Happy Appliquer

Another UFO and a little rant

2012-02-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Today I am heading out on the road again. First stop is to see my youngest son and I am so excited to see the show that he has just designed and made costumes. He will graduate this May with a degree in Theater, majoring in Costume Design and in the fall will start Graduate School to major in Costume Design and Technology. It is so exciting to see his work and to be able to enjoy the fun of sewing (though he clearly has skills I can only dream of). Since we have many other things to take care of on this trip, we aren't sure of our return date so yesterday I scrambled to find some hand work to keep me busy. I have one more Chinese block prepped for applique but figured I better get more. So it was off to the UFO boxes again and this is what I found. This quilt is called "Sweet Dreams" and is from the book "Tea in the Garden" by Cynthia Tomaszewski (hope I spelled that correctly). It was just awaiting the applique sashing. I thought that I might machine applique all those leaves with an invisible applique stitch and a turned edge but since I am not good with ironing over those edges, I've decided that this will make a good travel project. I still have lots more to prep but this should keep me busy for awhile. I'm wishing now that I had used a lighter background for the sashing but they were already cut so I guess it will do.

And now for my little rant. As many people have noticed around blogland, the word verification in the comments section has become very difficult to read. Like many others I often blog over my first cup of coffee and since I am just waking up it is even more difficult to figure out. It means I am leaving fewer comments and receiving fewer as well. So I have turned off the "word verification" setting and hopefully it is easier now. Hope this helps anyone trying to comment cause I love hearing from y'all.

Happy Stitching. Hope I'll be back soon.

Springtime pillow cover

2012-02-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

Here is a pillow cover that I finished this morning. I still need to find or make a pillow form to stuff it with but it is ready to go. I am having fun doing a few fast projects to be used in the rental home that my DH will be moving to when he starts his new job. We have lots of spare furniture that we will be pulling from our current home and a vacation home in Charleston, SC that we are hoping to sell.

The pattern for this pillow came from the Oct. 2010 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting and I think that it will make a happy addition to our home in Florida. Lots of white, yellow, blue, green and pink should make everyday feel sunny and bright!

Sewn together

2012-02-15T08:47:00.000-05:00

After lots and lots of pinning I finally got this put together yesterday. Sadly I really don't think the picture does justice to all the piecing and it looks better in person. It is not as big as I need but I think that borders are going to be added instead of more blocks. This was certainly a quilt filled with lessons.

1. Sometimes you just have to use pins.
2. Check your pressing instructions and be consistent.
3. Blocks made several years ago may be slightly different than blocks finished today.

I think the real lesson is that it is a good idea to finish a project like this in a more timely fashion, as it was rather tricky fitting these blocks together. But a couple borders added and it will be a finished top, languishing no more in the UFO pile and that is a good thing! Maybe fitting all those odd sized blocks together was good practice for me as I am in charge of the raffle quilt for our guild this year and who knows what trouble I may run into there. :)

Winding Ways, a UFO in progress

2012-02-12T08:01:00.000-05:00

This UFO, a green and yellow Winding Ways quilt found my way to to design wall yesterday. Somehow with the new direction our life is taking "winding ways" seems very appropriate and I was really needing to just sit and sew yesterday so I would not be thinking about all the life changes coming up. Somehow I don't feel as guilty not working on my "should do's" if I am working on an old UFO. :-)

Anyway this UFO had been lingering for about 7 or 8 years and since I had most of the blocks made and more cut it seems a shame not to finish it, especially since it can be used with all the furniture and stuff that DH will be using in his rental in Florida (where he has taken a new job). Good job I still had the directions for making the block cause it took me a while to get in the groove of sewing these things. Originally I had planned this to be a queen sized quilt but now a twin/throw size will do just fine. I only had to cut out 4 extra blocks and hopefully I will get the last 6 sewn today. Though the colors aren't something I would pick today, I am looking forward to getting this one out of the UFO pile and made into something useful.

Super "bolt" sale

2012-02-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I forgot to post about my fun shopping this past Sunday. My LQS has a super bolt sale every year and these colorful bolts are what I purchased. We not the white background ones on the right and two of the colored bolts are actually from the sale last year. I am trying to add some brights to my stash this year and this is certainly a great way to buy backings. These bolts ranged from 5 to 20 dollars per bolt - a great deal and amazingly they actually look pretty good together, though that was not intended at the time.

Oops, this photo went sideways when it was posted, but maybe you can see the little eyes poking out of the pocket. This is the center of the larger baby quilt from a few posts ago. A tiny pocket with a little felt owl peeking out. I want to make a few more surprises for the pocket but obviously not for when the child is a baby and the own is fully removable.
Off to the fabric store to buy the fabric for a guild raffle quilt, such fun.

More Critters

2012-02-09T13:44:00.000-05:00

Well it has been a very busy week and I can't believe that it is already Friday. The quilts from the last post are quilted and the bigger is just awaiting the hand stitching on the binding. I am still slogging away on the applique for this quilt but I can see the end in sight. Such silly blocks and so much fun to do but I am ready to finish and move on to other things.

This happy little frog on the toadstool is one of my favorites.

As is the puppy grinning at the snail. Hopefully I will finish the applique and get the top put together this weekend as our life is taking another crazy turn soon. My DH just accepted a job 6 hours away and this means looking for a place for him to rent, and moving him in before April 1. Don't know how this living apart is going to work out but we will need to start that way. Youngest son graduates from college in May and will start grad school in the fall so I think there is lots of packing and heavy lifting in my future. We really thought we would be settled when we moved into this house 1 1/2 years ago but that isn't how life is working out and I am just trying to go with the flow and hey there are lots of great fabric stores on that 6 hr. drive.

Baby Quilts are such fun

2012-02-05T15:26:00.000-05:00

Oh how I love sewing baby quilts. They are small and with some fun fabrics they can be fast and easy but still adorable. Yesterday I spent all day in the studio sewing these baby items. The pattern for this one came from an old American Patchwork and Quilting magazine and is made primarily from the Frolic line of fabric by Wendy Slotbloom for In the Beginning Fabrics. I spotted this adorable line of fabrics a few years ago, but with no baby needs didn't buy any and just kept admiring it in the store. So when my LQS put it in their sale room (40% off) I scooped up several yards for "sometime". I added a few other pieces of fabric from my stash and am very pleased with it. I find it so much harder to make something adorable and boyish cause I do love flowers etc. but this one fits the bill and with the few tiny flowers amongst the animals it would be so easy to add something to make it read more girly should that be required.

From the same line of fabric I made this little bassinet sheet and bumper. Seeing the bassinet really takes me back as it was made for my youngest son (now 22) when he was born, by a dear friend.

And from the leftovers of the bigger quilt I whipped up this tiny one for the bassinet. No pattern, just cut some leftovers into 2 in squares and used a little piece of fun fabric framed in the center. I had intended to make it a bit bigger but ran out of squares and decided it was fine. I have actually got it quilted now and am ready to hand stitch the binding tonight. A happy and productive weekend.

Oh, and why is baby on my mind? My DS and DDIL are trying to adopt a baby. Though we don't know when it will happen I know I will be ready to welcome a baby with much love and of course, quilts.

Embellishments completed

2012-02-03T09:26:00.000-05:00

Another full day stitching, yay, and I have completed the embellishments for the first Sue Spargo BOM block. I took this close up so you could see all the little bullion knots and bullion loops. I'm actually not sure that my loops are quite right as they started twisting, but I still think that they are fun. Each month we practice some new embroidery stitches so I hope to learn a lot through the year. Being left handed does make learning stitches a little more complicated but I did buy a book for left handed embroiderers and that is helpful. Anyway I am having fun and should end up with a bright and happy quilt.

I really wish you could see this in person, so much brighter and the texture the embellishments add is great.

