Around the World Blog Hop

It's my turn on the Around the World Blog Hop.  Thanks to Jenn over at A Quarter Inch from the Edge for inviting me along on this journey.  As a participant of the blog hop, each blogger is asked to share a little about herself (or himself).

I'm new to the blogging world, just having started back in February, but I have been quilting for ten years.  I have recently been moving out of my comfort zone and trying new things, like free motion quilting and improv piecing.

 

What am I working on?

 

I always have a few things (okay, a lot of things) on the go at any given time.  I enjoy piecing the most, the quilting the least, so I'm always starting new projects.  I'm currently working on a pattern from the Spring 2014 issue of Fons and Porter's Easy Quilts -- Gray Square Scramble.



Blocks for Gray Square Scramble Pattern

 
I just finished piecing Candy Scraps -- a pattern over at Moda Bake Shop.


Candy Scraps Pattern

 

 

I'm also working on some things that are in the QPP (quilt protection plan).  As you may have already read about over at A Quarter Inch from the Edge, my friend Jenn is expecting twins in a few months.  Do you know how hard it is to make something for something who can make her own stuff????

I have a few new ideas that I want to work on, but I need to get all my quilt tops quilted before I start anything new.  Oh boy....what am I saying????  I've put out it there in the universe, so now I have to follow through.

 

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I don't know how my work differs -- and quite frankly, I don't care.  I just make what interests me and what makes me happy.  Sometimes that's something modern, sometimes it's something traditional.  I like to make things, and most of my quilts are gifts, either for family and friends or donations to our local children's hospital.  I don't want to be painted inside a tiny little box of being labelled as a modern quilter, or a traditional quilter, or whatever the term of the day is.  I. Am. A. Quilter.

I love orange and finally made myself an orange quilt.

Brandon Mably likes my quilt.

 

Why do I write/create what I do?

To be honest, I started my blog in order to enter a contest.  Yes, the possibility of a free gift is a great motivator.  Jenn is a bee mate of mine, who has been blogging for some time and who has always encouraged us each to start a blog.  I have found that it's a great way to keep track of the projects you're working on, and a great way to share with family and friends.  Life sometimes gets in the way, and then quilting comes in second, or third, or even fourth.  My goal is to make quilting part of my regular routine, rather than finding time to quilt.  Having a blog makes you accountable to make things, as you need to write about something.

 

How does my writing/creating process work?

My creative process begins with me seeing something I like.  And then I make it.  I need a pattern, but I'd love to be able to design a quilt.  I'm not quite there yet, but I'm hoping that as I read more blogs and try more new things, I'll eventually get there.  My bee mate QD can look at a photo and them come up with a pattern.  That's a great talent.  But I admit I have been known to make jokes at her expense when she pulls up her Excel spreadsheet to work on a quilt.  I use my talent as best I can, with the hope that I can improve on it as times goes by.

I recently bought some fabric that intrigued me, although I have no idea what to do with it.  Guess I need to put on my design hat -- or fascinator as the case may be since I own more fascinators than I do hats -- and come up with a plan.

Word Fabric:  Dream - Serenity - Tranquility - Relax - Believe - Peace - Imagine

Thanks for stopping by.  I've also invited a few friends along for this journey.

 

Quilt Matters - I recently met M-R when she attended a Maritime Modern Quilt Guild meeting while on vacation.  M-R provided some great tips for improving my blog.  Check out her blog to see what she's been up to, including being featured with her son Daniel in the fall issue of The Canadian Quilter.

The Running Thimble - Dominique is a fellow member of the MMQG.  As we have gotten to know each other, I discovered that she works with a cousin of mine.  Small world.  Dominique is great at making pillows and luggage tags.