Monday, April 11, 2011

This and That

You've probably wondered where I and my Quilt of the Week have been! I've been laid up with a terrible sinus and respiratory infection for over two weeks, so I'm a little behind the times. There are three levels of sick with me: Sick, Too Sick to Sew, and Too Sick to Read, otherwise known as Really Sick. Most of the time I was at Level II, but I've been sewing a little the last couple of days, working on the Maltaville. I've gotten one block done,

and I'm working on two more.

Since I signed the Process Pledge, I thought it wouldn't hurt to show something in progress once in a while. :) These are going quickly, and as soon as I'm caught up, I'll be starting on the Friends of Baltimore, which I'm thinking might take a little longer.


There's a new magazine out, called Primitive Quilts and Projects, and I can't wait to get the first issue.


This looks like a "must have" if you are into primitive quilts or working with wool. It has patterns by a lot of great designers, including Maggie Bonanomi, Cherie Ralston, Lisa Bongean, Bonnie Blue Quilts, Renee Plains, and many more. You can check out the other designers, and subscribe, at their website here.


Have you noticed that zippers are everywhere these days? They are used in the cleverest ways, to decorate clothing, or make cute little tote bags. Indygo Junction has a couple of new patterns to make flowers and jewelry out of zippers. Here's one of them.


And here is a video of how to make a simple flower and leaves from zippers.






I found a great website called Photofunia, and it's kind of addictive. You just pick an effect, upload a photo, crop it, and hit GO! It puts your picture into the template you chose by magic! I'm glad there are people smarter than me out there that think this stuff up. I used some pictures of the boys, and came up with these.



A still life of Brody



Rufus on a billboard



And Little Teague on the cover of Glamour


I'm pretty sure it works with human photos, too. ;) Have fun, and I'll be back with my Quilt of the Week on Thursday.

13 comments:

Pat said...

Your applique is so smooth and neatly done. I am only into my 2nd year of trying to learn and always admire the work of people who it so well.
Hoping you will soon be back to feeling good.

Dawn said...

Feel better soon. Thanks for sharing all the great information.

antique quilter said...

hope you feel much better today....the first block is beautiful, love that fabric! perfect choice. amazing whats out there on the web!
love the pictures of the kitties, can you imagine seeing a billboard like that, it would stop traffic.
Kathie

Cheryl said...

Sorry to hear you have been under the weather. Hope you are back on your feet soon. Your applique blocks are going to be stunning. My DD will love the zipper pattern and video...thanks for the links.

Lori said...

Feel better soon! I'm glad you are at least taking a few stitches now:)

Sheila said...

Hey Lisa,
I wondered where you have been! Sorry you were sick. (Too sick to sew is serious business!)Your applique looks great. The cat pics were really neat. Amazing what people can do.

Merilyn said...

Your applique is no neat!!!, mine never looks like that LOL!! I have just ordered a copy of the Primitive Quilts & Projects magazine, I'm looking forward to seeing what patterns/designs they have! Thanks for the links to the zipper flowers, such a neat idea!! Hope you are feeling better soon!!

Beth said...

Lisa, what is the definition of a 'primitive' quilt? Certainly the work you do is far from primitive! It is good to see you back among us.

And the Photofunia of your boys are great; this I have to try :-)

Beth

Heirlooms by Ashton House said...

Sorry to hear you've been under the weather, Lisa. I think I had something similar in March, so I can commiserate with you. Hope you're on the mend. I love the fabric you chose for the blue applique block. Very striking!

Janet said...

I'm sorry to hear you've been so unwell, I hope you're on the mend now.
Your blocks are coming along beautifully. I'm amazed at what's on the net that we can spend time doing. The zipper jewellery is incredibly clever!

Karen said...

Oh, how I like the use of the blue plaid in the first block that you show. It looks like a smaller version of a princess feather quilt.

Julsie1231 said...

Lisa, I hope you feel better soon! We miss seeing you on Thursdays. The photos are a hoot, gotta give those a whirl sometime.

Donna Keating said...

I bought the Quilt Sampler magazine yesterday and the Dutch Beauty definitely stopped me in my tracks. I vote you start on that one. Looks like you have several projects on your plate.