Monday, December 29, 2014

Short Stacks and Mystery Update


Working on the last clue of Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt, but all of the other steps are done.  Although I am happy with the colors chosen, I will NEVER do another mystery with planned yardage.  I miss not doing a scrappy version.   I see others using the same fabrics for each color and thought this would be fun and different.  The sewing is boring.  With scrappy versions, each unit is different.  


The Wall Report for Patchwork Times -- My favorite "Go-To" pattern, Short Stacks, designed by Judy Reynolds of Black Cat Creations.  Some quilters use a pattern once and never repeat it...I have made this one over 25 times.  My guesstament is this is #27.  The fabric is from "Nightfall", of Camelot Design Studios (except for one lone plaid I added from my stash).  The fabrics are modern and colors are Black/Gold/White -- of course a little support for our New Orleans Saints football team is always needed.  


Quilted and delivered in time for Christmas.  A baby quilt for Jake.  The fabric had a sea-shore feel, so I cut out a cardboard star and traced/quilted them all over -- meandering loops covered the rest of the quilt.  The simple churn dash blocks are a favorite, so we will see more in 2015 for sure.




Friday, December 19, 2014

Christmas Memories, New and Old


It's beginning to look like Christmas (at least in the foyer).  Lighting is shadowed by the amber globe.


New:  The Red / Beige Quilt I just finished just for me!
Not too new:  A crochet Christmas Tree sitting on top of a large Sprite Bottle filled with string lights. I have made at least a 100 of those trees over the last 35 years (Still have the December 18, 1979 Woman's Day Magazine with the pattern).  In my lean years, I made them as hostess gifts sitting on top of cheap wine.
Old:  Mr. & Mrs. Santa Clause, made by my late mother in her ceramic days (1980)



A close-up of the quilting above.


Not so new (but not old), reindeer made by my friend Linda.
Very old:  My grandmother's chair -- LOVE that chair.


And....a shot outside on a very windy day ...... but the colors stand out much better. 

 I am busy finishing gifts and working on Bonnie Hunter's Mystery.   I spent the day at the Library with Quilting Friends finishing handwork on the bindings of three quilts (done!).  Time to link up with Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict (countdown time).

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Friday, December 12, 2014

Double Finishes



These little quilts are for two special children.  I started them last year as part of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge hosted by Angela at SoScrappy.  The one above has been framed with trains...perfect for a little man.  The bright boyish colors just pop outdoors.

 The second softer quilt, is for a little sister....framed with pale blue butterflies and yellow cornerstones.  I love this one.


A close up below with lots of texture from the quilting.



Although I have several tops to finish, it has been easier this year.....even though I am doing Bonnie Hunter's mystery!  Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict is hosting to her weekly link and I have a double reason to join.

Merry Christmas and Other Happy Holidays....Jamie

Monday, December 1, 2014

The Race is On!


With Christmas right around the corner, I am finishing up projects that I started last year.  I have already made this quilt for a fund raiser, however I also promised to make an additional two for my great nephews that were never finished (bad aunt)!  I am determined to finish these school pride quilts.


And...my leaders/enders are none other than the 2014 Mystery Quilt by Bonnie Hunter (Quiltville). Although I pulled most of the same colors as Bonnie, at the last minute I decided to go with no scraps.  The other day, I had lunch with my friend Martha and we both agreed, we are tired of our scraps.  I have made several scrappy quilts this year, and looking back they have a lot of the same fabrics.

This is totally different for me --- I have always done Bonnie's mysteries with lots of scraps.  We will see how this goes.

Today, I am linking up with my two favorite designers Judy (Patchwork Times) and Bonnie (Quiltville)!