Tuesday, July 6, 2010

I'm feeling inspired.

I decided to mix things up a bit with the Stars and Sprigs pattern and tackle a border. There are four of them of course so making one now will break the monotony later on.
I have the very center section stitched, lucky I love appliqueing leaves.
I think it took about three evenings just to get the stems down. I'm really loving  the effect of the different browns used. I'll have to remember to do that for another quilt.
I'm not bothering with an overlay this time. I'm marking the pieces on the background with a washout pen and since I'll wash the basting glue I use out afterwards, it'll cause no problems. I think it's sped up the whole stitching process too.
I have two more of the sprig blocks completed. I'm surprised at myself, being so focused on this one project.
I took a trip out yesterday with Mr Quiltsalott since he's on holiday. I  especially wanted to visit Material Obsession which is about an hour and a half away. I needed him to navigate since I'm rubbish at finding my way anywhere.
I felt like a celebrity shopper, the ones that have the stores open just for them because we were the only ones in the shop.

Unfortunately Kathy wasn't there, I always seem to miss her when I go. I did meet the lovely Liesle who I enjoyed having a good chat to. I'm sure that creativity oozes out of the walls there when you see what quilts are lying around.

I was on a mission and that was to stock up on a few Kaffe, Brandon and Phillip fabrics. Gotta keep the stash replenished you know. I used to buy fat quarters, then I moved up to half metres and now I find I want a metre of the ones I love.
There was another ulterior motive actually and that was to get my hands on some raffle tickets. I elected to put my name in the hat to do a workshop with Kim McLean. I'm crossing my fingers and so I call these tickets my Willy Wonka golden tickets because it doesn't hurt to think positively. I really got very excited to see the quilt that she's offering as the project.
I've been feeling inspired lately and I'm wanting to come up with some ideas for a quilt. I have some initial thoughts that need developing and have been poring over some books to spark my imagination so these ones are the reading material for this week.
At some stage I'll have to get the pencils out and put something to paper, I'll let you know how I go with that.
You've seen it all over blogland and now I have my copy in my hot little hands. What an amazing pattern and of course I had to have it but I have no plans just yet to stitch it.
It seems like I've had a colourful week and I've been enjoying the birds visiting. This one is a Rosella and we've been getting quite a few of the other natives as well. I'm putting out a few sunflower seeds for them which means they visit most days.

61 comments:

Lisa said...

Oh my gosh, Janet! It's nice to see that someone else has as many project ideas as I do! That looks like a fun road trip you had, and good luck with the drawing.

AnnieO said...

You do such lovely applique! I like the different browns too, just like on real branches, though I've never seen leaves quite as colorful as that IRL:) Good luck with your new quilt idea. Sometimes its hard to make that picture in your head come out right, isn't it!

Oops-Lah said...

wow, it's looking lovely! I too love appliqueing leaves. Nice gentle curves; nothing can go wrong ;). Love the new Kaffe Fassett fabrics. I have ordered some as well; can't wait until they arrive.
Cheers Vreni

Anonymous said...

I can't believe I missed you again! I woke up, got dressed and then got back into bed with a bad headache...my curse in life. Feeling better in the afternoon I came in to hear you had been in the shop! Maybe next time. Thanks for shopping with us and looking forward to meeting up with you next time! Kathy

Jan Marie said...

What a great choice of fabrics. I love all of them. Like you I am having a hard time with a fat quarter if I really love it.

Barb said...

Love your applique....

katrien said...

Very lovely appliqué blocks.

antique quilter said...

oh can't wait to see more of the border, I love watching your progress on this quilt, its beautiful
oh I just know those are LUCKY tickets! you will have fun in that class!
Kathie

Shirley said...

What a great idea to win a place with Kim Mclean. I am not normally a envious person but if you win a place I shall be both the green eyed monster and so envious. Good luck, have everything crossed for you. Applique looking great and can't wait to see what you come up with. Like the look of the book with the red and green blocks.Hmmmmmm!!!!!
Shirley.x

SandyN said...

Just LOVE the Stars and Sprigs pattern... This quilt is going to look so beautiful and bright...

I also have two tickets as well. It would be GREAT if we both got into the work shop...

Sandy N

Rachaeldaisy said...

What a lot of gorgeousness! I'm appliqueing for a quilt at the moment and I'm struggling getting even shaped pointy end leaves, so your beautiful leaves inspire me to keep trying. Nice kaffe fabrics!! If anyone deserves Kim Maclean tickets it's You! Good luck! The Roseville album quilt is amazing, I'm tempted to get the pattern just to drool over.

BubzRugz said...