And finally a little project for a nursery. These are little animals that I cut and then simply fused to fun fabric and framed. The hopeful mommy-to-be and I also made a quilt for this room but I forgot to take a picture before I delivered it. I will have to check out the room soon and see how everything is coming together!

Sue Spargo BOM 2012

2012-02-01T19:30:00.000-05:00

Last June I was fortunate enough to take a few workshops with Sue Spargo when she came to our quilt guild. It was so much fun working with wool and all her fun embellishment techniques that I wanted to do more. While I love many of her designs I was uncertain about signing up for her 2012 BOM because the one from last year was not in my preferred color palette. However after seeing a sneak peek of this year's colors, on the Sue Spargo Twee blog, I was smitten and signed up quickly. Now this is not an inexpensive BOM (though I am not complaining cause you really do get some wonderful, unique materials) so it isn't one I want to linger forever in my "to do" pile. I am in the week 3 mailing so I have only had the package for about 1 1/2 weeks, but other obligations have not allowed me to work on it until today. A full day in the studio and the applique is complete and the embellishment can begin. Lots of embroidery on each block and hopefully I can start tomorrow. Oh how I am loving these happy colors!

This is another wool project that I am trying to embellish using the same idea. The project is from the book
"Pennies from Heaven" but I am adding lots of extra stitching and some applique with silk.

And speaking of silk, a wonderful quilting friend recently gifted me with some wonderful Jim Thompson silk sample pieces. I am so excited that I am trying to plan the perfect project. Maybe an applique project all in silk. Makes me happy just imagining how beautiful that could be!

Home at last

2012-01-31T10:36:00.000-05:00

After being on the road for almost all of January (over 5000 miles in the car) I am home at last (well at least for a little while) and trying to catch up with the mountains of laundry, grocery shopping and errands. This little project is what I took on the road with me, some happy hand applique to work on in the car during stressful times. It is to be a surprise project but if posting spoils the surprise, well so be it cause I really have nothing else to show for my time.

This sweet little project is from the book "Critter Caboodle" by Brandywine designs and has really helped to lift my spirits. The happy little faces make me smile as does working on a project for a special someone.

I have a few more of these blocks completed so come back soon if you want to see more. It has been so nice getting back to the sewing room, I had forgotten how much I use my quilting as therapy!

Happy Stitching

More travels

2012-01-19T07:46:00.001-05:00

Well, not much sewing going on these days as we have been on the road so much this month. Thanks for all your concern about my dad. The cancer is progressing and we hope he can stay comfortable. We just got home from Florida where my DH had a job interview. Fingers crossed that we get some good news on that. But all the travel means quilt shop stops, after all you have to stop for food, gas and potty breaks so you might as well plan them around quilt store locations. :-) Anyway here are the purchases from this week's trip. I love this new line of fabric by Michael Miller fabrics called Backyard Baby and I purchased some of every fabric in the line. I'm not usually a fabric line kinda gal but this one spoke to me. I also picked up some random pieces of fabric that will blend in and will be adding lots more from my stash. Now to figure out just what to do with it.

Home for a few days and out again on Sunday for another week on the road. Better get more hand applique ready. I hope to show some of that project soon.

I am missing my time in blog land but catching up when I can. Unfortunately this new Android tablet often won't allow me to comment on blogs but I wIll keep trying to figure it out and if any of you know what I might be doing wrong please let me know.

Happy stitching!

Busy days ahead

2012-01-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

It has been quite a while since I have posted with any regularity and I am afraid that is going to continue for the next few months. Lots of stuff happening in my personal life that requires time and travel so there really isn't much time for doing much posting. I tried posting on my new tablet but the pictures are somewhat grainy and I'm still not feeling real comfortable with typing on it but I will keep trying.

Anyway, I did get a chance to finish the quilt for my son's friend. He and I are happy with how it turned out and hopefully he will get a chance to give it to her this week and she will like it. The colors are so much prettier in person and we agreed that it was not too "little girlish" for a college age girl. Having 3 boys I really don't have much opportunity to sew fun "girly" stuff so this was extra fun for me. Gave me a chance to use colors that I love without wondering "what am I going to do with it".

In the close up I tried showing the overall quilting pattern. It is a sorta paisley pattern that I use in lots of quilts. I love the movement that it brings and the modern look that it has. And done as a small background filler on applique it is wonderful.

Not much else to show for now. I am working on getting some hand applique ready for our road trip to Canada to visit my Dad who has cancer. I really hope that we can avoid any snow and I am just dreading the cold weather. I haven't lived in the north for a few years and probably don't even fit into any winter clothes right now! I will just have to keep a quilt nearby to snuggle in.

The apple of my eye

2012-01-01T10:33:00.001-05:00

I've spoken before of my son who was in a near fatal car accident. Well he is the youngest of 3 sons and we now laugh that he is now spoiled and the favorite. Here is a photo of the little pincushion that he made me for Christmas. He is a very talented sewer, and is actually studying costume design and construction and whipped this thing up without a pattern. I guess you could say he is the apple of my eye, but in truth all my sons are!

A quilt for a friend

2011-12-26T16:01:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday. After hearing that one of his friends was having a tough time, my son and I decided it would be fun to work together to make her a quilt. We pulled several fabrics from my stash and these are the blocks we came up with. They still need some arranging but we are well on the way. The picture isn't very good cause I am trying to post using my new tablet (a great Christmas gift if I could figure out how to use it).

Missing in action!

2011-12-22T15:52:00.000-05:00

The craziness of the season caused a minor quilting scare late last week. I had a few extra minutes and thought I would do a little applique on this block for my quilt based on Chinese embroideries. I had forgotten to bring my silk applique threads home with me after my son's surgery, so when he arrived here for the holidays I was itching to stitch. Horror of horrors, the quilt block was nowhere to be found! I spent much of a day looking in all my bins of fabric (and trust me there is a lot of it) and even resorted to calling my SIL who had been here in late Oct. to see if she had scooped it up by mistake. I was pretty distraught cause I didn't think I had enough of the fabric used in the flower to fussy cut the petals again. But as often happens, another idea of where to look came to me in my sleep and I woke up ready to look again. Sure enough I found it folded inside some backing fabric that I had been auditioning recently. It was a relief to find it but I think sometimes I am going crazy, misplacing stuff even though I try to stay organized.

I finished the block today and am so happy that I found it cause I love the way the lotus turned out. Only one more block before I need to figure out borders. I love the Christmas projects but it is nice to get back to other projects.

Christmas presents

2011-12-15T10:20:00.000-05:00

This week my little sewing group had our Christmas get together and we exchanged gifts. I made these little owl pincushions and matching needlecases. It was so much fun putting the fabric together and making these that I may have to make one for myself.

And here are the lovely things I received. A wonderful handmade ornament (looking forward to the tutorial for this one), a personalized pot holder is not only quilted but embroidered too and a cute little snowman plate. Thanks ladies for these treats and especially your friendship.

The final snowmen and more hand quilting

2011-12-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

As I was stashing away some Christmas gifts today I realized that I had snowmen quilty things in yet another room. This little pillow was made many years ago for my youngest son's bedroom. I believe the snowman pattern came from a Thimbleberries Christmas book. Now he has a perfect winter home in our tiny guest room.

And here is the quilt on the bed in the same room. This is about the only bedroom that always has a quilt on the bed, which I change often. Sorry you can't really see the quilt, I'll have to get a better picture. :)

Snowman Country is quilted, embellished and bound and now hanging in the guest room awaiting the arrival of the youngest son. I wonder if he will remember making those snowmen on the bed when he was in elementary school. They were projects we made during Christmas craft day in 2nd and 3rd grade. One year we made the pillows, the next the little beanie baby to match. I cut and sewed all the fleece snowmen and had the kids stuff and sew the opening closed. I also cut all the noses and black circles and scarves and they then just had to glue on the faces and buttons and tie on the scarf. I did this for 3 classes, so about 60 kids. Hard to believe now but I really miss those days!!!

