Mermaid Rides the Elephant

I have a new finish to share but would you, could you wait till I share some news? Pretty, please.

I am in a magazine...well, my work is.

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Diptee Raut of Quilt Stories, asking if I'd consider contributing to India's first quilting magazine.  I was so slammed at that time that I told Diptee - Take a look at my blog and use whatever you like. Diptee chose the tutorial for the Picket Star Quilt Block and here is the link to the magazine. 

Courage uses the Picket Star Quilt Block, quilted by Rebecca Grace Quilting

Quilt Stories is a digital magazine. It is completely free and has no advertisements or promotions. It is 100% quilting with loads of inspiration and amazing quilts from a wide range of quilters/artists.  I am completely floored by the extraordinary talent showcased in the magazine.

With Vasudha at Quiltcon 2020

What tickles me most is that Vasudha's Quilt was featured in Quilt Stories Issue 4. Like I am Vasudha's younger sister, following in her footsteps. Because little sisters try to imitate their big sisters :-)

Vasudha encouraged me to apply for the Island Batik Ambassadorship program and that has been a fantastic experience.  

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Speaking of Island Batik, do you remember the quilted tree skirt I made for the Island Batik July Challenge? It has buttons and loops. No finicky strings or messy ties. No miles of bias binding; actually no binding at all. It was simple and easy and looked so chic and modern. 

And some of you asked "how you did that" and many said "buttons and loops are so clever".  Buoyed by all your positive feedback, I wrote a pattern for the Tree Skirt with Buttons & Loops and it is now listed  in my Etsy Shop for a mere $8.00. 

To all those who have supported my foray into pattern writing, I am very grateful!!!  It means so much to me.

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Speaking of so much (scrappiness), here is my newest finish - Mermaid Rides the Elephant. 

Paul, the model

Pieced Backing

Labelled

Bob - Always Happy to see me :-)

On location

Fox + Fish = Fun Fabrics

Black Binding

Mermaid Rides the Elephant finished at 40" by 48".  Are you wondering about the name?

Let me explain.

See the mermaid with pink hair, orange bodice and a star in her headband?  She is the star of this quilt.

Hello Mermaid!!!

And here are the elephants on the backing.

Elephants on the Back

 

Hence the name - Mermaid Rides the Elephant.

Paul: So there IS a method to your madness?

Me: Mostly madness, sprinkled with a little method.

Paul: How many quilts have you made this year?

Me: This is #35 but that number does not include two table runners and the backpack.

Paul: In any case, you will exceed 40 by the end of the year.

Me: I have three more, at least.

Paul: So complete madness!!!

It is this madness (of sewing two random pieces of fabric together) that has kept me sane. I am sure I am in good company, though. 

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Speaking of company, it is time to party. Rainbow Scrap Challenge Linky Party to be exact.  I am ready to piece my Sisters Choice Quilt Blocks into a flimsy.  There are 30 blocks and my design wall can barely hold 20. 

Design Wall overflows...

All walls should be design walls, just like every floor tile pattern is a quilt inspiration. But that is a separate discussion.

And the rest of them...

I will have to piece in two halves - top 15 and bottom 15, each arranged into 5 across by 3 down. And then piece the two halves together. 

Speaking of piecing, Island Batik's December Challenge is English Paper Piecing. Here is a glimpse. 

Island Batik Hexies :-)

In summary, I got published in a magazine, wrote/published a pattern, finished a scrap vortex quilt, and working on a couple of other projects.  I know, I know that this is such a long newsy blogpost, but you are ok with that. Aren't you?  Do let me know in the comments :-)