Friday, November 30, 2012

Circle the Cabins

Back to the fun stuff...quilty things!

Over the Thanksgiving holiday I found (really it was my hubby) a lighting solution for the studio.  We were at Nebraska Furniture Mart in Kansas City, on black Friday no less, looking for a deal on a dishwasher for the dead one in my son's townhome.  No luck on the dishwasher, but my hubby spotted this lamp.  I hemmed and hawed over it for a bit, but decided to make the purchase.  It was the last one and on closeout, so no returns.  Thank goodness it works perfectly.  It sits against the wall and arcs high enough so I can walk under it, but gives me light right on my cutting/work table.  (There is no overhead lighting in our apartment.)  I can even close the shades to block the bright sun and still have enough light to work.  Watch me do a happy dance for good lighting!!
I'm continuing to work on projects from the closet.  I had four blocks that I made as demo blocks for my appearance on The Quilt Show last August.  I know some have grown tired of improvised log cabin blocks, but I love them, especially when I do them in the elongated version like the blocks in the "Not Lost in the Woods" quilt.
I made two more blocks and then I ran out of the original fabric. I didn't want to simply sew them together, so I plopped them up on the design wall and had a ball playing with layouts.  I finally decided on this "Circle the Cabins" design.  I used another yellow and brown that are a bit darker in value than the fabrics used in the blocks.  I color blocked the outside of the quilt and I really love the cross that is formed in the center.  I've never really used yellow as the focal color in a quilt, but I have to say I'm a fan, especially paired with the neutrals that I love so much.
The browns are French General solids that I bought on my teaching trip to Indiana.  The yellows are both Konas.  I'm going to make a back for this right now and move on to quilting.  No more putting things back in the closet to gather dust!

I had a consultation with a local longarm quilter yesterday.  We had so much fun talking quilts and working through quilting designs.  She went home with two tops.  I'm excited to tell you more about her and show you her work.


29 comments:

MIss Sherry said...

I have a question for you, when you sew, do you sit on that backless stool by your machine? Ever since you posted the pictures of the new sewing space, I have been wondering? Just curious.....

Sequana said...

Are you able to use those
"daylight bulbs" in the new lamp? That would be so helpful for true colors.

Jenny said...

hooray for any kind of log cabin block and for teaching trips to Indiana! come back soon!

jacquie said...

Sherry,
I do sit on that backless stool. I can adjust the height depending on if I'm piecing or quilting. It seems weird, but it works for me...I love that I can move around on it too.

Esch House Quilts said...

That lamp looks like it was made for that spot! How great to have that light just where you want it.

Love the blocks and layout of Circling.. too - can't wait to see the quilting done :)

Anonymous said...

I never tire of your log cabin blocks...they are used/made in such an original manner! The clean, contemporary feel is refreshing. Love the "minty" one (on the bed) but the yellow/brown is a "knock out"!! Awesome! Hugs, Doreen

MIss Sherry said...

Hooray for you! To find a chair that is functional, cute and compact to fit your space is a triple winner. Was so consumed with having my burning question answered that I failed to mention how much I enjoy your blog and find your work to be wonderful as well. You know what they say, "Inquiring minds want to know!"

Lynn said...

I love the log cabin blocks. Visiting your blog really makes me think differently about fabrics and patterns.
I really enjoyed touring your new sewing space a couple of posts back. Thanks for sharing!

Pat said...

I like your lamp. I've been looking at those a lot lately. I have overhead lighting where I sew but it is never enough. Your log cabin blocks are so neat. I'm dying to try some. Not gonna happen this year, though! :D

Anonymous said...

Very cool lighting. Love the new log cabin layout too. Take care, Byrd

folksmith said...

Can't wait to see your two new quilts once they are quilted. I love your log cabin design.

Cheryl Arkison said...

What happens if I come over? Will I fit under the lamp?
Not that I should be asking, I've been bonking my head on our dining room light fixture almost every time I move the table just slightly to work.

em's scrapbag said...

I never tire of log cabin quilts. They are a favorite of mine. Both of yours are lovely.

Valerie said...

That lamp is perfect! Lighting can make or break my mood when I'm sewing. And love the new quilt! Hope you are doing well:)

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

Your motivation to get things done is helping my level of motivation as well. I've got numerous UFO's stored away that I need to complete. Look forward to seeing all the finished quilts. Yours and mine. Love the layout you're using for the log cabin blocks.

janequiltsslowly said...

Cool lamp! I love the colors and look of circle the cabins.

SusieDW said...

That WOULD be a fun piece to arrange and rearrange on the design wall! The negative space is interesting.

Sarah D. (KcMQG) said...

Totally diggin' Circle the Wagons. What a great spin (if you will) on evolving the layout from previous projects/incarnations. Quite some interesting quilting options to (now) figure out. Can't wait to see what you decide regarding that.

Kit Lang said...

Your studio space - and the top - are looking great! :)

And that lamp is a super-fantastico idea - would be perfect for my space too - thanks for the idea!

Arita said...

Finding proper lighting in the studio is so difficult, this one looks like it's working out great. Your quilt top is looking fantastic too.

cinzia said...

I think log cabins are a classic! Love the white cross too!

Marg M said...

Just the sort of lamp I need pity I'm in Australia and have no idea where to find one. The quilt is lovely I loved the first but this second one is looking better

MalinisQuilts said...

Simply superb! I have always admired your improv Logcabin quilt and this one is stunning. Love your color combinations.

I have a quilt in mind which I might try with just solids. Thanks for sharing this wonderful quilt.

Jeannette said...

So glad to see you back in your flow ;-). I adore the light!! The quilt is awesome too, I never would have put those colors together so it is interesting to see how it works. The degign reminds me of a retro flower :-)

Paula said...

Love that lamp! Sometimes being a vertically challenged person works out!! Love the quilt Jacquie. Can't wait to see it finished and see what your new longarmer comes up with.






up with

SusanQuilter said...

I never get tired of those log cabin blocks either---they are wonderful! Love your studio, but have to remind myself that you MUST have cleaned up a bit before taking photos! I am fortunate to have GREAT studio space which I think is amazing, but always messy--usually because I am in the middle of SO many projects at one time. I found a great stool at TARGET that slides under my cutting table, so I can sit if I wish to cut or draw. IKEA had a similar one but at about 2 1/2 times Target's price of 39.99. It has a shaped black vinyl seat & is made of chrome with a cool footrest. It is adjustable up & down. LOVE it! But need better lighting over the cutting table....

Mama Pea said...

I love these. I never get tired of log cabin blocks of any form. Never. I love them!

Poppyprint said...

I love 'Circle the Cabins'. Yet another super cool Jacquie idea!!

Michele T said...

I spotted your quilt "Not Lost in the Woods" and posted it on my Quilt & Sew board for future reference because I knew that I wanted to make something similar for my cousin who turns 50 in Dec. I know that I want to make a lap quilt for him and I think that it would be perfect! Thanks for inspiring!!