Behind the Scenes

It's been a while since I've posted anything on my blog. But my latest finish, I think, deserves a little space in the bustle that is life

"Behind the Scenes" is my mini quilt for Curated Quilts, Issue No. 8 challenge, "Well said...." So many things came to mind when I started to think about what I wanted to say and how best to say it. 

For me, it's all about community. But how best to celebrate and call attention to the amazing women of this world who go about their work every day, often in the shadows. 

Artist Statement: "For centuries, women have worked together to make life better for their families, their communities and hopefully also for themselves. Women's work is often done behind the scenes without recognition or thanks". 

I used the colors dictated by the challenge and chose tulip pink, orange and chartreuse. Semi-transparent white linen is layered over the interconnected symbol for womanhood, literally placing this vibrant community behind the scene. But, there is also hope, reflected in the tiny bits of color peeking out in the binding. 

12.5" x 12.5" using various 100% quilting cottons in the color palette recommended for the challenge. Semitransparent 100% handkerchief linen in white layered over the top. The batting is remnant bamboo (because we woman make do with what we have). The binding cut at 2" on the straight of grain and pieced with 2 of the colors from the composition, tulip pink and orange. It is simply quilted in matching 40 wt cotton thread, spaced 1/2" apart. The back (not shown) is a 100% silk vintage kimono fabric in a similar color palette.

If you get a chance take a look at the Curated Quilts Gallery of submitted minis, they are amazing and have so much to say.

What do you have to say? Leave me a comment......

My Thoughts on Sustainable Modern Quilting

Class sample silk pillow on couch next to one of my favorite lap quilts, both from Jacquie Gering classes

Later this year, I will be joining the Boulder Modern Quilt Guild as a guest judge in their show "An Exploration in Sustainable Modern Quilting". This show of sustainable modern quilts will hang from October 2018 through December 2018 in the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community on the campus of the University of Colorado, Boulder.

As per the BMQG, "The vision for An Exploration in Sustainable Modern Quilting is to challenge quilters and our community to view and interpret what a modern quilt is and apply sustainable, environmentally friendly, materials and practices to create a functional quilt.The gallery show will allow quilters in the Colorado Front Range communities to have their work recognized for innovation and sustainable construction."

Part of the process leading up to the show is to reflect upon and think about sustainable quilting practices and one of my charges was to put together some of these thoughts and share some ideas for sustainable quilting. I initially was asked about this before Quiltcon and it dovetailed nicely with a discussion started by Scarlet Kumquat,  about the waste generated by quilters, here in the US and abroad in the textile factories that manufacture the fabrics we use to make our quilts.

Although I didn't specifically hear/ overhear/ or attend a discussions/lectures on sustainability practices,  there were several outstanding examples of quilts using up-cycled materials. The Pasadena Event Center had well placed paper and plastic recycling containers and refillable water stations for all those intrepid quilters and visitors that brought their own water bottles.  My own contribution to the sustainability movement , separate from my water bottle, was a small one, but given the number of people that took classes at Quiltcon, and who take quilting classes at other venues as well as online the cumulative positive effect of this small consideration could have a much greater impact.

Consider this: while prepping 6-12 x 18"  and 1-24 x 24" fabric sandwiches for a walking foot quilting class with Jacquie Gering,  I gave serious thought to the fabrics I was pulling from my stash. My class was all day and if I was going to spend the time leaning novel (to me) quilting techniques from the walking foot master, I wanted to make something usable from those class samples.  I suspect there are many of us, that once a class is done, relegate our class work/samples to a drawer or even to the dustbin. It was my goal to not only learn some cool quilting, but to actually make something useful in the process. The 12 x 18" samples became  reversible placemats (one set of 2 and one set of 4) and the larger sample, which I actually stitched out of remnant silk, became a gorgeous 20 x 20" throw pillow (to go with a soon to be completed quilt) for my daughter.  It didn't take a significant amount of additional time to prep and pull stash fabric to guarantee that my class samples became something more than just class samples. I had all the materials I needed; used batting trimmed and saved from projects just like this from larger quilt projects,  having to add only binding from stash fabric and a pillow form (that I already had) once I returned back to Colorado. Keeping with the sustainability theme the pillow back is made from remnant silk fabric I acquired from my once globe trotting mother in law, finished with a simple envelope back so that I didn't have to purchase a zipper. 

Front showing walking foot quilting

Added design to my walking foot class sample. Done in contrasting thread to see the stitching.

Pillow back made from remnant silk fabric

I'm just one quilter, and likely not the first to purposely pull fabrics for a class that were destined to be something more. But, I believe if we all give a little extra consideration to the process of learning, we could incorporate class samples and UFO's  into our sustainable quilting practices and make them part of the solution. 

