Flowering Green

My goal for 2008 was to finish my UFO's. This quilt was started in 2006 and is bound and done as of Dec. 29th. It will replace one I have had on my bed for 15 years. A friend helped me shop for the material for my old quilt and then helped show me the process of making it. I was hooked although it took me a few more years to really get into it. (it is pictured at the bottom) I call this 'Flowering Green.' It was a block of the month started in 2006 at Whipper Snapper's a local quilt shop and designed by Mary Ann Florek. I have a short arm but do not have it set up to handle a queen size quilt. So I had a friend, Sherry Flagg machine quilt it for me on her short-arm. She has a business and does a beautiful job. I am so pleased with it.

Below is my first quilt...a log cabin. It is starting to become thread bare in a spot so it is time to retire it and add something new. Amazing how we make quilts for everyone but ourselves. So I decided it was time. Also note the angel over the headboard. My friend, Doll who taught me to quilt made it for me. This year has been a fruitful year. I have made 9 quilts and many baby quilts, table runners, wall hangings etc. I wonder what 2009 will hold? I still have UFO's lurking and waiting for me.

Blessings on this New Year 2009 to all who have taken the time to view this blog. I have so much enjoyed connecting with new acquaintances all over the world. Thank you for your time and your comments they have been greatly appreciated.

Two by Two Quilt

We recently had a vendor at our quilt group and she was demonstrating the 'Flip Flop Block' by Kathie Alyce. I was going to make a baby quilt and thought it would be fun to use. Curves do not intimidate me as I was a seamstress for many years. I found it very easy to use and pleased with the result.

After sharing that the baby was named Noah a fellow quilter suggested calling it 'Two by Two' . The baby shower had a cake with all these wild animals on it. I need to put a label on the back and then I will get it to them. Shhh.. do not tell if you know who it is... This is a close up. I did it on my short-arm quilter.

Theresa Star Done!!

I finally finished the quilt that was started at Casey Quilter's retreat last weekend. It is called 'Theresa's Star' by designer Theresa Eisinger. It is 64x71 and will be a gift after I quilt it. Had a hard time getting a picture as it is on an angle and I see it looks crooked. Just could not wait to post it. Will take a better picture eventually. There is more information about the quilt plus others who took part if you scroll down to next couple of entries. Also posted a close-up.

Below is a small quilt using the trimmings from above quilt. This was done by Sherry Flagg, the instructor. I have mine all sewn together into half triangles and will add sashing. I just have to size up and decide what I want to do. It will have to wait until after Christmas.

I have an album of all the quilts I have made over the years, the size, the recipient and a description. It is fun to go back and see all that I have done. I started quilting in 1973. I took a class with Cindy Black who had a class at our local high school. I got hooked and enjoy it more each day. Cindy owns Busy Thimble in Litchfield and has wonderful reproduction fabrics. It is always a joy to go there and I always come out with something.

Poinsettia Pot Wall Quilt

Christmas in July, a project that I started with my group 'Casey Quilters' is finally finished ! Poinsettia Pot Wall Quilt from the book 'A cozy Quilted Christmas' by Kim Schaefer. It is 29 1/2" x 36 1/2" Wall hanging.
I used many techniques, iron on, machine and hand work. I will finish it off with binding that is finished by hand. I really enjoy decorating my house at Christmas time with different quilted pieces.

Strippy Quilt

I copied this pattern 'My favorite quick donation quilt' by Mary Johnson online and not sure where. It is one of those things you see and know you would like to do and place in a stack 'until'. I visited Marden's recently...'all Maine girls know where that is'...you can get great fabric...great prices....if you hit it right and know your material...so bought 1 yard each of focus fabric...tone on tone and an accent piece. A lady ahead of me was purchasing these and I simply said 1 yd each...easy purchase...no struggle....don't you love it.. Below is a close up...it was fun to do....I bought some tiger prints at our local quilt show and will do some for my twin grandsons (10 years old) and make matching pillow cases...they are something they do not have to be careful with.
I have 6 tops ready to be quilted..just purchased a Quilters Cruise Control for a short-arm and practicing some different designs...practice makes perfect...Right!!

Pattern is:
1 yard of a focus fabric - cut 5 strips 6.5 inches by WOF
3/4 yard of tone on tone - cut 6 strips 3 inches by WOF
(1 yard if you use this fabric for binding)
1/2 yard of accent fabric - cut 10 strips 1.5 inches by WOF
(1 yard if you use this fabric for binding)

• Assemble as shown in the picture above - please note that the top and bottom strips do not have accent strips sewn on the outside edges of the quilt
• If focus fabric is directional, pay attention as you sew sections together.
• Quilt size is approximately 41 x 56.

This is the basic instructions but you can add to them ...change width etc...lots of options.

If you choose to make one have fun and it is so quick. My friend Sue has made some also and you can check her blog out...

http://northwindsquilting.blogspot.com/2008/07/bug-strippy-2.html

Black/White Sampler - Roses

How beautiful the flowers are this year. This is the old fashioned rose bush that is at least 75 years old. It gives off the most wonderful fragrance. I am reminded of the the scripture 'the Rose of Sharon' that speaks of the Lord.

This is a close up of the Rose which is so intricately made.This is one of my first peonies.
My appreciation of the beauty of a garden comes as a memory of my dad who worked a few years as a gardener. And of course, our family always had a vegetable garden and he spent many hours planting, weeding, hoeing etc. I remember picking beans and my mother canning in my younger years.

