Modifying Denyse’s patterns for Block Swap

First of all, Rebecca has been busy! They look great, wouldn’t ya say?

[Editor’s note: you can now see the blockswap update images over in the flickr gallery]

If you’re like me and waiting for the mail man to bring your fabric, then you’re probably brainstorming block design ideas. There are some of us who are ready to just take the plunge and do our own thing (like Rebecca up there). Others of us are beginners and need a pattern to follow to help us out. The Quilters Cache has a gazillion free block designs. The 10 inch block designs are what you need. (they will be 10 1/2 inches from raw edge to raw edge. 10 inches + 1/2 for seam allowances) They are all very traditional, but the size is right, and if you use the right fabric they’ll work for the block swap.

But, what if you want something a little more modern and funky–like some Drunk Love squares from Denyse Schmidt’s book? Well, all you need to do is adjust the percentage at which you enlarge the patterns from the back of the book and you’re in business! I put my math skills to the test (with a little refresher from my computer/math genius husband) and did some figuring. So…
Continue reading →

It’s finally here! Finally…

The quilt I odered from Shop Fosters finally came. Not the greatest customer service– no communication unless I called them, very slow to return e-mails etc. etc. But–couldn’t beat the price!

Looks pretty awesome on our log bed that Barry built while we were engaged. (His friend’s apartment was FULL of sawdust!) Not to mention the beautifully matted and framed Karl Blossfeldt prints, newly aquired from eBay, up above. I had a hard time getting a good picture in our room, so maybe another day I’ll show our new lamp shellf/tables and other business I’ve got going down.

But, the quilt! It is soft and snuggly. The hand quilting is awesome and it has great texture. I am a happy girl

I got tagged for 7 things…

(Okay, i’m having a hard time with my wordpress update. can’t get my picture to be centered and there are some places where I want space between the lines and it just won’t stick. aaauuurrrghh)

Monique tagged me to write 7 things… YiKES

But first I must say that Block Swap sign ups are going very well and I’m excited about the talented quilters I will get to have blocks from If you’ve signed up, look for your name on the right side of the block swap page!
Now, this is because I believe every post should have a picture

here’s some quilt block making inspiration by you know who.
Okay, on with the listing…

7 things to do before I die (in no particular order)
become a yoga teacher

live in another country (or at least visit one)

do another triathalon

have art in a real gallery, and even my own show

have a really cool art studio–with lots of high counters, big sinks, an etching press, easels, a pottery wheel, a couch for sitting and knitting, tables and chairs to sit and work at… you know, a place where I can make anything and everything. where the kids and I can go for school everyday, and maybe other people could visit and I could teach classes, or just hang out and make stuff. i always imagined this in an old barn all fixed up, but after seeing the INCREDIBLE light in Denyse Schmidt’s studio in an old industrial building I may change my dreams. barns don’t have windows.

build a tree house, well, have a tree house. someone else can do most of the building if they want as long as i get to help design it.
make a book– a real book with a story and pictures. write, illustrate, print, bind

Continue reading →

Hey everybody!!!

Wanna swap?

Ever since I got home from the workshop with Denyse Schmidt I’ve been stewing and brewing the idea for a quilt block swap. I’ve worked out logistics, made graphics, picked some fabric colors (which match my website beautifully) and now I’m ready to say, “Come and play!”

If you click on that button up there you’ll be taken to the not-a-secret-anymore page on this here site. All the details are there for how to have a really good time, do some service for the world, and make some collaborative “soft art” from crafty friends everywhere. There is so much talent, creativity, good taste, craftmanship, and camaraderie out there in the craft world that I want some tangible evidence. Tangible as in a nice snuggly colorful quilt to wrap up in. Anyone else?

Well, what are you waiting for? The sign-up window for Block Swap opens today and closes March 8th (or when I get 50 people, whichever is first). And if it sounds like a fun idea to you, spread the word. I have had a little help from Denyse (who’s been giving me feedback and sent an invitation to former workshoppers) and a few craft-blog friends, but the more the merrier!