Sunday, February 28, 2016

Three Days with Gwen

"Housetop"  59" x 59"
I've just returned from a lovely three-day retreat on medallion quilts with Gwen Marston. 





While preparing for the retreat, I thought I'd take all my spare blocks 
and work them around this Gee's Bend inspired log cabin.
It might have worked, but I decided to expand on the original design instead.





One old dress, two tablecloths, an apron and a friend's scrap later, 
it began to take shape.  
The corners are one log cabin block that I quartered--
one of Gwen's many brilliant suggestions.




The retreat was in beautiful Port Gamble, Washington, 
offered by the Quilted Strait quit shop.  




This sewing room was right across the street from the quilt shop.




This is the view from my sewing table.  
It's a miracle anyone got anything done!



Some of us ate lunch outside and enjoyed the quiet surroundings.




I caught the sunset on the ferry ride home.
A perfect weekend!




A windy photo shoot.  Good thing Mr. Nifty can perform Photo Shop magic!



Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Amish Quilt for a Modern Baby


A friend's daughter is having a baby.  
We don't know if it's a boy or girl.


I was told the baby's home is "very modern...
clean lines, little color, mostly white and gray."
Definitely not my style.
What to do?



I consulted my go-to book for baby quilt inspiration.
Amish quilts look modern to me.  
They're also something I like to make.




I settled on this one.  
I like it for its scrappy strips and unique sashing.




I modified the design, used a modern color palate,
and quilted it with a modern grid. 




A quick bow and an Ikea bag,  
and I'm ready for the baby shower!