Red Cross Quilt Done!

 It's been a while since I've posted about my red cross quilt (previous posts here and here). 

I actually finished it a couple of weeks ago, but other things got in the way of it's photo shoot.

But today I found the time to take some pictures.

If you've been following you'll recall that I had been debating over whether to quilt it by hand or machine. Since  this was my first shot at making concentric circles, I opted to quilt it by hand because I felt I would have better control and could be more precise.

And I'm glad I did.  I like the result and it didn't take as long as I expected it to.  As the circles got bigger and I got nearer to the edges I didn't even need to use a hoop.

I think this is a very masculine looking quilt.   And, although the fabrics are so soft against the skin, I actually think this quilt would look great hanging on a wall. I suppose one could do both, as a hanging sleeve at the back doesn't affect its usability (is that even a word?).  Anyway I hope you like it.

 

For the guys...

I am answering the call from buyers who are requesting more items for men and boys.  So I made a few bookwraps that I think will please said crowd.
"River Rock", whose pebble quilting was inspired by this quilt, came first:

I love the effect of this quilting.  The texture is so great. However, it took so long to do (1 hour!)for such a small project, I can't imagine doing a whole quilt!

"Three Crosses" was inspired by my own Red Cross quilt:  

And my favorite is "Sealed with a kiss":

I love the simple one inch grid quilting on this one.  It's definitely something I want to try on a quilt. I think it would be so nice on a baby quilt.

Teaching

Claire Haillot, owner of Courtepointe Claire in Laval, Quebec has graciously welcomed me as a new sewing instructor in her store!  Starting this fall I will be among a notable and talented group of women who are teaching an array of sewing and quilting related classes.  At Courtepointe Claire you can sign up for a wide variety of classes from learning the basics of quilting to the more advanced quilt design and art quilting classes.  I will be filling in the niche for fun and simple sewing projects. Come make a bookwrap:

or a roll-up place mat

Or my Reversible Hostess Apron which was featured in Stitch Magazine:

Claire herself has designed a clever organizer for craft tools, which can be adapted for either your  sewing and quilting supplies or for your knitting needles.  And she has asked me to teach the class!

 (pattern is available in store)

All of the above projects would make great gifts for the upcoming holiday season!

 Starting in February 2012, I will be offering an Introductory Sewing Class for those of you who have always wanted to learn how to sew and are now ready to take the plunge! 

Why not put it on your Christmas wish list!

Visit Courtepointe Claire online for a full list of classes or drop in to see all that it has to offer.

Giving back

A friend of mine has organized a fundraiser (a Children's Dance, how fun!) to benefit the Montreal Children's Hospital, taking place on November 19th. My Zig Zag Rainbow Quilt will be among the many raffle prizes there. 

Check out the facebook page here and the website here to learn more about the event. They are also accepting online donations.

I'll also be linking up at Swim, Bike, Quilt where Kate is hosting  100 Quilts for Kids.  Hop on over to her blog for details on how you can donate a quilt to a cause of your choice.

Scrappy Star Quilt, Finished

My Scrappy Star Quilt is quilted and bound!
I opted to quilt in straight diagonal lines through each square.

The binding is a bright pink floral fabric. Since the quilt is made up of lots of different scraps I felt it needed a strong color to hold it all together.

 

Plus this quilt is so girly, the pink was definitely suited here.

 For the back I used some of the vintage floral fabric that originally intended to use for the centers of the stars (seen here). I like it so much, plus it contains all the colors used in the front.

A close up of the quilt shows the polka dots on the blue background fabric.

Finished size is 36X36.