Latifah Saafir Studios LLC

10/31/2024

Before I chat about the cover quilt I want to show you this little beauty.

When I decided to make an acrylic template for the Glare Quilt, I tried to think of all the ways we could use it. (Yes, I have future quilt plans for it!) It became the Glare Quilt & More template. Then when I designed my class I thought I’d share three fun ways to use it in the context of the Glare Quilt pattern. I showed you the Nur variation already. Today I present to you the Zaria variation.

I was able to use some of my hoarded Marcia Derse stash which I then floated in a Gunge background. Isn’t she perfect? Can you just imagine some of the possibilities for this version?

After giving the Nur Variation it’s name, I guess I still had Arabic on the brain becasue I figured out the name Zaria (having not only an Arabic origin but also Slavic and Persion) means both blooming flower AND brilliance or light. I wanted a word that captured the sweet flower but also had a nod to Glare so when I found this out I was super excited. (Come on, y’all already know I’m a nerd.) Plus, it’s a beautiful, melodic word.

The Zaria variaion uses The Clammy 8” for the petals and full instructions are only shared in my Glare Quilt & Even More digital class.

Don’t you just love her?

10/30/2024

The second blue Glare possible cover quilt. I told y’all I was stubborn. Same two alternating fabric rings recipe, blue centers. I had to do something different so this time I would anchor it with one of the alternating rings to be the same fabric (the yellow/gold) and the pink wedges and blue centers would change with each circle block.

This time I didn’t even get to the point of sending it off for quilting when I knew that this wasn’t it. The color stack was beautiful but the proportions were off. The yellow was much more dominant than I wanted. At this point I had to sit myself down and have a talk with myself because I KNEW all along this quilt was supposed to be green. Part of me was bummed that it took me two quilt tops to come to listen to myself. My heart was SO happy that I finally did and I knew even before I started that it would be the one.

This quilt top stayed in the waiting to be quilted pile until just before the release when I figured, why not go ahead and have it quilted. So I sent it off to Janine at .quilts and now we have one more fun example of a Glare Quilt. The pinks and yellows reminded me of flowers in a blue sky and so it has the name Bouquet.

My Glare quilt journey has been enlightening in so many ways. The lesson of the two blue quilts was a glaring reminder of how vital it is to trust my voice and listen to my heart. Instead of these two quilts being ‘failures’ for cover quilts I am instead forever grateful for both of them. What recent reminders have you had to stay true to you? Let me know in the comments.

10/29/2024

The first blue Glare cover quilt. That’s how I think about this one. Somehow I got it in my head that blue was the most popular color and was a great choice for a cover quilt. I swear I’ve heard this several times. I don’t even know where I heard it or why but, I was SO determined to make a blue quilt for the Glare cover though secretely I wanted a yummy green quilt. Being the determined (ahem, stubborn) person that I am I endeavored to make this magical blue quilt. I also wanted the cover to have two alternating fabrics per ring and not the improv rings. (That version is MUCH easier to write up as a pattern). I roughly sketched this one out pulling swatches and then off to the fabric store I went. I pieced the whole quilt, shipped it off to to quilt it up for me, bound it and I still wasn’t quite sure if it was right for my cover. So, I decided to lay it out so it was visible in my studio so I can sit with it while I was doing my work. But, it never grew on me. I mean, I really like it but it wasn’t making my heart go pitter patter.

I do love all the blues though. I sort of look at the blues in this quilt as a neutral that holds space for all the colorful rings. Then I started thinking about blues that hold space as neutrals and I automatically though of denim jeans. One of my favorite tracks off of Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter was Levi’s Jeans that she performed with Post Malone and so hence the name was born.

In the end, I decided I needed my pattern cover to make my heart sing so off to the fabric store to find even MORE blue fabric. . . (to be continued)

10/28/2024

This was the first that I finished in February 2022. I still wish it was bigger so it could be for me. It’s baby size which is a generous 48” square with rounded corners. I finished it so I could have a finished quilt top for my QuiltCon class. Students got a free pre-release pattern and we didn’t have the nice Glare Quilt & More acrylic templates then. The pattern changed a LOT after that class. 😆

It uses mainly various Carolyn Friedlander fabrics with a sprinkle of Kona Cotton, Ruby Star and one of my chain link prints from .

Her name is Blue Note. Her rhythm is jazzy and blue, reminding me of Miles and Dizzy. Monk and Coltrane. They are just a few of the many artists who recorded at Blue Note Records one of the most prolific and influential jazz labels.

I love it so much. Please tell me that it will still work as a lap quilt. For me. Pretty please?!🙏🏽😂

10/27/2024

This is one of my favorites of the 13 Glare Quilts! Her name is Crush Groove. Featuring the 2023 Kona Cotton Color of the year Crush, prints from one of my favorite lines by and various green and neutral solids. I deliberately tried to capture a bit of the energy from the vintage quilt originally seen in Roderick Kirakofe’s collection that inspired me to take this quilt pattern that I had already designed from the drawing board and into the world.

