Highlights of Quilt Show in Port Clinton, Ohio

I had a wonderful working holiday in Port Clinton, Ohio.  Two weekends ago the Ohio Star Guild had it's quilt show. This was my first experience entering anything in a show. As a newer quilter I was glad this was not a competitive show (other than viewers choice quilt). There was no pressure, just an opportunity to share your work with others. I was amazed by the work required to put a quilt show together. These women are very organized! They did an amazing job.

How to make a hexie

Demonstration

They present a quilt show every two years. I am already thinking about projects for the next show. I've shared the projects I entered before so these are just a few quilt from others.



 I thought I had all the Big Leaf projects. This sample gives you an idea of the diversity in this pattern. What a fun class it was.

Big Leaf-From Pat Pauley workshop

Big Leaf-From Pat Pauley Workshop

Big Leaf as a pillow

 Round Robin Quilts.

These bright and beautiful quilts caught my eye. It's the mixture of shape and color that attracted me to these quilts. They are real beauties. The quilts where hung in rows and it was hard to get a straight on picture.  I've  included a close up to show some detail. These are so outside of my comfort zone, but I am feeling inspired to make the stretch.

Finally a few special quilts that are just darn cute!.

A good idea for those old ties.

I hope you enjoyed this summary of the show. There were over 100 quilts so it's impossible to show everything. Please take some time to support the local quilt guilds in your area by attending local quilt shows. Inspiration will surround you.

Stars, Stars, Delightful Stars.

I am behind, very behind on my Delightful Star Blocks. It has probably been a month since I have been able to work on this project. It's a rainy weekend. This means I can sew without guilt. So bring on the stars!

It was hard to decide what to do first. I decided to work on the easier blocks. This means blocks that are pieced with techniques I am comfortable, like half square triangles, Ohio Stars, etc.

My first block

Nice and easy-Lesson 10-Block 12

Next came another easy block. I'm not sure of my fabric choice. The purple print is not a strong contrast with my grey background. I will wait until I am ready to put the quilt together to determine if I will no another version of this block.

Lesson 9: Block 8

Skipping ahead to Lesson 13: Block 9, which gets joined to Block 2. I am finding that just because a block has lots of pieces it does not mean it will be difficult. I  am cutting and setting the blocks up before putting it together. Sometimes I will change a fabric to get the look I'm after. I used some of the same fabrics in Block 9 as I did in Block 2, so the blocks complimented each other.

Blocks meet up.

I has been a while since I have done any flying geese. I used the square method where you can make four at once. I was not sure I would remember the process, but it came back as I laid out the section.  I love this block. This is another block that I played with before choosing the final fabric. I initially wanted a brighter color around the center. I decide to carry a blended fabric through rather than introduce another fabric.

The final - Lesson 12: Block 1

I started with a brighter yellow and melon, but decided against them both.

Lesson 14: Block 22 is a simple block. I love how it turned out. I have noticed that some quilters are using the same fabric so it frames the center block. I decided to add another fabric. I picked soft colors, with a punch of color in the center.

Lesson 14: Block 22

The last block for the weekend is Lesson 17: Block 17. I struggled with the color for this block. There is so much background and I did not want something that would stand out. I am trying to create an impressionistic feel with this quilt. Sometimes it is a challenge to find the balance between softness versus  being washed out. I tested a dark purple, off white fabrics, and a pink batik print. In the end I decided on a Stonehenge fabric. It has texture without being too busy so the rest of the block stands out. I am not jumping for joy over this block. But there is nothing wrong with it either. It stays for now.

Block 17

So that is it for the weekend. It's time to make dinner and get ready for work tomorrow. I'm feeling much better now that I've made some progress. Hopefully I'll have time to do another block or two during the week. There are some friendship stars that attach to block 17. That is the most likely candidate for the next block.

Happy sewing to all.

Ready to move on.

This week has been full of tasks that seemed to take up every spare moment. First there is that job, that gives me the paycheck. The grand kids where here for a visit, and last Saturday my friends and fellow Hosta lovers gathered in my garden for the Hosta Society meeting. Hosta lovers are a lot like quilters. They are warm, caring and sharing folks.

My garden is tended and the house cleaned; it's finally time to finish up my last two projects. First  the binding on the cat's quilt...Yes, the cat has a quilt. My granddaughter Jana noticed how Shadow seems to love sleeping on quilts and suggested we make him one of his own. She found the perfect fabric in my stash. I only provide the simple quilting and the binding. All I can say is the cat loves his quilt. Every morning we find him sleeping on this with his little catnip friends.

Shadow's quilt

The last project to complete before I can get on to some serious piecing is to finish a baby quilt for a friend. She is expecting their first child this August. They don't want to know the sex of the child ahead of time, and she sort of "hates pink".

I decided on a bright, scrappy quilt of primary colors. I used Bonnie Hunter's pattern, Hidden Spools, but decided on a different arrangement of the blocks. This is certainly not a color palette I would choose. But she is young and full of energy. This is a quilt to be used, so I'm hopeful the little one will have years of enjoyment, playing on this bright little quilt. Just for fun, I added some fun and funky fabrics. And no disrespect to mom, but there is even a pink Volkswagen hidden in one of the blocks...after all she may have a girl.

Tonight the binding was finished and the quilt washed. It's ready in plenty of time. Tomorrow the quilt will be delivered.

This coming weekend will be full of fun. I'm heading back to Port Clinton, Ohio. My PC Ohio Star Quilt Guild is having a quilt show. It is the first time I have placed anything in a quilt show. It will be great fun. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures to share when I return.

So the cat and our youngest will be taking care of the homestead. Next week my plan is to resume working on the Delightful Stars project. I am many weeks behind and have pledge to not start another project until I have made some reasonable progress on the Stars. It may be two weeks from now before I have examples to show. 

Have a peaceful week everyone.