Cherry House Quilts

New Patterns

We are starting a new line of patterns that will have a special section called 'Can't Go Wrong Color'.  The color guidelines for these patterns will have tightly controlled color palettes.  There are only 6 purples used in the quilt - all my favorite Kona Cotton Solids.  These guidelines will encourage playing and experimenting with color, but without risks of it going all wonky.  

This pattern is called The Tempest...the photo just doesn't do the color justice.  As soon as it is back from the quilters' we will have the pattern available in our store. 

Speaking of tempests, can you believe that it is suppose to SNOW in Houston tomorrow!  What kind of craziness is that?  It's been some winter!

Stay warm,

Cherri

A post about a post

Check it out baby!  http://www.ctpubblog.com/2010/02/17/sneak-peek-city-quilts/

It's all so exciting!

Cherri

One quilt down, 50,000 to go...plus other important business!

Well of course I don't have 50,000 more quilts to make, but it certainly feels that way, and I possibly have enough fabric for it...but still, it might be a slight exaggeration. 

Hayden's Quilt is done, and that is a wonderful thing!  Normally I name my quilts, but the only name I can think of for this little quilt, is the Froggy Quilt.  Adorable frogs courtesy of Amy Schimler (little amy shim shim to those in the know), and Robert Kaufman. 

This was supposed to be finished back in early December, then the whole freak accident thing happened with Melissa, and all my plans flew out the window.  But it is done now, and on Monday morning it will merrily be on it's way to Denver, Colorado, to a precious little baby named Hayden.

I have a confession to make...this quilt was also going to be a pattern that was for sale, but after completing it, I had a change of heart.  There is just no charting, or describing where to put all of those circles.  Some quilters have no tolerance for instructions that say, "oh, just put as many circles as you like", or "just keep adding circles till you run out of room, or run out of fabric, or you get sick of cutting them out''.  No, that kind of help, isn't any help at all in some people's mind...go figure!  This quilt has now become a one of a kind.

  I hope baby Hayden loves the quilt, and I hope it becomes his favorite blanky...something to be treasured forever <3

On to important business

1.  Thank you all so much for your kind words about my quilts in the previous post.  You have unanimously declared that they are indeed Modern.  The conversation about the definition of modern goes on, and there have been some very interesting post about the subject in bloggy land.

2.  In honor of Valentine's Day we are having a sale!  10% off all patterns in the store.  Just enter the word hearts for the discount.  The sale will last from now till Thursday 2/18/10.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

lots of love,

Cherri

What does modern quilting mean to me?

Have you popped over to the Modern Quilt Headquarters in the last few days?  Opinions are being sought, and the question being asked is "What does modern quilting mean to me?" I've read a few of the responses, which are quite varied and interesting.  As I read the responses, I wasn't quite sure where I fit into the mix, but then I thought, "Maybe that's okay, maybe that is what the whole movement is about".  It's about doing our own thing, about not conforming to any particular set of rules.  The funny thing is, in some respects I am very traditional, in terms of the whole 1/4'' seam allowance thing, pressing, etc. Often my quilts are based on traditional, public domain patterns that I've colored to suit my fancy, I'll change the block size, I'll get rid of sashing, I'll do whatever I want, because I can.  I feel quite strongly that quilters should have a knowledge and foundation of piecing, and sewing techniques.  I feel that if you have that knowledge base, you can do anything within a particular framework.  But that is my opinion, and I'm sure in some ways it is inhibiting to freedom in regards to improv piecing, cutting, and designing.  So that's me...how do you feel about the whole modern movement?  Does it appeal to you?  Is it a good fit, or are you happy in the traditional guild setting? 

Inquiring quilters want to know!

Here's a look at some of my quilts...modern to you???

Cheers,

Cherri

I love color!!!

I'm only afraid of about a million things, but there is one thing that I have no fear of; and that is COLOR!

Beautiful, glorious color...beautiful colors can bring me to tears, whether it is fabric, flowers, the sky, I just cannot contain my love for it!  I used to drag my children out of the house after a storm to come look at the colors in the sky; sweet little things would come outside, and say "yeah Mom, that is beautiful", "No Mom, we've never seen the sky that color before".  As easily as it comes to me, I know some quilters get stuck on the subject, probably the same way I get stuck when it comes to drawing, or knitting - sadly, neither is my friend.

In my book City Quilts, I spend lots of time talking about color...my editor said it is the heart of the book; I love that she said that. 

Here's a peek at City Play, this quilt uses over 60 fabrics...in little 3 1/2" squares.

 
I've been doing some reading about design aesthetics, and I came across this great information and classroom exercise in regards to color.  I thought I would pass it on for a personal type of study in case any one has color issues and anxieties.

In this paper there is a section that talks about color associations, how we have mood/emotional attachments to particular colors.  They also talk about product brands, how they are colored, and the impact that it creates for us.

All very fascinating stuff...something every quilter could use!

Download DESIGN AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS

I hope you find this helpful!

Cherri

Calling all future fabric designers

 Lizzy has written the most helpful, most informative, and most beautiful book on the subject of becoming a fabric designer in the quilting industry.  She hopes this book will be a helpful answer to all of those wanting to break into the industry, but have found so little guidance. This book has been a labor of love for fellow artists and quilters, and an acknowledgement and thanks to all of those that have helped her, on her journey. 

This comprehensive book will remove the mystery that seems to shroud fabric manufacturers, designers, and quilt market.

If being a fabric designer is your dream, your journey should begin here...

 

Cherri

Lizzy says, "I hope that you love it, and that it will help enable you to get where you are going."

How to Enter the World of Textiles: for the Quilting Industry can be purchased for $25 USD, and accepts  paypal.

The book is 98 pages, full color, pdf.