Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas!

Over the years of my life in this country I have been asked by my friends, neighbors and acquaintances a question that never gets old. ''Do you celebrate Christmas?''

I distinctly remember my first time around the holidays. Imagine if you could, being 22 and in a foreign country experiencing a culture that is far modern and advanced than anything you had ever known. Shops filled with Christmas merchandise, every commercial on the radio and TV and conversations among people, who you have just come to know revolves around the holidays. You still  haven't made connections with ''your people'' and your nearest and dearest are 10,000 miles away. None of your own holidays are recognized in any shape of form and even if  you do celebrate those at home, they just aren't the same without your loved ones near you.
At this point you have two choices - Make some sense of everything that is going on around you and be part of that or shut yourself out.

Living with a tight budget like every student of foreign nationality on a scholarship does, for us two Hindus, Christmas was hardly about the religion or gifts under the tree or being around family. It was about missing our families back home, feeling lonely and waiting for it to pass. We chose to join the fun rather than to feel lonely.

After I gave birth to my first son, we bought a little Christmas tree and few ornaments and we decided to celebrate Christmas at home. For first couple of years he did not have a clue.. I'd say the celebration was more for my husband and I than for him. After my second and third child's birth, it was fun to watch them open presents under the tree on Christmas morning. In following years, in spite of having many moments of wondering about why we were celebrating this holiday that wasn't ''ours'' we continued to bring the fresh tree, buy ornaments and cook all vegetarian meals.

Slowly and steadily baking became a family tradition and so did the decorating. I enjoy decorating with my daughter. Each year I made or bought three new ornaments in hopes to collect enough for each one of them when they celebrate their own holiday at home. And just like many of you out there, we have enough stories of our adventures of buying 'just the right tree'.

Now that two of the three kids are settled with their jobs, I don't see them all at once during the year. This year they all will be here under the same roof at the same time for the first time. In fact, as I write this, my oldest is on the flight from Seattle to Philadelphia. His flight does not get in until 11:30 pm on this Christmas Eve. He almost cancelled his trip due to his busy schedule, I insisted on him being here because that was not an option just yet. We don't go to the church and have any significant meals planned. This year we decided to not exchange gifts in efforts to take the stress out of the equation.

Christmas for me is having my children at home, playing cards and board games. My husband taking time off from work and be here in the middle of the afternoons for the whole time when they are all here. It also means I cook many meals that my children have not had for the entire year and if that keeps me busy in the kitchen all day long, I say it's because it is Christmas! I enjoy watching them enjoy their favorite foods and talk about their past. My husband helps me out around the house, now grown kids take turns doing chores and there is non stop noise of  TV, video games and laughter. It is about tradition of being together no matter what.

I do celebrate Christmas for all the reasons that work for our family.

I hope you too have a very Merry Christmas with your family and friends.





Thursday, December 18, 2014

Early Christmas


Although my home is not decorated completely, there is still lots of baking to do but it sure seems like Christmas arrived early this year!

Cultural Fusion Quilts is one of  the best books of the month of December in Crafts, Hobbies and Home on Amazon!!!

Yay! I am aware of how much I constantly talk about the book but I am filled with a great sense of pride. How can I resist sharing it all with you all who have been on this journey with me for past four years.


I spent last couple of days trying to take some good pictures of my quilts with things around my house. It has been fun unfolding and refolding these quilts. Photographing quilts is like an exercise in space designing. To find the perfect way to arrange and rearrange them and to wait for just the right light to enter through the windows - It's all very time consuming but lot of fun. I enjoy it as a part of blogging as much as sharing the stories of the quilts.

Soon after I came back from the market, Amy Butler had offered to share my book and photos on her fb page. Off course I said, ''Yes!'' After the blog tour ended, my focus was to take some pictures and send them off. Amy shared couple of those pictures on her fb page today. You can see them on Amy Butler Design fb page by clicking on the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/amybutlerdesign# 

Thank you Amy, for that lovely shout-out this morning! I am touched by your sincere and genuine, kind self!  

