It seems like just the other day I couldn’t believe that April had already arrived–and now it’s nearly over! During April we have beautiful weather here in southern Nevada, so I’m trying to take a little time each day to sit outside and enjoy the spring before it’s time to hibernate inside for the summer. Many of the days have been a blur, though, with a lot of market sewing and paper grading going on over here. I’ve officially finished my market sewing, and on Friday night I finally had the house to myself and some time to make one of those “it has been on the ‘to do’ list forever” kind of projects. Now, I’ve already made two Swoon quilts; I pieced the original Swoon sample for Camille in the spring of 2011, and before the first block was even finished I had fallen head over heels for her pattern. So I made one for myself (you can see it in the center photo of my blog header) and have loved it. But, you know Swoon is one of those patterns you can’t seem to tire of, and I’ve wanted to make one lone Swoon block for quite some time now.
Part of the reason it took me so long to piece this block was the fact that I couldn’t decide on fabrics (isn’t that always the case?). Finally I chose my favorite floral and the terrific gray dot on gray from Happy Go Lucky. I’m hoping to add a small white border and then get this quilted and hung in the sewing room this week.
I also worked a little this weekend on my “Small Plates” quilt (from the book Modern Patchwork by Elizabeth Hartman). I’m using Tula Pink fabrics from several of her collections and finished up 20 more blocks yesterday.
This brings my total to 60 blocks with only 20 left. Some more Tula fabric is on the way that should let me finish up the quilt top in the next week.
Finally…a little sneak peek at some of my market sewing. Pictured above is one of the adorable blocks from Joanna’s pattern “Cherry Pie” which will be available in a couple of weeks. She shared a sneek peak of one version of this quilt the other day on her Facebook page and said I could share this on my blog. Joanna’s version uses some of her older collections while I got to sew with her new line, Honeysweet. If you like cherries you’ll definitely fall head over heels for this quilt. It is a good sized quilt that goes together quickly. The cherry pieces can be made from charm squares, so it’s a great stash quilt as well.
International Quilt Market is approaching quickly, and I’m so excite–I can hardly wait! My last class at the college is the day before I leave, so the timing couldn’t have been better. I still have a few things to prepare for that as I’ll be giving a SchoolHouse presentation on my book A Quilting Life: Creating a Handmade Home
and will also have a book signing to do while I’m there. If you’re planning on attending market, I’d love to know!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Auntie Pami says
I'm going!
Izzy IzzyR says
Your blocks look beautiful !!
Jan Marie says
I love the cherries, I only wish I was going. Have a great time.
Miriam says
I love your Swoon block!
Congratulations on your book. Have a great time at market! (Its a bit too far away for me to come)
laurajane says
Beautiful blocks,I really love the swoon .Ihave the pattern,but I'm too afraid to start it,for it looks very complicated.x
Stitched With Prayer says
Oh Sherri…your Swoon block is gorgeous!!! I have waffled back and forth for over 6 months on fabric for mine and I finally decided on black, white and grey, with some red accents here and there in each block. I can't wait to get started but have to clear out a couple of projects first, before I dive into the Swoon. Besides, I'm also looking for the perfect reds to use in it. Having a bit of a problem finding just the right ones. I want something bright, with a nice selection of smaller prints and a few pretty tone on tones. I know it's out there, and I will find it. Hopefully pretty soon, LOL. I was supposed to meet a friend from Australia, in Portland for a nice day of Shop hopping and lunch, then I was heading down to Bend to see my brother who is having knee replacement surgery that day. But, not going to happen. My grandson (one of the two we raised), got a call that his report date for Navy Basic training was moved up a month to the 16th of May and we need to be here for a big family dinner and to see him off on his way out into the big wide world. I'm sorry to miss my friend from Australia, Gail Pan. She designs really wonderful stitchery and applique quilts. I was fortunate enough to spend an entire day showing her and her friend Sandra who came over with her for her first Market, when it was here in Utah in 2010 and we had such a wonderful time. Also really sad that I won't get to see how my brother is doing with his surgery…But…life happens to all of us and we just roll with it.
Linh says
I love the cherries can't wait for the pattern to come out
CathyK says
That Swoon block is stunning! Those cherries look so cute!
gailss says
Love your 'Swoon' block and can see where this would be addicting….hmmmm, wonder if I have time for another project???
Thansk, Gail
Thimbleanna says
Love that swoon block — it will be super cute as a wall hanging. Can't wait to see you at market — it's sneaking up on us!
Sinta Renee says
First of all, congratulations again on your book! There are so many fun projects in it! The schoolhouse classes at Market are going to be so fun for you.
I was just thinking this morning about my half way finished Swoon! I really love the one on your header… but this one is really romantic and home-ie looking.
mindingmomma says
love the small plates blocks
Chris S says
You are right the Swoon never seems to get old! Your quilt on the page banner is so beautiful, one of my favorites! Love your new block too. I must make one of these soon as well!
Chris S says
P.S., the cherry is adorable as well. And love the small plates too. It's ALL good 🙂
Patricia Lessell says
I LOVE your Swoon block and had just decided to stitch one block for my sewing room too.
Sandy says
I love the new cherry pattern. Can't wait to get my hands on it. The colors in your new swoon block are beautiful!
Helen L says
I love the blue and grey you used on your Swoon block: But it figures, since in my book, navy is the neutral black. I'm so glad to see navy being used now in more collections. I'll have to buy lots while it is available!! good luck on your Market prep: and I love those cherry blocks. Off to see Joanna's FB page: need to see more!! Enjoy your spring weather: I think the Las Vegas weather came here that last week! It's about 95 degrees here in the northern SF bay area: yuck!!
Abby says
Love this swoon block! So impressed you just keep making them. I can't seem to get my one quilt done! I LOVE it out of Happy Go Lucky! Have fun at market – can't wait to see all your pictures on Instagram. Take lots so we can pretend like we are there!
Sheri Salatin says
I love your swoon block! I'm planning on starting that quilt next month. Choosing fabrics has been my biggest challenge too. I'm hoping I'll love making this pattern as much as everyone else has. 🙂
Great job! 🙂
Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts says
I would love to go to market just to meet you and get a signed copy of your book! Alas, I won't be there. Have a wonderful time! I absolutely love all your quilts.