Show-n-Tell from Me!

In my last post, I wrote about my recent visit to a quilting retreat, and told you how I brought three projects with me - quilts that I've wanted to make for myself, for our home.  In other words - no "work" projects for Heartspun Quilts.  The truth is, I brought a lot more than three projects....in case somehow I got to sew'n at the speed of light.  What could be worse than being at a retreat with all kinds of time to sew and nothin' to work on, right?  God forbid.  All in all, I was pretty happy with the progress I made with my Tumbler quilt, which is about half way finished now.  I have to trace and cut more tumblers before I can finish it, which will take some time.  That's ok....I rather like the journey of finding just the right fabrics.  I starch and iron the scraps, then while I'm watching TV with the family, I trace and cut them.  It's really relaxing.  Anyway...I digress.

Both of the quilts I finished in Wisconsin were small quilts.  The first one was a quilt I just recently saw in the August 2011 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting, called Sweet Carolina, designed by Annemarie Yohnk (of Quilts Remembered).  The moment I saw this quilt I wanted to drop everything and make it NOW!  Has this ever happened to you?  Well, unfortunately, I couldn't drop everything to make it right then and there, but I didn't have to wait all that long! 

Here's how my Sweet Carolina turned out....not bad, right.  Well, as I was piecing it together, I began go hate my fabric choices for the pieced and applique stems.  The leaves were a good choice, but the other greens were too weak.  I placed it on the design wall and began to work on the next project, but the more I looked at it, the stronger my feelings were.  I began to voice my concerns to my friends.  Actually....I voiced my concerns a lot.  I decided I would have to make another one...I just wasn't happy.  One of my girlfriends, truthfully I'm not sure which one, suggested that I spray the quilt with Instant Antique spray (by Primitive Gatherings) to darken the fabrics.  I thought that was an excellent idea!  What did I have to loose?  I had already resigned myself to making another one! 

We went outside and I laid the quilt on the grass and began to spray....

and spray, and spray, and spray.......

I kept spraying until the fabrics were completely saturated.  I let it dry outside a bit and then pressed it with an iron to dry completely. 

Here's how it turned out!  On the left is the before, and the right is after.  The Instant Antiquing spray darkened the greens just enough that I'm very happy with them now.  If I wanted to make the fabrics darker still, I only need to repeat the process, and apply the spray again.  I thought perhaps you'd like share this experience with me, so if you're ever in the same pickle, you have an option.  I know several quilt shop owners, designers and friends who use this product regulary.  It's very easy to use and permanent, too.  Contact Primitive Gatherings if you'd like to buy Instant Antiquing for yourself.

The second quilt I finished is this little cutie called Stepping Stones, designed by Phyllis Paul of Cozy Quarters.  This quilt measures 11 x 14 inches with the blocks finishing at 3 inches.  It was such fun to make!  I wanted to make it to use in my summertime display of assorted folky strawberries!  I love how it turned out.  I think I'll try to quilt it myself....or not.  We'll see.

Over the weekend, my friends I attended a Feathered Star workshop with world reknown teacher, Marsha McCloskey.  This was my first attempt to piece a feathered star.  I was able to finished my block before the workshop ended, with 15 minutes to spare, and am very proud of how it turned out.  Marsha's techniques were awesome!  If you ever have the chance to take a workshop with her, do it!!!  You won't be sorry.... I learned so much.

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Well, that's it for my non-work show-n-tell.  Stay tuned for the big reveal of all of the Journey Three projects.  The quilts are on their way back from photography, the cover will be at the printer, and I'm putting the finishing touches on all of the patterns. 

Don't forget, there will be several contests to win the pattern and kits 

(containing the exact fabrics I used in the

 quilts) of some of the Journey Three quilts...so stay tuned!!

And as always....thank you for taking a few moments to visit with me today!
Pam