At Home: A contemporary quilter

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6Pop_Pe-CQgfYv2OpsfM3HtPS5DDo_hJg5nFTQHNtkZicRlKjgB4u2mKKW2BDbDWCYUpCu9obz90X8mScmW0Xs63gzM9viwxh3quV9_hKYh5jqSzO9q3iCJVZnLHGxZz_AspMTOqc-lu/s1600/DSCN0348_01_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>I'm very excited about my new <b>At Home</b> series. I've done the thinking, the calling, the cajoling, the photographing and the writing.  All you have to do is  follow behind me as I knock on doors and poke around inside to see how homeowners create a welcoming home.<br /><br /><h4>At Home guest:</h4>Sharon Griffin, once a co-worker of mine,  a fantastic gardener and quilter extraordinaire, has graciously let me invade her space.  A year ago when I visited herquilting studio, I couldn't help thinking  how quietly many of us work at hobbies and interests, and even friends don't know the extent of our involvement. It's only when you start asking questions that you find out what people are really up to. Yes, I asked lots of questions.<br /><br /><h4>Beginnings  </h4> Sharon began quilting in 1996 when she was attracted to a quilt her sister-in -law created.  She hasn't looked back since that first course  when she created the quilt below the old fashioned way.  No rotary cutters then and little fabric selection in our fair city. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6Pop_Pe-CQgfYv2OpsfM3HtPS5DDo_hJg5nFTQHNtkZicRlKjgB4u2mKKW2BDbDWCYUpCu9obz90X8mScmW0Xs63gzM9viwxh3quV9_hKYh5jqSzO9q3iCJVZnLHGxZz_AspMTOqc-lu/s1600/DSCN0348_01_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="traditional quilt decorating with quilts" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6Pop_Pe-CQgfYv2OpsfM3HtPS5DDo_hJg5nFTQHNtkZicRlKjgB4u2mKKW2BDbDWCYUpCu9obz90X8mScmW0Xs63gzM9viwxh3quV9_hKYh5jqSzO9q3iCJVZnLHGxZz_AspMTOqc-lu/s1600/DSCN0348_01_01.JPG" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First quilt 1996</td></tr></tbody></table>While many of her first projects  employed traditional patterns and techniques, participation in two local  quilters' guilds, travel, and the internet broadened her exposure to a  wide array of  quilting techniques and styles. As you walk through Sharon's home and visit her quilting studio, you  realize that her interests are changing and her pieces take on a more contemporary feel.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghO0UIPp-2G2FuavZDvaMkCySEs8XPHvOoGvqJ8lrH9IkPVmIXygWPChNYnZoZjSRQc8SG6fSq0ak7_TwXyH6fKA9uo3pM1xUsTvHTmQ4-1jxBrdW3s0VoljIe8Ibmi1Y2NmY95DbEdNVw/s1600/DSCN0370_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="traditional quilts decorating with quilts " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghO0UIPp-2G2FuavZDvaMkCySEs8XPHvOoGvqJ8lrH9IkPVmIXygWPChNYnZoZjSRQc8SG6fSq0ak7_TwXyH6fKA9uo3pM1xUsTvHTmQ4-1jxBrdW3s0VoljIe8Ibmi1Y2NmY95DbEdNVw/s1600/DSCN0370_01.JPG" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="397" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional patterns on quilt stand</td></tr></tbody></table><h4> Why quilting?</h4>No one could dispute that quilting creates beautiful objects, but I suspect there is more to Sharon's interest in it than that.  She  admits to being an organized, tidy person and there is something about the precision needed to quilt that suits these characteristics. It is a quiet, solitary activity that also can be quite social, and fulfill a love of learning if you participate in guilds and workshops. I've always know Sharon to be a lover of fabric and colour.  What better interest could she choose than  quilting?  Her work adds uniqueness and warmth to her home.  This is so important in  a world of mass produced objects. <br /><br /><h4>Variety of Applications </h4>And quilting isn't just about quilts.  The range of projects is limitless... