It seems most of July has been speeding by with grandchildren, trips to the beach and a week in the North Carolina mountains. But I'm back now and looking to start on my next project. My biggest news to share is that I have agreed to be the next show chairman for the 2014 Pensacola Quilt Show. I know, I'm not sure what possessed me, but I did say yes. In addition to that, I have agreed to design our Opportunity Quilt (raffle quilt)!! Yikes!!! I'm not sure I'm equipped to do that, but I'm just taking one step at a time!
The first place I started was with Edyta Sitar. I only have one of Edyta's books (so far) - these other 2 I borrowed from a friend. I love the way Edyta combines prints and batiks - she is one of the best. By the way, her newest book "Scrappy Firewooks" is a must have - it's fabulous!
I've been seeing this quilt pop up around blogland and I was completely smitten. It's been designed by Di Ford of Australia. It's based on a quilt made in 1802. While I'm pretty sure I will never make this quilt, it became the inspiration for me as I started designing our Opportunity Quilt. We have decided on a name for our next show, "In Full Bloom". So until our quilt is done (or at least further along), that's what I'm calling the quilt. I have designed it in EQ7. It's still a work in progress, but I'll show pictures when I can.
What I can show is the fabric I've collected so far. I have decided on Edyta's line of fabric "Love Letter" as my starting point. I visited a quilt shop in Franklin, NC (A Stitch in Time) while we were up there. As I walked in the door, there was a huge display of this fabric line!!! I took it as a sign and bought about 10 pieces to get me started. My friend found the charm packs at Kudzu Quilt Shop in Montgomery, AL. I found a few more pieces at the Atlanta Sewing shop as we were on our way home.
These are some "maybe" fabrics I've pulled from my stash. I'm meeting some of my committee members tomorrow to hopefully find a few "must have" elements for the quilt.
I've NEVER done anything like this before, it's really way out of my comfort zone. But in the end, I'm just going to make a quilt that I would love to own, and trust myself. I've got talented ladies around me and we are about to begin a great adventure.
Stay tuned - my goal is to have this quilt finished by the end of the year!!
Until next time,
Karen
12 comments:
Oh, you courageous lady! Taking on the responsibilities of the show and the quilt means you have confidence in yourself, you have ideas, you have others you know you can depend upon for help, and you're going to have a wonderful time!
I've not had the privilege of meeting you, but from your blog, I know you're inventive, determined, upbeat, and rarin' to go.
Onward! and enjoy!
I agree. I just got Edyta's new book and I plan on gathering the others into my collection as well. She does an amazing job of blending fabrics and has a gorgeous timeless style to her patterns. I want to go on this journey too!!!
Those are such gorgeous fabrics! I know whatever you design will be stunning.
Good luck with the quilt. I am organizing the raffle quilt for the East Cobb Quilt guild in Atlanta. We are working on a Kim McLean pattern using Kaffe Fassett fabrics. I love your inspiration pattern Phebe, I have it and hope to start it soon.
Wowee, Karen! You've taken on two BIG projects, but I'm glad they don't happen in the same year. You sure seem to have your act together on that quilt... already! With your positive attitude - get 'er done! - I'm sure your team will support you all the way. All the best with this new experience.
I'm sure you will design a fabulous quilt! Your fabric choices are gorgeous. I've been in charge of a couple of these raffle quilts and for what it's worth, I've found that the quilts that sell the most chances have some applique in the design. I know that the kind of quilt that gets me to part with my money is the one I look at and say "I could do that but I never will!" Good luck - you'll do a great job!
Congratulations on your new role and good luck with your raffle quilt. l completely agree with your ethos. Make a quilt you would love to own. You can't go wrong. Love the fabrics you have shown, ( big Edyta fan here) and all the inspiration you have chosen. Its going to be a beautiful quilt, because its made with love!!
Whatever design you come up with, it will be wonderful.
I love how you are combining ideas for the raffle quilt, I'm sure it'll be a smash hit. Good luck with your new immportant duties.
You are more than equipped (qualified) for the task of designing your guild's opportunity quilt-I have 2 of Edyta's books and her use of batiks in applique is fantastic. Will enjoy watching your progress-hope you'll be sharing some of it. :)
Your raffle quilt is just going to be spectacular. I love how you are taking ideas from different quilts. Your fabric choices are beautiful. Can't wait to see a photo of the finished quilt.
Medallion quilts are so inspirational and I'm sure you've got wonderful ideas swirling around your brain. The fabrics you're starting with are gorgeous. Congratulations and good luck on your newest exciting challenge.
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