Slow stitching Sunday

I must apologize for not keeping up with the old blog.  This time of year seems to get very busy.  I have finished my peony quilt and I am agonizing over the binding fabric, so it is waiting for a decision.  Once I get the binding on after the New year I will add a post about it.
Today, I am working on block seven of nine blocks that will make up a string star quilt.  It sure was fun creating these stars from scraps of fabric that the quilting world has name strings.  I need to think about how I will also incorporate the strings into the border.  Will it be a postage stamp border or maybe a piano key string border, time will tell. As for today I am enjoying a watching a Christmas movie and sipping some hot tea as a I stitch along. You can enjoy what others are stitching if you visit Kathy's Quilts.

Back to Basics

I often wonder why we do the things we do.  My husband once described quilting as the act of cutting up prefectly good fabric to sew it back together again, what's the point?  I see it a whole different way.  I find quilting therapeutic and very rewarding.  One of the struggles I have always and still have is accuracy. I find miniatures are a way for me to work on the basics of quilting, accurate cutting and pressing make all the difference.  I am not always as successful when it comes to larger projects, probably why I have moved to applique and hand piecing more as of late.  So when I set a side a day to tackle a mini, it is always a very satisfying endeavor.  Not only do I get to work on my skills, but I end up with a miniature version of a quilt on my bucket list, which is way to long to ever complete. 

 

Klosjes

I have had a klosjes quilt on the back burner for awhile now.  I work on it when I travel or I just want to do some hand stitching.   So I am spending some time basting these blocks so that I can turn under the edges and applique them onto a  background block.  It is mindless stitching, but I still enjoy it.  This is the kind of project that you work on here and there and before you know it you have another quilt top, although this one is still pretty much in the beginning stages.

 

Slow Stitching Continues

Progress is being made! I almost completed the two long sides of the quilt, so hopefully I can get all the rest of the blocks finished in the next couple of weeks.  Then I will go back and start the background quilting. I think a double forty-five degree lines about an inch apart will suffice.  I guess I should also start thinking about what fabric I will use for the binding!

Amish Garden

Taryn over at Reproduction and Antique Quilt Lover blog is hosting a cheddar give away. She is asking bloggers to post a pic of a favorite doll size quilt. I have made a few over the years, but this little amish quilt has to be my favorite. So if you are a miniature or doll quilt lover and want a chance to win some solid cheddar fabric go over and link up with her blog.  There is still a lot of space available on my mini wall and I think my Amish Garden would love being next to a cheddar mini.

Slow stitching but making progress

I am still stitching away on my peony quilt. I am currently working on block 14.  I have nine of the twelve alternate blocks finished, they have taken the longest since I am doing the double feathered wreaths on them.  The stitching gets a bit easier when the center gets done and you get to work around the outside.  Of course, I will need to go back to add the background stitching, but I feel I am making good progress. I am linking to Kathy's Quilts blog so if you are wanting to see what some others are doing follow the link.

Combining two of my favorite things African violets and Quilting

One of my favorite things to do is follow blogs about quilting.  Last week someone (sorry I can’t remember which blog) posted a picture of their african violet on top of a quilt.  That got me thinking about the window in my bathroom that has the perfect lighting for my african violets.


So I decided to use the color of the african violets to make a window sill runner to go under the pots and brighten the ledge a bit.  I decided to make easy little nine patches, and I always love blocks turned on point so why not.  Well it ended up taking quite a bit of time to draft it all and get it put together, but I really think the extra time was worth it!

A star is born!

 
Being the frugal quilter that I am, I had to decide what to do with a box of scraps.  The strips were all under two inches wide, but it seemed wasteful just to pitch them.  I decided to turn them into beautiful stars.  I used Bonnie Hunter's website for inspiration!  She does so many wonderful  things and offers so much support and ideas for quilters.  I used old telephone book pages as my foundation.  I also used Bonnie’s leader and ender method to work on these all summer long.  Once I get all the stars assembled, it will be time to applique them to the background fabric.   I love the way my first star turned out, all the scraps of fabric really make it sparkle.

Peony Quilt

I started quilting this quilt last week. I wasn’t able to stitch every night, the beginning of the week was a bit warm, too warm to be under a wool quilt.  However, the weather did change drastically and now I am thankful to be covered by it in the evening while I work on it.  I have eight blocks finished. There are 32 full size blocks, 14 setting triangles, and four corners that all need quilting. I really enjoy stitching everyday, and if you want to see what some others are doing you can visit Kathy's Quilts.

Slow Stitching Sunday

I love the fall of the year, the weather cools down, and it is comfortable again to get under a quilt.  I pieced this quilt last year, and it is next in line to get quilted.  The block is called peony or carolina lily and I have always loved this pattern. It has alternate blocks that are solid background which leaves a lot of room for quilting. I have chosen a feathered wreath to go into the alternate blocks.  The other pieced blocks will be outlined quilted and then I will add a background that will be used on all of the  blocks.  I am not sure how long this one will take, since there is no deadline but it will definitely done by spring. If you want to see what others are stitching I am linking to Kathys Quilts.

