Flower Garden Borders

The borders on Kim McLean’s Flower Garden are really something to stitch.  At least they were for me.  The sides are completely stitched and I am working on the bottom border.   Everything is ready to go except for all the little circles over the vase and I still need to find a fabric for those also after seeing this picture I have decided to change the vase to another fabric.  This one seems to fade into the background a little too much.

Since the green tree is the one I am not looking forward to stitching I thought I would do it first and get it over with.  Surprise, surprise look what I found.  It must be a flaw in the fabric that I didn’t catch.  It’s not stitched and I could make it over but it sure was a lot of work.  So what would you think if maybe I just put a little bird or a circle over it.   I mean this quilt is so busy maybe it wouldn’t be noticed. Or does anyone else have a suggestion as to how this could be fixed?

I really don’t want to make another tree!
Not so happy stitching,
Nancy

A Farmers Wife

I haven’t had a lot of time to spend on my Farmer’s Wife quilts but thought I would post my progress.  I have been making two versions.  A traditional one made with reproduction fabrics and one made with red, white and cream.

The traditional one is set like the book suggests and for the red and white one I am using a setting I found here.  I think it gives it a more modern look.  If I want my daughters to keep any of my quilts and not sell them all in a yard sale  I better start getting more modern.

My latest purchase is from Kris at Lavender Quilts.  Some of the new Kaffe Fassett fabrics for my applique’.  I think they are just wonderful.

Happy Stitching,
Nancy

Surfing

This morning while spending my usual blog reading time I came to this post by Silly Goose Quilts.
It lead me to this site All Quilting.biz click here .
Now if you have some time to kill you might go there.  Lots of great blogs.
I finally just had to shut down the computer so I could get something accomplished today.

Feathered Tulip in Vases

After finally selecting my fabrics for the Feathered Tulip quilt I started prepping the blocks to stitch.

Once again I used the freezer paper and starch method because I planned to stitch this one by machine.

The pieces are quite large and since I already have two applique’ quilts I am stitching by hand I thought I might get this one finished before I pass if it was done by machine.

Well, after stitching a few pieces on the machine I quickly decided machine applique’ was not the look I wanted for this quilt.  So back to hand stitching.

I enjoy using the starch and glue method for prepping my applique because it makes the blocks so easy to take with you and stitch when you have a few minutes of free time.  It does take longer to prep the blocks but once that’s finished the stitching goes quickly and all the pieces stay right where you put them.  Some consider this cheating (not me)  and I don’t use this method for all my applique’ work just the quilts with large pieces.

 Feathered Tulip has five blocks set on point with setting triangles and three borders.

Since the edges of these setting triangles will be on the bias I decided to leave them all together until the stitching was completed.  I finished all the stitching last night but will not cut them apart until I assemble the quilt center.
The original quilt has just three borders but I plan on making 4 borders for my quilt and they still need to be prepped.
This is a lovely pattern from Dawn at Collector with a Needle.  She and her daughter do a wonderful job recreating patterns from antique’ quilts.
Happy stitching,
Nancy

The Chester County Criswell Quilt

There is a new Block of the Month quilt going around blog land called 

The Chester County Criswell Quilt.  

Sharon from Two Bits Patches is recreating a family quilt made in the 1850's in Pennsylvania as a wedding quilt.  The blocks were all made by different people and all are appliqued signature blocks.  Sharon is the Great Great Grand daughter of the bride for whom the quilt was made.  If you click on the link above you can read all about the quilt's history.

I have completed block one Jane Wilson’s block

and have block two Elizabeth Cowan's block ready to stitch.

  At first I wasn't going to do this quilt because I have several other applique quilts in progress but as I kept reading  her blog I finally became hooked.  One thing to like about the quilt it doesn't have borders.  I also enjoy reading all the family history.  There will be 36 blocks so all 64 of them will not be included...Thank goodness.  

I decided to use the starch and freezer paper method with the first two blocks.  You can read about my process here.  Having quite a few reproduction fabrics in reds and greens  my version will be somewhat scrappy.  I also had this background fabric on hand and decide to use it but on further examination I see it is directional..oh well, it will just have to do because I am not doing these blocks over.

When will I ever learn to pay better attention.

Happy stitching,
Nancy

It's got to be a Habit.

I think blogging is just like exercise....it's a habit or routine you get into.  Once broken it's hard to start back.
You have to really push yourself to get going again.
Lately I have had a lot of distractions in my life so here I am pushing myself.

