Around the World Blog Hop

Around the World Blog Hop

Friends, I’m so excited to be tagged in in the Around the World Blog Hop by the lovely Yvonne at Quilting Jetgirl. The hop is like a giant blogosphere tag game where those tagged can share a bit about their creative process as well as what they are working on. A lot of my inspiration comes from reading and learning from blogs.  Although a lot of the blogs on my bloglovin feed are purely quilt bloggers, I also find inspiration from some creative geniuses outside of the quilting bubble.  Before I share a bit about myself, I want to share three bloggers (quilters and others) that I find inspiring so that you can hopefully learn from them too!

First, I want to introduce Lizanne who is one of my favorite people of all time.  Both of our husbands are Air Force pilots and we met when she moved in next door to me in Columbus, MS.  Her blog, The Blawg Ya’ll shares about her newly married life in small town Mississippi as she tackles being a lawyer, puppy owner, and Jesus follower. Her joyful attitude always inspired me to be a better person! Oh, and did I mention that she’s an amazing southern cook and decorator?

Carlsons and Drehers - Assignment Night
Secondly, I find inspiration from artist Brittany Taylor.  Brittany and I met years ago when her boyfriend and my husband were college roommates.  Since then, our friendship has grown as Brittany has visited us at every location where we’ve been stationed! As a graphic designer and art enthusiast, her blog, Viva Bang Bang, shares many of the hidden gems and artistry in Nashville, TN.  Many of the artists she features are decidedly modern which I find particularly translational to the quilting industry!

About Viva Bang Bang

Lastly, I have asked one of my newest quilting friends to join me on the Around the World blog hop.  Meet the lovely and talented Stephanie from The Late Night Quilter. Stephanie and I met through the New Quilt Blogger’s Blog Hop hosted by Plum and June. Stephanie is really doing some amazing things – starting a new pattern making and long arm business.  She was sweet enough to quilt my Arcadia quilt for me, which I LOVE.  Check out her blog for gorgeous quilty inspiration.  I’m especially fond of her supernova blocks!

stephanie-palmer

As part of the hop, we were asked to answer a few different questions:

1. What am I working on? 

I am currently working on finishing projects!  I have 5 (!) lap quilts that are pieced and ready to be quilted.  Since I enjoy the piecing part so much more than the quilting part, I tend to start a new project before I finish the last.  Here are my 5 WIPs from top to bottom: Christmas Charm Pack Cherry, Granny Squares Quilt, Raincheck, 2012 Craftsy BOM, and Sunrise.

Quilt Tops

I just purchased and watched Craftsy’s Creative Quilting With Your Walking Foot class and there are a number of techniques I want to try.  I think that will motivate me to finish these projects!

2. Why do I write/create what I do? 

I create because I love it. I’m particularly drawn to quilting because it is a unique mix of creativity and structure. Unlike many other mediums, traditional quilt piecing requires precision and accuracy.  That’s something this brain can get behind. I also love quilting because the final product is both beautiful and functional.  Win-Win!

As for the writing part, I started blogging as way to connect to a community of quilters that I can take with me as the military moves us around the world.  I love my internet friends!

3. How does my creating process work?

If I’m working on an original design, my creative process starts with an idea and a pencil. I usually sketch out a few outlines of what I am thinking until I am satisfied.  I then photocopy that drawing and start adding in color until I finally find that perfect arrangement. These are some sketches from my Interruption quilt.

Interruption Drawings

Later on, I got a bit fancier and started using graph paper.  Why didn’t I think of that earlier?  Duh. Even more recently, I’ve purchased the Electric Quilt Software which lets me design much more quickly and allows for me to tweak a design without redrawing the whole thing.  I have a lot more to learn about the software but I’m really enjoying working with it.

Bubblegum Sketch

Once that’s all done, I make a practice block with scrap fabric.  That helps me test my pattern if is an original design but also work out any potential kinks.  It’s never a good idea to make all the blocks to a quilt and then realize they’re all the wrong size! Sometimes I think preparation takes just as much time as (if not more than) making the entire quilt.  Of course, making the quilt is the best part!

Ok, friends.  Now its your turn.  Where do you find inspiration?  What makes your creative juices flow?

Don’t forget to be inspired by Lizanne, Brittany and Stephanie!