Catch Up

I've been absent from home for a couple weeks, so I've enjoyed the weekend catching up.  I've made some bowtie blocks to add to the group exchange blocks I posted about last time.  These were made from stash strips - fun to 'make something work'.  I need about 40 more.  What about that stripe bowtie in the bottom row - couldn't have made those stripes match better if I tried (and I didn't)!  This isn't the setting for my quilt, but the green background fabric was a recent purchase for a basket quilt that's on my list.

I was on a tri-state road trip last weekend to attend a fabric study day.  I detoured to Bowling Green, KY to visit the Elizabeth Richardson exhibit again with a friend - WONDERFUL!!!  I'm planning on stopping again on the winter drive to Florida.  If you're in the area, stop in.  The trip included a visit toWhittle's -  two bags full, please.  Do you notice a few solids in there?  Jan and I are headed to Michigan in a couple weeks for Gwen's Liberated Medallion retreat.  I'm taking only solids to work with - it will be a stretch.

My stash booty is resting on a quilt back (blog post here) that's been accepted to 'In the American Tradition' exhibit for the International Quilt Festival 2012-13 schedule (premiering in Houston at Quilt Market) - YEA ME! I'm attaching the sleeve and label and sending off by the end of the month.  

I won two antique block silent auctions at the fabric study day.  The 9 patch blocks will be used to build doll quilts around - medallion style.  Don't have a clue to design, but seems like a fun 'snow in' challenge.

I'm in love with the indigo basket blocks (I'm thinking 1870's or so) - 24 blocks with shirtings (two are very thin and might need a lining fabric for support).  They are dirty and smelly, but I've started the cleaning process, one-by-one in case the indigo bleeds - no problems yet.  I'm on block four.  They  are pretty wonky; but, like I said, I'm in love.  I'll just whack them, ignoring handle points.  

So, that's my 'catch up'.  I didn't start on the red and white, but it's on the list.  Don't spend your Sunday morning following breadcrumbs on the web.  It will just add to your 'to do' list  and necessitate the purchase of colored pencils to investigate possibilities!   

Don't Leave Home Without It!

Your sewing machine's foot pedal, that is. After careful packing for Vicki's and my retreat to Shipshewana two weeks ago, we arrived ready to start sewing. I usually bring a handwork project in case something happens to my machine, and this time, I didn't. After deliberating, Vicki was kind enough to drive with me to meet my husband at a halfway point. When we arrived back at our B&B, I had serious tension problems. It took lots of playing with the bobbin and needle tensions to get a stitch that wouldn't just pull out completely with a little tug test. Not wanting to risk a less than respectable stitch quality on a big project, I only worked on doll quilts. They don't get much wear :)

These fabulous indigo blocks were from Rebecca Haarer's shop. Neither one of us could pass this great print up!

This brass doll bed was added to my collection. I love the size, as it is a bit bigger, and will display most doll quilts nicely. It is in need of a little mattress, and some bed linens first though.

Blue and white makes me swoon, and this bowl that lost it's pitcher along the way also found a new home. I am using it in my sewing room to hold little blocks as they are made. It will be beautiful on the porch next summer, too. The exterior of the bowl is decorated exactly like the interior.

This claret star quilt was nearly forgotten in the linen closet. I brought it down to see if it would clash with the dining room rug, and found that it looked fabulous with it!

Here is a detail shot. The quilting is minimal, and you can see the shirting backing was brought to the front for a binding. It's great to see an old favorite again!

Pinwheel Blocks

My sister gave me some vintage quilt blocks for my birthday. The pattern is a fun variation of a pinwheel block, I think.There are a few fabrics of interest. This blue background reminded me of a blue reproduction. It just happened to be in my stash, so I photographed the block on top of the repro print. I don't recall the name or maker, but there were a variety of blues with the same prints in pinks. I like the brown in this block, too. An unusual color, don't you think? This was the block that blew me away. Or, should I say "blue"? I am sure that I've never seen a blue with a pink also in the print. Blue with cheddar, yes, and even a chrome-like yellow, but not pink. Here is a close-up. Has anyone seen this color combination before?