After a week-long quilting marathon, I finished the 3 quilts that I entered in the 3 professional categories at the Kentucky State Fair.  My aunt called this afternoon to let me know that I won ribbons on all of my quilts, a 2nd place and two 3rd place ribbons!!  I couldn’t be more excited, and especially winning in the professional category… Wow!

Large Quilt - Professional Quilter Class - 3rd place

84″ x 96″

Composed of kaleidoscope blocks using fabric from Anna Maria Horner’s Innocent Crush collection and Kona Delft (solid blue).

Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, with Warm & Natural 100% cotton batting.

Small Quilt - Professional Quilter Class - 2nd place

72″ x 72″

Composed of hunter’s star blocks using Kona solids and print from Moda’s Nouveau collection.

Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, with Warm & Natural 100% cotton batting.

Wall Hanging Quilt - Professional Quilter Class - 3rd place

38″ x 45″

Composed of Diamond Rings pattern (can be purchased here) using Kona solid white and mixed designer scraps in orange, green, black, white, and gray.

Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, with Hobbs Heirloom 80% cotton  20% polyester batting.

New and improved and ready for action.  I’ve rephotographed everything, condensed it, and reorganized it.  And now it’s listed and ready to go!

I also finished a new quilt pattern that I absolutely love!

More patterns coming soon… And more quilts too.  I entered the Kentucky State Fair for the first time in a while, and I’m excited to start making quilts for it!

Two new patterns to tell ya’ll about!

The first, Diamond Rings, is a beautiful charm square pattern that’s super simple and yields a great result.

The second pattern is a great introduction to machine applique, using a fool-proof technique with lightweight fusible interfacing.  It can use either a layer cake or yardage.

I’ve been writing quilt patterns, ya’ll!  I’ve decided to open a second Etsy shop to separate patterns from finished items.  Check it out:

Currently I have 3 patterns ready for action, but more are coming soon!  Right now I’m still doing PDF only - but if you’d like a paper copy, just email or send me an Etsy convo message for details.

The biggest dilemma I’ve had since graduation has been which fabrics to buy.  This is in stark contrast to my life just a short 6 weeks ago, when I was cramming for finals and finishing up my last architecture studio.  Everyday I wake up and am SO thankful that I’m doing what I love, and really, life couldn’t be better.

Here’s what I’ve been making lately!

I’ve been having fun.

New machine is awesome!!

I did it!  Finally finished with school and taking on my business full time.  I’m now accepting custom quilt orders in any size, crib through king, because I just got the best graduation present ever!

I’ve also moved my sewing studio into the basement, giving me even more space to stretch out and work.  I’m so excited to start making big quilts!

Speaking of quilts… I listed a bunch of new ones this week, including one of my favorites, the central park kaleidoscope:

Happy spring, everyone!

The Wildcats made it to the final four, and to celebrate, I’m having a sale!  15% off your entire order with the coupon code MARCHMADNESS.  The sale lasts as long as UK is in the tournament!

Yes, it has been a very long time since my last update.  I’m in my last semester of Architecture school, and after the first week of May I’ll be making Olive Tree Textiles into my full time job!  I’m more than ecstatic that I’m able to do this, and I cannot wait.  Only 2 more months…!!

I haven’t had time to make any new quilts lately, but I have lots planned for the future.  I recently took down the patterns in my shop and I’m going to give them a makeover and re-release them in paper and PDF format.  I know that a lot of people prefer to have the choice… plus it’s time for something different

That’s about it for now… things will be much more happenin’ in May, once I’m able to dedicate all of my efforts to Olive Tree Textiles!  I’ll leave you with something pretty:

Today only, receive 20% off your entire order when you enter the coupon code 1POINT21GIGAWATTS in my Etsy shop!