Home is where Harts is - RxR2016

Home is where Harts is

Three Store Samples

It's no secret that I'm a fan of my LQS Harts Fabric and feel fortunate that our MQG chapter holds monthly guild meetings there.  Our members had the opportunity to submit an original design to be considered for the shop to use in the Row by Row Experience event this summer (June 21-September 6)  I'm thrilled to have had mine chosen. 

My Stash Scrap Pull

With a theme of "Home Sweet Home" it was easy to feel immediately connected to the project because after all it is located in the neighborhood where I grew up and I've been shopping there since I was a little girl.

Three samples seemed fitting for the triptych inspired view from the beach depicting a Seagull in Flight, California poppy field and the Santa Cruz mountains.  The design was from images in my head and memories more so than directly from specific photographs. 

I also felt it was important to show variety so that makers would be less inclined to duplicate the exact design.  Since the store is selling three different kit options: Kona light, Kona dark and Shot Cotton, it worked out well.  Although they are only 9"x36" each the steps to piece, quilt, bind and sleeve them all took a lot of hours!

First Version top at May Guild Show and Tell

What I didn't quite realize at the time I submitted my entry was the scope of the event. Little did I know until doing a bit of browsing after the fact was that it has grown from 20 shops across New York State when it started in 2011 to around 3K and has expanded internationally this year!

Row By Row Experience Shops

I really appreciate how the organizers have lists and maps so that if you are traveling you can check out where to stop.  No shortage of California participating shops, that's for sure.   Supporting brick and mortar quilt shops is so important especially independently owned ones.

Kona versions on the Design Wall

I was busy with a couple of workshops but managed to pull off finishing the store samples on time.  They all look pretty fun together with the blue and green theme.

In Process 

Having to write an actual pattern was challenging especially since I hadn't documented all of the specifics very well when the first one was made and because of the improv and abstract aspect of it.

Here are a couple of pictures from the shop shared on social media - including a great snap of my sweet granddaughter helping hold up the final finish while I balance the beautiful bouquet of flowers that I was gifted.

Kits for sale

Finished Shot Cotton Sample

Finish Along 2016 Q3 Goals: six of one, half a dozen of the other

Nothing new to see here!  

Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other

Top and Back

#1. Remaining at the top of the charts is the Delectable Mountain-Parson Gray quilt for my son which I'm happy to say is closer than ever to being done.  Here's an update shot (above) from the sew day yesterday when I attached the final fabric to the back building it out large enough to finally sandwich and quilt.   BTW: I've promised to make a tutorial for that jumbo sized block because it will make a great baby quilt  44"x47". 

Pillow Sham Parts

#2. The matching shams will be a good place to FMQ practice whatever I intend to do on the quilt and fortunately there were enough spare parts left and I only have to make a few more segments.  

King Clam

#3. It's been nearly two years since I started this quilt for our bed.  The workshop and 12 hour sewing marathon seems like a lifetime ago.  Creating a backing and the thought of quilting this beast has kept it from making it off of the to-be-finished list.  Now that designers are coming out with 108"wide in designs that I like that might be the way to go.

Greek Plus Pus

#4. Speaking of 2014, here's another familiar one.   Made as part of pattern testing for Rossiecrafts and blogged here, I'm thinking the spray baste may have lost its stickiness by now.  This one doesn't have a particular home so there is less guilt about the ongoing WIP status.

#5. & #6. Last but certainly not least - in fact "saving the best for last" applies with no offense to the first four goals. Both of my BeeSewcial  quilts: 2015 Reflection and 2016 Stretch Demin - Let's get Comfortable.

2015 BeeSewcial Blocks

Because my mates made me such amazing blocks and they mean so much I want the composition and quilting to be deserving - which is a lot of pressure!  Here are the links to the challenge 2015 and 2016.  Percolating long enough and time to get on it.

2016 BeeSewcial Blocks

Last quarter I only got one done on my list and a whole lot of other things that weren't.  I'm so happy for the makers of the 677 projects  - check out the linky gallery, you'll be impressed.  Wish me better luck this time.

Six Goals 2016 FAL Q3

 Linking up my FAL 2016 Q3 Goals.

Lake County Strata - BeeSewcial June

Lake County green strata 

My one big block measuring 13"x25" inspired by beautifully serene Naramta was wonderful to create for Felicity.   You can read all about the challenge this month on her bog post here .  There's been a lot of blue in my work lately so I chose to go for green "greenery" instead.

target joint position

I wanted to use a large variety of greens and many sizes for the horizontal rectangles.   The guidelines were straightforward however achieving the desired composition and vibe took quite a lot of manipulation.  Several times it got tricky balancing to avoid high contrast and squares but I feel like I pulled it off.

variety and contrast

The block was sent and received and now that she has all of her parts I can't wait to see how they all blend together.  Check out #beesewcial and #inspiredbybeesewcial on Instagram to follow her progress.