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmKIDOsJBRp2i_YLrMvkc6lMDdT2xZWYJ8dhZVI77XDKTkC-Un-TW23WHzkOFTwytDO01cYDpyUSWiiQ7_RyInEA4yLMGtyAYQIrq6b4EqkOYcLXMFN0Cz1rFfauqInxzrIe9dB1A4_aW/s1600/3+quilting+projects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="quilting projects decorating with quilts " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmKIDOsJBRp2i_YLrMvkc6lMDdT2xZWYJ8dhZVI77XDKTkC-Un-TW23WHzkOFTwytDO01cYDpyUSWiiQ7_RyInEA4yLMGtyAYQIrq6b4EqkOYcLXMFN0Cz1rFfauqInxzrIe9dB1A4_aW/s1600/3+quilting+projects.jpg" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> needle holders, glasses case, bags, mug sleeves....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="quilting projects decorating with quilts " border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA79CFTszKvrMsU_Unj0djL9ivpCrvyvsHRy7oDhnEpZjV5dGYvifs-uVu3HAAi7PgXR9Es64hQ82jF5iHtczb9wk7J_bk7tr1415lc8kGqLz2NezO8mffvNZ5ZGA5G7Xct3RrcI-5JhmL/s1600/projects+2_01.JPG" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sewing kits, journal covers...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBG9HqeZoB3qtlvvO54NtsmcpiXkD3bCjApQw9ThCrRTN95J0A3q0hyphenhyphenUvVf8jI23KwzMlxHi0dMOqeAmlZqKN2SuxmxVuOE-jcJ1MZVbIQC5a22K4OGP0oibNHp0mC-8Rp_3hmhPJ3zs32/s1600/bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="quilting projects decorating with quilts " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBG9HqeZoB3qtlvvO54NtsmcpiXkD3bCjApQw9ThCrRTN95J0A3q0hyphenhyphenUvVf8jI23KwzMlxHi0dMOqeAmlZqKN2SuxmxVuOE-jcJ1MZVbIQC5a22K4OGP0oibNHp0mC-8Rp_3hmhPJ3zs32/s1600/bathroom.jpg" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 D birds, wall hangings  and ...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfCDVi7TPWogW8027o6OcBN8oZEmB394itKojvWlW4rdkN8YWVyS-VqhoxzaAdRpTWi7EPjr4Jda4IPWZsG5s2V7rUg5AiIfMr2vhP_oRJy2xcGuE8KjQ_DK5aPbazp2W2y9YmEMwp-6I/s1600/DSCN0323_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfCDVi7TPWogW8027o6OcBN8oZEmB394itKojvWlW4rdkN8YWVyS-VqhoxzaAdRpTWi7EPjr4Jda4IPWZsG5s2V7rUg5AiIfMr2vhP_oRJy2xcGuE8KjQ_DK5aPbazp2W2y9YmEMwp-6I/s1600/DSCN0323_01.JPG" width="187" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="he wall quilt blocks decorating with quilting" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeU71tZJSeagnv3xerJms7CWKHjjq1QJPlg2M-L03Bz5SsM0xD5usVPdPpArxHN67iIxJ5RnBfKZrCFBP0hj5Jm9hvGIEwResjmzNfSYfanHhfU_kGUpm97MRoZEBbYWjKIe9OF7l-bym_/s1600/DSCN0319_01_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="183" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Off the wall blocks.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Being a lover of all things contemporary, these off the wall quilt blocks really impressed me.  I would have no difficulty adding  one to my own contemporary decor.   Because they are finished on all sides and stand up well, they could be added to any mantle, shelf or  table top as part of a vignette. This has gotten me thinking...</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jwBUOmPj6Ltb59VL4YPBfLa9EA3BpRyFvgGUD54VjxzW8PFdUG5D-q0tvCvBWN8RuBA7RPw7Q2pXcuN2YsRKUwOfGf_NcOp8svv6XR8Id68muvnPvXVsQ1G3CYfMa84rSfjuDjgOArAx/s1600/cultural+influences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="quilting projects quilted wallhangings " border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jwBUOmPj6Ltb59VL4YPBfLa9EA3BpRyFvgGUD54VjxzW8PFdUG5D-q0tvCvBWN8RuBA7RPw7Q2pXcuN2YsRKUwOfGf_NcOp8svv6XR8Id68muvnPvXVsQ1G3CYfMa84rSfjuDjgOArAx/s1600/cultural+influences.jpg" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cultural influences </td></tr></tbody></table>In these wall hangings you can see the influence of various workshop leaders from different countries and more and more opportunities to create personal work by taking the techniques taught in workshops and making them her own. <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>It's easy to see that landscape has become a primary influence in  Sharon's more recent work.