Half Log Cabin/Road Trip

These half log cabin blocks were made a couple of years ago, and intended for a quilt to hang in my living room. After realizing that I hadn't made even half of the blocks that I needed, I just wasn't up for it, so they languished on a shelf. Since I've been in a "finishing" mood of late, I pulled them out, and sewed them up into a 68" top. Not the size I had envisioned, but I am really happy with it. The quilt is based on one in the Patricia Cox book, "American Quilt Classics". The layout is the same, but the coloring is a bit different. A close-up.

Saturday, Vicki and I left bright and early for two of the exhibits listed on our sidebar. First up was Indianapolis for the Frugal and Fancy, then on to Bloomington for the AQSG Star Quilts. We will be sharing lots of photos soon.

On the way home, we stopped in Greenwood at Back Door Quilts in Greenwood. Here are a few pics to entice you if you are ever in the area - lots of repros, and look at all of those samples!

This puss in the corner quilt was one of my favorites. My purchases are on the little bench in front of it. The star quilt book is based on the Bloomington exhibit.

In the Works

Not much quilt related activity lately.  At left is the progress on the Kim Diehl quilt (sorry, don't know the name of the pattern).  I've changed it up just a little - added square-in-a-square to the star center and, of course, lots of scraps - the book quilt is two fabric.   The fabric the sample is lying on is a little busy, sorry, but it was close to hand and I was in a hurry.  Great fabric though -Mahogany by Nancy Gere c. 1830 from Windham.

I've also worked a few sample blocks for the cover quilt from Quilts an American Heritage by Terri Zegart  I wrote about a few posts back.  I've settled on an 8" block with a common light fabric (a Jo Morton).  This quilt is on Jan's list too, so we're thinking of using it for our next block exchange.  The block is much simpler than it appears.  

The next two quilts are from the quilt show at the First Christian Church of Marion, KY.  This is the third year they've held a show during Paducah quilt week.  Most of the quilts are from members' personal collections, many family heirlooms.  I didn't have my camera with me on my first visit and by the time I made it back, they were just about done folding up.  Wish I could show you a picture of the pews covered in quilts!

                                                           Beautiful Feathered Star - amazing quilting!

 

This quilt was paper thin - well loved.

Last two pictures are from my garden - we're finally getting some nice weather in IN! 



Spawn of Texas Braid/Sarah Richardson

Texas Braid top is finally finished. It was nerve-wracking when I first trimmed a strip, but it was a breeze really. I am happy with this one, and am anxious to have it quilted. As usual, I overcut. Lots of leftover 2" bricks. There were also a few leftover red 2" squares, so I am making four patchs as leader & ender blocks. Here are the trimmings from the completed Braid strips. What kind of lunatic saves stuff like this?! They will make half-square triangles that finish to 3/4". Gotta keep 'em.

Sarah Richardson has a new HGTV series, and this time she is remodeling her family's lake cottage. I loved the old brass bar used to hold this sweet quilt. At first glance, I thought it was a 9 patch with 4 patch sashing, but the block is really a 9 patch surrounded by white strips, with 4 patch corners. Then, it is sashed and has a little post.

Here is the entire room. Isn't the quilt just perfect on the narrow wall?

Guest Post

Hi everyone! I'm Amy, Jan's daughter. I'm writing in place of my mom today because it's May 10th -- World Lupus Day.

The entire month of May is dedicated to lupus advocacy, but today is a day the entire world bands together and tries to raise awareness about this incurable and misunderstood disease.

Chances are, most people have heard of lupus -- especially because of the TV show, House. While that's great the name is out there, not many people seem to understand much about it and how it affects people who live with it.

Unfortunately, no two cases of lupus are the same. It manifests itself differently in every person and a lot of times, they symptoms are too vague for a doctor to make a diagnosis. There are blood tests that can be done, as well as criteria the patient must fit, to determine if lupus is the cause of the problems.

I've found that one of the best ways awareness can be spread is by reading individual stories about how people were diagnosed and how it affects their life.

There are quite a few places this can be done. One is an online magazine I've written for (and intend to write for again once I have the time and energy) called The Lupus Magazine. And because people with lupus are mostly women (90%), there's also a site called The Fight Like a Girl Club. I've shared my own experiences about life with lupus on both of these sites.

Information can also be found at the Lupus Foundation of America website, where you can find more than just personal stories. They offer links and resources, as well as a way to donate to help find a cure, or at least more medicines to help.

Thanks for letting me come on today to share this information, and I hope you'll check some of the pages out and learn a bit more and maybe tell others about lupus and what it really is.
I can personally tell you it isn't what most people think, and even having it and feeling I understand it fairly well, I still am thrown for a loop every now and again -- it has a mind of its own and does what it wants, when it wants. All we can ask for is more awareness in order to receive more research funding. Every new person who learns about the disease and spreads knowledge brings us one step closer to that.

Postcard from Paducah

This wasn't the typical Quilt Show year.  The venue for the main exhibit was moved at the last minute due to rising river water - Mother Nature has targeted the midwest for flooding rains.  A family emergency changed my plans.  I did attend the show for a few hours on Saturday, so I opted for the Rotary Show to take in the antique exhibit.  This year's theme was 'A Quilted Garden' curated by Sue Reich.  There was a gallery tour starting as I walked in the door!  The wholecloth quilt at left (c. 1830) was the oldest quilt in the exhibit.  What a beauty and in great shape!

I loved the border on the Fleur-de-Lis and Stars Connecticut quilt (c. 1840).

What a fun, graphic four block Daisy quilt - the hand quilting was exceptional.

  

Hexagon Baskets (c. 1940) was a labor of love - lots of little hexagons in this quilt! Love the border.

  







Last exhibit pic is the Redwork Penny Square quilt (c. 1900) - the pre-stamped squares were purchased for one penny.

One of my favorite antique quilt vendors, Cindy Rennels from Cindys Antique Quilts, was at the Rotary.  She has graciously allowed me share these booth shots with you.  Thanks, Cindy!

The quilt show is embraced by the whole community.  I loved the following window displays!

I'm anxious to get back to the sewing machine.  I've been hand sewing binding, so some progress!