Mermaids Can Quilt

Hi, I'm Nicole aka Saphre1964 Week #19

I live in Sarasota County, Florida, in the USA. I am a mom, sister, nana, disabled RN (that's a long story), artist, free spirit, and avid open water swimmer.

I began sewing at eight but didn't begin quilting until approximately 3 years ago.

I quilt because it calms me. I love working with color, measuring, counting, creating, and completing something I can gift to others.

I'd like to call myself a modern quilter, but I'm not sure exactly what I am as it's evolving. I'm self taught through videos and blogs.

The reason I wanted to be a 52 quilter was to broaden my social media friendships with like minded people who appreciate the simplicity of working with fabric and thread. I fear it could become a lost art if we don't learn and teach others.  So, my mission is to keep learning, broadening my skills, and reaching out to new quilters and artists (as it was done for me).

(me, as a mermaid)

I have two places on this earth where my soul comes alive and rejoices.

One is Siesta Key the other Nantucket Island... of course they are both surrounded by water.

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air."   ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Recently I pattern tested for Libby Worth at Libby Dibby Quilts, I named her "Puckerup Buttercup Pillow".  You may purchase this fun pattern on her Craftsy site,

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/home-decor/pucker-up-pillow/204160?rceId=1462808343481~qpa51xfb

 My most recent finish is a mini for the DoubleMiniSwap, named "Be Who You Are".  I fussy cut the purple butterfly with my favorite text print by Carrie Bloomston. Measures 9.5 x 14.25". I hand quilted with traditional thread then used "X's" with perle cotton.  The pattern is paper pieced and free from Lilly.  They are so versatile.  Here's the link to grab the three different blocks.   https://lillyella.com/tutorials/butterflycharmblocks/

I love paper piecing, how fun to combine swimming and quilting... So when Aylin asked if I could pattern test, I jumped! Can't wait to put her in something fun....
Die Schwimmerin - The Swimmer". 

You can find her on her blog here:   http://aylin-nilya.blogspot.de/

 Lastly, here's my very first self designed paper pieced quilt that I made for my granddaughter.  It was at least two years ago.  I used fabric left over from dresses I had made her.  I hand quilted with Perle Cotton.

May your day be filled with laughter, sunshine, and sewing!

Yours in Quilts,

Nicole

Post by Nicole, Week #19:
Nicole lives in Sarasota County, Florida. She is a mom, sister, nana disabled RN (that's a long story), artist, free spirit and avid open water swimmer. She began sewing at eight, but didn't begin quilting until three years ago. Find her on her blog or on instagram.