Monday, January 30, 2012

Les Belles Poires & a Giveaway

My weekend sewing consisted of two potholders.  Although that's exactly 2 projects less than I had hoped to accomplish, I still feel great about starting and finishing this set for someone who has been waiting a very long time.  They are angel potholders for a swap I helped organize between the VMQG and the FVMQG back in the fall. Felicity jumped in and helped make a second set for another swapper in need of an angel, too **polishing our halos - thanks Felicity**

Pear Potholders

I drove all the way to Bellingham on Friday with my co-pilot double N Dianne in search of the spring 2012 Stitch mag and we struck gold at JoAnn fabric. Gold in the form of many copies of the mag available at 40% off with my super saver card. YES.  Want a copy for yourself? Leave a comment and one could be yours! Upon seeing my Orchard pillow all beautifully photographed in the pages of Stitch, I decided to revisit the pear and use the same template on these potholders. I just love the voluptuous curves.

Pear Potholders
Some poppyprinted fabric, right there.

Pear Potholders
I am so in love with Joel Dewberry's Heirloom Ribbon Lattice print for the binding

Undoubtedly, I've been thinking a lot about pears lately.  First, I finally got to share my pillow with you after waiting 6 months. Then, an arborist just came over last week to give our  pear tree a much-needed haircut.  And I've been online WAY too much planning our upcoming trip to France in March, which got me thinking about the last time I was there (at the the tender age of 17, when all I cared about was finding the perfect pair of Vuarnets).  One of the most delicious things I ate (this was not a difficult prize to attain, considering all of the raw steak and tomatoes* they kept trying to feed me) was Poire Belle Helene.  A perfectly poached pear sitting in a pool of warm dark chocolate sauce, drizzled with cream.  Heaven, I tell you!  Considering the last thing I ate before the poire was garlic butter Grenouilles, it's entirely possible the dessert wasn't as amazing as my memory of it is.  I vow to thoroughly confirm my memories in March.

And with that, I leave you with one final detail shot, clearly showing how gorgeous quilting with Auriful 12 wt. cotton thread looks when stitched with a 4.0 stitch length, on natural linen. Heaven, I tell you (again)!

DSC_0548

*I am now a true tomato-lover, although I will admit to lying back then about being allergic to avoid having to eat another bite of tabouli.  The raw steak thing put me over the edge and I have not eaten red meat for about 25 years. I am, however, seriously considering trying meat when we're in France.  I might even attempt red wine. You know, when in Rome Provence and all....

I'll leave comments open all week, then employ the RNG on Friday night to choose one winner of a copy of Spring 2012 Stitch mag!  Make sure I can contact you via email if you want to win. 
ETA:comments are now closed, congratulations to comment #15, winner of spring 2012 Stitch mag!

94 comments:

Krista said...

Those are some fabulous potholders, my friend! And hearing about the food you ate once upon a time made my stomach rumble. I hope you'll photograph some of your food while you're on your trip!

And I'd love to have that copy of Stitch! I'll be buying it if I don't win, I just have to see your pear pillow in print :)

DianeY said...

Love the potholders! Your French pear sounds devine.
Please note I am single n

Brenda said...

Congrats on the magazine piece! I love to go to JoAnn's, and I bought some of the same cutlery fabric last summer when I went to the US. Please pick me for your giveway!

Gill said...

Congratulations on your project!
I would love a copy of Stitch as it is so hard to find in the UK!

Kata said...

Adorable potholders!

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

I love love love those potholders and I want to win a copy of Stitch because my mate Pops has a project in there please. X

Sonia B said...

Very lovely potholders. How could anyone actually put a pot on something so pretty? ;) Thanks for the chance at the magazine!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

You are an angel Krista. Love your pears any which way.

Susan said...

How exciting that you are going to re-discover France again in March!! I would love a copy of "Stitch" mag, especially the one with your pattern in it, because it is unavailable in Australia! Will you ship it 'downunder' if I am lucky enough to win? Thanks for the giveaway!