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHYOoNNvfpvUpt_XOg2V3NZGHSK7_CtrfoxRHT70BVwyPawNYcgSoVJqLoSOK8BV1KKa5Nkh6hr4Tveo11HzTD_yRrYVl5DtAJDlSgZl96CaeqXr6yvgd8Jn-8DDglK5rAMEwGy95wUDB/s1600/DSCN0328_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="quilting projects quilted landscapes " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHYOoNNvfpvUpt_XOg2V3NZGHSK7_CtrfoxRHT70BVwyPawNYcgSoVJqLoSOK8BV1KKa5Nkh6hr4Tveo11HzTD_yRrYVl5DtAJDlSgZl96CaeqXr6yvgd8Jn-8DDglK5rAMEwGy95wUDB/s1600/DSCN0328_01.JPG" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="277" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abstracted landscape created with a variety of threads</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="quilted projects quilted landscapes " border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6YoYKJWNX-6ine_3oUzfNm_MR97HScd0vh6ae1PTKcGKtAEeK4D6o8LbmTvTOTL6TgnHizsalT0X6a4JBGbr0bq_X6QyGdKog50lT4hv21T7UZBkIqqpHjmSY33T7lQLWxdPGshI2Mqa/s1600/DSCN0340_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NL landscape with lots of stitching<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="quilted projects quilted landscapes " border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Te4AguIUC-vhXMp5pRrGKmW_UYS6-bOYVbYg7SUeOKlTpsDnVNd3VmrDwJ6Uf8-LwlWS5-I6qjDMPuDjgLNsNU2tzj7yJ0EPvJWet6RniL-oea9yk-bdZwkG9WyiRZRjp84xwFsM0ib2/s1600/DSCN0331_01.JPG" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="400" /> </div><br />And this  truly amazing one is  pieced together and embellished  to such a degree that one would think it was a painting.   A photo of their garden shed was the inspiration.    <br /><br /><h4>Integrating quilting projects in your decor </h4> When you are a prolific quilter there is no way you can display everything you create.  Family members usually make out well  for birthdays and Christmas!  More  things get stored and brought out for seasonal events.  The trick is to show just enough, and to come up with ways to showcase  projects that put them front and centre.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Let's take a tour </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="quilted projects living room dining room decorating with quilts " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCjoimgD83uNTUx2IVAoysBuG-gdidDO2H8I22eHn45INyYl6Zi4nMb51nhMfP-oLSlbljxjv2HfrXPQHPApev4OK0yVq3lIs0jkzr91hXwlQc9hgvTpzJWWcS-9Wnd4GYhssa2R9xq25/s1600/living+room+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining room and living room quilted projects</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /> A strong preference for warm, rich  colours adds so much to the soft white furniture in the living room.  While there's quite a few quilted accessories in the living room and dining room, the space doesn't feel overdone. One of the reasons is the variety of projects used : a quilt, a wall hanging and a pillow. If you look at all four images you can see how the different colours flow throughout the space creating cohesiveness, warmth, and  an open invitation to sit awhile.  <br /><br />  The poppy wall hanging in the dining room is new and very striking. When I first saw it I thought it was a painting it  is so realistic.   I'm glad it is hung at the perfect height for guests to observe it when sitting down.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_QDAkj3C6FY-caN1AZNAvt5wKr37ZGLoivKaxmMRqPN25Q3V2thFUmW8HJgturbIFngwAWmdIVuTxTNZr9g0E9fkYqfPZTiB49Qh1haltWFR8mEJZyXqcOEa6tZJmbPenNhHxp2ZpYZi/s1600/DSCN0355_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_QDAkj3C6FY-caN1AZNAvt5wKr37ZGLoivKaxmMRqPN25Q3V2thFUmW8HJgturbIFngwAWmdIVuTxTNZr9g0E9fkYqfPZTiB49Qh1haltWFR8mEJZyXqcOEa6tZJmbPenNhHxp2ZpYZi/s1600/DSCN0355_01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />A photograph  does not do justice to the overall stitching and embellishments at the centre of the poppy. Do  have a closer look. