Last year, I did a design that I thought would be perfect to play with prints. I like using solids and prints, but what I wanted to do is step outside my comfort zone and use a variety bright and loud prints. I was inspired by designers like Anna Maria Horner, Alison Glass, Tula Pink and Amy Butler, as their prints are so amazing.

I chose Alison Glass prints from Field Day, Ex Libris, Clover Sunshine and Lucky Penny to play with.

[Photo Credit: Love Patchwork & Quilting]

I love how it turned out. I stressed the whole time while this was in the making. I had to change my inner background fabrics as the print I wanted to use was out of print (OOP) and I could not find it anywhere. The Ex Libris prints I did go with were much “noisier” than I was wanting. I was not sure until it was finished that it was what I wanted.

The back was made from left over straps from the front of the quilt.

You too can make this pattern, if you like it. This project was ultimately done for Love Patchwork and Quilting. It is in this month’s magazine (Issue 30) and it actually made the cover. So, I am ecstatic that they loved it as much as I did.

[Photo Credit: Love Patchwork & Quilting]

Not to bad for my first finish of 2016. Looking forward to the rest of the year.

Isn’t it amazing how traveling makes you so tired?? I have traveled for about 30 hours this past weekend to come from North Carolina (USA) to Napier (New Zealand).

I wish, I could say I was traveling back home to have fun visiting family, friends and vacation, but unfortunately that is not the full story. My mum (who is in her early 60’s) has been put through some rigorous and long periods of testing over the last year. She has finally been diagnosed with a large benign, inoperable brain tumor. She is in her last 3 weeks of radiation, in attempts to try to shrink it.

Playing with color placement of the expanded design

As she travels and stays in a different city for her treatment each week, I decided that I wanted to be there to support her. I also want to leave her with something that brings her comfort when I am not around.

Original design

A quilt would be perfect. I have been playing around with her favorite colors, purple and orange and one of my Quilt Design a Day patterns. I have added a few other colors to add depth….coral/peach, yellow and magenta. The background fabrics are a mix of 20 white on neutrals prints.

Close-up of the blocks in-progress

I had to expand the design and play with the color placement but I am really pleased with how it is looking all up on my design wall. I bought all the rows with me to try to finish it before I leave.

All the pieces up on my design wall

The other project I am working on is a “secret”. It took a lot of procrastination trying to work out how to make this design into reality. The color palette is also way outside of my comfort zone but I am loving how it is coming together.

And you can’t complain, when you get joins like these on your first go.

Anyway, that is what I am up to this week. I am getting plenty of design and sewing time which I am very happy about.

Linking up with Lee over @ Freshly Pieced for WiP Wednesday.