These days I pinch myself at least a few times a day. At times I think I will never come down from up above but not to worry, I have asked my husband to pull me down if I float away for too long.

Peppermint Pinwheels and Hourglass Quilt


Writing this book has taught me things I had never known how to do. Like saving a screen shot for instance or setting up a Paypal account on my blog. Just couple of days back, my book was at #1 on amazon's Hot New Release list in Quilts and Quilting. I showed it to my husband and we both were happy to have spotted that. Later that evening a friend suggested to take a picture. By the time I went back, it had slipped back to #2! I learned to save the screen shot. I guess it is never too late to learn new things, achieve your goals and dream of next best thing.


So this all may seem like bragging a bit but I am reserving the rights for now!


I am enjoying these moments and fruits of my labor with this book. I will be back on the earth soon.

Have a great weekend!










Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Back in time!






In 1992, I started making soft sculptured dolls. This is a picture of a photograph. Someone was not happy being at the zoo that day!

 

1998, I used the leftover fabrics from my doll making business to make the first quilt top.
I blogged about it here.

http://therootconnection.blogspot.com/2014/08/quilt-on-clothesline-nine-patch.html

Kavita is home for the break. I am eagerly waiting for the boys to arrive.

Have a wonderful Day!
Sujata

Monday, December 15, 2014

Katell's Mini Quilt and a new blog!

 
It kept me calm and happy while I stitched away.

Here is what I showed on the first day of the tour.


This is how it looks now, ready for its new home.


Between then and now it did receive lots of stitch-love. Just like my book did from all of you. Thank you for hopping from blog to blog and leaving comments. In fact, if you just found this blog, the tour is still on!


Doesn't that sound like a pop of bright spot on a grey day?

Visit these blogs if you haven't entered a comment for a chance to win my book Cultural Fusion Quilts.


Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime Open

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q Open

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused Open

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott  Open

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Craft Buds Open

Yesterday my husband and I listened to the podcast of my interview with Pat Sloan. This was my first time hearing myself. I must admit, I was nervous when I first started talking with Pat but she has such a great way of easing you into the conversation, I was right at home within first few minutes into the show.

If you would like to listen in, the direct link to the podcast is on the side bar of this blog.

And now the announcement for the new blog!

While I am still working out the details of the blog's appearance, Cultural Fusion Quilts is officially open for those who are inspired by this book and want to join the fun. If you would like to contribute, visit the blog and leave a comment.

http://culturalfusionquilts.blogspot.com/

Some of you have already shown interest and I request you to leave a comment again, even if it is in a word, YES. I will send you an invite.

Happy shopping, decorating and baking!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Day 13 Cultural Fusion Quilts Blog Tour

Today is the last day of the blog tour for my book. It has been fun, interesting and humbling experience to know the response to this book. I am not sure what was expecting but what I have seen and read so far around the blog world has been rewarding.
I am in the process of setting up the flickr page and a blog to share your quilts, Please make sure that you leave me a message and I will send you an invite to join the site.

Last stop is with Lindsay Conner, Designer and co author of the blog Lindsay Sews  and co author of the book Modern Bee. Lindsay has contributed to numerous magazines and publications. I am blown away by her accomplishments as a writer.

As I said earlier, it is the last stop of this fabulous tour so let's make it count. Go to Craft Buds for my interview with Lindsay Conner. It was great chance to talk about my design process and a quilter from Indian origin.

Batik Wax print from India
Interpretation of textures of mud-cloth



Wax print from India 

Leaving you with some of my inspirations today.

And the list of blogs accepting comments. Good Luck!

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye  Open

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime Open

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q Open

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused Open

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott  open

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Craft Buds TODAY

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Day12 Cultural fusion Quilts Blog Tour


The Day12!
For my readers in Australia and other countries half way around the world, this day already begun a while ago. I am late!!!

