Tag Archives: moda bella solids

Color Inspiration Thursday {48}

May 28, 2015 kittywilkin 5 Comments

The garden continues to burst forth with flowers of every size, shape, and color, and I continue to draw inspiration and excitement from the abundant beauty. Today’s inspiration includes more photographs from my garden, transformed into color palettes using Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Lt Blue, Bella Glacier, Kona Ballerina, Kona Silver, Bella Home Town Sky, Kona Grasshopper

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2560 – Iris
1126 – Blue Grey
2562 – Lilac
2405 – Oyster
5014 – Marine Water
1114 – Grass Green

This tree smells divine. It’s called Pink Silver Bells (Halesia monticola) and certainly lives up to its name. It’s tough to see the bell-like shape of the flowers from this palette photo, but here’s another look:

The flowers feel so dainty and delicate, and the pale baby pink compliments them perfectly.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Pewter, Bella Etchings Charcoal, Bella Boysenberry, Kona Plum, Bella Berrylicious, Kona Bright Pink

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2610 – Lt Blue Grey
1140 – Bark
2345 – Raisin
4030 – Plum
2479 – Med Orchid
2450 – Rose

If you look down after photographing the Pink Silver Bells, you immediately kick the pink up a notch to one of my favorites: bright, bold, sassy fuchsia. I was anti-pink for a long, long time, but especially lately, I’ve embraced it in both quilting and wardrobe. It’s just so bright and cheerful, how can you resist!? Not to mention the fact that it pairs swimmingly with turquoise, my tip top favorite color. I definitely would use this color palette in a quilt, but if you had told me 10 years ago that I would consider making an entirely pink quilt, I would have laughed and said you were crazy.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Steel, Bella Mauve, Bella Amelia Lavender, Bella Betty’s Brown, Bella Baby Blue, Kona Geranium

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2610 – Lt Blue Grey
2566 – Wisteria
2524 – Grey Violet
5013 – Asphalt
2562 – Lilac
4030 – Plum

Lilacs are an annual reminder to enjoy every minute and always take time to stop and smell the flowers. If you don’t, you will miss them! As soon as the lilacs begin to flower, I cut some for our table so that we all can enjoy them to the fullest. I love that this year, my 5 yr old daughter has made it a daily routine to go out and smell the lilacs upon returning home from school. Like mommy, like daughter!

Our house smells divine, thanks to one bouquet of lilacs on the kitchen table. Can you smell them from there?

Design, Quilting

Kicking off Summer

May 25, 2015 kittywilkin 13 Comments

Today I cut into a gorgeous bundle of Bella Solids that just screams summer. I’m beginning a new project, since my baby boy has yet to make his arrival and I amazingly have completed my other big pre-baby sewing project goals. Plus, Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is a perfect day to begin a summer project, right? My plan is to make a set of six (6) placemats, since we have a surprising lack of quilted home accessories.

I bought this bundle of Moda Bella Solids, called “August”, at Fiddlehead Artisan Supply when I went in to choose the bundle I gave away for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day. The hot days of summer were still teasing us, and I couldn’t resist the summery feel of these colors together. (For those of you who want to get your hands on this bundle, too, the coupon code nightquilter15% will get you 15% off all online orders from Fiddlehead between now and June 21st!)

I’m hoping to make these placemats using a prismatic half square triangle (HST) style inspired by these quilts by Nydia Kehnle:

Nydia Kehnle quilts inspiration — These two quilts by Nydia Kehnle are inspiration for my placemat design.

Nydia’s advice for making quilts like this was to use MANY different colors to allow a smooth gradation. I know that since the fabric bundle I’m using has only eight colors, my placemats will have a more jumpy color transition, but I’m hoping that they still look cool. I love the transitions of yellows and blues, and hope the jump between the two can be smooth or at least look intentionally jumpy. Time will tell!

I’ve only cut one strip from each fat quarter to start, and plan to pair up HSTs and try a test layout before cutting the fabric for all six placemats.

I’m hoping this will be a good project to continue after my baby is born, too, since I can do it in little bits. Cut a little, sleep, snuggle, nurse, pair a little, sleep, snuggle, nurse, sew a little, sleep, snuggle, nurse, cut a little, sleep snuggle, nurse, repeat.

I’m linking up with Monday Makers–who has some freshly made placemats to show off–, Design Wall, and Molli’s Sunday Stash (again, if I can link more than one post a week!).

