Miscellany Block Challenge Winner Announced

Eleven challenge blocks made it back in time for judging - which is your favorite?

Click on one of the images in the bottom row for a better look.

See who won here at Victoria's blog. And when you have a few minutes, read some of the other challengers' blogs, my personal favorite is Sandi's (#2 above); and, she wrote a story line to go with her 'Row Houses' block.

It was fun and I enjoyed it muchly.

Happy start to the Fall Season everyone!

The Reversible Tree Skirt

Just a quick update:

The Reversible Tree Skirt won "First Place" (professional division) and "People's Choice" awards in the recent On My Own Time ("OMOT") art show at my place of employment.

64" x 64" Custom Quilted Tree Skirt - "Carpenter's Wheel" Side

64" x 64" Custom Quilted Tree Skirt - "Let it Snow" Side

All regional Best of Show, People's Choice and First Place winners from participating companies will be on display at:

NorthPark Center 

8687 North Central Expressway 

Dallas, TX 75225  

The exhibit will remain on display from 

Sunday, September 18

until

Sunday, October 2

(Located between Dillard's and Macy's.)

To learn more about OMOT and many other great programs by the Business Council for the Arts, visit their website:  NTBCA.org

Interested in learning about many, many more of North Texas Arts and Cultural Groups?
Click here.  I have to say, I am impressed by the extensive list.

What an Exciting Start to September I've Had

Fun and exciting things have been happening in my quilting world, I'm not sure where to start; so, in no particular order, here are some of the happenings I have to report on:

Well, *almost* in no particular order, there is one thing that makes the top of the list.

Pictured here with a 3rd Place Ribbon at the "Quilt Plano 2011" show

"Double Vision" ~ the big red quilt ~ is "Honorable Mention" worthy and will be displayed at the wonderful State Fair of Texas this year.  That is very exciting news for me.  Look for it in the Creative Arts Building.

Another exciting thing:  I was one of 12 recently picked to design and make a quilt block with a fabric line from Cloud 9 Fabrics called Miscellany by Julian Rothman. I thought it would be fun since I don't like to follow pattern instructions and am continually thinking outside-the-box (or, and probably more accurate, re-inventing the wheel).

(Click image for a better view)

When the fabrics arrived in the mail, I instantly had my favorites of the 8 pieces. Of course, as with many other projects, that changed as I began working with the fabrics.  But one piece remained constant. I don't know if I got lucky, or if it was intentionally cut this way, but I received the perfect cut for fussy-cutting my focus fabric piece.

I had a bit-of-a-time (why it's called a "challenge") trying to decide on a block pattern that would allow these unique fabric patterns to come together; that is until I remembered a recent trip to the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows at the Navy Pier in Chicago. I've been wanting to do a quilted wall hanging that looks like stained glass and here is my opportunity to get started.

(Click image for a better view)

There is a lot of thought process that goes into a block design. First was coming up with a pattern idea. I looked through lots of photos of the stained glass windows for my inspiration and for this block challenge I liked a circular design. Next, coming up with a design to show a circular pattern yet finishing in a 12" x 12" square. As you can see from the photo, there was drawing, and folding of paper, and more drawing before cutting out the pieces.

Before cutting up the fabric, I also had to decide which fabrics looked best next to each other, which directional fabrics needed to be considered for which piece, and then fussy-cut them to show off their individual designs. And, all the while, taking into consideration what the big picture will look like when placing multiple blocks together for a wall hanging or even a bed quilt.   

When I finished my block, it looked ... unfinished, at best. ("Hideous" was actually the word I was using to describe it to a friend. My pattern design for this challenge seemed to be a failure.)

One of the other challengers had raised the question of using additional fabrics. We were given the option to use One other fabric and it had to be a solid color.


Hallelujah! I knew exactly what I needed to do.
Here it is, my masterpiece, now on it is way to be judged:

(Click image for a better view)

Just for fun I put this together to see how it might look as a wall hanging:

(Click image for a better view)

And, the last but certainly not least exciting thing I have to report: Quilting is Murder is back!  I love a good who dunnit. Even better when my two favorite pastimes of quilting and reading mystery stories are blended together.  It's not too late, sign up to be a quilt detective today and join the fun.

Next up, it's time to start the Christmas projects!

