Quilt Local: Finding Inspiration in the Everyday

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Plaid Portico

Heather Jones’ new book, Quilt Local: Finding Inspiration in the Everyday has delicious photography, modern quilts, and a unique look at the quilt design process.

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The book is divided into PROCESS and QUILTS. PROCESS is about finding inspiration around you, and shows how to go from inspiration to finished project. It covers working from inspiration, color theory, quilt design, and basic quilt construction. QUILTS has 40 original quilts with their variations and instructions. Many of the quilts are characterized by the use of negative space, minimalism and organic structure.

One of my favorite quilts is Red Lion (I also love the name). Though I’m usually an asymmetrical gal, I love the simplicity and versatility of this quilt design, and it can certainly be made asymmetrically with color placement.

Red Lion by Heather Jone

Red Lion by Heather Jones

Speaking of everyday inspiration, here at the Plaid Portico our motto is, “Don’t forgot to look for keep looking for things that inspire you!” And in that spirit, and in the spirit of Quilt Local, I will share some everyday inspiration from ’round this neck of the woods.

Find out more and follow along on the QUILT LOCAL BLOG TOUR!

10/6: STC Craft Blog
10/8: Robert Kaufman
10/9: Melanie Falick
10/10: Sew Mama Sew
10/11: Creative Bug
10/12: Plaid Portico
10/14: Modern Sewciety
10/16: Pellon
10/19: The Tattooed Quilter
10/21: Amy’s Creative Side
10/23: Diary of a Quilter
10/26: Film in the Fridge
10/28: Tall Grass Prairie Studio
10/29: Okan Arts
10/30: Kara Sews
11/2: Crimson Tate
11/4: Dainty Time
11/6: Nap Time Quilter
11/9: Spoonflower
11/11: Aurifil
11/13: A Gathering of Stitches

Coming up on The Plaid Portico, we will cover the Eli Leon Exhibition at the Oakland Museum of Art, my picks from Freddy Moran’s latest solo exhibition, the Found/Made exhibition at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and textiles, and my picks from The Pacific International Quilt Festival. We also have more books to highlight and some wonderful quilter profiles.

Stay tuned – after a long summer vacation, we’re back!

Pattern Revolution does Pop Rox

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Plaid Portico

I came upon Pattern Revolution by way of Carla Crim of The Scientific Seamstress, and so glad I did. A superb site dedicated to “Encouraging and Educating the Modern Sewist” this site has the BEST photos, many courtesy of Suzanne Winter Photography. It is a site contributed to by a whole collective of women, so the projects and patterns are many and varied in both skill level and type. Focused on electronic pdf patterns, one can find patterns for baby, girls, boys, women, toys, bags and accessories, PLUS sewing tutorials and inspiration, fun sew alongs, and a featured designer series. Oh and did I mention, TONS of prizes and giveaways!

It’s well done and accessible to any sewist. And its cool-at least I think so. Take a look at just the cutest ruffle dress and vintage romper done in Pop Rox. And off course I will show you a sneak peek at other cool things you can find over there at Pattern Revolution!

Ruffle Dress by Suzanne Winter, Pattern Revolution

Ruffle Dress by Suzanne Winter,Pattern Revolution

Vintage Romper by Suzanne Winter, Pattern Revolution

Long Beach Board Shorts Sew Along at Pattern Revolution

The Bay dress and top by Brownie Goose, (stitched by Crystal)

Runway Deconstructed on patternrevolution.com

Free Baby Bumble Bag Tutorial from patternrevolution.com

Learn to adapt and alter patterns, on pattern revolution.com

The Essential Sewing Reference Tool by Carla Crim

http://patternrevolution.com/pattern-reviews/2014/4/22/the-bay-dress-and-top-by-brownie-goose (stitched by Crystal)

Sew Can She

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Plaid Portico

The first project in the Pop Rox project round-up comes from Caroline of Sew Can She. Sew Can She has free tutorials DAILY! I don’t know how she does it but Sew Can She is a refreshing blog with tons of info and things to do and participate in. Highly recommend a follow on this one!

Caroline kicked off Patchwork Posse’s Around The Block 2014 Round Robin with a Pop Rox Quilt Block tutorial:

Pop Rox Quilt Block tutorial by Sew Can She

But you have to take a look at some of the other cool project tutorials at Sew Can She. Here are some of my favorites:

Bunny Treat Bags by Sew Can She

2 sided zip cases by Sew Can She

Pattern Weights tutorial by Sew Can She

Mittens for Little Elves by Sew Can She

AND Caroline has a book coming out in the fall, Just for You with C&T (more on that later this year) and in conjunction with that she is throwing a retreat in October…in Key West! So if you like sewing retreats, check out sew:beach.

That is today’s Pop Rox round-up!