My son and I took a trek up Mt. Diablo today. I look at the majestic beauty of this mountain almost daily and it was a thrill to be “on” the mountain today. We had some clouds and a few sprinkles, but it was a nice day for a hike.
Here’s a little project that is a “work in progress”. I guess I shouldn’t just wait to post pictures of finished quilt projects, no one else does on their blogs!
This little wallhanging started with a piece of muslin I painted in Lynn Koolish’s fabric painting class a year ago. The painted fabric reminded me of a wheat field at sunrise, so I’ve had fun embellishing it madly.
My dear husband says it looks like a dessert with the Statue of Liberty standing behind it and he does have a point 
. So I’ll have to do something with the beaded sun rays to fix that. What do you think. You can see I haven’t finished stitching the wheat fields/dessert. I should give a shout out to Laura Wasilowski and Artfabrik for the great hand-dyed pearl cotton threads I used – gorgeous!
I think I’ll make a wooden frame to stretch it on. I’ve never done that before, but it sounds kinda cool.
This is fun, just taking it one step at a time and letting the project go wherever it wants to go. 
Our new quilt book full of all the latest modern designs is coming out in a couple weeks, I cannot wait! I have a block included in this dynamic collection of 99 contemporary designs.
These are NOT your grandmother’s quilts! Get ready for hot new trends in sewing, cool color combinations and stunning layouts. You will be inspired to make a dozen new quilts or to redecorate your entire house, just be prepared for something NEW!
As you know, I was the technical editor for this book, so I’ve seen all the wonderful designs and I’m so proud to be associated with these terrific designers and their chic aesthetic. If you love modern quilting and contemporary design, you’ll really enjoy this book. Let me know your thoughts!!
Ann
A very modern quilt
Here’s a modern take on the ‘ol school colors. I made this quilt for Shane in his school colors of orange and black. The design is my own design, inspired by the Modern Quilt movement.
Shane catches another pass
I thought I’d post a picture of him playing football, too. He’s having a great season in his junior year as a tight end: 3 touchdowns and the team is 5-0. Go Grizzlies!!
You would think that, at age 16, he wouldn’t care that much about getting a quilt, but he seems genuinely touched and excited to receive it. He’s a good kid.
If you’re reading this post and you have experience with appreciative (or not) teenagers, leave a comment!
Ann
Here’s a little painted, hand quilted, embroidered, beaded little ditty that I just love. I painted the fabric in a class taught by the wonderful Lynn Kolish last fall and turned it into a small landscape quilt. Lynn is so wonderfully encouraging. I know it’s not the Mona Lisa, but it’s my art and I love the colors, the stitching and the beads. Enjoy!
Here she is, my new editorial assistant – Buttons (aka Jackie B). She is, to state the obvious, our new Jack Russell Terrier puppy. Born in Ireland on March 31, 2011, Buttons came to America to be with a co-worker of my husband’s, but that didn’t work out. So this lucky girl gets to hang out with me and sit in my lap while I edit quilting books. She’s a little doll, who will be a lot more adorable once she’s house trained!!
Editorial assistant
Here is the cover of a new book of great new quilt designs called Modern Blocks. Guess who has a block inside! Yes, you guessed it, yours truly. I’m so excited!! I’m also the technical editor on the book. I really ought to get the editing done and get this baby to the printers. Yes, of course I’m available to autograph your copy, for a nominal fee.
Due out in September 2011
See my new quilt with a mountain and grizzly bear theme. It a quick one to make, it you disregard all the design time. Let me know your thoughts!!
I appliqued and hand-quilted this pillow from a design from Deborah Kemball’s new book, Beautiful Botanicals. The pillow features hand dyes fabrics with Swarovski crystals and bright green rayon thread for the hand quilting.
Debby’s patterns are deceptively simple yet yield dramatic results. Give one a try!
We just found out yesterday (Sunday) that Shane is going to play during the spring and summer for the Bay Area Hoosiers basketball team. It’s a high school age basketball team that will play in the coming months in Los Angeles, Oakland, Las Vegas and Phoenix.
To my surprise, the team is sponsored by Adidas, so the cost to our family is minimal. Wow, what a delightful twist and so well deserved for Shane. The coach said he really likes how hard Shane plays. We’ll keep you posted as the season begins. In the meantime, “Congrats” to the kid, “Well played!”.
