Quick Post

We've had a heck of a problem with staying connected to the internet the last couple of weeks so I just have a new purchase to share with you. I am in fear of being bumped off again. These fabrics were ordered from Fabric Shack, and look at the bonus goodies they sent - a package of machine needles, size 11 and 14. The larger size are great for paper piecing. I'm done with the piecing of the Spiderweb, but see future string piecing, and so I'll store these away. The size 11s are my choice for everyday piecing. They also sent a free pattern. And, all of this shipped for the unheard of price of $2.50! You can be sure I'll be looking their site up again!

I know I'm pushing my luck, but look at those madders! They are from a new line called, Brick House. Am I the only one who is singing that song inside the brain?! The deep blue is from American Jane. I had a fat quarter from somewhere, and have searched for more, with no luck. Fabric Shack had it on sale. This blue is very close to true, antique indigo. Grab some if it's still left!
Ugh, I've been knocked off here a couple of times, so I'd better post now!

A Picture's Worth ...

The Quilt Merchant in Winfield, IL is a 'must see' for repro lovers - wonderful samples, eye-catching  staging, luscious fabrics, and friendly service.  This shop has been mentioned on many blogs, so probably 'old news'.  However, I have some great shots (which they were happy to have posted on the blog) - so, 'a picture's worth a thousand words'!

The quilting on the cheddar quilt was a perfect match!

 

The antique ensemble on the dress form is 'for sale'.  If you're interested, contact the shop.

Long Time, No Post

Vicki and I made the trip to Milwaukee to see the Winterthur quilts that were exhibited there. If you are anywhere in the area, do try to see these fabulous antique quilts. Many of the quilts that are in the book were displayed, along with samplers, and the gorgeous block and cylinder printed fabrics shown below. Textiles that I had only seen in books were here. For example...John Hewson printed fabrics, including a Tree of Life that was used predominately in a quilt; the Penn Treaty toile, and George Washington toile that was used in the bedhangings, also shown below. Definitely one of the best, if not the best, exhibit I've ever seen. I know that is saying a lot, but these are some of the oldest, and most beautifully sewn quilts that are in any collection anywhere.

The little sweetwater basket was on sale in the museum gift shop for just $7.00. I plan to put it to future use in the sewing room, for little blocks. The box here and the fabrics all came from The Quilt Merchant in Winfield, Illinois, one of our stops along the way. Vicki took pictures of the shop, and the many samples there. She will be posting about this in a few days.

The last two pieces that are identical prints are from a new line from Blue Hill Fabrics, a recent manufacturer of quilt cottons. This print also came in a deep blue. The designer of this particular line is the daughter-in-law of the owner of The Quilt Merchant. She also designs many of the quilts shown in the shop. Just wait until you see them! What a teaser, right?!

Paired Four Patch

This top has been completed for awhile (probably five years).  I originally thought I'd add a pieced border, but the quilt is fairly large already.  I've decided to run the pieced blocks to the quilt edge.   This quilt was fun to sew.  Four 4 Patch blocks per pieced unit (two sets of two) - I strip pieced the alternate block.  I love scrappy quilts!   

The inspiration for this quilt is a Double Irish Chain circa 1875 (pg 41) from 'The Ultimate Quilting Book' by Maggi McCormick Gordon (great book!).  If you have this book, look it up.  What a beauty - yummy red background fabric - subtle stripe with uniform circles - I love fabric with dots!  I named the top 'Freda's Girls' because my sister-in-law was gifted the book for Christmas from her daughters and she let me drool over it while we visited over the holiday. 

Time to get it quilted! 

A Finish

Just finished this little doll quilt today. The binding was sewn on using my Featherweight which has, in the past, presented a tension problem. Being in a hurry, I thought I would try again instead of getting out another sewing machine. By loosening the tension just a bit, I was able to sew with no difficulty. A size 14 needle was in the machine for paper piecing - yes, I'm still at it! - and it worked out just fine.

Now I'm off to Texas for the wedding of daughter #2 (of 2). We are spending one night, after the wedding, in San Antonio, so I hope to have a report of a quilt store there called Las Colchas. Their website says that they specialize in reproduction fabrics so I plan to take a look!

As you can see, I'm having trouble with my posting - everything looks as I want it to, and then, when I publish the post, it has a mind of it's own. I'll work on a remedy when I return; sorry!