American Patchwork

 

I call this quilt, "American Patchwork". Its my first quilt ever accepted into a quilt show. I am so excited! It will be in the Winter Quilt Show. The show is put on by the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts in Cedarburg Wisconsin. Its an amazing venue filled with exquisite exhibitions of quilts and fine fiber art.

 My quilt is dedicated to my great-great grandfather and the many great grandparent who immigrated to the United States from 5 different countries through out many years. I am so grateful for their courage. I'm sure their journeys were not easy and perhaps their acceptance into the United States was not always welcoming. But they came to build a better life for themselves and their families. They worked hard. They cared for their children and their children's children. I owe my entire life and the family I love to them.

  

  

 

 

Lady Liberty Pattern by Ingrid Alteneder 

 

 

The amazing paper pieced pattern used for the main block, "Lady Liberty" is designed by Ingrid Alteneder. Her shop on Etsy is JoeJuneandMae. She has over 500 patterns in her shop and they are all stunning. She has everything from classic quilt blocks to intricate portraits and animals. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she is also wonderfully kind and generous with her talent and encouragement. 

 

The pattern was a delightful challenge as it contains over 135 pieces. But, they all go together like a fun jigsaw puzzle. The directions were spot on. I wouldn't recommend it as your first paper pieced project. I actually love paper piecing! But, a basic knowledge of the technique is required. She does have some basic patterns such as a variety of star blocks. She also has an informative and inspirational blog to help you get your feet wet or take a deep dive into paper piecing patterns and projects. 

 

I designed the lettered block. I have so much respect for paper piecing designer such as Ingrid. I do love a challenge so I jumped right in. I used a variety of textured solids and Kona white to add some joy to a heavy word. My 65 year old brain was really tired trying to figure out how to draft the pattern. But hey, they say its important to exercise those brain neurons once in a while! Use it or lose it.

 

 I would have to say that the charm in this quilt are thanks to two fabrics from Cathe Holden. I love the warmth they bring to this quilt. They speak to the past and infuse a soft nostalgia into a very modern block. It was hard to take the leap into combining so many colors and prints into a very busy quilt  block. But, in the end I'm so happy I trusted my gut and dove right in. My advice when taking such a risk is to use your camera often to read values and essential contrasts. 

 

 

Vintage Soul fabric by Cathe Holden for Moda

Leather and Lace and Amazing Grace by Cathe Holden for Moda

 

  

I was really proud of the fact that I entered a quilt into such a special quilt show. I really never considered myself a quilter even though I've made many quilts. Most of the quilts I make are part of a homeless quilting mission with a local church. Its quick piecing and quantity is far more valuable than quality, although I try to combine the two. This year I completed my first quilt commission for a lovely Etsy customer.I dabble in all the quilt elements such as binding and machine quilting when I make little mug rugs for my Etsy shop. 

 

Heart Mug Rug in my Etsy shop. Pattern by JoeJuneandMae.
 

When creating this quilt for submission I really stressed about the details. I tried so hard to get the technical details right. In the end, I worked right up to the deadline which is typical for me. All in all it was a labor of love. I was so anxious about my quilt being accepted. I didn't think I had the credentials to enter a quilt show. In the end all submissions were accepted. I am glad I just decided to try and I am really happy I did. Who knows, maybe I might make it a habit. 

If you happen to live in Wisconsin maybe you will be there. Its February 14th from 9am to 4pm at the Washington County Fair Park in West Bend. You can find more info here - Winter Quilt Show. 

 

I was worried about making an immigration quilt. Speaking out has sometimes been bad for my blog and my shop. Its hard to have a voice and a business in these divisive times. But, I felt it was important to say something.Ingrid wrote a lovely blog post about this very subject. I hope you find the time to read it.Its called "Why Quilting is Political and Why that is not a Bad Thing". I hope you understand how important it was for me to honor my past and my family. I wanted to convey why the word immigrant belongs to us all. Even our beloved Statue of Liberty is an immigrant.Everyone in this country is an immigrant. I just wanted to celebrate the word for all of the love and bravery it holds. I wanted to celebrate my love for this country. 

I make many things and work with many special people from all over the United States and the world. I find that creative people and those who value the handmade process are really amazing. I love what I do because of the people I meet in my shop. Quilters are some of the most generous and caring people ever. We may not agree on everything. But, we do our best. That is all the really matters in the end.

Happy sewing!

Jill 

Fall in Love with Autumn!

 

The last of the sunflowers are beginning to fade, but they always make me think of fall. I love this fabric designed by Kate Spain for Moda. Its called "Sunflowers in my Heart". Its bright and warm and the print works for so many projects. You can find this Scrap Basket here.

I also used it in a paper pieced pattern, of my own design. Who doesn't love a pretty barn. I created a Mug Rug that embodies all the beautiful colors of fall. You can find it here. I surrounded it with lots of pretty bold prints from Ruby Star Society. 

Speaking for Ruby Star, don't cha just love their bold designers! This print is from the "Little Darlings 2" collection by Kimberly Kight. It has such a folksy charm to it. The brilliant orange has the best autumn vibes.You can find this pincushion here.

I can't talk about fall without showing your my Halloween Pins! They are super fun. They can be purchased with fun little jack o lantern or bat mini pincushions. 

 

They come in either mini pincushion, (your choice). You can choose a white box or a little clear round box. They are perfect for gift giving for that friend who just loves spooky things!

 I have added a few new items you might like that are perfect for any time, any season.

How about this adorable Scrap Basket featuring some adorable 1930's Chicks called "Tweeting" by Cheri McCulley. I love this one! You can find it here while it lasts.

I can't forget these sweet, star "Farm Friend" Pincushions. The print is by Mia Charro. You know I adore her. I added 3 pretty prints to complete the patchwork. Two of the prints are some a new fabric maker for me, Poppie Cottons. I think you would love them all!

I fussy cut her Farm Badge print and made a sweet Piglet pincushion and a sassy Chicken pincushion. 

Look close at the sweet decorative pins that come with these cuties. I added a pink pig for the Piglet and a fun chicken pin to the Chicken. Each pincushion also comes with a cheery white flower pin. 

 

I've added a few new bird prints to my pincushion collection. The pincushion below uses Tilda prints from her "Jubilee" collection.  You may have see this in red and a different blue colorway. When it comes to Tilda I just can't get enough. Find this pincushion here.

Because I can't get enough of a pretty bird print, I added this beautiful pincushion from the print, "Anew" by Tamara Kate. The colors are warm, modern and so pretty. Find this pincushion here. 

Well, there are more new items in my Fiberluscious Etsy shop. Come and take a look. I hope your visits to my blog and my shop give you inspiration, make you smile and maybe even help you find something to give as a gift for someone you love, (even yourself).

Let me know if your purchase is for a present. I love gifts, so I always add a bit of love and prettiness to your package. Most everything in my shop ships the same or next day. Even made to order items! If you like a fabric but need something a bit different, I'm always up for a challenge. 

Bye for now! Thanks for visiting. Happy sewing my friends!

Jill