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="quilting projects decorating with quilts " border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSl4Zfc-nWQzfC6PsF2knhr0b_uzhyphenhyphenaIBxPpe-YVb7nEXBQhJ7-8biXaoaY87hT2AMN4khrkqB2lpHUZJhLSuJkJZ67y4dBlL_YsIdbjfOweq5RulqTFyjozU3Rw7KvJ8cr0o_xRBAc8_/s1600/master+bedroom+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master bedroom  in chartreuse and pinks </td></tr></tbody></table></div><br />Rather than a quilt, a  bed runner is used to accent the bed and the wall hanging on the opposite wall  is the first thing that greets you as you enter the bedroom.   Don't you love the freshness of this colour combination? <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZR2TpZDCAQF2fIxyEcah7QItkWZXF0BTZJ6VO_LIt0yhZVTF4wwFvppaIMNJLFke7tG_ECiIjJ1WR5w8Sii_gQfnZiOZ2K2XQIsqS9mnYq6ULa8_VXu7TPEWcY9Hd1gHOr6ANrWtakdNg/s1600/Guest+bedroom+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="quilting projects decorating with quilts " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZR2TpZDCAQF2fIxyEcah7QItkWZXF0BTZJ6VO_LIt0yhZVTF4wwFvppaIMNJLFke7tG_ECiIjJ1WR5w8Sii_gQfnZiOZ2K2XQIsqS9mnYq6ULa8_VXu7TPEWcY9Hd1gHOr6ANrWtakdNg/s1600/Guest+bedroom+.jpg" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn inspired guest room </td></tr></tbody></table><br />One of the best ways to integrate quilting into decor is to choose lighter backgrounds  that won't compete with the patterns in the quilting. Sharon's favourite  background is a soft white. As you can see it  is perfect for showing off any colour combinations, and it has a very contemporary feel even when the quilting pattern is traditional.   The connection between the quilt and wall hanging in this room  creates a fresh, welcoming look and the colours  blend beautifully with the honey toned furniture.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="quilting projects decorating with quilts " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JuPpqT3tee7B2f8DzLzpxWeNn0a2DWWYdiZGsfmritQm-PsAUzYZXIVxD9Wu1jYkoyUST76RN0JYE9A_JW7gRzeyQ6WX3_ODA4iVczHkkMJf5FUKr1JHAGRL-cPA2IyywYsdaXhqo2Zi/s1600/guest+room+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Designing Home: A contemporary quilter " width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black and white is always striking </td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing looks sharper than black, especially with white.  The reversibility of quilted projects  allows you to have two looks for the price of one.   You can also use a table runner as  a bed runner  to accent  a twin bed. Pillows can be moved from room to room if you keep the colourways neutral enough. </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And there you have just a glimpse into the world and home of this prolific quilter. Thanks Sharon for letting us visit her home. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl7mEJw5va-oqL63tTuOdg3qrqXVEsqDets0d0J1l2S8aEGKS9jFIXaPt5nSALXW-29adO6jcT5K1LkcbjhCIoUhVFXcNvporOpkmj0bN-mXKG_GRR6imw97PKBUEeTF-0OmMeK1qmMYu/s1600/DSCN0394_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl7mEJw5va-oqL63tTuOdg3qrqXVEsqDets0d0J1l2S8aEGKS9jFIXaPt5nSALXW-29adO6jcT5K1LkcbjhCIoUhVFXcNvporOpkmj0bN-mXKG_GRR6imw97PKBUEeTF-0OmMeK1qmMYu/s1600/DSCN0394_01.JPG" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">  Thanks for dropping by. </div><br />

At Home: A contemporary quilter

I'm very excited about my new At Home series. I've done the thinking, the calling, the cajoling, the photographing and the writing....