Reversible Tree Skirt with button closure ~ 64" x 64"

"Double Vision" Wins a 3rd Place Ribbon at "Quilt Plano 2011"

It's been a while since I've posted and I was just thinking that last weekend's accomplishment is post-worthy. When I entered the big red quilt (Double Vision*) into the Quilt Plano 2011 show, because I have made quilts for sale, I had to enter into the "Masters" division. And I just knew that would blow any chances of even an Honorable Mention. I still consider myself very much a novice.

I had the grandkids for the weekend so when Saturday afternoon rolled around, the boys and I went to the quilt show on the hunt for Gramme's quilt. The oldest one, "Bear" (he's 4), understood what we were looking for. The youngest, "Chunka" (he's 2), was just enjoying the ride in the stroller being pushed by his big brother. Bear knew we were looking for a red and white quilt and with every quilt we came upon with the colors red and/or white, he'd ask: "Is that your quilt, Gramme?" "No, that's not it." I'd say. "Where is it?" "It's around here somewhere." And the hunt would continue.

We finally got about halfway through the exhibition when I spotted it. "I see it!" And we hurried along until he spotted it too. We got close enough that I also spotted a fancy ribbon attached to it. "It's got a ribbon!!!" I exclaimed rather loudly. "Why does it have a ribbon?" inquiring minds wanted to know. "It means I won a prize." Bear enthusiastically and very sincerely tells me, "Graaamme, I'm SOO proud of you!" He is such a sweetheart. Little Chunka was clueless but picked up on the excitement none-the-less.

After a brief photo shoot of big red, Bear made sure we went down every row to see every quilt on display (even the ones we had hurried past earlier) while Chunka navigated with the exhibit hall map. I think they enjoyed it as much as I did. Some of those quilts made me wonder how in the world did I ever rate a ribbon? (I'm not complaining, just feeling a slight bit inadequate.) No shopping for Gramme though, once we'd been down every row and saw every quilt, it was time to go. That was okay with me, I was hungry anyway. So we headed to Chili's (Bear's "favorite place") for a celebratory dinner.

Tomorrow I drop Double Vision off at the fair grounds to see if it is State Fair worthy. I'd be tickled pink just to have an honorable mention. But, with the words from a 4 year old still echoing in my head of how proud he is of me, giving me warm-fuzzies to last a lifetime, I'd be okay if the big red quilt doesn't make it on display at the State Fair ... there's always next year.

* "The big red quilt" is what I called this quilt while working on it. When it came time to enter it into competitions, I had to give it a name ("the big red quilt" just didn't seem original enough). With the help of a few friends, we came up with the name "Double Vision." In the making of this quilt - I used 12 block patterns to create 12 blocks in one color way and then the same patterns to make 12 more blocks in reverse colors. The center block is the only one without a mate. The sashing (between the blocks) is made with Double Attic Window. The diamond borders was an accident (but worked out well) because I accidentally cut double of what I had originally intended.

UnFinished Objects

I just posted this photo on American Quilter's Society's FB page in honor of National Wear Red Day and thought I'd go ahead and share a few of my UFO's here.

This is a Block of the Month quilt and each month I'd buy extra fabric to make a second block using the same pattern, but in opposite colors. So, there are two of each blocks, except for the center square, there's only one of those and it is my original design.

A close up of my center square shows how I started with a 4 patch and then built it up to give the illusion that each square is sitting on top of another slight larger square.

This one was a Challenge Quilt that I never completed because I used the wrong kind of stabilizer. The appliqued pieces are way to stiff and a little "crunchy." It'll make a fun nursery wall hanging once I finish it.

Here are a couple of crib quilts that got set by the wayside for other projects with deadlines. I have everything I need to finish them, just haven't taken the time.

One has Happy Flowers in the center and the other has Happy Bugs in the center. Both have Happy Sayings in the borders.

The Card Trick is the first quilt I machine quilted on the frame. It is a California King. The only thing left to do is put the binding on it.

And here is another block of the month quilt that belongs to an extremely patient client. She doesn't have a deadline and I'm ashamed to admit that it is one of the ones that kept getting set aside for projects with a deadline. The original quilt finished at a full size. At her request, and with extra blocks and fabric, I made it into a king size. This one is the next one to go onto the quilt frame for a machine quilting finish.

These are the most "complete" UnFinished Objects I have. I have several more that are still in the making. A posting for another time . . .

