MC Quilters Log Cabin Challenge

   The Martin County Quilters 2010 Challenge required the log cabin technique. We had free rein as long as there was a log cabin. Of course...my BEST (ha, ha) ideas are spurred on by stress and a deadline. This comes from years of working in the design industry. This is my (singular) log cabin quilt. I figured if I made the strips big enough I could come close to the second requirement (not bigger than 36" x 36"). 

   My inspiration was the Koi fabric that has lived in my stash for many, many years. I love the green and blue combination and the Koi supplied the "warm" colors. The log cabin is in the middle and I have a lonely yellow fish in the center. I have a wonky strip pieced border along the top and I used "whole cloth" to include a group of fish at the bottom.
   I really enjoyed making this quilt and made a nick into my stash. There were 45 entries and we won't know the winners (I am in the non judged group) until after the World Quilt Show this weekend in West Palm Beach. All 45 are hanging! More photos....coming soon!

Kona Bay Fabrics released their new Geisha Panel at Quilt Market/Houston

Well, they did it again. Kona Bay Fabrics produced another awesome Asian panel. This one has four different traditional Ukiyoe portraits. They're great for making larger quilts fast, easy to free motion quilt the outlines, fussy cut and place on denim jackets. You can embellish the hair ornaments and show off your quilting in the background.

Houston Quilt Market 2010

You have to see the videos, slide shows, and photos on Kathy Millers blog (for Michael Miller Fabrics). What a hoot. Blonde wigs everywhere...Texas size BLT sandwiches...and of course, great fabric! Click on the link:  http://www.makingitfun.blogspot.com

A new photo for my bio...

Well, it's been a while since I've had a new photo for my bio. The last photo is on the back of my books...and well...it was over ten years ago. I didn't have to wear glasses, I had long curly hair, and not many wrinkles. It was time to stop hiding behind that photo and come out of denial. Whew. So I hope you're really focusing on my beautiful necklace.

Fabric Hut in Norfolk, VA

I just got back from an event with the Hampton Roads (VA) ASG. What great women...they can sew and they can cook! I will be posting more about that soon.
But meanwhile....they took me to the FABRIC HUT in Norfolk. What a great store! They had everything...and I mean everything. They had all the latest quilting cottons that most stores haven't even ordered yet...every notion imaginable...every lace from every country...every stretch fabric you might need or not...rhinestones by the mile....every pattern....I was overwhelmed...in a good way. Their new website is under construction BUT if you're ever in that area....GO! If you are an ASG member and would like more info, contact their Chapter: http://www.hamptonroadsasg.com/

Jeannie found fabric in Japan



She found Hello Kitty fabric



Jeannie and Michele found food in Japan

They don't have a kitchen

What to eat today?

More food

Jeannie and Michele are in Japan

They're having a great time and eating their way through the cities. They really deserve this three week vacation!

Martin County Quilters creates a quilt for the House of Refuge on Hutchinson Island, Florida

The Martin County Quilters presented their quilt to the House of Refuge on Hutchinson Island. They researched the history of the building and expressed the story through the images on the quilt. They used traditional techniques as well as cutting edge technology throughout. Members of the guild were instrumental for planning, creating specific blocks, and incorporating them into the piecing that brought it all together. Pictured with the quilt are Michele Sanandajian (President) and Stefanie Foster (Vice President). The MCQ guild is creating another...yes, another quilt for a fundraising endeavor later this year (yes...that means in a few months!) Everyone there was in awe of what the MCQ guild members were able to create for the House of Refuge in conjunction with the Elliott Museum. Read another article about the MCQ and the quilts they produce to support charities here in Martin County.

Sandy Thurlow attends unveiling of the House of Refuge Quilt

Sandy Thurlow, Stuart author, attended the presentation of the quilt created specifically for the House of Refuge by the Martin County Quilters on Hutchinson Island. This was done in conjunction with the Elliott Museum. Sandy has written extensively about the history of Stuart. It is her passion and she does it well. I met Sandy decades ago at Indian River State College in a ceramics class...we haven't thrown a pot since. Instead, we are authors...we laughed about that!