Friday, February 26, 2010

Block Challenge

Oh my blog. Where have I been? The projects are getting completed and the sewing is still continuing, but I am the WORST about posting pictures and keeping this blog updated. I apologize for my lack in motivation when it comes to posting pictures of the things I am working on. Too many other things are filling my plate at the moment. I have a slew of ideas and sewing on the brain. I can not wait to get my hands on all the fabric I have been spying for our new home. I have ideas filling folders and notes and sketches on papers scattered throughout our house. Once we get to Kansas and settle on a house, I'll finally be able to sew all the things I have been saving for years for "when we get a bigger house" and have more room. It's one of the most exciting parts about moving-decorating!
But since I posted a picture of my "work room" and a few mentioned my fabrics, I thought I'd share what I was up too. I wasn't going to mention this unless I won, but here goes anyway.
I went to my favorite fabric quilt shop a few weeks ago and they were throwing their first ever block challenge. Basically they were handing out a packet with a 5x7 image from Elizabeth's Studio's "Face the Music" collection. The fabric has a Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street flair. The packets were only being handed out from February 1st through Fat Tuesday (February 16). I showed up on February 15 without knowing they were doing this challenge. The lady explained what they were doing and asked if I wanted to take a packet home. Sure. So I took it home wondering if I would ever do anything with the fabric.
The rules were that you had to use the entire 5x7 piece of fabric and make a 15.5x15.5 quilting square with whatever other fabric you'd like. There are three prizes all worth $50.00. The owners pick, the staff's choice and a drawing with anyone who completed the challenge. The choice awards will go to the blocks that demonstrate the best craftsmanship and creativity. For $50, I'd give it a whirl.
I came home and opened the packet and saw the piece. Not my style at all. So, I decided, I'd think outside the box a little and cut the piece into strips and go more the abstract route. I liked it better that way. I had seen a tutorial for a string quilt and had been wanting to try it so what better chance than for a contest? I shuffled through my scrap fabrics and pulled out pieces I liked and went to work. I really like the way it turned out. I LOVE the idea of this quilt and am glad I at least did the challenge, so now I know I would love a baby's quilt or twin bed quilt with this design.
I am filled with self doubt. So, even though, I like it, I'm convinced it will be laughed and pointed at when it gets among all the other quilters pieces. I surely won't win for best craftsmanship, but maybe for creativity. Who knows. No matter what though, they will be using all the blocks to make a quilt to send to Haiti and that makes me happy. I'm taking it down to the fabric store tomorrow (last day to turn things in is on Sunday) and the winners will be announced March 15. Wish me luck!

8 comments:

  1. I L.O.V.E. it. Really. You have such an incredible eye for color and beauty. Really, Jamie. It is beautiful. Way to take a piece of fabric that I too would have thought "Uhh, not my style at all" and make it beautiful. Oh, I hope you win. And how neat that is is a quilt going to Haiti. You are amazing. (And thank you for sharing what you are up to. I just love seeing the fun and fabulous things you do.)

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  2. I think it's beautiful! So much color, I want one for my room.

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  3. It's fantastic!! You know what it reminds me of? The lap quilt that grandma made us when we were little. Do you know what I am talking about? Mine was blue and yours was peachy, right? But this is brighter and funkier (and by funkier I mean right down my alley cool) and I love it!! Such a good job. You left out the Haiti part when you told me about, that's awesome! I hope you win!!! :)

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  4. These are beautiful. You should definitely win! Anyway, I had fun looking at your nice stuff!!! Thank you for still blogging so that I could stop by here and look and enjoy.
    Best wishes, Linda

    twosucculentsisters.blogspot.com

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  5. Next time you are at your favorite fabric store (2 miles from my hosue)we should have a playdate! I HATE the fabric they gave you. What a horrible collection. It's like they said, "well we can't sell this stuff, so let's give it away in our first block challenge!" But what you did was amazing! The fabrics you chose were genious and the cut up "chosen" fabric doens't look so bad in small doses. I loke the balck and white with all the color! You are amazing!!!

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  6. It's fabulous. You have some really great scraps to work with... I am seeing some of the fabrics you've used for other things... the whole thing is totally Jamie. (that means incredible.)

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  7. I have been wanting to try that pattern too...but got intimidated by the time commitment. Good Luck! Here comes $50.00!

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  8. Good luck! That piece is not my style either so I agree with cutting it into pieces. Discovered your blog a while back while looking for a tutorial for card table houses and was instantly hooked! I love the style of the things you create and am so excited to see what you're going to do in the new house!

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