A new quilt! And a Blogaversary!

O my goodness! So much to celebrate!

I finished a new quilt, and I didn't even tell you about it while it was in progress! Here is my version of it; it's called High Light:

And here is the original version of it, as it appeared in the Fall 2008 issue of Quilts and More:

The two photos above are a closer picture of one block (19"--yes, they are huge!) and a bit more detail.

Above is the back; I am really liking pieced backings (amandajean does a TON of these over on her blog), so when I run out of larger pieces, I incorporate piecing into the backing of other fabrics, usually used on the front. Waste not, want not. I also quilted this at the same nearby quilt shop where I rented time on their long arm for some of my other quilts (I blogged about it earlier).

When I finished the quilt, I used Lisa's idea:

I made a pincushion with the scraps, using a pattern I found in this book:

Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts

And I have blogging about quilting for a year now! Wow!

A new quilting guild!

Today we got together to create what we hope will become a new quilting guild in our area; you can hop on over to our new blog to find out more about it!

Many thanks to Carol, who worked hard to bring this together, and who also gave each of us TWO fat quarters! We will each create a 12.5" block (or two) to put into a group quilt (or two):

The girls and I will each create two blocks, so that is why you see three sets of fat quarters. We'll keep you posted!

Long arm quilting machine rental: Picture This batik quilt

I recently spent a couple of days at the nearby quilt shop that allows you to rent time on their long arm quilting machine (I blogged about it earlier). It is SO addicting!

(I don't want to reveal too much of this quilt just yet, as I am in the process of binding it now!) This is the Picture This quilt for which I took a class back in May (I blogged about it earlier), and I was able to finish the squares in the alloted class time. I am just now getting it quilted. I'm hoping I don't take that long to get the binding on.

Because I added borders to this Picture This quilt, it went from about a twin size to being able to fit our king size bed! It therefore took a lot more to quilt it than I'd anticipated, but I was still able to get it done during the two hour session, and the girls even had time to do some experimental quilting of their own.

Memory quilt

If are looking to create a special, memorable quilt from pictures of loved ones, you will need a special fabric that has been created to act like printer paper in your printer:

These Printed Treasures Printer Fabric Sew-In Sheets are 100% cotton, and they are designed specifically for you to be able to photocopy your pictures onto the fabric sheets, and then sew them up just as you would any other fabric.

Friendship Bag Swap: Sent!

I sent my Friendship bag to my swap partner last month, in order for it to travel to Canada to my swap partner in time. Now that she has received it, I can show you a picture.

I realize the picture is crummy (why did I think a dark background would be best?) but here is the bag that I created with a Moda Honey Bun. I included an embroidered bookmark, ribbon, and buttons as little goodies inside of the bag. I was so tickled; my swap partner was Michelle herself--the coordinator of the swap! You can find her at the Quilting Gallery. Here is the bag I received - a Laurel Burch, no less! Here is the flickr pool of photos of some of the bags given/received in this swap; aren't they cute?

New Etsy store launch!

Well, I finally did it!

As you know by now (and can probably relate), I LOVE fabric, and have accumulated quite a stash of it. I have sold some of it from time to time, but not consistently. But I have now launched a new Etsy store at www.LaurelHarper.etsy.com!

The newest line of fabric that is listed is the Laurel Burch by Clothworks line. I am SO pleased to offer this; it is absolutely beautiful.

As always, I am offering a free FQ BUNDLE for any purchase over $75! I invite you to check back often, as inventory will be added continually.

Free Debut Purse pattern from YouCanMakeThis.com!

By the way, I wanted to take a few minutes to show you a purse I made, from the free Debut Purse Pattern that I got when I signed up (also free) with YouCanMakeThis. Click on the link on the right, here on my blog, to sign up for free if you have not already done so; get your own free pattern

Quilt Odyssey 2009 - Hershey, PA

Back in late July / early August, the Quilt Odyssey was held in Hershey, PA, as it has been for the past ten years. I remember attending once before, when it was still a very new and rather small event. This year, I was pleasantly surprised to see how big it had become. The Vendor Hall had dozens and dozens of vendors, and the quilt exhibition hall was enormous. The quilts which had been entered into competition were too incredible to try to summarize in one simple sentence, or even a paragraph. Here are a few pictures.

Here's a beautiful abstract contemporary type quilt.

This one reminded me of chintz, which was so popular in the 80s; it was beautifully executed, with incredible detail.

This three-dimensional chocolate mini quilt was so delightful, and very fitting for a quilt competition in Hershey, PA!

There's just something about a well executed lighthouse quilt...

This Phantom of the Opera quilt was amazing!

Don't you just love this one?! I can feel her computer angst; can't you?

My daughters and I were captivated by this one. We were told that three women had created this quilt, and that all four seasons had been incorporated into the design. In case you're wondering, winter is on the back.

The quilts that get entered into these types of competitions are WAYYYYYY beyond the skills of mere amateur quilting mortals (like me). They are works of art, and quite often were created after literally thousands of hours of labor. Wow.

Friendship Bag Swap: Getting ready

I must be crazy; I am doing a swap? And WHEN do I have time to do this??!!!

Ah well; a girl's gotta have some fun now and then, yes? Misery loves company; you should join me. :)

I bought my Moda Honey Buns, so after the yardage arrives (for handles, bottom of bag, etc), I'm ready to go. I chose the Sultry and Arcadia Honey Buns by Moda; they were on sale at Fabric.com.

Come on; it'll be quick and fun!

Me & My Sister's Fun Quilts: A book review

In any hobby, the books which are written to give you basic information on the topic are greatly appreciated, especially those that are well written. There are also the reference-type books which give you specific information on particular aspects of the hobby, through an alphabetical or categorical arrangement. But then there are those books which, while informative and helpful, are just pleasant to look at and provide a intriguing, even fun avenue into the hobby. Me And My Sister's Fun Quilts is such a book!

In this 80-page Leisure Arts publication, written by sisters Barbara Groves and Mary Jacobson, there are 9 colorful quilts, with beautiful, full-color photographs and step-by-step directions on how to create them. The techniques range from simple to slightly more complex. Yet even a beginner will be comfortable attempting any of the quilts featured in the book. The directions are clear, simple, and very comprehensive. There is no ambiguity in what should be done, and how it should be accomplished. And if there is any question, the final chapter is instructional in nature, and is full of techniques and tips to enable even the most unexperienced quilter the means to create a well put-together quilt.

Yet intermediate and advanced quilters will not want to pass this book up. The presentation is simply wonderful, with whimsical designs and color schemes. There is not a lot of the traditional calico look here; instead, readers will find delightful duck prints, polka dots, jewel tone color schemes, and candy-fun quilt names (my favorite is Pink Lemonade). Nonetheless, even traditional quilters will find this book incredibly appealing.

If you are looking for a quilting book with lots of fun, cheery-looking projects, I believe this book will fulfill that purpose for you. More than many other quilting books, this book will definitely be advantageous to the quilter who would be turned off by country calicos and blue bonnet-wearing ducks. Take a look at Me And My Sister's Fun Quilts and you will definitely want to embark immediately upon any one of the projects!