Map Quilts

I have mentioned before how I love maps, geocaching, compass reading - anything to do with maps.  I really should have been a cartographer in another life (or this one).  I was fortunate to take a 2 day class with Valerie Goodwin  www.quiltsbyvalerie.com/ recently and this is my map quilt.  It is my view of the Shaw Nature Reserve entrance and places I love.  Definitely more to come. 

Collections: Pincushions

I don't really collect anything except rocks and fabric but decided I could do a pincushion collection since I am well on my way there already.  I just added this one on.   I made the flower using felted wool and purchased (yes purchased) the rusty bed spring.  Love it.

Finishing projects: Polka Dots and Flower Pots

I have made myself some deadlines to complete some projects.  It also helps when a friends says she will feed us all dinner if you finish the exchange quilt (polka dots) and another friend (Marsha) finishes her Flower Pot and all I had left to do was the border.  Both need quilting but that's another day. 

The Flower Pot quilt is a Kim McLean pattern and I challenged myself to do it in all batiks.  I will custom quilt it but probably do an allover on the polka dots. 

Emerging Artist Exhibit

I just found out I have been juried into the Craft Alliance "Emerging Artists Exhibit" at the Delmar Loop location.  Exciting!  Here is the link:   http://www.craftalliance.org/pdfs/exhibitions/pr.emerging.artists12.pdf
I took a class with Luanne Rimmel on Finding Your Voice in Textiles and it has led me in some new directions.  Opening reception is Friday, June 22nd from 6-8 PM.  I am looking forward to seeing the exhibit.

Paris

Tom and I are in Paris for a week and then Provence for a week. We are doing a separate blog about the trip. Go see tomandcandy.blogspot.fr  for updates. Great trip so far. Haven't found the fabric shops but that is ok. So much else to do. Unfortunately I can't seem to upload images from my ipad so pictures to follow later. See you soon

Quilts for charity

My quilt guild - PMQ - makes quilts for one of the St. Louis area children's hospitals.  Last year this small group of 28 make 125 quilts that were given to critically ill children for comfort.  Here is the latest stack that will go soon.  So cool...

Great tote bag

At Modern quilt guild today several people showed a new tote bag they made.  It was great so of course I came home, downloaded the pattern and made it.  The beauty of Paypal and PDF files for instant gratification.  Here is the bag....using Michael Miller fabric just meant for this project.

 Now I know you want to go get the pattern don't you.  Go to www.ilikeorangetoo.blogspot.com
and look for the Pretty Pleats Reversible Tote pattern and make one for yourself for Mother's Day.