Pre Spring Changes

33 comments
I worked really hard this past weekend on several things but I can't blog about any of them! Yet. I'm continuing to work on projects that will be at the May International Quilt Market so I don't have new things to show this week. But, spring is coming so we did a little changing of the quilts at my house. So be warned. . . repeats below.
I put up a "Kettles in the Kitchen" wall size quilt up in my sewing room. After buying giant sized strawberries at Costco this weekend, it just seemed to be the quilt to enjoy. I really need to make freezer strawberry jam this year. I hope this reminds me as strawberries become more plentiful. I just love this strawberry print.
And since I've been waking up to birds chirping for the past week I think my "In the Leafy Treetops" quilt is just right to be up in my entry way to welcome April this week. The birds in the quilt always make me feel good. I've been watching and listening to birds outside my sewing room window of late. They know spring is coming and I believe them. I'm starting to see just the little brown nubs on a few of our trees that tell me buds are developing. I can't wait for the days that I can open the windows and let a little spring air inside.
On a side note . . . this is what my cutting mat is looking like. I have grooves worn in and I've flipped it over previously so they are on both sides. I think it might be time to get a new mat. But I've been waiting for a pretty red or yellow mat to come out. Whats up with green for most mats? Is there a reason for green? I'm kind of sick of this color and wish I had something snazzier to cut fabric on. Is there something else out there?

-nanette
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33 comments

Jennifer said...

How fun to swap out some of your wall hangings. I love your birds quilt!

I have a Fiskars mat that is light blue on one side and light purple on the other side. I got it a few years ago when I started quilting. I flip it depending on my mood!

Jennifer :)

Lori Holt said...

Hi Nanette...
I've had a yellow mat (with pink on the other side) for about 2 years now. It's by fiskars and I love it. I got it at JoAnns....they probably still have one for you!
happy shopping,
lori

Sarah said...

I have a big pink mat. I think mine came from Walmart a few years ago. (But no more craft stuff at walmart here.) :-(

This one is supposed to be yellow and green, http://www.amazon.com/Self-Healing-Rotary-Cutting-Mat/dp/B000YZASYO/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1269873480&sr=1-14

But totally does not look yellow on my computer. LOL

Catsngrams said...

LOve the quilts I hope someday to have enough to hang. I need to work on a spring one small enough to hang. Your mat shows a lot of wear but think of the beauty that came from all that cutting. Thanks for sharing have a great week.

Jana said...

Fun quilts!

Have you tried the June Tailor hard surface mat? I am loving mine after using my self-healing mat for years. It's blue--so at least you get to have another color than green. :)

I agree....wouldn't it be fun to have a mat in red?!!!!

rachel griffith said...

my mat is double sided.
one side a real pretty light green.
and the other side is a pretty pale yellow.
{it's a fiskars.}

Simone de Klerk said...

If you show those pictures of your quilts often enough, I will no longer be able to resist to buy them. But I still have so much to make ...
I am waiting for a pink mat to appear some day (O:

Barb said...

I saw a purple one earlier this year that I am coveting. Can't justify it yet though. Maybe I need to be harder on my dull gray mat.

Cathi said...

I got a great clear mat at the local art store -- it's wonderfully thick and was much less money than the mats in the quilt stores.

julieQ said...

Of course, I love your quilts!! Very nice entry way quilt for sure. My mat looks about the same...I ask for a new one for Christmas each year, and it just about lasts a year.

Darlene said...

You show those quilts as often as you like - I LOVE them. :-)

I'm sick of the green mats, too. And, on Friday, ironically, I was getting very irritated with the grooves in mine. There are just too many grooves and should be replaced.

Brandie said...

I love your birds.
My mat is blue, a little better than the green, check out Joann's.

Unknown said...

I tried a Fiskers mat and was unhappy with the thickness and the lines were too difficult to decern. I quess I was just use to my ugly green mat! lol

em's scrapbag said...

Your spring quilts look wonderful. Not repeats more like old friends.

Nedra said...

