Blooming 9 patch begins

I spent yesterday  logging in quilt show entries, and entering the descriptions for the show program.   This is the second year I have  done the registration, and even though it is fun, I won't volunteer to do this again next year.  I think someone else should have the "pleasure" of this job!

The blooming 9 patch is the next quilt project on my list.  It has been simmering for a while on the edge of my mind, naturally, since I love blending fabrics and traditional patterns. I have seen several of these quilts in shows and magazines, some more appealing to me than others.  I took some time to analyze why I liked some and not others before I even started one.      So exactly what is a blooming 9 patch?

The anatomy:  The design develops from the simple nine patch block made of 2 fabrics that is set on point and alternated with a large square of  one of the fabrics in the nine patch.  The design radiates from the center out.  The progression from the center out can be light to medium to dark, or even dark to light to medium.  A different layout will result in a very different overall effect. 
     This fits well with my philosophy of easy pattern and let the fabric do the work.  I know I want to create a watercolor effect in this one. 

The "blooming" part:  Floral prints give this pattern the name of blooming.  Floral prints of different size (large and small)  are easily blended together for a pleasing effect.  Ideally, each step in the progression will have a large print and a small print that work together.  
     This is why I liked some quilts in this pattern and not others.  The fabrics did not blend and seemed to jump and stand out in odd places.  I like the English country garden effect that blends, not a desert style garden with a few plants against the earth or rock.    So fabric selection was important.

Fabric selection:  I decided to make a lap size quilt, so I only needed 6 to 8  fabrics.  It took a while to whittle down my choices---since I have a large floral stash.  But it was made a bit easier because  I needed yardage for the darker (which will be the outer rounds on mine)  9 patches and setting triangles.

Here's my initial selection of fabrics.  Just taking a photo and viewing on the computer lets me see the blending.  I am going to add one more light---the very lightest that will be in the center 9 patch blocks. 

There are 2 fabrics--number 4 and 5--the dark backgrounds with large blooms that will be used interchangeably.  Huh?  Big word to say that I don't have enough of either one to make all the required 9 patch blocks, so I will mix them up to get enough strips for the blocks.  They are of the same value and print size, so that when cut and used in the blocks, the difference will not be noticed.  And if they are, I will just say I planned it that way. 

Ok, off to cut 2 1/2 inch strips and setting squares.  Happy stitching. 

Roses in the garden

I saw a Moose

This is  probably the last post about the AK quilt---I saw a Moose.  It has been fun and quite a revelation, an epiphany,  for  me.   As I was sewing on the binding, I was listening to the radio and a  country song ( I listen to all types of music!)  came on that was taken straight from one of my favorite quotes. 

Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take,

but rather by the moments that take your breathe away. 

The song recalls  the importance of slowing down, and taking time, and of the joy of the race and not just the winning.  Tears ran down my face as I listened and knew why this quilt is so important to me and why it has taken a dozen posts to get through it.   The trip to Alaska was full of  "moments that  take your breathe away".   The creation of each block caused me to slow down and enjoy the process.  Drawing the patterns, dying fabrics,  and using techniques I had recently learned through the Art Quilt Workbook were added bonuses.  I will be reminded of the joy of the trip and my family each time I see it as I walk down the hall to my sewing room...especially the purple moose. 

  The label is almost as large as the quilt, but I love it.  I had planned to use the block on the left on the front of the quilt, but it just didn't work.  So, I moved it to the back and made it part of the huge label.  Then I found the moose graphic, and had to include him. 

  And finally, the entire thing.  Hope you have enjoyed the adventure as much as I did.
 And I get to cross another one off my list.
Happy stitching.

Drum Roll, please

Ta-da!  My husband just pulled two names out of the jar for the Share the Stash giveaway.
The fat quarters go to Lisa.
The watercolor squares go to Bea.
Congratulations to both of you.   I have sent you emails for your mailing addresses.
Thanks to all for participating and for the extra emails and nice words.  I never thought there would be so much interest in the 2 inch squares.  I may do this again next month. 
Happy stitching.

Odds and Ends

There's a wonderful tutorial on creating fabric gradations on  Quilt Rat blog.  Last week Jill did cobalt blue and we exchanged comments about it.  Today she has posted a full tutorial on her method in orange  gradations.  She uses setacolor paints and very hi-tech equipment---plastic cake lid, popsicle sticks, plastic trash bag---just the items I have used before too.  Check out her blog and wonderful doodles, too.

It was marvelous to spend a few hours with Pat, Jan and Donn.  Pat and I have been friends since elementary school and then shared an apartment in Orlando after we graduated from college.  We haven't seen each other in 30 years, only keeping up with each other through letters, photos, and phone calls over the years.  I attribute my list making skills to her, and she says she now reads a lot.  For a few minutes we were 20 again and  remembering our antics.  Of course, we embarrassed Jan  in the diner with our hoots and cackles---just like old times. 
Insight:  True friends are priceless.  They love you for who you are and where you are.  Treasure them.
The label for the AK quilt is printed, the quilting is done, and only the binding remains.  Photo in a day or so.
  Remember the Giveaway is tomorrow.    Now I am off to bake bread.
Happy stitching.

Passing it on

This morning was such a delight.  I am teaching a young girl to sew and use the sewing machine she was given.  Emily is like a little sponge, full of questions, and interested in all facets of sewing and crafts. She  learned to thread her machine and how to put in the bobbin.  Then she got to sew straight stitches.  The first few rows were all over the place.  Then she got  the technique down--thread tails, pressure foot, and needle in the fabric  and she began sewing straight rows.  She was jumping for joy.  We completed a pin cushion for her first project.  I sent her home with a stack of strips to sew together, which we will turn into a pillow next week.  She called her homework assignment "fun work".    Next week  I plan to make her start a journal on each session, so she has notes to follow later on.  And she will have a place for her own ideas about what she wants to learn and do. 
It's wonderful to share what you love doing.
Happy stitching.

Share the Stash Giveaway time

The yardage that I won on ebay is now washed, pressed and neatly rolled into mini-bolts.   Imagine fabric lengths stretched down the hall, into the guest bedroom,  and through the great room .... and you get the idea of how much I had to roll.   As  I am rolling it up and I realize this is a lot of fabric! 
I cut fat quarters from  them to donate to my guild for the FQ Basket raffle.  And then I cut a few strips for 2 inch squares.  This is still a lot of fabric.........So I think it is time for a giveaway to share the stash.

Fat Quarter giveaway is 2 different  fabrics.  Both are Hoffman floral prints.  

Second giveaway is about 100 watercolor  squares----2 inch squares that include lights, medium, and darks. 

Leave a comment and mention fat quarter or watercolor.  Be sure your email is enabled  or included in your comment.  I will number names and draw winners on Sunday, August 8.  So jump in, if you are interested.

Happy stitching.