Finally managed to pin-baste the pinwheel flower quilt that I began here.
I began by doing some stitch-in-the-ditch quilting with monofilament (invisible) thread, stitching the plain borders, and stitching around the outline of each pinwheel.
I continued to stitch the yellow small flower pinwheels with some variegated trilobal polyester thread (nice and shiny), stitching swirls in each "petal".
Then I stitched the green pinwheels in the border, using a green variegated thread. I stitched large leaves in each part of the small green pinwheels.....
Then continued with smaller leaves in the large pinwheel blocks in the border.......
This was one time that I wished I had a frame or long-arm machine! This quilt really needed an all-over quilt design. I decided to quilt the Baptist Fan pattern. I made arcs from double layers of freezer paper, with a line drawn before cutting, showing the vertical straight of grain line. I had to stop and pin each set before doing the free-motion stitching along the edge of the freezer paper. It was a bit time consuming, but I did get it finished.
I then stitched my favourite "hooked on feathers" hooks on both sides of a curvy line in the plain pink border. I used Superior King Tut thread #937 for all the stitching.
I hope this quilt finds a good owner at my friend's church Christmas lunch and sale in late November........
For those wondering, my design wall is covered in flannel that is printed with 2 inch squares. I bought the yardage back when everyone was making watercolour quilts, and this was recommended as a designing tool. I still have my 7 baggies of 2 inch watercolour squares, sorted from light to dark, but have never made one yet! I did try a project using the fusible interfacing marked with 2 inch squares. It worked well, but seemed very stiff when finished.
My latest applique blocks will finish around 16 inches, and are destined for a queen-size quilt.
I finished hand stitching the last applique shape on the third block last night. I use silk thread and a size 11 needle, stitching about 1/8th of an inch apart. I also use extra stitches at the points and the inward points, to make sure that they will be secure when washed. The pattern is from Fat Cat Patterns.
Check out the other design walls at Judy's blog.
My brother and his partner, Maggie, adopted a couple of donkeys last spring. He was there to help with the birth of the newest member. They are kept in a shed attached to the building where he works on his hot rod. We plan to visit in person the next time we are in the Toronto area. (His shop is in a rural area northeast of the city).
I finished the simple, stitch-in-the-ditch quilting on Monday, then hand stitched the binding yesterday. I then went back and did some outline quilting around the snowmen and trees, but I kept it simple as the fabrics and embroidery do most of the work on this quilt. I plan to take it to Florida to freshen up my Christmas display this year!
I'm having the worst time getting the colours to show correctly when I take a digital picture. I think it is a combination of my old digital camera and the fluorescent lighting in my sewing room. The dark squares in the checkerboard area are a warm brown, and there is a darker red and a great purple fabric in these as well. I guess I'll have to start taking pictures in natural light!
These lovely Raggedy Ann and Andy blocks are from a BOM from The Painted Quilt Blog. Kaaren adds new blocks on the 20th of the month. Can't wait for the next one! I have made a kit of the fabrics I'm using in the quilt, so that I can take it with me to Florida this winter, and continue making the blocks each month.
Head over to Judy's blog to see what is on everyone else's design wall today.
My best friend called yesterday to ask a favour. A member of her church had passed away, and her family had found an unfinished quilt - top made and matched to batting and backing piece included. She asked if I could quilt it in time for their fall bazaar.
After it was delivered, I opened it to find this:
It is an oversized pinwheel quilt made of two blocks and a couple of odd borders. I pressed it and starched it well. When I unfolded the backing fabric, there wasn't enough to back the quilt, let alone make binding. My friend had said to call if I needed anything, but I decided to use this project to help shrink my stash.
I cut the required pieces for the binding from the backing fabric, then measured what was left. I didn't have enough of any one pink fabric to make a large enough backing, so I added one print to the sides, and another to the top and bottom. More spray starch on the backing and I am now in the process of pin basting.
Choosing a quilting design to help this quilt will be a big decision.....
I seem to be jumping from project to project lately. I began stitching these appliqued blocks so I would have some hand work to do in the evenings. Block one is completed, doing needleturn applique, and block two has the centre stitched.
The pattern is a free BOM that has been offered for the past two years at Fat Cat Patterns, called Baltimore Bliss. Her sample is shown in pink and green, but I am pulling colours from a lovely oriental border print for mine.
Check out what others have on their design wall at Judy's blog.
