Western Washington Quilt Shop Hop 2011

Thoroughly enjoyed myself this year.  I took the children to loads of different shops, this time starting at the southern border of our state, and it was really a lot of fun.  Here is a photo of the completed quilt (mine won't look like this, but it's neat to see.)

Here are the photos of the block samples I was given.  I think I missed a couple pictures in the stores.  Victoria is 10 (!) so she also got a set of blocks.  So our quilt will have two of each block.

The other advantage, of course, is traveling to lots of different shops that you may not get into again.  When will I ever be in Centralia again?  Although I did love Sisters in Chehalis!  

I took a few pictures of quilts I really love.  I'm usually a one or two project at a time person, so I'll just add these to my inspirational wishlist.  

Buggy Barn Santa/Christmas Tree Quilt.  I love their patterns!

I love the color scheme on this one - I think I could make this fairly easily.

I've never made anything with batiks, but I love the colors in this one.  Another simple beauty.

A neat way to use scraps, too - this would be a great layout for an I Spy quilt, too.

Gorgeous!  

This one is so cute - lots of little yo-yos.

Victoria loved this one.

So blurry on this one - I love the layouts and it looks like a lot of Kaffe fabrics.  I might make something similar after Lollypop trees is completed.  The blue is actually white in person.

And I loved this one so much I bought it.  :)  It was on clearance, as well!

The final haul:

It looks kind of disjointed - the kit for the stripy quilt, then at the top center is three pieces for the Sampler House quilt WIP, at the far right are Kaffe fabrics for Lollypop trees, and the other two fat quarters are for stash.  A good year!

Pineapple Tidbits Quilt

Just trying to get things updated - so far behind.  I really need a complete overhaul of the websites but alas, I don't know how.   Sigh.

I made this quilt for my father-in-law, Bud, and his lovely wife, Karin.  

It is backed in a beautiful batik.

The pattern is called "Pineapple Tidbits" and it is from the Buggy Barn.  I pieced it and quilted it in oh, 2009?

Stray Lollypop block

Lollypop Trees by Kim McLean Block #15

Finished another one!  This one felt like it took a lot longer.  I worked on this at a couple of swim meets, time at home, and also while waiting for my children at their theater class.

Lollypop Trees by Kim McLean Block #16

I started a new quilt project - it is called Lollypop Trees and is designed by Kim McLean of Australia.  I LOVE this design.  There are sixteen large blocks with sashing between and a mini-pop border.  You can see lots of them at http://gloriousapplique.blogspot.com/

Here is my first block.  I've never done hand-appliqué before and this was quite enjoyable!  Only 15 more to go.

A recent finish...

to add to the album.

I stitched this for my mother-in-law for Christmas this year.  It's done in silks and cottons and I did all the finishing in silks with a purchased tassel trim.

Arabesque

"Arabesque"

by Summer Louise Truswell

The Arabesque is a traditional design with roots in early Muslim history.  The repeating of the geometric elements is styled after plants or animals to create an infinite pattern.  My “Arabesque” design is inspired ancient Venetian plates.  Two beautiful colorways are included in the pattern: striking red and gold, or more muted blue and gold.  Learn padded stitching, blanket stitches to create unique shapes, and how to create subtle layered backgrounds that add interest to your designs.   

Available for instant download, or order as a paper book:

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/arabesque---line-drawn-needlework-design/14438743

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