Color Inspiration, Life

Color Inspiration Thursday {47}

May 21, 2015 kittywilkin 5 Comments

The blues found in nature are among my all-time favorite colors. Forget-me-nots, delphiniums, hyacinths, the sky, the ocean… all the most gorgeously varied shades of blue! Today’s color palettes are created from some photographs of grape hyacinths found at a local park–Belfast City Park.

Color palettes are created with Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1 and my photographs. An awesome feature of the palette builder is that it matches fabric solids and Aurifil thread, too. This week I discovered that we could use more variety in our fiber blue-voilets–the matches are not entirely accurate–or maybe mother nature wins the hand when it comes to color. That doesn’t mean we can’t soak in the gorgeous colors and feel inspired!

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Deep Blue, Bella Terrain Iris, Kona Hyacinth, Kona Dahlia, Bella Clover, Bella Stone

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2735 – Med Blue
1248 – Grey Blue
2520 – Violet
2520 – Violet
2908 – Spearmint
2605 – Grey

This palette captures the lighter blues and purples, while the next one focuses on the darks. Seeing this sea of hyacinths, I had to take a little detour to photograph them. Now THIS is spring!

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Night Sky, Kona Bright Periwinkle, Kona Laurel, Kona Coal, Kona Lavender, Kona Hyacinth

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
1248 – Grey Blue
2775 – Steel Blue
4173 – Dk Olive
1158 – Med Grey
2520 – Violet
1128 – Lt Blue Violet

Perfect little grape bells dance around a hundred stalks. This palette reads more purply, catching the darker and denser flowers. As I mentioned above, the solids and thread color matches are not as accurate as they usually are.

As you can see, the actual fabric matches read a lot more on the side of either straight blue or straight purple. The flowers are a lovely blend of blue-violet in a variety of shades. Isn’t the aesthetic variety in nature amazing!?!

Color Inspiration, Life

Color Inspiration Thursday {46}

May 14, 2015 kittywilkin 1 Comment

Ahh, spring! Color is everywhere, sun is slowly warming the soil, and the world is coming back to life. Spring is my favorite season, until summer comes along… and then fall with the crispness and the gorgeous leaves, followed by that first gorgeous snow that makes me love winter. I guess I’m just grateful to live in a place with clearly defined and vastly different seasons. The constantly changing environment keeps the wonderment fresh.

Today’s color inspiration is again from my garden, with color palettes made using Play Crafts‘ wonderful Palette Builder 2.1. The matching Kona & Bella solids and Aurifil thread is also a perk of the palette builder–if you haven’t tried it, I would definitely suggest taking a moment to make palettes out of your favorite photos. It might change the way you see the world–or do you already see the world in fabric and thread?

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Dusty Jade, Bella Betty’s Teal, Kona Graphite, Bella Christmas Green, Kona Jungle, Bella Sprout

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2845 – Lt Juniper
2850 – Med Juniper
1246 – Grey
2892 – Pine
2890 – Dk Grass Green
1114 – Grass Green

On a whim, I did a quick google search for green after creating this palette. I felt like this photo and resulting palette said so much, yet I couldn’t quite put it to words. An interesting website on color psychology pretty much nailed my sentiment. Green…

This is the color of balance and harmony. From a color psychology perspective, it is the great balancer of the heart and the emotions, creating equilibrium between the head and the heart.

From a meaning of colors perspective, green is also the color of growth, the color of spring, of renewal and rebirth. It renews and restores depleted energy. It is the sanctuary away from the stresses of modern living, restoring us back to a sense of well being. This is why there is so much of this relaxing color on the earth, and why we need to keep it that way.

There’s much more reflection on the color green here, if you are interested. Maybe I need more green in my fabric stash?

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Ochre, Bella Shocking Pink, Kona Mango, Bella Kansas Red, Bella Pine, Kona Pickle

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2930 – Toast
2215 – Peach
2210 – Caramel
2385 – Terracotta
5013 – Asphalt
5016 – Olive Green

Ahhh, finally some more color! I love this range of oranges, with a nice anchoring dark green and a splash of Pickle! How can you go wrong with Kona Pickle?

