Branching out to table linens

I am trying my hand at a table topper. I picked up the pattern last fall, but didn't get around to picking fabric till a couple weeks ago. The pattern is a simple quartered nine patch I got from Creekside Quilting here in Des Moines. The pattern uses pre-cuts; using Moda fabrics naming convention, a Layer Cake or a Charm Pack. The Layer Cake makes for a throw sized quilt and the Charm Pack yields the table topper.
I chose Pashmina from Sentimental Studios. The line came out a while ago and I had noticed it, but never picked it up. The kicker was the sale at Fabric Shack. I love that store and their customer service is awesome. FYI- half price shipping right now. I was able to get coordinating fabric for the backing. I like the back to match the front. I have a slight matching obsession.
I am looking forward to putting this together. I don't think it should take long, but that means all my seams will have to match on the first try. Yeah, right! I adore the fabric. I like colours and the motifs. Can you name table toppers like you name a quilt? I need to start thinking about a label.

Blue Ribbon Quilts

Looking at winning quilts at the Iowa State Fair made me realize how far I have to go. Here are some pictures of quilts I liked.

I am not a fan of novelty fabrics, but this one caught my eye and even though it was incredibly busy, it was in the spirit of Yellow Submarine!


This was a blue ribbon winner and I absolutely love the pattern. At first glance I didn't care for the notched corners, but then I realized it was reflective of the pattern. I couldn't find a pattern name, but I am going to be on the lookout for something similar


I liked this one (the middle) because of the simplicity of the colours and the design. Simple and clean lines, but it makes a visual impact.

Iowa State Fair

I went to the Iowa State Fair this weekend. I was in awe of the workmanship of the blue ribbon quilts. Here is a nice video explaining the judging process from PBS.


http://www.iptv.org/fair/story.cfm/story/sf10_20100818_3_11/video

Good blog for patterns and techniques

Stumbled on this blog this evening while looking for quilt label ideas. Crazy Mom Quilts has done tutorials for Moda Bake Shop.

My new hobby

With the thought of my life passing me by, I decided to learn a new craft. I have started quilting. It started innocently enough last fall, but this summer it has become a full blown obsession. I have patterns and fabric to match to keep me busy till next summer, but I am already looking at other patterns and fabrics to collect.
I intend on posting regularly, but my guess is that the blog will follow the pattern (no pun intended) of my sewing and crafting habit.