Modern Quilt Guild...

There's this kind of cool "movement" going on in quilting - it's a push toward the modern aspect of colorplay and design.  I've been following it for a while and I really, really like it. 

I recently bought this book as the patterns contained within fit nicely into the modern genre of quilting.  Gorgeous color paired with black, bold hues paired with white - lots powerful contrast - right up my alley.  Super nice book with great designs and excellent instructions. 

I've decided my next project is going to be a modern quilt for my new outside patio. We just had a stone fireplace built and ordered a cozy sectional for in front of it.   I'd really like to have a nice quilt ready to cuddle under on those cold Autumn nights when the fireplace is lit. I'm in the color selection process right now.  The furniture is chocolate brown wicker with winter white cushions - so basically- anything goes. 

I've joined the Triangle Modern Quilt Guild, and re-newed my Capital Quilter's Guild membership so I'm looking forward to re-connecting with my muse over the cooler months, and getting back to my pursuit of creative endeavors. It's been a while.

In the meantime - we are still enjoying the Outer Banks.  Just got back the other day from a 6 day visit.  Took the corgis to the beach quite a bit and had a blast.  One thing I love about the Outer Banks is that the water is still brisk (64 degrees) and really takes your breath away when you first dive in (although Toby doesn't seem to mind the cold water!)

I've noticed blogs are really quiet lately - so I am assuming everyone is enjoying the outdoors as much as I am.  Even with the heat - I just can't stay inside - or I get cranky.  And with only a few more weeks of summer left for the Reccas, I want to take advantage of every moment.

Hope you are enjoying your summer.

I'll Have a Tequila Sunrise...

Coming of age while living in Ft. Lauderdale - I certainly have had my share of Tequila Sunrise.  Every tiki hut, beach bar, pool bar, patio bar, club - claimed they made the best Tequila Sunrise.  Served in fancy glasses, hurricane glasses, tall glasses, plastic glasses, thermos cups... you name it.  But the secret, the real key to a perfect Tequila Sunrise is to serve it in a tall, plain glass - no cherry, no umbrella, no froo froo - just ice  - so after it's poured, you can witness the colors slowly run,  pulling red into orange, into clear - settling at the bottom  - like a beautiful watercolor painting.

Oranges, yellows, pinks, reds - Tequila Sunrise Colors,
Indian Summer Colors, California Sunset Colors -
all represented quite nicely in my fabric stash - and begging to made into modern quilt blocks.  Looking at them as they are piling up - makes me happy  (and thirsty!)

What I'm going to do with them - I'm not exactly sure.  A quilt, a wall hanging, patio table placemats??? Not sure yet.  The only thing I AM sure of..... I'm gonna make some  more!

OH!  and in case you're interested THIS is how you make the perfect 

TEQUILA SUNRISE....

A Tequila Sunrise can be made  two different ways, the original and MY favorite - is made with  tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice and a spritz of soda water.  The  more popular concoction and home version, is made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup.

Originally served at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel,

(I never knew that) the

cocktail is named for the way it looks after

it has been poured into a glass. The denser ingredients (cassis or grenadine) settle, creating gradations in color that mimic a delicious sunrise.   Kinda like these blocks here.

I think I'll have another!