tall tales

This quilt!

I had more fun making this quilt than any other.  And that's saying something!
This baby's parents are book worms.  For the shower they asked only for books.  Not just baby books but to please bring your favorite book.  They started a lifetime library before they met their little one.

There are several fun book related quilt patterns out there but when I saw a few Tall Tales blocks popping up on my Instagram feed I went straight to Kate Basti's Craftsy shop and downloaded her free pattern.

Then I rummaged through my scrap bins finding fabrics that related to favorite books of mine and classics that everyone loves.  (Baby's initials are on Little Red Riding Hood.)

Some of these books I can't think of an actual title to match but maybe they can.  Or perhaps one hasn't been written yet but will be in Baby's lifetime.  (Oh look, a Scouting Handbook!)

Can you read my quilting?
I thought long and hard about how to quilt these books.  I originally decided to challenge myself and quilt classic first lines.  I spent an evening Googling "first lines" and quickly realized determining spacing would overwhelm me.  

In that search I was reminded of this perfect poem from Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.  

I divided Invitation into 10 lines and quilted 2 lines per row.  
I was going for a subtle look but I may have taken that a little too far.  The quilting looks more like loops and lines than words but I'm okay with it.  My quilting cursive didn't ruin the overall project (and I didn't have to un-sew any of it!)

These glasses have been sitting in my stash for a few years now.  Aren't they perfect here?  The binding is from Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley collection.  I picked it up in someone's destash awhile ago. I used Quilter's Dream Cotton Request loft batting and Aurifil 2021 50wt thread for piecing and quilting.

Here are just a few favorites from my book shelves.  I'd love for you to leave a comment telling me yours!

Linking up this Finish with:

Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Chez Vies

Sew Fresh Quilts

sewtopia slc

I took my first trip ever to Salt Lake City for Sewtopia in April.  

That means I'm 2 months late with this post but who's counting?😉  What a beautiful city!  I traveled with a friend and we arrived a half day early leaving us a little touring time.  After a quick meal and a yummy gelato we walked the few blocks to Temple Square.  You don't have to be a Mormon to appreciate the awe of this first glance.
Several wedding photographers were busy within the square.  Can you spot the two here?

We returned the following evening for the Tabernacle Choir rehearsal - with full orchestra!  It was awesome!  This was not on my bucket list but it should have been.  I will never forget it.

Now, onto the sewing...

This was my 3rd time attending Sewtopia.  Michael Miller Fabrics always sponsors a challenge and this year's "Space Kids" fabric was my favorite.  
I have 3 grandchildren, 1 girl and 2 boys, and our family is all about space so I had a blast making this fun two-sided pillow!

It was not a challenge winner but the children love using it so it's a win for me!  

My first class was with Jacquie Gering.  She taught her improv mid-century modern house blocks.  It was a very fun and inspiring class.  I used scraps I had left over from the first Sewtopia that was held in Chicago.  These are all from Denyse Schmidt's Florence collection.

I added a few improv trees and turned my houses into a mini neighborhood.

The second day was with Libs Elliot.  She introduced and taught her new Heartbreaker pattern.  These are English Paper Pieced.  Hand sewing, other than quilt bindings, is always a challenge for me but I persevered.
  

Libs was invited by Absolute Vodka to design a label celebrating Canada's 150th.  A friend visited Canada last year and found one for me.  Look how perfectly it goes with my finish!  Even down to the lemon/lime binding!

Earlier I shared the pin cushion I made for the swap.  In exchange I received this beautiful covered note pad, including instructions where I can find refills.  I love it!

And here's a photo of all the swag I brought home!  Amazing!!!  Thank you to all the sponsors, especially Michael Miller Fabrics for that HUGE bundle of Everglades!

Sewtopia has just announced the teachers scheduled for next spring are Karen Lewis and Sherri Lynn Woods.  Tickets go on sale July 31st.   I've marked my calendar!  

Linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts - Let's Bee Social