A step in the right direction

Ok, progress thus far: I needed a pattern for the Hoffman Challenge quilt. I found one and fell head over heels. PROBLEM.

Rules state you must get permission to use another’s pattern. I’m just a podunk quilter from nowhere, but hey, the worst they could say is no. I’d have to redraft the pattern anyway to make it smaller so I could easily find a common use block and run with it.

So I emailed the company.

Yesterday there was a letter. YES doof that I am, my hands were shaking. I got permission!!! YEAHHHHHHH!

Talk about a boost of confidence! So now I can begin drafting my pattern. Next week I will order the last of the fabrics. And soon, cutting and sewing! I may have to wait until after the holidays, since I have other sewing to do. But with the deadline not until July 2010, I feel confident :)

The Hoffman Challenge 2010

After SIX years of saying "I'd like to..." this year (and next) I am going to be working on a quilt entry for the Hoffman Challenge 2010!

Here is a link to the Hoffman Challenge Fabrics I will be using in my quilt. The only required fabric is this one, from the "Treasures of the East" collection:

I've had quilt designs dancing in my head since this fabric was picked, and realized they were far too advanced for my skills. I dream big ;) But after going through some quilt books, I've narrowed it down to about 5 or so patterns.

The rules state you do not have to use Hoffman fabrics for your quilt (aside from the challenge fabric), but when seeing the range, I've decided to base my quilt on the entire collection, plus a few recommended coordinates. I even picked up some Hoffman Bali Batiks for good luck ;)

So I'm waiting anxiously for the rest to arrive, any day now, and I can't wait to see the challenge fabric IRL.

I'm thinking of doing a few videos while I make this, instead of just photographs, because, well, this competitor would like to keep her entry under wraps until I'm done. My secret project :D

I can't believe how excited I am...though I'm sure some nerves will show up here and there. I hope to start drafting my design this week, since you are limited to a 40"x40" quilt maximum, and the designs I'm looking at will have to be resized. But this is good, since working on larger quilts can wreak havok on my neck and back. And the competition closes in July, plenty of time to work and perfect my entry.

Here is the link to the Hoffman Challenge website.

Until next time, keep quilting!

Work in Progress--La Vie en Rose

Yesterday was a happy day--the ordering of FABRIC! Yes, eQuilter.com *loves* me LOL

Now I must patiently (ha!) wait for my "quilt in a box" to come. SO much easier to get it all at once so I don't have to run out for something in the middle of it.

I'm going to be trying a "new" quilting method (well, new to me) called "Quilt as you go". After you finish a block, you layer it with a same-sized piece of batting and quilt that, sewing each block together after quilting. The blocks alone are 16" for this quilt, and it will be my largest I think (Bridal Path comes close). Trying to get all that under my Bernina is HARD.

Here are thumbnails of what's going into my quilt (pix courtesy of eQuilter.com):

Yes, I like pink LOL Even the thread is called Parisian Rose. My little piece of Paris until I can go there myself :)

GRAND OPENING!!

I am proud to announce my GRAND OPENING of The Crafty Angel on Etsy!!!

You will find 8 custom quilts listed for sale--each pattern is different, so take a look at them all! These are truly custom quilts--while I do have artistic licence, my customers will have the choice of various fabrics (stated in each listing). No two quilts are alike, and not just because they are hand-made. I strive for a unique look to each one.

Who knew when I made that vent earlier last month that I would wind up here? I'm so grateful to all who have supported me, given me great feedback, and encouraged me to find an outlet for my quilts.

I get to do something I LOVE and get paid for it. How cool is that? :)

My Portfolio

All my Quilts, from 2003-2009. Many of these will be available for CUSTOM ORDERS on my Etsy shop--TheCraftyAngel.Etsy.com. I am still building my shop, but if you see something you're interested in, please hop over there or email me headacheslayer @ gmail dot com (leave out spaces, add the dot).

Quilt consultations can take up to 1 week. Allow 1 week for ordering any fabric. Constructing a quilt start to finish can take up to 3 weeks, and then the quilt will be shipped to you! These will TRULY be custom--not just a name stitched on somewhere. You will choose *some* of the fabrics, the pattern (prices differ), and state likes/dislikes. So some will be a surprise--that's the fun part for me! But my goal is to give you a useable piece of art that will bring you joy for years to come. I am so grateful for all the amazing comments I got on the Menagerie Quilt which inspired me to find Etsy. I hope that everyone finds a passion like quilting is for me, that brings them exquisite bliss!

And now, for the quilts!

This was my very first quilt, "Railfence Toss", from my first quilting class. I was fortunate to be taught by Eva Larkin, Quilter and Author. I try to remember all she taught me. But mostly about having fun with my quilts and not overstressing about perfection.

