Have you ever given away a quilt and missed it terribly? For me, the one I miss the most is my Improv Tumbler Mini that I gave as my MQG Swap gift in 2017. I really stretched myself to make that quilt, which is one of my favorite parts of challenges and swaps. I digress... this month I'm bringing back the Improv Tumbler with my rainbow Island Batik version. It's up on the design wall and piecing will begin soon.
Our November Island Batik Ambassador challenge was to use log cabins in our design. I knew immediately that I'd use my 2 1/2" strips to make a large scale log cabin. I used a little Planned Improv in my work to change up the basic log cabin. I'm pleased with how modern the design is with the use of negative space. I look forward to working in large log cabins again soon.
It has been way too long! There was a lot of prep work to get ready for my first Rules and Options of Planned Improv Piecing lecture last month at Amador Valley Quilters. And then I suffered with asthma trouble for a few weeks as a result of the poor air quality in my area from the Camp Fire. I'm just starting to feel 98% myself again.
I had such a great time sharing my work with the lovely members of Amador Valley Quilters. Their hospitality was wonderful and I enjoyed chatting individually with quilters as they came to look at my quilts closeup after my talk. I'm pumped to travels to guilds throughout California to teach and speak in 2019 and I'm already starting to book dates in 2020. You can see my schedule on my website.
Like last December, I've decided to participate in Cheryl's 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge, so be sure to check in on the blog for something new each day. It's certain to be a variety of projects, tips, tutorials, and more. Hit reply to tell me what you'd love to read about this month on my blog.
In addition to daily blogging and weekly newsletters in December, I am working on some fun new projects. I'm thrilled to start piecing my Improv Tumblers, and I've also pulled and cut fabric for the Waterfall Quilt Along with Amy Ellis. The photo above shows my 16-fabric palette with a side by side black and white photo to show the values of my fabrics. (My camera is one of my favorite design tools.)
I've submitted four quilts to QuiltCon for consideration for their February show in Nashville. This is the first year that I felt I had a body of work to select from and that I wasn't solely trying to finish up projects at the last minute to submit. I'd like to expand the network of shows that I submit to. What shows do you visit to enjoy viewing quilts? Where do you like to submit your work?
My son and I have a new scrap project we're working on together. I think working together on the Connections Mini quilt gave him confidence on improv piecing. For our current project he's mostly doing the sewing. I love that he's independent on the sewing machine.
If you are looking for a fast holiday gift, consider making a mug rug (larger than a coaster, bigger than a placemat... big enough for your mug and your snack). Here are a trio of mug rugs that I made in October.
I am a little belated, but I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving (for those of you celebrating in the US). I feel very thankful to be a part of the quilting community and to be able to create and share my work.
Happy sewing!
P.S. Hit reply and send me a message. I love to hear back from my readers. Ask a question, tell me what you enjoyed in the newsletter, or share one of your current projects with me. Let's chat! ;-)
Available in my Craftsy Shop
Floating Hexagons is a block-based quilt designed to feature two solids (or like solids), but is versatile enough to feature a variety of prints in the hexagons. The pattern includes three sizes: Baby, Lap, and Throw.