For quilts I know I’m gonna keep sometimes I splurge and have them custom quilted. My friend Kristi Ryan did me the honor and I’m so happy very with it! The feathers in the center are perfection and the leafy design on the rings just sets it off. This one is a keeper for sure!

The name Crush Groove is a nod to the dominant color of the center fabrics & never being able to NOT take advantage of a hip hop reference a shout out to Krush Groove, one of Hip-Hop’s most important films. Incidentally, this week is the 39th anniversary of its release. ( had a cool IG post about it yesterday.)

FYI, this quilt has been especially difficult to photograph (with my cell phone camera). Makes me want to finally take a photography and photo editing course or two. . . I may need to have a professional do it. Those red center circles blow out every time and I promise it looks sooooo much better in person.

10/23/2024

I launched the Glare Quilt pattern about a week ago and I’m so happy that it’s FINALLY out in the world! Quilters have already started opening up their special packages all over the country and a few around the world are patiently waiting on their shipments to arrive. I designed a template too - the Glare Quilt & More template - that’s optional but highly recommended. And this is the first time I’ve released a class concurrently with the pattern. It’s called the Glare Quilt & Even More class. Whew!

I almost said, I finally ‘birthed’ this pattern because that is exactly how it feels! Have you ever had a project that took FOREVER to come to fruition? This was that one for me. Like this pattern finally being released can be a master class on perserverance. But, it is really a magical quilt that I love so much. Since this product release took me over two years I actually had a chance to make a ridiculous number of these quilts. Like, ahem 13 of them and there are 2 more in the queue. They are so much fun to make and I love them so much. I plan to share them with you over the next few weeks.

This is the Nur Variation of the Glare Quilt. It is one of three bonus variations only available in the class. Nur means light in Arabic since this arc variation and coloring reminds me of the geometic patterns found in Islamic architexture. (Scroll through for the original Glare Quilt.)

Anyhow, there are just over 24 hours left to grab the discounted bundle where you get the pattern, ruler, class and some fun bonuses.

To order: https://www.latifahsaafirstudios.com/glare/
More info: https://shop.latifahsaafirstudios.com/collections/glare

08/22/2024

I knew this one was near but DAMN. We’re never ready when we lose people that occupy spaces in our heart. I just got word that my friend, Sarah Bond lost her fight with metastatic breast cancer. Sarah Bond was an award winning quilter and teacher. But beyond that she was a beautiful shining light of a human.

I met Sarah years ago but, really got to know her when we were roomies two years in a row as teachers at Quilters Affair. Not only did she put up with my snoring without complaint she came with handmade gifts and was generally a delightful human to room with. I wish we could laugh one more time about the rat story, sit up and watch one more episode of Law & Order or share bits of industry gossip.

I always loved that she had a quilty connection to her ancestors that she generously shared with all of us. At QuiltCon 2023 I got the chance to help hold up her families ancestral quilts. It was a powerful visceral experience that allowed me to connect to the shared experiences that our ancestors had. Now, she is off to join the ancestors.

My heart just can’t take anymore.

Love you Sarah. Rest well dear one.

2024, please stop. We can’t take anymore. . .

08/19/2024

* NOT MY WORK * I was heartbroken to hear that we lost another friend in the quilt world quite unexpectedly this week - Carole Lyles Shaw.

I first met Carole when she worked as a Board Member of the Modern Quilt Guild. From there it was wonderful to see her blossom as a teacher and businesswoman and as a quilter. I was happy to have been able to include her work in my Break My Soul exhibit that showed at Road to California earlier this year. I don’t have a pic of Carole and I together so instead here are the two pieces that she allowed me to share during this exhibit. (Afro Moderne #1, 2018 and MidCentury Modern Curve: Graffiti #1, 2018)

So much love to Carole’s husband and family and to all who loved her. Rest well dear one. You will be missed.

Two RIP posts in one week. Oh, 2024…

08/15/2024

“Veronica” by Freddy Moran, 2020

* NOT MY WORK * I had always wanted to own one of Freddy Moran’s Face quilts. Upon hearing of her passing I remembered that Jean Impey .impey used to sell them for Freddy on Etsy. To my delight and surprise there were some still available! I knew the one that was meant for me would speak to me when I saw this and yes, it did! Isn’t she perfect? From the Alexander Henry ‘Tag You’re It’ grafitti fabric matched with the crosshatch fabric on the background to the brown skin to the butterfly hair and hoop earings. . . I feel as if it was meant for me! Now to find the perfect place to hang it in my studio.