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LC Interior Design

<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHHNiT8tjQmAxDdewvfUJBD3kK7e7M93lA8TkBT8xZGjYdjVOGtDv5F9Uk0QE7HaZSj_ovto-uz3VGAw-rtOVK6ydOY_mGVJiRc1H0c7BeudGa-YHE43xkrSF1DiXa8kBKvyUR24V-oo/s1600/_PIR1454.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sOwN6rnU94nLh4Pi9kdkiYPbxOGuYqJLgm2y_1tw791XzF9CCqxHRq-wmHlfvyXKP3DP52sSxlirBT0C9TZGwAwbUJWf-M8P2K34MJWB-PkazPBAJSXuTPfi-4bTUICim3-2jEgnxZo/s1600/_PIR1462.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3n3ROv_3lGzSjA2rg-7HBGU_M9USsVKwYmfHEV4HfWhi8-uklY9TlWgcwevN5mW9AsztEykzXiRDJ4BBV629Goeam-zfSTjsh02ktXlxAhpcuWj4a8UVoqDbt9J8PWqwaxuW8E23U0U/s1600/DSC_0506-001.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidF0AIVmGN_y3llRml_lgomjDr1agMZFKII0HfPUzh8O3GYyGS3yO_9Q9RjzmAx-pOwSOIQfnGdCm3N0XT8QUzRpXS_AJtgLSgL5onuvXY9jpTqq1KG6Mw9HLEWcqINm3wQlFQQmxq0Dc/s1600/_PIR1439.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZKG3F3oHtm0YT_D-4sQvVMxd5w6zKuc9VlqgQ1UxEVvtpZuikEhOWoTo_DeoJ-Pa7cYbdiz9_y3-Q_byXQqaYVAsDjnWpnH7oeG535FcUFBpQduorUyH9ymYSw2hsizJ65JSwpb4-jg/s1600/_PIR1489.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxywkQiziu_yrBdOiotxCm03kCsIvaS-WjuswMqNpqJzGx1AJkzw4WPhKbi9bkPHIpAFJ3S7q-JJ6gw_AbeLnL8wblWGGTeh7KjvYlJs8sMjuLLE2VDmesOwuIxdRzsxXZpnqpOCWNvkI/s1600/_PIR1412.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENMV8c0-J6YoQNMSE7KvmZgLwC3CsMRylgGpOVODPQ_Vx27MEhzATGIawuvl72o6jTEa7qLMgd5rG0uDEdpXaVBI0UcSDlQtBEkLE6TkXWm3ay586YOQ_8VNan8YrcaAF52UK50MQYQs/s1600/_PIR1410-Edit-2.jpg" /></center><br />This has to be one of the chicest nurseries I've seen! The sweet space was designed by <a href="http://lauracovington.com/" target="_blank">Laura  Covington</a>, an interior designer out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and photographed by <a href="http://pironio.com/" target="_blank">Nick Pironio</a>. Laura actually designed the space for her son Carr who was born last July! They waited to find out if the baby was a boy or girl, so she kept the nursery neutral with pops of turquoise. I love that she converted the closet into a changing station and framed the opening with curtains to mirror the window treatments on the opposite wall! And how cute is the painting above the crib, it looks like the giraffe is peeking down! This is just the beginning, for lots more beautiful spaces you must visit Laura's <a href="http://lauracovington.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="http://lauracovington.com/blog/" target="_blank">blog</a>!<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Sources</b><br />Paint Color: 1/2 Strength Benjamin Moore Opal Essence 680<br />Swivel Glider Chair: Lee Industries<br />Curtain Fabric: Jane Shelton<br />Vintage Lucite Stool<br />Stool and Chair Pillow Fabric: China Seas<br />Chandelier: Made Goods<br />Crib: Oeuf<br />Artwork over crib: David Ryden<br />Artwork over changing station: Linda Donahue</blockquote><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span>

LC Interior Design

This has to be one of the chicest nurseries I've seen! The sweet space was designed by Laura  Covington , an interior designer out of Ch...