I know I've shown this one before but I can't resist showing it once again. I love hand quilting this during the holidays, not a Christmas quilt but it says Christmas to me. I'm starting to move around the edges but still a long way to go. Maybe a finish by next year!

Two more for Christmas

2011-12-05T07:41:00.000-05:00

This weekend I whipped up this little snowman wallhanging for my powder room. I have something a little more elegant planned for this room but since there is not enough time to get that finished for this year I decided to go with something a little more whimsical. The needleturned Snowman design is adapted from a block from "Snowbound" which was Bunnyhill's 2010 BOM. I pieced the little red and white checked border cause I didn't have a red and white stripe fabric and love how it turned out. I went with very little quilting, partly to let the fabric speak for itself and mostly cause I was lazy and just wanted it finished fast! Looking at it in this picture it almost looks like a panel, oh dear is that a good or a bad thing?

And here is one that I forgot about when I was taking pictures around my house. I made this a few years ago and can't find the pattern. It is fused and then buttonhole stitched by hand and again not much quilting.

A Quilter's Home at Christmas

2011-12-02T15:59:00.000-05:00

I've so enjoyed seeing everyone's Christmas decor that I thought I would give you a little tour of my home decorated with quilts this Christmas. This one on the couch is made from leftover scraps from the Christmas quilt over the fireplace, as is the pillow. But the quilt really lives on the ottoman shown below as a cover from the crazy Yorkshire terrier who bosses us around and who loves to scratch and destroy stuff.

I've shown this one before but now the mantel is complete.

Here is our little woodland display on the top of the entertainment unit. I always have quilts folded on the shelf but I think I need to make a red and white quilt to add here.

And here is the view into the dining room. It isn't a Christmas quilt there but the colors work and the stripes sorta read Christmas candy cane to me.

See that Christmas tree quilt on the back of the chair. It is one of my very early quilts, probably around 1987 and one of my first machine quilting projects. And next to it in the basket is the red and green Whig Rose that I am currently hand quilting. I love how these old and new projects work together.

This is in my kitchen. Again not a Christmas quilt but I did make it to use at Christmas time. It is called Ruby Red Dots and the book is still available. But on the chair a tiny Christmas pillow from the late 80's. Back then I also made lots of Santas and there is one on the table that is made with fabric that was stiffened and then painted.

Here is a 4 ft. stuffed Santa made sometime in the early 90s.

And a couple more. I made the one with the little teddy bear when I was living in England in 1986. He is probably the first one I made and I made a different Santa every year for several years.

I didn't make this one, he is a little fellow from my husband's childhood and my husband's uncle made the sleigh. I haven't really seen all this stuff for a few years because life got in the way of our normal Christmas celebrations. I am enjoying the memories that all these things bring back.

Oh and this wouldn't be a tour of a quilter's home at Christmas without seeing what most quilter's really see this time of year.

The mess of the season!

Happy Stitching

Snowmen top complete

2011-11-30T17:41:00.000-05:00

I finished the Snowman Country top today and I am really happy with how it turned out. Using the white as sashing really seemed to brighten it up and somehow makes it look a bit more modern. Unfortunately I haven't got enough of any one fabric for a backing so I will have to put my thinking cap on for a pieced back. I'm really trying hard to use fabric in my stash these days and so far I haven't bought anything new for this one, but I have a pretty big stash so I shouldn't have any trouble coming up with something!

The snowmen are home

2011-11-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

Finally the snowmen and I are home and as I had hoped they are all ready to be put together.

These have been fun and quick. Just the thing for the past week.

And here they are all up on the design wall awaiting sashing.

The original pattern called for scrappy sashing with cornerstones in a different color and my original intent when I started was to have black sashing, made with many different fabrics and then red corner stones. But seeing it up on the design wall I like this lighter look and have decided to go in a different direction. Can't wait to get started cutting to see how it turns out. Sometimes you just have to listen to the quilt!

Snowman Country continues

2011-11-27T16:17:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more of the blocks from "Snowman Country" that I have been working on during my son's recovery.

Thanks to everyone who sent good thoughts and kind words. His surgery went well and he is progressing nicely. This surgery involved bone grafting and moving more teeth. His jaw was crushed in a car accident 2 years ago and he has is still missing his 4 upper front teeth. Doctors are working on improving his bite and preparing him for implants, hopefully in a few months.

Another holiday of soft foods and lots of cooking for me to keep his weight up. It is very difficult for him to eat, nothing that needs to be bitten into and with a poor bite, lots of easy chew foods. I've become a creative cook, using lots of ground meats, mashed potatoes and pasta, soups and stews and these trips keep me pretty busy. But I've still had plenty of time for some hand sewing and I am happy with how this little snowman quilt is turning out.

Sorry that these 2 photos are sideways, not sure why or how to fix them but you get the idea.

Hope to be heading home tomorrow and to have this put together soon. I really enjoy working on Bunnyhill patterns, so easy and fun and a change from my more "serious" work and during this busy holiday season its good to have something relaxing at my fingertips.

Happy Stitching to all!

Snowmen for the road

2011-11-19T09:28:00.000-05:00

For Thanksgiving next week I am headed out of town to be with my youngest son while he undergoes another surgery, so I've been prepping some handwork to take. Since I want it to be easy and happy work, I decided on this "Snowman Country" pattern by Bunny Hill Designs that I have had lying around for awhile. I couldn't resist sewing this first block (still needs embroidery) and starting the second.

But at this rate I'd have them done before I leave so I'll just prep the rest for now. Hopefully this will be a fun and festive little distraction between my cooking and nursing duties!

A quilt for charity

2011-11-16T08:54:00.000-05:00

Since I am busy sewing Christmas gifts (which must remain secret for now) here is a photo of the quilt that my Quilt Guild is sewing for charity. It will be given to the charity (which I can't remember the name of) to auction off this spring and we all hope that it raises lots of money. We had another sewing day this past Sunday and finished all the blocks, about 104 of them! It is amazing what you can do with 15 - 20 people and 2 days of sewing. My task for the day was sewing curved seams so I had the pleasure of finishing blocks and it was amazing seeing them come together. Sorry for the quality of the photo, I barely left my chair all day as I was having so much fun sewing and chatting.

Back to Stitching

2011-11-13T09:25:00.000-05:00

Well I'm back to stitching on the hexagon quilt. As you can see the hexagons are complete and they are pinned to the medallion center ready to be appliqued down.

And the applique on my Pickled Lilies quilt is about half done too. Later today I will be doing more foundation piecing on the charity quilt that my guild is making so that should get me all set to tackle piecing the border for this one. The Christmas decorating is almost complete and while I'd like to be working on these projects I think its time to start thinking about gifts to make!

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

2011-11-11T19:02:00.000-05:00

So here is what I have been up to this week. Not much sewing but the 12 ft. Christmas tree is assembled, lit and decorated. Oh and the new Christmas quilt is hung over the fireplace. I know, its crazy early but once again we will be helping our son recover after surgery at Thanksgiving and I want everything done before then.
I've mentioned before that we have had some difficult times over the last few years and today is the 2 year anniversary of our son's near fatal car accident. So, in 2009 the holidays were in hospital and last Christmas he had a difficult jaw surgery. Unfortunately he needs a 6th oral/jaw surgery done this Thanksgiving but we are just so grateful that he is alive and has had a miraculous recovery otherwise, that we look forward to a real celebration this Christmas. And part of that is making our home extra festive looking. Let the decorating continue!
Oh and you may notice the unusual tree topper staring down. I'll be adding more woodland decorations to the tree and putting this fellow on the top of the tree just seemed right!