*This quilt will be available for custom orders*

Two School Auction Quilts: The first, "Going to a Go-Go" in a 70's theme with photographs, the second "Lights, Camera, Action" in a movie theme.

*Both will be available for Custom Orders (the second will have prints in place of movie photos)*

I created this quilt "Photo Quilting Class" for the first class that I taught in 2004. While there are many ways to reproduce photographs onto fabric, I prefer the ready-to-print sheets, which I will be using on my quilts in the future. I was stressed about this quilt--my machine was acting up, and we were in the midst of the 3 Hurricanes that eventually crossed Florida. But the class went on as planned :)

*Available as a custom Photo quilt*

"Grandma's Sweethearts", "Rhapsody in Blue", "More Precious Than Gold"--all 3 made for Grandmothers and Great-Grandmother.

*Available for custom Photo Quilt*

"WaterBirth FantaSea"--made for a dear friend's baby.

*Available for custom Quilt*

"Wedding Path" for my Sister. The hardest quilt I've done to date!

*Not available for custom purchase*

"Vollyballs" and "Pirates" Sudoku quilts--based on the number puzzle game. Made for my kids.

*Available for Custom Quilt*

"The Menagerie" for my future Nephew! This is, by far, hands-down, my favorite of all! There are 70 fabrics in this quilt. I can't wait to see him on it!

*Avalable for custom quilts--Custom order will have fewer fabrics*

Keep in mind, that I don't make the same quilt twice. Same pattern yes, maybe even a few of the same fabrics (I'm working on a good stash here!). But I like that each is a one-of-a-kind Quilt. My artistic soul will never get bored!

If you like what you see, keep an eye on TheCraftyAngel.Etsy.com! If you can't wait, give me a nudge and I'll set up a listing just for you! I'll make an announcement when my shop is officially open!

The Menagerie Quilt! UPDATED

For my future Nephew, due in September. I finished it with about 16 hrs to spare for the baby shower. My sister loved it! I have to say, it is my favorite so far.

Some CloseUps of some of the blocks....

Once I add the quilt label, there will be a total of 70 fabrics in this quilt (not counting the batting). Yeah I loooooove coordinating fabrics ;) I have outdone myself this time!

Here's the back....normally I go for extra wide backing, so you don't have to piece it for a large quilt, but I could not resist the bright, kid-friendly colors on this print! Piecing was a cinch, you can see a few of the ties (multi-colored yarn).

And there you have it! My Nephew is due any day now :)

Update on the Quilt

But first: A vent.

It drives me nuts when I see Quilters who sell cheap quilts. Either they are using inferior materials, are using cheap labor, or don't value their time. It makes it so hard for those of us who value our art and yet can't find buyers because "they can get one cheaper".

The baby quilt I'm making has cost about $150 or so, just in materials. Add 2 weeks' time, and people cringe when I quote them the price of a custom made quilt? I use top of the line fabrics, quality batting and thread, and do part of the stitching by hand. The pain I go through making a quilt is worth it to do something I passionately love.

And my quilts are made to last. I want them to become heirlooms that will be passed down to future generations. Not something that falls apart or fades after a few washings. While art, they are meant to be used, to be loved and treasured. I cannot describe the thrill I got seeing a quilt my Great-Grandmother had made. It was used and worn to the point it needs repair, but a work of art. Love that has been passed down. A part of her that will always be.

THAT is why I don't buy my materials from the local superstore.

OK. Now that's out of my system. Back to the baby quilt!

The front is done, the back pieced and sewn, and my loving husband JudoMan pinned the quilt together. A man who quilts? Heck YES! My pain is just too great to pin the quilt, so while it was fun to do it with him, now I let him go at it. And I am very grateful :)

So next step, sewing on the binding, and then I will be tying the quilt. I'm debating between a vibrant rainbow colored yarn, or a more subtle one that matches the quilt AND the baby's room. It's the yarn I'm using to knit a blanket for him. I bought um, alot. LOL I didn't know how much I would need. I'm a Newbie Knitter.

Anyway I hope to stitch on the binding today. Since the shower is Sunday, I'm going to start tying today. Hopefully finish it by tonight. My daughter, JudoQueen is competing in the Judo Jr. Olympics tomorrow, and there is looooots of time between her matches. So I'm thinking of handstitching the binding there (maybe hand out some business cards? ::perk::). That leaves Saturday to finish, as the shower is Sunday morning. I REALLY want to have it all done by then.

The only thing that will remain is the quilt label. I will wait until he's born, get a photo, and put that and his birth stats on the label. I did that for a friend and it came out so sweet.

And then I'll shed a few tears when it's done. I always getting a stirring in my heart when it's over, a labor of love.

But I've started designing/collecting fabric for my next quilt....so I won't be too lonesome for long! ;)

Sorry no new photos...they are on JM's computer. Hope to have them up by next week at the latest.