Getting Ready for QuiltCon 2015

The Modern Quilt Guild is holding its second convention in Austin, Texas this week.  QuiltCon 2013 was the best quilting experience ever, and I am thrilled to be returning to Austin for QuiltCon 2015. Leaving town for a few days is always an opportunity to finish up projects and line up what I want to work on next.

The final eight placemats for my house are finished.  And so is one more Molly Market tote bag - I just can't keep my hands off of this comma fabric.

When I get home, the two projects at the top of the list are the two tasteful Backhawks quilts for the fathers of my Illinois great nieces. These will be red feathers against a black and grey checked background.  The other project involves royal blue bridesmaid dresses.  The bridesmaids want their dresses worked into a bed topper for their bride.

 At Quiltcon 2015 I'm taking a full-day class in Sashiko Quilting with Maura Ambrose, and I am most looking forward to the two half-day classes with Yoshiko Jinzenji.  Roommate Melissa went to grad school in Austin, and one day we are going to visit the LBJ library.  One morning I have a pancake date with guildster Mimi who is no longer in Chicago and blogger buddy/hero Chawne.  Several of my quilt besties are making the trek to Austin - so wonderful to share this whole experience with them. 

Mentoring

Cristina has been sewing with me for over 10 years - she made her first quilt when she was in 7th grade.  She's been in the studio all week, working on a h.s. graduation quilt for her boyfriend's sister.  This quilt imitates the feel of one spotted in a catalog, sort of a Moroccan Tile-inspired quilt.  Cris has a degree in fine arts from the U of Iowa.  So to watch her process has been very interesting - and so different from the way I work.  I was gone all day last Thursday.  When I came home, this finished top was on the design floor. 

While Cristina's been working on her project, I have quietly been  working my way through placemats for my house.  I'm thrilled to have these underway - they have been in the planning stage for far too long.

This simple purse is a free pattern from Sara Lawson at Sew Sweetness - it's her Arabesque bag.  It's simple in that there is a zipper at the top and two interior pockets.  A perfect little tote.  I put my phone on it just to give an indication of the size. 

And I picked up this sports jersey quilt from T and F Quilting - all it needs is binding and it will be ready for its June deadline.