I have been a huge fan of Janet Treen since the day I discovered her blog. Her quilts are absolutely amazing. She is a dear friend, an award winning designer and quilter and a great teacher on the blog. I have learned so many tricks by reading her blog.

One of the reasons for adding gentle curves to the cutting is to mimic applique patterns. The reverse applique coverlet I posted yesterday is a perfect example of tribal work done without templates and patterns can have variation in the final result. I think the technique in the book will free you up on so many things.

Be curious
Be bold
Be spontaneous
Be creative
Be intuitive.

When you choose design, patterns, fabrics and colors, try something new just for experimenting. Often times we are so stuck in our ways, we limit ourselves of possibilities. Cultural Fusion Quilts is filled with images of possibilities..I hope you explore more as you work on your own quilts and put your own twists and turns to the quilts.


Daffodil Dreams

This is my definition of balance in design, color, positive and negative space and composition. People ask me if my graphic design study comes in handy when I work with my fabrics and colors. I do have a lot to discuss about that but not today.



First you must have my book. Run over to Quiltsalott and read her post. Enter a comment to win a chance to win my book. If you are a U.S. resident, you will receive a hard copy and if you are an international visitor, you will receive an e-book.

If you missed any of the previous bloggers listed below, visit them too. There are accepting comments but more importantly, you will love their blogs.



Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy  Open
 
Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye  Open

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime Open

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips Open

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q Open

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused Open

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott   Today

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews

Friday, December 12, 2014

Day11 Cultural Fusion Quilts Blog Tour


It has been a lot of fun sending you all off to my favorite bloggers and quilters. I hope you are enjoying the tour as well!

Jan Burgwinkle and I first 'met' through flickr, way before I started blogging. On her flickr page, she had posted some molas from her personal collection among some of her really beautiful quilts. Images below would explain why I was drawn to them in an instant. I found a personal connection with her work, her fabric and color choices. I sent her a message expressing how much I loved her pictures and admired her work. 

On the flickr account Jan also shared pictures from the Tokyo Quilt Festival from her many visits to Japan. It was such a treat, each year I looked forward to that. Her pictures were better than any magazine! She took the time to take not only hundreds of pictures of the quilts from the exhibition but also close ups. I love the fact that she spent time uploading all those photos for the greater good of the quilting community around the world. For people like me, who have never been to the show, it has been an on line gallery to visit and be inspired.


Reverse Appliqued pillow cover from Pakistan

Reverse Applique Coverlet from Gujarat, India

We have remained being blogging friends. We have discussed the Gee's bend quilters, meeting them in those early years of their exposure to the world, India and many other things. Talk about cultural fusion through friendship!

I am so honored that she is hosting the 11th day of the blog tour. If you are new to her blog Be*mused, stick around and read her blog, you are in for a feast! If you already are a fan, I have to say nothing more!

Except, leave a comment to win my book.

Did you stop by at GenerationQ magazine yesterday? If not, you may want to read their post.   

Below are the links of other hosts who are still accepting the comments. Have fun! 



Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy  Open
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo  Open

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye  Open

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime Open

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips Open

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q Open

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused Today

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Day10 Cultural Fusion Quilts Blog Tour

How many of you would say you breath and live quilts? I do and so do the people at GenerationQ magazine!

While I was a the market, I had the chance to hang out with one of the editors of the magazine.. as perfect strangers, we talked for a very long time, I shared my story with her. At the end of our conversation, she said one thing that touched my heart. With tears in my eyes I hugged her and shared what Sunset quilt means to me. Mellisa Maher and I connected instantly in that first short visit.

This absolutely fantastic modern magazine is hosting the day 10 of the blog tour.
I have the copy of Nov/Dec issue in front of me. I must say I really like this magazine. It is filled with so much information- Quilts patterns and interviews with designers and artists and many other fun to read articles.


One of those articles is in the section Quiltoids on page 7 of this issue. 
Chat: Quilt-O-Scopes the secrets of stars are quiltified by Mandy Ruden and Anita Mcsorly  was fun to read.