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One Room Challenge - Week 1

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5VCY6OHqJFEBamuqkl6S5lVEocf3wfGhRtrOQgS-CzHrVd1cYk4N5hjCsROaY4N3qZ965glAVHJB1b4kSfj3_zkIW-x-vpJWpqSQz7W3yJiTUhqHuL2BmiSgKEigLbvgDwcFGCcilac/s1600/ORC-Logo+turquoise.png" /></div><br />Today is a big day! It's Week 1 of the One Room Challenge, the 6-week room makeover hosted by Linda of <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling it Home</a>. I was honored when Linda asked me if I'd like to participate! I've followed previous challenges and have always been so inspired! For those of you not familiar with the ORC, basically it's a group of 20 bloggers who commit to decorating one room over a 6-week period while documenting the transformation and checking in each Wednesday with their progress. <br /><br />As you know (new visitors I'll fill you in!) House of Turquoise is <i>not</i> a DIY blog, the rare project around our house usually takes a long time! With that being said, I thought this was a great opportunity as lover of beautiful spaces, decorating, and of course the color turquoise! <br /><br />Now onto my ORC! With the help of my talented and handy husband Chris, I'll be decorating a loft in our son Wesley's room, turning it into a reading/play area. He's 13 months old and loves to read! (Brown Bear anyone?!) Here's a quick board for what I'm envisioning for the space so you can get an idea of the colors and whatnot: <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhvgg1FEBEjKqJRIPWYCXnSxhadJ9frpj8YWspTx_i13k9b4ME_T1dHxOWTHt-oXuvkieKNkws5V7iWnvbRx6oglSjnZnfXdS_CmasRUzpWAKVtqVFUnIdTrDgw15ZsgEp-OEuVHHPsk/s1600/ORC+Board.jpg" /></div><br />To catch you up, below are some photos of what we've done so far and where we're at now.<br /><br />This was the whole room when we moved in.... <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ueQVwEN90s5RdbAJN6Y0lvdwdRJAPyu0ywGLjs6XJJB_lT4bEyTBRLc16mqOZrunLJVV9UZHid9hmymaTFXbp6kK8w_j8FqDhhaJyO8cJfsx1-85iCUfuuL8eZNxuG-jT8m0A4H065g/s1600/ORC+Before+Shot+500.jpg" /></div><br />Right before Wesley was born we took out the wall to open things up and painted (<a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/sonomaskies" target="_blank">BM Sonoma Skies</a>)...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJ91WuSn_Lz1Gm-T7a6THJgu2TAMd8GJTRxsy1cb6jFu5rkNL3cLt0z-v6cz01TKgBkDkkKlcPDoruFr_dPbHGrm_uRIbmvD2gW33uoPhi1mkf1tvXAEqR3d2OqBpE-feewj1CdflveI/s1600/IMG_9208.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2epD8dHlIetlFKCFrypX2g6_2Cmrg7vdq8E09TO7nIAhcKJSzBO9M95TQpDykZ-Rq0fGSVJeekWdytE_IlCMJefBcm7f_j-BWPKVudjq0TpADj9yUtni5yyjSUYZLsO6R6vedMbdh2c/s1600/IMG_9406.jpg" /></div><br />And painted the ladder white... <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_HDPg-1A0TWILrsE16AT6jkQ1w94Cogr_PYMNREcChIVYolSF1WSEtjIAlOT-D-aUEARyHQYRvhO05PkRXKiS4OWXB_hWOeOZoGGRVxV-edpOxcLtIRvp55tNCXUZn3cY_u-J5IIev4/s1600/IMG_3655.jpg" /></div><br />This is what it looks like as of right now in the loft...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXbDdZCSaB_FACwDBYud54juvrqMt8fuHMy5k_YuOkJ1ARwmjroZQj7nAEvKIFnVxeR4F7Qg_Cj4di94slQSFUQCloGnAPmQ7Ut6XdN0vNH5tJ5qhH2QpGRv8Q6tNLRWlgeuqZ3wQVhA/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VroGdVq8Fw6f8i7EQhLN4NOmZ8aijGiHpz0xzAHZvs8ruH38sWhIc7OXUAhKWumz0nVDFZCb0pJSySDiBU8w8JwiPrhnceARP2AwEpvPI0Yer31_n6lb2qhhXcV5Hgg8n2Vo8N9fKaM/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBTLtmIX5kF7OdpTHDEVDyORT6lqHF0HiVxFEjYJn32kqVWvRwFfOhoxVrdWyyR4OZxwAm3MVla7k8ThdgTTcDtUb9BUf12uULPecsDwKHUo-HHtbTmjonhPzukaaJVHZ8aF_Xyg041I/s1600/IMG_3662.jpg" /></div><br />Needless to say we don't spend any time in that space–despite the fact that every child that comes over begs to go up there! <br /><br />Here are some inspiration pics for the cozy lounge/reading nook vibe I'm going for...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UAL8AVCVg4EE6NzYBOz5PRwBheQ_lZAR2oT7cr2cM_Ivpme1L8Zcpck7fEALPLoGvihI_4NFIOwPYr5T2c5yE9zaopzG2zU8sXOoHUBqhQ3zlUlPs4Jqf5_o3pYOHti4MKUXZY69Oao/s1600/reading+nook.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://projectnursery.com/projects/adventures-in-a-big-boy-bedroom/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTRHMaEi_c7DxU5UootYauZw9PTs7hI3TNGFpjVqsi-iw5OtbsxxAwZdMdDVHEcogw6EG6KIfUFuFT9UyHg2U5bggGdI5IPBt1A5arv6aPniu7w1OuqZm5XYQOlZr9_5wcCc-U9vGkqc/s1600/reading+nook.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://mommo-design.blogspot.it/2013/04/8-reading-nooks.