Soooo cold today!!! It started a 2 degrees, but all is not lost I tended to my indoor plants today. Helps to remind that warmth and growth will return to the world.
Started on BE blocks. Eileen's was fun!! It also turns into 2 different blocks. Hmmm...another quilt on the list. However, think I'll use 6 inch squares or strips and cut freely and use for pinwheel so they will be more wonky.
Am also truly grateful Louise made those teensy triangles. Started on her block, but not finished.

quilt a long

January quilt a long block by Terry.

fresh, modern quilts

I have added a Flickr site called Fresh, Modern Quilts. Lots of great quilts to see and get inspiration and expand your horizons. This is where I began to think differently about how I want to change my quilt making. Check it out!!!

quilts from leftovers

I had these 9 patch cross blocks lying around. They were from a project that never happened. Put them together and once will donate to Ele's Place. Hmmm-- can't decide whether it needs a border or not. Will leave it on the design wall for a little while to see if any great ideas hit me.

Another quilt along block from my friend in the Nederlands.

The weather has been good for walking outdoors. I try to bundle up every day and go outside. This is me wrapped up for walking---how do you like the fogged up glasses? That way I can more ice to slip on. However, think I will clean my glasses, as falling once was enough.

Finding quilt a long pics

Have added the label quilt a long 2010 to my labels so all the pictures will be in one place for you to view. I have uploaded all the pics I have and put them in that file. Will keep adding as they come in.

quilt a long 2010

Here are a the first pattern in the Quilt a long done by someone other than myself. They are fantastic. I always enjoy seeing the ideas of others and their color perspective on the same block. This is going to be fun!!! So far, I am staying ahead of everyone. I need to with block exchange coming up too.

Trends

So I have noted several trends. I do see some on the young quilters doing some blocks, but I also realize that most use the patterns available to them. I am a collector of books of quilt blocks. I have a large resource to draw from. So I have a lot more to be inspired from. However, there are parts of these noted trends that I will incorporate into my quilting---solids, lighter colors, more improvisation and the newer graphic prints and large prints. So many of them make me think of when I was first on my own. I bought everything for the kitchen in turquoise.
The other part of trends seems to be Moda, who seems to have the largest number of collections. I have never been crazy for the grayed out look, but they have a large of followers. Have been buying an French quilting magazine, Quiltmania. They are into the more grayed out colors and lots of little pieces. So there is room for everyone.

Here is the next block for February. As in the January block, I did split one piece. This time I split the circle part in two. Just wanted to show that there can be variations in how the block is put together. I am also working on a hand piecing tutorial. The first pictures can out too light and have retaken them and will be putting the text in. Watch for it! For those already experienced in hand piecing, please let me know of any improvements or glaring errors or omissions. Keep those fingers nimble, but don't over do. I don't want anyone to start developing carpal tunnel.

A post on noted trends in patterns. There seem to be lots of rectangles, half square triangles,blocks that are like Winter Reflection--a center square with frames around it, 9-patches, strip piecing, Bento Box Blocks. Very simple piecing with the fabric itself playing a major role. Some of this, I think, has to do with limited amounts of time to quilt,the need to make quick gifts (lots of baby quilts)and a lot of sewing for home decor. But a lot has to do with the reaction to traditional block and quilt patterns. To invent a new look for quilts you would need to simplify things, because complex patterns have already been done and redone. These younger quilters also do not generally have the sewing history of older quilters nor interest in quilting history/heritage. I think it will come with time, since as we grow we become more interested in what has happened before. History/heritage seem so distant when you are young and busy with little ones or starting a career. It will certainly be interesting to see where quilting goes. By the way, these are trends and comprise a subgroup of quilters. But trends either fade away or become widely accepted. You just can't tell.

tiny treat blocks

Always finding interesting things in the cupboard. I won these many years ago and they kinda just sat there. I think I will complete row and border with 6" nine patches and give to Ele's Place. I do have to admit to leaving out skull and gambling blocks, since I plan to give it to kids. They are fun, every color an variation of double 4-patch.

back to other quilts

Doing some finishing of things put on hold for the Winter Reflection quilt top. Finished the border on my signature quilt. Put a border on String Theory (picture is crappy, but will take another). I pieced a backing for Relativity, using all the fat quarters or half yards of fabrics with black backgrounds. I have always been a sucker for those prints and this will use up quite a few. I am staying ahead of the group in the quilt a long. Will post picture of next block around the middle of the month.

snow in january

The first significant snow fall. I took a picture of the view from my dining room of my backyard. It looks pristine and serene. However, the squirrels will soon make their little footprints all over the yard and I will make a trip to the composter. For now I will just enjoy its beauty.

new quilting

From the quilts I've been seeing on my Flickr groups, there is a trend toward large widely spaced prints, solids, and lots of lights, meaning white. It seems this is a trend among young quilters (under 35). I also see it catching on with some of us older quilters. They often do not use patterns, but if they do, they are using comtemporary quilt patterns (not traditional blocks). Is it time to try some new ideas? I will never give up blocks, but I could branch out. I would like to expand my horizons. Onwards and upwards!!!!

winter reflection quilt

Yeah!! I finished it; well the top at least. Added some closer close ups. Wish I had taken a picture of the landscape fabric before cutting into a lot of little pieces. It was fun making it all fit together.

Christmas flowers

Managed to get this bouquet to last thru New Year's Eve. This must mean that it is time to move into the new year. Hope everyone is blessed with health and inspiration.

Started right after Christmas on this Japanese Winter landscape. I was inspired by another quilter on Flickr. I have had the landscape fabric for over 10 years. I do not usually buy them, but I loved this one. It sat on a shelf with it corrdinating fabrics awaiting inspiration. I have the top together and am ready for the outer border. It was an aha! moment and once I started I couldn't stopy working on it.