Friday, November 28, 2014

Montana Bound


A baby quilt for the newest Saint's Fan, traveling all the way to Montana.  His Daddy is serving in the U.S. Air Force, but his heart is still with the Saints.  The package is traveling a long road, through sleet and snow not to arrive until next Thursday....so shhhh, it's still a secret.




And....to tie everything together, a backing fit for a Saints' Fan.

Linking up with Sarah at Confessions for a Fabric Addict and Michelle's Baby Quilt Challenge...Happy Thanksgiving Weekend.


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Black and Gold


Almost Done! Just off the frame, binding is next, then in the mail it goes.  

Close call -- I used a 54" backing fabric that "JUST" fit.  I sewed on an extension before loading on the frame.  I knew it would be tight, but WHEW!

I will show the finished quilt later -- including the backing and the story behind it.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Saintly Pinwheels


It seems that I love the beginning process of quiltmaking the best.  I finished the Churn Dash borders and backing for quilting, but started putting together this Black/Gold/White top during the New Orleans Saints game yesterday. 

I have made this quilt before a few years ago for a retiring employee.    A reader Jenn found it and saw the potential in the colors for Purdue.  The top was born on the wall, so there are no formal instructions.  I am making the one above a little different (more blocks no borders).  However, here are a few notes:
  • 4-patches of white/gold, using 2 1/2" squares (2 of each color), finishing at 4".
  • The pinwheels of black/white use 2 1/2" HSTs. 
  • Combine (2) 4-patches and (2) pinwheels to form to 8" (finished) blocks. 
  • The hour glass alternating blocks are finished at 8" ---  It looks like I will be a little short on the plaid black/gold/white (shown below), so I may need to improvise a little with the white Kona cotton.  Look closely at the black and see the tiny Fleur de Lis prints -- oh how perfect!  



My checklist for the remainder of the year is shrinking.  I need to finish the binding on 2 rainbow quilts; quilt and bind the churn dash and Saintly Pinwheels as soon as possible.  The other four quilts are due before Christmas.  HOWEVER, I will find the time for Bonnie Hunter's mystery starting the day after Thanksgiving.  

Linking up today with Judy at Patchworks Times today!

Friday, November 14, 2014

Healing Quilts


As a quilter, many of us realize the power of quilts for the sick.  They are companions to medical treatments, hospital care and can become part of the journey for the sick.  Sounds "mushy", but true.  

 Healing quilts are also for the quiltmaker.  There is a need within that drives us.  Admit it, most of us learn of someone in need...those who are feeling overwhelmed with the fight they must endure...and the quiltmaker immediately thinks "they need a quilt!".

This quilt is extra special.  My favorite quilts are scrappy and monochromatic.  Some of my quilts contain memories of my grandmother (whose's favorite color was blue).  This is one of those....so of course, this quilt went to a very special family member, my grandmother's oldest niece. Because I needed to be quick, the pictures were not taken at a great time of day, so the stars are not as defined as in person...but I love this one.

Today, I am linking up with Sarah --- who absolutely knows the power of a Healing Quilt.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Churn Dash Blocks Done


On this Work In Progress Wednesday, all of the Churn Dash blocks are done, waiting to be sewn together.  By evening, I will be ready for the borders...then loading on the quilting frame.   Not sure why, but my baby quilts always tend to be larger than "new born" size. Babies grow so fast, so why waste the opportunity to make something they will use longer.  Estimated size will be 64" x 64".


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Stars In Time for Veterans Day.


A Modern Finish -- the rainbow of stars are an accumulation of HSTs and background squares.  This top came together quickly and so much fun.  


This is my first time with "Ruler Work" and now that my hands are better holding the ruler, it won't be my last.  One thing I learned through this practice session is not to press down on the ruler too hard.  AND...when I quilt those little bubbles, TURN OFF the stitch regulator. 


I do believe this one will be made again .... maybe with a dark background.  I have a HUGE stash of solid Kona Cottons...hmmmm.

Today, I am linking up with the Quilt Story's Fabric Tuesday.  Next on the frame...a sea of blues, back to work.

To our Veterans --- THANK YOU!

Monday, November 10, 2014

Churn Dash


I have a fascination with Churn Dash Blocks right now.  Above is the start of a baby boy quilt using 12" blocks.  I found this "boyish" fabric below and started pulling the colors from my stash.   


For now until the new year, I am trying very hard to finish quilting the tops I have already. If I can stay on track, Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt will fit in nicely.

After a long absence from the Monday Design Wall, I am excitedly linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times.