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Friday, March 18, 2016

Those Gorgeous Kalamazoo Quilts!

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And the quilts just kept coming!

The colors, the fabrics the little touches that each quilter brings to her finished work!

The pattern may have started out as my vision, but it is handed off to each maker who turns it more into a reflection of themselves.

And oh, the Allietare quilts that are being finished and shown.  It brings such joy to my heart!

((And a panic to my brain because it’s time to start planning the NEXT one!))

This purple and green confection makes me happy right down to my toes.  I am imagining the sweet fragrance of lilacs.  Maybe purple hyacinths.  LOVELY!
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Be still my heart!

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Another in the red/black/gold combo!

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Oh these are wonderful!

What has really buoyed me up are the students who have displayed their tops or finished quilts with the revelation “This is the first mystery I’ve participated in…..”  YES!  And I’m so glad that it has been a positive learning experience for so many.  And there goes that niggle again…..that means the gauntlet has been thrown down and the next one needs to be REALLY good!

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Loads of Grand Illusion shown!

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Each one so beautiful!

Michigan is very proud of their Mackinac Island and the legendary Grand Hotel.  And I can’t wait to be there again in May!  Those students who have made the quilt have been asked to bring them to the Needle Art seminar for a special show & share.  Can you imagine all of the Grand Illusion quilts hanging over the porch at the Grand?  This is going to be phenomenal!

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Also made while this was our mystery!

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And a gorgeous Celtic Solstice as well!

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The antiques were brought as well!

This is a very special one belonging to Diane.  It was passed down through her family.  As if it isn’t gorgeous enough already, it is a true charm quilt with no two hexagons alike.

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We spread it out to get a closer look!

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WOW!  fabulous scraps!

Can you imagine the dresses, blouses, skirts and more made with these fabrics?  The quilt is in beautiful shape, even though some of the fabrics are now shredding.  There is a muslin backing, very tiny quilting stitches echoing the hexagon shape within each patch, and this quilt has never been washed.

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Amazing Applique --

When you see this quilt at first, you can’t figure out what it is….it’s a tree of life, but most of the appliqued pieces have faded to white and blend into the background much like “ghost” shapes.  The workmanship is incredible, and it really needs to be examined closely to see what the design really is.

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Tulips bloomed on branches bleached white over time.

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Can you see it?

There are more photos in the slide show below. It’s a large slide show – we had show and share at both workshops, and at the guild meeting.

Pay special attention to the guild meeting photos!  The guild had issued a Scrap Challenge, and the scrap quilts came in droves, so much inspiration!

Click the image below if you are unable to view the slide show on your mobile device.  You’ll be taken to the photo album for viewing.  if for any reason the slide show won’t play for you, there is a “view as slide show” button on the photo album page in the upper left corner and it can be played from the photo album. I use Piccasa, and sometimes it doesn’t play nice!

Show & Share, Kalamazoo, MI 2016



Yesterday was a bit of respite for me.  I headed out to do some antiquing with Lise and Katie, and we had a blast wandering the Mega Mall.  More on that to come, likely after I return home to North Carolina.

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Capitol City Quilt Guild!

I shot these photos before my time to present last night.  Love the piranha action at the freebie table! LOL!


Today we’ll be deep in the 2 1/2’’ strips for a Scrappy Bargello Workshop!  While we are busy sewing, go visit my friend Mary Elizabeth Kinch where she is hosting a fabric giveaway for her new fabric line on her blog!  Someone is going to win a gorgeous bundle of fat quarters and it could be you!   Giveaway closes midnight March 19th EST. Three lucky winners will each win a fat quarter bundle of Modern Country.

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Quiltville Quote of the Day!

The older I get, "the more the merrier" has less and less pull. I've come to realize that it becomes less important to have more friends, and more important to have real ones. The circle May decrease in size, but it has increased in value!

Vintage 1930s baby quilt found yesterday in Lansing, Michigan.  ((Yes, it is coming home!))

Have a great Friday, everyone!


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12 comments:

  1. Beautiful quilts! The purple and green Allietare is amazing, but the antique hexi quilt is a show stopper! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Amazing Quilters. wish I was that good but I know I never will be. great to see this.

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  3. Just wanted to thank you for your wonderful presentation last night at the Capital City Quilt Guild. I didnt really know who you were except that my fellow quilters talked often about your blog and presentations and wonderful quilts. My fellow quilters in my small group introduced me to your free patterns on your blog page and I have made at 3 quilts from your free patterns. I was unable to share those quilts last night as I gave them to my family and friends back in Australia as thank you gifts for having us to stay while we visited. As my skill level is not up to the speed required for your classes, I did appreciate your many tips with regard to colour and how to use your scraps in a fun and pleasing way to give you joy. I hope to one day have the opportunity to attend a workshop and meet you in person.

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  4. I love the antique hexagon, not that I am finished current projects but always looking for the "next" project. Will definitely be bringing my Grand Illusion and Allietare to the Grand in May. I can't wait.

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  5. Oh wouldn't I LOVE to be there to see all the Grand Illusions at the Hotel hanging over the railing? Mine isn't quilted yet. Neither is my Allietare'. I have to stay home and get them done. Great slide show! The antique quilts are fantastic! Glad you are bringing one home too! Those Hexie flowers are so sweet.

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  6. One of the BEST Show and Shares yet! Thanks!

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  7. Love all your slide shows, but this one is even better! So many " beauteous" quilts! Must be so great a thrill to see what you inspire us to do with all your patterns and ideas. I especially enjoyed seeing the finished "Itty Bitty Blocks" pattern from Quiltmaker magazine. Did not know anyone else who was doing it, I have been enjoying those blocks all year! I now have all the rows up on my design wall, and am working on the tiny flying geese rows as leaders and enders - then will get it together (But I will miss seeing it up on my wall everyday - have enjoyed just having it to look pretty!) Yes, the Grand Illusions will surely make a great display - wish mine could be there too. And my Allietare needs to be quilted yet. Thanks so much again for your inspiration! Carol

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  8. Looking at all these great pictures with friends and people in new Friends,makes me anticipate your journey here in Wichita Kansas!!! I can't wait for my classroom I'm looking so forward to it :-) thank you for all you do Bonnie you're truly an inspiration!

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  9. Your quote today is definitely a keeper. I have a lot of great acquaintances and few close friends. -- soparkaveataoldotcom

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  10. Thank you so much for this wonderful slideshow! I am always so inspired to see all the quilts.

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  11. Give Sadie a big Kiss from me when you get home Bonnie.
    I just lost our sweet West Highland White Terriër Moshe.
    He was in the Hospital with a Liver infection and died before we could get there.
    He was the best and so loving.
    He made it to 141/2 years.
    Save travers home,
    Yoka Bazilewich

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  12. Anonymous5:02 PM EDT

    beautiful quilts

    Vera
    bill.schmidt@sympatico.ca

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