What did I do today? Welllll… I took my very first official quilting class at Aunt Mary’s Quilt Shop called “Thread Painting” with Judy Irish. I’m a complete novice when it comes to free motion quilting, so I was pretty nervous, but Judy and my classmates were so disarming, and I really found her free spirit liberating. So here is my handiwork, after four hours of experience. I used some of my own designs from our TWEETIE mod set as a template, and I am feeling like with lots of practice I might be able to get a hang of it

Okay, maybe with LOTS and LOTS of practice. It was still fun even if I had no idea what I was doing… like coloring with crayons on blank paper.

Last year I put together a crazy quilt with some halloween colors, random costume fabric, some buttons, and ribbon, and voilla! I tucked it away in my storage box ready for this year, and then couldn’t find my box again! Matt to the rescue, went and scoured the garage full of boxes, until the hidden treasure emerged. If I could I would keep it out all year, but uh, I don’t have any orange or purple furniture. I need to label my storage better, or color coordinate.

So I have been wanting to create a whimsical quilt to hang on my wall in my entry. I love polka dots (could you tell) so I decided to go with a pinwheel pattern. Loosely based on a pattern at Fat Quarter Shop I decided to go with black and white. It’s turning out delightful, I can’t wait to hang it, and just in time for Halloween. If you’re looking for free quilt patterns check out Quilter’s Cache. What a collection! You may want to turn down your volume though, there’s music on every page… eek.

And cousin Joseph came over for a visit, so we enjoyed some Milk and a chat :)
Doesn’t get any better then that!

Last week we discovered that it was time for the Seattle Quilt Show, so we took our Saturday, and ventured South. I love going to the city, and I woke up excited for my day. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, mom and I had never gone before, but a quilt show could not dissapoint!
>> Seattle Quilt Show 2008

Upon arrival we immediately ventured to the Quality Sewing and Vacuum Booth, which was strategically positioned front and center. I wanted to see my next ideal machine, the Innovis 1500D. This machine is an embroidery and sewing combo. It has a usb port and wider hoop so I wouldn’t have to reposition with larger designs. It’s not a color screen, but with a usb port and the machine ready to be set right next to my computer, I’m not worried. I’m going to be looking on ebay for this one, cause a retail purchase is totally outside our startup budget, but I’m such a bargain finder, I’m not worried, or in a hurry, I really just need it to test my designs anyway.
>> Quality Sewing and Vacuum

Mom found her machine with all the bells and whistles. We are both Brother fans, so because she is our serious seamstress and quilter, she is going for the very latest and greatest. The brother Quattro or Duetta will do the trick! This is a seriously cutting edge!
>> Brother Machines 

While we were there we heard about a designer right here in Arlington, and had to go meet her. Dana Marie is one of our neighbors, and a pattern and textile fashion designer. We introduced ourselves, and browsed her booth, which was inspiring. She was so sweet to us, and our amateur selves, but invited us to visit her warehouse sometime.
>> Dana Marie Design Co.

We stopped by another booth that had the CUTEST idea! I’d never seen this before so I had to share, Artistic Artifacts booth all the way from Virginia had dyed doilies and notions that just couldn’t be more adorable. I can’t wait to try this out with all those doilies I received at my wedding and had a hard time finding uses for! Judy was very gracious and let us take some photo’s to share.
>> Artistic Artifacts

On to the next, we came across a booth for the Stitchin Post, and found a new fabric designer I had never heard of before. She is wonderful, and I love her style! Check it Out!
>> Valeri Wells

And finally we got to meet Pat Roche at the Gammil Quilting Machine booth. She was so warm and inviting, we immediately told her all about our embroidery ideas, and she asked us if we had ever considered quilting design. She gave us some wonderful resources, mom was taking notes furiously, and in about 5 minutes of talking with her, we have decided to give some serious thought to quilting design. I browsed her website, and she is very talented! Check out her site here!
>> Pat Roche’s Studio

We loved browsing all the show quilts, and I took lots of picture’s, but can’t share. Too see all the brilliant work visit the Quiltfest website. >> Quiltfest 2008 

Note to self: BRING BUSINESS CARDS to the next show!