredible memory quilt.