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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Mary did it. So...so can I!

I think it's time that I can share a little "secret" project that I've been working on.  I'm really excited about it! 

So, remember how I told you that the
2011 International Quilt Market is in Salt Lake City this year?  
[que: freak out] 
Well, that's just a hop, skip and a jump away from my house.

And remember how I told you that I am going to have a booth there?
[O.K.  I'm starting to feel some anxiety up in my throat now.] 

[No, really.  As I figure out how to word this post I'm starting to loose feeling in the upper half portion of my body.  I'm thinking I may not be cut out for this...]

* Focus Amber *

O.K..  So anyways.  There's going to be a really fun "booth hop"
that a bunch of us Utah based designers are hosting.  It's called,
All Dolled Up in Salt Lake City!
Each of us has been asked to design a block based off of a doll template we were given.  All of the blocks will be put into a quilt or two and one or two lucky
"market go-ers" will get a chance to win them!

So...
Wanna see my block?

Here she is: 

Yeah.  That's right.  All hand-appliqued.
[That's why she was a week late.]

Anyways.  It's kind of based off of me [long brown hair and blue eyes],


with some references to my grandmother [Gigi]. 

I had to put a 4-patch on there because that's how my grandmother learned to sew.  When she was a little girl her mother gave her a basket of scraps and taught her how to hand-sew 4-patches.  She "went to town" and made enough blocks to make a small blanket for one of her younger siblings.  She grew up in the 30's, thus, the pinafore.


Two of my great loves are represented ~
Family and sewing.


And, I love the socks.  I use to wear socks like this when I was a little girl.
But I didn't grow up in the 30's.  I grew up in the 80's.


I have to tell you, that I had some help designing this.  I am not an artist, nor a graphic designer.  I am a quilt maker.  I design quilt blocks.  With squares, and triangles, and such.  I am really good at drawing stick people.  But not so much real people.  So.  I had a neighbor friend of mine (who is a great artist) put my ideas on paper.  I told her what I wanted (I even drew out a sketch.  You should see it.  It's hideous!) and she brought me back a presentable (paper) version of what I described.  I felt kind of bad that I needed some help, but trust me when I say you would not want to see my attempt at drawing this up all on my own.   


So the appliqued version is going into the prize quilts and I also get to make one more block to hang in my booth.  I'm going to embroider it since I am a little burned out with applique for now.  As you can see, she's all traced on and ready to go!

I think there will be patterns available of all of the blocks at a later date.  I'll let you know when they're ready.

I'm sure you'll be seeing lots of these blocks around in the next few days/weeks.  I can't wait to see them all.  I know Mary and Lila have both posted about theirs already.  You should check them out!

O.K.  I know.  I do long posts.  I'll go. 
But don't forget to enter my giveaway for my new pattern [Mod Meadow] and a kit.  Click HERE if you haven't entered yet.  Giveaway ends tomorrow night.

9 comments:

  1. I love it Amber, so cute - way to go with the hand applique - I didn't even attempt that, machine applique all the way for me!

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  2. I love your little "Gigi", she is really adorable! I love how you incorporated yourself, your grandmother and your loves in the block. I wish I could go to market, I am very envious. Make sure and take lots of pictures so all of your followers can feel like we were there ♥

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  3. It is so you and Grandma. Darling!

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  4. This is so precious! I think it is admirable to know when you need help and be able to ask for it. It looks like you went to the right person! I am not good at coming up with quilt ideas that is why I use a pattern. I usually make some changes, but the original idea was not my own...you have even helped me out from time to time!

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  5. That is sooooo wonderful, just love your block...

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  6. CUTE CUTE CUTE!!!! You did a SUPER job - she is darling!! How is everything going???

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  7. That is wonderful! I love the lacy socks! Details make my day! ;)

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  8. I think it is darling!

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  9. Love it Ambs! So cute and the details are amazing!

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I ♥ to hear from you so please feel free to leave a comment. I read each one and try to respond as often as I can. Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Amber