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WBToVw3oqIu15swTHtVR2ENboKh-_fgAf7FggibTG4D7T1Kwu6SNogkcFHLvssNfZE1_WuoO9NAODpfgLF9A97uoKD4103kCGzsSfUm5KbZZPJR0RRG7ZW1NO3S-6t4lGBjNr4BxHtg/s1600/pink+sofa.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2167856/On-Golden-Pond-contemporary-kids-new-york" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ituBiW6f8p-w5qHFM-4F2VPJAzpJ2Npdmer_GFxUWN7chEfzf15lNb43Jt2yR5P0ta3mfv4nv3aU_gdWFsxHOZ8L2IDS6P-JaO3leEPAIP5xgG0vDkesZ-5e0NrY4clAjXHxRy3T_rI/s1600/blue+lounge.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/968400/Iconic-sofa-reproduced-contemporary-kids-montreal" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(no Bieber pillow for us!)</div><br />So here's the big to-do list for the next 6 weeks:<br /><ul><li>Install new wood flooring</li><li>Paint trim</li><li>Install new railing</li><li>Install a window </li><li>Install curtain rod and hang curtains </li><li>Comfy place to sit</li><li>Cozy rug </li><li>Patterned pillows</li><li>Artwork</li><li>Lighting</li><li>Bookshelves</li><li>Storage for toys</li></ul>I also thought the ORC was the perfect motivation to finish a few things below in the nursery so I can finally share that space too! (Priorities really shift after having a baby!)<br /><ul><li>Finish putting up artwork</li><li>Switch out knobs</li><li>Paint closet door</li></ul><br />There you have it! I hope you all come back next Wednesday to see the progress–we're hoping to have the floor in! Don't forget to visit all the other bloggers below that are participating in this challenge, it's quite the talented group!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.abbyminteriorsblog.com/" target="_blank">Abby M. Interiors</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://becauseitsawesome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Because It’s Awesome</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://christinedovey.com/blog/" target="_blank">Bijou & Boheme</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chinoiseriechic.net/" target="_blank">Chinoiserie Chic</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecorista.com/" target="_blank">The Decorista</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mydesignchic.com/" target="_blank">Design Chic</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedesigndaredevil.com/" target="_blank">The Design Daredevil</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mackenziehoran.com/" target="_blank">Design Darling</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://designindulgence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Design Indulgence</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designmanifest.com/blog/" target="_blank">Design Manifest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/" target="_blank">House of Turquoise</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://janabek.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jana Bek Design</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jillsorensen.com/livelikeyou/" target="_blank">Jill Sorensen</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.maddiegdesigns.com/blog/" target="_blank">Maddie G. Designs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mimosalaneblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mimosa Lane</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apieceoftoastblog.com/" target="_blank">A Piece of Toast</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/" target="_blank">The Pink Pagoda</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stonetextileathome.com/" target="_blank">Stone Textile</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://waitingonmartha.com/" target="_blank">Waiting on Martha</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thezhush.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Zhush</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trademarked by <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling it Home</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLw_u7eP2zqAbBMpas7bxKPTJGYuAOycx7cIIFWmQOrp22PKL_aYJAQn7I-__BlnNNY0cUUmskzhaMxZvUE3fIL134p3QdXwDLqr_fOtXDHblTPeBNxbCs4Jf1de10P0OTJHzgg1oJBw/s1600/ORC-Participant+Fall+2014+400.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span>

One Room Challenge - Week 1

Today is a big day! It's Week 1 of the One Room Challenge, the 6-week room makeover hosted by Linda of Calling it Home . I was honored w...

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