Prance prance prance...

All the way to France!  Wouldn't that be lovely?  Wishful thinking on my part.  

As a friend recently joked, "Calgon, take me away... no, farther."

It's Day 2 of Pat Sloan's Focus on the Center - 8 New Looks for Medallion Quilts published by Leisure Arts Blog Prance!

Wait... I have to catch my breath.  That's a long title.  I bet Bonnie and Michele are glad this isn't some kind of pageant where they have to wear a sash with the title because that would be one big, long sash!  But they could both manage it beautifully.    

Today's prancing bloggers are:

Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.  

Michele Foster of the Quilting Gallery.  

Bonnie and Michele will each be giving away two (2) books so leave a comment with them.  And don't forget to see what secrets Pat has managed to learn about both of them.  

Did you leave a comment for me yesterday?  It's not to late to do so, you have until Midnight on Monday, May 7th.  Leave the comment here.  (If you need a reason -- prizes.)

Thank you for all the amazing, creative and imaginative ideas for fabrics for Antique Mist.  From a variety of color schemes to fabric styles, specific collections to busting the stash and scrap basket, I enjoyed reading and thinking about all the wonderful possibilities.  

It reminded me of one of the first things I learned about when I first got into Pinterest over a year ago.  Design Seeds.  Are you familiar with the website or the color palettes they create?

Even though I have yet to actually use one to  create a color palette for a quilt, I think they would be an awesome tool for jump-starting one that isn't jumping on its own.  They would also be a terrific starting point for an experimental - improvisational - quilt using all solids.

I'm off to run a few errands today, including making my case to be someone's "favorite person" today.  Let it suffice to say that she needed some fabric that I just happened to have.  Ah, the indirect benefits of cleaning out my stash.  I also have to stop and get a new "point-turner" as I can't seem to find my old one.  I'm thinking one of those bamboo ones would be nice.  

But this would be nicer...

Yes... Calgon, this would be far enough away.    

Comments

[Anna]

I have been saving every month for a year to go on a quilt tour in France and it will happen this Sept. wish I could hide you in my suitcase!!!

[Wendy]

Oh Carrie, it's so funny you should say that.
Mr. O and I are leaving for Europe on Saturday and I will be spending a week in France, a week in Italy and another week in various other countries.
If you were closer I would pop a "point turner" in your mail box this afternoon on my round of errands!
Mr O makes them for me.
One year I wrapped fat quarters in twine and embellished them with aromatic cedar ones he made especially for them.
Hope you find what you're looking for and your day turns out to be surprisingly fun! (even if it is not in France!)
p.s. I remember you raving about a candy you bought in France and I am anxious to look for it, but can't remember the name of it...I am going to go back through some of your old blog posts and find the name so I can write it down and stick it in my wallet!

[Sunnybec]

It's not been so good in France we have had days and days of continuous rain, good for the gardens but not for me!! Sunny today hooray...forecast not so good.

[Sew Create It - Jane]

I'm just working on a solids quilt using a palette from a photograph at the moment. You can see the first post here :
http://janeweston.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/sew-in-solids-launch.html

[Cheryl Craig]

Oh, don't buy just one. They are not just for turning points. Use instead of finger pressing seams--so easy to slip into the littlest space and open up, and for paper-piecing, too.

I'm drooling over that book!

[Ranch Wife]

I'm betting your Rosie's favorite person every day and she loves you for more than your fabric! :) I'm thinking a point turner from France would kill 2 birds with one stone.

[Gayle Chapell]

Keep your book close for seting bindings.

[Archie the wonder dog]

Have you tried clicking your heels together and wishing?!

[Mary]

Please please please - let us know where you find the bamboo point turner. Mine is in hiding and I can't find another one like it.

[Cathy B]

Pat's new book is fantastic and your blog is wonderful!!

[Jennifer Padden]

Love the quilts I've seen from the new book. They are so tempting.....Thanks for the inpiration

[Nancy]

Well after reading your post Carrie, then reading the comments I was scratching my head thinking "What is a point turner"??? So I Googled it! *Blushing and hanging head in shame* Ahem...it is the very tool I was using last night on one of my projects and yup, it's bamboo! Hey, I've only been quilting for four years, don't judge, and the fact that I have been sewing all my life should not count against me either, LOL. Of course, when I was younger, I used a pencil, scissors or anything that was handy and would do the job, even a seam ripper, though that one did cause me a few problems! Besides, I turned 62 last month so I'm allowed a lapse in logical thought processes now and then, or as we all like to call them, "Senior Moments". For those of you asking where to find one a bamboo 'point turner', I got mine at Joann's, they can also be ordered online for about $5.00. But Carrie, if you can't find a bamboo one, let me know and I can send one off to you. There are several shops close to me that carry them. By the way, you can be MY "Favorite Person" every single day Carrie, (if that helps!) :o) Big Hugs...

[Kathy Raabe]

We all need some inspiration from time to time - and new spring fabrics along with Pat's new book are just the trick. Thank you!

[Marsha]

Medallions....ooooh! Very nice; can't wait to see this book.
Hope you enjoy France when you finally get there! and you will.

[ina]

lol, yep, paris would be nice....

[Mary ann]

Oh yes....to be in Paris in the Spring....or anytime! When I misplace my point turner I use a wooden chop stick, I always grab an extra set or two when we have Japanese!

[Nancy L]

Love the picture; yes, it would be a great get-away, and I sure could use one right now! Love your color palettes, and the medallion quilts!

[anna nowicki]

yummy !!!

[Jody]

A nice hot soak in the tub after a full day of quilting, a romantic novel in hand....oh yeah....(or better yet, Pat Sloan's new book!!)

[Mary Lachman]

What great colors!

[Renee]

What a fabulous palette pleaser! Thanks for connecting me with Seeds!