Robert Kaufman No Prints Allowed Challenge

Finished this just under the wire for the KC MQG challenge. I chose the charm square set in the pastel palette. I knew that would be a challenge for me because I don't really love pastels. As you can tell it was difficult for me to stay with pastels only. The challenge rules allowed us to add as many solid fabrics as we desired, so I did.
I'm happy with how it turned out though there are loads of things I would change if I tackled it again. I'm not going to list the faults or the imperfections because I'm trying to get away from always talking about my quilts by what I'm not happy with. I do love the composition and I think I did a pretty good job with the colors. All in all it was a fun challenge.
I'm pretty happy with the quilting too.
The challenge was to use every color in the pack...this bit of green on the binding simply didn't fit in the piece, so this is where it ended up.
Kona solids are an amazing set of fabrics to work with. I've grown to love them and I'd love to have every color. My friend Tammy at Marmalade Fabrics has that same goal. She's hit a milestone this week with over 100 of the Kona colors. She's having a little celebration and is giving away a dozen fat quarters on her blog. Pop over to the store and start or add to your collection of Kona colors and then head over to the blog and enter the giveaway.
Happy Friday everyone!

A Little Shopping

The first weekend of the month is vintage shopping time in Kansas City. My oldest son and I went together. We were looking for some unique, cheap, decor items. My kind of shopping! We hit Good JuJu, Liberty Bell and Urban Mining and came home with some great finds. I wasn't planning to shop for myself until I found this. I am totally smitten with vintage TV's, but I don't have room for one in my house.This art piece is made from the parts of an old TV. The knobs even turn!
The inside of the screen showcases the old test pattern....I remember those filling the screen when there was no programming available. Better than infomercials, don't you think?
It's an old motorola...I'm hanging it at the bottom of the stairs so I'll see it as I enter my studio. Reminds me of simpler times.
Speaking of shopping, I did a little fabric shopping at Marmalade this weekend. Did you know Tammy is now up to 80 colors of Kona cotton solids. Yum! So I stocked up on a few that I was low on. She's also carrying one of my favorite basics, essex linen/cotton blends in 5 colors. Did you know that essex comes in orange? Be still my heart! These make great background fabric!

Have you seen RK's Metro Living? Love these prints!
And the fabric I've been pining for...waiting for...wanting...wishing... (Shades of Grey!) should be arriving the end of March. Is it ok to wish a whole month away, just to get fabric? Check out Tammy's other great collections.

My tasks for today...quilt Night Forest! I'm so excited. I also need to decide what quilts to bring to LA. It's going to be a wonderful week! Have a great one!

Oh, I almost forgot, the winners of Shea's patterns...The playhouse goes to Anne and Nichole and the quilt pattern to Valerie and highwaycottage. I've contacted everyone, but Valerie....no contact info in your comment. Valerie said, "I would love that quilt pattern! So pretty!! My pet peeve would be not including various sizes/fabric requirements. I like to have options!" Please drop me an email with your address. If I don't hear from you by tomorrow I'll draw another name.

It's a Gem!

I'm starting the week introducing the second sponsor of my blog. It's another local gal and this time it's not only an online store, but brick and mortar as well. bon bon atelier is a Kansas City gem. Run by sisters Betsy and Emily, bon bon has evolved from a shop that showcased handmade items, into a store to support artists who are the makers. These gals have exquisite taste and are the definition of good things come in small packages.
Betsy and Emily's goal for their store is not only to showcase the handmade, but to bring artistic and handcrafted fulfillment to folks in a fast-paced technology driven world. (Kinda sounds like me, doesn't it?) Stepping into bon bon is like slowing the world for me. The store invites browsing, fondling of fabric, perusing books and is always an inspirational experience. If you're anywhere near Kansas City, it's a must stop. I do my Christmas shopping at bon bon. It's never too early to start, you know!
Bonbon is also unique in that you will never see these gals carry an entire fabric line. They only buy what they love (fabric buying is a deeply personal experience for them!) and they work with their customers to put together one of a kind fabric combinations. I love a place where I can find what no one else seems to have. It's always a treat to see what Betsy and Emily have on the shelf.
And Liberty....ohh the Liberty. If you've never seen or touched Liberty of London fabrics, it's an experience you need to have. I buy Liberty for very special projects. It's a joy to work with and simply gorgeous. I made scarves for some very special friends with Liberty this Christmas.
Betsy and Emily want all their customers to have the bonbon experience. They strive to do that both in person and online. Check out bonbon. It's not your average fabric store. They've got free patterns too. Betsy and Emily are offering a coupon for my readers, 10% off online with the promo code tallgrassprairie.

Put bon bon on your list of places to visit when you come to quilt market in the spring of 2012. It's going to be in Kansas City, you know! We have the welcome mat out for you!!