Can’t wait to start

I won this book, recently from Lucy's Quilting with the Past blog. I love using blogs for inspiration and Lucy’s is one of my favorite blogs.  I had this book on my wish list at Amazon, and was so surprised to have won it.  I have a box of scrappy strips that I have been collecting.  The pumpkin seed quilt on the front cover is spectacular.  I love the scrappy quilts and I also love quilts that have a lot of space to hand quilt.  So, this quilt will be on my to do list in 2013!  Thank you Lucy for the give away and picking me as the winner. 

Flea Market Bow Tie

I have completed my four dollar flea market find.  It has wool batting so it will be a nice cozy little lap quilt.  I really love it’s scrappy look, and has taught me anything goes when making a scappy quilt.  The blue background seems to pull everything together and makes it work.  There is even a christmas print in it.  I have learned over the years that the thing I like about antique quilts is often times they don’t have a border.  With fall on it’s way, I am sure this little quilt will come in handy.

Rainy Days and Sundays make me smile!

Remember that song from the good old days, by the Carpenter’s, Rainy Days and Mondays.  Well it’s Sunday and it’s raining but I have a big smile on my face.  I am slow stitching down the binding on my flea market lap size quilt that I just finished hand quilting.  It has fabrics from the eighties in it.  The fabrics include some plaids with metallic threads, good old gingham, a bit of plaid flannel, and some small floral prints.  I replaced a couple of blocks that were made out of that red velvet fabric little girls Christmas dresses used to be made out of in the eighties.  I knew I would be washing this , and the thought of washing that red polyester velvet was a bit scary.   When I discovered this little hand pieced top at the flea market it called out to me.  The fabrics were like old friends that I hadn’t seen in a while.  So what’s better than spending time with some old friends doing what you love to do.  Stitching down the binding on a quilt is one of my favorite parts of assembling a quilt.  It is like the home stretch of a race, and I have a feeling this one is going to be a winner.

Traditional Red and Green Quilt Top

Well, I finally got the borders added to my top! It’s ready for hand quilting but it will have to wait it’s turn.  I will be hanging her in the to be quilted area of my closet.   It is hard to believe that when I started this journey last Christmas, collecting fabric while visiting relatives in Illinois and Tennessee that I would come this far.    I have definitely caught the applique bug and plan on doing another quilt next summer.  For now fall is on its way, and for me it means hand quilting is back on the agenda.  I will pull out my peony/carolina lily quilt top get it marked and start hand quilting it.  I also have my Klosjes to work on when I take a trip or want a change of pace. 

What's next

So I have completed all the blocks for my traditional red and green quilt, so what is next.  Today, I will spend some time in the sewing studio, piecing a border to add to the quilt.  But, I will also find some time to sit and do some hand quilting on my flea market bow tie quilt.  I am once again using a design called baptist fans. It is an easy way to get an even amount of quilting across the quilt.

 I am using a piece of left over wool batting. I love quilting thru wool, it is so easy to needle.  However, this time of the year it can leave one a bit warm.  My hoop has a base that supports it while I quilt but it also means the quilt is pretty much draped over my lap.  Some quilters use floor frames and I find it easier to have a round hoop that I can turn when I need to go different directions.

So this will be a busy week, finishing the pieced border and attaching it to the quilt, and hopefully getting closer to finishing this little bow tie quilt. 

Ta–Da! The final block

I am so happy to have completed my final applique block for my red and green traditional quilt.  No ruched flowers, I know, but I really think the layered flowers are much more fitting and work with the rest of the quilt.  This was my first attempt at designing my own applique block, and I am thrilled with the results. I also tried some new techniques, such as layered flowers and fussy cutting.  The three little circles on the vase were fussy cut out so that there is a little flower centered in each circle. It seems like such a minor detail but I think it adds a lot.

Layered flowers

I am working on the final block of my Red and Green Traditional Quilt.  Fall is on its way, and I am really amazed that my goal has been met.  I know I talked about adding ruched flowers to the final block, but when I went to stitch one down, it just said "no" to me.  So, I went back to the idea of trying one of the layered flowers in the Book Baltimore Garden Quilt by Barbara Burnham.  I really really want to make this quilt and would love to start it next summer, but before I jump in with both feet, I think it is a good idea to try some of the more challenging parts of the quilt. So, this morning I tried a layered flower and the photos below are the results.

We will always remember!

One hour of Simply Needle and Thread

I

I bought this little quilt top at a local flea market. I’ve decided to hand quilt it with a little inspiration from Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville. She is featuring Simply Needle and Thread and challenging her self to spend an hour a day do some hand work. That shouldn’t be too hard since most of what I do is hand work. So I am challenging myself to get this little quilt finished , it will be a great warm up before I start quilting my peony/carolina lily quilt this fall.

Pineapple Block Completed

This block was definitely a nice break, it went together quickly and I can’t wait to hand quilt it!

Another Slow Stitching Sunday

It's another slow stitching Sunday! This may become a habit, and I need to thank blogger Kathy'sQuilts for hosting these slow stitching Sundays. 