(There are still some pieces available. You can find the shop on Etsy called FreddyAndJean. I found it by searching Freddy Moran and clicking on one of the face quilts that popped up. Then I went to the main shop page and clicked the link for Freddy’s Portraits on the left.)

08/14/2024

Just heard about the passing of Freddy Moran at the age of 94. It was a distinct honor to get to meet Freddy just a few years ago. My condolences to the many, many people who loved her and will miss her. Today through our sadness, let’s honor her commitment to live life unapologetically and authentically by stepping into more of that same energy for ourselves.

Rest well dear Freddy!

08/06/2024

I finally posted quilty t-shirts and a few stickers for sale!

https://shop.latifahsaafirstudios.com/collections/quilty-swag

07/03/2024

I can’t wait to chat with my friend Lee Chappell on Friday!
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Reposted • 🎉Season 4 of the Quilting Hour, Episode 5 is on Friday, July 5th, at 12pm PT, and it’s LIVE! Join Lee Chappell Monroe () alongside Latifah Saafir (), as they talk about using color in high contrast to create unique quilts. From the clammy to meandering bias, Latifah is pushing the envelope of what fabric can do and using color to punch up the designs. Her bright palette crosses from warm to cool and red to blue as she makes dazzling patterns with concise, brilliant instruction.

✨Bundle & Save! Save $10 off the original season bundle price of $39.99 with the code “QHOUR4CS”. This bundle price gives you access to ALL six episodes and access to their recordings to watch at your leisure! That’s like getting two FREE episodes! Sign up for the live, virtual event through Creative Spark

06/25/2024

Just a few more seats! Who’s joining us?

Destination, East Caribbean! Are there unique cruise classes? Yes, we got you! - I am excited!!! The cruise is almost FULL. Time is running out and there are only a few spots left. Join Latifah Saafir Studios LLC , Gyleen X. Fitzgerald and Geraldine on a new adventure. Read the last blog post and listen to Latifah and Geraldine's conversation about this premiere quilting experience.

https://courses.livingwaterquilter.com/blog/tropical-quilt-retreat-at-sea

06/19/2024

Check out this fun conversation for more info on the Tropical Quilting Retreat At Sea quilt cruise!

Join Quilt Conversations LIVE! for a fun and lively conversation about a tropical quilting cruise. In addition to visiting five Caribbean ports, on sea days...

05/15/2024

I hate sewing random scraps for demos/tutorials - I like to make actual quilts. So I decided to play with a rainbow block that was fun. But I knew I only needed/wanted a four ring sample for the demos I needed to do for the Put A Ring On It Quilt Along that going on now. So, I thought, why don’t I do a fabulous “border” that carries the rings out to the edge. What was once a 32” square double wedding ring mini is now a respectable 64” square throw quilt! And I am IN LOVE! I loosely aimed at having a different unique fabric in each of the spaces but realized after my rings were pieced that I have the same two duplictes IN THE SAME POSITION in two blocks! Haha! No, I didn’t take them out. It’ll add to the whimsy of the quilt.

I have to figure out quilting but I already know I’m going to round the corners and give this baby a rainbow, chunky binding. What do I use for the backing though? I’m reallly trying not to buy fabric for this. Thankfully I had that perfect Starry background fabric in my stash. Maybe I’ll do a rainbow-y scrappy backing. Scrappy always takes SO much time for me though. . . what do y’all think?

05/10/2024

You voted and we listened! We're going on a quilt cruise! Don't you want to join us? Click on this link for more info: https://www.latifahsaafirstudios.com/tropicalquiltingretreatatsea/

05/01/2024

I’m having fun on this Put A Ring On It Quilt Along! This week we’re cutting everything and piecing and cutting arcs. So far I’ve finished two of four unfinished Put A Ring On It UFOs! And I’m trying my darndest NOT to start a new one. Ha! I am loving how this little block is coming together though. It’s just a demo sample from scraps left over from a rainbow rings baby quilt that’s in progress. I kinda wish I had made a whole quilt from blocks like this though. . . See, this is how I get myself into trouble.

Are you sewing along with us? What are you working on?

04/30/2024

I love how changing fabric placement changes the whole quilt! This is my All Eyez On Me quilt but the circle centers are the same as the background so the orange peels/rings shine. All of the blues and blue-greens with pops of color put me in mind of scuba diving off a tropical island. I needed to FINALLY quilt up this little beauty that’s been sitting in my UFO pile for awhile. I chose a simple walking foot quilting design following the outline of the shapes. I ended up with a diagonal open grid and circles (made simply by following the changing curve from edge to edge). It was super easy and quick yet effective quilting which is a win in my book.

Look for this quilt to appear in an upcoming super fun announcement! Can you guess what it is?!

💙🩵💚💙🩵❤️💙🩵🩷💙🩵🧡💙🩵💛💙🩵💜