I am almost finished with all the applique on my Flower Garden quilt.  I know this is a terrible picture but I just can't figure out how to photograph 24 blocks and two borders without having a picture overload.  I am working on the bottom border now and then I only have the top one left to do.
My next step with this quilt is to wash and trim all the blocks.  Then I have to decide if I want to sash it like the pattern with scrappy  2" squares sewn together or use just one fabric for the sashing. If anyone is interested in making this quilt it is a Kim McLean pattern and really fun to do especially with all these wonderful Kaffe fabrics.

One quick question before I move on.  Does anyone recognize this fabric?  It's the tree in the bottom border.  I have something to use but just curious as to what this might be.

Last year I bought this pattern  "Feathered Tulip in Vases" from Dawn at Collector with a Needle.  Dawn and her daughter find antique quilts and reproduce great patterns from them.
Well, I have been forever trying to decide what type fabrics I wanted to use.  Did I want to use solids like in the original quilt or look for prints?
In the end I decide on prints and the original colors of the antique quilt.  The pattern colors are much lighter but thats because they have faded so much over the years.
If you click on the link above and go to Dawn's blog you can see the fabrics she has chosen for her version of the quilt.  The pieces are quite large, something I like and I hope it goes quickly because I have this one in the waiting.

Calico Paradise is also one of Dawn's reproduction patterns and it is really something.  Maybe if I start now I will have the fabrics chosen when I finish Feathered Tulip in Vases.
We can always dream can't we?
Happy stitching,
Nancy

Tiny Quilts

This little quilt is  from Quilts by Cheri.  It's called Puss in the Corner.  If you would like to make one  the directions are on her blog.  Just click on her name and it will take you there.

Puss in the Corner is 14 1/2 inches square.  It's made from four patch and solid blocks.  Really simple.

I am also a member of Temecula Quilt Companies Monthly Mini.  This is last months little quilt.

It's called Freedom Rings and measures 12 x 16.  The little bowtie blocks are 2" finished.

I have started quite a collection of these little quilts and am running out of places to put them.

 I sometime feel like my head is spinning around because I have so many things going at the same time.  Every time I think I am getting all caught up another little package arrives in the mail.

What was I thinking?

Hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Nancy

Back from Blogging Break

When I checked the date of my last post I could hardly believe it has been so long since I posted.  Life sure gets in the way of quilting sometime.
July the 28th we were blessed with a new  Grand daughter "Evelyn Irene " so I have been busy helping my Daughter however I can.  At the moment she is battling a case of mastitis.

My DH has some compilations from the motorcycle accident he had a while back and we have also been dealing with this.  Things do seem to be smoothing out a bit so I have a little time to get back to what relaxes me.
First I would like to thank Kris from Lavender Quilts for the nice gift I won on her blog.
Don't you just love it when something arrives all wrapped in pretty paper and tied with a bow.
I know I do.

I won this christmas pattern by Jan Patek really cute.  Thanks Kris.

I find if I can't quilt I tend to buy books about quilting. Like I really need more books.  

Someone once told me you don't have to need something to buy it so  I picked these up the other day.  

I really like both of them and hope to follow through and make something from each book.

Happy stitching,
Nancy

Stitchery

Stitchery is not my thing but I have managed to get this little saying completed for our new Grand baby that is due any time now.

The pattern is another one from the Jan Patek book Country Quilts.

The top for Christmas 101 from the same book is almost completed.  Well, I completed it but found that Mary and baby Jesus faces were too light and blended into the background.  So I decided to use some fabric crayons to darken them a little UGG!  I guess the crayons were old or frankly I just didn't know how to use them correctly so now I am going to replace the faces and Mary's hair.  I never liked the hair fabric anyway.  There is still a little time left until Christmas.
Happy stitching,
Nancy

Rocky Mountain Puzzle Quilt

 I have been working on the Rocky Mountain Puzzle quilt .  It is the block of the week from Primitive Gatherings .  Every week I receive a little package with the fabric for six more 6.5 inch blocks .  When I signed up for this I thought every week we would do six different blocks and end up with a sampler quilt but you see every week we do the same block over and over out of different fabrics .

This means that every week I need to make 72 little half square triangles .  Twelve for each block -  Ten for the block with two left over for the borders .

