Let's Think Spring

I'm starting to get that Spring bug, not a cold/flu, but that desire to plan for Spring, and grow things, and have days filled with sunshine and light breezes.  These two quilts were created in the little down-time I've had this month.   This quilt was the first I made with my AccuQuilt fabric cutter.  It's for sale at my Etsy shop, CozyCrafts.  I also made a friendship braid quilt out of a jelly roll I picked up at Jo-Ann's.  

Up next, some lovely Easter bunny fabric that was half off will make a nice bunny quilt for myself.  Paired with matching brown fabric and a soft cream backing that I used in the braid quilt will be very nice for Spring!  Who doesn't love bunnies?

Also couldn't help myself when I saw this little bundle at Jo-Ann's last week.  Like I said, think Spring!

More fabric I found, I know, not exactly Spring, but it just caught my eye.

New to this pile is the smaller, center print.  I've slowly collected the brown, green, and gold prints.  I think the center will pull the collection together nicely, and keep adding to it.  It'll make a nice fall quilt.

Taking Flight

Wisconsin Museum of 
Quilts and Fiber Arts

The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts (WMQFA) is an amazing treasure located in Cedarburg.  Its origins start with the founding of the Wisconsin Quilt History Project, Inc. in 1988, which seeks to preserve the history and creativity expressed in quilts.  They document the stories told by quilts and have amassed over 8,000 stories.  These were published in the book, Wisconsin Quilts:  History in the Stitches (2009).  The museum opened in 2011, from a refurbished barn that was part of a larger purchase of historic structures, which also serve as teaching tools at the museum.  

Viewing Taking Flight, it’s hard not to find something that appeals to everyone.  Brightly colored fabric mixed with colored thread, beads, and paint are a visual feast.  The main exhibition space, the barn, has been left bare boned and raw.  Nothing is refinished to present a polished image, which enhances the visitor experience.  High beams hang larger quilts and lights, and every inch of wall space is covered with a decorative quilt.  It’s amazing and a tad overwhelming for the first time visitor.  You look up, and around and over and behind--constantly finding something new to look at.  

On the floor are cases that hold some smaller works, books devoted to birds, and other sculptures.  A few old beds are presented with bird inspired quilts adorning them.  And what would an exhibition about birds be without a cage or bird bath to lighten the mood?  The exhibition places birds together by type or species--owls in one corner, cranes and peacocks in another.  And then there is the ever present scattering of birds local to our area.  It was half of the fun picking out what types of birds I see in my yard on the quilts!  

This exhibition is a delightful way to spend a few hours on a dreary Wisconsin Winter day.  The staff are extremely helpful and more than willing to answer any questions you may have about the museum, quilts, or their work in general.  The museum also offers a variety of classes and lectures for all ages throughout the exhibition.   Check out the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts here.  

Exhibit: Taking Flight 

January 9-April 7 2013

Roberta Williams and Students: Appliqued Bird Quilts

Roberta Fleming and Luella Doss: Soft Sculpture Birds

Mary Burns: Jacquard Weavings

Sue Van Wassenhove: Quilts from 

“The Seldom-Ever-Shady Glades” (Book)

Admission $6

Students and Seniors $4

Children under 12 and Members Free 

Parking is free.

Wednesday-Saturday 10-4, Sunday 12-4

WMQFA Website

N50 W5050 Portland Road

Cedarburg, WI 53012

What's been going on?

Here's a brief glance at some of my creations I made over the holiday season.  They were a custom order for my cousin, who gave them as gifts for Christmas.  These neck pillows are just perfect for nasty headaches.  I'm sure the cute design doesn't hurt either!