Preview of Livin’ Large

First off, I have to start by sharing a blog that I am just loving.  I learned about it when I asked you all to share your favorite blogs with me – So THANKS!  She does wonderful photography tutorials and I am busy learning as much as possible.  I take all my own photos for my books and patterns and am continually frustrated by the results that I get.  I usually have to take 400 photos to get a dozen goods ones.  I’ve even been thinking about switching cameras (from nikon to cannon), but then I read that Dee used the same camera that I have!!!!  There is hope – Yeah!  To read more, go to:  http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Now – back to business.  It’s an exciting day as the new book is here and I finally get to unveil what I’ve been working on for the last few months.   It’s been so hard not to share, as I continually want to ask all of you – would you pick version 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5? etc.  Sometimes I get myself into such a tizzy that I can’t think straight and don’t trust myself to pick out anything good!  But, I’m always afraid that if I share too soon, my pattern may end up in someone else’s book.  That still may happen, but at least this way, mine will come out first!  Anyways, I already gave you a sneak peak at the cover of the new book and explained my theme.  But just in case you missed it – The book is all about those great large-scale prints that are all the rage right now.  Some of them are so beautiful, it’s hard to cut them up!  That made this book a special challenge, as I didn’t want to loose the beauty of the fabric to the chopping block.  This one is my personal favorite, not only because I LOVE the fabric, but I love anything with a diamond shape and I think it’s a unique concept and layout.

 

Quilt Name:  Modern Day Diamonds, fabric line:  Garden Party by Anna Maria Horner

 

I had a few scraps leftover from this quilt and I thought they were too pretty to throw away.  I don’t usually save too many scraps as they just become too overwhelming.  In this case, it was totally worth it!

Quilt Name:  The Over-Under Table Runner

 

This is one of the size options for the cover quilt, Modern Day Diamonds.  The applique is optional.

 

Quilt Name:  Sweet ‘n’ Sassy Crib Quilt.  Fabric line:  Ava Rose by Tanya Whelan.  Mode:  my niece Addilyn.  I had to take advantage of the fact that she wasn’t mobile yet, thus she still makes a great model.  As of today, it would be a different story. 

 

Quilt Name: Pretty in Pink.  Fabrics: by Heather Bailey from her Pop Garden and Bijouxl fabric lines for Free Spirit.  I like this quilt for many reasons – one being that it has no borders.  I have to admit that adding borders to large quilts is not my favorite thing to do.

 

Quilt name: Off-Kilter  Fabrics:  Cotton Blossom by Camille and Bonnie for Moda.  Don’t ya love that huge ric rac???

 

Quilt Name:   Sunday Picnic.  Fabrics:  The center is done with mostly Denyse Schmit fabrics and the outer border is by Amy Butler.  My mom pieced this quilt for me.  Can you believe that she got the pattern perfectly lined up in the corners ???

 

Quilt Name:  From the Heart.  Fabric:  1974 by Urban Chicks for Moda (I heart all of their fabrics) 

 

Quilt name:  Touch of Class Table Cloth.  Fabrics by Amy Butler.  This pattern is perfect for that large scale floral that you just can’t cut.  Plus, everyone has a table that needs decorating!

 

Quilt name:  Square Dance, Fabric line:  Charisma by Chez Moi for Moda.  This pattern is well suited for fabric lines with large and medium scale prints. Can you guess where the larger scale prints go?

 

Quilt Name:  Kalidescope  Fabric Line:  Nest by Tula Pink for Moda

There are 11 projects in the book.  I tried to include a lot of variety so there is something for everyone – for the young and young at heart, for those that like wild and funky to those that like traditional, from super large-scale prints, to the smaller side of large scale prints.   Before I go any further, I have to confess something about this book.  It’s always a nerve wracking to put yourself and your designs out there.  In this case, it’s worse than normal because it is so different than what I usually do (in addition to the economy).  But, I am tired of the same old, same old and am looking for something fun and different.  I love all of the new fabrics and have been busy collecting them (something that isn’t already in my stash).  I am hoping that some of you are in the same boat and are looking for patterns to use these new fabrics in.  However, there is a whole segment of the quilting population that still loves the dark, country, etc fabrics.  I don’t want to eliminate that whole segment and try to make my living selling to a select few (although I did try to add some more traditional things, as I mentioned) . . . .  So, I’ve had quite a few say – “It’s really different” or “I just don’t decorate with that look.”  I understand – because much of my house isn’t in these colors or big prints either.  But, I am on a mission.  I am planning and scheming on how to redecorate my house.  (we just moved here 5 years ago and gutted the entire thing.  I’m thinking Joel may not think it’s necessary to redecorate.  The problem is he may notice if I start doing it!  It’s not like I’m just coming home with a new haircut that he won’t notice . . .)  I would like some help from all of you – I’d love to see some photos of what you have been doing with large scale prints and how you have been using them in your home.  You can send them to me at hmulder@wecnet.com.   I’m always looking for new inspiration!  

I’m curious to hear your feedback and am always willing to swap ideas for free books or patterns.  So, please leave me a comment or e-mail me photo of your ideas, and you will be eligable to win a yourself a copy of the book.  As far as comments go, I would like to hear which pattern in the new books is your favorite.  I’m curious to see which look you like best!

Thanks again for all your help – Heather