Would You Like To Live In This Neighborhood?

 I would!

 The Local Quilt

by Carolyn Friedlander

Lake Wales, Florida

Carolyn wrote:

"With a design background in Architecture, 

I've always wanted to make a house quilt.

I started the design journey for this one

in my hometown, roaming the streets

with my sketchbook and camera in hand.

I toured some of the oldest neighborhoods

looking for interesting details to 

use in my quilt."

 I became aware of Carolyn's work this last year

and started following her blog.

She is known for her Fresh, Modern Quilt patterns

and I love everything she makes!

I was so happy to see her quilt as part of the

Modern Quilts Exhibit at Road To California 2014

 The Local

61" X 72 1/4"

Paper Foundation Piecing 

Pattern available on Carolyn's web site

HERE

The Local is made from Carolyn's first fabric line

Architextures

for Robert Kaufman

Log Pyramids Quilt

 Looking through my pictures

from Road To California

I realized there are a few still to be shown.

I especially liked the exhibit presented

by The Modern Quilt Guild

Log Pyramids

by Liz Harvatine

Los Angeles, CA

member of the Los Angeles Modern Quilt Guild

 Liz wrote:

This design was inspired by traditional log cabin blocks,

using an equilateral triangle
 for the center "hearth"

instead of a square.  I wanted to have

uniformly sized "pyramids" 
with precise piecing 

but added randomness with 
the width of the "logs".

I had an acrylic triangle template 
custom made to facilitate 

trimming the blocks down to size 
while keeping everything centered."

 Modern Quilts are often recognized by the use of 

bold colors and prints

high contrasts

expansive negative space

and

alternate grid work

(including several other characteristics)

The Founding

Modern Quilt Guild was started in Los Angeles in 2009

and now has over 150 Guilds World Wide.

I just happen to be part of one of them:

The Phoenix Modern Quilt Guild

QuiltCon is the International Conference and Show

hosted by the Modern Quilt Guild

The next show will be

February 2015 in Austin, Texas!

Quilters Share a Common Thread

 Marion wore the coolest shoes

to our Sit and Sew day.

Kuna Print Shoes made from

recycled Mola fabrics by the Kuna Indians of Columbia

Hand Crafted

No two alike

Vegan (no leather or animal products)

You've got to check out their website 

HERE

Yes, they even have 

High Heeled Molas

and Mola Work boots

And, I loved the saying on Marion's T-shirt, too :)

Iron Wars

 In reading Quilt Blogs 

for several years

a common theme and BIG frustration

has been to find a decent iron that will last.

As quilters we all are looking for

something affordable

that can be used every day

and will perform for a long period of time.

I have read review after review

as we try out this iron and that iron,

and have been as exasperated as the rest of you.

I once had a Rowenta that I loved and used for years.

It was replaced by another expensive new Rowenta

that began sputtering and dripping within a year.

grrrrrrr.....

...obviously they lowered their standards in design.

I finally resorted to buying inexpensive irons that 

were good for about a year and then tossed in the garbage.

Last week I found myself in the position of needing a new iron

AGAIN

but just as apprehensive about making a purchase.

In order to make a decision, I read what other quilters are saying recently

about their irons.

My friend Nanette (Freda's Hive)

wrote a similar post about her hunt for a decent iron

and how she had decided upon an affordable

Digital Advantage by Black and Decker

I read a few more reviews and decided

to give this model a try also.

I will keep you posted on how it works

or IF it works long term.

 One of the nice things about the 

Digital Advantage was the cost.

I didn't feel like I had to risk big bucks only be later disappointed.

At a retail cost of  $45

and using my 20% off coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond

I came home happy.

The iron is heavy in weight and feels solid to the touch.

With a week's worth of use,

it has provided excellent steam and glide.

So far so good!

Let's hope it lasts.

And to cheer up my sewing room

I even splurged with a new Ironing Board cover.

Happy Days are Here Again!

We quilters are easily pleased :)

Gilbert Temple Dedication

 Today is a very special day

here in our area of Arizona

A long awaited event.

After years of anticipation

The Gilbert Temple

of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

will be dedicated.

 Yesterday over 12,000 youth performed in a 

dance and song celebration...

In the Rain

We live in a desert.

It rarely rains here in Arizona

It's been over 70 days since we've even had a sprinkle.

But, last night it poured buckets

and yet the show went on.

These kids were such troopers.

They have been practicing for months.

Hours upon hours through homework, sports

and other busy life commitments

All volunteered in honor of this great Temple

which will now be in our midst.

I was so proud of their efforts!

And for me personally,

I look forward to spending as much time as possible

communing with God

in this peaceful place

only a few miles from my home.