So next time you find yourself pulling fabric for a class, think about the afterlife of your samples and give them a little love by reincarnating them into useful items to use or to gift. 

reversible class sample placements

each has a different walking foot quilting sample learned in class

Side note: for those fabric scraps and batting remnants that are just too small to use (some of you would likely disagree with this statement and I applaud the dissenters), here are some easy things to do that will keep them out of landfill. 
      1. Contact your municipal compost provider.  Many cities will compost 100% natural fibers  like cotton, linen, silk and wool.
      2. Consider donating larger cotton scraps to the Social Justice Sewing Academy . I keep a USPS prepaid box in my sewing room and place scraps from WIP's in the box. Once the box is full I mail it to them.
      3. There are lovely folks out there that make dog bedding for shelters and stuff them full of fabric scraps. It makes for a warm and comforting place to sleep for our furry friends and is another great use for fabric scraps. Search on line or check with your local shelters to locate the generous souls making these pet beds near you. 
      4. Don't forget to give your selvedges to those folks that want them. Find yourself a few IG friends that collect selvedges and once you have a significant amount package them up and send them to a new home. I once thought I wanted to sew selvedges, now, not so much. Just ask, you'll find takers.

If you have additional ideas, please leave them in the comments. I'll have a follow up post if I get some good ones. 

If you're making your quilts/other items from up-cycled clothing and other previously used materials, and share your creations on IG, please use the #secondchancemakes hashtag so we can all be inspired to consider other possibilities when we endeavor to begin our own creations.  

Pantone 2018- Ultraviolet

The 2018 Pantone Color of the year is Ultraviolet. The Pantone color of the year quilt challenge is hosted by Bryan House Quilts and No Hats Quilts.

I don't typically work with "purples" but I had the opportunity to to make a mini as part of the Mini Quilt Swap run through the Modern Quilt Guild for QuiltCon 2018.
My partner loves purples, so pairing it with some neutrals and some shocking turquoise and lime, off I went.
I added some hand stitching to the improv mini and even some fringe (that was fun).

I got all the way to California before I realized that I hadn't photographed the quilt. So, not the best photo, but it's the only one I have.

Mauvéine  (about 24" x 24")

Here is what we swapped. Shelly Gilliland was my partner. You can tell we both loved what our partners made. 

In case any of you are wondering about the quilts name: Mauvèine- The name comes from a young British chemist, William Perkin who was trying to synthesize quinine in the lab. Instead he ended up making the first aniline dye, known as Perkins Purple, aniline purple, or mauvèine. Prior to this discovery, the dye was extracted by harvesting and processing (in lead vats) millions of marine snails (Bolinus branderis). By synthesizing this "royal dye" he not only made the color available to the masses, but also saved the lives of millions of snails. 

photo from Wikipedia

Good luck to all the purple quilt makers out there. There are some gorgeous ones to look at and admire in the linky party!

Winner "On your mark, create hop!"

The winner of the FQ bundle of Simone's great fabric is Jill Good (IG commenter). 

Thanks to everyone who participated and left fun comments! I loved reading them all.

Jill, DM me your address and I'll make sure you're bundle is on it's way to you.

On your Mark Blog Hop

I've got to meet some really interesting people earlier this year and it's my pleasure to be able to talk about and create with a new fabric line by Simone Bradford call "On Your Mark", produced by Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Simone is a talented quilter and seamstress and we got to meet in person at Quiltcon where she was sporting some really fun clothing and accessories made with her new fabric line.

Because I was admiring some of the clothing Simone and the designers at Indigo Junction made with her fabric, and because I'm making a bunch of clothes these days, I thought I'd go that route, making myself something fun for spring, with some design twists that could be replicated at home, should anyone desire to make a fun skirt for themselves.

I started with a self-drafted A-line skirt pattern and a few yards of On Your Mark in this color way.

The skirt is a classic silhouette, in a knee skimming length, perfect for spring in Colorado, when the weather can be sandals one day and boots the next.

Using the repetitive design in the background fabric as an element, I cut into the fabric adding small snippets of contrasting colors from Simone's line as focal points. I placed these fabrics on both the front and the back, because it's my personal opinion that your garment should look good coming and going. Because I wanted the placement to be specific, I didn't add the contrasting fabric until after the skirt was finished, but depending on how comfortable you are with this technique (which is prepped like the initial steps in a welted pocket, but curved), you certainly could try first and then use that modified fabric to construct your garment. As a design alternative, these shapes could be added as an appliqué feature, but my preference in garments is a more tailored look, hence the use of an inset element instead of an appliquéd one.

If you want to try my method then do this:
1. Using the fabric pattern as your guide, trace the cut line then cut along this line following the  design along the curve.

 2. Stop 1/2" from the ends and clip at a 45 degree angle to where you want your curve to end (again, I used the pattern on the fabric as my guide).

 3. Clip curves and corners and iron the fabric to the back.

 I use a little bit of glue to hold those tiny fabric snips in place, but you could also use starch.    





Ironing the concave curve is easier than ironing the convex curve. Take your time and overlap the clipped corners to get a nice shape.

4. The contrasting colored fabric of your choice is then added to the back, glue-basted to keep things from moving.

                        

5.  Stitch in place via a very skinny seam on the front of the fabric. Using complimentary thread makes this step almost invisible.

