Turtles Turtles Everywhere

....and the award for most densely quilted thing to ever leave my studio goes to...
*drumroll*

...this Turtle quilt.

I don't know what came over me, a bit of thread fever or free motion optimism, but whatever it was, I was compelled to quilt this thing into total texture overdrive.
The pictures really don't do it justice. The quilt is so fun to run your hands over, there's pebbles and lines and of course these cute little guys. 

It was a ton of work and my wrists need a break, but I think the effort was worthwhile. This Turtle quilt wraps up my set for Quilts for Kids, and is at the post office as we speak.  Bye bye turtles, enjoy the trip and give your person a hug from me!

Cause: Quilts for KidsSize: 36 x 48"
Fabrics:  Robert KauffmanPattern: Quilts for Kids
Quilting: Free Motion pebbles, lines swirls and turtles - on my domestic machine
Completed: July 2017

Rainy Day Duck Quilt

Have you heard the phrase, "It's lovely weather for a duck?"

  It rained last weekend, which made for excellent quilt studio time.

In between the NOAA radio chirping flash flood warnings (did I mention it was ALOT of rain?), I couldn't help but sing "Rubber Ducky, You're the one!" while I worked on it.

 This is another QFK finish, so out it goes, hot off the press and off to comfort a child in need. 

Pattern: Quilts for Kids
Size: 36 x 48"

Fabrics:  Robert Kauffman

Pattern: Quilts for Kids

Quilting: Free Motion Waves - on my domestic machine 

Completed: July 2017

String Basket Quilt

Sometimes you don't know. And then when you know, you know.

You know what I mean?  No? Let me explain.

I didn't know where this quilt would go, or what purpose it would serve, when I first started piecing it.  Initially it was just about using up scraps and playing along with a block swap. 

Fast-forward a few years and I was talking to my fairy quilt mother (aka my local longarmer who did the lovely quilting on Made in Color and Sassafras Leaves) and she told me about a fantastic organization that her guild was sewing for, called Positive Tomorrows. The non-profit provides school and education for homeless children in the OKC metro.  As someone who is married to a public school educator, I can only imagine what challenges home students and their teachers face.

When Diane told me what a need there was these children, and her guild's ongoing commitment to wrap those kids in a homemade quilt, I knew I had a top that meant to go to this cause.  I called my local quilt store and rented a few hours on their longarm, and BAM. Finally, this scrap basket quilt is quilted and has a purpose!

I absolutely loved quilting this, it was like a treasure hunt! With each block I re-discovered pops of patterns and hidden gems as I traveled over the blocks. 

I wanted to contrast the geometric lines with some movement in the quilting, so it has pebbles in the white lattice and swirly curves in the striped sections.

If there wasn't already a caucophony of color, the finishing touches were a bright purple backing and swirly rainbow binding.  

Last week this quilt joined a tall pile of beauties that the OKMQA members have been making for the special students of Positive Tomorrows. No matter where I go, or what guild I visit, the quilters I meet always inspire me, great job, OKMQA!

Cause: Positive Tomorrows
Size: 36 x 48"

Fabrics:  Assorted (block swap)

Binding: Circle Play by Henry Glass

Pattern: 6.5" String Blocks 

Quilting: Longarm (HandiQuilter Avante) - Pebbles and Curves 

Completed: July 2017

#PewterAcornQuiltsinAction

Have you ever wondered what happens to the Pewter Acorn quilts you see here on Facebook? Well the answer is, it depends... they usually go to 1 of 3 places:

1. My friends and family - every quilt I gift is loaded up with positive thoughts. They are my long distance hugs and I hope they are used often. If they get worn out, even better! That gives me a reason to make another!

2. Back to the community - as my quilting journey continues, I am committed to bringing comfort to people who need it and supporting causes that speak to my heart.

3. Customers- it's an honor to bring a custom quilt to life for you and your loved ones!

Quilting is my passion, so its always fun to see where they go. If you have or see spot a Pewter Acorn Quilt in action, I'd LOVE to see it! Snap a pic and share it here, you'll make my day! Brownie points if you tag it #PewterAcornQuiltsinAction