April 30, 2013

WIP Wednesday


I've kept busy with some project deadlines the last couple of weeks and have decided I make better progress when I have an external deadline. Anyone else out there like that. My own self imposed deadlines for my personal projects just don't seem to work. Too easy to get an extension . . .   : )


Last day of the month and I finally got my April bee blocks done for Carla at Grace and Favour. I found the basics of this sweet little block in the book 501 Rotary Cut Quilt Blocks by Judy Hopkins. I used scraps to make three 6" blocks. It was such a fun block to make that I'm dreaming up what I could do with more of them. They'd make a great table runner or Valentines wall hanging. Maybe a personalized baby quilt.




Also just wanted to remind all of you that May 1 is the last day for 10% off my patterns at Pattern Spot. Use coupon code TEMP10. The sale is happening in their contemporary category.






Posting for a WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced by Lee. Hop over and check out some of the other linkies to see what everyone has been up to and be inspired.



April 25, 2013

Shop News

It's been rather quiet around here on the blog front . . . but not behind the scenes. I've been taking care of a bit of business by putting up a new blog banner that I think better reflects me, my style, and the fabrics I love.



I've also expanded the SpringLeaf Studios online presence by opening two new shops to sell my patterns. Now you can to buy from Etsy,  Craftsy, and Pattern Spot. 
Since this writing 2 of the 3 platforms have been discontinued. 



My newest pattern should be out sometime next month and I've got lots of other ideas in the works. Stay tuned and enjoy all the spring leaves and flowers beginning to emerge.

April 8, 2013

Modern Patchwork

I'm quite excited to share the Spring 2013 edition of Modern Patchwork with you. This issue is full of all kinds of modern quilty goodness. If you haven't seen this specialty magazine yet, you really need to check it out. It's published by the great folks at Interweave Press who also publish Quilting Arts.

Here's what they have to say about this issue:
"Featuring contemporary projects of every type, Modern Patchwork is chock-full of fabulous gift ideas, a variety of quilt designs, exciting home-décor projects, items to enhance your cooking and dining experiences, plus totes and bags of all sorts! The quilts range from beginner to intermediate level, and include all types of piecing and patchwork. Clear step-by step instructions are provided for each project, with clear illustrations and step-by-step photography."




For me, the really exciting part was to see the cover today and find out that my project made the cover! See those circles in the background? That's my quilted room divider made from Kona solids with a touch of Amy Butler. I love the color scheme they went with for the cover. It seems very fresh and clean.

This project is a fabric version of a room divider I first made for my daughter's room a few years ago. At that time, the first thing you saw at the top of our stairs was the side of her desk. No privacy for one thing, but also a messy desktop. Don't we all have messy desks?

The solution then was a circle divider that matched the circles of her comforter. It was made from plastic plates in bright colors that matched her room. Quick and easy to do and a fun splash of color for her room. This is the only picture I could find.



Fast forward a few years, and I made one from fabric to match her DIY fantastic black and white chair. The pic on the left shows one side. Don't think I'd use such busy fabric again. The pic on the right shows the reverse side. Solid black and a black/white stripe. Much better.








I proposed the idea to Modern Patchwork in a different set of colors that match my daughter's newest color scheme of aquas and greens.



This is the type of project that has a variety of uses. While the original was made to screen a messy desk, it can also be used next to your favorite comfy chair to create a reading nook or in the bathroom as a privacy screen next to your tub. You could even change the dimensions, pair it with a shower curtain and dress up your bathroom. I took this shot just to see how it would look.



I can't wait to see the issue in person. Getting a project published will always be a thrill for me. If you've never submitted anything, I really urge you to give it a try. Lots of publications seek submissions from ordinary folks like me.  : )

Look for Modern Patchwork Spring 2013 on newsstands in late April. Better yet, go here to learn more about Modern Patchwork and pre-order your own copy.