A Little Taste of Spring

January 28, 2016 by Candy Fullaway · Leave a Comment (Edit)

Here in the Northwest, we’re experiencing what I like to call the Spring Teaser.  It’s a mean little thing that  Mother Nature does to trick us into thinking that spring is almost here.  We have sunshine and balmy temperatures (like 62!).  Then we have a day that’s foggy and dreary, followed by a day of mostly sun.  I wouldn’t dream of complaining after seeing the big fun on the Eastern Seaboard.  That’s pretty brutal.  But I must admit I do feel a bit messed with.

 

After a cloudy day on Sunday, this sweet surprise on Monday morning was delightful.  There’s still a lot rain and chill to come but even a little sun is so energizing.  Today was kind of a mixed bag.

Every bit of blue sky helps and of course my tough little pansies are a real day brightener.

Today I finished this top called Cozy Throw.  It’s a kit from Craftsy by Amy Gibson.  There was plenty of fabric and good directions.  I like using the occasional kit to learn new things.  I haven’t done much with solids until the last few months and especially not white.  I’ve limited myself to tone-on-tone prints in place of solids in the past, but I like expanding the possibilities.  The plan is to use wool batting, which I haven’t done before.  I hear that you don’t grow old until you stop learning so I’ll just keep learning and hoping my brain stays young.

I love these cheery, bright colors.  They’re a perfect pick-me-up for January blues.

I have an idea for some new quilt designs that I’ll be testing out over the next few weeks.  In the meantime, please check out our two tulip-themed patterns, Singing Tulips and Tulip Field on the shopping page.  They’re both great reminders of the spring time ahead while there is still snow and bare trees outside our windows.

Quilt for fun!

Candy

Don't be selfish, Share!

And We're Back!

Happy New Year to All!

After a busy holiday season, we're ready to start the year.  It's nice to get back to the sewing machine even if it's just to finish up leftovers from last year.  There are so many possibilities for the coming months that I hardly know where to start.  One challenge for the year is to work from my stash as much as possible.  I have given in to the siren's song of new fabric quite a lot lately and I think I have enough to keep me occupied for a while.  I have lots of fat quarters and other smallish pieces as opposed to big hunks and I cannot promise to deny myself all the time.  Still, there should be plenty of inspiration already in the studio.

Speaking of inspiration, I took a class from Coleen Barnhardt last weekend.  Coleen does longarm quilting and painting on fabric.  She's combined these to produce some really beautiful designs.  I'm just beginning to see the many ways this could be fun.  Coleen is teaching a class in the Portland area so if you're interested in having more information, let me know.

As you can see, I'm just getting started, but it's not hard to imagine how this technique could be very fun.  I'm looking forward to painting on unquilted fabric to create some one-of-a-kind pieces.  Look her up online at The Quilted Thistle.

Because the weather here (okay, everywhere) has been unusual this year, I have some confused tulips.

 I've never had them start to come up so early.  Sadly, so have the weeds so there's a bit of work out there waiting for me.  Even the pansies are anxious for spring to be here.  They look a bit weatherbeaten and continue to bloom anyway.

 

My small quilt group took December off and I'm really looking forward to our meeting tonight.  It's always fun to see what the girls have created and get some inspiration, but I have to admit that I love just coming together for a couple of hours to talk and laugh.  Having special friends who share you passion is just the best.

Finally, The Tea Party Runner (aka Santa Says Hi) is finished and on the kitchen table.  It's great to have a pop of color in the newly de-Christmased house.  The pattern is available on our shopping page.

Stay warm,

Candy