Eek, curved piecing

2011-11-06T11:43:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness putting this center together was certainly out of my comfort zone! I've never really wanted to make a Double Wedding Ring quilt and didn't quite understand how they went together so putting these together was quite the challenge. I worked in some frustration yesterday but things seemed a bit better today after looking at a few tutorials online. But then it wasn't flat. I followed the instructions and measured the center for the border measurement but man there sure was a lot of easing to make those last borders fit. Well, things seem a bit flatter now. If I didn't love how this looks in my kitchen I think I would give up but at least the next part is applique and that I know how to do! Despite my complaining I am enjoying this one and learning lots of new skills. Who knew that the foundation piecing would be the easy part!!!!

Foundation piecing phobia

2011-11-04T11:22:00.000-04:00

A few years ago I made this New York Beauty after taking a class on foundation paper piecing. I enjoyed the class and scurried home and made this quilt in the next few days while I still had the technique fresh in my mind. Unfortunately I completely forgot what I did to make this thing and have had a foundation piecing phobia ever since. This past week I got together with several members of my guild to make a quilt for a charity to auction as a fundraiser. I was horrified/delighted to discover we were foundation piecing a really complicated quilt! Actually it turned out to be a great refresher course and I had lots of fun. So once again I scurried home to practice.

So, while I still know what I am doing, I started on this quilt that I have wanted to make for years. It is a pattern by Chris Jurd that appeared in a 2008 copy of "Down Under Quilts" . I had all the fabric picked, the foundations copied to velum and was ready to go.

And voila, I have made some Pickle Dish arcs. I am so proud of myself and love how it looks. Lots more to do so maybe this time the "how to" will sink in.

And last, but not least, here is a giveaway win from the Ghastlies blog hop. This was a prize from Barb of Bejeweled by Barb. I was so excited to receive the cute little bag and the piece of Ghastlie fabric. None of my LQSs carry this fabric and I can't wait to use it in something fun. Thanks Barb.

Hexie update and more

2011-10-31T13:28:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been a week since I posted, but as you can see I'm still working away on my hexie medallion quilt. The applique center is all finished and I am happy with my first foray into Broderie Perse.

Here are more hexagons sewn together. Still a few more to go but I have so many hexie flowers sewn together and cut out that I'm thinking that I may have to use them in a border too.

For 3 days last week my sister-in-law and brother-in-law from Texas were here for a visit. She is also a quilter so we had fun shopping the local quilt stores and making these cute little butterflies for their new baby grandchild who is due to be born any time now. It is to be a girl and we had fun making these to hang in her room. Since I have no little girls in my life, I sent the pattern home with her and can't remember the pattern name.

I was delighted with this Dutch fabric that my SIL brought for me. She lives near the quilt store "Happiness is Quilting" in McKinney, TX which, I believe, is the only American shop that carries this fabric. I'm thinking that I need to order the panel now that I have seen this in person.
Happy Stitching to all.

My favorite sewing bag

2011-10-24T06:55:00.000-04:00

Since I am still working away on my hexies and appliquing the medallion I thought I would share my favorite sewing bag. This is the "Victoria" bag by Sue Spargo. The center front is done in wool applique, but I must admit I did change a few of the applique shapes from the original. I love this bag cause it seems to go with everything that I wear and is a perfect size. I often take it to quilt guild and I swear people recognize this bag more than they do me! Kinda like how my husband knows our neighbors by their cars.

These are some of the sewing accessories that I use with the bag. My DS sent me the little pincushion and the nametag is actually a pin-on needlecase that I made at an applique retreat. That polka dot thing is a thread catcher that folds up and the flower covered thing is a wool appliqued sewing case. And I love having a matching zippered pouch to hold threads and misc. stuff and this one was just whipped up with leftovers from the bag. I've been using this bag for about a year now and I'm starting to get the itch to make something new, but I don't know, I still LOVE this bag!

Back to Applique

2011-10-21T11:59:00.000-04:00

I've been out of town for a few days and was able to spend lots of time with my hexies but yesterday I was itching to get the appliqued medallion prepped for stitching. Picking out the fabrics and watching an applique piece come together is probably my favorite part of quilting and I can really lose myself. I finally decided to use these 3/4" flowers in a variation of the "Aunt Sarah" quilt in the Quilt Mania magazine No. 82. I did change the medallion slightly and decided to try Broiderie perse (now I just know I spelled that wrong) with the flowers. I love how it looks and can't wait to see it all appliqued. As you can see I have glued up the whole block and have started stitching using the needleturn method. I know it is a bit unconventional to glue everything down first, but it works for me!

Here is an idea of how it will look with the hexagons added. Again I changed this from the pattern, eliminating the bottom row of hexagons to keep it more square. Yay, its half done.

Just for fun I put some half square triangles on the design wall to help me get thinking about some borders. The pattern just has a straight border to finish off the quilt but I want to add a little more interest. These triangles are left overs from another project, actually throw aways, and I am excited to think that I can use them for this project. I have about 300 of these and I am liking this so far.

Finally, here is the little pin cushion I made to go in my hexie sewing basket. It is made with 1/2" hexies and was a fun little experiment. I just love having my sewing accessories look as pretty as the project I am working on!
Happy Stitching

Hexies coming together

2011-10-14T10:59:00.000-04:00

I just set my hexies on my bed and aren't they looking pretty. I've decided that this quilt is going to hang on the wall behind this bed so I can enjoy it everyday. I had no idea how time consuming these little things were going to be when I started this project so I don't want it to end up folded up in a pile and besides if it is for the wall it won't have to be so big! I'm definitely planning an appliqued medallion center surrounded by these hexagons and perhaps something extra in the borders.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my last post. I didn't know about "refreshing" a page so that info helped and I think I have solved a few other problems on my own. This blogging can be frustrating but I am learning lots, both about computers and quilting!

Off to make more hexies!

A blog win and a plea for "Follower" help

2011-10-12T10:27:00.000-04:00

What a great way to brighten up a dreary day. Yesterday these fun things arrived in the mail thanks to a generous giveaway from Kelly at Pinkadots Quilts. I have a link to her blog on my sidebar so you can go check out the fun things she is working on. I love her fun use of bright fabrics. Thanks Kelly, I can't wait to figure out what to do with the Christmas charm packs and the little pumpkin will now go up on the wall in my kitchen!
On a totally different note, I have been having trouble with my "Followers" on my sidebar. Sometimes they are there sometimes not. Yesterday I spent some time searching Google and blogger for a solution and thought that I had it all figured out but then today I went in and they were gone again. I am usually able to retrieve them by clearing history and I think perhaps yesterday's fix (which I can't explain cause I didn't really understand) did solve some of the problems but I would love to hear from anyone who reads my blog. Mainly can you see my followers in my sidebar or is this disappearance now just happening on my computer? For a while you could only see followers if you came direct, not from someone else's blog but that hopefully is OK now. I know that this is a problem that others are experiencing as I sometimes can't see the followers and the button doesn't work on other blogs. Thanks to everyone who responds, I will be so grateful as this is really driving me nuts! Thank goodness for my hexie distraction and a big thank you again to Kelly for the delightful giveaway.

The frenzy continues

2011-10-11T08:56:00.000-04:00

I've been a bit slack on my posting lately because I have been in a bit of a hexie frenzy. My papers arrived last week and I have been working steadily on this pile of hexagons. I did try printing out some of the hexagons on card stock and cutting them out but frankly that was rather time consuming and no fun at all, so I was thrilled when the papers I ordered arrived. The company was very quick to reship them to the correct address and their prompt and considerate customer service means that I will be happy to order from them in the future. So nice when a company does everything they can to fix a mistake rather than argue about it!
My biggest problem with these little beauties is that they are so addictive I haven't done any other sewing in the past week, but they will be super travel companions when I go out of town later this week. I'm still not positive how I am going to use them but I think that a medallion with some applique may be involved. Such fun!!!

