Dresden Challenge - SLMQG

I have been a member of the Salt Lake Modern Quilt Guild for almost a year. I've met friends, learned new techniques, been inspired, and most important - been surrounded by others that understand a love of fabric.

The SLMQG came up with a challenge that has taken on a life of its own. We were tasked with creating a Dresden quilt, inspired by Darlene Zimmerman's amazing template.

What did I make? 

I made an art quilt inspired by Dia de los Muertos. I love Day of the Dead! My husband is of Mexican heritage and it is important to me that our daughters embrace their Latin roots. Day of the Dead is NOT Halloween. It is not scary. It is a joyful occasion when families remember and celebrate those that have passed. Decorations are bright, cheerful, and yes lots of skulls.

Why did I make an art quilt? I quite often struggle with my love for true art and what is considered mainstream. I have boxes full of patterns from designers that appeal to the masses. And I love them.. However when I create, many time I'm trying to express a feeling, a thought.. something that may speak to only a few. But do these two loves always have to conflict? I don't think so..

So the challenge to me was to use this amazing Dresden template - something that would be a great tool for all quilters.. and make something that spoke from my heart. Something that I consider beautiful and unique.

On my quilt I have a folded rose with skull..

Lots of hand embroidery

Free motion quilting and lots of painting..

I hope this inspires you to try creating a bridge between traditional quilting with art quilting. Darlene Zimmerman's template laid the foundation for a perfect Dresden circle. It created a crucial base for my art quilt. I can't wait to play with this more! This template also makes a fabulous mini tree skirt, which was my original idea.. Come back later this month and maybe you will find a Halloween tree skirt using this same template!

Japanese X Blocks For Charity

My guild, the Salt Lake Modern Quilt Guild, places a high priority on creating quilts for charity. I hope that when the gift receiver wraps up in one of our quilts, that they remember they are not alone. A quilt is such a beautiful expression of love and thought for another person.

For this first quarter, we were tasked with creating Japanese X blocks. Amy Gunson of Badskirt (don't you just love that name?!) created an excellent tutorial on her blog which is free for you to go try.. so go try and give her a big thanks =)

Here is my first finished block and glimpses of my unfinished ones. Every bit you see came from my scrap stash - what a fun way to bust through it!!

Have a favorite? I think I do and then I change my mind..

Have you made these before? Please share if you have, would love to see!

SLC Modern Quilt Guild

I'm not sure how long I've been a member of the SLC Modern Quilt Guild, but I do know that I've never, ever been able to attend. Between the Hubby's schedule and my kiddos, it just never worked out. I decided that this had to be a priority. Luckily even though it's been a rough, sick Baby week, my husband *gets* that yes this is fun, but it's also work related.. So I finally attended and will hopefully be at all the future gatherings as well.

Last night we had a demonstration of diamonds..

Check out these amazing, narrow diamonds!

I've never considered a diamond based project before, but I was super excited to go home and try one.

The lighting & my camera were not getting along, but let me tell you that this argyle quilt was nothing short of AMAZING! I love this look for a quilt to give a man.. Hmm... Wonder if my Pops likes argyle.. The quilt was made by Kati of From The Blue Chair.
What a warm, welcoming guild! I had so much fun and took home quite a few goodies thanks to the ladies of The Sewing Summit..

Can't wait for the next meeting!

It's Done, It's Done!!

This is my entry for Project Modern II.

It is called "Vertigo" and was inspired by one of my

all time favorite Hitchcock movies.. Vertigo.

It was a beast!

I love it, but I'm very happy to put it to rest...