Happy New Year!

I hope January finds everyone well.

I thought I would start off this year by posting some of my personal work. Given that I like everything from traditional to modern, my projects are all over the map. This work doesn't really represent the style of my fabrics that will be coming out this summer, but I think it is always interesting to see what people are working on or have worked on in the past. (For more on my designs visit my website at http://www.amandamurphydesign.com/.)

I have learned so much from trying out all sorts of patterns and techniques. I received Ruth McDowell's "Piecing Workshop" for Christmas and have become intrigued with her piecing methods. A small project may be calling me.

This year I sewed a fun, fusible applique quilt for my new nephew, Ollie, using batiks and Amy Bradley "Dazzling Dogs" designs. All of the dogs have goofy names, which I embroidered in tone-on-tone thread.



This followed a quilt I did a couple years ago for my mom, from Blackbird Design's "Home Sweet Home" pattern.



My mom had purchased the pattern for her first quilt, which was quite an ambitious move, don't you think? She found the appliqué (and the mess that goes with it) wasn't for her so I ended up sewing it. She was so enthusiastic about getting it in her hands that my friends started referring to it as the "guilt quilt" as I feverishly finished each block. Seriously, I would never hand-sew so much bias binding for anyone else. My mom is one of my biggest fans and THE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC GIFT RECIPIENT on the planet. It isn't just anyone who would upholster a sofa and a headboard to match their new quilt.

Here she an my dad are, enjoying cupcakes from their local cupcake store with our kids.



Speaking of cupcakes, if you ever go to Haymarket Virginia we highly recommend visiting this store, aptly named "Cupcake Heaven". There is something incredibly decadent about cupcakes with filling.

The display is beautiful, don't you think?

Until next time, have a happy January!

Amanda