Blue for You

Rows of Inspiration

The first rows in our 'Sew a Row' challenge at Connecting Threads last Saturday.

First off the frame this year, though, was this Batik Beauty, expertly pieced by Jean Hall.

I'm not always a lover of batiks - they can sometimes look a bit grungy for my liking. But this selection (a Bali Pop set purchased in the States) had lovely soft tones and enough pink to cheer me up in the loft through a dismal rainy week until it was finished. 

My flowers were in full flow as I meandered across this large quilt and it was quite a whopper at about 82" by 104"! And I loved the border she added to extend it. These on point 9 patches were just right and, set against my 200 thread count calico/muslin, they look really crisp and classy.

The sew a row project, referred to above, is sure to be fun. 

We each started off with a bunch of fabrics of our own choice and constructed a row of houses in whatever style or technique we wanted to use. Then we passed them on (with the spare fabrics) for someone else to produce a row of trees to be added to it. We are going to do this once a month for seven different themed rows, but without letting anyone else see them. Then we will each get our original row back with all the secret ones and put together and finish off a quilt to donate to Project Linus.

I have to say that my houses (5th row down) were the simplest construction compared to everyone else's. But there was no way I was getting into foundation piecing on a one day workshop - I don't need the stress! And It leaves the way clear for the next person to bring their own creativity for the next row. Having said that, I got stuck into the trees the very next day and I'm really pleased how they came out.

This project has inspired me to start something else along similar lines and I've actually cut into some of my precious Edyta Sitar blues......... I can't reveal too much because of the 'closed bag' requirement, but now I have another project on the go next to my Jamestown Landing quilt! 
Meantime, my next task in the loft is to quilt Karen's 'On Ringo Lake' ........ the latest mystery quilt from Bonnie Hunter. It was quite challenging piecing for a comparative beginner but she has done a marvellous job and in record time! Karen's colour choices strayed more towards deep pink as opposed to the coral that Bonnie had recommended to mix with teals and browns. But I think it's gorgeous and I can't wait to get it done for her so she can show it off!

Busy, busy!!

Happy Quilting Everyone!

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