Modern Log Cabin Blocks for Christmas!

Taking some blocks from another quilt I was working on, I decided to slice and dice them and add additional strips to make them into a modern version of Log Cabin blocks. These are flannel fabrics spanning the last decade of my stash.

The centers have a focus fabric of either red or white poinsettias, framed by green, red, and white prints. And to add interest, I have a red polka-dot on black fabric. The strips of varying width are sewn around like a picture frame/color story block. I considered going all red on one side and green on the other to create a Sunshine & Shadow block but I chose modern over traditional this time.

I love the red and white candy-stripe fabric shown in the block below, right. There's just a small amount to work with so trying to stretch it as far as possible!

  

I'm hoping to end up with at least 12 blocks, which I will float against a solid colored background, perhaps with a slightly wonky on-point setting. Who knows, but Christmas is coming and I'd like to get this one finished!

Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs 

Joy's Bridesmaid Dress

This bridesmaid's dress of deep turquoise dupioni silk was originally worn in a wedding 5 years ago. The dress was given to Joy, who needed a solid colored bridesmaid's dress. But the bride wanted each attendant to add some color. That's where I came in.

As a quilter, alterations are rare but I don't mind taking a stab at it. I have tons more confidence with quilt making, that's for sure! I procrastinate when I lack confidence so I had to mull this over and visualize how it was going to go down before I started ripping seams. I took lots of photos to remember the original look!

I removed 2" from the length of the bodice and took out the zipper.

After reattaching the bodice to the skirt and removing some of the fullness near the top of the skirt, I shortened the zipper and sewed it back into place. Then I prepared a ruffled strip of raspberry organza, which was layered on top of a black organza strip to frame the bright color.

 

The fabric has a nice shimmer that adds a touch of elegance and class to the already fine fabric this dress is made of. 

 

The most time consuming aspect of this project was gathering the ruffle and adjusting it to the skirt of the dress.

Here's the result, with just a bit of color showing at the hem. When Joy tried it on, she was delighted with her "party dress".

Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs 

Summer Highlights: Weddings & the Sisters Quilt Show

As the first day of school today marks a rapid transition into fall, there are summer events worth highlighting and remembering.

We were delighted to welcome Sarah home in June from Indonesia so she could fulfill bridesmaid duties at the union of her friends, Charis & Josh.

 

 

The second weekend in July marked the 38th annual Sisters Quilt Show, the fourth time I've gone round the mountain to attend. Lots of  beautiful quilts with a strong modern influence among the traditional. We spent 3.5 hours walking, snapping photos, and enjoyed every bit of it!

 

We had a double treat in Sisters: the quilt show on Saturday and Kaitlyn & Elliot's wedding on Sunday at a local ranch.

Martin had the privilege to conduct the ceremony and it was one of the most beautiful events we have ever witnessed. We were able to meet up with three of our kids and enjoy the day together celebrating!

 

Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs