Monday night we were invited to a Chinese New Year celebration sponsored by the Kindergarten through third grades at Jenny P. Steward Elementary. Ethan, who is in second grade and Ingrid in Kindergarten are participating in the Mandarin immersion program which has them studying 2/3 of the day in Mandarin and 1/3 in English. They are thriving and all the classes put on a wonderful cultural exchange program including the first and second grade students (Ethan) showing how a dragon dance is done with enthusiasm.
This winter has given me an opportunity to get some quilting done while practicing the "art" of machine quilting. The first one is finished with a large stippling stitch.
Allison was over so I recruited her to help hold the quilt with Roger. Ana quickly got into the act as well.
The quilt above was pieced by Allison who asked if I wouldn't quilt it for her. I told her yes, as it would give me a good chance to practice another machine stitch, large teardrop loops. I completely covered the quilt with stitching and quickly realized I really have to add to my supply of threads before any more projects are put in the pipeline.
This quilt was made from left overs of a quilt that still needs to be quilted. It was really fun to throw together without any pattern to follow. It follows well with the modern quilts you are seeing everywhere.
I used the same teardrop design, but also added pebbles and straight lines. Overall, I was quite pleased with how it turned out.
I'm looking forward to slowly withdrawing from my quilt room and spending more time outdoors. The sun was out yesterday, but it was still too cold to get much melting underway. I will keep my thoughts positive.
Doesn't Ingrid look as cute as a button in her outfit!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the quilts.
On the first quilt, I am trying to work out how you got the rectangle into the middle of the blocks, as it does not look pieced. Surely it isn't inset seams?
See, this is why I don't do pieced quilts, my mind is already trying to find a simpler way to make this quilt.
Well done Alison on your quilt! We are going to have to get you into machine quilting, so that you can get ALL the glory for your quilt! Who gets it?
Janice, like you both, I just love the last quilt. The cool colours with that hot touch of orange - superb colours. I am really leaning towards the modern quilt trend, with what I perceive to be simpler shapes, larger designs and generally less fuss.
Interestingly I just love this trend towards the large pieced backs too. I fell in love with them after seeing one of Chrissy's quilts, and I know that if I ever do another big quilt, I shall have to try some of these ideas.
Your quilting is really bounding beautifully across your quilts these days, I am so impressed.
What a great start to the new year!