BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF AMERICA 2017 SPECIALTY THEMED QUILT

Every year we make a cuddle quilt based on the Bernese National Specialty theme.

We used to have several quilters but now it is down to Vicky and I.

This years theme is Summit to Sea and is using National Park signs as part of the theme décor.

As an added detail, I was part of a Storm at Sea quilt along so the Berner's body, the foreground, sky, ocean and mountain are Storm at Sea blocks. The Berner's head is applique and there are flying geese evergreen trees. The majority of the center is batik, the main border is a print of National Park posters. We enjoy the whole process of planning, cutting, sewing, and adding a cozy polar fleece backing together, even though we live in different states. We donate the quilt to the BMDCA Health Fund Auction to earn money to research health issues in our beloved breed.  

We do this because we can. 

Solstice Block 9, 10 11

This block is huge and will assume the place of the central color theme. All the other blocks will reflect the colors and fabric patterns in the collection. 

I chose to combine all my colors and vary the fabric patterns to include most the variations in this collection.

Block 10

Finally caught up

Block 11

A simple block the the choice of fabrics wasn't simple. The pattern of the block changes drastically as the fabrics and their colors and values change.

Solstice Challenge block 8 and Splendid Sampler Block 99

And there is the result of using the previous blocks to determine where to go in the colors to fit the design.  I am really pleased with the result.  I added a little extra heart to pull in the red and well to add my own little touch.

I'm a little behind on the Sampler, it got to be a bit much trying to keep up with two blocks a week.
I have saved all the directions to be sure I finish up even if it isn't by the time the Quilt along ends.
And just so I don't feel totally out of it, I did the current block 99. This is a fun block, looks complicated but was really easy and I love the way mine came out.  But then I am partial to these three fabrics.

Solstice Update

In order to balance out the quilt with such divergent colors in this collection I decided to arrange them and see what color combination would not unbalance what I have so far.

I am finding this exercise, using a collection in a sample quilt even though the blocks are fairly simple, to be a challenge and a great learning experience.

Sea Green February

The spout is growing and a visit by the aqua bird

Started the Jinny Beyer Mystery. I am using the colors I used for Orca Bay(Bonnie Hunter Mystery) and will use this new medallion quilt over the head of the bed with Orca Bay. I had a great time buying fabrics for just the right gradation from very dark purple/almost black hand dye, to a pale batik that pulls in the colors, through navy w purple, reds, pinks and oranges, using my Birthday discount at Quilt Expressions here in Boise.

Working on El Provence, making the hour glasses that either the dog ate or I miscounted or misplaced, so I can finish up the quilt. I have about half the blocks made. I am glad I downloaded the directions to refer back to, as this mystery is no longer free.   I am all into free.

Trying to stay caught up while still mostly inside due to snow and icy ground.

Took Ocean out tracking at the local high school. Since we can't practice TDX tracking we are working on VST tracking.

Laid a track in the snow for Oyster who hasn't been tracking for a few weeks-just too cold to work more than one track-until a balmy 40 degrees yesterday.  He did really well indicating corners and committing to them with confidence. I find it is much easier to run the track than lay the track. Laying means trudging through the snow, running, is literally running but with the power of Oyster pulling me along.

Oh and so the title isn't too odd, have been slowly working on my latest pair of socks in sunset stripes. 😂

February Children's Library block

Uploaded a picture of the Pat Sloan Children's Library BOM February block.

I have moved each project to its own page and will be updating the pages as I create the blocks.