March 9, 2009
Star Puzzle
I just finished up this class sample that uses one of my patterns, Star Puzzle, but I have reversed the contrast. Sometimes its good to see what a pattern will look like using different fabrics.
A 3D square, like the 3D bowtie block is the basis for this design and the first step to a Cathedral Window using my method.
Below is a closeup of what the blocks look like at the quilting stage, after the grid is stitched but before any of the folds have been rolled. The finished version is next to it. Intrigued?
March 5, 2009
Another Twilt
This really could be addictive. I chose this Australian fabric to feature in this Twilt. The strip in the center has 3D Flying geese with Cathedral Window scallops. I’ve used the geese in quite a few of my patterns.
“Oh what kind of birds are these, Spotted Pardalote maybe”.
What do you think? Are they Spotted Pardalote from Australia?
March 3, 2009
Twilt Tuesday
I’m finding the Twilt process very intriguing. I get the opportunity to go through all my stuff and play with bits and pieces.
Here’s my latest piece. There’s not a bit of Cathedral Windows in sight. I did enjoy going through my buttons and charms though.
“Looking for a Lucky Charm”
March 2, 2009
My Technique, Your Work
I love, love, love it when I get pictures in the mail
or email from quilters who have used one of my patterns or books to make a quilt. It’s very gratifying. So, I am going to make an effort to track some of them down. I have two today that I would like to show. Denise from Santa Clara, California made a quilt from my pattern Romantic Reflections. What a lovely quilt!! Her Cat enjoyed it as well.
Elizabeth from Portland, Oregon made this quilt from my second book, “Machine Stitched Cathedral Stars”. The quilt design is called “A Window Full of Stars”. She made it larger and added a very cool border. Wow!
If you’ve made one of my designs, I would love to show it off. If you want me to use your full name, just let me know and I will. A great big Thank You to Denise and Elizabeth!!
March 1, 2009
Twitter Quilts ….. Twilts
The Reason
When I get home from a trip, am between projects or in any kind of transition I often have creative down time. I realize that I don’t give myself a lot of permission to play. This idea really got me excited because it gives me the opportunity and rewards of creative play in small bursts.
The Concept
I have been exploring the social networking phenomenon partly at my daughter Becky’s encouragement and partly because I believe it’s the direction of the future. Still, it makes my head spin, Blogs, Widgets, Tags, Links, Flickr and Twitter. Where does an aging hippie start? Twitter in particular got my attention. Quick bursts of concise chatter called Tweets exchanged between users. Read about it in Wikipedia. It’s a fascinating concept. I don’t feel ready to jump in just yet but I thought what about using the same concept to do little quilts. Twitter Quilts or Tweet Quilts…….Twilts.
The Rules
The size of the piece can’t be larger than 144 square inches, which is 12” x 12”.
The title should be a quick pithy idea like a Tweet, which is limited to 140 characters.
That’s right, just two rules. I have added two additional rules just for myself. I will try not to take more than a day to do each Twilt and the materials should come from my stash.
I will try to post my Twilts as I create them and welcome everyone to join me. I would love to see what other quilters come up with. I am excited to have the opportunity to play; some of my best ideas, like my method for Cathedral Windows, came from a moment of play.
What do you think of this idea? Want to join me? Here’s my first one. I will be posting a new Twilt every tuesday so check back to see what’s new on Twilt Tuesdays.
Thinking of Cherry Blossoms
February 24, 2009
South Bay Quilt Show
The South Bay Quilt Show is held in Torrance, California every year around this time. This year I covered the show in Monica’s Quilt and Bead Creations booth. She has a fabulous store in Palm Desert, California. We all had a great time. When I had an opportunity to look at all the wonderful quilts I came across a piece that one of my students made when I did a Lecture and Workshop for their guild in the summer. I just love finding student work. Nancy Payne got creative with the actual class project. Her piece is an original layout of my Parchment & Black Lacquer design and she called it Oriental Table Runner. Great job, Nancy!
February 18, 2009
Hemet Quilt Show
Last weekend was the Annual Valley Quilters Guild of Hemet, California Quilt Show. As usual they were wonderful hosts. It’s a small show but well worth coming to. It was an opportunity for me to see many of my friends and I really enjoyed it. I had a little booth.
The quilts were fabulous!
February 9, 2009
Road2CA Update
Road to California was a great show. I have demonstrated techniques at The Quilt Attic booth for about six years in a row. It is always fun to see everyone.
The last two years I have taught classes. I had two classes this year and I had fabulous students. Unfortunately I only remembered to get my camera out for one of them.
Road to California always has fantastic quilt displays, lots of great vendors, workshops and events. Mark your calendar for mid-January next year.
I look forward to seeing you there!
February 2, 2009
Back From the Brink
It has been a long time since I had small children and I was surprised at how much work a three year old girl and a one year old boy can be. I just spent the last week babysitting two of my adorable grandchildren, Layna and John, and I have to say, “My brains are fried”. I am in awe of mothers everywhere. This was preceded by a visit from my older daughter, Becky and my grand dogs, Booth and Tempe and their falcons, Anakin and Sister. The Brittany Spaniels inadvertently terrorized my cat, Myke, who never left the closet shelf during their entire visit. It was Chaos, man!! All of this is my explanation for not letting everyone know how Road to California went. Road was FABULOUS but I need one more good nights sleep to recover…..More to come.
January 9, 2009
San Diego or Bust
I am off to San Diego to do a Lecture and Workshop. Before I leave I thought I would give everyone a preview of the quilt that will hang at Road to California in the Teachers exhibit. 
It’s called Hawaiian Nine Patch. All the fabrics used are tropical prints. A nine patch outline is created with the foundation squares (the ones that form the chains).
Check it out at the show.
Hope you enjoy it.
Snips and Bits from Shelley's Studio 