I love the colours you are using... really vibrant. We get native birds in our garden too but not rosella's - i love them though...

Marit said...

Oh, I would loved to come with you on your excursion to MO! The Kaffe fabric is lovely, and I am sending positive energy for your Willy Wonka ticket!!!
; )
And the applique looks beautiful...

Anonymous said...

stars and sprigs is looking great!

Amelia said...

Looking great - love the pattern!

Raewyn said...

Your Stars and Sprigs is looking beautiful alright..and I agree, I think the effect of the different browns is great. Lovely appliqué!!

ria vogelzang said...

What a great blocks! Love your colours and appliqué. And also the lovely quilting you are showing us in the background of the blocks!
Gorgeous!!
Enjoy!

Michele said...

Scrumptiddlyumptious!!! Makes me long to run into the sewing room and shake up those Westminster fabrics. I hope you win the class with Kim, because I don't know anyone who deserves it more.........also, you'll share with those of us who didn't have the opportunity.

Michele

Nat Palaskas said...

How exciting you got Roseville Album pattern as well! Good luck with the workshop, I have a feeling you will be one of them. Won't that be great! Hugs Nat

Janet said...

Love the fabrics. The start on your border is great. You got a lot done. The bird is very pretty. Wished we had something that colorful. Will check out the books you posted. I have the Lone Star but not familiar with the others.
Happy sewing.
Janet

Crispy said...

Wow the center of the S & S is beautiful!! Are the patterns for the Roseville Album full size? I've been trying to resist...but I'm weakening LOL.

Crispy

Crispy said...

Oops, forgot to say that the different shades of brown in the stems is fabulous....also love the idea of using a wash out pen for placement of them...great idea :0)

Crispy

Carrie P. said...

Lovely colors on this post. Love that bird and oh, those blocks are fabulous. I do like the stems too.
Good luck with the raffle. I really hope you win.

Betsy said...

Janet, your applique locks are beautiful. I have been using the marking pen quite a bit too lately and trying to master the basting applique method. I too love Westminster fabrics and I have quite a bit of it. Did you know they now have threads that match their fabrics?

Unknown said...

Your sprig blogs are terrific! I find them the difficult part....Lucky you to be able to visit Material Obsession!
Your applique is s0 pretty and your Licorice quilt is FANTASTIC!!!
Your blog inspires me~
♥Eileen

Angela said...

Your applique is just amazing! So beautiful!

Abby and Stephanie said...

I always love seeing your colorful and amazing applique projects. What vivid color on that bird! Thank you for sharing.

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Your stars and spriggs is looking great, and that fabric - Yumm!!

Barb said...

What a beautiful and exotic bird - I'm so jealous, we have nothing that fabulous here in NJ.
Your border vines are lovely and what a great idea to break it up.
Luscious fabrics -

Terry said...

I'm always so impressed with your quilt blocks! You make them look so easy, which I'm sure they're not! Love the little bird you have visiting too! We don't have anything like that over here!

Lori said...

What a great idea to start working on a border. It is looking really fantastic!!
I'd love to go to MO quilt shop. I hope you have the golden ticket!!!

Anonymous said...

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you and your Willy Wonka tickets!!! : )

GLAD to hear your Roseville Album has arrived!!! Wahoo!!!

Hmmm, VERY interested in your pencils, paper, books, inspiration and perking ideas...?!

The Rosella is BeAuTiFuL!!!

Rosa said...

what a lot of awesome blocks!Can´t wait to see more.Well done!!

Brandie said...

I think you've inspired us all. That is lovely! I to love the look of your different colored stems.

Mary said...

Janet, what do you like (or not?) about Jeana Kimball's Red and Green book??? I've seen it online but never been able to find anyone who could give me an opinion on it. I love red and green quilts and am really curious about her book.

Kaaren said...

Gorgeous as always, Janet and I'm waiting with bated breath to see what design you come up with.

I thought cardinals and blue jays had beautiful coloring. This bird... which I've never seen or heard of til now...sports the gorgeous coloring of both. Now how special is that! That's inspiration for me!

Kath said...

Those leaves are quite exquisite, I love them.

Sharon said...

I hope you have a winning ticket, wow, your blocks are really coming along. This pattern you purchased is fabulous, such beauty in these long term projects.

Browndirtcottage said...

