Kwilty Pleasures: May 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

JUDGEMENT OF A KWILT

The National Quilting Association (NQA),
a very traditional quilt show, was in town.
I have entered "traditional" kwilts in this show before.
For the first time a "modern" quilt category was offered.
I was curious how the "traditional" judges would judge "modern" kwilts.
Sew....

COMMA.JUST.COMMA

My "modern" entry was judged.
Made with my favorite fabric of all time,
COMMA (hence the name) by Zen Chic

in a wonky impromptu modern pluses design
Thanks Jeni Baker, In Color Order for the tutorial.

The judges liked the color and fabric choices/overall design,
they suggested a smaller kwilting stitch;

better care to line up block intersections;
and thought more overall kwilting was needed.
I didn't kwilt the crosses...just the 4 quadrants.
Judges didn't realize that was a design choice.

They also liked the "gray" color for my binding
but indicated my technique needs improvement...hmmm

a bit more detail here would've been helpful.

AND there was no mention about the backing design
which is a big deal in "modern" kwilts!

-------------------------------------------------

My second kwilt was not judged and
entered in the "Going Green" exhibit.

HOUSE DRESSINGS
was made from my Mom's house dresses
and a very healing kwilt for me after she passed.

As I walked toward this one
unexpected tears began to fill my eyes as I thought...

Mom...can you see it? Are "you" proud of my work?
(Mom was a kwilter)
For me...this was the BEST OF SHOW in my heart!

Here's what I have learned about "judgement of a kwilt"
in any kwilt show.

I don't care about winning ribbons or prizes...
on any given day a judge may like or dislike the kwilt they are judging.
There will always be kwilts in the show
that are waaaay beyond what I want to do in kwilt making.

Constructive feedback from the judges
is always helpful and I respect their opinions.
However, one must read it with an open mind.

I enjoy the process of making my kwilts
and love seeing them hang in shows.
I like stepping back and listening to comments
by the "people" looking at my kwilts.

I invest a lot of time and money in my passion.
And all that beautiful fabric is stunning, hanging in a show.
If only to my eyes.

I am NOT and will never be a kwilting perfectionist.
The kwilt police will never stop my creativity.

What are you thoughts about entering kwilt shows?

linking up to Tuesday Linky Parties on side bar!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Jelly Roll Race Day

I am so happy to be part of two kwilting groups
here in Columbus, OH...

The Nationwide Plaza Quilters, and

The James Stitching Sisters

You will see several designs in the pics
but all were made from 2 1/2" x WOF pieces.

The Plaza Quilters recently made all these Jelly Roll
quilts (all cut from stash)

They were donated to JSS to be kwilted
and given to cancer patients going thru treatments.

and another one...but not from the race

Thanks Plaza Quilters...
paying it forward never looked so good!

Sew tell me, what charity do you make kwilts for?

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

MAY HANDMADE CHRISTMAS + TUTORIAL

I've been a bit slow in making Handmade Christmas gifts.

But zippy pouches always makes a fun gift!

And a few fabric coasters make a nice hostess gifts.
To see my tutorial on how to make these
click here

Yup.. a few more done!

Head over to Insights at Sew Cal Gal

for the May Linky Party.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And the winner of my Sew Mama Sew Giveaway is...

STEPHANIE #27...who said

Thanks to all who left comments!

You all had great "go to " gifts to make!

and

Check out all the fun projects from 2QTR

just click here.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

SWEET RETREAT COMPLETES

After a long weekend of retreating with 30 fun kwilters

I finished these fun baby quilt tops.

ALL FROM MY STASH!!!

Check out the before and after pics.

FOR TWINS

I didn't get to these kits...but first hot summer day...

I'm all over it!

Happy Halloween!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

I also put binding on this kwilt that was already done.

and it is now in my Etsy shop.

Sew tell me...what did you work on last weekend?

Friday, May 16, 2014

ON THE ROAD TO....

Quilt Market? NOT!!!

I will have just as much fun with fabric and friends

without walking my feet off!

Headed to Amish country 3 day kwilting retreat.

Friday to Monday time for sewing, eating, drinking, shopping, chatting!

My Kwilty partner in crime, Kathy Guenther,

is going with me and well...

double trouble hits the road!

I had visions of grandiose pulling fabric for these stash bustin' projects to take along.

I have been itching to get to these baby quilts.

Pre Cuts Quilts by Jane Vogel is my current favorite book.

Floating 8s a great pattern and

I plan on two tops from the fabric cut.

I'll mix up the designs a bit!

I have 2 Halloween charm packs to mix up and cut black charms from my stash,

for a Halloween Cherry Charm Pack pattern.

I luv me some Halloween Kwilts.

3 Times the Charm book (2) is a favorite.

I also have the first book.

They are full of great patterns to use up those "charms"

I tend to hoard!

"Backyard Fun" from Pre Cut Quilts, is a great pattern

that will let this polar bear be the star!

Don't ya love the red, white and turquoise color combo?

I have one of those postcard patterns for this fun baby kwilt that I will mix up a bit.

Someone has asked about buying this one,

so its sitting on top of my excitement scale!

This Noteworthy fabric /baby kit was purchased last year
while I was at this retreat!

Using another post card pattern "LaFrance" it will be quick and easy!

Guess we will see just what I get done!

I'll be posting the weekend progress

on IG (@kwiltypleasures) and FB so come on

and follow me there to see if I stay on track!

Icons to all my social media are on the side bar!

Today ends the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway!

As soon as I can get to it...I'll post who won my giveaway!

Sew what are you sewing this weekend?

Monday, May 12, 2014

GIVEAWAY DAY - PATTERNS

Spring has sprung and today you will find
"Two Peas in a Pod" and "Sprouts"

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway day...find some new blogs, lots of inspiration
and leave comments to WIN great prizes!.

If you have not been to my blog, In a nutshell...my heart loves the Modern Kwilting while my feet are rooted in Traditional styles. My passion for fabric and creativity, blends it all together!

A good friend of mine, Trish Preston, over at
"TWO PEAS IN A POD" has been designing "Homegrown Designs" for some time.

Today My giveaway is two of her cute "Sprouts" patterns!!

Make a banner for the next celebration!

Get comfy with some adorable pillows

Trish has just wrote her first book (yay)
"Because I Love you Sew" that will be released in July!

Giveaway is open to all, will close Friday 5/18
Random number winner selection.
(Leave your email in your comment if you are a no reply blogger).
Due to the number of comments I will receive...
I will thank you all now and wish you best of luck!

What is your "go to" gift that you love to make.

Linking up to the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Party!

Saturday, May 10, 2014

FOR PINKS SAKE - BLOCK TUTORIAL and BLOG HOP

Beginning TODAY and every other Saturday from May to July
Anna over at Life Sew Crafty is hosting

Why? Because Anna's MIL, Tina, is no longer a statistic
of the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Tina is now fighting the fight of her life.

This fight is near and dear to me because many of my friends have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
I am also a proud volunteer at The James Stitching Sisters
who make kwilts for cancer patients going thru treatments
here in Columbus, OH
Since 2005 JSS has given out over 8,000 kwilts

For this hop you will find pink blocks being made by participants, for a kwilt being donated to
The Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion in Michigan

Here is my tutorial for a
SCRAPPY SQAURE BLOCK
Grab those pink scraps!