I managed to get the borders on before my DS1 arrived for a long weekend visit. Lots of baking and cooking going on now, including a turkey roasting in the oven.
Here's a closeup of the border.....
And here is the finished top.....
I added some white highlights to the snowmen and snowy areas in each block. I also added a couple of buttons as well.
I don't seem to be making my usual progress lately. I have been preparing some pieces for hand applique. I picked up some wonderful fabric two winters ago in Arizona, and finally began the quilt. More about that later.....
I have the blocks of the snowman quilt stitched together.
I think that my only problem with these blocks is that the white thread doesn't show up well enough on the light beige background. The pattern suggested using pink paint on the cheeks, so I think I might add some white to the snow areas. I'll probably use stencil paint, as it is permanent and washable once it has dried, and gives a soft finished feel. Just hope my stencil paint hasn't dried up - can't remember the last time I used it - probably a few years ago. Who has time for crafts when quilting takes over your life?
Each block was fun to embroider by hand. I transferred the images to my fabric using a lightbox and a brown Micron Pigma pen. I used a wash out marker to outline each stitching area and marked the centre to make sure the pattern was in the right position. When I was finished the embroidery, I rinsed the whole piece of fabric in cold water to remove the marker. When it was dry, I pressed the whole piece, using some spray starch. Then I cut the blocks the size shown in the pattern and continued on from there. I found it easier to hoop the pieces when working with a whole width of fabric than by cutting each one separately before stitching.
This is one of the two star bands in the Snowman Collector quilt. The stars are appliqued using fusible web and machine blanket stitched with dark thread.
Here is the first finished block. I had fun selecting the fabrics for the log cabin like blocks. This block has three extra bands to bring it to the proper finished size.
I tried to find fabrics with snowmen and trees, bit I think the little angels are great too. Now onto the rest of the blocks (there are only six, so I shouldn't take too long.)
Join the rest of the design wall Monday gang at Judy's blog.
Yesterday, as part of our August birthday outing we spent the afternoon at Black Creek. We had taken our kids there when they were young, but hadn't visited for many years. It is now completely surrounded by city, but the small village area is lovely, with wonderful trees and gardens. The farm is original, but the rest of the buildings were moved to the village. It is based on life in the area around the 1860's. We had lunch here at the Half-way Inn. It was originally on Kingston Road.
DH took some pictures of quilts in some of the bedrooms just for me!
We did get a bit damp in an afternoon shower, but had a very interesting visit. They run lots of special programs at the village, which is open from May 1 until Dec 23 each year. There was even a wedding there on Saturday.
We ended our afternoon by sharing some birthday cake at my son's apartment to celebrate my daughter-in-law, my younger son and my husband's August birthdays.
I was looking for some hand-work TV watching stitching to do, and remembered a cute Christmas quilt in an older Quiltmaker magazine. The pattern is called Snowfriends by Lynda Howell and was found in issue 130. I used my bag of leftover embroidery threads from finished cross stitch kits, so the colours are similar to the magazine picture, but usually chosen by lengths that were long enough for the area.
The quilt in the magazine was finished with darker country colours, but I have decided to use some of my many Christmas prints, especially those with snowmen on them......trying to use up some of the stash. I have a love for Christmas fabric, but rarely use any, so I have put myself on a "no buy" diet for holiday fabric only!
I've been trying to get back to quilting this week, but haven't been very successful. My cutting table is piled high with things that need to be finished. My pinwheel quilt needs a backing so it can be pin-basted, my son's new trousers need to be hemmed, which requires the serger (which is stored in a cupboard), projects that need to be done for my guild meeting in two weeks. The list goes on and on.....
Of course, I needed some hand sewing to do in the evenings, so I embroidered blocks for a Christmas quilt, and I also began preparing the applique units for another quilt ( fabrics purchased on a trip to Arizona two years ago......
I did get my fabric postcards completed for the ovarian cancer project!
I managed to get the green block borders stitched to the quilt centre. I didn't have enough of the background fabric, so found a pretty flower and butterfly fabric to use as a spacer to make the blocks fit the centre. I like a more rectangular shaped quilt, so I stitched another strip of butterfly fabric on top and bottom, followed by a row of small pinwheel blocks, made from the cut-offs of all the blocks. Then I added more butterfly fabric all around the outside.
Join the rest of the design wall Monday quilters at Judy's blog.