Birds of a Feather

2011-10-04T14:21:00.000-04:00

Since I don't have much to show for the last few days work I thought I would instead show you what is currently hanging over my fireplace. This is from the book "Birds of a Feather" by Blackbird designs. When I took down my quilt to hang in our guild's recent show I looked for something else to take its place. Since this looks sorta autumnish to me and more important, fit the area, it will hang here til the Christmas decorations go up. I love having this space to highlight some of my quilts, it is amazing how just changing the quilt and a few accessories really changes the room. Don't know why the color is so off in the photo, it is much brighter in person and the wall behind it is yellow not beige.
Sadly I have run out of my precut hexagon papers and the company that I ordered them from shipped them to my billing address rather than my shipping address. They have promised to reship the order to the correct address but I am starting to have hexie withdrawal. Hope they get here soon and in the meantime I have a quilt to bind and applique to keep me busy.

My new addiction

2011-10-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

For years I have heard mutterings among quilters about the thrill of hexagons but I have never been too tempted. Frankly, the typical Grandmother's Flower Garden never spoke to me and English Paper Piecing just seemed like it would be too much work. But then I started seeing all the wonderful things being done with hexagons in some of the Australian blogs that I read and I became intrigued. I have loved Australian quilts for years and have many magazines but blogland really opened up a whole new world of inspiration. I had some of the paper hexagons sitting around ,you know those things you buy thinking someday maybe I'll try this. And after checking out several different tutorials I made my first one with some scraps that were already cut in the right size. Wow, what fun!! A new addiction is born. As you can see I found a perfect little basket sitting around the house and have already filled it with cut fabric and I ordered more of those little papers. My DH says that I am so obsessed with the "papers" that it sounds like I'm addicted to something else, but no its just these little hexagon beauties.

So thanks to all you bloggers using hexagons in beautiful ways, especially those in Australia, you have a fan and convert.

I'm all over the place

2011-09-27T19:34:00.000-04:00

If you have read my blog in the past you will know that I have lots of projects on the go at once. This really works for me as I always have something different to work on and I rarely get bored. Almost everything gets done eventually and I am thrilled that the center of my Captain Russell inspired quilt is now done. Just ready for a trimming and then I will sew it together. I'm not doing the borders, partly due to a lack of interest and mostly because of size, so this one is almost a completed top.

And here is my Christmas top finished. The photo is crap, cause I am a lousy photographer and cause it was just to big for DH to hold, but hopefully you get the idea.

Sadly I didn't have enough of the backing fabric that I had planned to use so while thinking about that I practiced some piecing with the leftover scraps. One of my next projects calls for lots of little 4 1/2 in star blocks so I used the time to test my pattern. I decided not to use the method called for and wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into. Perhaps they will go into the back or maybe a new little project.

And here is what I did today. Sorry, again another crappy photo but not everything is glued or pinned in place so I could only lay it flat. This is from the book "Pennies from Heaven" and I added some silk applique to the wool. I belong to a small group "Wooly Women" which was formed after a Sue Spargo workshop, where we work on embellishing our wool projects. Since I finished the project from the workshop, I needed to get something to work on for our next meeting. I hope to embellish this with lots of embroidery and beading so it should be a fun project. So what will I work on tomorrow?

A little more piecing

2011-09-24T11:04:00.000-04:00

This week I have had a bit of pain in my hip which meant staying close to home and continuing on my Christmas piecing project. Due a variety of family circumstances I haven't really been able to decorate or get in the festive spirit the past few years. Hopefully this year the stars will align and I will actually be able to put up a tree and decorate the whole house. We are in a new home and I am really liking how this looks in our living room. It has been a long time since I've done such a variety of pieced blocks and it has been lots of fun trying to improve my piecing skills. Most of this quilt is on a 2 in. grid so nothing was too difficult to match though I am by no means perfect. I'm hoping to start a more difficult pattern soon and think that this helped get me in the groove. Now a few more joining seams and on to the dreaded borders. Have I mentioned before that I HATE doing borders. Here is about where I usually stop, at the almost complete stage - I know what it will look like and for me, the fun part of piecing is over. But I love the fabric that I am using on the final border so hopefully that will encourage me to continue and I'll be able to show a finished top soon!

In a piecing mood

2011-09-22T15:05:00.000-04:00

Despite the fact that I love applique, sometimes I just get in a piecing kinda mood. This week is one of those times. I knew that I wanted a project that would just be pieced and since I really didn't have a project like that on the go I was able to start something new. Yippee! Kinda my reward for all the finishes I've had lately. This is from last year's McCall's Quilting for Christmas. I had been collecting some Christmas fabrics for a few years with no project in mind and decided to use them in this quilt. It is really fun to piece so many different blocks and to select the fabrics for each block. I'm over half way and can see that I'm really not making much of a dent in this stash so I guess there are more Christmas projects to come. Maybe at table runner is next.

2 more quilted

2011-09-20T08:04:00.000-04:00

I am still working away on the applique in the Captain Russell quilt so thought I would show 2 quilts that I completed recently. This first is "The Graceful Garden" from the book of the same name by Denise Sheehan. The original quilt calls for a pieced border but I found this stripe as I was collecting fabrics for the quilt and am happy with how it worked out. The background fabric looks sorta weird in the photo but it is a cotton quilting fabric with a printed shimmery design and several of the prints also have gold metallic.

I must be secretly drawn to glitz cause I am noticing a bit of a trend in some of my recent quilts.

And here is the finished 12 days of Christmas quilt. I quilted a scroll design in the border, some little holly leaves in the corner squares, a scroll type background design and then holly vines in the outside border.

This one really looks better in person and despite the border being darker than anticipated, I am happy that I will have a new quilt for the holidays.

Romancing the Captain

2011-09-17T16:40:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had a project that you have just fallen out of love with? Such was the case with me and this "Captain Russell quilt". I had finished the outer 16 blocks and the center wreath but I no longer had that lovin' feeling. Other things were newer, more attractive and exciting and I was in danger of moving on, so it was time to rekindle the romance.

I started by looking at what I had fallen in love with in the first place. But as is often the case I really wanted to make the necessary changes to suit me. Unfortunately the Captain wasn't perfect just as he was. Now I had always loved the look of the quilts with a basket of flowers in the middle and that eagle and flag, wonderful as they are, just weren't speaking to me. I was using the pattern on the right, but remembered that this quilt was partially patterned in the book on the left. The book is from 1983 and was published before most of the Baltimore Album books and patterns that we are familiar with. It actually suggests a technique of cutting out the shapes and just arranging them in a pleasing pattern, just as the ladies of Baltimore might have done. And having seen some original unfinished album blocks at the Baltimore Museum of Art (where the Captain hangs and you can purchase the pattern) I thought it might bring back the excitement I had as I started the quilt.

The picture at the beginning of the post shows the first attempt at the block and this is the second. I didn't like how the daisy like flower in the center stood out in the orange and wasn't fond of it in this gold color either.

I finally decided that I liked it better in this lighter gold, but now, having stitched half of the block I am not so sure. I must admit though I think that I have rekindled my love. Trying this technique was fun and freeing. I did use another block pattern just to help with general balance but the block was truly made up by just placing shapes down until I liked how everything looked and then, using Roxanne's glue baste, I glued the whole block up ready for stitching. Probably not for everyone but it was very fun and was a great way to bring new life to an old project. Sometimes just having and open mind and trying something new can make you see things in a new light and it may even get your heart fluttering again.

An exciting win

2011-09-16T08:16:00.000-04:00

Our guild show opens today and last night the winners were announced. I am thrilled that my quilt "Fontainebleau" won a first place in the applique category. After the awards were announced we were able to go into the show for a preview and the first place winners had the opportunity to put the ribbon on their quilt. Here is an excited me attaching the ribbon. Not a great shot of me or the quilt, but a fun time. To see a better picture of the quilt check out my June postings. And you might recognize it as it is the quilt featured in my header photo.

