new year's day

I started playing with the many fabrics I bought at the Heirloom Creations Sale. I needed to make a gift for a swap partner who seems to have been left out in the cold by the person who was to send her a gift.

This is what i came up with. Before (in process on the red couch cushions) and after (on the desk with the blossoms in full bloom). It was an absolute blast to create, so much so that i was up till 3:30 making it. Hand sewing the binding can be rewarding as well as time consuming though.

I especially like how the origami style blossom petals overlap the border, and YES, it was deliberate.  could easily see a  votive candle setting in each of  them. Maybe i should get over to Pier 1 and see what they have; after all, it is a gift!

 The indigo coloring of the background fabrics have an Asian feel, which is what i was striving for and achieved. The piece of rusty red was one of those serendipitous finds from one of my fat quarter bundles. it used the whole piece but lucky for me there is a second piece for another runner....I want this one!

I have been involved in  quilting bees for about 9 months now, and have made some wonderful friends and gained some great piecing experience. i have made things i would have never tried before, like paper piecing, and i do like it now, that is how i made the Pucci pillow.

But the Make Mine Modern Swap has been even more fun and rewarding, as you set a 3-month focus on one recipient, and try to get info on them to create their special package yet keep it secret.  As you volunteer information and commentary to posts and pics, you are wondering if the creation is yours and at the same time providing insight to your tastes. I must say that my partners in the last 2 swaps were spot on in their choices for me. (But i have been a very active participant... so knowing what I might like is pretty easy.) Creating for those 2 swaps was not as easy, my partners were pretty quiet, which is difficult. But i made some cool stuff!

I have a million things on the slate for 2011, starting with getting Casa Rico back in shape. I am going to start spring cleaning early— as soon as i return from TNNA in California, and the Photo Shoot in South Beach—if only i could call in sick for those events and work on MY space!  AARRGGHH!