Astronomical STAR Quilt Block Challenge

I happened to stumble upon this challenge by accident. Astronaut Karen Nyberg who created a star block in space has invited us to make our own and submit them to the International Quilt Festival. To find details about the Astronomical Quilt Block Challenge at the International Quilt Festival you can go to online at www.quilts.com or you can download the pdf here:

http://www.quilts.com/pressreleases/y2013/FQF13QuiltChallengeFlyer.pdf

to view Karen's journey in space here is the link:

 http://www.space.com/23436-space-quilt-astronaut-karen-nyberg.html

and to see the Help an Astronaut Make a Space Quilt Video:

http://www.space.com/23418-help-an-astronaut-make-a-space-quilt-video.html


So I challenged myself and designed my own star quilt block!  I had an idea in mind incorporating it with my astrological hobby and finally completed it today!  It's far from perfect and  it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be after I got the design completed ..... but I  am happy  with the way the block turned out after many failed attempts and shall I say LOADS of frustration at paper piecing.  I can certainly say I'm NOT a designer but I do love the blocks I created. They incorporate the four elements, FIRE, EARTH, AIR and WATER. Then I added in a little moon here and there to celebrate Karen's journey to the moon and back.    I'll be keeping one of the blocks for myself and will mail in the STAR I designed. I'll post pictures of my journey shortly!

AQS Mug Rugs June

Well........Finally done them and I can mail out all three batches - here they are with a Canadian/USA spin!  Pattern for the embroidery can be found at  www.emblibrary.com.   I  thought they were soooo cute and great for our Canada Day/4th of July celebrations!  Hope the recipients think so too!

CLOSEUP OF ONE MUG RUG

The backing was done with Northcott Fabric featuring the Canadian Moose and flag along with an embroidered label which was sent to me from a very special someone in the United States.  It will become a treasured label that I will use on my special quilting projects......and so here it is!

CLOSEUP OF THE LABEL

It All Began with This.....

This is where my inspiration began.......One photo of a garden ornament in Arizona!

       And it became a piece of fabric I called Blazing Sun....

Inspiration .....My lightbulb Moment!

Today I decided to try something different for the next SWAP by creating something that is truly "my own".  The SWAP is from the "My Quilt Place" website  is at http://myquiltplace.com/ and the swap is called  SIMPLE PLEASURES MUG RUG SWAP! Monthly theme suggestions can be found here:http://myquiltplace.com/group/swappingfunisforeveryone/forum/topics/simple-pleasures-project-swap?xg_source=activity

For July I have created my own little pieced blocks for Summer Daze.......will post pics as I go! I printed the pic I modified of one of my flowers and turned it into a hot sun.  Love how it turned out

Another Set of Rugs Done!

Wasn't sure if my first set of May mug rugs would be good enough so I made a second set and will be sending two out this month.  The first one's were done on my old Singer 12 Stitch - both my embroidery unit and it's backup another electronic machine were in for repairs.  Once my Brother unit was ready - this is what I cooked up.  The tulip design is from  the embroidery library.....

CLOSEUP

FINALLY.....Something for myself

I am always giving things I make away - this one was a keeper for my dining room table....A table topper made with "Sweet Serenade" fabric by Moda.  It looks great on our dark wooden table.  Now to make myself some matching placemats!

April and May AQS Mug Rugs

Thought I'd update my page since returning from Arizona.  Here are the pics of my April and May Mug rugs for the AQS Swap I am currently in.  So much fun to do!

  

April - Theme was Spring/Flowers

May - Theme is Gardens, outdoors, so I did a set of Iris' and Pansies - both grow in our gardens! Made an extra one for myself but don't know which one I'd like to keep!