Design Fabrics

I found these for my "design" stash at the Shop Hop. I am always on the lookout for patterned, texture and unusual fabrics and these were perfect. Of the olive green one I saw a pomegranate, the letters as leaves and the bottom right as just interesting. I've been drawing some applique designs but nothing is perfect just yet. I'll have to keep you posted on the progress.

Quilting Shop Hop

We went to Kokomo Indiana today for an indoor shop hop and had a great time. I fell in love with this fabric - circles, coral and olive green - what's not to love? I don't know what I'll do with it but I'm planning on making something just for me with it. I've been wanting to do a briefcase and this would definitely be a different look for one don't you think? Now, where is that pattern....

Flower Power

Here's another part of the applique that I have been sharing. This flower is one of two that actually form a "u" shape above the curved vine where the bird is located. As you can see I've used several different fabrics for the berries and now you have a larger photo of the ruler leaves. Notice that I kept the lines of the leaves running the same direction for a little continuity. There are also bees on this piece that I'm wanting to put tulle wings on, I just haven't been able to figure out their shape just yet.

So, what would your wall hanging have looked like? Do you think you would have been as adventurous with your fabric choices? I hope you said "yes." If "no," I hope that you will reconsider and let your imagination take over when choosing fabric, paint, clothing - whatever you are looking for at the moment. Common can be pretty boring unless you are trying to blend in with the crowd. Step out of your box and discover your creative world!

Word Bird

This is another part of the applique I shared with you yesterday. This is the main section so I wanted it to be very special. The fabric I choose actually had bird photos and looked like dictionary page with words on it - perfect for my application and stays within the style I want it to have. The heart fabric is the same as the inner border so I sectioned off the word love and cut out the shape. I'm far from finished, still have to quilt it, add the string to the heart and add the birds eye. I'll keep you posted and try to get it up here next week so stay in touch! Just another example of style that is out of the ordinary but goes beautifully with what I have done so far. Never be afraid to show your true colors, it is a part of you and worth showing the world what you are made of.

Ruler Leaf?

Some Thesaurus words for "style" - characteristic, design, expression, flair, idiosyncrasy, peculiarity, polish, refinement, smartness, technique, treatment.

Style for many is hard to define so look at these words and see if something about your tastes resonates within you. For as many years as I have been creating this is the one thing I just couldn't give myself a certain style. I have always thought of my artwork as detailed, nature oriented expressed with a twist. Now if that isn't a broad category, I don't know what is. I hope you are having better luck with your characteristics than I am.

I have been working on an appliqued quilt top and wanted to share my flair with you. Yes, I even stand out in the quilting world but I've come to expect that of my pieces so it comes with the territory. This portion shows a couple leaves, berry and stem. While all the colors flow beautifully together, who would have thought to use the nontraditional ruler fabric for a leaf. Not to mention the letters for a berry. Did you notice I fussy cut the berry to have our initials in it? Yes, it was done on purpose and I really wanted this piece to reflect my personality. So, take a chance and let your style show with a lot of creativity and imagination!