score

 Remember how I mentioned something about an antiques store?

SCORE!

I found the cutest, coziest quilt! YESSS!

 Just browsing around a local antiques mall I enjoy... it's very much hit or miss there...

But over the years I've found some fantastic things to have in my home.

I rounded a corner, and saw this small quilt hanging up! 

A generous twin/full size, and in excellent condition - no stains, holes, or even a missed stitch!

Doth my eyes deceive me?! Is this tag really the price?! 

Now, I know it's not ancient, and it doesn't have perfect quilting or pristine fabrics,

but I loved it's geometry and color and feel instantly. And it was $59.00! Are you KIDDING me?!   

 Machine pieced and hand-quilted... with LOTS of different fabrics from various eras.

Most of the fabric looks like it's from the 40's (help me out here, Wendy!) but theres a wide variety.

 If you look at the above photo, toward the bottom left, you can even find a DOG!

(Golden Retriever? Irish Setter?)

I also really like the skeleton keys on the pink background, and a pink/orange paisley pattern.

 The above pic had one of my favorite fabric pieces - it's gotta be late 60's or early 70's!

Love the flower pattern, colors, and especially the texture!

 The above pic shows more fabrics I really liked, especially the center red, gold and light blue.

 And one more paisley pattern that I liked a LOT - pink and lavender and blue too -

how could anyone not that THAT fabric pattern and color combination!

You know, I've always thought to myself, how ironic it is that a quilt is made up of so many fabrics.....

gorgeous, plain, colorful, interesting, flowers, stripes, and the list goes on and on..... 

some of them are even downright HOMELY when you really check them all out! 

But you put them all together and magic happens - all of the sudden they're perfect together! 

All the pieces combine to make something that couldn't be more beautiful!

I think quilts are a lot like people. 

There's room for everyone. Differences are good. Everyone needs each other. 

We're special just how we are. Combined together, we make the world beautiful. 

quilt show pics #2

Quilt show time again - YAY! Did you enjoy yesterdays photos? I hope you did :)

The above quilt really captured my attention - not only was it an EXQUISITE crazy quilt,

but look at all the cross stitching and embroidery incorporated into EVERY single patch!

So much amazing detail - so much work! And of course a darling megibug ladybug too :)

I encourage you to click on each photo so you can see all the INCREDIBLE detail!

Once again, I'm sad I didn't write down the names of the quilters behind all this time and effort.

But I'm sure I speak for them when I say, please ENJOY these GORGEOUS quilts! 

 One of my personal favorites :)

 This gorgeous quilt incorporated 13 redwork squares - LOVE!

 This quilt was one of the big winners... detail below...

 The above and below photos showcase the most innovative "quilting" I have EVER seen!

I hope you enjoyed all these breathtaking quilts!
Lauren and I sure did!

quilt show pics #1

Last weekend my friend Lauren and I attended the Ontario quilt show, and it was..... wait for it.....

FREAKING. AMAZING.

Upon entering the convention center, we were greeted by rows of beautiful quilts

 such as the one above, hanging from the vaulted ceiling. 

I was astounded as we wandered back and forth inside the enormous main room.

To say the show quilts on display were STUNNING doesn't even do it.

Quilters never cease to amaze me in the first place... but to see all the new innovations

and the level of creativity these quilters have and have put into their quilts is beyond words.

The photos I took are a mix of quilt store (vendor) displays and show quilts -

these are barely the tip of the iceberg as far as the volume of quilts at the show...

but these are the ones that caught my attention the most regarding color and pattern :)

The only thing I'm sad about is that I didn't think to write down the quilter's names
and where they are from... to go along with each and every one of these quilts...
these outstanding, EXCEPTIONAL quilts! So I sincerely apologize for my oversight :/
That being said, I'm sure they'd agree with me when I say I'd like you to...  

ENJOY! 

Stay tuned for more gorgeous quilts in tomorrow's blog post!

Spotlight on 3 Etsy Artists

Is this not the most adorable set of crocheted items for play? I fell in love with Crafty Anna's Cute Colorful Crochet store. Talk about eye candy! After coming up with the most creative ideas for imaginative food play, she has painstakingly made extremely affordable patterns with directions, so you can make fun sets of crocheted toys children will love. She does not sell the finished sets, mind you - she sells her copyrighted PATTERNS, simple enough for beginning to intermediate crocheters. Stop by her Etsy store so you can see for yourself, what colorful, creative sets she has invented!
I knew I would get your attention with this little guy! This is Charlie. He's just a small bird, but as you can see, he has a LOT to say! Enter Brainiac the Art of Matte Stephens, and you enter a world of soft, pleasant colors, quirky but endearing characters, and unique retro style. Matte sells both his original gouache paintings, and his very affordable prints here in his Etsy store. His work could easily stand alone, or would make a fantastic grouping of several.  Go on one of his "family vacations" and see the wonderful cast of characters he has created for all to enjoy! 
Okay, now seriously. You didn't think I would forget my precious diet Coke did you? When I came across these ingenious ornaments cut out of diet Coke cans, there was no way I couldn't spotlight them! They came from Jenn's Recycled Things. They are backed with a foam backing - no sharp edges - and hooks are included. And they are so fun and affordable, how could you possibly go wrong? Of course other products are represented as well (Dr. Pepper earrings anyone?). Just a very fun idea to represent one of our favorite obsessions during the holidays :)

Please let me know if you would like to see more Etsy spotlights in the future. And definitely let me know how you liked the ones I just featured! I enjoy spotlighting others' creativity, so if you're all for it, I'd be happy to continue periodically. And of course you can always visit Etsy yourself - but I warn you, it might be days before you come up for air!