Picking Quilt Fabrics

Picking out fabrics for a new project is one of the most creative steps and one of my favorite parts. As I look at different possibilities of fabrics and colors I try to imagine what each will look like in the finished quilt. How will the colors, values, etc. play off each other to help the quilt come alive? Quilts are like a piece of art where the fabrics are the artist's paints so things like composition come into play. I do not have an art degree but with an artistic husband who has an eye for design and many friends who are artists, I have learned a thing or two along the way. I can't always tell you why something works but I can usually tell what I like. So I try to keep playing with fabrics and layouts until something 'sings' then I just try to trust my gut. It is a little risky but in some ways all art is.

With all that said I recently picked out fabrics for two new quilts. The first picture is some charms squares cut out of blue fabrics from my stash with a little bit of yellow thrown in. I'm trying something new so we will see how it turns out.

This second bigger stack of fat quarters is for a commissioned quilt. I'm so excited to make it but I am still a little unsure about the fabric placement. I think I need a little more time to play with them or maybe a second opinion. It is a design I've never used so it is harder for me to visualize the finished quilt and I think that is part of my hesitation. I have loved the Swoon Quilt pattern from Thimble Blossoms ever since seeing it. It is so gorgeous. This is the first time I have purchased a quilt pattern to try. I have used tutorials and free patterns online. The blog community is so generous. I have also sketched my own ideas and sort of made my own patterns for different baby and toddler size quilts. I am really looking forward to making this quilt and of course I loved picking out fabrics to use. Any excuse to buy new fabric is good in my book. I will keep you updated on my progress with both of these projects.

Leap Day Giveaway Winner

Thank you so much to everybody who commented on the Leap Day post. It was so fun reading all your comments and meeting so many new bloggers. A big thank you to Elizabeth at Such a Sew and Sew for hosting the giveaway.

Without further ado the winner of the yard of fabric is Lisa Cox. I have sent you an email Lisa.

I really enjoyed participating in the giveaway. I see more giveaways in the future here. What are some of your favorite things to win? Do you prefer fabric and supplies or finished products? Have any of you won things in the past?

Leap Day Giveaway

If you are visiting from Such a Sew and Sew, welcome to Mulholland Homestead.

Have you heard about the Leap Day linky-party giveaway? I'm joining in and giving away this one yard piece from the new Early Bird collection from Free Spirit, pictured above. To enter simply leave a comment. For an extra entry become a follower of Mulholland Homestead.

The giveaway is open until tomorrow, Leap Day. I will close the giveaway at midnight and choose a winner. Good luck.

Now hop on over to see all the other great giveaways.

Simple Hat for Luke

This little boy is growing much too fast. I know everybody says time goes quickly and kids grow like weeds but it really is true. Luke already has outgrown two sizes of clothes including his little blue hat. So since the weather here decided to actually be cool lately I spent an afternoon nap snuggling with my boy and crocheting him a quick beanie. It is just a simple double stitch, crocheted from the top down. I added a few rows of single stitch at the end to give the hat a little interest. I used a soft black yarn that long ago lost its packaging so I'm not sure what brand it is. It was so enjoyable to hold him and crochet at the same time. I love snuggling with him but also like to feel productive.

This is the first thing I have made for my boy but I look forward to many more mama-made items. What are some of your favorite things to make for the little ones in your life?

Doll Carrier: Take Two

After making the doll carrier for Violet I made one for a friend's 7th birthday. The process was even faster this time since I was more familiar with the pattern. I choose to use some Anna Maria Horner fabric I had in my stash. Then I found some solids that coordinated for the pocket and straps.

Here you can see the velcro strip I used for both carriers. It makes for an adjustable carrier that will work for different size dolls and stuffed animals: as well as, allowing the carrier to work for years as the little girl grows. I hope it is a toy that gets lots of use.