I am a Leo, Quilt-O-Scope was right on the mark for me. I am going to share only one sentence from that paragraph.

Are you  ready for this?

''Your stash leans to the warm side, with plenty of orange, gold and scarlet.''

 Yes, it does!



Visit GenerationQ magazine today to read the review of the book. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of my book.

Listed below are also the blogs who are still accepting comments. Share your thoughts on what you have seen or read so far about my book. There are plenty of chances left.

Have you had chance to tune in to the radio show? Click here.



Have a fun filled confetti kind of day!





Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy  Open
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo  Open

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye  Open

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime Open

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips Open

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q TODAY

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Day 9 Cultural Fusion Quilts Blog Tour

I had given a lot of thought on each of the blogs and their authors to review my book. It is my pleasure to tell you all that Bonnie Hunter is hosting the tour for today. I am sure I am not the only one who thinks she is The Queen of scrap quilts, Am I?

Here is the reason why I had to ask her to host my tour. 

Couple of years back, I had the pleasure  of attending her lecture and presentation at our local guild Calico Cutters. Bonnie's quilts are as lively as she is in person. After the presentation I bought her book, Scraps & Shirttails II - Continuing the Art of Quilting Green. The tittle alone resonates with how I quilt most of the time. When I opened the book, I found quilts reminding me of India. I know you all are scratching your heads wondering about the connection between the traditional American quilts and India.

Here is the root connection.

I saw these patterns all over the country while growing up. Here is an image of centuries old temple in Rajasthan. Click on the picture to see the close up.


Walls and windows full of traditional quilt blocks! Can you imagine being in the middle of all this as a quilter? 


Click on the image and let me now how many quilt blocks you recognized.

They are hand carved with lot of variation within the pattern. When I see Bonnie Hunter's quilts, I think of patterns from India. When I see her scrappy quilts, I see them as tapestry of Indian landscapes. Bonnie teaches to use a pop of color to tie the entire quilt worth of blocks....What an amazing and effective concept!


It's like a man wearing an orange turban who stands out in crows of  hundreds of people on the street! 

I am honored that Bonnie agreed to host the tour. Go over to  http://quiltville.blogspot.com/ for your chance to win a copy of my book.


A reminder that lot of the previous hosts are still accepting comments on their blogs. Visit my friends if you haven't already and if you are here for the first time, you are in luck!

My talk with Pat Sloan is available to download. Click on the link below to listen in.

http://www.creativetalknetwork.com/2014/12/pat-sloan-bob-shaw-virginia-lindsay-sujata-shah-and-nancy-mahoney-chat-with-pat-.html



Tuesday December 2 Sujata Shah @ C&T Publishing  Open thru12/12

Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy  Open

Saturday December 6 Lori Dejarnett @ Humble Quilts  Open
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo   Open

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye   Open

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime Open

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips Today

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Day 8 Cultural Fusion Blog Tour

I  realize there are many giveaways going on at the moment, it is busy time of the year with holidays around the corner. It's extremely time consuming to go through the blog hop for my book, Cultural Fusion Quilts 
So if you are here and reading this post, please see me with my palms together saying, ''Thank you!''

Today's hop-stop is at Sherri Lynn Wood's blog, Daintytime.

While you are there, I hope you take time to visit her profile, portfolio and the projects she is currently involved with. She has been teaching process based workshops for several years. If you like freeing yourself and getting lost in the process of making improvisational quilts, you will become as big of her fan as I have been for past several years. That is if you already aren't!

I am sharing couple of pictures from the past. The story behind the quilt is in the book. I know you would want to read it. The time it was made is carved in my memories forever!


This quilt is my favorite for many reasons. Three of them are right here in this picture below.


My daughter is much taller than me now! I am looking forward to us all being together again soon.

So what did you think of my interview with Pat Sloan? I am curious to know. 

