Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Houston, We Have Flimsy...

I repeat, Houston, we have flimsy. Wooo Hoooo! My vow of finishing my Christmas quilt top last week was a success! It is now at flimsy stage. I love how this one turned out -- the colors are fun, the stitcheries worked out well, and using charm square packs really made this one come together pretty quickly. (thanks to dh for holding this one up for today's photo shoot -- cute toes and all, though I've been assured this is the most he wants posted of himself on my blog -- I smartly refused to promise anything. bwahahahaha)

Now on to the current quandaries about this one. My first problem is trying to come up with a name for this quilt -- some names just come to you, others, well, they just don't. This one isn't. Or, well, one does keep popping into my head, but it just seems. . . unoriginal. The entire time I've been working on this one, I've been thinking about the show Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. You know, the one with the Island of Misfit Toys? For some reason the elves (though no real physical resemblance) touch off fond memories of watching this show every year -- is it just me? Anyway, add to that the fabric is called "Holly Jolly" and I've been hearing Burl Ives singing "A Holly Jolly Christmas" in my head the entire time I've been putting this together. My first thought is to call it "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" and be done with it -- but, I don't know, it seems kind of, well, derivative? Hmmn, maybe I'm over thinking this one. Any suggestions for names would be appreciated though.

The other quandary about this one is how to quilt it. Though, truthfully, this one isn't so much of a problem right now since it's not going to be able to be sent off for quilting (nope, I don't have the talent for this one yet -- and it deserves something better than I can currently do) for a few months at least. Not because of the $$, though that is a factor, but because the top is not sitting comfortably in my flimsy drawer. No, nothing bad happened to it, it is now in its new temporary home. When I went to my newest LQS to pick up a couple of extra charm packs to finish up this one, I brought my elf stitcheries with me (ok, so I wanted to show off a bit -- I'm kind of proud of how they turned out). I showed them to the owner, Tammy, (who is a really sweet lady btw) and explained what I was doing with the rest of the blocks. Unfortunately, I didn't explain it all that well -- but she asked to see them despite my bumbling. I brought in a few of the disappearing 9 patch blocks in a couple of days later and she loved them. She also asked if they could use the top as a shop sample. Knock me over with a feather! (ok, kind of a hokey saying but -- it fits)

To make me equally dumbfounded (you would think someone had stupified me -- sorry, necessary Harry Potter reference -- the book comes out THIS WEEK!!!!!) Laura2 (her designation at the store, not my own weird way of naming her) who plans the shop's classes asked if I would be willing to teach a class on the technique. (I think my answer was something erudite and sophisticated like "um...sure...I'd...yeah") So in September I will be teaching a class on the disappearing 9 patch block and until then, my top will be displayed at the shop (I think it will go up sometime this week but they may wait until they get their shipment of Holly Jolly bolts in whenever that is). Have I mentioned again that I love the new LQS? (and if you haven't followed the links above, and here I'm trying to be all subtle and everything but I did promise to reveal the name of the shop eventually, the name of the shop is Tammy Tadd Designs -- yep, she does design patterns and fabric and the store is adorable -- and no, I'm not just saying this to suck up, really, I was spending money there before any of this happened) I will get a picture of the quilt in the shop when it gets put up!

And speaking of spending money on fabric. *sigh* I'm back on my fabric diet. No new lovelies for me for the rest of this month. I may, just may mind you, have gone a little nuts over some new fabrics that came into the shop this past week. But really, can you blame me? I resisted for a whole 24 hours before I went back to the shop and bought fabrics for the quilt that just would not leave me alone. (I was literally finishing up the Christmas quilt and taking breaks to design one around these fabrics) I do have to go back tomorrow and buy a little more of one of the fabrics -- I bought just enough fabric for my design idea and, of course, made a cutting mistake. But other than that (oh, and some binding for the Christmas quilt when the yardage comes in, and maybe some backing fabrics -- I think I've got a problem here) I'm in a no-buy zone until August at least. Not like I don't have three or four quilts that need to be done. Not to mention Mom's pillows to finish up and other assorted projects to complete. But I can't regret splurging on these -- I think the quilt is going to be fun!

27 comments:

Karyn said...

That quilt is so incredibly pretty!! I'm not the least bit surprised that the quilt shop wanted to borrow it!!!!!!

Libby said...

Yup I was right - what a super fun Christmas quilt! And congratulations on the recognition you are receiving - take it and run with it; you never know where it might lead...! Looks like a really cute shop, too.

Suzanne Earley said...

First off, the quilt is so adorable -- the stitchery you did is way cute.

Secondly -- congratulations on the opportunity it has opened up for you! That is very awesome.

Whoever quilts for you will have a lot of fun! They'll probably help you with ideas, but if you need suggestions, let me know, I'd be happy to help.

~Bren~ said...

Your Christmas quilt is incredible. It will make a great class! I think "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" is a perfect name for the quilt! It truly fits. Your new fabrics are wonderful. I can't wait to see your new quilt top. I will have to take a trip up to Tammy's. It must be fairly new, though I have not been up that way in over a year.