I have been wanting to make In The Leafy Tree Tops ever since you gave me fabrics to get started (a year ago!) Love that quilt! \
I have seen other mats in different colors, but I still love the Olfa ones the best, even if they only come in green.

gloria g. said...

Yes, love, love, love your quilts. And yes as for the mats. I too need a new mat and would like a pink one. The big store has a yellow/green one, but I sure would love a great big pink one! Let me know if anyone finds one! I too plan to make the bird quilt. I purchased the pattern about 6/8 months ago!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Yeah, my "self-healing" mat didn't either. :) I have a very nice blue June Tailer on that's working out pretty well for me.

Love how you decorate with your beautiful quilts!

Ginger Patches said...

We have pink and a lime green out here...I still end up getting this one though because I have a thing about Olfa, that's probably silly of me. Mine looks almost as bad as yours, I almost got a new one last weekend! I love your kettles in the kitchen!!! And you know how I feel about those bluebirds :)

Pat said...

Love your spring quilts. I think I've seen a bright pink mat somewhere, but I can't recall where I was when I saw it...at some show, I guess.

pratima said...

It is always fun and inspiring to revisit your lovely quilts, Nanette.
These are so perfect to welcome the Spring :)
I love that strawberry print. Beautiful color!

quiltingnana said...

the bird quilt is so cute...my mat is getting to be close to looking like yours

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh I love when it is time to chnage quilts, and who could ever get tired of looking at your quilts!!
I cut so many fat quarters that I have to chnage my mats every few months, I flip, cut, flip, cut through the mat. I will say that I have used yellow, blue and pink mats but none have held up better that the good old green!

Janet said...

I never tire of looking at your quilts, the bird one is perfect for spring. I'm sick of my green mat too but it's the only colour I've seen here except maybe pink.

Rae Ann said...

Seeing your quilts repeated doesn't bother me... it inspires me and makes me want to make them!
I once had a maroon mat. I bought it back in 2000. I loved it! I have always wanted to order anohter one. I will see if I can find the link again.

Mel said...

Love your quilts anytime!!

I have a blue cutting mat, I was tired of the green too!

alobsiger said...

What perfect spring changes! We got a lighter, brighter new rug in our living room which makes me want to slap up some lighter, brighter quilts to go along. I love your spring quilt choices and can't wait until you can show us your Market doings!

Alice Regan said...

What an absolutely wonderful idea of swapping out quilts. I also like how you hang them using curtain clips and a rod. Very clever.

I'm having a giveaway, so if you can pop on over. My 200th post celebration.

Carrie P. said...

Those quilts will definitely brighten up any season.
I do not like the green mat either. I think it actually wears out faster.
I have a mat that is reversible. Pink on one side, sorta of a pale lime green on the other side. I got it at Joanns. It is a Fiskars brand.

AnnieO said...

Love the spring quilt changeout! Very charming, both of them, but the little birdies are too adorable!

I retired a green mat just recently that I have had for over 10 years. The lines were worn off and there were grooves in every inch and half-inch line!

Green is the easiest color for the eye to see, so I've read, and the yellow pops off it to show you where to cut. But get whatever color you like. Personally I think the gray ones or the pink ones would bother me with the lightness of the color.

sallgood said...

Okay, you need a new mat!! (Maybe the Easter Bunny will bring you one??) :D

Kim D. said...

I'll never get tired of looking at your pretty quilts.. Love the Kettle one. I was thinking it might be fun to have one of those pink mats for the cure. Red or yellow might be fun and cheerful!! My green mat is fairly new so I have awhile to go.

hetty said...

Love your quilts! The bird one is expecially appropriate for April! My mat has grooves in it too. Sometimes I think my rotary cutter is dull, but it is just my mat. I am looking for a nice coloured one too - maybe I will have luck at the upcoming Sewing Show.

Jan said...

The quilts look lovely hanging Nanette! I'm w/you on the "green" mats! Different colors would be a welcome change for sure. Mine are gray ... but not a big enough change from the green. Happy Easter my dear ... to you and yours! Wishing you all many blessings :)