Around the World Blog Hop

Hello!  Welcome to my little segment of the Around the World Blog Hop.  I'll be sharing a little about myself and my creative process, plus sharing some links to some other wonderful blogs for you to visit and add to your reading list.

I was invited to the Hop by Angie over at A Quilting Reader's Garden.  Above, I'm sharing a pic of my favorite quilt from her post.  It's a Log Cabin style, but with sashing - how unique!  It still has that classic Log Cabin sunshine and shadows look to it but the sashing gives it a little unexpected kick.  She doesn't usually use sashing as a design element in her quilts, but I'm glad she did here.  I love this fun look.

Now I'm going to attempt to answer the blog hop questions.  

1.  What am I working on?  It would be easier to ask what I'm not working on!  I usually have quite a few projects going on at once.  I do a lot of design for quilt magazines so I usually have a few of those that I'm working on.  I have some personal projects for my family.  I have a project for the quilting group I attend.  I also cross stitch, knit, and crochet.  In June, I started a hexie quilt.  I'm calling it "Aura".  The hexies are 3/4" as measured on each side.  I'm challenging myself to use fabric from my scrap basket only.  The above photo shows my progress to date.  This is something that I work on in the evenings on the front porch while my boys play in the yard.

2.  How does my work differ from others of its genre?  Here, I would have to say my use of color prevails.  I've been in love with color since...uuuuummmm....forever!  As a girl I spent endless hours lining up my 64 Crayolas into different color families across the floor.  I had to have all the colors.  All the crayons, all the magic markers, all the embroidery floss, etc.  Above, is the flimsy of my Cosmic Blast quilt.  You can see how the colors suggest an inner light radiating out to the darker red and black borders, with a hot pink magenta swirling across the whole quilt.  The pattern for this quilt can be found in the Fall 2014 issue of Quilts from Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks.

3.  Why do I write/create what I do?  Inspiration comes from everywhere.  Sometimes memories, sometimes experiences, sometimes a dream.  I go through bursts of creativity, when the design ideas just seem to flow freely.  When I'm in creative mode, I draw new designs.  When I'm not, I write the patterns, and do the sewing.  I love everything about the process of making a quilt.  Choosing the fabrics, thread, and batting, watching the quilt top come together, the actual quilting, even the quiet, gentle hand stitching of the binding.  Shown above is my Patio quilt, inspired by childhood memories of Grandma's house.  The pattern for this quilt is available in the Summer issue of Modern Quilts Unlimited.  

4. How does my writing/creating process work?  My designs usually start the old fashioned way, with graph paper and pencils.  I drew these above "Triangle Ideas" one day at the local park while the boys were climbing the jungle gym.  After this stage, I take my design ideas to the computer and redraw them in EQ7.  Here I play with the design, making numerous sketches and colorings.  I arrange and rearrange them into different quilt top settings.  Then I color some more!  When the design feels just right, it's time to choose fabrics, write the pattern and get stitching.

The "Triangle Ideas" eventually produced "Triangle-O-Rama", featured in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 9 and used to sew the Cosmic Blast quilt, shown earlier in my post.

Now for my two "tag-ee's".  So sorry, I only have two.  My third pulled out at the last moment.  But these two gals are just great!   Please go by and visit their blogs next Monday for their Around the World Blog Hop posts.

First there's Wendy Kruskie.  I've had the pleasure of meeting Wendy at Miss Lou's quilting studio, where we used to be in quilting group together - Waaa!  I miss her.  She is also active in our local guild, and writes a blog, Kwilt Krazy.  She has been doing a little designing - see her block above, An-Tony, part of a series of Kross-Eyed Kritters blocks.  So cute!  I love it!

Next on my list is Kerry of Kerry's Quilting.  I love to pop in and visit her blog.  She is always working on something fantastic!  Above is one of my favorites from her finishes, "Birthday Jane".  So pretty in pinks and browns.  And I'm so jealous!  I'll probably never finish my DJ, but I can enjoy looking at Kerry's.  Visit her blog here:  Kerry's Quilting.

These talented bloggers should have their Around the World Blog Hop posts up on September 15th.  Be sure to visit their blogs and show some love.

Until next time...please visit the Curlicue Creations Shop...and have a super day!

Get Creative!

Jennifer Schifano Thomas