I baked this wonderful fresh peach cake on Friday morning, and this is what is left! Thanks to Judy for the great recipe. Our friends that helped in the indulging asked for the recipe! You can find it here.
I've been scanning our large collection of slides into the computer, and ran across this picture today. I made this smocked peasant blouse for my niece in 1977! Hopefully, I'll find a picture of her wearing it! I have been trying to scan a group of about 20 slides every day, before I get busy with other things. The slides were not in any order, as DH culled them before I began two years ago. We are trying to reduce the amount of "stuff" in our home. When I finish with the slides, I'll begin on all the old photos. That should take another 3 or 4 years!
I managed to get the large size green blocks complete, and have started on the smaller size framed ones. These will alternate around the quilt centre. All of the strips came from my two "2 inch strip bins", leftovers from other projects. The background white has a faint green botanical print, which I thought went well with the theme of the quilt. I still haven't decided what colour to make the remaining borders, and I have been making pinwheel blocks from the corner cut-offs as well, so they may show themselves as well. This quilt is being planned as I go.....
See the rest of the participants at Judy's blog!
It is called "Chocolate Exquisite Pain" from the cookbook "Desserts to Die For". It has a cocoa flavoured crust, a heavy chocolate custard-like filling, a layer of chocolate ganache, and topped with chocolate mousse! We have eaten 3 small servings, as it is too rich to eat more at one time, and it is wonderful! We have many more desserts in store.....
He spent time all day, doing each step - lots of chilling, etc. He even cleaned up after himself, and DH has given him the dish stacking crown....
The rest of the dishes, etc., ended up in the dishwasher.
I managed to get the blocks sewn together, along with the setting triangles. I really like this pattern, but have decided to make a larger quilt.
Instead of making more of the same, I'm planning to make the remaining blocks in shades of green. I think it will look like leaves surrounding the flowers (I hope). These are some of my pre-cut left-over 2 inch strips. I keep using scraps, but the containers don't seem to become any more empty - must be quilt magic!
I've been trying to decide what to take for handwork when we are off to Toronto for my mother-in-law's funeral. I have a large applique quilt project planned, but it isn't ready to hand stitch yet. I'm thinking about doing another redwork project, but haven't decided which one to start next...
I also forgot that I have a cousin coming to stay this week, so she is going to have to fend for herself for the two days we are away - can't account for these kind of plan changes - we'll be here for most of her visit, and I'm sure she'll enjoy a break from my chatting!
Off to search for a project......
I managed to take a fair picture of the whole quilt with DH's assistance. Now back to the quilting on my last "for fun" quilt.
I'll be away for a few days, travelling for my Mother-in-law's funeral. I'll miss Design Wall Monday this week......
I finally finished the quilting! I had fun doing the fill in around the applique in each of the blocks. I did a stitch in the ditch around the appliques first.
Then I continued by stitching the sashing with a variegated blue thread. The fabric has a bit of shading in it, and I wanted it to blend in, but show a bit....
I finished by doing feathered hooks in the background of the final border. I also added a small feathered wreath in each of the corners, and finished by adding a yellow button to each of the bows. I wanted to continue the embellishment of buttons that was in most of the blocks.
Now all I need to do is take a final picture of the whole quilt, as soon as one of my photo assistants arrives home!
My sweet Mother-in-law passed away at 2 this morning. We spent most of Tuesday with her, and my DH's sister was with her. She had heart surgery almost 7 years ago, and had complications. After many months in ICU, she was moved to a nursing home and we were told that she might have 3 months. Up until the last two years, her quality of life has been pretty good, going on outings, enjoying visits from her great-grandchildren etc. The past two years we have watched her mind and body suffer, so we are happy that she is finally at peace.
I was quietly quilting along, minding my own business when as suggestion was made to check out a blog. I loved the free pattern offered there, and had to stop everything and start making some blocks!
Jamie's blog offers a free pattern called Kristy's Dream to download. I discovered that it is made with 2 inch strips, so I had to immediately check out my bin. Next thing I knew I was making new blocks! In today's post she has a picture of a scrappy batik version, with links to two others. Thanks Jamie.
Check out what everyone else is making at Judy's blog.
Spent some time cleaning up the garden after lunch today. Suddenly, I could feel something stinging my arm! By the time I ran out of the garden, I had 4 wasp or hornet stings - two on my right arm, one on the back of my right leg and one on my right eyebrow! Fortunately, I'm not allergic, but they still hurt, and my right eyelid is a bit swollen. No pictures......
