Blended Quilts

Once in a while, there comes a book that literally changes your life.... As a quilter, the book that made all the difference to me was "Blended Quilts", featuring a collection of quilts using a blended technique reminiscent of the 1800's. From that moment on, I was smitten... I started including a visit to In The Beginning (a now closed quilt store in Seattle, Wa) everytime I went up to Seattle.

I loved their extensive collection of japanese Yuwa fabrics and the lovely vintage reproduction fabrics by American Folk and Fabric. I built up a significant stash, and I started making blended quilts. Some I finished, some are still in progress... Some yet are waiting to be created!! In a blended quilt, the use of fabrics that blend together make the blocks sometimes less perceptible, and the quilt inherits a flow that is unique and harmonious.

"Blended Quilts" was followed by "Blended Quilts II" and "Blended Wall Quilts". My love for the romantic look found the answer in these books... I will never go back to anything else!!

Some of my favorite fabrics are stashed away, and they only come out to play once in a while!!! They are waiting for just the perfect project... The Yuwa fabrics have an incredible satin-like feel, and the colors and patterns are truly to die for! I do use them, occasionally, and I have plans to start using them more often, you may see them in some of my next projects, including patchwork pillows I plan on making to sell!! In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy looking at these pretty fabrics as much as I do...

At Monticello's...

This morning I made a quick run to Monticello to take some smalls... I am on a self-imposed break from shopping, since my car's engine went kaputt and it will cost us a ton of money to get it fixed!!! So, I've been "shopping" around the house... Hey, declutter and make a little money at the same time!! Drastic measures for drastic times... I took my camera along, here are some pretty things that caught my eye.... Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

My china

Okay, so I love china... A lot!!! I have been collecting china ever since my early twenties... I know I have more china than I can possibly use, but I can't seem to be able to let go of much... I have four children... Maybe they'll want some? Mayble they will think it's ugly and old fashioned!!

The first set I ever bought was a tea set from Churchill, an English pottery. Still, to this day, it is one of my favorite collections! Unfortunately, the teapot broke, so I am always on the lookout...




































Then, when Mark and I got married, we registered at a shop for a lovely Villeroy & Boch dinner set. Since we had less than 40 guests at our wedding, that was the only thing we registered for. The bone china set has an asian flair, and is called Nanking. By the way, it has never been used (in seventeen years!!!!)

Later, when we moved to London for a diplomatic mission, I became fascinated with the Portmeirion pottery, namely their Pomona collection!! It features a variety of fruits drawn with a vintage feel. So, one weekend, a few girlfriends and I took a trip to Stoke-on-Trent to visit the factory, and came home with a lovely collection at incredible savings. All the pieces are second choice (meaning they didn't pass the first quality inspection), but you cannot tell there is anything wrong - sometimes it's something as simple as an air bubble on the back...!

On the same trip, I also bought a few pieces of Franciscan ware (I believe from the Royal Doulton Outlet store?)

In addition, I have a huge collection of red transferware and Limoges plates....

But, I have to say, one of my favorite pieces in my collection is this set (and I wish I had more...), stamped MYOTT, Staffordshire, England. Pink, with roses.... What more could I ask for...?!!

Happiness is...

... Being so proud of my daughter I could burst!!! No medals, two falls on the beam, and the worst floor and beam scores ever... Still, I couldn't have been prouder!!!!

Creative uses for common things

Yesterday I came across a great feature from the Real Simple magazine, showing 50 all-time favorite new uses for old things. There are some great ideas there, so I thought I would share some of my favorites with you! Check the link for the complete feature!!!







Pick up interesting cardboard coasters at restaurants and bars you visit along your travels. Punch a hole near the edge, thread some ribbon through, and voilà: homemade gift tag.













One of readers’ all-time-favorite ideas: the LifeSaver as birthday-candle holder. (Candies in the original rolls provide the best fit―LifeSavers sold in big bags are larger and don’t work as well.)









Who says a towel rack has to be the dedicated realm of, well, towels? Mounted over the kitchen sink, it can also hold a collection of cleansers







Tuck a few needles, pins, and thread into a matchbox for an instant sewing kit.





At a party, stash ice in a colander set on top of a bucket or a bowl. Water will drain out, and guests will get only the solid stuff.






Rubber bands give little fingers a better grip on a chilly or slippery glass.






Make no-mess pancakes with the help of a ketchup bottle: Pour in batter, then squeeze out precise portions.








Chalk is a moisture absorber: Tie up a few pieces in cheesecloth and store them with your good silver to slow any tarnishing.