Piecing Units, Color Decisions, Quilt Finish, AHIQ # 28

Units and borders being interviewed to be added onto my art quilt.

Nice color for the table, 18" x 60".

We had a beautiful, white Christmas.

This is before the binding was sewn down, it's just pinned here.

Close up of Santa Clara runner, 18" x 60".

Hello! from snowy, icy, Renton, WA!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

I wanted to duck in for AHIQ # 28. I'm always happy to see all the projects and colors being shared 

in AHIQ hosted by Ann and Kaja. Do stop in and share and be inspired.

I've been piecing units to add to my improv challenge quilt, Attract. I started it over the summer.

In the photo the dark color is navy blue and the strip that looks dark blue is actually dark purple or violet. Some quilter's 'pull' fabric before starting a project. I don't work that way or using that terminology. When I'm looking for color inspiration I look outside of my fabric stash/sewing room.

I find inspiration in nature; the morning light in the forest, or over a pond. I look through good interior design publications such as Country Sampler BOHO Style, special issue 2017, or Romantic Homes, January 2018. I'm trained in interior design/art and I learned to guard and treasure sources of inspiration. Some fiber artists make up a cloth book filled with hand embroidery, lace bits, color samples from paper and cloth. Excellent source for keeping a record of favorite color combinations etc.

I usually choose just two main colors and then I choose two fabrics with those colors in them and from there I broaden my fabric choices always complementing the two original colors. So in a nut shell, that's my process in choosing the colors I work with.

Santa Clara quilt runner is finished and ready to brighten up the world.

Happy Holidays!

Remembering to be thankful here.

I'll be by to visit.

Santa & Reindeer Sighting, Ornaments Finished, Holiday Fun

'Grand muffins' visiting the Koi pond at the Carpinito Bros market.

One of Santa's reindeer making a quick visit before the big day. 

Moses the camel, supposedly descended from the first camels at the Nativity scene.

Santa and escort.

Littlest 'grand muffin.'

Fun with 'grand muffins.' 

Santa's helpers' cottage.

My Scottie doggy ornaments.

Hello from sunny and cold Renton, WA in the Pac NW.

Where we are busy enjoying holiday activities with son, daughter and their families.

We've been very busy.

We went to visit Santa and had to wait a few minutes while he was taking a break at a coffee shop. Break time over he jollied his way back to business to find out what the children wanted for Christmas.

Then we had to visit Carpinito Bros. produce market to see the 'nativity' camel and a couple of Santa's reindeer. Cookies have been made and eaten. Songs have been sung. We've colored with color crayons and made lots of art. I don't know if I can keep this pace up. But I'm smiling.

I hope you're enjoying the season, cold or warm.

Remembering to be thankful here.

I'll be by to visit.

New Improv Patchwork Book by Maria Shell, Christmas Ornaments, Butterfly for December

I'm making little felt Scottie dogs for Christmas ornaments.

Debbie @ Quilter's Table recommended this book, it came in the mail today.

Butterfly for December, Common Buckeye.

Happy December! 

from the Pacific NW where we are enjoying family visiting from out of town. Things will be hopping around here, great fun!

Ann  and Cathy  are hosting Kaleidoscope of Butterflies # 23 and this will be their last time doing so.
I'm linking up with them to spread butterfly goodness, visit and share.
I like to celebrate the first of the month by posting the featured butterfly on my butterfly calendar.

This month is the Common Buckeye. They are found in Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

In the butterfly stage they prefer pollen from yellow flowers.

I found a free pattern for little Scottie dog/Christmas felt ornaments by Jenny B. Harris @ allsortsmakery.com. So I'm making up lots of them, very cute. I'll put a Christmas plaid collar around their necks too; festive.

Debbie @ A Quilter's Table recommended Marie Shell's  book, 'Improv Patchwork, dynamic quilts made with line and shape'. It came today and looks like a good book when I get time I'll be pouring over it.

Debbie makes wonderful quilts so I figured if she recommends a book it's got to be inspiring.

That's what's going on in the north woods where I'm going to be busy enjoying lots of grandkids for a week or so.

Enjoy your weekend!

I'll be by to visit!