Suzanne said...

Cute potholders! I love the grommet hangers. I would love to win a copy of "Stitch"!

Unknown said...

Oh cute and I love your hanger hole - brilliant

Sharmond said...

Beautiful pot holders. I would love a copy of Stitch.

Bobbi said...

Love those potholders! I have family in Bellingham and Lynden. It's so beautiful up there. :)

Christine M said...

Great pot holders. They are too nice to use in case they get dirty! lol

Dianne said...

As you know, I have a copy of Stitch with your perfectly proportioned pear pillow right there in living colour, so if you pick my name please choose again.
I just wanted to comment on your potholders which are OMG gorgeous!!
Love the Poppyprint fabric, the perfect blue to go with the orange loveliness. Thanks for the thread and stitch tip, I wondered how you acheived such perfect stitching in your projects, an aurifil 12 weight purchase is in my future!!!

Amy Friend said...

Oh, I'd love it, especially if you'd sign it first! I haven't eaten red meat (or most any meat) since an incident when I was 12. Ick.

robin said...

LOVE the pear potholders! :) Thanks for the giveaway.

**nicke... said...

oh that dessert sounds delicious! i do hope to hear how it was a second time. ;) lovely potholders. i would love to win a copy of stitch!

Lynn said...

Love the pears (potholders) and more than a bit jealous of that upcoming trip to France!

sbsudbury said...

Congrats on your mag piece..the pears look delicious enough to eat!
Would love to win this giveaway.
sharon.bourque@sympatico.ca

{Leila}Where the Orchids Grow said...

Love the potholders, they're perfect for spring! Enjoy France!!

Fiona @ Poppy Makes said...

Yout pear pot holders are beautiful! Congratulations on being in Stitch magazine. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Ooh please let me be in it to win it xxx

I love the pot holders, although the pears are crying out for a rude/naughty comment, I just can't think of a perfect one just now. xxx

Kelly O. said...

congrats on your pillow in stitch!! totally heart those pears :)

Jan said...

Krista, if you haven't eaten red meat in so long, your body might not be able to digest it. You would probably feel as if you had food poisoning. (This is from personal experience.) Instead of ruing your vacation, try some at home, first.

Bailey said...

I had a pear theme wedding, you know, 'the perfect pear' play on words. I would love to win a copy of Stitch so I could make a pear pillow for my husband.

PinkGranny said...

Good looking potholders! I think the colors are good together and I like the Joel Dewberry print on the binding.

I think if I had to have my steak raw I would likely give it up for 25 years too!

I didn't get any sewing done this weekend. I better hop to it this afternoon, tonight and tomorrow as I have a couple of doll outfits to make for a raffle this weekend. Better late than never I guess. I work well under pressure though!

PinkGranny

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Of course I would love a copy of any magiazine with one of my friends' projects! It's hard to keep it a secret, isn't it!

Rachel said...

I had a pear for lunch today ;) It was not, however, sitting in a pool of chocolate. Sigh.

I love your pears and I'd love a copy of Stitch.

Patti said...

I'm so pleased for you! Published in Stitch! If I don't win a copy, I'll have to go on a hunt for one. Love the pear potholders too. Love, love, love the stitching with the Aurifil 12wt.
Paris in Springtime...what could be better!

Katie B said...

I love your voluptuous pears! :)
Please count me in for the giveaway!

ania121971 said...

Super projekt!:)

Arita said...

Congrats on the mag and the pot holders are very cool.

Lysa said...

Congratulations Krista! How exciting, I look forward to seeing the pillow in it's glossy magazine form!...and thank you so much for all the work you put into organizing the potholder swap between our guilds! It left me quite inspired! Congrats again!

Svetlana said...

Your pot holders look fantastic, thanks for a chance to win the Stitch magazine.

West Side of Straight said...

I too like your potholders, and am anxious to try that quilting thread. Do you use it also in the bobbin, or is reg weight thread ok? Guess I can try both ways. Would love the magazine. Have a great trip!

