Around the World Blog Hop

I've been invited by Sherri (she blogs at A Quilting Life) to participate in a fun Around The World Blog Hop.  Each participant is asked to answer a few questions and then tag another blogger or two to pass it on.  So here goes!

What am I working on?
First of all (and most exciting for me) I have three new quilt pattern in the works, all in different stages.  One is being proof read, one is still just a bunch of chicken-scratch notes in a folder and one pattern is being tested.  It is so fun for me to see designs that I dream up become real quilts and real patterns!

I'm also working on some older projects.  Like most quilters I know, I have a stack of WIPS (Works in Progress) and I try to work a bit on one of those each week.  This was one of them -

I recently quilted and bound the Sun and Surf quilt top (free block pattern here and peek at the quilt top here).  I love how it turned out!

How does my work differ from others?
This is a good question.  I had to think about this for a minute.  I suppose my work differs from others simply because it is my own. Most of the quilts I create are not from a pre-existing pattern - I sketch something up and start working.  If I do follow a pattern or tutorial often times I will alter something.  Even just in the process of choosing a pattern and then selecting the fabrics we quilters are making something that is unique.  When you start working with your stash and your scraps, then it becomes even more so!  

Why do I write/create what I do?
I have always loved creating.  Creating gives me quiet time to think and work.  I love creating quilts mostly because they are such a universally usable item!  Everyone sleeps and everyone needs a blanket.  Whether you are 5 or 95.  There's a quilt for everyone.

How does my writing/creative process work?
I love color.  Plain and simple.  I am inspired by color and often times I am motivated by color.  A lovely stack of fabric or an entire line will inspire me to sketch up a design.

Usually when I come up with an idea, I'll grab a piece of graph paper and draw it up.  Then I do some preliminary math to work out the scale and proportions.  I dig into my scraps and make up a test block (or two.  Or five.)  Once I'm happy with the test block I head to the computer to write up a bare-bones pattern.  This is mostly just a line drawing of the block, cutting measurements for each piece of the block and notes about construction.  I then head back to the sewing room to make a whole quilt, writing down notes about pressing directions, tricky techniques and any other details.  I use those notes to fill in that bare-bones pattern.  Illustrator is my best friend as I'm creating the final pattern and I use Photoshop to make the pattern cover.  I have to say that I do enjoy every step of creating a new pattern but sometimes it's tough to step away from my sewing machine and just do computer work for a few days!


Alright - enough about me!  Have you already been a part of the Around the World Blog Hop?  I know it's making the rounds.  If you have I'd love to read your answers to these questions!  Add a link in the comments so we can find you.  And I'll be back on Thursday with more photos of my finished Sun and Surf quilt!