Fabulous fabric

I had an internal goal of not buying any fabric in February. I was good--I didn't! That doesn't mean I didn't get any though. I ordered some fabric in the fall from FabFanatic Fabrics, and didn't get it until this week.  It's lovely!

I am also showing some other lovely fabric I got in January. I haven't touched it yet, but I am taking it out to think about what I might do with it. One of my goals this year was to work with more solids, so this fat quarter pack (which was on sale) is the perfect start.

Who knows when I'll cut into them? I've got UFOs calling my name, and the Paintbox Quilt-a-long.  But I can look at them for now.  :)

February Live Piecefully 2 Block

I realize this is a little late, but as I mentioned before, it has been a crazy February (who decided to make it so short?).  Here is my block for Jessie.

She asked for something that was simple vs. complex.  I made the little ladders and kept the lovely birds and plants in their natural habitat.  I ran out of fabric, so I had to add the teal as well as the melon-colored solid.  I hope she likes it!

Chicago Modern Quilt Guild meeting

Whew! I have been super busy. In February, I went on trips to Indianapolis, Knoxville, and Milwaukee. I'm just glad to be home again. I'm definitely counting down the days though, before my trip to Spain with my husband. We'll be taking cooking classes and sightseeing, but mostly just relaxing--which is exactly what we'll need by the time we get there!

Anyway, I apologize for my absence. I realize I never followed up on how our first Chicago Modern Quilt Guild meeting went. It was a good crowd. Everyone seemed excited about getting started, and we did a bit of brainstorming to discuss ideas and what we'd like to get out of the group. Kate took some pictures and you can see them here.

I'm hoping that as we have regular meetings, we'll get even more folks coming. It's great to find other people who have similar interests, and to meet them in person. I love reading blogs and looking at Flickr, but there is something really great about meeting people face to face.

If you don't live in the Chicago area, you can see if your town hosts a modern quilt guild here.

Happy Quilting!

Paintbox Quilt a Long blocks week 6

I had Monday off for the President's day holiday, so I went a little crazy with the catch up for the Paintbox blocks.  Elizabeth is on week 6, which means I should have 48 blocks.  I knew that I'd be busy this week and next, so I made an extra week's worth (in addition to just catching up to the 6th week).  So here are some pictures of the various blocks I finished this week.

I really like these pink/red ones.

I really love the grey on the far right. It's hard to see here, but the print used is this gorgeous geometric print that has a lot of blue-greys in it.  I really like the combo and might end up doing more quilts with that color in it.

Some purple blocks. 

I got my husband a new camera for Valentine's day, so I am trying out all the different settings.  I think they are better than before but it's still a work in progress.

And some blue ones. I realize that people are getting up close and personal with my floor a lot. I really wish I had a design wall I could use, or lay out a sheet, but if you saw my apartment, you would understand!

That being said, I've realized that you do not need lots of space and design walls to create great work. Paula Nadelstern, whose amazing solo show I saw at the American Folk Art Museum, did all her work at her kitchen table in Brooklyn! Of course, it wouldn't hurt, but if someone can do what she did, then certainly I can't complain too much.

Chicago Modern Quilt Guild first meeting

I am so excited! We are having our first meeting next Sunday, February 21st at 2pm.  It will be at the Park District of Forest Park.  Everyone is welcome.  It will mostly be an organizational meeting, to figure out logistics around what we're all about, how often we'll meet, etc.  If you aren't already part of the Ning group, go here to sign up.

All the details are there, as well as photos of other people's quilts, and a forum.

I'm looking forward to it!

Paintbox Quilt-Along Blocks

Some of you may have heard of Elizabeth's Quilt-Along for her paintbox quilt.  I've always liked this quilt and it's been on my list to make for awhile now, so when this came up, I figured why not? I've just finished a few quilts so I get to start another one.  I haven't kept up because life has been pretty busy lately, but here is what I've done so far.


I know that most people do the blocks in some sort of color order, but they're all going to get mixed up anyway, so I just pick up the next fabric in the stack and get to work on them.  I'll be posting more as I make more, but here's my first few.

This is my favorite pair so far.


They are the same size, just the perspective is a little off.

February Hip 2 Bee Square blocks

This month Nicole wanted star blocks according to a specific pattern.  It was very easy and the fabrics were fun to work with. She gave us enough white fabric to make two blocks. She also said that we were free to make the center square pieced if we'd like.



In the block on the left, I saw that flower print and just couldn't bear to cut it up.  It needed to be a centerpiece.  After making the first block, I had these little triangles left over.  I made the center of the second block using those leftovers.  I really like how both blocks turned out.  It's an easy pattern and a great way to use up scraps.  I just might make some more of these for myself!

I hope she likes them!