Anya said...

I'd love a chance for a copy of Stitch! I'm absolutely jealous of your upcoming trip to France!! And honestly, half the fun of a trip is planning it and thinking about it before hand! So enjoy the process!!!

Anonymous said...

VERY NEAT POT HOLDERS!
I'M GOING TO MAKE SOME!
THANKS FOR A NICE GIVEAWAY!

Sarah PingsAndNeedles said...

love these pear potholders - what a good angel you are :)

I'd love to win Stitches ... yes the Aurifil is wonderful isn't it!?

Suzanne said...

I would love to have a copy of the magazine with your pear pattern in it. What a treat that would be.

Rhonda said...

Love your potholders. Thank you for the chance to enter as well.

CitricSugar said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Lovely fabric choices.

Thanks for a chance! I expect it autographed if I win. :-)

Kathy P said...

I'd love to win a copy of a magazine that has someone I "know" featured! Thanks for the chance!

Anonymous said...

They are gorgeous, I have a bit of a thing for pears, they are my Dads favorite fruit and I am a "Daddy's Girl" at heart :)

Cynthia F said...

Fabulous potholders- your recipient will love them I know. And thanks to you & Felicity for stepping up to be angels- you guys rock!
And thank you for doing such a great giveaway- fingers crossed- I never win draws but here's hopin'! :D

Donna said...

Pears are so wonderful. I'm loving the ones on your pretty potholders.

Gaye said...

The fabric and Potholders are fabulous.. Thank you for the stitching tip, I will have to give it a try. Perhaps on a pillow?

felicity said...

Oh those are some gorgeous potholders! Well worth the wait, methinks. I'd love to win a copy of Stitch.

p.s. I am with Jan - either try some red meat at home first or avoid while in France. Intestinal troubles and vacations don't mix very well!

Nicole Gendy said...

Love your potholders! I also enjoyed the stories about France and delicious food. I would love to go one day.

quiltmania said...

Of course I would love to win a copy of a magazine with an article of yours in it! If you get a chance pop over to my blog as I am currently giving away a Bali Pop.

stitchinpenny said...

Love the pear potholders.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Adorable potholders! And I believe I might have feigned allergies too if raw steak was put in front of me! :-p ~shiver~
I'd love to win a copy of the magazine~ thanks for the chance!!

Amy said...

Love the pears! Amy @ gasudimack(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

Anne said...

I love pears too, eating, cooking, picking, and in art they always look/taste great. Thanks for the chance to win.

Heather D. said...

I'd love a copy of the mag!

Nice potholders. And very nice quilting!

P.S. I took the Pfaff back, got a Babylock instead. You can read the saga at my blog if you're interested!

What Comes Next? said...

ah yes - steak tartare - that was an eye opener for me! The pears sound devine, and I love your angel potholders. You and felicity are both true angels!

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

The pot holders are beautiful! ...Love the pears.

pinksuedeshoe said...

I was at Joann's over the weekend and they didn't have ANY stitch mags. I guess you are more popular in UT than you thought :) I'd love to have one! Also, still in love with your pears. In all their voluptuous forms :)

Sandi said...

Hi Krista,

Your pears are great! Congratulations on your article in Stitch it would be fun to receive a copy from you, signed of course.

You'll need to wear sunglasses to hide from all the paparazzi while you are in France!

Lee said...

Congrats on being in Stitch! I absolutely love the pears and I would also love a copy of Stitch! : ) Thanks for the giveaway!

Richard Healey said...

I love the hot pads I am posting 2 in the morning I made too. Thanks for the giveaway hope to win

http://richardquilts.blogspot.com

bronwen said...

Love the potholders! Thanks for being an angel to a deserving guild member!! Congrats on the magazine!!! :)

Edith Bieri-Hanselmann said...

The potholders looking great and i like the ring instead of a fabric hanger.

Janet said...

love your French pears!:)

Susanne said...