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Fig Tree Apricot, Bella Amelia Orange, Kona Cedar, Kona Nectarine, Kona Moss, Kona Evergreen

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2930 – Toast
2210 – Caramel
2350 – Copper
2215 – Peach
4173 – Dk Olive
2570 – Aubergine

Here’s just one more photo to share the smooth silkiness of the tulip petals. This palette would make a fabulous spring quilt, perhaps with some added low volumes. Simple, cheerful, full of new life.

What is your favorite sign of spring?

Color Inspiration, Life

Color Inspiration Thursday {45}

May 7, 2015 kittywilkin 8 Comments

What a difference one week makes this time of year! Last week, we barely had buds on the trees, and this week the garden is blooming with life! Today’s color inspiration comes (finally) from my garden. Color palettes are created using Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1 and my photographs.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Stone, Kona Shadow, Kona Blue Bell, Kona Graphite, Bella Eggplant, Bella Parchment

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2605 – Grey
2600 – Dove
5088 – Sugar Paper
1246 – Grey
2468 – Dk Wine
2315 – Pale Flesh

Our magnolia trees are blooming, painting the yard with gentle whites and vivid pinks . I love that we have multiple magnolia trees, since they are usually one of the first signs that spring is truly here. Their blooms burst seemingly all in one day, another flower blooming each minute. Late last week, on one of the first truly warm days, my five year old noticed this phenomenon and said, “Mom, another flower opens every minute!”

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Espresso, Bella Etchings Charcoal, Bella Plum, Bella Petal Pink, Bella Etchings Slate, Bella Barn Door

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
5024 – Dark Brown
2370 – Sandstone
2566 – Wisteria
2562 – Lilac
2325 – Linen
2345 – Raisin

I personally prefer the pink magnolias, but perhaps it’s because range of bright pinks really cheers me up after a drab colorless winter. They are a little slower to fully bloom, but I’m patient.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Blue Bell, Kona Graphite, Kona Amber, Kona Citrus, Bella Pesto, Kona Pickle

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
6720 – Slate
1126 – Blue Grey
2145 – Yellow Orange
2120 – Canary
5015 – Gold Yellow
5016 – Olive Green

My first garden-inspired color inspiration post of spring wouldn’t be complete without some daffodils. The family who owned the house before we did planted about a thousand daffodils. I’m not exaggerating, either. We have at least six different varieties, and they are everywhere: along just about every garden border, forming sunny circles around trees, even just popping up in the grass in some spots where clearly there used to live another decorative tree of some sort. This time of year, our table is adorned with vases and mason jars full of daffodils picked with glee by my kiddos.

Color is slowly popping up between the tufts of green. We even have a tulip peeking out:

And one of my favorite colors of blue hides beneath the daffodil stalks:

Spring is here!!

Color Inspiration, Life

Color Inspiration Thursday {44}

April 16, 2015 kittywilkin 8 Comments

This past weekend, my husband and I escaped for a long weekend getaway to the Bay of Fundy. It was our first trip alone together since our almost 5 1/5 year old daughter was born, and with another baby expected in the next month or so, it was most likely our last for another couple of years. A babymoon, if you will. We made the most of it and adventured more than we would be able to with little kids in tow, and relaxed more than we would be able to with little kids in tow. It’s all about balance.

The Bay of Fundy is known for having the highest tidal range in the world. I’ve wanted to travel to the Bay of Fundy in Canada since my estuarine ecology studies in college. There’s something about 40 foot tides and vast mud flats that makes me happy. Our short timeframe and my 8 months pregnant body didn’t really allow for as much exploring as I’d have liked, but we had a great time anyway. Today I’ll be sharing some color palettes from photographs taken on our trip, created with Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Lake, Bella Etchings Charcoal, Kona Slate, Bella Navy, Kona Black, Bella Dusty Jade

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2715 – Robins Egg
1158 – Med Grey
4140 – Wedgewood
2784 – Dk Navy
2692 – Black
2845 – Lt Juniper

Low tide on the Bay of Fundy means boats are grounded, many feet below the dock. I loved how the blue of the boat hull matched the sky.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Soft Finish Black, Bella Etchings Slate, Bella Tan, Bella Platinum, Kona Mocha, Kona Taupe

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
1285 – Med Bark
2625 – Arctic Ice
5011 – Rope Beige
2560 – Iris
2468 – Dk Wine
2375 – Antique Blush

The geology at the Bay of Fundy was decidedly red-brick colored. Between the red mud and the red rocks, there was a heavy theme of brick (marsala!?) in my photographs. The rocks exposed at low tide are shaped by the tides, the strength of the rocks, and the presence of the joints in the rocks. The rock in the cliffs the stacks are being cut from are arkosic sandstone and coarse poorly sorted conglomerates (thank you, Wikipedia–geologists, please correct me if I’m wrong!). We loved exploring caves carved into the soft red sandstone at St. Martin’s Caves. Isn’t the power of nature amazing!?

