While in Wisconsin at the quilt retreat last week I had the opportunity to do a lot of visiting, a lot of learning, a lot of laughing, and a lot of eating…and, of course, quite a bit of sewing. One of the projects I worked on was my Painted Ladies quilt (pattern by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Company). I had sewn a sample for Joanna for market this spring and knew I wanted to make a scrappy version for myself. I had so much fun pulling the fabrics from my stash for this quilt in the days before I left.
The blocks are simple to piece and can be created from a layer cake, charm squares, or your scrap bin. I still need to pick an outer border for this, but it’s good to have it nearly finished. I actually pieced the blocks while in Wisconsin and set them together after I recovered from the trip home. (My trip home included an extra long layover in Denver –5 hours–due to weather and another hour in the plane on the tarmac due to runway closures…so yes ,I had a little recovering to do).
Another project I worked on at the retreat was my mini-tumbler quilt. These mini tumblers finish at 1 1 /4″ tall and were so irresistable! Several of us worked on similar projects using the pre-cut pieces we purchased from Primitive Gatherings. The tumbler pieces came in lights and darks, so it was easy to pick up a couple of packs and have a quick quilt finish!
I’m a little stumped as to how to quilt this one…any ideas?
I also (finally) finished my own Hopscotch quilt (pattern by Camille). I pieced the sample version for Camille over a year and a half ago, and have wanted to make my own version ever since. I nearly finished at the retreat but had left a block at home and had to add the last row when I returned. (This version uses Vanessa’s Simply Color collection and is really a lot brighter and happier than my photo shows).
Finally, I was determined to learn a little about wool applique’ while on this retreat. Lisa Bongean was incredibly generous in giving me some terrific lessons…and I asked every question I could think of while I was there. I still need to add the last stitches to the berries, and then I’ll decide how to finish my little piece–frame it or make it into a pillow perhaps? I love the richness of the wool and the texture it adds to projects. I’m really looking forward to using wool applique’ on cotton backgrounds now that I have learned this technique.
The retreat was amazing–I came home relaxed, refreshed and inspired. I may have come home a lot more willing to sew with some more traditional fabrics, too. Something about being in the mid-west with the rolling green hills made it the perfect start to my summer. I also did a lot of thinking during the lay-over in Denver. I really pondered about how many people have shared their knowledge and their inspiration and their friendship with me on this quilting journey, and I truly want to work harder to make my blog a “giving back” place where I can hopefully share with all of you. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Sandy says
Thanks for sharing what you are working on. It is inspiring to see color combinations and patterns used.
Glad you have fun -quilting with friends is the best
Sheila says
Beautiful projects. All of them. Especially love the Painted Ladies and the tiny tumblers.
tink's mom says
Sounds like you had a retreat that was pretty much all a retreat is supposed to be. You came away with so much more than you started with on all levels. Glad that it was such a success.
Cindy says
Retreats are so refreshing for the soul. I always come home inspired. Sounds like you did the same. It's funny to me how we come home after days of straight sewing, wanting to sew more!
Maria Royce says
I think you already do such a wonderful job on your blog. It's my fave quilt blog! You are very inspiring! Thanks for your insight, beautiful pics/projects and nice words.
Kate says
Love your Painted Ladies and your Hopscoth. Look forward to seeing how you quilt them.
Sharon Hughson says
I'd do continuous curves on the tumbler quilt probably. HIH
Thimbleanna says
So fun to see what you worked on. And interesting to see you looking at more traditional fabrics! Come back to the midwest and we'll take you to see LOTS of traditional quilting!!! ;-D
Fran says
Beautiful butterflies!
Eressea says
Love the quilts! I'm working on a tumbler quilt myself in red-white. You might want to check out Supergoof for the quilting, she's made this quilt (in fact, she started a hype in the Netherlands a few yers back), and she quilted it in a bit of a wave, through the upper and lower side of each tumbler. You can see it here: http://supergoof-quilts.blogspot.nl/2012/01/en-nu-nog-de-droger.html
Angie says
I love all of the projects that you worked on. :p I am totally in love with the butterflies! 🙂
Carla says
Beautiful projects. Your mini tumbler is darling!
Linda says
Did I miss the post about the winners of your book? If I've overlooked it, I'm embarrassed. 🙂
CathyK says
Oh Sherri! Those quilts are gorgeous! I just love the fabrics you work with and you do such beautiful work!
Nanette Merrill says
Love the butterflies. The fabrics are beautiful.
Sinta Renee says
Wow, what an amazing group of projects to accomplish at your retreat! That is a lot of progress! I have been wanting to start that Painted Ladies quilt myself. And I just purchased the Hopscotch pattern… it arrived yesterday. I can't imagine how much talking you did while getting all of those beautiful projects made:)
Kitty says
Sounds like a wonderful retreat and you got so much done! Can you share info about the retreat venue? Thanks!
play says
Still wondering if you will share where you spent your "retreat"? Name of place etc…..looks like it was time well spent!
Nita says
oooooooooo! a retreat! how lovely!
suemac says
Your Hopscotch quilt in Simply Color is very bright and cheerful.
Helen L says
I love all the quilts that you worked on: I have the hopscotch pattern and am going to have to get the butterfly one!! And I feel you do give back: I love the inspiration you give me by sharing your sewing!! Hugs, H in Healdsburg
KMSC says
Your Painted Ladies quilt is beautiful. I've been meaning to order the pattern ever since I saw your rendition in Market photos. I also love the wool applique picture you stitched. Lisa Bongean's website is one of my favorites.
Donna Phelps says
I especially liked the Painted Lady after seeing the pics of it at the Spring Market. You did a beautiful job. In fact, all your quilts are wonderful.If you would like to see more wool work, check out the Rasberry Rabbits if you have not already.
Sandy says
I realllly enjoy your blog…how could you make it any better?? 😉 I can't believe your tumblers are only 1 1/4". I actually held my fingers up to measure in the air! So cute.
mascanlon says
Wow, what a wide variety of fun projects Sherri. I find I too jump from one style to the next in both patterns and fabrics. Don't know whether I am bored easily or if I just love too many things to stick to one!
Leanne says
You have made some beautiful projects. I have just made the butterfly bed runner from fig tree, it was such a fun quilt to do. Yours looks lovely.
elena piña garcia says
Amazing projects!! As always so so nice.
Have you published the winners of your electronic book???
I don't see the post anywhere..thanks for the opportunity of having one!
Kisses from Valencia, Spain
Carol says
A retreat with friends is sooooooooo wonderful…just so good for you! Love your projects…those tumblers are AWESOME!
Bari Jo says
Sherri – you are so sweet – your blog already has been a giving place – I've learned so very much from you and gotten a lot of inspiration from your beautiful photos and projects you share! :o)
Mary Ann says
Wonderful and gorgeous projects you did at the retreat. I had never been to Wisconsin until a couple weeks ago when I went on my annual bus trip shop hop. I thought it was a beautiful state with all the rolling hills. We went to 7 different quilt shops. I would love to go back to the area of Wisconsin that you were at. I already looked it up on a map and is only 9 hours from me. Maybe someday. I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing all the wonderful items you make and show us on the blog.
trish says
First, thank you for sharing your friendship and quilting knowledge with us. I have really enjoyed reading your blog and getting to know you. :o)
Your quilt projects are amazing! Wow did you get a lot accomplished. :o)