I have been using 1.5" Thangles to make the HS Triangles and it works well enough but I can't decide if I like the Thangles or my old method of cutting squares drawing the line down the center cutting on the line and trimming to size .  Even with the Thangles there is a lot of trimming and cutting apart and you still have the paper to remove .

For this quilt I will stick with the Thangles .  This is the way the instructions are written and I am not sure there is enough fabric for another method .  Just curious about your methods for HS Triangles- What's your favorite?

Here are last weeks blocks and there is another little package waiting for me in the sewing room .

Hope you are finding some time to stitch .
Nancy

Blog Friends!

When I started blogging it was mainly to  keep a record of my quilting and where it was going.  

I never expected to become acquainted with so many great people.  

Take Sharon for instance from Grass Roots Quilting.  We have never met in person but we communicate through our blogs..  When Sharon read about my red and white Farmers Wife quilt she wrote and offered to send me some reds since I had used all of mine.

Well, Yesterday I got a package in the mail and when I opened it here were all these red fabrics.

These will look great in my quilt.

Thanks Sharon.

Red and White Farmer's Wife

Another set of red and white plus cream Farmer's Wife blocks completed.  I am really enjoying making these blocks using the Marti Michell templates.  I came to quilting after the rotary cutter and never had an opportunity to use templates in my quilting so this is new to me.  I don't think I would like making my own templates but the MM templates are fun to use.

Now,  the time has come to make a decision.  I have used all the red and white fabrics in my stash at least once in these blocks and have to decide if I am going to buy more fabric or repeat the ones I have.  You know how when you work with something for a while it all just seem to jumble together in your mind...Well, that's how I feel about  this quilt.  It's all just starting to look too busy and I am not sure where I am going.
Happy Stitching,
Nancy

Back to sewing and Building Houses

At the beginning of the year I joined the Building Houses from Scraps party on Jeanneke's blog.  It looked like a fun thing to do.  

I printed the pattern and made a few houses. 

Well, it didn't take me long to realize this was not for me.  

Making the little houses was not difficult but it was time consuming.. Taking all the papers off when finished was another thing.  It took me forever and I seemed to mess the stitching up.  I picked and pulled with the tweezers and even tried misting with water but that  just made a bigger mess.

So I took my eight little houses and made a tiny little quilt with them.

I am just amazed at the work some of the ladies are doing on this blog.  You should really check it out.

The quilts they are making are just wonderful, but it is not for everyone.

Nice to be back stitching.

Nancy

SAM

Yesterday our little friend Sam made his final trip to the Vet.
Sam was 17 and his body finally just gave out on him.
He was the sweetest little man and will be greatly missed.

What is a Cat?

Gentle eyes
that see so much,
paws that have
the quiet touch.
Purrs to signal
"all is well"
and show more love
than words can tell.
Graceful movements
touched with pride,
a calming presence
by our side.
A friendship
that will last and grow -
small wonder
why we love them so.

Author Unknown

Good By Sam.  We will miss you.

Trash and Waste Triangles

This little quilt was made from pieces I usually throw in the trash but after reading what Kathie from Inspired by Antique Quilts and Bea from A Needle in a Haystack were doing I went and rescued some  scraps from my trash and made this little quilt.  I named it Trash and Waste Triangles.

I totally forgot to post about my FQ Win from Quixotic Crafter.  I really like orange. Thanks Susan

This summer I joined the Rocky Mountain pieced bow at Primitive Gatherings.  I think all the blocks are going to be the same except for the fabric. Here  are the first six and I already have the second set waiting.

I hope you find some time for Stitching this week.

Nancy

PS: Does anyone else have trouble with the font on their blog continually changing??

This, That and The Other

I completed a couple more blocks from Christmas 101 and I ran into a little problem.  I have always used Elmer's school glue sticks to tack down my larger applique pieces rather than lots of little pins.  
Last week I saw  this new glue Lapel at the quilt shop so I bought some and used it last night ....Look what happened when I pressed this block.  
Now these glue sticks are a lot more expensive than Elmer's so it's back to Elmer's for me and Mr. Lapel has a new home in the trash.
Here's hoping it comes out in the wash.

I am also up to date with my Marti Michell Farmers Wife red and white blocks but not for long because a new set comes out Friday.

       This little quilt was made from 1 1/2 inch waste triangles. I think it's pretty cute.

This is my version of  "Brass Buttons" from the  Civil War Legacies book.

I think I have the little quilt fever thanks to Kathie from Inspired by Antique Quilts.  She just posted another one I would like to make.