quiltology...

Have you ever seen a quilt that so captured you that you just had to make it? 

That’s how Cathy felt when she saw the cover quilt pictured on Kaffe Fassett’s original patchwork design book “Glorious Patchwork.”  I know the feeling.  I remember buying the book back in 1997 when it was first released.  I thought—someday I’m going to make that quilt.  Of course, I didn’t—but Cathy did!

What goes into a project like this?  Well, lots and lots of fabric—time—patience and the desire to make something crazy special.  Cathy’s been working on her piece for nearly five years.  At first she hand pieced each of the teeny tiny blocks—a slow and laborious process if there ever was one.  Then she got a machine—and the project picked up some speed.  

This is improvisational quilting as it’s finest.  Cathy’s use of thoughtful color play, coupled with whacky piecing that’s squared up just right gives this quilt a strong graphic design that’s well balanced and visually interesting.  Amazing eye candy!

More eye candy for you...this amazing Indian Orange Peal has over 2000 pieces of fabric!

We've seen lots of baby Posh Tots--but two quiltologists used the pattern to create dynamic modern interpretations as adult sized throw quilts.

Raelene made this quilt for friends relocating to Hong Kong. She played up the drama by contrasting the rich red batik square geometry against a solid black background. The quilt is enhanced with red thread in a the water meandering quilting pattern. 

Mario reached for the batiks too when he designed his grown up version of the Posh for his partner.

Although this piece lives on the wall and we don't see the back, trust me, it's all pieced in Mario's signature style.  Why use one fabric when you can create another fabulous look on the reverse side? 

Posh Tot patterns are available in the shop or online for $9.50 and include yardage and directions for baby and throw sizes.

Create some wonderful on the fly!

There’s nothing like a rainy afternoon to make some progress on my new Lincoln Park Patchwork quilt.

My plan was to play with rows of color so I used Anna Maria Horner’s new fabrics in two palettes—a lighter golden pinky red grouping and the chocolate and plum color way. The construction is easy schmeasy--sort of a variation on Urban Amish.

I’m playing with the sizing right now. I’m not sure I like the width of my strip set rows. I’ve already trimmed them back once, but I’m not sure it was enough. Of course the idea of borders has crossed my mind too. It always does when I get to the point where I’m piecing the top together. But in the end I know the patchwork top will speak to me. And it will either say, “I’m not done yet, don’t let me out of the house without my make-up on,” or it will scream “you can’t box me in!” Time will tell.

Finally—summer has arrived and we’re all in full blown warm weather mode!

Just a reminder—Quiltology will be closed on Sunday June 28th. The Gay Pride Parade kicks off in front of the shop so the block is closed. 

This coming week we'll be open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday as usual--but closed on Saturday July 4th.

Personally I’m looking forward to a little personal sewing time. In fact I'm working on a new prototype for our newest shop pattern. I've been inspired by some fun new fabrics from Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks collection. 

Here's a sneak peak at what I plan to call--Lincoln Park Patchwork!

see you soon...

Colette