You know I'm a sucker

for a beautiful background. The colour and movement of a fabric can send my mind sailing away into new dimensions, whether it be for a quilt that is on my to do list or if not that, perhaps to a quilt I've seen and would like to replicate.

As evidence I present Exhibit 1: Phebe

I love the fabric in the background. At first I thought it would be too strong - it is not a tone on tone, but a definite design. It adds such depth to the quilt. As you can see I've been pedal to the metal on the next border. It was my goal for the summer to get to this point so I'm happy! Back to the next dogtooth, say farewell to Phebe, it might be some time before you see her again.

Exhibit number 2 is the background on Sallie Ann

An allover print in tan and softest lemon. It's a gorgeous fabric and gives the whole piece a warm glow. It is beautiful with my favourite yellow greens. The original Sallie Ann used this fabric too - hey, why tamper with perfection? Maybe I should call mine "Homage to, Homage to Sallie Ann"! Or maybe not! I loved this fabric so much I also used it as the backing for my "Blue Collection" quilt.

Panel two above is, so close to being done. I changed my mind on the green fabric for some of the leaves, so waiting for the new one to arrive has slowed me down a little - and it is a PILL to sew with. Thick threads that won't stay put - don't look too closely at the sewing - it is awful.

Exhibit 3 is the background for Lollipop Trees.

Kim's quilt is a riot of amazing colour with her quirky shapes and Kaffe Fassett's amazing fabrics. I loved this design which was originally on pastel backgrounds, but I wanted something stronger. I found the chocolate aboriginal dots and knew it was worth a shot.

Here is block number one complete. I'm really happy with the way the clear colours pop off this background. Block number two is ready to go

The fuchsias and oranges look great I think. I'm going to call mine "Chocolate coated lollipops"
just for fun.

OK, OK, so by now you're thinking this is just Deb's way of showing us what she's been up to. Well true, but it is also because I want to introduce you to my new love

Exhibit 4: Luna Notte of the pear variety. Sadly it refuses to be photographed in all its glory. It is actually a grey-green rather than a grey - but look at all that texture. I saw it as a pre-release on line and loved it, but then I tried to behave and not buy any. Then a few of my SSS's decided to use it. Merri is doing a beautiful Princess Feather, Julie is using it for DNQTTT and Meghan is going to buy some. Well it looked so good I knew I would regret it if I didn't buy 9 yds, so I did. Now I am regret free and that's a good thing. But what shall I do with it? Good question. But the good answer might be for next time.

Hope you have some beautiful backgrounds to inspire you,

Deb

I can't believe

it's the 18th of January and it's my first post for the year! Where did all the holidays go? Why am I back at work? Feels like I've never been away.

I hope your year has started off well. Mine has been nice and relaxing, low key, just what I craved after a hectic year of traveling. I grabbed any minute I could to sew and have made some progress - but it doesn't seem much in the photos.

First up - Sallie Ann. The second panel is whizzing along - maybe I will have this done in a year (I'm not making any promises)!! I think that's fast for a large applique quilt.


I've spent some time cutting and machining the little Phebe borders. I'm sewing the dogtooth on freezer paper - takes so long but the finish is worth it I think.

Here's a close up.

On the back burner is the Lollypop trees - a little progress - not much.

I chose a lighter brown than I had originally intended so it didn't get lost on the background. I think it works OK.

There are so many fabulous projects around in blogland at the moment - I'm trying to avoid the temptation but a couple are really attracting my attention.

One is the Barbara B. Snyder quilt. How great is that? And Barbara Brackman also has a series of free patterns commemorating the Civil War 150th anniversary.

I have signed up for the new Sue Spargo BOM - so that should be enough to keep me busy and take me out of my comfort zone for the year. Are you choosing a project for this year to challenge yourself? If so I'd love to hear about it.

Had a great day with the Sisters on Saturday; my first for a couple of months since I missed the December meeting. It was so great to catch up with the gals - so productive and the conversation is always I*N*T*E*R*E*S*T*I*N*G!! Hopefully there will be an SSS blog soon.

I will finish with a few snaps of my recent road trip with my DD. I enjoyed spending some one on one time with her - she's a great companion - we should do it more often.

Found a good country Chinese restaurant in Gundagai - the only thing open on the New Year holiday. Gundagai is a pretty little town - this is the Mill House down on the river
A fabulous pear sculpture outside the National gallery

I love pears - such a great shape - actually I think I am a little pear shaped.

Gorgeous girl in the hotel pool - she was a little miffed that I didn't get in - alas do not currently have bathers - not a water baby myself.

We stopped off here on the way home

For those of you non-Aussies, yes that is a car on the roof and a crashed plane! The pub was a character in an Australian comic strip which was well read and loved. Many years ago this replica was built - a bit of a hoot!

Hope you have had a relaxing holiday season and are recharged for 2011.

Buongiorno,

Deb