A finish!

Okay, here's a finish--I am so proud! I finally made a quilt for myself, finishing at about 80 X80. the fabric is Valori Wells' Del Hi line.

This is my interpretation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater home during the fall season. the binding is the orange stone, except at the bottom right quadrant where it is blue.

Here is a photo, courtesy of Ivan S. Abrams, from which I drew my inspiration. Do you see what I did?:

I've decided to enter this quilt in the Project Modern Challenge, so here's my 100 words about this quilt:

"My interpretation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is a vertical chimney and extending horizontal terraces at the top of the quilt, above rocky falls at the bottom. I added an improvisational flower & sienna background fabric as a suggestion of the home’s lush, fall foliage. I have quilted this in a free-hand undulating wave pattern (top to bottom, vertically) to mimic the waterfall. I love the way this home is linear, yet the water softens its stern concrete and rock; I wanted to transfer these contradictory qualities into a quilt utilizing earth tones with just a pinch of blue. " 

Wish me luck!!

A Giveaway! (For US & Canada)

Okay, so I'm ready!! I have two reusable pouches from Stephanie at Sand and Starfish--one large (sandwich) size and the other small (snack) size. I have been using them for a few weeks now and I've noticed that they keep my snacks fresh for up to 6 days. There are no downsides other than my students now know that I'm packin' and they're all interested to taste-test my snacks. I keep them in my purse and haven't had any problems with leakage or crumbs. So, I have to say...

THESE BAGS ARE FABULOUS!  AND BPA FREE!

As you are probably already aware, BPA, or "Bisphenol A [is a] chemical commonly found in canned soup and food storage plastics is also used in some plastic wrap and plastic sandwich bags."  (Greenhouse Neutral Foundation).  In a sentence: BPA is a health concern (in lab testing, caused birth defects!) and so far, there are no limits on the amount of BPA in certain items. I'm sure you've seen "BPA free" on newer water bottles--this is what they're talking about.  

1. These bags are cute as can be and fully lined.
2. I packed an entire bag of Chex Mix (8.75 oz) in the big one (to share, of course)
3. No leakage or crumbs so they're safe in your purse.
4. The small bag is about 2 inches bigger than a snack-size baggie.
5. The large size is a little bigger than a sandwich-size baggie.
6. Comes with easy care instructions.
7. No BPA
8.  It's time to stock up on reusable pouches! 

To get you started, Stephanie is graciously offering 2 snack bags to one lucky reader! Terms and conditions:
 1. You must visit Sand and Starfish and then comment, telling me about an item from her shop that you just adore!
2. You must live in the US or Canada (sorry international friends!) & if you're a no-reply blogger, leave an email address!
3. Giveaway ends Saturday, December 4, at midnight.
3. That's it. You don't have to follow, give up your first-born, or do circus tricks. Yeah, that's another giveaway...

A giveaway and one in the making!

You know how I love a good giveaway so I've got one for you now and one coming up:

1. Chelsea of Pink Fig Designs is giving away 2 quilts. That's right, not patterns, not fabric, QUILTS, as in done and you can use them straight away... Amazing!! And wait until you see them--holy mackerel! Click on her logo to check it out!

2. I will be hosting a giveaway also! Interested in a sneak peek? Check out all the goods at Stephanie's Sand and Starfish shop on Etsy. As soon as my camera gets a new battery I'll be posting! 

Giveaways!

Anyone interested in an Accuquilt Go! cutter? Here's a link to QuiltWoman.com ; her giveaway is open until November 16.

Need a second chance? Mandy at Simply Solids is giving away a cutter also! Link over before November 20.

And here's a link to the Quilty Pleasures Blog where you can peruse myriad blog links and enter to win quilty items such as fabric or a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks book.

Blogger's Quilt Festival

It's that time again...

I have been looking at all the quilts and enjoying the stories, so I thought I'd enter something of my own.
I give you...the Birdie stacked coins quilt with texture!

Because this quilt is so linear, I wanted to do something different with the actual quilting. A friend suggested soft waves to calm the feeling and I heartily agreed. I went a step further and thought about adding texture. I love the way a quilt puckers after the wash, but I wanted this one to really stand out. So, I bumped up the tension/pressure foot and started quilting . . .check out that texture!

Here's the back:

Is that calming or what?! The waves worked perfectly to offset the lines and bright color. This one went to a sweet little girl named Quinn Therese♥

What I've been doing...not really but OMG

Are these girls amazing or what? I don't think I could ever do that! This takes some time to load, but trust me, it's worth it!

Okay, you win...

This is what I've really been doing...some commissioned work & a gift:

(click for a closer view)

and the winner is...

Thank you for all your kind comments! Mr. Aidan picked a winner using random.org (sorry, I couldn't figure out how to post that image). From a pool of 14, our lucky winner is...
#5. Lisa of One-Hip-Mom.