Chinese peony block 2

2011-09-13T12:38:00.001-04:00

I am doing a second post of this block as I seem to be having some trouble with my posting. This is another of my blocks from my quilt based on Chinese embroidery designs. I am using these blocks as a reward when I finish a project or two. I have been doing some machine quilting and working on some UFO's so that I can start something new. In the meantime I am enjoying these blocks. I only have two left before I will have to make some design decisions but I am in no hurry to get them finished as I am just enjoying the process.

Hand quilting takes forever...

2011-09-08T19:47:00.000-04:00

Though most of my quilt is done on my longarm, I just love to hand quilt. I love how relaxing the process is and the beautiful way that it looks. If I'm going to take the time to do it I really want it to be special.

This quilt pattern is from a very old McCall's quilting book that I bought when I was in college. (a long, long time ago :) ) I was newly engaged and had never quilted bought thought that since I sewed clothes that it would be easy. This was before rotary cutters (OK it was the late 70's) and all the patterns advised making templates out of cardboard and well you probably get the picture. So I started making a lemoyne star (I think that is what it is called) with these nasty fabrics in shades of brown, rust and tan and well it was hideous. I scrapped it and didn't attempt quilting again for another 6 or 7 years with much better success. A couple of years ago I came across that quilting book and saw this pattern again. Now this was the quilt I really wanted to make out of the book, not that brown and rust thing, I know I have the skills to do it! The applique was pretty easy but oh the quilting, I have been working on this for over a year and it is taking forever. Oh well, I still love this quilt and I will finish it someday!

Two more finishes in time for fall

2011-09-07T14:40:00.000-04:00

This past weekend the last installment of the Henrietta Whiskers BOM by Bunny Hill designs was posted. I was excited to have something fun to do on a rainy weekend and was especially excited to get it quilted.

Here are a few details of the quilting. I had lots of fun adding little details and I really feel like I am starting to bond with my longarm "Annie". I think we are turning out to be buddies and are resolving our tension issues.

I actually really enjoyed this quilting experience. I also finished my Paisley medallion quilt that is being used to cover my off white ottoman. I still need lots of practice going around the applique shapes but have found that slowing down and sitting while at the machine is really helping.

Most important I am working on keeping in mind that perfect is not necessary, after all I am quilting cause it is fun!

Proud as a Peacock

2011-09-05T08:01:00.000-04:00

I am so excited and proud to show off this fun new quilt. I can't remember if I have ever mentioned that my oldest son is a quilt designer. He certainly never sewed at home but after a stint in publishing he began sewing and designing and never looked back. He currently designs and does technical editing for Stitch magazine and his work has been seen in many other publications such as Quilter's Home and American Patchwork and Quilting. But even more fun for me is the fact that he is starting a small pattern company and I sometimes have the opportunity to test patterns and make samples. This is a new pattern "Peacocks on Parade" that should be finished soon.

It is a really fun quilt to make, especially fussy cutting all the little circles for the tail feathers. It was a great excuse to use all those fun fabrics available right now. Check him out at Feed Dog Designs and hopefully the pattern will be available soon.

This mom is sure proud as a peacock.

12 Days of Christmas top finished

2011-09-03T13:32:00.000-04:00

Yay, I just got this top finished and am pretty happy with it. I looked and looked for an outside border with a brighter red but wasn't happy with anything I saw so I ended up with the border fabric that Little Quilts used in their finishing kits last year. My sashing is a bit wider than theirs and I added red cornerstones but overall it is the same as their 2010 BOM. Thanks to Wanda Hizer for designing this quilt and for the staff at Little Quilts in Marietta, GA for the wonderful fabric selection. Now if I can just get it quilted before the holidays!

The musical men

2011-09-02T09:10:00.000-04:00

Here are the last 2 blocks of the 12 Days of Christmas. These 2 were rather tricky, lots of fiddly parts and overlapping but they are my favorites.

Now it is time for the dreaded trimming of the blocks, sashing and borders. I often get stuck right here with blocks done but no enthusiasm for putting it all together. I recently took a look at many of my UFO's and realized that I don't really enjoy putting on that final border as I have 3 or 4 that just need borders to be finished. Is that weird or does anyone else get stuck at the border? Maybe I just need to have a border only day!

Swans a swimming and more

2011-08-30T16:56:00.000-04:00

Here are four more of the blocks from the 12 Days of Christmas quilt that Little Quilts offered as a BOM last year.

The maid a milking was pretty tricky but the other ones were just fun to make.

I do like the fabric choices made by the shop, the little touches of shimmer are just perfect.

Four calling birds and more

2011-08-29T15:09:00.000-04:00

Here are three more blocks that go in the12 Days of Christmas quilt including the 4 calling birds, 5 golden

rings and 6 geese a laying.

Almost finished with the last block so I actually have hope of finishing this before the holidays.

Christmas in August

2011-08-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

Even though it is only August, I am determined to complete this quilt before Christmas. This 12 Days of Christmas quilt was last year's BOM from a local quilt shop "Little Quilts" in Marietta, GA. It was designed exclusively for the shop by Wanda Hizer, an applique artist who works and teaches there and I believe there are still kits available.

Each block represents a separate day and the fabric selection is beautiful as you can see.

I am actually currently working on the last block so this is just a preview of the whole quilt.

My husband just got home from Charleston where the hurricane was pretty much a non event but my thoughts and prayers are with everyone else who is being affected by the storm.

A few more from Captain Russell

2011-08-23T07:09:00.000-04:00

I just realized that I have been so busy that I haven't posted in awhile. Here are a couple more from the Captain Russell quilt. The pattern for this quilt is available from the Baltimore Museum of Art. They have a website and it can be ordered though I have made a few changes to the original.

For example this one with the birds in the center has the wreath from the Captain Russell quilt but the birds are part of another pattern. I just love these little birds.
Right now I am watching the weather very closely as we have a townhouse in Charleston, SC and our son lives there while attending College of Charleston. We are following hurricane Irene and praying for everyone in its path and hoping that we won't have to make an emergency trip to board up the house and get our son out of town. Hopefully I can get a little sewing done to keep my mind off it.

My intro to blogland,,,, Glorious Applique

2011-08-15T20:17:00.000-04:00

I discovered blog land by accident last December while browsing the web. My son had just had surgery and we were looking forward to a very quiet Christmas helping him with his recovery. When I stumbled upon the blog Glorious Applique showcasing quilts being made from Kim McLean's wonderful patterns it put a smile on my face and I knew I had to make one. I had never used Kaffe Fassett fabrics before but loved them in this applique setting and I ordered the pattern from the Glorious Color website as well as a fabric starter pack and began this quilt called Flower Pots.

Unfortunately the blog was full and I wasn't able to post my progress but I read it regularily and gained inspiration as I worked on my quilt. Recently the moderator of the blog figured out a way to allow more of us to participate and I have recently began sharing my work. Most of the applique is done but I set it aside for awhile while working on other projects.

My recent posting on the Glorious Applique blog has got me all excited about this quilt and I hope to have it all put together soon, Such happy colors and probably the most fun quilt I have ever worked on. It just makes my sewing room glow. These are just a few of the panels - I'll show you more soon.

Kinda trippy!

2011-08-13T17:29:00.000-04:00

You may remember this project from a previous post. I took a class with Sue Spargo when she visited our guild in June. This was the embellishment project that we worked on and I just put the borders on and quilted it today. The border is a little busy but I think it goes well with the 70's vibe going on in the center. The project sure didn't start that way but I think I ended up channeling my youth. I am trying out a different sewing machine for my free motion quilting on smaller projects and while it isn't perfect I am pretty happy with the final result.

