When I signed up for Jane's Rainbow Swap, one of the colors that was available for me to select from was dark blue. Briefly, the fabric guidelines are such that we could use as many different types of fabrics to complete the block of our choosing, but the foreground had to read monochromatic with the background white or tone-on-tone white. The fabric in my stash that I thought I could use just didn't fit the bill, nor did the yardage that I bought in Vermont earlier this week. My interpretation of monochromatic is what I know from my painting which evidently does not have exactly the same meaning in quilting.
That being said, we just HAD to make a trip to the quilt shop in the BIG city today because 'time's a wastin' and I MUST get started on my blocks!
This time, I selected two different prints from Bonnie Blue Basics by Paula Barnes of Bonnie Blue Quilts. They are different prints but are definitely monochromatic in that the value of the blue is the same in each fabric. The background fabric is a soft, 100% cotton white muslin.
Sam offered me an hour in the quilt shop while he went to the book store. It took about 15 minutes for me to select the fabric and have them cut it, which left me with 45 minutes to kill til he came back to collect me. Darn! However was I going to kill 45 minutes in a quilt shop? (Insert sly grin here).
My next purchase is all Nanette's fault! If you've never visited Freda's Hive before, give yourself a treat. Nanette has the most wonderful, colorful, extraordinary, eclectic and off-the-wall collection of fabrics you'll ever see. And what she makes with them will knock your socks off. I thought my tastes tended to lean toward the antique-y, Civil War type of fabric but somehow...just somehow...with each visit to Nanette's blog, I've started to take bigger steps outta my proverbial box. Have a look at these fabrics...and of course I had to have 3 more of the Mettler embroidery threads to make that collection almost complete.
Aren't they so kewl?
And last...but not least, I had to purchase this book simply because there are some really neat pincushion patterns in it. After all, one can never have too many pincushions. Right?
Isn't retirement grand?
Happy stitching!
The big city again?!! LOL
ReplyDeleteIf there is a book store near a quilt shop I am in heaven because my husband could stay in a book store for hours. Love your pink fabrics.
Talk to me about the magazine-- would you purchase it again? I'm so tempted... Love the Bonnie blue pieces.....
ReplyDeleteHa ha first off will you believe my friend laura brought me that magazine last nite and I want to make the shop hopper bag. But I do LOVE you beautiful Colorful fabric. It is wonderful. I'd have to say I'm a dangerous friend. Be ware!
ReplyDeleteThe big city is grand. We went on a shop hop to 5 quilt stores and built up my stash. I will have to keep my open for thatmag. It must have been one of better homes and gardens? Linda
ReplyDeleteAlmost bought that book last week... just for the awesome pincushions too! Be sure to show us what you make...
ReplyDeleteLike Carrie, my husband goes into book shops or antique stores to occupy himself while I quilt shop. Once he even came in for an hour trying to help me find the perfect border fabric. :o) Love your pink fabrics.
ReplyDeleteNice blues! And yes, I agree, you can't have too many pincushions.
ReplyDeleteGreat fabric and I can't wait to see what new pincushions you make.
ReplyDeleteall those fabrics are great, and you can never have enough stash! Pincushions, a weakness...can't wait to see what you make!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like another "fruitful" trip to the big city, Kaaren! I envy you your retirement - can't wait until our house sells, then I'm there with you! I love Bonnie Blue basics - your rainbow block is going to be outstanding!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Wow, wonderful purchases in the Big City! You're going to the Big City way too often, my friend. I do love your purchases, though. LOL
ReplyDeleteAnd, a new sewing machine - wow, wow, wow! I can't wait till it comes to live at your house.