Today I worked on some simple gifts. While normally studio time is spent on designing art quilts to exhibit, it was fun and relaxing to work on a “just for fun” quilting project. I really liked the colors and coffeeshop motifs of these fabric squares and decided to make two wall-hangings using them. These are gifts for two friends with whom I share conversation, fun times, and “coffee breaks”!
These pre-printed squares were a find during the local spring Quilt Rally…since my background includes all kinds of sewing and textile techniques, I still love to collect and experiment with all types, colors, and prints of fabrics.
3 of these squares were arranged vertically and pieced together with strips.
A longer strip was sewn along each side…
……………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………
And the top of the first wall-hanging was pieced!
Some free-motion embroidery was added to enhance a few details on each block…
Backing fabric was chosen and the pillowcase method was used for layering and finishing the edges…
Quilting lines were added to give texture and detail…
And a sleeve for hanging was added to the back.
This is the first gift. The second wall-hanging will vary slightly but follow the same method!
After this I should be “warmed up” to finish the quilting of my art quilt, Lifeweaving … this change of pace in the studio has given me some simple gifts…
___________________________________________________________________
*I’d love to know what you do in your studio to take breaks and boost your creativity and design process!?
Related articles
- Tuesday…In the Studio (jonibeach.com)
- Thursday In the Studio – The Final Stages… (jonibeach.com)
- Thursday In the Studio – “Slowly but Surely” (jonibeach.com)
Joni Beach 
nice!!! so now I want a coffee break!
LikeLike
Thanks AB…hope you get to take one soon! 🙂 joni
LikeLike
Great job. Looks like fun. I have been making salsa’s for fun. Next is spaghetti sauce. I need to finish my T-shirt quilt. Then onto creating a sea baby quilt.
LikeLike
Yum! salsa and spaghetti sauce…nothing like food for inspiration! Your quilts sound interesting…would love to see them! joni
LikeLike
Lovely colors! This will surely be appreciated. To “take breaks and boast creativity” in my studio, I play by making dolls and critters, or I nap. I have a great napping chair in my “thinking” corner!
LikeLike
Thanks Ali for your comments…and sharing your ways of taking creative breaks. Your dolls and critters must be fun to design. And of course what better than a NAP! 🙂 My Best, joni
LikeLike