Sunday, November 03, 2024
Cinderella Pumpkins
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Sidestepping the Turkeys
I downsized the Flying Geese just a little so that each potholder will be about 7" square.
The turkey ended up being a little awkward to fit into the star. Ideally, the pumpkin would go with him but the centre square just wasn't large enough to accommodate both, and he looks a little clunky on his own.Monday, October 14, 2024
The Carp Fair Raffle Quilt
Remember last spring/summer Betty and I were helping our friend Jean work through the details of what the Carp Fair was going to do for their annual quilt block competition? Well, the fair was held in late September, as usual, and by all accounts was a raring success - the best attendance ever. We didn't make it this year but I did help Jean with pulling together all of last year's blocks into this year's raffle quilt.
It was an interesting process because I tend not to make sampler quilts, but I was up for the challenge.
There were 25 blocks so I landed on placing them all on point creating a little more interest. I needed more blue for the border but was working on assembly a good six month after we'd bought the fabrics for the blocks. Fortunately, was able to pick more up at the same shop.This was Betty's block.And this was mine. Until I saw these pics again I'd forgotten that I'd use the narrow grey sashing and dark blue cornerstones to set the blocks.I think that this was the only block to include a bit of applique.I landed on the 54-40 or Fight pattern. Roberta has long had a beautiful version of this quilt on a wall in her quilting studio and it has always appealed to me.
It was a great pattern to work on and I would definitely make it again.Jean is not a quilter so I drafted a suggested quilting pattern and sent her ideas for items to include in a sewing kit that could travel with the quilt, which she really appreciated. Last I heard, there weren't as many takers as they would have liked; I'll have to check and see where things ended up with it.These two quilts were a big project and consumed a fair bit of last fall/early winter, but I was happy to help a friend out....M
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Thankful
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
And The Second One is Finished, Too
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Never Underestimate a Quilt
And as each block started to emerge and the colours were distributed across the flimsy, it really started to shine.
The end result is just lovely.That beautiful 'grunge-ish' backing scattered with daisies that Roberta provided was the finishing touch, bringing everything together oh so nicely. I liked it so much that it's what I used for my binding.Her generous offer to quilt this as her contribution to the cause meant that we would be shipping a finished quilt instead of a flimsy and the playful panto ties in so nicely with the floral backing.So, all that is needed when it lands in the Quilts for Survivors studio is for a label to be attached, the quilt to be smudged and parceled up with a note and sent off to its forever home. I hope it brings joy to the recipient; I know it has brought much joy to me....M
Monday, September 16, 2024
Binding Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is one of two quilts that I need to bind before our Quilts for Survivors boxes are bundled up for delivery. I've been dragging my feet on making the binding but finally tackled it this week, and got it sewn on.
I forget how quickly the binding goes on these quilts. They are lap-sized and considerably smaller than the quilts I usually make so I started the hand stitching yesterday and it looks like it will be wrapped up today.
It's fine, but I've gotten so accustomed to the clips that I find myself really leery of stabbing myself now if I use pins so I was thrilled when I remembered where the clips were.
It's now all clipped and ready to be finished. No point in shedding a little blood on the quilt at this stage in the game, is there?Loving the backing that I got from Roberta; I don't think that it could have been more perfect.
Next up will be the Brown Stars (creative name, isn't it?) which is trimmed and ready to go. Think this one will get a gingham binding....MSunday, September 08, 2024
It Feels Almost Like Cheating
I tested two florals for borders. Either one will work but I think that the mauve will be the winner. But it needs a little something extra.
How about a narrow strip of this tiny floral print? Nah.But this green is perfect, so I'll play a little.Friday, September 06, 2024
Second Hand Clothes is Finished
When I opened it up to cut the borders I discovered a flaw running the length of the piece about four inches in along one edge. Thankfully I have just over three metres so I was able to trim without stressing too much.I don't know that I would have come up with the red setting triangles and brown border myself (I had imagined using blue, green and brown with it), but I do love the look.There's lots of brown left so, while everything is still out I'm going to cut a second (and possibly third) set of border strips along with the other pieces that I need and it will be a good hand sewing project for the winter. Hopefully the next one comes together as quickly as this one did....M