If you haven't already, hear it right here.

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/magazines-more/quilting-podcast



Now head on over to read Sherri's post and leave a comment for a chance to win my book.  

If you are just joining the hop, links below will take you to the blogs still open for your chance to win!

Good Luck!

Tuesday December 2 Sujata Shah @ C&T Publishing  Open thru12/12

Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy  Open

Saturday December 6 Lori Dejarnett @ Humble Quilts  Open
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo   Open

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye   Open

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime Today

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews 

Monday, December 8, 2014

Day 6 Cultural Fusion Blog Tour and my talk wiht Pat Sloan

I am so emotional,  I can not form words into sentences. I just came over from reading  Malka Dubrawsky's blog, Stitch in Dye.

All I can say is I am truly blessed. Please visit Malka, and you will know the reason behind my emotions.




As I count down to my talk with Pat Sloan this afternoon, I had have many moments to reflect on my own journey. Few events in recent weeks have become so memorable - The colors, sounds and visuals of those moments will never leave me. I will share them with you all when the time is right. Today, it is time for you to enter to win a book and tune in to what I have to share with pat Sloan.

You can listen in the interview live at http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/radio/index.html

It will also be available after the show:  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/magazines-more/quilting-podcast




Tuesday December 2 Sujata Shah @ C&T Publishing  Open thru12/12

Wednesday December 3 LeeAnn Decker @ Nifty Quilts   Closed

Thursday December 4 Victoria Gertenbach @ The Silly Boodilly Still Open

Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy Still Open

Saturday December 6 Lori Dejarnett @ Humble Quilts Still Open
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo  Open

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye  Today

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews 

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Mini Quilt Winner!

 

Winner of this mini quilt is Katell of Quilteuse Forever.

Katell wrote - I first noticed a central black "flower" surrounded by a garden in Spring!
C&T post is still not there for me, just have to wait for a few hours probably!

Congratulations, Katell! Please email me your mailing address so I can send this little quilt to you!


 

Thank you all for talking the time to comment and participating in the blog-hop.

Tune in to listen my interview with Pat Sloan on Monday, 4:00 PM EST. 

  

You can listen in the interview live at http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/radio/index.html

It will also be available after the show:  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/magazines-more/quilting-podcast

 

Tuesday December 2 Sujata Shah @ C&T Publishing  Open thru12/12

Wednesday December 3 LeeAnn Decker @ Nifty Quilts  Open thru 12/6 Now closed

Thursday December 4 Victoria Gertenbach @ The Silly Boodilly Still Open

Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy Still Open

Saturday December 6 Lori Dejarnett @ Humble Quilts Still Open
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo  Open

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews


DAY 6 Cultural Fusion Blog Tour

Happy Sunday Everyone!


This is our family room all covered with quilts from the book. Every now and then, during the process of writing and making the quilts, I would lay them in the room to see if they convey the message of my book. I had forgotten about this picture until yesterday. Barbara Brackman featured two books on her blog. I am honored to be called a friend.

You can read the post here:
http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com/

Today's tour stop is at  The Studiolo.
I met award winning quilt designer and author Casey York at Houston market during the C&T schoolhouse presentation. Casey's book Modern Applique Illusion  teaches the elements of design like perspective and 3D.

You can also buy signed copy of my book directly from me. Link is on the sidebar. If you are an international reader, send me a message and I will figure out the postage.

Also, please check your local quilt shop if they have my book. If not, ask for it. I went to my local Barnes and Noble book store looking for the book, they instantly ordered the copies.

Thank you for participating and spreading the word. These days I sound like a marketing machine but believe me when I say this, I have been working on new quilts inspired by the concepts from my book. Can't wait to share it all!


Tomorrow I will be one of the guests on Pat Sloan's American Patchwork & Quilting show.