Have not done much quilting this week as my machine needs a minor adjustment. I also have worked off an old desk for years and it is time for me to purchase a table for my Janome. Tony's in Biddeford custom builds them, so will pick up mine on Monday. My studio needs a complete overhaul. I am a saver and I need to do some serious throwing.

I did add a red border to my black/white quilt (pictured in my last post). My husband thought it needed to be a little bigger, after following his suggestion I am pleased with the result.

God smiles when we praise and thank Him...

And then an amazing thing happens....

When we give God enjoyment,

our hearts are filled with JOY!

quote by Rick Warren

Black/White Sampler+ Tacoma

Wednesday was our last meeting for the year. We had potluck and this is the group in attendance. L-R First Row...Beth, President who has served us well this year and is always thinking of new challenges for us, Arlene our 90 year old who looks wonderful is a delight and has done a lot of hand quilting for the group over the years, Maggie, Treasurer who is a marvel with all her quilting, Carol who joined us this last year, her husband pastors the church we meet in. She has made some unique things. Back row ..Pauline who has won 'best of show' with one of her quilts and adds beautiful embroidery to her quilts, Judy, who retired and has joined us, always has something to show that she is working on. Donna, VP owns an ice cream shop but still finds time to do unique quilting, Bea, who bakes the best pies that the group has enjoyed has made some adorable quilts this year for her family, Bev, who is quiet but does beautiful work and Rayna who always has something in her hands, knitting etc. These are all gifted ladies in their own right. The nice part is that we are all at different levels skillfully, different personalities and we have melded together in a special way this year and we have learn so much from each other. Missing is Lori, Andrea and myself.

This was a Sampler project that Beth challenged us with. We got a pattern twice a month and chose our own colors. A sampler teaches you some of those techniques you avoid and so it becomes a learning process. I started out with black and white. People kept saying it needed color...I decided to just start adding red and yellow. I got so excited about the material I had found that I just kept going. It just has to be quilted now. It is our summer project to complete.It will be fun to see all the different ones at our first meeting in September.

The word fellowship has lost most of its biblical meaning "Fellowship" now usually refers to casual conversation, socializing, food and fun..Real fellowship is experiencing LIFE together.

Black & White Sampler

Have you ever had a block that was not your favorite. The spool block is not mine. My group is doing a sampler and I really did not want to do this particular one. I decided not to be a rebel and do my own thing. Samplers give quilters opportunities to do different techniques. I chose black and white, but then found I really needed to add some color and put red and yellow throughout. On this block I used a template and hand pieced the block. When sewn together will be 12 1/2". We have 4 more blocks to do.It is really the choice of fabric that makes a block look nice. I am very happy with this and glad I decided to follow the crowd this time.

Today it is sunny and 20 degrees. Spring is just around the corner ....our clock's have been set ahead and my inside clock is having a hard time adjusting.

Tbis year I have decided to finish my UFO's. It is very hard not to start something new. The materials are gorgeous! But I am refraining myself. I am headed to Lancaster, Pa. the end of the month with a bus load of quilters to shop and attend the Quilter's Heritage Celebration. And of course, there will be many opportunities to purchase. You know how it is when women get together. Oh such fun we will have....we can hardly wait.

Kathryn' Crib & Quilt

Our church youth were doing a fun raiser for missions. I saw this doll crib and decided to purchase. It sat in my closet for about 3 years and my intention was to give it to one of my grandchildren. But they had some so I began to ask the Lord what to do with it and He spoke and gave me the name of a family in my church. They were going to come pick it up and I got to thinking little girls need bedding and a blanket. So I looked through my 'stash' and made a mattress -quilt and pillow. Ms. Kathryn now has a complete bed for her dolly. It is more blessed to give than to receive. It was a joy to do this.

The following is what I include in all my quilts...I use pictures of hearts and overlay this message and print out directions unique for each person. This is the one for Kathryn

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - KATHRYN
I am a quilt to keep your dolly warm. But when you have the need to wash me

(pillow, mattress and quilt) throw me in the washer on gentle and

slightly swish me around in cool water. You can dry me in the dryer on low heat,

but do not put me in the sun as I fade quickly as I am all cotton.

…If you take care of me

I will last a long time…I have been made with love. Enjoy!
February, 2008

Husband's Quilt-Giant Star Quilt

My husband and I celebrated 50 years of marriage in January of this year. Sometimes you forget the ones you love the most. I thought I would make him a quilt. It is called 'Giant Star Quilt' made at a quilter's retreat last year.If you look close those are small cow figures. He has owned cows since he was 14 years old. I always told the Lord I did not want to marry a farmer. But.....I met him and fell in love and my story is, "I never smelled the stink on him". We have laughed about that for years. If you have ever been around a farm it is a smell that is very distinct. We raise beef cows and have our own meat which is a real blessing.

A workshop was being held and I collected my materials and made this quilt.And when I gave it to him he said, 'he had been praying I would make him one'. Not sure why he just did not ask me. He has been my most encouragement for buying my sewing machines and short arm quilter. So now he has his quilt and uses it most every day as we sit in our leather swival rocking chairs with our wood furnace keeping us warm and many times find ourselves taking a snooze.