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Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Sparking Inspiration -


What sparks your inspiration when it comes to choosing colors for a quilt project?

For me the answer is simple - EVERYTHING.

Every little thing from the fresh veggies in the grocery store, to a field of flowers, to the colors of a magnificent Arizona sunset.

From the ocean to the mountains to...everything!

In this case it is this photo that struck me while cleaning up the remains from my current Kiwi project, also made with remains of our soon-to-start Indigo Way Mystery.

I seem to soon be sewing up all of the red - after just being on a blue jag throughout our Star of Hope (which also took care of the blue leftovers from my own Indigo Way Mystery.  

What goes round, comes round and is a great way to clean up the cutting table!


This is what things look like currently beyond my sliding glass door - Rain.  Fog. Cold. GREY.


It was the photo of the cardinal at the top of this post that inspired this next round of block prep at the QPO Studio. 

Neutrals and reds.


And some greys.


And when all was said and done, everything fit nicely into two of my Summit St. Boxes.

Fabric is put away - cutting table cleaned off...this is what I have next to my machine for the future.

Cutting out projects and cleaning up the bulk of the mess from my cutting table leaves me feeling more productive.

But these colors - don't they look like the cardinal photo to you?

That's not the only place that cutting out and kitting up has happened - check this out at home:


I was serious about that Sunset color thing from last week in Arizona.


This one. My word.

And of course - the red stash depletes a bit further.  Neutrals are always needed....and I'll be pulling in corals and more as this one evolves.

I was up at 6am this morning due to the sound of the rain on the roof - and yes, that's my java in the mug I brought home from Poland - and yes it matches my sneakers.  Because - why not?


Turned to the 4th side!

With the rain and the fog surrounding us - and being that it is now dark by 5:30pm - I'm just where I planned for in the evenings.  Feet up, comfy chair, something good on TV, and hoop in my lap putting in some hand quilting stitches.

I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do with the center.  I go from fans....to thinking I've done a lot of fans...and thinking of something else, but I don't want to outline...so....who knows.


Lola meowing from the sunny spot beneath the dining table.

It's her favorite place. I don't blame her.


And this one!

I do believe she is missing the hustle, bustle, and attention she gets when the retreat is full.

I visit her several times a day for food, pets and treats.  But she demands more.

I opened the back door at the QPO Studio to take outgoing mail to the mailbox, and there she was. 

I tried to coax her to come inside, but she wasn't having any of it.

I did grant her some pets and treats.  We'll see if she eventually warms up to the idea of coming inside - at least when the weather is yuck.

I'll be spending time at my desk today to get Friday's Part One clue under way. I don't want to be scrambling on Thanksgiving night to get it all done and ready for Friday morning.


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Listen to that voice within. It really does know you better than you think!
Let’s tackle this Tuesday!
Vintage nine-patch quilt found in North Carolina.
(Oh how I love the simplicity and texture of this sweet quilt


 

11 comments:

  1. I always enjoy watching you start another project! The mystery of it all, the colors you choose, the little peeks along the way....Such fun!
    I wonder at how Tula keeps herself so clean; do the quilters (or you) brush her? Seems like she wouldn't allow it.

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  2. Oh red! Yes. That will be fine quilt.
    I'm also interested in the Arizona quilt! Sounds lovely.
    Are you all set for Thanksgiving?
    Any last minute runs to store?
    Have a great Thanksgiving Bonnie.
    Enjoy.
    Blessings and hugs

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  3. The weather here is dreary too. Perfect for quilting. Love that sweet little mine patch.

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  4. I love watching you start another project as well. You have an amazing ability to capture just the right amount of color combinations to enhance your projects with the images you have had the opportunity to see and feel. We are fortunate to have you in our quilting world. Thank you.

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  5. Thank you for the push. I see colorways much as you do but you act on it! Kudos to you. I have a question and I hope someone can answer it - I had always heard that when the blocks were on point and the top is assembled in strips the pattern is called Boston Commons and when it is a straight setting it is Trip Around the World. Lately, I have noticed that people are calling the on point setting arrangement Trip Around the World. Is this right or....?

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  6. Here in Oregon it's freezing fog, gray and what leaves are left will be gone by the weekend. So good weather to be inside sewing. Can't wait to see what those reds will bring, and the sunset colors, but first, all ready for Part one on Friday. I think that Tula will come around, now that the weekly trips to the vet are behind her.
    Have a great Thanksgiving..

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  7. Gray over here on the coast of NC too, but my Japanese maple is as scarlet as the cardinal to brighten the day. Just finishing my sewing space clean up in time for mystery, can't wait Bonnie, thank you so much for this generous gift!

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  8. Love love love your mug!!! Love your blog, too. Happy Thanksgiving 😊

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  9. Anonymous1:00 PM EST

    I love the cardinal picture that is inspiring your next block/quilt. Red is my favorite color, red birds make me smile, and AZ sunsets take my breath away! PJ Abbott

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  10. RED ......love it!! the winter cardinal is such a favorite of mine too!

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  11. Oooo, I loved seeing Cardinals when I was in the Midwest. Counting the hours until we get to cut into our fabrics for Indigo way.

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