GRAFFITI -- QUILTER STYLE

One of my favorite designs to explore in quiltmaking is 'strip piecing'.  It can be something that doesn't include a lot of thought using small pieces of many different colors and motifs from the scrap bins.   In the past, I've made several quilts with different arrangements of strip sets; some with printed words; and some with added machine embroidery.  I have some newer scraps to now experiment with and I enjoy the strip piecing process  --- so here we go --- another quilt for a 'quilter's graffiti' experience!

THE STATS:  GRAFFITI, 2026, 30" X 30", Paper Pieced, Machine Pieced, Machine Appliqued, Machine Embroidered, Machine Quilted.

I have a love/hate relationship with graffiti/murals.  I appreciate the creativity and artistry in the development of them.  However, it really upsets me when a mural is painted externally on an architectural-significant building.  Has the orginal architect given approval of this? Is it part of the orginal design? To me, this is when a mural turns into graffiti.  Just my opinion, folks!

PREP SCHOOL PLAID

 A very generous friend found a bundle of 14 fat quarters called "Prep School Plaids by Moda" at an estate sale.  She knew I would love them, and sent them to me.  I haven't been able to find the date that this collection was released by Moda.  Does anyone have an idea of when?

THE STATS:  "Prep School Plaid", 2026, 31" x 31", Paper Pieced, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted.

I don't know if I went to a so-called Prep School, but I did spend two years in high school at a boarding school for girls.  I was an only child, so all of a sudden I had all of these sisters living together.  I loved it!  I had three roommates that were considered to be the "popular girls"; I was their token nerd!  It was good as we all became close friends over the two years.  

We didn't have plaid uniforms during the week; just navy wool scratchy ones.  But, our weekend wardrobes were anchored by plaid skirts and cashmere sweaters, etc.

TOKEN NERD -- CENTER LEFT

 Since I had previous experience in my hometown junior high band, I was one of the students allowed to participate in a combined band with the close-by boy's school.  Every Tuesday night, the nuns would load us muscians into the station wagon to go across town to band practice.  I was a lousy clarinet player, but I had another secret mission.  Remember this was way before internet dating, and there was a secret network of passing notes.  I was a courier bringing notes from the girls to the nerdy boys at band practice.  They, in turn would pass them on to the "popular boys"; then the process would be reversed.  Many teenage romances blossomed.  My roomates always repayed me by finding some equally nerdy boy to take me to prom!

A shout out to the nerds of the world.  Nerdiness kept me from participating in several rules-breaking (expulsion) experiences.  Trust me, I have stories to tell from being on the sidelines!!

Thanks, Tam, for the fabrics. They reminded me of many pleasant and fun boarding school memories!