Has it really been since April?!?

It seems like it was only 3 or 4 months ago since I was making New Year Resolutions for 2010. Wow, time flies, right?

I didn't make any New Year Resolutions for this year, unless you count: "to continue to keep last year's resolutions."

The last quarter of 2010 was a busy one. Between working craft fairs, fulfilling custom orders, making Christmas gifts and spending time with family & friends ... keeping up with a blog and my website just fell by the wayside.

I've started off this year with the intention to finish some projects that have been around for a while now. When I first started quilting, I just couldn't understand how quilters could have "UFO's." When I started a quilt project - I couldn't wait to finish it. But, as I've learned, when a person gets busy with projects with a deadline, the ones without just seem to never get finished. And then there are the ones that you have grand plans for, but as you go along it's not exactly turning out the way you envisioned. Out of frustration or disappointment, it gets set aside for something more interesting. I have several of those too.

Earlier this month, I also joined a few online quilt groups for a mug rug swap, a block of the month club and became a detective to see if I can help solve a quilting murder mystery. The mug rug swap has 330 participants from 25 countries / 6 provinces / 41 states. HATS OFF to Michele at Quilting Gallery for organizing such a huge event! This week I received my Secret Pal information for the swap. I'm very excited about it and I'm ready to start designing the mug rugs for my Pal. I intend to post pics on the progress.

Just before Christmas I bought myself a new toy (it was on sale at a deep discount): an AccuQuilt Go! And with some very generous Christmas gift cash, I've got some dies on order and just received notice today that they are on their way. I'm confident that it will speed up my quilting process so that, once I get caught up, I will no longer have UFO's ... or ... at least not as many. ;o}

My First "Quilting Rags to Riches©" is Done

I finished my first Quilting Rags to Riches© quilt for the "Quilt Haiti" project. FedEx picked it up today and eventually it will be on its way to its new owner. I am honored to be a part of the "Quilt Haiti" initiative. I feel proud to hand over one of my quilts; and yet, I feel so very small in the scheme of things.

I watched a PBS program that was recently filmed in Haiti the other night. After watching and seeing bits and pieces of the devastation, a part of me says: "What good are a bunch of quilts going to do?" And then something in my heart answers: "more than you know." I can only imagine that maybe the recipients of these quilts will be able to have something to hold in their hands and know that somewhere in the world is a person thinking, hoping, and praying specifically for them. And maybe, just maybe, that will bring them a little bit of comfort.

I chose to use recycled blue jeans to make a rag quilt. For the back I pulled some fabric from my stash that I thought complemented the denim pieces.








Thank you again to all who have donated to Quilting Rags to Riches©. I will continue taking donations throughout the year for other great causes and will continue to post my progress here. (For more information see my previous post.)

May God bless you richly,
Kathryn

Quilting Rags to Riches© - I Need Your Help

In keeping with my New Year's Resolution, I have accepted another volunteer "job."

This volunteer job started out really as a simple, yet perhaps profound, gesture to send a quilt to a representative that will be personally delivering quilts to Haiti. I want to go just a step or two further and turn this into something YOU can help me with.

I'm calling it: "Quilting Rags to Riches©." Another Blogger is the one organizing this quilt drive (click on the icon at the right "Quilt Haiti" ("QH") for more info). What I am doing is soliciting you for your "rags." If you have clothing that you no longer wear and haven't gotten around to donating it to a good cause or throwing it away ... may I please have it? It can be in any shape, size or fashion; jeans, t-shirts, cotton blouses, suedes, velvets, dress slacks, it doesn't matter ... I will take it. New, old, torn, stained, it doesn't matter ... I will take it. Old blankets or comforters, crib to king sizes ... I will take it. Old towels, wash cloths ... I will take it. The only thing I ask is that all items are freshly laundered (when applicable - don't have it dry cleaned). My goal is to take and use what I can to turn these items into quilts of various sizes for babies to adults to pet blankets.

What does not get used up in time to send to QH, I will continue to take and use donations to make quilts for other organizations, such as Mother's Refuge (www.mothersrefuge.org). All of my creations will be tastefully done and each one will look and feel brand new to its new owner.