Wow Janet....where to begin...yes I love the different brown stems...why not...adds more interest...LOL...as if ANY of your projects need more interest...your applique is marvy!!
I have seen that new pattern and have sooooo wished I was more hand appliqued skilled...I'm practicing and maybe I'll get better. I also notice you have one of my 'TEXAS' quilt books...did you know there are 2 volumes? I LOVE LOVE these TEXAS books. Sooo much inspiration.....LOL...and WE worry about matching seams with all the great technology and equipment we have....but yet...we are still pouring over and studying our quilting fore-mothers quilts who had NONE of this and produced some of the most exquisite quilts in the world!!
Well...I'm glad you got inspired...'cause now I'M inspired....thank you Janet!!

Karen said...

Your work is amazing, I am completely smitten by the pattern, the more I see, the more I want to do it. Guess I'll have to buy the pattern. It is really fabulous.

Deb said...

Your applique is so pretty - very inspiring. I haven't done applique in years but it's something that has been calling me for a while. That Roseville Quilt is absolutely beautiful. It would be great fun pulling fabrics for it. I hope that you start it sometime soon.

Ann Champion said...

I love the mixed browns on your vines. It was a great idea to do a border and mix it up a bit. It looks wonderful so far! I mark my placement with the wash out pen too, it makes everything go so quickly.
Good luck on winning a place with Kim.
Geesh! Even your birds are saturated with color. It must be so cheerful in your World?
I look forward to seeing what you come up with next! :)

Cardygirl said...

Your applique looks beautiful...the browns blend well for your stems & add more interest. Love the fabrics...lots of inspiration at your place!

Thimbleanna said...

I swear Woman! Do you ever get any rest??? Your blocks and border are just gorgeous -- as always, I LOVE your sense of color!

Sue-Anne said...

Cant wait to see Stars and Sprigs finished, it is going to be stunning. I also can't wait to see what you come up with design-wise, those books you have for inspiration look very very nice.

Munaiba said...

Beautiful, as always, Janet. Kaffe and Kim just go so well together don't they?

Kristy said...

I truly appreciate your sharing your stars and sprigs pix....the blocks are so lovely. I check often to see if you have posted any new pix. Your work is superb! Keep sharing we love it!

Dixie Howard said...

Your applique is beautiful, and so inspiring. Love how you ended with the photo of the bird!

Janet said...

Your appliqued border looks wonderful so far. The stems look perfect! I can't wait to see what you are imagining for a new project with books like those for inspiration!
I hope your WW tickets are winners! :0)

julieQ said...

Your applique is just gorgeous! Your work and ideas are wonderful...hey, what a bright cheerfully colored little bird!

Unknown said...

OH Janet You are sooo Inspiring...I Love your Border it is Gorgeous...Lucky You being Chauvered to MO...Love your choice in those fabrics..oh yes I have seen that new pattern on CQ's blog...I just got Lollipops I think that would be enough for me for now...LOL...there's a lot of work in that new one...but Beautiful...Good Luck with your Tickets...would be a Great Workshop.
cheers

Anonymous said...

O wow! This cheerful work makes one happy!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I just love your appliqué...those stems look fiddly but it sounds like the blue wash out pen is a life saver.

MARCIE said...

Always such lovely things to look at here!

Kim D. said...

Beautiful Applique!! I love the fabric you purchased and how fun to be in a class with Kim McClean. That bird is so colorful and beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

Deb said...

Love the stars and sprigs Janet. I have just got my Roseville pattern too - can't wait to get going. Lucky you to have the chance to do a class with Kim. My fingers are crossed for you. What's the pattern like?

pratima said...

Beautiful applique! the sprigs look so tiny... the variations in the brown makes them look three dimensional. Lovely material for your new project. The bird is so colorful and sweet!

imquilternity said...

I'm sure loving your progress on your Stars and Sprigs quilts. You have a great eye for the perfect fabrics to use!

I must admit I'm a bit envious of you getting to visit Material Obsession. I admire Kathy and follow her blog and her books. She's amazingly talented and generous. A friend made a visit to her shop while in AU and said it was small, but wonderful!!

Unknown said...

Wow, As always you inspire with your applique. Love how it is looking. So jealous of you going to Material Obsession, but it is just a wee bit too far fro me to travel. I love your fabric picks though and very excited for you about possibly being able to take a class with Kim or possibly Kaffe too! How thrilling would that be?

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

OMG Janet, you are one busy beaver, nice to see someone else with lots of projects on. Most of us quilters are the same huh!!Your applique is really inspiring, and going to a Kaffe workshop, what a treat!!!

bertiequilts said...

I would absolutely love to go to a Kim McLean workshop but dont thank that is going to happen...I love her patterns; I have 2 (flower pots which I am working on and have lollypop trees waiting in the wings) and am planning on getting 2 more and then am eagerly waiting to see her Flower Garden that is coming out in December.