Catching up in the studio

I finally got back into my studio.  It was great to be in Virginia with Willa.  It was fun to spend three days with Bella.  It was very good to find my studio waiting for me this morning.  I have a very long list of things I need to get made before the end of the month.  Today, I worked on pieces that are due next week.  The first was this top for my April AAQI quilt.

I have always loved traditional Amish quilts.  The colors and the simplicity of the designs really grab my attention.  The traditional Amish Bars quilt is one of my favorites.  I have never made one, however, so I decided it was time.  I bought a fat quarter bundle of these Kona solids at The Old Country Store in Intercourse, PA.  There are also two more pieces in the purple/pink family.  The AAQI quilts can be no larger than 9" x 12", so I drew this out and figured out some measurements that would let me create this quilt in the Amish style.  I had fun figuring out which colors to use where.  In the end, I am very happy with it.  I have to do some research to see how it should be quilted.  I think there are more Amish minis in my future.

This second piece is also due next week.  It is for the lilies quilt swap over at 15 Minutes Play.  I started out with something completely different in mind.  I had pieced some pink and blue and was going to make yellow lilies.  I showed my made fabric to Willa, and she was very kind, but she didn't think it would work well, especially given the photo we had just received of the quilt I was sent. I will post a photo of it, along with the details of the incredible work on the quilt, on the 18th. I decided on a new color scheme, and off we went to Jinny Beyer's studio in Great Falls.  Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera that day.  The shop is quite wonderful.  I was able to find all the fabrics I wanted in fat quarters, so this piece is all Jinny Beyer's fabric.  It is really nice to work with.  The pattern is by Victoria, and it took a little longer than I thought it would.  I had great success with the Y seams in the flowers, amazingly enough.  I think I have totally conquered my fear of them now.  I don't know how many people participated in this swap, but on the 18th, head over to 15 Minutes Play and take a look at them all.

Tomorrow, I will be in the studio again, continuing to have fun catching up.  I have bee blocks, a doll quilt for a swap, donation blocks, and my mystery quilt to work on.  I also have to clean the house in preparation for a talk and food tasting we are hosting on Sunday.  It is nice to be home.

Joyful quilting, everyone.