Carole said...

The quilt looks lovely. Congrads on teaching a dissapearing 9 patch at the quilt store. Those types of classes are always fun. Yea, tell me about Harry Potter. My copy should arrive via owl delivery the date the book is lauch. It BETTER! lol Although I'm a tad scared of reading it. J.K. did say that she cried at the end and that two of the main characters will die. Now, she could have cried because it was over. I've been racking my brains trying to figure out what she means by "main character". I'm always hoping that Sirius Black will come back. If I recall he wasn't killed but just went on the other side of the experimental death wall. I had such fantasies about how I think he should have looked. Ya know, the sort of bad boy motorcycle type! ;o) Oh sorry, this is about quitling isn't it Got me side tracked! lol

Unknown said...

What a bright and happy quilt. Congrats on teaching the class, give yourself a pat on the back. The only suggestion I would have on the machine quilting is, please don't let whoever does it for you, stitch through your embroidery. I've seen it done and it ruins the embroidery. Just my 2 cents worth.

Lisa D. said...

Your quilt is FANTASTIC, Angela! And what an honor to be asked to teach a class! You must be walking on a cloud! Sorry I can't help with a name, I'm not very creative that way.

I love Tammy Tadd - I've purchased from her online store - the best place to find Lakehouse fabrics! I also love the Bleeker Stret fabrics. You have excellent taste, my friend. ;-)

Samantha said...

s fabulous- I'm sure with that sample you'll have loads of takers for your class! As for the fabric diet, believe it or not- i may finally be on one myself.

Melanie said...

Love the patchwork!!!Too cute!! You should be so proud.

Greenmare said...

WOW !!!!
congratulations!
your quilt reminds me of ribbon candy, the old fashioned kind that our local sweet shop still makes every year.

Magpie Sue said...

Unless the quilt tells me its' name I don't usually come up with very original titles. I don't see anything wrong with Holly Jolly Christmas though!

It's an adorable quilt. Congratulations on the opportunity it created for you!

His Office, My Studio said...

I started typing this and your email popped up. We have good timming.

I love pattern, blocks and fabrics in your Christmas Quilt. Great Job!

Tazzie said...

Just beautiful, you must be thrilled! I really like the little stitchery details.
I'll hold your hand on the fabric diet, we can do it together!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Andrea said...

Lovely quilt ! Really great stitcheries - never done any stitchery but can feel myself getting pulled in - lol ! I'm useless at naming quilts but that one sounds just right !

YankeeQuilter said...

Congratulations. It is a great quilt top! Only a few more days until the HP book is out...I have to wait until Amazon can get it to me over here :(

I'm going to reread the half-blood to get ready!

Anonymous said...

That quilt came out so beautiful. Nice Work!

Anonymous said...

Angela, sorry I missed you on Monday. Love the way your quilt turned out! It was a nice surprise when I came in on Tuesday. Can't wait to get it hung up in the shop! How about "Elfin Magic" for a name? Just a suggestion...incorporates the elves and the disappearing 9-patch. see ya soon!

Anonymous said...

Ok so i admit it i forgot the name of your blog...so after some brain searching (i need the thing dumbledor has to put memories in) i found it...LOVE IT....see ya soon i'm sure...even if you are on a fabric diet

Finn said...

Great job Atet, I'm not surprised she wanted you to teach it!! It's adorable, and I LIKE the name you are thinking of...I love hearing Burl Ives sing that song every year.
Congratulations!! Hugs, Finn

Leigh said...

Oh well done Angela. I have really enjoyed watching you progress on this pretty quilt.
How chuffed you must have been to be asked to teach in the shop.
((Hugs))

P.s. Love the new fabrics.

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Oh, you clever clever girl. I can see it now, being able to quit work and teach quilting! Well maybe one day!
great finish and great that others recognize your many talents.
When will you get the new book, how will we be able to not hear whether Harry dies before we finish...and can she kill Harry?
Yes, I know, the World is bigger than harry...but we are v. close!Cheers, tracey
Like those new fabric, what are they?

Darlene said...

That quilt is beyond adorable. You are going to have so much fun teaching. Enjoy!

Nicole said...

Your Christmas quilt is terrific! And congratulations on being asked to teach at the shop! I bet you are a natural. I never could have resisted the fabrics you picked out either. Can't wait to see what you will do with them.

Rose Marie said...

What a fantastic top and what about "Christmas Cheer" for a name? Your top is so bright and cheery and perfect for Xmas. Those stitcheries are sweet!

Anonymous said...

the quilt is stunning I LOVE IT ! wow congratulations for picking such great colors and lovely stitches !
I'm upset to day, because I thought you had been in my links from the beginning and I can't find your name on my list ! I'll add you right away ! sorry !

corry said...

That's a very adorable quilt, so pretty! I like the stitches and your color use!

The Wooden Spool said...

Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!