Monica's Quilt

I wrote a few months ago about how I came to realize during the wedding planning process that I needed to carve out the time to be in my studio - that it is essential to my process of recharging and reinvigorating myself.

So what better way to build it in to my life than to add quilting to the ginormous wedding to do list?

Sundays were my sacred day: no tea dates, grocery shopping, or even leaving the house.  Just wide open studio time, and countless episodes of Gossip Girl.

I made three quilts: two for my bridesmaids and one for our wonderful officiant.  It was such a natural way for me to express my gratitude to these wise, loving ladies who supported us all along the way.  When I give someone a quilt, it feels like I'm giving them a piece of my heart. It was the perfect way to take a step back, make space for reflection, and feel all of the love surrounding Ian and me.

Here's the first one: Monica's quilt.  

She is such a warm, optimistic, and passionate person - bright, sunny colors and patterns always make me think of her.

I had some fun with my new Angela Walters books - trying out some fun quilting patterns..loops, cobblestones, and connected boxes.

This quilt is the perfect size for curling up on the couch with a good book.

Just a simple large print on the back.

Monica is the creative genius behind Monicakes Bakery.  She was SO generous to make Monicakes as our wedding favors - a perfect and unique tasty treat for everyone!

Enjoy Monica!  I love you so much!

Happy Birthday to the RI Modern Quilt Guild!

I had an excuse to break in my beautiful new Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer this weekend (isn't she a beaut in green apple?):

The Rhode Island Modern Quilt Guild celebrated our first birthday!  When I started the group last year, I wondered "Could there be one or two other people in Rhode Island who are interested in modern quilting?"  Now, we have a mailing list of nearly 100 members, and draw about 20 people to each of our monthly meetings.  Even on gloriously beautiful beach days.  In Rhode Island, that's really saying something.

Convening with a creative community is so powerful.  I have grown so much this year as a quilter because of the inspiration, resources, and accountability that are available to me as a member of this group.

As a thank you, the guild's co-leader (Tara) and I baked us a fancy birthday cake!

And would you believe it?  Those sweet, thoughtful members made me a surprise wedding gift!  A collaborative quilt!  Members made blocks, Tina pieced them together, Sue quilted it, and Tara did the binding.

 

Not only does this community bring me all kinds of creative inspiration - it also helped me find my new friend Tara.  It's been a long time since I've made a new friend.  Tara came to one of our meetings, and we immediately hit it off.  She makes the most incredible custom quilts through her creative business, Ewe Have Me in Stitches - you dream it, and she makes it a reality.  Check out her fabulous Etsy Shop here.  

Happy Birthday, RI Modern Quilt Guild!  May year two be even more fruitful and amazing than year one!

It's been a while...

It's been a while since my studio looked like this:

It's been an exciting, busy few months of wedding planning.  We're on the other side of it now, coming down off of the huge wave of excitement, love, and gratitude for an incredible celebration with friends and family.