FLORIDA BREEZE SHOP HOP

Back in January of this year, I participated

in my first Florida Shop Hop.

A shop hop is where different quilt shops

work together in coming up with a theme.

They then design a block for their particular shop

and the customers go to each shop and purchase

the kit from that particular shop.

I decided to do it and check out the shops.

The shops were in different parts of Florida.

The furthest I had to travel to was in Orlando.

Yes, I was determined to go to every shop and get the kits.

Since I only had a week to visit each shop,

I had to plan my itinerary very carefully

so that I can maximize my time and travel.

I was able to accomplish all of the visits.

When I got home, I put away the kits

and had completely forgotten about them.

Last week, I decided I needed to get to work on

them because I'm doing another shop hop.

The blocks are all applique.

I rarely do any applique but I decided I would this time.

I still need to finish the edging on the pieces,

make the sashing and put the blocks together,

add the borders and then quilt it.

QUILTFEST 2016 CHALLENGE QUILT

Last year I went to my very first Florida quilt show.

The quilts were exquisite.

At the show, I bought a kit for this year's show.

The kit includes fabric and the directions.

We have the freedom to design a 

the wall hanging no bigger than 110" overall.

The quilt has to have either a nine patch, applique or 

a design embellisment.

The main fabric in my kit has beach umbrellas

and that's where my idea for the quilt happened.

 The three fabrics that were included in the kit.

 I chose to make nine appliqued umbrellas.

I chose nine different fabrics to make the umbrella.

I fused paper back fusible and pinned

the umbrella design and started cutting.

I did the same thing using black fabric for the handle.

I fused all the umbrellas to the 5 1/2" block.

The red sashing is 1 1/2".

The blue border is 1 1/2".

The umbrella border is 2".

Now I'll quilt it and get it ready for this year's show.