Solids Only challenge - Modern

I wanted to give you an idea of what all the different challenges looked like.  We voted for the top three so all were laid out on the floor to look at.  Aren't they wonderful?

Kaufman Solids Only Challenge

As a part of the Modern Quilt Guild members participated in the Kaufman Solids Only Challenge.  We were each given a packet of 45 fabrics and had to use 21 in a piece.  There were size limitations/guidelines as well.  We could add other solids but nothing else.  This is my piece.  We all showed them last Saturday and there were 36 who participated.  It was awesome. 

Luna Moth & other creatures on the river

We have floated 3 days this week on the glorious Missouri rivers:  Jack's Fork, Current and Huzzah.  While floating we saw a great deal of wildlife:  otters, blue herons, river herons, snakes, frogs, fish of all kinds, teenagers, families and more.  Two especially fun finds are pictured here.  The luna moth and the tadpole for a bull frog.
The wings and antennae for the moth are fabulously detailed and I could see enlarging them to make a fabric piece someday.  Doubt I would do anything with the tadpole but he is almost cute. 

Memorial Day Ride

Tom and I are always looking for places to ride our bikes without a lot of traffic.  This morning we headed out to the Femme Osage Valley north of Dutzow, MO.  This area was settled in 1830 and is very close to the Daniel Boone Home.  Some of the grave markers in this cemetery had dates back into the 1700's.  Can you imagine how self sufficient these people were living in this valley.  I think it is one of the prettiest in this part of the state and the ride was great. 
While riding I thought alot about the strength of the people who settled this country.  Strong stock. 

Sacred Threads

I found out last week that my wall piece, "Passed this Way" was accepted to the Sacred Threads exhibit in Washington D.C. this summer.  http://www.sacredthreadsquilts.com/.  This piece was made for a Day of the Dead exhibit at the University of Missouri.  I have been fascinated by roadside crosses in our rural area and have collected pictures for a long time.  I used commercial fabrics to make the bright, glorious colored flowers depicting life, rebirth, growth and remembrance.  The roadside cross pictures were screened onto organza and fused or stitched to the top.  It is heavily quilted and I like the back as well as the front.

Australian Spring

I participated in a block of the month quilt from Material Obsession http://www.materialobsession.typepad.com a shop in Australia.  I am obsessed/fascinated with their fabrics, color combinations and Kathy's blog is one of the best.  Anyway I got a package each month from Australia.  Usually there were plastic templates included and a different block instruction.  You could pick "pretty" fabrics or "contemporary".  Mine were pretty.  Well it was sometimes a challenge.  Lots of small pieces, curves, circles to applique but I love it.  It is very far from my usual in color and in pattern.  I took it off the quilting machine this week and here it is.  I did a lot of whimsical quilting on this one.  I didn't want traditional.  I added a border to mine because of the bias edges.  Love it!  Now to finish the binding. 

Mini quilt Valerie Goodwin - I WON

Remember that quilt give away I mentioned before - well I won!  I am excited and pleased.  The quilt has arrived and I will post a picture soon.  Wendy I & started worked on our own map quilts last week.  We simply made some sample pieces and played around with the process.  We made stencils with tape but will go back to cutting stencils from freezer paper or cardstock or even just stitching down our roads.  Here I show the beginning of my confluence piece.  I hope to do more with the rivers in our area.

Next is the beginning of my Chicago Loop piece.  I can see the lake front and plan to add stitching, fiber and maybe yarns for the loop to show the different lines.  

The time passed quickly and we need to have several more work days to get these where we want them.