DH found a next under some landscape timbers, and I guess I just bumped it enough for they to defend their home! He's off picking up some spray, as it is in our front garden, next to the driveway, and I don't want anyone else to be stung.
This is the first time I've ever had a serious sting while gardening, so I guess I can't complain too much. The ice took the swelling down, and now it is only a dull ache...
Back to quilting.....
I decided to use the remaining "instructions" 4patch blocks in the backing of the quilt. I kept the quilting simple on this quilt, as it is very busy. I enjoyed remembering all the projects I had made with the fabrics that are included in this quilt - it is like walking down memory lane while quilting.
My wall is empty........
But I am machine quilting this
So far I have done some "stitch in the ditch" to stabilize the top, then I'll go on to do some decorative stitching in each block and in the borders.
Check out Judy's blog to see what everyone else is doing.
I managed to get the borders sewn onto my orphan block quilt top. I haven't decided what to use for the binding.....
I spent some time with my friend yesterday, doing the same for her quilt. I gave her some of the similar blocks. She is looking for backing for hers, then she'll be over to quilt using my Juki. She has an old Kenmore machine that works wonderfully, but she hasn't been able to find a walking foot to fit - it is a super high shank, I think.
I delivered the 5 baby quilts from panels to the organizer of the community quilts program for my guild, and I added the three flannel scrap rail fence quilts that I had made from leftover flannel. I'm sure they will be appreciated by whoever receives them!
I finished piecing the backing for a couple of quilt tops that have been hanging around my sewing room, so I'll be pin-basting today, then quilting for the next couple of days.....
I finished all five of the baby quilts for my guild. Then on Friday, my good friend came over for the morning to machine quilt a project she has been making. She has been unable to find a walking foot to fit her machine, so I suggested she use mine. She was making a "prayer quilt" for her church. She managed to finish it, except for stitching the binding, and did that before taking it to church on Sunday.
While she was here, she mentioned that they like to have a "kid friendly" quilt available, just in case, so I found some blocks I had made a couple of years ago. We played with a layout, pinned them in rows, and I even sent her home with some fabric to use for sashing. That left me with 5 remaining blocks. I decided to put them in the "orphan block basket", but while doing so, I found a few more that were hidden away, so I was able to begin this quilt......
I added a couple of rows of pinwheel blocks, also from the orphan basket. Now I need to finishing sewing on the outside borders, then I think I'll add one more to make it a good cosy size....
Check out Judy's blog for more links to Design Wall Monday...
Nothing on my wall this week - I'm still fighting my cold...... See how everyone else is doing a Judy's blog..
BUT - I have finished quilting four of the five baby quilts for my guild's community quilts program. I'll be finishing up the fifth one today, then it is trying to decide on binding for each one.
Had a lovely day yesterday - my son's pavlova was delicious. He was concerned that it wouldn't turn out, as he has had varying success with new recipes, but it was a success as there is only a tiny piece left for my lunch today! Had a great dinner at our friends' home, and picked red currants to make some jam. Finished the evening with a big band concert at the Lions' Club garden located behind the public library. There was a good turnout for the first concert of the summer season. It was lovely to sit in the breeze, watching the sun get lower and listening to some wonderful music and vocals.
Happy days to all my US friends! Today is also my birthday, and my son is making a pavlova for dessert. It is his first, so he also baked a sour cream coffee cake just in case! We are heading out to friends' for a BBQ dinner, then off to the first of the summer concerts in the park.
We are enjoying sunny clear weather in Kingston this Canada Day. The air is clear and a bit cool, but none of the dreaded humidity!
This is a tiny quilt that I made when we were living in Florida, while DH was posted to Tyndall AFB. I used mini Christmas garland and sequins to make the fireworks. I hang it on my front door every Canada Day!
I had a productive day yesterday. I began by making 6 jars of strawberry jam. I make mine in the microwave. You can only make 2 jars at a time, but it is easy, and I can do other things while it is cooking. We are not big consumers of jam, so this method works really well.
Then I headed to my studio and pin basted all 5 baby quilts! I managed to do it with the queen size batting, that was provided by the guild, even though I had to piece it for the final quilt! All the backing fabrics come from donations, so the two ladies do a great job of matching them to the tops. I'll begin quilting today.
