Blogger's Quilt Festival Spring 2013

It's that time of year again. Time for the Blogger's Quilt Festival sponsored by Amy's Creative Side. For those of us who don't get to attend Quilt Market, this is such a wonderful way to see all the amazing quilting going on out there. Be sure to hop over to Amy's site and browse through all the linkys.

I had the hardest time deciding what to enter. Lots of things are in the works but not many finished projects. Looking back over this past year I realized one of my favorites was the quilt I made from a layer cake of Moda's Tradewinds fabric line. A very summery quilt that I'm looking forward to using again this summer.

I had never used a precut bundle of fabric before but this line just spoke to me. Fresh, eclectic, a touch of the exotic. I just love the little tea cups. Makes the perfect print for a backyard garden tea party. I bought more tea cup fabric to make napkins. Just need to sew them up.

I used my Cascade pattern for the quilt and made a table runner with the leftovers. The pattern tells you how to use your scraps as you piece the top so the extra blocks are done at the same time. Love the runner just as much as the quilt itself. Very scrappy, yet coordinates well with the quilt. And it looks perfect with my strawberry dishes don't you think?

Designed, made and quilted by me.
Categories:  throw and scrappy.

Grab a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy visiting all the other links. You'll definitely be inspired.  : )

My First Pattern!

I’m super excited to share my quilt with you here at the Bloggers' Quilt Festival. My festival quilt marks a huge turning point for me and my quilting. 

Last year I finally discovered all you talented, enthusiastic quilters in blogland. A little late arriving, but so glad I finally made it to the party. A quilter for 15 plus years, I’ve never quite felt the connection to other quilters that I feel now as I discover more and more of your inspiring blogs. I’ve been more excited and inspired than I’ve been in years. So this year, I decided to join you and play along. My hat's off to Amy for creating this great online event.

Bloggers' Festival marks the introduction to my newbie blog and my very own quilt business, SpringLeaf Studios. And my festival quilt, Facets, is the very first of my pdf patterns to be released for sale. I have to tell you, it’s super exciting and scary all at the same time. I hope you like my quilt as much as I like looking at all of yours.

I’m a designer at heart and by training, so when I design a new quilt, I’m always exploring all the hidden potential within that design. There’s always more than one way to do something and I love looking at all the options. Simple changes to colors, fabrics and placement can make significant changes to the look of a quilt. One of the goals with my patterns is to share my process and explorations with you so that you can envision more possibilities beyond the featured design. 

The Facets pattern comes with 2 versions, optional sizes, plus 8 additional ideas and a bonus pillow project that's made from the trimmed leftovers. It’s like getting one pattern with endless possibilities. Pattern is available at Craftsy and in my Etsy shop. Check it out.

Lastly, I want to thank you for sharing all your inspiring work with the rest of us. No matter your level of experience, I believe we all have something to offer. You never know when your own little idea might be just what someone needs to give them inspiration to make something beautiful. And nothing is more beautiful and meaningful than something made by hand and with our heart for those we love. That’s what quilting gives to me. The opportunity to share my creativity and make the world more beautiful. : )

Here's a final shot of both quilts. Don't you just love that striped chair? My talented daughter, Emily, redid it last summer for her apartment. Love it!