My Entry Into The Cherrywood Challenge 2023-Monarch Butterfly

 

Imagine if I Were the Last

I attended my 1st Quiltcon this year and it was more than I imagined. I had such a wonderful time and I met a number of people in the industry that I have long admired. While I was there, I learned about Cherrywood Fabrics and their yearly competition. 

The challenge for 2023 highlights the plight of the Monarch Butterfly. Their population is dewindling due to the reduction of the Milkweed, their main source of food. I'm thankful to be able to create a piece to bring awareness to their struggle. And I'm very proud to be a finalist!

This years fabric bundle from Cherrywood! The colors are beautiful and I love the quality of the fabric. 

 

Photos of my work stages!

The finished piece!

Detail 

Detail

Art is Life!

I love this pattern and the fabrics! It is so whimsical and fun and I found a great color for the back! I purchased this fabric bundle at Quilt Week in Paducah, KY in 2022. The fabric designer is P. Carter Carpin and I love her creations. 

I purchased the quilt pattern for Woollypetals on Esty, the pattern is called Floored 10!

A closer look at some of the prints!

The best part of making this top is that this will be a quilt for me! 

Art Is Life!

Maternal Mortality - 3x's Higher! on display at The National Quilt Museum

I have worked on a lot of projects over the years but this is the work I am most proud of to date!

This piece highlights an issue that is so important to African American women, the high maternal mortality rate in women of color! Women of color are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy related issues than white women and if that isn't bad enough, 2/3rds of the death are preventable. 

I am honored that my quilt is on display in an exhibit called Saying Her Piece at The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY from October 2022 to February 2023.

I'm very thankful and appreciative of the opportunity to have my work on display at TQM and to be able to highlight this preventable medical crisis.

Art Is Life! 

Double Wedding Ring

From deciding on the design, buying fabric, piecing and quilting, this quilt took over a year to make! This is the largest amount of time it has taken for me to complete a quilt but it was worth it. It was a gift for a friend that married last year.

  

I purchased the fabrics from 4 states. I tend to buy fabrics when I travel and knew that I would need a lot for this pattern, so it was the perfect excuse to shop.:)

The centers started with 4 squares.

The centers trimmed, starting to take shape.

My design wall got crowded very quickly after I started sewing the rings.  

Finally result!

The back!

My friend loved her gift!

Big thanks to Kathleen Haskett for her assistance with the quilting.

Art Is Life!

University of Georgia Quilt Blanket

Im always a fan of the home teams, no matter where I live. I have a dear friend who is a fellow Georgian and he feels the same way. He isn’t well at the moment so I made this quilt blanket to hopefully provide him comfort while he is healing. 

Front!

Back!

I wish my favorite big guy fully restored health and happiness!

Art Is Life!

Latest T-Shirt Quilt

With this t-shirt quilt, I decided to use a different layout. I came across this layout on YouTube, it was designed by Angela Walters. It was a nice change from the grid that I normally use.

This quilt was commissioned by two sisters for their mother. All the t-shirts belonged to their mom and yellow and orange are her favorite colors. 

I really enjoyed working with this color combination, so cheery!

Video of the t-shirts!

I made two blocks because the graphic on one shirt was too small and the other block contained the names of her grandchildren. 

The front!

The back!

I do like the final result!:) Recently, a friend shared another layout with me that was so fun. I may try it with the next t-shirt quilt.

Art Is Life!

Paducah Quilt Festival 2022

I was fortunate enough to attend the Paducah Quilt Festival. It did not disappoint! I took many photos but it was extremely crowded so many are at an angle. Regardless, I wanted to share some of my favorites.

Enjoy!

                                                    I have long admired the work of Susan

                                               Carlson. I was very excited to see her 

                                               work at the show. A selfie was a must!

The amount of talent people have continues to blow me away!

Art Is Life!