Other ways you can help me: donate a package of quilt batting or a JoAnn's or Hancock Fabrics' gift card in ANY denomination (no amount is too small) for the purchasing of batting and/or thread specifically for "Quilting Rags to Riches©." OR - donate a quilt yourself (through me or directly to QH). QH is also taking handmade stuffed animals, you can sign up through QH or donate through me ... I would be more than happy to add your quilt or stuffed animal to my shipment to send to QH.

I am accepting your donations NOW (I have a deadline for sending my quilt(s) to QH) and will continue taking your donations throughout the year to create donation quilts for other charitable organizations.

For those I work with, I will receive your donations at the office. Otherwise, please email me for making donation arrangments. kftaylorquilts@yahoo.com

Remember, ANY donation is NEVER too small.

Thanks so much and God bless,
Kathryn

This Wallflower Takes a Step Forward

I made the block of the month for February's quilt guild meeting. I believe my needle position was off and I was taking more than 1/4" seam allowance and my quilt block came out too small. So I had to make another one but then was left with "what do I do with this one?"

I decided on a small wall hanging. It gave me an opportunity to play with my embroidery machine and practice a little free motion quilting.

When I went to the meeting last Tuesday evening I actually got in line to stand in front of a room FULL of ladies to "show and tell" my latest "oopsy." I discovered that if I just talk into the mic and look at and point to my wall hanging and NEVER look into the crowd ... I'm fine! But then there was that long walk back to my seat. However, it wasn't so bad - I got lots of compliments on the way back to my chair :)







Do you like it? It's for sell on my website.

Scroll to the bottom of the page.

New Items For Sale

I've taken on a few consignment items. These are very nice, soft and cuddly items. Some were hand crocheted and some were hand knitted. Very beautifully done!





To see more, visit my website: www.kftaylorquilts.com

It Was Hard To Say Goodbye

I was recently asked by someone I work with if I had anything that she could buy from me and then donate to a charity's silent auction. I didn't have anything finished so I told her I would make a quilted tote bag for her. I went online to find a tote bag pattern and found several that I liked certain things about. Being pretty good at thinking outside of the box (sometimes to my own detriment), I got busy and took a little bit of what I liked from each, added a few of my own ideas and came up with a custom embroidered/quilted tote for the Big D Charity Horse Show (Google it; everyone's invited - April 29--May 2, 2010).

After it was all said and done and I handed over the tote bag (with matching cosmetic bag and business card holder) I found myself a little sad. I felt like I had just lost a little a part of me. I usually hand my work over with a little bit of pride, a sense of accomplishment. Maybe it's because it is usually for someone I know and perhaps I'm okay with it because I figure someday I'll see it again. But this time I felt a loss. How does one detach herself from something she put her heart into? I suppose by finding solace in knowing that it will have a good home. ;o).









I added the elastic to the side pockets to provide a litte more security:


Front and Back view of the cosmetic bag and cosmetic bag with business card holder:

Digital Quilter's World Magazine

I just discovered one of the coolest inventions ever! All my quilt magazine subscriptions have run out and I find myself missing them. While looking online for one of my favs (quilters-word.com), I discovered they have a digital magazine! It is awesome! For $14.97 you get the current year's subscription PLUS access to the 2 previous years. Once you subscribe, you view the magazine online. You can print or save to your pc one page or several pages or download and print the whole magazine if you want too (I just did!). I LOVE this!!! Check it out: www.digital.quilters-world.com

New Year - New Decade - New Me!

I haven't made a new year's resolution in many, many years. I've felt like all I do is set myself up for failure. This year, something changed. Perhaps it has to do with getting my hormones adjusted, finding out I have a food allergy and eliminating it from my diet, or the fact that I'm about to turn 50! What ever the reason for the change ... I LIKE IT!

My new year's resolutions this year are: 1) eat more veggies and 2) do more volunteer work. Being that I haven't liked to interact with people much over the last 2 decades - this is a very big step for me. I've always like helping people, but, I like being behind the scenes. Now I want to show my face more. I figure the more I show my face, the more involved I will become.

First up, I joined a local quilt guild and attended my first meeting last week. I enjoyed it very much. I met several ladies and was made to feel welcomed by all. I accepted my first volunteer job - it's not much, but it's a start, right? I will be responsible for coming up with a BOM (block of the month) for the year 2010. I already have one picked out. As soon as I work out the details (fabric colors) and make one up, I'll post a "how to." I'm kind of excited about this!

Until next time ... happy quilting,
K