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Black, Bella Lead, Bella Stone, Kona Crimson, Kona Teal Blue, Bella Caribbean

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2692 – Black
1246 – Grey
2606 – Mist
2345 – Raisin
1310 – Med Blue Grey
2850 – Med Juniper

This boat has seen better days, but never have I seen one more full of character! I think because of the drastic change in tide each day, the sides of the boats moored to the dock get a beating. It’s still gorgeous, though!

Not only did color abound, but there was plenty of texture and pattern to be enjoyed as well.

Rocks as pocked and battered as this one littered the beach. I suppose this is what happens when 40 feet worth of tides come in and out each day, rolling and bashing the rocks against each other.

Seaweed. Gorgeous. This feathery seaweed covered the exposed rocks, creating a seascape of brown-green-red as far as the eye could see.

I loved the gate at City Market in St. John’s. It’s a lovely balance of geometry and balanced aesthetic. Quilt inspiration is everywhere!

I’ll leave you with a good laugh. With a tendency to take a million photos, I wanted to be sure to have at least one of my husband and me together on our adventures, and an arms-length selfie just wouldn’t cut it. So of course, I set up a timer photo with the plan to run and join my husband for the photo like I always do. After three or four failed attempts, we decided that maybe the one who wasn’t 8 months pregnant should do the running. The first photo is my favorite fail, with the camera set by yours truly. The second photo is the first try with my husband setting the camera, successful with a good second to spare!

I’m linking up with Yvonne’s Thankful Thursday, since I’m thankful for our little escape. Spending time as a couple, while seemingly impossible with little kids, is so essential. I’m so glad we make the time to have together time on a regular basis now! (Did I mention that my husband encouraged me to take my sewing machine with us, and during the relaxing afternoon following our adventure I was able to do some sewing? Talk about gratitude!)

Color Inspiration, Design

Color Inspiration Thursday {43}

April 9, 2015 kittywilkin 6 Comments

Meet Yvonne Fuchs, known as Quilting Jetgirl. I first met Yvonne in the New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop hosted by Beth at Plum & June about a year ago. Since then, through blog comment exchange and other quilty interaction, we’ve become friends. I was fortunate enough to spend time with Yvonne in person at QuiltCon and I’m looking forward to many more quilting hang outs in our future, despite the fact that we live a country-width apart.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Pepper, Kona Tomato, Bella Longhorn, Kona Straw, Bella Pastel Blue, Kona Surf

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
4241 – V Dk Grey
2395 – Pumpkin Spice
2155 – Cinnamon
2320 – Lt Toast
2612 – Arctic Sky
2740 – Dk Cobalt

Today’s People Palette features Yvonne in front of her quilt Namibia Trees. The color play is fabulous, since who doesn’t want to pair bright reds & golds with royal blue!? Great choice in attire, Yvonne!

Yvonne is a big proponent of building and embracing the online quilting community, which is one of the many awesome things about her. She’s also not afraid to be real, and opens philosophical discussions about all things quilting and beyond. As she says on her blog, “Quilting is more than just a creative outlet for me. I want to pause and reflect on larger ideas to cultivate a community of discussion and insight.” You can read her philosophy discussion posts HERE. I particularly recommend The Four Agreements and Creativity and Time.

Yvonne both creates custom quilts and designs quilt patterns, and recently released a gorgeous pattern called Triangle Transparency, which is currently available for sale in her Craftsy, Etsy, and Payhip stores for $6 through Sunday, April 12th, which is a savings of 33% off of its regular price. Here are some more of my favorites from her recent quilts:

quilting jetgirl quilts — Top to bottom, left to right: Foothills Mystery Quilt, Love and Loss (Pantone quilt), Life: Ups and Downs, Tessellated Leaves

I asked Yvonne to answer three short questions to help the world get to know the color inspiration star of the week a little more intimately:

Where do you fit into the worldwide family tree of quilting?
I define my branch as the introverted, cat lady, quilter, blogger. I think I span between traditional and modern quilts in terms of style, but left to my own devices (aka with no commissioned quilts), I would lean heavier on the modern aesthetic.

