Guild Challenge Completed!

My 3rd finish for 2014 is the 2 crayon/color guild challenge..."solid" fabrics colored with Crayolas on white Kona, shapes cut and pieced without a plan, and each shape machine quilted differently.  The finished size is 10"x12".  I really like the way it turned out!

Challenge Mini-Quilt

One of my guild's is doing a 2-crayon challenge.  You must use the randomly selected crayons and can use any other colors as well.  I reached into the bag and pulled out "periwinkle" and "robin's egg blue".  I spent the afternoon and evening coloring my fabric with crayons in periwinkle, robin's egg, carnation pink, dandelion, and yellow green.  I paired the colored fabric with a bright print from my stash.  I think the resulting 10x12 mini-quilt top turned out nicely!  Now to sandwich, quilt, and bind it.

Hooray for March!

February wasn't awesome...an upper respiratory infection that lasted 3 weeks, a failed half-marathon thanks to horrible blisters, "stuff" at work, and just a total lack of creativity.  The first week of March has been much better!  A friend and I went to Melbourne, FL, yesterday for the Seaside Piecemakers Quilt Show.   It was a super show with lots of quality in and variety of quilts.  Thanks to everyone who made the show possible!

2nd Finish of 2014

A few years ago, I decided to use Bonnie Hunter's "Scrap User's System" (http://quiltville.com/scrapusersystem.shtml).  I cut and cut...and cut...and cut...and cut fabric into different sizes and shapes.  While the system seems to work for everyone else, apparently I like to make quilts in every size and shape except the sizes and shapes in which I have those cut pieces.  One of my goals for 2014 is to use as many of those pre-cut sizes and shapes as possible.

This quilt actually went together quickly.  I sewed those pre-cut 2x4's together whenever I had a few minutes in the evening.  Within a couple of weeks, the strips were completed.  The white and green kona fabrics and the flannel backing were sitting on my shelves so got pulled and used.  The quilting is minimal...just vertical lines 1/4" from each strip's edge.  (I do think I should have used a little more quilting.)

I really like this quilt.  It has a "usable" look to it and is cheery.

The Beaded "S", part 1

I've always been fascinated by the bright and shiny.  Over the past few years, I've collected a variety of beads and baubles - with a vague plan of making jewelry - and just stored everything in a box. 

Last night, I pulled out the stiffened felt "S" I bought last weekend, some flower beads I bought for a project that didn't get made, and some seed beads and just started "playing".  This is the work in progress....

I'm not sure about the large leaf at the bottom.  I'm probably going to remove that leaf and use a couple of the smaller ones...or maybe another flower...or something...

January 2014 Bead Journal Project

I am participating in the 2014 Bead Journal Project.  Robin Atkins, bead artist extraordinaire, is the mastermind behind the BJP.  Basically, the Bead Journal Project, which was inspired by the Quilt Journal Project, is a monthly journal entry in the form of art.  Other than the piece must have some beading, there are few requirements, parameters, or rules.  The BJP is a wonderfully creative way to explore thoughts, feelings, and activities.

My BJP piece for 2014 is "In Control". 

This year is about being in control of my life and myself...personally, professionally, financially, physically, emotionally, etc.    Notice that the words "In Control" are slightly askew; this is to remind me that "the best laid plans...often go astray".  The puzzle piece charm represents all the different aspects of my life and myself.  The flowers are reminders to "stop and smell the roses" along the way.  The minimal beading along the edges stands for "keep it simple"; the fact that it isn't straight might be the Universe's way of telling me not to take things too seriously.  The purple fabric is from my stash and is what "spoke" to me for this project.

I originally envisioned something entirely different!  I had planned for a different theme, elaborate beading, a round shape, etc.  Somehow, this is what I created...and this is an absolutely perfect snapshot of this moment.

1st Finish of 2014, 1st Start of 2014

My first finish of 2014 is a bright bird quilt for a colleague's baby shower.

The pattern is "Bird Crossing" by Feed Dog.

The quilt was finished on Sunday and delivered yesterday so I was able to start a new project last night.  This is from one piece of fabric.  I cut four 2.5" identical squares then twist and turn them to make new patterns.  So far, I really like the way this is looking...even in a cell phone photo!

Great Minds Thinking Alike...

When I was brainstorming the name of my new blog, I plugged words I liked into a thesaurus and made a list of the ones that resonated.  When I came across "exuberant", I thought it was the perfect word to describe how I want to live and create. 

Imagine my surprise when, during a conversation with a friend on Saturday, I learned of another blog that has the word "exuberant" in its title.  Today, I took some time to visit the other "Exuberant"..."Exuberant Color" at http://exuberantcolor.blogspot.com/.  I think this woman is my long-lost sister!  Her quilts are wonderfully colorful and I enjoyed reading through her recent posts.  I hope that - once my blog has been around a while - she will feel the same about my "Exuberant...".

Road Trip...Friends, Fun, and Fabric!

Three friends and I took a road trip - 3 hours each way - to The Quilt Place in Rockledge, Florida.  The Quilt Place is one of the best quilt shops!  It's huge, has an incredible variety and selection, and the staff is always friendly.  On the way back, we stopped in St. Augustine at both Bee's Quilt Shop and Magrieta's Quilt Shop.  These two shops are always a treat to visit.  Best of all, I got to spend the day with fabulous friends!

 

My purchases (ignore the poor lighting!):

 



 This was an end-of-bolt fabric so was 20% off.  I'm tempted to use "as is" since it's so unique.

 

 This gray print struck me as very modern.  I'm planning on using a lot of this as background with "shots" of bright solid colors interspersed.

 

 This is actually a black fabric but the flash showed the subtle patterning.  It's a Robert Kaufmann linen-look.

 

 Isn't this a terrific print?  It was on the sale wall for $6 a yard!  I got enough for a backing!

 

 The gold, lime, and orange are blenders for a trio of fabrics I bought on a previous outing.

 

 I'm collecting "I Spy" fabrics.  These birds will be perfect...

 

 ...as will the nursery rhyme characters...

 

 ...and the cute little kids that remind me of the old-fashioned Campbell Soup kids.

 

My final purchase was this bright and colorful piece for bead embroidery.

 

 

One of my friends brought a few additional pieces for my future I Spy quilt.

 

The first load of fabrics is in the washer - I wash almost everything immediately because of allergies.  I'm probably too tired to be creative tonight but it's a happy, relaxed tired...

 



New Iron...It's Cordless!

After looking at this iron for months, I finally broke down and bought it.  UPS delivered it today and I just plugged it in.  I'm hoping it works like a dream!

Update:  One hour later, I've unplugged it and put it to the side.  It's "ok" but doesn't get hot enough or stay hot long enough.  The disadvantages outweigh the benefits.  Now I'm just hoping Amazon will take it back.

Off to a Fabulous Start!

Each January 1st, the owner of my yoga studio gifts one or two students with a year of free yoga.  I was blessed to be one of the chosen students for 2014!  I'm looking forward to improving my yoga practice and overall health this year.