Playing with paisley

2011-08-11T07:31:00.000-04:00

These days I am really on a paisley kick and find I am seeing paisley everywhere. I am also in the process of doing some minor redecorating - just new pillows and curtain that I still need to sew and paint if I can talk DH into it - and this UFO fits right into the new plan. I have a crazy Yorkshire terrier who loves to jump up on all furniture and we have an off white ottoman that is starting to show signs of wear so I have been keeping it covered with a small 42" quilt. It adds color to the room and saves our furniture but won't match the new drapes so I hope to finish this one to use instead. This project was started in China but because of our abrupt departure was just sitting in a box. When I saw it the other day I decided to figure out a way to finish it. It is being designed as I go as I only have 2 charm packs and a jelly roll and then some yardage for a border. Since I now only want a small quilt I decided to save the jelly roll and yardage for another project and just use up the charm squares and a few other pieces of fabric. I am not fond of working with just a line of fabric and when I look at this I remember why - it just looks a bit flat to me. I have all these applique borders prepared to sew.As you can see one of the pieces is only partially sewn but it gives you an idea. Most of my applique is done using the needleturn technique and I glue everything down with Roxanne's glue baste before I start stitching. Usually I use a light box for placement but with this one I just marked where the points would be and that worked out fine. I hope I finish soon as I now am feeling a need to work on something bright again.

Henrietta Whiskers BOM

2011-08-09T16:59:00.000-04:00

One of my ongoing projects this year has been the free Block of the Month, "Henrietta Whiskers" offered by Ann Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs. Since next month is the last month, and all the patterns are still offered free on her web site I thought I would show some of my progress. This isn't my usual style but since it is just one easy block per month I decided it would be a fun stash buster. And I don't have any fall quilts ( I am more of a spring color girl) so this was an opportunity to make something different. It has really been a lot of fun.As you can see each block has some piecing, some applique and a little embroidery. There are also a few embellishments that I will add after the quilting is complete. Here is what is done so far.Next month the pattern will include filling that last block on the bottom and some borders. It isn't too late to get the patterns from Bunny Hill. Just check out her website and look under free patterns or Google "Henrietta Whiskers". I wish I could provide you with a link but I still don't know how - I am trying to learn but this computer stuff does not come natural to me! People are also posting to a Flicker "Henrietta Whiskers" page so you can see how others are doing with this fun project.

Work in progress

2011-08-07T05:55:00.000-04:00

I am currently in love with pieced circle blocks and when I saw Kathy Doughty's "Pheasantville" in the April/May 2011 Quilter's Newsletter Magazine I knew I had to get piecing. Now I am not too great with paper piecing, I just get all confused, but though I hadn't hand pieced in a number of years I thought that I would give it a go. And I loved it. I have been hand appliquing for so long that I had forgotten the pleasure and portability of hand piecing. And the curves were no problem at all. I used the floral on the right side of the photo as my focus fabric and was planning to set the blocks on point using the floral as alternate blocks but I really didn't realize how big the blocks would be when I started and I don't have enough fabric. Now that they are on the design wall I think I may just leave them like this and add a small dk. pink border before the floral border. I cut the background at 18 in (in the pattern they are 16 in finished) because I wanted to see a bit more of the background and I should still end up with a decent sized quilt. I am also considering a small sawtooth border before the floral but think maybe I want the blocks to stand on their own. Any thoughts?

Another finish

2011-08-05T09:12:00.000-04:00

This week I have been practicing on my longarm "Annie" and we are really starting to bond. Though my quilting is by no means terrific, I am seeing some improvement and that gave me the confidence to quilt this appliqued quilt. The pattern is from the book Ruby Red Dots and I eliminated the outside border so it would be a better size for hanging. I made the top last year to hang in my kitchen at Christmas - not really a Christmas quilt but the colors seem to be of the season and will fit in well with my black, yellow and white French inspired kitchen. I was rather unsure about thread color and settled on a goldish thread which looks OK. Probably should have used 2 different colors but live and learn.
I outlined the applique as best as I could and then did an allover scroll type design in the background of each applique and star block. Then I quilted a larger meandering scroll in each of the borders. Oh and I quilted in the ditch around each block - not sure I would do that again. Since I am really trying to improve my machine quilting I would love to know what you think!

Not just applique

2011-08-03T11:31:00.000-04:00

Yes I can piece too. This is a Fig Tree Quilts pattern that appeared in a recent issue of Quilt Mania magazine. I would love to tell you which issue but I recently was tidying up and "put away" the magazine and now can't find it! Anyway since I much prefer applique to piecing I find I must occasionally force myself to practice my piecing skills. With 77 pieces per 12 in. block this pattern was perfect and a great way to play with value. Using such a limited color palette made value even more important and it was fun seeing how each block would turn out. And since it was a pretty busy quilt it was a great opportunity to practice on my longarm "Annie".
I don't have a computer guided system which means lots and lots of practice with free motion patterns. This time I tried some feathers, swirls and flowers and because of all the piecing you can't really see my mistakes. It was lots of fun to do and I just love this color combination.

More from the Captain

2011-08-02T19:20:00.001-04:00

Here are a couple more from the Captain Russell quilt. If you are familiar with the quilt you will notice that I have changed the center of a few of the blocks so that they are all birds or flowers or fruit. The original quilt had a boat and a few other things that didn't want in my quilt. Though the blocks do look pretty similar when seen individually, together I think the quilt is very pleasing. I still need to prepare the center of that quilt but I spent the last few days trying to bond with my newish longarm machine. I'm hoping that we will be BFF's soon!

A few more from Captain Russell

2011-07-31T09:35:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more from the Captain Russell quilt. I am hoping to prepare the center of this one this week so I can get it finished.
Why oh why when I get this close to the end do I lose steam?

Oops, road trip continued......

2011-07-30T09:27:00.001-04:00

Oops I was unable to post the final purchase picture on my last post. Perhaps blogger was letting me know that my fabric buying was out of control. I think my husband would agree. I was pretty busy on this trip, visiting lots of family so I really didn't get much sewing done. Just a few stitched on one of my Civil War Bride blocks.

Road Trip

2011-07-30T08:38:00.001-04:00

The past 11 days have been spent on a road trip to visit family. I live in Georgia and we were going to Ohio and Ontario, Canada. Both my husband and I have an ailing parent so while it is good to see family, a little fabric therapy was in order to keep the spirits up. Well my spirits anyway!

I am supposed to be on a quilting budget these days due to my husband's early retirement (that is a story for another day) and clearly I was not mindful of the budget on this trip. I was shocked when I took all the fabric photos of this trip. I probably won't even be able to post them all.

Anyway, I started out innocently enough in Knoxville with only a few of these pieces. I really don't purchase with a plan as I have LOTS of fabric already, just a few for the stash.
The next store found these lovelies. I just got some new fabric to make curtains for my dining room and great room and these will look great with it. Perhaps a table runner or quilt for over the fireplace.

Once we got to Ohio we spent a few days helping cook and clean at the in-laws and surely a shopping break was well deserved for these things.
Well actually some of the fabric from the first photo was purchased that day too but once in Canada my kind SIL wanted to show me some of her local quilt stores and I didn't want to disappoint her so off we went. She is not a quilter but she was really hoping I would find something. The first store was OK but as they were having a 50% off sale I couldn't resist a few things.
And at the next store I found a companion piece to one of my early purchases.

A slightly different route home meant I was able to stop at Sew Elegant in Port Huron which was a favorite back when I lived in Michigan. Once again I was unable to stop myself from buying and I found these to take home with me.On our trip up to Ohio I had missed a stop that I was looking forward to due driving delays and we made sure to get to the Quilt Box in Dry Ridge, Kentucky first thing in the morning on our last day. What a lovely store where I actually found some fabric that I was looking for as well as much more. I spent so much that they gave me a nice tote bag and made me one of their "Bag Ladies" so I can get discounts on future trips.
I thought I was finished but we stopped for lunch and a quilt store was right across the street. Well you know what that means.

Captain Russell

2011-07-22T20:46:00.000-04:00

Here is another block from the Captain Russell quilt. The pattern for the quilt is available from the Baltimore Museum of Art. I started this quilt soon after seeing the original hanging and tried to keep it as true to the original as I could. I am using solids and mostly reproduction fabrics and I am trying to use colors as I imagine the original would have looked prior to aging. While I like how it is turning out, I am finding it somewhat restrictive using all these solids. The next Baltimore will have lots more shading! I have also decided to skip the appliqued border. Partly due to size and partly cause I just want to get this one done.