6. The stitch line is hard to see because the thread color was chosen to purposely disguise it.

These insets are small, about 2.5 inches across and about 1/2" in width. 

I up-cycled a old button in black and white plaid for the back waistband

 and used an exposed metal zipper that stands out just the right amount.

Hiding, but equally as fun is a right sided (I'm right handed) pocket hidden in the side seam allowance. The pocket is lined in a contrasting fabric (see below for the fabric pattern numbers)  and stay stitched to the skirt front panel to keep it from moving without adding bulk to the design when in use.

You can see the right sided pocket in contrasting fabric from the side.

All the fabrics were pre-washed to prevent bleeding and for shrinkage control. 

You could easily choose any of Simone's prints for your creation, making it personal to suit your wardrobe and the colors you prefer. Each contrasting inset uses only snippets of fabric, so you don't add much to the overall cost by purchasing small amounts, or if your design dictates and you want to be economical, using the same fabric for all the insets.

If you want to try something similar, I used the following fabrics from the On Your Mark line in this project based on my self drafted pattern:
120-10771 (1.5 yards, skirt)
120-10782 (FQ, skirt pocket)
120-10762/10741/10742/10762 (charm square each, skirt insets)

In addition I used a 7" metal zipper and a up-cycled button, complimentary thread in black.
Depending on the pattern you choose, you should follow the recommendations and yardage on the  back side of your pattern envelope for the best possible outcome.

What I love most about this fabric is it's versatility.  You know you have a great line when you can make equally lovely quilted items and clothing!

Paintbrush Studios is generously donating a FQ bundle of some of Simone's On Your Mark line to each blogger to give away.  Leave me a comment here, or on my IG feed about this project and I will pick one lucky winner at the completion of the blog hop! Tell me what you would make with Simone's fabulous fabric -  "On Your Mark", get set GO! (leave a comment!!).

Here are the other makers. Go visit them and enter their giveaways to increase your chances of winning.

Tuesday, April 17: Simone @simone.g.b   https://www.simonebradford.com

Wednesday, April 18: Elizabeth @occasionalpiecequilt; OPQuilt

Thursday, April 19: ME

Friday, April 20: Linda @quiltlady63

Saturday, April 21: Joan@alaskanquilter

Sunday, April 22: Carol @carolanngillen

Monday, April 23: Sarah @nohatsquilts

Tuesday, April 24: Afton @quiltingmod; Quilting Mod

Wednesday, April 25: Alison @quiltstudio62

Thursday, April 26: @pbstudiofabrics; Inspired by Fabric

March Madness with Paint Brush Studios 2018

You may also be a basketball fan, but if you're reading this you're also a quilter and a fan of fabric (I mean who isn't). Paintbrush studios is doing this fun event again with 16 paired fabric bundles from 16 unique quilters and designers.

"Cartagena"

Inspiration/story: This bundle reflects the door, window and building colors from a recent trip to Cartagena, Colombia. That city glows with a vibrant Caribbean vibe that is ever so slightly muted by the bright equatorial sun. 

 I used a photograph of one of the many doors from the old city and cut triangles of my fabric choices to make a mini banner to decorate the door, strung with Aurifil 30 weight cotton thread. For a better look at those yummy solids scroll down a bit. (The photo before cropping is at the bottom of this post-no I didn't bring a pretty banner on my trip.)

You can vote once a day in each of the 3 venues.

Inspired by Fabric blog

Facebook

Instagram

Pick your favorite color combination and cheer them all the way to the final "game". Voting through the last day puts you in the running for a FQ bundle of the winning fabric. 4 very lucky people will be selected and their winning FQ bundle will come directly from Paintbrush Studio. 

So go ahead and comment here, but remember only the comments on Paintbrush Studios blog, IG and FB accounts "count". 

***Voting runs Sunday, March 18^th through Monday, April 1^st***

 "Cartagena"

You'll need this visual to VOTE, "beauty" shots will only found on the quilters feeds. 

"The before"

 I don't know, this cracks me up.......

Good Luck everyone

I am Mighty Lucky

December is my month- come learn all about "Pulling from the Past" right here. Members just sign in, or you can join for the month!

I will be giving away the 2 mini quilts featured in the projects section. You have to be a Mighty Lucky Quilting Club member to win. Stay tuned for details. It's not too late to join in on the fun.

When you are sewing along and creating, please make sure to tag your makes #mightylucky and please tag me too @spontaneousthreads

Have fun!

Improv Blog Hop Winner

Brenda your comment was chosen by Mr. Random for the Improv Blog Hop Giveaway!!!

"I really enjoyed your post on this lovely quilt. I have never considered using wool and it is a fantastic choice, especially for the car. So thank you for enlightening my quilting fabric choices. I have to have something to drink in the car and always have a gallon of fresh water available. Have a great day! "

You are the lucky winner of  a curated FQ bundle of Amy Friend's Improv fabric.  I've sent you an email with further details. Congratulations!!