What is the #1 most played song on your iPod?
I don’t know about song, but my favorite bands are Coldplay, Linkin Park, and Chevelle, and their songs are featured heavily in my music playlists. 🙂

What is your least favorite mode of transportation?
What an interesting question! That is really hard for me to answer. I love to walk, and I am amazed by cars, trains, and planes. I can get a bit motion sick in cars and boats, but a bit of planning ahead almost always solves that issue. I have only ridden a horse twice in my life, but both times were enjoyable experiences. Can I say riding a camel just because I never have (but I’d be willing to try!)?

I confirmed with Yvonne that she was choosing riding a camel as her least favorite mode of transportation, since she talked a lot about enjoyable transport, and she confirmed: I know it said LEAST favorite, and I guess I vote for riding a camel as least favorite (they spit, right?). I guess I just am super thankful I can still walk comfortably and I am amazed at modern contraptions to get me places faster than that.

Spit, they do! Thank you so much, Yvonne, for being my People Palette star!

You can find Yvonne in the bloggy quiltiverse here:

Blog
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Etsy

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

The color palette was created using Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1 and a photo provided by Yvonne. All images were provided by Yvonne.

Design, Life

Color Inspiration Thursday {42}

March 26, 2015 kittywilkin 2 Comments

Green, I need green! While the weather has been warming and mud season is almost officially upon us (yes, it’s a real season in Maine–it falls right between winter and spring), there is still a dire lack of green or signs of new life out in the world around us. So today I gathered all the green life I could find and had a little photo shoot. Sure, they are potted, but here is some springy green and life-filled color for your inspiration pleasure. Color palettes are created using Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1 and my photographs.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Betty’s Brown, Kona Black, Kona Basil, Kona Grass Green, Kona Old Green, Kona Baby Blue

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
5013 – Asphalt
2692 – Black
5023 – Medium Green
5018 – Grass Green
2850 – Med Juniper
2612 – Arctic Sky

Green, glorious green!

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Coal, Bella Cloud, Kona Pewter, Bella Peacoat, Bella Brick Red, Kona Black

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
1140 – Bark
2612 – Arctic Sky
2610 – Lt Blue Grey
1130 – V Dk Bark
2566 – Wisteria
5024 – Dark Brown

This may not be green, but it’s alive and beautiful. This lovely succulent is on top of the trends, since I dare say it’s sporting the lovely Pantone color of the year, marsala. Am I right? Even if there isn’t a solid that matches perfectly, I think if you mix Bella Peacoat with Bella Brick Red, that would land nicely on Marsala.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Coal, Kona Basil, Bella Fresh Grass, Kona Celadon, Kona Medium Grey, Kona Sky

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
1158 – Med Grey
5021 – Light Grey
2890 – Dk Grass Green
2845 – Lt Juniper
2625 – Arctic Ice
2560 – Iris

Glorious green. This succulent has seen better days, but I’m hoping that once the sun begins to shine more regularly, the temperatures warm, and perhaps I figure out the best succulent watering schedule for success, it will shine. I’m sure of it. For now, it offers promises for the days to come where green sprouts will be all around us!

Did anyone else notice that despite all the life in these palettes, “Arctic Sky” or “Arctic Ice” made an appearance in every palette!? I just have to laugh at that!

Design, Life

Color Inspiration Thursday {41}

March 19, 2015 kittywilkin 7 Comments

You would think that by now, nearly to April, I would have a few signs of spring to share in this week’s color inspiration. But lo, Maine has not yet gotten the memo that spring begins officially tomorrow and the temperatures have been in the teens, with a rare high of 30. So I decided to embrace the winter for a little longer, and showcase some more of nature’s frigid beauty. Color palettes are created using Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1 and my photographs.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Peacoat, Bella Etchings Charcoal, Kona Silver, Bella Periwinkle, Kona Windsor, Kona Nightfall

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2785 – V Dk Navy
1158 – Med Grey
2615 – Aluminum
2524 – Grey Violet
1248 – Grey Blue
2581 – Dk Dusty Grape

Believe it or not, this cute little weather vane sits atop quite a large cupola that we removed from the chicken coop roof while winterizing it. The snow is still a good 3-4′ deep, but the beauty of the whimsical moon pointing toward spring with sunny shadows cast on the deep snow had to make its way into a palette. As cold as it is, I personally love this palette. Blues and greys will definitely become a Storm at Sea quilt one of these days. Perhaps I’ll use this palette for planning!

