When I received my swap partner's likes/dislikes, the first thing that popped into my head was a fabulous piece of vintage fabric that I've been hauling around for over 20 years. I'm sure you have such pieces in your stash. The type that takes your breath away when you come across it. You know immediately that it's a *must have* and that some day, it will be the perfect piece for *something*. Little did I know that *something* would be a swap piece, but I'm fine with that. More than fine with it. (Actually, I'll have some left when I'm finished.)
My first plan was to use the little liberated stars in a 3x3 grid as the center, but one of the swap's requirements was to 'make a quilt of the quality that you'd like to receive' and I knew that if I was making this for myself, I would've done something different. So I did. I put the stars aside, made a few quick pencil sketches and jumped in with both feet.
And am I having fun! I'm free-piecing (something I've wanted to play around with for ages), appliqueing (something I used to do a lot of, but haven't in years) and today I completed the top and basted it up to hand quilt...another thing I did daily, for years, until...who knows? Knitting came along? No, it was before that. Anyhow, the whole point is that this swap has made my quilting fun again and I can't wait to finish it and send it off. Receiving a quilt in return (from a different partner match) is going to be like frosting on the cupcake, because this project has given me so much already.
It's been a busy week, or maybe it just seems that way because I've been battling one of those on-again, off-again colds. Tuesday, I finally made it to a weekly, local quilt group that several people had mentioned to me and found a relaxed and friendly bunch of quilters whom I'll probably be joining on a regular basis. I'll need a hand project...might there be an end in sight for the flower garden quilt?
Tomorrow I'll be stepping out of the sewing room to make the torturous trek to the mall to find some new black heels for an event this weekend. I'd hate to admit how many years I've been wearing the same, plain pumps to these business shindigs, far beyond their shelf life, and we have a black tie to attend on Saturday so there's no putting it off any longer. Although, it is in Peoria...perhaps I could squeeze one more wearing out of them? Nah. (Just kidding, Peorians!) Being the homebody that I am, I'm already looking forward to putting that behind me (the shopping and the event) and getting back to my projects. The holidays are starting to press in and I have a few things on my list to make. Have you started your holiday handwork yet?
***Added (just a little) later: Get over to Bitter Betty's and check out the best Halloween decorations ever! So clever!!
The colors are so cheerful! I, too, have been wanting to try some liberated quilting but am working on fulfilling obligations first. I just finished my swap quilt for the ALQS II and had a grand time with it!
Posted by: paula | October 23, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Holiday handwork? What's that?! I'm afraid that there is nary a decoration in sight in our house. But at least we are finally IN! :)
I'm excited that we may see a return of the amazing flower garden quilt. I love that!
Posted by: annie | October 23, 2008 at 05:20 PM
OMG! Bitter Betty's decorations are great!
Your quilt looks like it will be great too! The fabric is wonderful. Might a star or two make it to the quilt back? They are so fun and look like they coordinate with the (robot?) on the front.
Posted by: kristin L | October 23, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Hey -- I take offense, having been a prior inhabitant of Peoria! Okay, I haven't lived there since I was like 4 or 5, but still. :) Can't wait to see the finished quilt for your swap -- the little preview looks great!
Posted by: Julie | October 23, 2008 at 06:47 PM
I'm trying to remember what brand of heels my SIL has that she says are so comfortable, it isn't like wearing heels... D'oh.
Those houseplants. Whoa.
Posted by: Chris | October 23, 2008 at 10:20 PM
That quilt peek makes me want to see the rest! Hurray for the free piecing. It's sure fun, isn't it? I love your stars from the previous post.
Posted by: Kristin | October 23, 2008 at 11:31 PM
You've only been there how long and you are already making jokes about other neighborhoods? Sheesh!
I think I actually remember exactly what shoes you are talking about. :)
Posted by: molly | October 24, 2008 at 02:49 AM
Hi, I'm back in the land of blog :)
I love your sneak peak. We are doing a doll quilt swap within my online group and I have done my first ever own design foundation pieced picture...scarily a little similar to yours! But not free pieced!
Posted by: Cascade Lily | October 24, 2008 at 03:00 AM
I'm loving what I see so far... A robot!
Posted by: Amy | October 24, 2008 at 06:42 AM
I'm REALLY wishing I were the recipient of this swap quilt. If there were a felony-free way to intercept the mail, I think I'd be there.
The Halloween decor--cute but that much free time? Only in my dreams.
Posted by: KathieB | October 24, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I can't wait to see the whole thing- it looks fantastic! It was nature that pulled me out of the studio this week- I spent yesterday in the garden because of a frost last night. I now have a porch full of houseplants and many vases full of flowers :-)
Posted by: mimi k | October 24, 2008 at 08:37 AM
I was hoping you'd find your way to my favorite quilters on Tuesdays! Love the rocket fabric and the sneak peak of your swap quilt.
Posted by: diane | October 24, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Haven't even started my swap quilt! Paralyzed with indecision!
Had to steal that Bitter Betty link. Too good! If only my houseplants weren't so....undead. Actually, dead.
Posted by: Kay | October 24, 2008 at 06:36 PM
oh, I love the space rocket! It's awesome... :]
Posted by: andrea | October 24, 2008 at 09:10 PM
this is gonna be fabulous!!! i cant wait to see more.
Posted by: tanaya | October 24, 2008 at 11:52 PM
your space rocket fabric is wonderful. I am in the swap too and it is a challenge to make something fabulous.
Posted by: Lucette | October 25, 2008 at 08:27 AM
LOVE that fifties fabric!
Posted by: Sassenach | October 26, 2008 at 02:28 AM
Ooh, I wish I were your swap partner. Wheeeeeeeee! just the bits you're showing are sooo much fun and I love the rocket ships. those Halloween plant costumes of Betty's are a hoot - thanks for the link.
Posted by: Tonya R | October 26, 2008 at 05:38 AM
i hope this swap quilt is for me! i loved the stars too.
Posted by: krommama | October 26, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Gorgeous color combinations of the stars and your doll quilt project. I love Gwen Marston's Liberated Piecing as well. I took a two day class from her and ended up with a great quilt. Glad you found a quilt group that works for you.
Posted by: Jaye | October 26, 2008 at 11:57 PM
i like the look of the quilt! cant wait to see the hole thing! new shoes god i love new shoes! lol
Posted by: sammyjo | October 27, 2008 at 01:56 PM