The 2018 Hoffman Challenge set my mind to wandering and wondering.  The result, “Midnight at the Ritz”, or I just call her “the lady”.  It has been a creative journey that I have certainly enjoyed so have chosen to post some photos that give a brief glimpse into the process.  And I thank all who gave me feedback and positive encouragement as the project progressed. I don’t really remember how the idea began but the cover of a 1935 women’s magazine combined with the challenge fabric and the song, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” pulled the pieces together.  Since I love to dye with Hoffman fabrics I went to my stash to see what might work for a formal effect that had the potential for “glamming”.  I had a light and a dark, one more yellow in color and one more green and blue reminding me more of a night out on the town. With a formal idea in mind my favorite quilt shop, Hickory Stick, had a black to white with metallic overtones line of Hoffman fabrics called “Sparkle and Fade”–the skirt. Many ideas came and went for a formal gown and how that might be portrayed. Final decision was a rainbow organza overlay on the white to black flowing skirt with Cosmo sparkle thread used to embroider and emphasize the folds of the skirt.  The era portrayed is the end of the Art Deco period thus the style of the gown and the addition of the floral and bling decorated cloche hat.  Oh, the jewel fabric that must be used for the challenge.  Well, of course, the lady is dripping jewels from her flowered bouquet on one hand and from the flowing pearls (30th anniversary of the challenge) and metallic chain on the other.  Throw in the special jewels representing birthstones of my family, add a little more bling with Swarovski crystals, quilting with metallic thread (Glitter from Superior) and she is finished ready for her photograph and entry.  She wasn’t expecially photogenic but Hoffman wants to see more so she will travel to California for a closer look by judges.

What a fun journey this has been as well as a creative challenge that moves me to choose some simple sewing to come down from this high!  Hope you enjoy.

No, granola has little to do with quilting other than it’s a good healthy snack when you’re so motivated to quilt that you can’t leave the sewing room.  My recipe seems to be well liked by many of my friends so I am sharing here.

4 cups old fashioned oats

2 1/2 cups chopped nuts of various and favorite kinds

1 cup coconut

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cardamom (gives it that little difference that makes it great!)

Mix all in large mixing bowl.

In 2 cup measuring cup mix together

3/4 cup total of maple syrup and honey in proportions to your liking

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup brown sugar

Pour over dry ingredients and stir to moisten all ingredients.  Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper and pour the mixture onto the two pans. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes and then turn the oven off.  Stir the heated mixture and let sit in the oven overnight or about 6 hours.  Store in covered containers.

I was so inspired by the view from my kitchen window of the trees turning on their spring colors that I got out the dye. From yellow greens of early leaves to emerald greens as they reach full growth with the blue of sky peeking through I think I captured it! I dyed my usual vintage linens but also caught the images of spring on this 80 cotton, 20 linen fabric from Robert Kaufman.