Quilts to Inspire

I'm at that point in my year, where I am feeling the itch to start a new quilting project.  I've completed three of my wips, and am putting off my others.  There is such a lovely sense of anticipation when you decide on a new quilt, then spend hours perusing your stash, making fabric pulls and maybe purchasing a little more to complete it.

These are few of the inspiring quilts that have caught my eye lately and are tempting me to start something new.  By clicking on the photo captions you will be taken to the maker's blog or Instagram page.

Summer in Torquay by Wendy

I had seen this quilt in Jen Kingwell's Quilt Lovely book, but it hadn't really inspired me until I saw Wendy's version in colours that appealed to me.  I'm thinking my Denyse Schmidt stash would look pretty good in this quilt, though I do love this scrappy version

Spring Fever by Joana

This is another one from Jen Kingwell's book Quilt Lovely.  Again not one I had looked at and thought  'ooh I must make that'.  But when this fresh brighter coloured version popped up in my IG feed, I took another look at the pattern.  This would be a great quilt for all those scraps or even my Liberty stash, do I want to do all that applique though.

Folk Flowers by Amy

This is another quilt that appeared in my IG feed the other day.  Amy actually started this in a workshop with Anna Maria Horner herself  (very envious am I, one day AMH will visit New Zealand).  Anna Maria Horner's Folk Flower quilt has always appealed to me, however I really love the warm muted autumnal colour palette and the softly faded bohemian feel to Amy's version of it.  The flowers are reverse appliqued ( a skill I have yet to learn) but at least it's with a machine.

I also love this version from @geegeemaryanne.

Whimsy - Candied Flowers by Linda

I have loved this since Linda started making it.  The pattern comes from Judy Newman's Book, Quilts for Life made with Love, such a great way to use large floral prints , and I love the secondary pattern these blocks create.

Treats by Tiina

I love the colour in this, the large bold prints and the ombre effect she has created with grey fabrics.  Framed by white, this just speaks to me.  I'm not sure whether I'd have enough bright fabrics in my stash though.

So lots of pretty inspiration, I wonder what I'll end up starting and whether I'll need to buy some new fabrics first .....

Auckland Festival of Quilts

I spent the day at the Auckland Festival of Quilts.  This is an annual event showcasing beautiful quilts of all sorts of styles, there were also retailers and workshops.

I met up with Linda and Raewyn and we walked around admiring and commenting on the quilts of many talented makers and friends.   I also caught up with  Wendy and Anne, out of town blogger friends too.  Of course a little shopping for upcoming projects was done also.

Pictured are some of the fabulous quilts and details from them,  that caught my eye.

Ode to New York by Hazel Foote

Instastitch by Fiona Mendel

Graceful Beginnings by Tracey Roberts

Victoria by Anne Joule

Postcards from Sweden by Samantha Scott

Round and Round by Shirley Sparks.  I loved all the texture in this quilt.

My Around the Corner Quilt by Rebecca Bishop

Snapshots of Tents of Armageddon by Cheryl Houston

Untitled by Mary Hawke

Dandelion Wishes by Margaret Reid

7 Pigeons came to Lunch by Gaylene Davies

Rubik's Cube by Chizuko Hoy, made from recycled and dyed woolen blankets

AMH Stash Log Cabin Quilt by Shelley Pathak

Sea Hare, Land Hare, Gobal Catastrophe by Robyn Rognstad

Mathew's Gaming Geek Quilt by Karen Lee - recycled Tshirts and shirts.  Inspiration for Mr J's next quilt.

My purchases of the day.

New Inspiration

When I was a stay at home mum I used to spend a lot of time reading blogs, all sorts of blogs, quilt blogs, craft blogs, food blogs, lifestyle blogs even wooden spoon making blogs. They connected me with other like minded people, inspired me and provided some escapism from my life.  Over the past few years a lot of my favourites have disappeared, so I thought I would find some new inspiration.  Here's a little list of  mostly new to me blogs and what I like about them.

• Southern Charm Quilts

The most beautiful photos, the gorgeous colour palettes, her regular posts, in fact she is almost inspiring me to totally change my style and colour palette.  Lots to drool over here.

• Tilkunviilaaja

This is a Finnish blog,  (a translate option is available) again beautiful creative colourful quilts.

• Fox's Lane

I have been reading this blog pretty much since I discovered the world of blogging all those years ago,.  Kate an Australian writes about her family, their lives and their organic farm. Lots of lovely photos of food, knitting, family and everyday life.

• Twiggy & Opal

A Tennessee quilter who likes colour, very textured quilting and just creates amazing quilts.

• The Craft Sessions

Another Australian blog,  Interesting posts discussing all sorts of crafting topics and people, gorgeous photos of stitchers, knitters,  food and foliage.

• Musings of a Menopausal Melon - mmmquilts

Quilts, cats, yoga, sometimes books, interesting places and food too.

• Lilabelle Lane

Another Australian quilter, EPP fanatic,  Beautiful photos and colours, always inspiring.

• Three Dogs in a Garden

Plants, flowers, beautiful gardens - lots of colour and beauty

Happy reading everyone.  Hope that you all have a fabulous weekend, let me know if you have any favourite blogs too.