Last week I impulsively joined a doll quilt swap, thinking it would motivate me to get back into the sewing room. It worked! But several days holed up in my new room have only resulted in a few small blocks. I'm ok with that, though. I was under the mistaken impression that I had finished unpacking my sewing things a few weeks ago, but when I actually got in there again, I *remembered* that despite de-boxing everything, quite a number of things were still stacked here and there. It took quite a while to settle that stuff in (and truthfully, there are still a few small piles of things looking for a home) but I did make enough progress to take my sewing machine out of the box and set that up.
You may recall that I had just gotten my new sewing machine before we sold our house in May, so my work on the doll quilt has been slowed by needing to consult my Janome handbook whenever I need to do something other than straight stitch. Like rewind a bobbin. Tortoise-like, I'm moving along.
It probably didn't help that additionally, I decided to try some of Gwen Marston's little stars for the first time...3" stars. I'm pretty revved up about the little project though and happy to be humming along again.
The swap is a secret one, in that participants don't know from whom they'll receive their piece. When signing up, you're asked to provide some likes/dislikes to give your quiltmaker some ideas of what style of quilt you'd like. My recipient put together a short but helpful list of colors and themes which immediately had me digging into some vintage fabrics for the perfect border piece (which of course I'm not revealing...yet).
In my rush to fill out the last-minute application, I'm afraid I didn't give this much thought. The person who drew my name is probably more confused now than if I hadn't made a list. So if you're reading this (and haven't started yet), I'm a fan of traditional designs in dark, reproduction prints (Sewprimitive Quilter posted some lovely examples this week), but I also like scrappy, quirky fabric mixes and liberated piecing (a la Gwen Marston). I love zigzags and sawtooth edges; I don't like too much purple or pink. But I'm sure I'll love whatever you send...I've never met a quilt I didn't like!
Yay... you're doing the doll quilt swap! And, poo.... now I know you aren't my swap partner because I didn't give much information either. Your stars will make an awesome doll quilt. And I must say... those doll quilts sure are addictive!
Posted by: Anita | October 16, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Cute little stars!
Posted by: anina | October 16, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Yeaay Dots!!
Posted by: Schnoobie | October 16, 2008 at 06:31 PM
The walls of your sewing room are such a pretty antique blue! And the wall of fabric is well, a wall of fabric. 'nuff said. I was thinking of our mutual moving sagas as I finally unpacked the final boxes that have been in our garage since we moved in. So nice to settle in and be done with the tyranny of the boxes!
Posted by: KT | October 16, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Wow! Your sewing room is beautiful, it must feel like shopping everytime you turn around to pick a fabric.
Posted by: Amelia | October 16, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I love the stars and always love the way you put fabrics together. Wow, look at those organized shelves. Hoping to see loads more quilting from you now!
Posted by: Tonya R | October 17, 2008 at 01:33 AM
Cute stars - love the not just white backgrounds!
Posted by: Amy | October 17, 2008 at 06:39 AM
I would think that a doll quilt would be an excellent way to learn all about a new machine. Just the right size of a project. Your blocks look beautiful!
Posted by: mimi k | October 17, 2008 at 08:07 AM
I love seeing all your fabric organized like that.
Posted by: Chris | October 17, 2008 at 09:03 AM
What a beautiful stash!! Your stars are adorable too :-)
Posted by: Pat | October 17, 2008 at 09:33 AM
You'll never make a dent in that stash by stitching 3" stars! Glad you're feeling settled in enough to start a new project.
Posted by: diane | October 17, 2008 at 08:57 PM
wow. all that fabric. stacked up neatly. unpacked. I'm having nightmares already about WHERE we will put things .... wall to wall bookshelves?
My fabric stays in tubs, sigh. Would love to be able to put it out. But your blocks are great - and 3" .... even more wow!!
Posted by: MaryjoO | October 19, 2008 at 09:28 PM
the blocks are really cute but my attention was stolen by the wall of fabric! lol :)
Posted by: sammyjo | October 20, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Those cute little blocks are as bubbly and fizzy as soda pop. Wish the recipient were me.
Posted by: KathieB | October 20, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Whoah Jan, that's a lot of fabric to have to fold and neaten....if you want to do it again, you can always come here! I use the push it onto the shelf method right now, gives it a nice crammed look! NOT!:-)...can't wait to see the finished quilt, looks great!
Posted by: Wendy | October 22, 2008 at 08:34 AM
That is some fabric stash! And I love the fabrics you've chosen for that little quilt.
Posted by: Leslie | October 22, 2008 at 04:01 PM
I love your sewing room...you've got a great stash! I love your blog, too...it's my first visit but won't be my last!
Posted by: Nan | October 22, 2008 at 10:58 PM
I want your stash!! Look how neatly organized it is.
Posted by: LauraJl | October 26, 2008 at 07:35 AM
I am hooked on Gwen Marston style houses! I blame Sarah of Krommama!
They are addictive aren't they? Your fabric looks so neat!!! You need to get in there and mess it up, girl!
xxxooo
Calamity kim
p.s.
I am checking to see if you are on my sidebar- I am adding you if you aren't!
Have fun quilting!
Posted by: calamity kim | November 01, 2008 at 07:50 PM
wow look at all that tidy fabric!!
Posted by: monica | November 18, 2008 at 04:29 AM