You can listen in the interview live at http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/radio/index.html

It will also be available after the show:  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/magazines-more/quilting-podcast

 

Tuesday December 2 Sujata Shah @ C&T Publishing  Open thru12/12

Wednesday December 3 LeeAnn Decker @ Nifty Quilts  Open thru 12/6 Now closed

Thursday December 4 Victoria Gertenbach @ The Silly Boodilly Still Open

Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy Still Open

Saturday December 6 Lori Dejarnett @ Humble Quilts Still Open
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo  TODAY

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Day 5 Cultural Fusion Quilts Blog Tour

I am honored!

Although this is not the first time I have spoke of Barbara Brackman on my blog, it is my honor and pleasure to share her blog post today. She has been my mentor, my inspiration, and a friend from long distance, like she describes on her blog, 'penpals' for few years.

http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com/

When I made first three or four quilts, I kept staring at them wondering if I had something to offer to the quilt-world. I decided to send her and Deb Rowden the pictures and ask, ''Do you think I should write a book?" And they both responded the very same day, "YES!" I truly believe that I would not have taken on such a huge step as to write a book if it wasn't for her and Deb Rowden's encouragement.

Deb Rowden, who is also the editor of this book has helped me through the entire process. At times by going beyond her editorial duties. Through this book, I have gained friendship of these two amazing women I have yet to meet in person.  
Barbara brackman has posted a never before seen picture of my quilts. I still remember the feeling when I took that shot. Go see it!

I also hope you visited Rachael at Blue Mountain Daisy yesterday. Isn't she inspiring? I admire her sense of colors, quilts, photography and creativity with her story telling.

Speaking of Inspirations, today's tour is hosted by Lori Dejarnett of Humble Quilts. Lori is an inspiration to me. I love the name of her blog and the beautiful quilts she makes. Her traditional quilts make me want to use my reproduction stash and her appliqued quilts always make me want to pick up an applique project. I am a huge fan.

I just read her post and thought I would share the pictures of my Toran quilt before it was finished.

 
I love the movement free-form blocks can create. In line with the name of Lori's blog, I had used the most humble fabrics for this quilt. Ones that I would have probably discarded if I was into making quilts only using fresh from the stash and color coding it all. The background fabrics are also those you would not normally use with brights. I was thrilled with the result. This was the result of experimenting with colors, using contrast and still not thinking too much. Those dull, army green and brown fabrics make all the bright strips literally jump out of the quilt!

The blocks are so easy and fast, you want to make more than one! I can't wait to make of the traditional quilts with my technique.


Check out Lori's blog for another look at my quilt, the root connection and how she found connection withe my inspiration. Oh and while you are there, leave a comment to win a copy of the book.



Tuesday December 2 Sujata Shah @ C&T Publishing  Open thru12/12

Wednesday December 3 LeeAnn Decker @ Nifty Quilts  Open thru 12/6

Thursday December 4 Victoria Gertenbach @ The Silly Boodilly Still Open

Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy Still Open

Saturday December 6 Lori Dejarnett @ Humble Quilts Today
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews

Thursday, December 4, 2014

American Patchwork & Quilting Radio

This is a first for me!
Two blog posts in a day! 




I will be on Pat Sloan's American Patchwork & Quilting radio show on Monday, December 8 at 4:00 PM EST.

I had to share it today!

You can listen in the interview live at http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/radio/index.html

It will also be available after the show:  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/magazines-more/quilting-podcast


I hope you all are visiting several blogs hosting the blog hop
.
Tuesday December 2 Sujata Shah @ C&T Publishing  Open thru12/12

Wednesday December 3 LeeAnn Decker @ Nifty Quilts Still Open

Thursday December 4 Victoria Gertenbach @ The Silly Boodilly Still Open

Rachael at Blue Mountain Daisy is hosting the hop on Friday. I Absolutely love everything Rachael does. She is an amazing photographer and a talented quilter. I feel grateful for having such gifted bloggers participating in the tour to help spread the word.


 Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy Today

Saturday December 6 Lori Dejarnett @ Humble Quilts
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews

DAY 3 Cultural Fusion Quilts Blog Tour

I hope you enjoyed Nifty's post as much as I did. LeeAnn and I have known each other for many years. I was thrilled to have her quilt included in my book. As you all know, she has an amazing eye for colors, textures and patterns. I am thankful for having her as a friend.

Thank you, LeeAnn for contributing to my book.

Today I am going to send you to Victoria Gertenbach's blog, The Silly Boodilly. If I have one word to describe her it would be, Earthy! I love her quilts and her enthusiasm over hand stitching. She finds beauty and inspirations through textures of all things worn and weathered. Those of you who are new, I hope you visit her blog today and take some time to visit both her blogs.

For your inspiration today, I am simply posting a block I recently made.


And one from the quilt Peppermint Pinwheels Quilt from the book. 


Did you enter for the mini quilt raffle? Everyone who leaves a comment is eligible to win. Read this post if you missed it. I will choose a winner on Sunday.



Tuesday December 2 Sujata Shah @ C&T Publishing  Open thru12/12

Wednesday December 3 LeeAnn Decker @ Nifty Quilts Still Open

Thursday December 4 Victoria Gertenbach @ The Silly Boodilly Today

Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy

Saturday December 6 Lori Dejarnett @ Humble Quilts
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

DAY 2 Cultural Fusion Quilts Blog Tour


Happy Wednesday everyone! LeeAnn at Nifty Quilts is hosting the second day of the tour. She made the Hopscotch quilt using the same instructions for the cover quilt, Rail Fence! There are many ways Rail Fence blocks can be set. I will let you visit Nifty to read more about her process.  

I have included my views on fabrics selection in the book. It's all about textures and contrast. Depending on how low or high contrast you like, this quilt can be a good color and value study.

While making any quilt, I follow the system of  'choose as you go'. I almost never pick the fabrics for the entire quilt ahead of time. It allows me to have a quilt with personality. The whole selection depends on my mood and the time of the day and It all transfers into my quilt. I may end up not liking one or two blocks after making them but I always find a way to use them.
I have never made a quilt that makes me wonder what was I thinking, because it is all part of the process. The good, the bad and the ugly, all of it!

Here are some options I considered for setting before I settled on the final layout.


This had a loosely woven ikkat feeling to it.


In Rajasthan, India there is a place where the stairs are just like this. That could take care of your few days worth of workout for sure!

What about on point? Looks like a zigzag with mind of its own!

Aaah the Possibilities! I had to add that section in each chapter because it was so much fun to play with free-form blocks. The movement, the texture! Organic lines mixed with straight lines - that contrast alone keeps you entertained for a long time.

Please hop over the LeeAnn's blog for your chance to win a copy of my book today. Do you already have it? I am sure your quilting friend will thank you for receiving a gift.

If you just joined today, do not forget to enter to win mini quilt. Scroll down to yesterday's post. C&T blog is also giving away a copy of my book too. Many chances to win! Good Luck!

Wednesday December 3 LeeAnn Decker @ Nifty Quilts   TODAY

Thursday December 4 Victoria Gertenbach @ The Silly Boodilly

Friday December 5 Rachaeldaisy @ Blue Mountain Daisy

Saturday December 6 Lori Dejarnett @ Humble Quilts
 
Sunday December 7 Casey York @ The Studiolo

Monday December 8 Malka Dubrawsky @ A Stitch in Dye

Tuesday December 9 Sherri Lynn Wood @ daintytime

Wednesday December10 Bonnie Hunter @ Quiltville's Quips and Snips

Thursday December 11 Jake Finch @ Generation Q

Friday December 12 Jan Burgwinkle @ Be*mused

Saturday December 13 Janet Treen @ Quiltsalott

Sunday December 14 Lindsay Conner @ Lindsay Sews

Enter to Win Bernina 455 QE Kaffe Edition

Hey everyone! It has been a while! I have to share some great news! I have some great giveaway announcement!     Alex and Ricky at TheQuiltS...