FINDING MY VOICE, FOUR

And we continue with Finding My Voice quilts. . .

Is It Modern?

68" x 89"

Original Design

Quilted by Jo McCluney

The new technique was the Dresden plate blocks started for a traditional quilt.  Two years later, I decided to try a modern traditionalism layout with asymmetry and expansive negative space.  Does it work???

And One Fell Off

52" x 58.5"

Original Design

Quilted by Sandi Suggs

Finally, a jump into modern quilt design.  A few de-structured blocks, some bold color, and expansive negative space created a design I love!  Yes, my quilts are talking!!  And, of course, you must have a sense of humor!

Opening the Door

36.5" x 36.5"

Design by Jacquie Gering and Katie Pedersen

Quilted by Sandi Suggs

Slice and Insert with improv piecing was leading me more into letting go of the rigidity of look-alike blocks.  Using a printed fabric for background made the batik units shine.  This wall hanging makes me smile!  Opening a door to many possibilities!

Lawn Chair Quilt

63.5" x 71"

Pattern by Moda Bake Shop

Quilted by Sandi Suggs

Welcome grey to my quilting palette.  I love how it sets off the print fabrics.

Roy G. Biv

24" x 35"

Original Design

This quilt was a "sketch" piece using the rainbow colors in an asymmetric setting with expansive negative space.  The organic straight line quilting adds another design element.

Just a Streak of Blue

25" x 20"

Original Design

Using quarter-square triangles and some improv design created this fun little "sketch" piece.  Love the organic straight-line quilting.

Springtime Gardens

44.5" x 39.5"

Inspired by Bonnie Hunter

My Grandmother's Flower Garden of hexagons turned into Springtime Gardens using bright colors.  It took three years to hand piece the table topper.  Another traditional pattern singing my tune!

My Texas Two Step

32 inches square

Design by Jean Ann Wright

This is a modern version of Courthouse Steps block using narrow and wide opposing strips.  The experiment in this quilt was using Kona solids in bright colors.

Still a few more quilts to come . . .

-sandi

IT'S ABOUT TIME

Most of the time I make quilts for the sheer pleasure of creating.  I want to try a technique, a pattern, or an idea I have.  It is not common practice for me to always have in mind to give my quilt to someone.  I have made quilts over the years for gifts, of course, but I make more quilts just for the joy of the process.

In the past I have offered to make a quilt for my hubby to use in his recliner when he is watching TV.  His usual response has been that he is  concerned that he might get it dirty or ruin it somehow. So I had not made him a special quilt.

This is the man who is so appreciative of my art and talent and shows me the greatest support as I pursue my craft.

I decided a few months ago that this was the year that he would get a quilt for Christmas.  Since I have design walls behind the door in every bedroom in the house, he usually sees everything I am making in all of its stages.  In fact, I often discuss and ask his opinion on projects.

This Christmas gift quilt had to be a surprise for him.  I was at a quilting retreat when I pieced the top.  After I came home, I finished the back.  However I did not get it quilted before Christmas, so his box had a top, a back, and a note that said "to be finished" in it.

It thrilled me to see the expression on his face when he opened it on Christmas morning.  He was so surprised and pleased!!  He thanked me several times.  I counted it a success.  He said "I never saw this one as you were making it."

I finally have it quilted, bound, and labeled.  The pictures are not the greatest but I was taking them outdoors and the temp was about 12 degrees today.

Hubby is a real music buff and I chose to use two different music fabrics for the backing.  Of course, LilBit is checking to see if she can read this music.  LOL

This quilt was started in 2013, but I am counting it as my first finish for 2014.  The pattern, Lawn Chair Quilt, came from Moda Bakeshop.

                                -sandi

LOTUS BLOSSOM QUILTERS' RETREAT

Here we are for four days of sewing and sharing!  I made these little pincushions for favors for the  ladies.  They are paper-pieced and finish at about 3.5 inches square.  They are filled with steel wool and batting.  The steel wool will help sharpen  the pins and needles.

All of us (there are 15 quilters) made Rail Fence Blocks to exchange with each other so we could make small quilts to remind us of our new friends we made and the joys of being with old friends to sew.  We signed our names to them.

Here is my group of blocks with every one's signature.  Now I want to get them put together into a sweet memory quilt.

They may need some sashing.  I do not think I want them turned two different directions.

I  put these blocks together and had the sashing ready to add, but decided I wanted to change the cornerstones.  So I will finish these right after the holiday.

 

 

Someone gave me a layer cake with these fabrics in it.  I have not done a Twister Block quilt, so I put these blocks together and then did not have anything with me to border it.  I have brought it home to put on the border and to cut the twister blocks to make a cute little quilt.

I took this with me to Retreat because I thought I would separate it and do another strip and add some borders.  I changed my mind.  I like it the way it is.  That means it is now ready to be quilted and will make a nice Christmas gift.

This was a wonderful retreat with lots of great friends and fun and laughter and food!!!

                                                            -sandi