Lions, Tigers, Bears, and Poppies?

Do you know this face?

 He is just one of many animals visiting the Joyful Quilter in Glenville, New York.

Traci from the Bigfork Bay Cotton Company brought a traveling trunk show to my local quilt shop this past weekend. Many friends commented on the awesome presentation, cool techniques as well as the patterns and kits available. Unable to attend the events, but not wanting to be left out entirely, I went to visit this bear and his friends this past Monday. 

 Local folks, you really should try to visit and check out the store. 

It is covered in these awesome quilts which will be in the store through this coming weekend.

Although really breath-taking, the animals didn't interest me half as much as the flowers. Here is my first attempt at Brenda Hermundstad Yirsa's "Poppy" pattern. The first three sections are laid out on the full-sized paper template which guides the maker.

This is what it will look like on the background.

 After all the little bits (and I really mean LITTLE!) are cut and assembled, I will fuse it to the background (leaves and a center to be included as well) and then free-motion thread paint on top to applique the pieces in place while simultaneously quilting the work. The finished "Poppy" can be seen on the Bigfork Bay Cotton Company's website.............or you can wait around here to see my completed flower garden!

CHECK OUT MY PROGRESS!!!! The above photo was taken today, two days after the one above!

Amazing how quickly these patterns come together. Let's see how long it takes me to quilt it! HA! 

Today is one week since I purchased the pattern. Below is how it looks now!!! 

Can you tell I'm excited about this?

 The "Bird of Paradise" and "Iris" (photographed at The Joyful Quilter and seen below) will be next on my grand list of accomplishments. 

 The Tulips and Sunflowers above are just more eye-candy.  Please go and visit the shop and check out these awesome quilts! You'll be glad that you did.