 

I have always loved pineapples, they have served as a symbol of hospitality and warm welcome throughout  the history of America.  Often a pineapple would be placed in the center of the table to welcome guests, and pineapple would show up in the dessert at the end of a meal.  If the guest would spend the night, they would find pineapples carved in the bedpost in their guest room. Sometime ago, Tim Latimer a blogger posted a pic of his finished pineapple quilt.  It really caught my eye.  He does a wonderful job finding vintage quilt tops on ebay and reconstructs them if needed, and then his wonderful hand quilting turns them into a beautiful quilt.  I know there must be some quilter makers in heaven smiling down upon him. Tim has allowed me to include a picture and if you want to visit his site just click on the his name above.

This pic is a closeup of some of Tim's wonderful quilting! As I was choosing blocks for my red and green quilt, this block showed up in the block ideas page and of course caught my eyes.  Luckily, it is a pretty simple design and I was able to come up with my version. It isn't quilted yet but  I hope mine will be as lovely someday.

 

Oak Leaves and Acorns

I loved stitching this block, except for the acorns. They are quite small, but I asked my husband if he could tell what they were and they passed the test.  I will be posting my next block on Sunday, a  pineapple block. The pineapple block I chose is a much easier block, so it will be a breeze to stitch.  I decided I needed a break after all those little berries I  added on this one. The process has also started for the final block of the quilt. I have come up with a design, now I just need to get it stitched!

Windows LIve Writer

I happened across Windows Live Writer on my computer and decided to test it out. I have read several blogs that say it makes blogging much more enjoyable.


So far so good!

Slow Stitching Sunday

I really enjoy hand stitching and came across a great blog. Kathy's Quilts has been sponsoring Slow stitching Sundays so if you want to see what others are doing check out her blog.

This applique block is called oak leaves and acorns.  I was a bit apprehensive about starting it, but due to good techniques it has really been a very enjoyable block to stitch. I also was able to try reverse applique with this block, which is something I have only tried once before.

Once this block is completed, I will start the final block of my red and green quilt.  I want to design this final block my self including some new techniques that I have been dying to try.

Block 10 Prairie Rose Wreath

Block number ten is complete!  A bit off center but complete!  

Progressing!

I know it has been a while since I have posted progress on my Red and Green Traditional Quilt, but I have been working on it diligently!  I am feeling more and more comfortable with needle turn applique and find it as enjoyable as hand quilting or reading a great book.

The current and coxcomb block I posted about earlier was designed by Janet of Quiltsalott. She does fabulous needle turn applique and also offers tutorials and patterns to inspire anyone who would be interested in making an applique quilt.  I decided to make four of her blocks to put in each corner of my quilt, they were such a joy to stitch at one point I was wishing I had done a whole quilt out of them as Janet is doing.

I just love the contrast of color and can't wait to start hand quilting this quilt. It is going to be so much fun to quilt.  This last week I finished up a prairie rose block because of my midwest heritage.  I have almost finished another prairie rose wreath block but you will have to wait for next post on that one.

I know I said I was going to do a oakleaf and acorn block in tribute to all the oaktrees in our yard, but it is a bit more difficult and I have to admit it has scared me a abit.  Yesterday I figured out which method I would use to make a stem that splits in two, and tried one, it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, now if I can do three more symetrically on the same block.  The final block is going to be a pot of flowers that I hope to put together with bits and pieces of flowers and techniques I have seen and want to  try, so it is going to be a total experiment. Wish me luck!

My favorite Granddaughter

This post is about my favorite granddaughter. No I am not crazy, it's ok cause she is my only granddaughter, so it's ok.  She is such little sweetheart. This last summer when we visited her, she was playing in her pool and I was able to snap this picture of her. Such a little ham.

Over the weekend, I got into a knitting mood, so I went to Raverly to find this simple poncho pattern to make for her.  I remember years ago when her mom was a little older, her grandmother made her a poncho that she wore alot.  Sure hope you enoy your new poncho, Aria!

I won!

There are so many quilt related blogs out on the internet! They offer ideas and inspiration and sometimes they offer prizes. Kathy Quilts is one of the many blogs I follow. She has been hosting slow stitching Sundays.  I entered a photo several weeks ago and I was chosen as the July winner. I have patiently been waiting for my prize to arrive.  Four fat quarters, betweens needles and needle file, needle pullers, and a hera marker. What a nice surprise to win, and I have been wanting to try a hera marker so I should have a post about it coming this fall when I start up hand quilting again.

I plan on making a mini quilt out of the fat quarters.  I'm sure a pattern won't be too hard to find.
So if you like doing hand work and want to share a photo of what your working on this week, make sure you stop by Kathy's Blog.

Block Five Tulip Baskets

Block number five is finally completed!  Another hot day here, we just hit 100 again, so it was good to stay inside and finish this block up.

What's next???? I think it may be a oak and acorn block. We have so many oak trees around us and I love watching the squirrels gather the acorns every fall.