Life is a patchwork of experiences
We went to Punta Arenas, Chile specifically to see the two penguin colonies nearby
On our three-week Patagonia trip, my husband and I side-tripped to Punta Arenas for the sole purpose of seeing penguins. For those who don’t want to go to Antarctica, this is a (relatively) easy way to see penguins up close and personal in their natural environment.
Two penguin colonies could be visited as day trips from Punta Arenas. The king penguin colony on Tierra del Fuego was a very, very long day trip. Somewhat closer on Magdalena Island was a colony of gentoo penguins.
Our Patagonia adventures started with two days in Los Glacieres National Park in Argentina
Learn how to make half square triangles the easy way. I have found this method to be the most straight forward and foolproof technique for a perfect quilt block.
I am fascinated by the many quilting geometries you can achieve with a half-square triangle block. Over the years, I have made well over a dozen half-square triangle quilt patterns, and in the process, I have perfected the easiest and most fail-proof method for how to make half square triangles.
Continue reading “How to Make Half Square Triangles – The Easiest, Fail-proof Method”
Use these ideas for pieced backing for quilts to make your quilt back as beautiful as your quilt front.
I love the process of designing quilts. Picking out the fabric combinations, figuring out the geometry, and then sewing it all together satisfies my creative soul. So, for me, the back of the quilt is as much a canvas for creativity as the front.
I see it as an opportunity to think outside the box and come up with interesting design options beyond just a plain piece of fabric. Over the years, I have tried many different approaches to making pieced quilt backs for all my quilts, and I am sharing these ideas here.
I like to make travel quilts inspired by the destinations where I am going. I am sharing some of my favorites to inspire your next quilt project.
My website is called Quiltripping because I love to travel, take photos, and make quilts. I like to make travel quilts inspired by the destinations where I am going and then photograph the quilt on location.
Since I started this blog, I have photographed and shared quite a few of my bucket list travel-inspired quilts. I thought it would be nice to put them all together into one gallery for both quilting and travel inspiration.
This month’s podcast is all about how I combine travel with my creative crafting interests.
Podcast link: Creative Travel: Exploring Global Crafts and Cultural Traditions
The sister Outdoor Quilt show is one of the most unique quilt shows you can attend. For one day only, the buildings in the Town of Sisters, Oregon act as a backdrop for 1400 quilts. This is a unique gallery showcasing amazing art and craftsmanship in a beautiful setting. I am sharing my tips on how to visit and get the most out of a Sisters Outdoor Quilt show experience.
The sun is shining. A soft breeze keeps the temperature comfortable. Not far in the distance, the snow-capped Three Sisters mountains glow in the early morning light. It is the second Saturday in July in Sisters, Oregon, and there is a festival-like atmosphere engulfing this small western town. A week of diverse quilting events and activities has been the prelude to this single day – the day of the Sisters Quilt Show.
My first paper pieced quilt in hot shades of pink, red, yellow and purple. This Prismatic Star quilt certainly brightens up my room on a dreary rainy day.
This Prismatic Star Pattern by Judy Niemeyer was my first attempt at paper piecing. I started the quilt when I took a class at her retreat center in Kalispell, Montana.
I learned how to do paper piecing with Judy Niemeyer at a Quiltworx retreat in Kalispell, Montana
I enjoy taking quilting classes and learning new techniques. I had the opportunity to learn paper piecing in one of the Judy Niemeyer classes at the Quiltworx retreat center on Flathead Lake, Montana, near Kalispell. It was a relaxing week with lots of instruction, lots of learning, and lots of sewing.
Continue reading “Learning Paper Piecing with Judy Niemeyer at a Quiltworx Retreat”
Not long ago I had the opportunity to make a Kaffe Fassett quilt with Kaffe Fasset himself and watch him teach his glorious color magic to an enthralled audience
If the quilting world has a crown prince, it has to be Kaffe Fassett. Known for his exuberant use of colour, Kaffee has built a design empire that extends to fabric, knitting, needlepoint, mosaics, and patchwork. Whether it’s a sweater, a needlepoint pillow, or quilting fabric, his uniquely colourful style is instantly recognisable.
He has published many books, including over 20 beautifully photographed quilt pattern volumes, which make it easy to produce one of his trademark designs. But making a Kaffe Fassett quilt in a class taught by the master of “Glorious Color” brings you up close and personal to his creative genius.
Continue reading “Making a Kaffe Fassett Quilt – Taking a Class With the Master of Glorious Color”