These pot holders look yummy :)
Susanne

Mette said...

Lovely - as usual, my dear talented friend. Enjoy your day! I'm off today - wish I could drop by for a cup of tea.

Joy said...

Love the potholders.. I would like one with my book please.. hehe :)

Kathy S. said...

I love the echo stitching on the potholders. Very springy!

Sequana said...

Someone very lucky is getting those potholders. They are just wonderful all the way around.

Thx for the chance to win a copy of Stitched.

Leanne said...

The potholders are lovely and it sounds like the trip planning and dreaming are great fun. I would love that magazine, by the way, thanks for the chance.

Needled Mom said...

What beautiful potholders!!!!

Can I sneak in your suitcase in March?

Barb said...

Oh, France...sounds lovely. I love your pears too. I'd love to win a copy of Stitch so I can see your gorgeous pillow in print.

Elsa said...

Such pretty pears and love the stitching around them. And France, I'd love to go sometime, tho Spain is really my ideal destination.
Thanks for the chance to win!

Katarina said...

I really love your pears :o) It would be great to win a Spring Stitch! I didn't order mine yet so I'll wait :o)

..and French food.. hmmmm.. almost everything is delicious (the only thing I didn't like until now was the fish soup). Have a great trip!

Lee said...

Beautiful pears and the stitching is lovely! enjoy France and the wine. I bet the pear pillow is fabulous too! Stitch! I love that mag. thanks the chance!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your magazine success! It is impossible to get it over here in Scotland. Winning one would be amazing!!!:)

Bearpawquilter said...

Greetings from Alaska. Snowing here today. All of your pear projects are lovely. I have recently discovered the modern quilt bloggers, reading on my ipad. I am liking their look more and more. Pick me please!

pinsandneedles said...

Those pears are so cute! I'd love a chance to win the magazine Stitch! Thanks

trudys_person said...

Your potholders are beautiful! Have you ever tried pear pie? Make it just like apple pie ... it is different and subtle and divine!

Unknown said...

The Poppyprinted poppy print is so pretty in that pear potholder. (Say that three times fast, I dare ya.)

Bearpawquilter said...

Greetings from Alaska. Snowing here today. All of your pear projects are lovely. I have recently discovered the modern quilt bloggers, reading on my ipad. I am liking their look more and more. Pick me please!

Lise-Lotte said...

I'm so excited for you that you are in a magazine!!
Happy Wednesday, I hope it's sunny there too!
Lise-Lotte

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Lovely potholders. Someone will be very happy with them. I'd love a copy of Stitch

Eryn said...

As your fellow swap coordinator I thank you and Felicity big time for your "Angel" potholders. The pears are truly fabulous - just like you!!

Andrea C said...

Fantastic potholders Krista!! I love your pears - a great pattern to revisit.

Kirsten said...

Gorgeous potholders! They would match me perfectly as I am a bit pear shaped:)

Aunt Spicy said...

how is it that I am just now finding your blog? I love everything on it (especially your little houses!)

Happy Sewl Lucky said...

So proud of you Krista. I love your pears, they're divine. Je pens un torte de poire avec creme anglaise dans Paris est tres necessaire!

Sis-O said...

Beautiful fabrics and sweet pears. Love the grommet detail. Thank You for the giveaway

Sandi said...

Congrats again on being published! You have a talent for combining fabrics, your potholders are gorgeous. I would love to win a signed copy of Stitch as the only place I know of to get a copy is Diversity in Pritchard! A roadtrip may be in order. Sandi
sahill@telus.net

Rilene said...

Your potholders are beautiful! I love those fabrics, your design, and the grommet in the corner!
I'm looking forward to reading the new Stitch.
Have a great time in France! et bon appétit !

Barb said...

I love love love your pear potholder! Really.

Deb said...

Nice potholders! Wish I were going to France!

Tammy said...

I hope you had a chance to stop at our quilt shops in Bellingham; there are three fantastic ones! Also, if you come through the border at Lynden you can visit three more here!