Hibiscus and Captain Russell quilt

2011-07-19T07:53:00.000-04:00

Once again a block for the Chinese embroidery style quilt. I have spent the last few days preparing blocks for applique so that I will have some handwork to do on a long road trip. We were to leave early this morning to go to the In-laws in Ohio and then on to Canada to visit my family but instead are waiting around for our furnace to be replaced. We had finished packing and were just relaxing a bit before dinner when a horrible sound came from the basement. The brackets holding the motor had broken and it had fallen. But it was still running. Fortunately we were home to shut everything down and avoid a possible fire. So I guess there is a silver lining to everything. Anyway I now have a free day to sit and sew or prepare another block. I currently have 5 applique UFO's and really should focus on just one.
Here is one of the blocks of one of the UFO's. This is a corner block of the Captain Russell quilt from the Baltimore museum of art. I have 12 blocks and the center medallion complete except for the very center.
Seems crazy not to finish this but I am struggling with the center. The original quilt has an eagle in the middle and I just don't really want a giant eagle there. I changed a few of the other blocks too and am planning a basket of flowers in the center, I just need to get it cut and prepped. More photos of this quilt to come. I am hoping that by posting I will get the inspiration to finish!

Lotus flower block

2011-07-17T15:50:00.000-04:00

I am still working away on these Chinese style blocks. This quilt is to have 9 blocks with some sort of appliques border. I still haven't designed the borders but the blocks are all prepped and ready for sewing. This block really does look like the lotus flowers I saw in China. Ponds were filled with them - so beautiful.

My First Baltimore Album

2011-07-16T16:44:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of my first Baltimore Album quilt. Actually it is the only one that I have finished but I am close to finishing the applique on my second. It was started in the 90's and was originally intended to be much bigger but for some reason I stopped after 6 blocks. By the time I pulled out those block again I really wanted to work on a Baltimore with a less restricted color palette so decided that 9 blocks would be enough. I found a fabric that I liked for the sashing and was able to pull the colors together with the vase of the center block.
I added a pretty appliqued border (the design came from a book that I can't locate) and finally hand quilted it. I call it "The Days of Wine and Roses" and once completed I actually like the colors again.

Just for fun

2011-07-14T08:20:00.000-04:00

The last few days I have worked on a fun little project with my DIL. She has never quilted before and has only done limited sewing but wanted to make a quilt for a friends little boy. I suggested she go to the quilt store and pick out a fabric or two that she liked and she could do the rest of the "shopping" from my stash. Since the little boy wanted "dinosaurs driving cars" this is what she bought. And after some stash shopping and some simple designing here is what we made.
She helped pick all the fabrics and I drew the dinosaur in the car using her fabric choices to help. I then had her help cut all the fusible pieces for machine applique and I did that bit of sewing. She did pretty much all of the straight line machine sewing after I cut the pieces and let her decide on placement of fabrics. Finally we both did some of the quilting on my longarm machine and then we also shared in sewing on the binding. She got to at least participate in every part of the process and we had a fun 3 days working and chatting. Here is a closer view of the applique. I hope the little boy will have as much fun with it as we had making it!

Chinese peaches

2011-07-13T06:53:00.000-04:00

Here is another one of my Chinese blocks. I love how peaches are represented in Asian design with that very distinctive pointed end. And that thing at the side with the 4 brown dots is a lotus pod. While I don't recall ever seeing a peach while living there, I saw lotus growing in the pond outside my window. Since we lived in Southern China there were so many plants that I had never seen before and not speaking the language they were difficult to identify but I certainly enjoyed them. I am enjoying the memories that this quilt is bringing to me.

Blackbird Design Quilt

2011-07-11T17:05:00.000-04:00

Today I just thought I would post a picture of one of my favorite quilts hanging in my home. This is "In the Garden" (if I remember correctly) by Blackbird Designs. I made it a few years ago but moved to China before I had a chance to hang it. It is now in the family room of our home in Georgia and I really like it there. I have made many of their designs and really enjoy working on them - lots of nice large pieces for appliquing and usually some piecing too, which I always find a delightful combination.

Sue Spargo class

2011-07-09T09:21:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago Sue Spargo came to our guild for some workshops and a lecture and slide show. It was so exciting to see her work in person and even more exciting to take 2 of her workshops. This project is from an embellishment workshop. We completed the wool applique pot, some stems and some basic flower shapes before class and then came to class and started adding. What fun. Though this already looks pretty busy I would like to add a bit more embroidery and beads - I am definately not a less is more type person. Sue was a lovely person and if you have a chance to take one of her classes she will inspire you. She has a great blog too, filled with great photos of her work and her students work.

We used so many unfamiliar items that really add to the project, like mixing cottons and silks with wool and I loved her silk velvets and the silk flosses. I am looking forward to using some of the ideas in a future project.

Another Chinese style block

2011-07-08T09:23:00.000-04:00

Here is another block from my Chinese embroidery quilt. Not really sure what to call the flower, perhaps a Dahlia. I am really having fun picking out the shading for the flowers in these blocks. I am finally cutting into hand dyed fabric that I have had for many years (before batiks were even in quilt stores). I also use printed shaded fabrics, large prints of flowers that are shaded and some batiks. I am not really fond of needleturning batiks but sometimes they are the only thing I can find that has the color and texture I am looking for. The butterflies are fun too. I am using mostly prints with metallics on them - some are Asian fabrics and some come from a Christmas line. Picking out the perfect fabric and fussy cutting to fit is probably my favorite part of applique but then again I do love to just sit and stitch once the block is all ready!

Chinese Peony and Butterfly

2011-07-06T10:20:00.000-04:00

Here is another block from my quilt based on Chinese embroideries. In 2009 my husband and I lived in China for about 8 months. I had never been interested in Asian art before living there but was truly inspired by the beautiful motifs used in the embroideries, pottery and textiles. The colors in the quilt are inspired by the beautiful silk embroideries and bead work that I saw in Hong Kong and elsewhere. We lived in a third tier city in southern China where beautiful fabrics and threads were not available for purchase, so I spend my time using up the stash I brought with me and designing. A sudden family emergency forced us to return before we expected and it is only recently that I have felt able to return to this project and fondly remember our time in China .

Applique Retreat in Lake Tahoe

2011-07-03T18:57:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I spent a lovely week at an Applique retreat in Lake Tahoe. Our leader for the retreat was Sandra Mollon who does fabulous work with embellishments on Baltimore Album quilts. One of the best things about the time there, besides the great weather, food, views and learning was spending the time with my son. He actually invited me to join him and it was so much fun sewing together and meeting many of his quilting friends. The picture above is of Sandra's work.

This is one of the blocks that I was working on. It is an original quilt design based on Chinese embroideries. I have a few more of these blocks done and will try to post them soon. Still having trouble figuring out this blogging stuff especially posting photos but hope to get the hang of it soon.

Fontainbleau

2011-06-29T11:42:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all the nice comments on my first post. Here is a picture of the full quilt from my last post. It is an original design that was inspired by Marie Antoinette's bedroom at Fontainbleau. I had a lot of fun with this design and hopefully it will be in my guild's quilt show in Sept. As you can see it does not hang straight so I am afraid that I need to remove the binding and rebind it and then block the quilt. I am not really a perfectionist so I hate redoing stuff but this one clearly needs some help. Probably some added quilting in the borders would also help but that is not going to happen! I am too busy with other projects now.

Still figuring out how to post photos so hopefully I will improve soon.

Welcome

2011-06-19T13:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my blog. I look forward to sharing my applique and quilting here. This is an original block design from my quilt "Fontainbleau" which is based on Marie Antoinette's bedroom at Fontainbleau.