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Bunny Hill Blue, Kona Pewter, Bella Fir, Kona Biscuit, Bella Lead, Kona Moss

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2560 – Iris
2610 – Lt Blue Grey
2372 – Dk Antique Gold
2335 – Lt Cinnamon
2370 – Sandstone
2905 – Army Green

A little pine branch, nestled in the icy depths. I was really hoping for a bit more green to read through, but really, the season for green is not *yet* upon us. This instead is an earthy, neutral palette, with just a touch toward green with that final Moss-Army Green.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Moda U Brown, Kona Mushroom, Bella Lt Blue, Bella Mauve, Kona Blue Jay, Kona Slate

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2630 – Pewter
2370 – Sandstone
2560 – Iris
2566 – Wisteria
4140 – Wedgewood
1310 – Med Blue Grey

Shhh don’t tell anyone that these magnolia buds are on the tree all winter long. I’m pretending it’s a sign of new life! Spring! Blue skies at the very least are peeking through. The warm sun shines, and surely, SURELY spring must not be too far behind. Right!?

What season are you experiencing right now? Are you eager for the next, or enjoying the current weather? I find it easy to enjoy winter until those first teaser warm days. Then my mind is on planting seeds, raising chicks, digging in the earth, and spending our days outside. Our entryway may be full of potting soil in the very near future!

Design, Life

Color Inspiration Thursday {40}

March 12, 2015 kittywilkin 2 Comments

It seems the QuiltCon blog posts are starting to slow to a trickle, but the influence of the experience lingers on. Before heading to QuiltCon, I had visions of finding and photographing dozens of fabulously talented quilters in front of their quilts for future people palettes. I didn’t take dozens. In fact, I only took one. But it’s a fabulous one, and of a woman I’m so fortunate to have met. Today’s star is Krista Hennebury, quilter, retreat organizer, and author of her new book Make It, Take It for Martingale, which is meant to feel like a retreat in a book–sewing fun things with friends. I was fortunate enough to meet Krista through our serendipitous pairing in the Schnitzel and Boo Mini Quilt Swap, Round 3 earlier this year. I was tasked with creating a quilt for Krista, and fortunately she has great taste! I had a blast, made this quilt for her, and gained a friend in the process.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Black, Bella Brick Red, Bella Longhorn, Kona Cedar, Bella Etchings Charcoal, Bella Gray

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2692 – Black
2355 – Rust
2350 – Copper
2235 – Orange
5013 – Asphalt
5011 – Rope Beige

This palette features Krista in front of her gorgeous quilt Chess on the Steps, which hung at QuiltCon. I’m intrigued by this quilt, which she calls “improv under the influence”, since it’s a quilt with a very improv feel, but created using traditional chain piecing methods. Those who know me know that I struggle with improv, but I feel like this quilt may be the place to begin! Fortunately, it was the pattern of the month in September 2014 and is available for free for members of the Modern Quilt Guild.

I asked Krista to answer three short questions to help the world get to know the color inspiration star of the week a little more intimately:

Where do you fit into the worldwide family tree of quilting?
I describe my quilting as traditionally-informed modern quilting if someone really needs a description, but really, I just like making quilts. I’ve been blogging over 5 years, teaching for 13, running a day-retreat business for 11. I love my local traditional and modern guilds, where I’m an active member of both.

What is your first memory of being really excited?
The Haunted House at Disneyworld, age 9.

If you could choose anyone, who would you choose as your mentor?
Gwen Marston

Krista actually wrote a really great blog post just the other day about a weekend spent sewing with Gwen Marston, so if you want to hear more about the amazing woman Krista wishes could be her third grandma, read the post here.

You can find Krista in the bloggy quiltiverse here:

Blog
Instagram
Facebook
Flickr
Twitter
or go on a virtual quilt retreat with her by buying her book:*Disclosure: Amazon affiliate link above, which means if you buy the book by clicking through, I receive 4% of the sale.