The Watering Hole

Hello!

I’m writing you comfortably in my PJs from my home studio surrounded by a mess of projects. When my sister told me she was pregnant, I pictured myself sitting quietly, sewing things for my nephew-to-be, dreaming of all the wonderful things to look forward through. In reality, I’ve been stress buying fabric in bulk and have wracked up quite a to-be-sewn pile. I’ll have to sew my way out of it and of course leave enough time for drawing and painting! Did I mention I’m taking up the harmonica? We recently received a free set of harmonicas, if our neighbors don’t kill us, I think we found another fun thing to do in the evenings.

Fall is here in Michigan and I thought today would be a perfect day to share this new quilt I made for my cousin’s new babe! How about this for some fall color!?

To create this one I used “The Waterhole” collection by Riley Blake Designs. I paired it with a Kona solid on the back for a bold vintage looking color. I regret that I do not remember the name of this color.

I pieced this quilt in a spontaneous fashion building around the center block in the usual “log cabin quilt as you go way.” I maintained the upright position of all the fabric’s artwork as I went. I added some thinner strips for variety as well.

Working as I go gave me the opportunity to highlight some parts of the fabric with a little bit of a fussy cutting. But not too fussy!

My Juki continues to be a workhorse. I had some issues recently but I took her to the shop and a quick clean and rebalancing of the machine got her throwing good stitches again. That’s one of the reasons my piles got so out of control, my machine was out of commission for a while. I didn’t know what to do with myself in the evenings without my machine.

This baby quilt is a little oversized, I liked the idea of a more “portrait” style shape. This sweet new babe is Iowa so I doubled up 100% cotton batting and it gives this quilt big fluff.

I thought I’d wrap up and share this photo of my aunt finding SUMMER OF THE TREE ARMY at a Michigan book shop! Thanks for everyone’s support of my work - I do not share my appreciation nearly enough as my heart feels it.

I hope the fall breeze comes through your windows today and refreshes your soul as it is doing for me.

Kirbi