Around the World Blog Hop

Hey all, I’m excited to be tagged in in the Around the World Blog Hop by the wonderful Carol of Just Let Me Quilt! See her post here where she has given us a peek into her design process and shown some of her amazing projects.  Carol always brings a spark of fun and humor to her posts and it is fun to see all the amazing quilts and projects she completes :)

This hop is like a giant blog tag game where those tagged can share a bit about their creative process as well as what they are currently working on.

 Now, basically, being part of this hop involves answering a few questions and inviting a few others to join in...so here we go...

1. What am I working on?

I am currently working on finishing projects!  And trying not to let my head get turned by every new thing I see out there...but I very much enjoy starting new projects so I need to buckle down and get some finishes!!! (bwahahaha...so I can go crazy and start a bunch of new ones!!!)

The Doctor Who paper pieced quilt for my son (find patterns here) is taking quite a bit of my time and there are secret projects in the works for a couple of blog hops upcoming.


Recent blogpost on this here.

2. How does my work differ from others in its genre?

I don't really know that it does, honestly...this is a tough question as I think we are all unique in our quest to create. I guess I would say that my answer is that I often try to use my own twist on an existing pattern.  Maybe that's just a fancy way to say that I don't follow directions :) 

A recent swap early this year had me thinking that I differ a bit in that I love traditional and antique quilts as well as modern designs and quilt styles, preferring to mash the two styles together.  I love to work with low volume text filled background fabrics paired with saturated jewel toned fabrics for a fun contrast.

I often stray to a raw edge applique technique when I want to create something that is more personal to me...
College Backpack from a post here.
 
The Raven from a post here.

Cadillac Ranch from post here.

Tribute to Charlie Harper here.

 Self portrait here.




 I even have been known to go 3D once in awhile...the texty boxy bag uses my all time favorite fabric but you'll find a piece of that fabric in lots of my projects.


from post here...

3. Why do I create what I do?

When I came to this craft I was not even familiar with how to use a sewing machine.  Lucky for me my husband's mother taught him to sew and he passed the knowledge on to me.  Yes, my friends, my husband taught me to sew and started me on this journey...
Now that I have started, it sometimes feels like I need to quilt like I need to breathe!  I also really enjoy learning new skills, as my blog says, I love fabric and creating with fabric - as well as connecting with others who enjoy those things as much as I do.  As for the writing part, I started blogging as way to connect to a community of quilters and the show and tell and camaraderie that comes along with it.  I love my internet friends and the inspiration they provide on a daily basis!

4. How does my creative process work?

I am really interested in the planning and execution of a new project, as evidence shows with my many WIPs.  I love to look at Barbara Brackman's Quilt Encyclopedia as a start point.  I sometimes sketch before I start, and I do try to figure out specific measurements...though I rarely end up where I begin.  I love the process of choosing just the right fabrics. When I start sewing, I love to make changes as I'm working. I like the idea of a design wall, and I have a piece of flannel hung over a closet door, but I really rarely use one...usually I use my floor!  This is hazardous as my kitty helper usually wants to sprawl all over my design as I work.
 

Now it is my turn to invite three more bloggers to participate in the around the world hop. I've chosen some great blogging friends, two that I have known for awhile (and bonded over Doctor Who and so many other common projects!!), Patty at A Stitch in Time, and Collette at What about Rheema, and one I've more recently met, Shari at Living with Purpose.  

As with Carol, I  met them all in the wonderful sewing community Madame Samm has created at SewWeQuilt.  They all have constantly brightened my day with their fun posts and inspired me to try new things.  All three of them make absolutely gorgeous things and each have their own distinct style.  You should go visit them now to see what they are up to, you will find your day brightened as well :) and please look for their posts next Monday, September 29th to continue the hop.