Friday, September 12, 2014

Finish It Friday

In what seems like kind of a stunning development, I have not one but two finishes today. Neither of them are very large, but nonetheless they are complete.

Awhile back, I needed some graphic design work for a magazine quilt submission. I had designed four blocks and each block had two braided herringbone sections. I was able to get as far as this:
Terri was able to get it to this point, where each segment of the block was "exploded"--just what I needed.
I don't think I am underestimating it when I say that Terri is a huge Anna Maria Horner fan. For months, I had wanted to make one block for her using AMH scraps in the braided portion, not only to thank her for the graphic design work but also because she is a very special friend.
On the back is one of my favorite prints.
If you have an embroidery machine, you really need to check out some of Terri's designs

Next up, this top has been sitting in a stack for what seems like forever. I'm not sure exactly what was holding me up from completing it. I just was never sure what its final outcome should be--pillow? mini quilt? It ended up being a mini, 22" x 22". It's made from a set of Oakshott cottons called "elements" (at least that is what I think they are called--I'm not sure that this range is even available anymore). All the colors are "shot" with white thread, giving them a chalky pastel look.
I found the perfect fabric for the back.

I ended up doing some easy straight line quilting, which sure didn't take very long, which then made me wonder why I had waited so long! Anyway, I'm giving it away!
Just leave a comment and let me know if you have ever made anything with shot cottons. I'll choose a winner on Sunday, September 14.

And...Mark has been busy in his glass shop as well. He had two custom orders and they are so spectacular that I had to share them. They are 12" platters made from dichroic glass. Photos do not do them justice. These platters are simply stunning.
This is his equivalent of sewing with scraps. I can tell you that especially the bottom platter took forever to piece. Just look at these teensy little slivers of glass. Improv glass making at its finest.
After firing the platter first in the kiln (there are three layers of glass that need to be fused together), he then fires it again to give it the gentle slope.
If you are in need of some cool gifts, he I will be posting pictures on his Instgram feed, @doublediamondglass.

I'm linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts and TGIFF. Have a lovely weekend.

Oh, and don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win.

25 comments:

05 08
Jessica said... #

Both quilts are gorgeous! I love shot cottons but haven't tried the Oakshot

Terri said... #

Wonderful finishes this week! I can't tell you how much I love my new mini quilt! I put it on our coffee table in our living room. I love how the bright explosion of AMH prints look in that braided pattern. Thank you!! I also really love seeing Mark's new glass platters. So cool.

Anonymous said... #

I have several small charm packs of Oakshott in my stash, but haven't made anything yet. Your mini quilt makes me want to get it out and make something. And, Mark's platters are very lovely. I've always loved glass work! Be sure and tell him I gave him 2 thumbs up!! 8-)

xo Linda

Kerstin said... #

I have a long term WIP with Oakshotts, all the blocks from the book 500 Quilt Blocks - that might take a few years... But the fabric itself is beautiful to work with. Love the herringbone design!

Amanda Jean said... #

"in what seems like a kind of stunning development".... hahaha! you are hilarious, friend! I LOVE all of your finishes for the week. I don't think it's an understatement that Terri loves AMH. The mini is absolutely PERFECT for her! Well done!

Mark's platters are AMAZING! Wowza! I love that scrappy can be done with glass, too. SO so good!

I have worked with shot cottons. In fact I have an oakshotts WIP that needs to be finished sometime soon. Sigh. Never. enough. time.

antique quilter said... #

That is so nice of you to make her a quilt from the design works she did for you. Love the oak shot quilt. Adorable I love little quilts thanks for the opportunity to have it hang on my wall of little quilts! I have never made a quilt from oak shot s. Some day hopefully !
Kathie

antique quilter said... #

Btw his glass pieces are amazing. Beautiful. I will follow his feed. I already follow yours ;)
Kathie

Vicki said... #

I am in love with this mini! It has such a comforting feel to it. It reminds me of being a little girl. Marks work is amazing. He still owes me one!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said... #

You are the Oakshot queen; I've never sewn with it!
Mark's work is beautiful!

Susan said... #

The only Oakshotts I have sewn with, ironically, came from you Cindy! Those lovely scraps found their way into my secret project that will appear in Australian Homespun magazine! The mini quilt would live very happily in one if my walls! Love the AMH too!

Patti said... #

Hope this isn't a double as I just commented on how I love your mini and would love to win it. I have never worked with them but love it. Your husband's glass work in out of the world. The colors WOW!!!

Linda said... #

I'd love to win your mini. I love the platters- the colours are so vibrant and alive!

Farm Quilter said... #

Congrats on the two great finishes, however I must admit that I am drooling over your husband's glass work - just amazing!!! Wish there was somewhere other than instagram to see his work!!!

Rachaeldaisy said... #

I really love how you combined the braid with graphic lines giving it such a great modern look. And your shot cotton quilt is absolutely gorgeous and such a wonderful giveaway prize. I have a little stack of shot cottons but have only used a few bits mixed with other fabrics. I've never made a whole quilt with them but would like to one day. Those glass dishes are extraordinary!! They look like patchwork made of glass!

Tu-Na Quilts said... #

Nope, never heard of shot cotton. But your quilt is gorgeous. kthurn@bektel.com

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

It's so cool that your quilting and your husband's work share such nice similarities. The platters are beautiful.

mary mahoo said... #

I've been itching to try shot cotton,,but haven't taken the plunge yet. Your quilts are gorgeous,,,and your husband's glass is stunning.

Dorothy said... #

I am new-to-quilting so have not tried shot cotton, but it's on my list. I like your quits, but I have to say, your husband's glass platters are absolutely amazing. He is doing gorgeous work!

Zenia Rene said... #

Your quilts are beautiful...but the platters are AMAZING!! I found you on TGIFF. Come by and check out my blog sometime.

Patty said... #

The shot cottons are pretty, but I've never used them before.

Carla said... #

I would need lots of help with graphics, that's for sure. How great to have Terry to help you. Mark's glass plates is just beautiful....wow!

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

I love that mini and Mark's glass! I love working with Oakshott, the colours are gorgeous and the fabric is beautiful to work with! I'm currently using a Kaffe shot cotton and it isn't quite as co-operative - I'm going to give it a good talking to!

M-R Charbonneau said... #

Wow, Mark's glass work is gorgeous! I've never seen anything like that -- it looks like a quilt too! Your minis are beautiful, Cindy! Very lucky recipients!

Katy Cameron said... #

Wow, you both had fabulous finishes!

OPQuilt said... #

Pretty soon you are not going to be able to moan that you "never finish anything." You'd better watch that. . .

Kidding. I love all your finishes and yes, Mark's glass work is simply stunning. Bravo to him!

Elizabeth
P.S. I saw your texts today but I stepped back from the electronic world for the afternoon, then when I came back to myself, I was deluged with landscaping/mother/sister/fence people phone calls. I'm thinking about your Qs!