NORTHWOODS Posted on 16 Feb 12:55 , 0 comments
Learning is a funny thing just by the nature of how it happens, and as Marva Collins says, "The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another." So what is this deep thinking all about, Kay, and what ever on earth does it have to do with the quilt and design you're showing us. I guess I need to start from the beginning.
A few days ago I had an email from Cindy asking me to design an edge-to-edge pattern use moose and bears and to make it an easy stitch-out like 1320 Swirls and Bears. I told her that should be fairly easy to take out some of the bears and stick a moose in here and there using the same basic connecting pattern of swirls. I always think it's going to be easier than it actually turns out to be, but in the end the pattern came together rather nicely. I even added some little trees for more interest and to keep the pattern balanced and fresh.
But while I was working on the quilting pattern I was thinking about some design work I did for Northcott Fabrics using a fabric line called Majestic Mallards ... such yummy flannels. I can't wait until the fabrics get here so I can start working on piecing the samples. Check out swatches for these fantastic prints and how well they coordinate with the lodge/woodsy feel of the plaids. But I get ahead of myself and must save the story of MQS 135E PAWS IN THE POND the pattern I designed using these fabric for another post. At least you get to enjoy a sneak preview of these fabrics due in the local quilt shops some time this summer.
And where did all of that thinking lead? I know this seems like kind of a rambling story but bear with me. (no pun intended) The story is leading to a good ending. Last week I had a wonderful long conversation with Bona about all kinds of quilting things, but our main conversation was about how to create quilting design audition mockups easily and fairly quickly without having to spend a fortune on software, and without having to spend hours and hours learning how to use said software.
The spark of a new idea: The brainstorming and bouncing around of ideas all comes together for a new solution to our age-old problem. I'm guilty of overloading people with all the "possibilities the might work" but in the end, I came home and let our ideas percolate in the back of my mind. By Jove, Martha, I think I've got it! Much celebrating in the studio and the photo at the top of the post is the proof in the pudding, so to speak. So, Bona, if you're reading your reading this, I'll be creating a tutorial soon that gives you all the details.
And now to circle back around to Cindy's pattern: a new edge-to-edge was born and is up in the store with a special introductory discounted price for only one week. Be sure you don't miss out on adding 1468 NORTHWOODS E2E to your quilting library.
