Ta Da

As you recall, my box of 2-1/2 squares looked just like this when I started Big Blue. Generally when I begin such a project new fabrics are cut, which is why the inventory rarely goes down. This is how I cycle new and old fabric. There are some pieces that go back 30 years. Yes, really.
This is a flannel Toile print that I had on hand. When combined with 100% cotton Blue Ribbon batting, the flannel will help shrink the entire quilt at least 3" on each side for a very textured effect. Big Blue took longer than expected to assemble. There are 1080 blue squares, 1015 white squares, and 128 triangles. The trickiest part was balancing color in the middle of the quilt as those were the longest sections. No border will be added, but it will get a blue binding to define the edges once it's quilted. I'm still waiting for Santa to bring me my box of time.

If you want to try this pattern idea, remember you can use any and all colors, it does not have to be just 1 color group. I've seen this quilt done up in 1930's prints and it was lovely. The trick is to start your fabric library, continue to add to your collection, and let yourself play. It's that simple.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

Thank you

Fellow quilter Susan over at Patchwork Reflections has been kind enough to pass along the Community Blogger Award to me.

"The Community Blog Award celebrates people who reach out and makes the blogger community a better one."

In turn, I would like to pass this on to 3 folks:

Ms. Glaze over at http://msglaze.typepad.com/paris/ for her constantly humerous and always educational perspective on all things French, most especially the food. Such grand adventures she has!

Of course, how could we get along without the sound musings of Rhonda, over at http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/, who reminds us that dedication to an idea make it truly possible.

All quilters will agree that Dawn over at http://dquilts.blogspot.com/ literally keeps us in stitches while sharing new projects, as well as new adventures along the quilt shop highway.

And a big thank you goes out to each and everyone of you who stop by for a visit and/or a chat. The "quiltin' neighborhood" gets smaller every day.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

Blessings

As family members, friends, loved ones new and old sit down to partake of the bounty of this great land, remember to give thanks to those veterans both home and abroad who've made this gathering possible.

God bless our families who support, encourage and guide us. God bless our loved ones who live near and far. And God bless our troops who continue to fight for this nation.

Please have a safe and happy holiday one and all.

Stacking the stash

I grew up in a neighborhood where housekeeping was an art form. Chores were performed on schedule depending on day, season, or holiday. Windows were washed, porches were swept, grass was mowed, and Christmas lights strung in a timely fashion. Not only relatives, but church members lived nearby and by golly if you were off schedule, it was duly noted. You know what I'm talking about. These women had jobs, with a capital J and a big S. I call them the steel apron generation. Not only did they raise their own children, but any one elses who happened to be in the vicinity. Chances are, you were one of those children.

They taught me the value of order, and thank goodness for them.

This stack of fabric has been on the waiting list since last summer. It was recently rinsed in water, dipped in a bucket of spray starch solution, and hung out to dry. Now that it is stiff and pressed, trimming must be done. This is the part that can be done a little bit at a time. Sometimes I use box lids to stack according to size and/or color.
More recently, I've begun using my grandmother's drying rack to separate size and color. When I'm done trimming, most will be filed accordingly. Some will be trimmed for the 2" square box. Some will be trimmed for the 3-1/4" square box.

Like seasonal chores, this is a process. An ongoing process that works for me. Now if only I could apply it to the rest of the house.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

Super Simple

I can hear the groans, "Oh no, not another 4-patch quilt!" Sorry, I just can't help myself. If you've got 2" squares, why not make 4-patches. If you keep a box, bag, or tin full of them, you always have the makings for a simple project.

This pattern comes from The Quilt Patch www.thequiltpatch.ca/. However, I changed mine around to utilize 3-1/4" 4-patches. I also keep a ziplock bag full of leftover triangles on hand and was able to use some of them up on the corners. (Remember the bias has to be on the inside, so you need to cut a square in fourths diagonally.)

As you can see, I chose a tone-on-tone navy for the inner/outer border sections. It needed something dark enough to frame it. The next one I make will be more coordinated with 4 patches out of very light backgrounds and medium/dark greens. Then I'll frame it with a medium/dark green. Of course you could use red and green for a really quick Christmas quilt. Whatever colors you choose, have fun playing.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . . . .

Leftovers

It seems there were a few left over pieces from a project that needed to be used up.

Following the website guidelines on color and size, I blended as many unique and interesting non-flower prints as possible. Sad as it is, I had to take in to consideration that these quilts are for wounded veterans. This means there's a potential for various stains. On the other hand, I also wanted them to be entertaining. I know if I had to stare at hospital walls for hours at a time, I certainly would want something fun to look at. Thus, I pulled as many prints with cats, cows, sheep, moose, fish, bears, bats, flags, feathers, cherries, santas, flying pigs, and printed words as possible. I guess you could call it an I-spy quilt.

Corners and borders will be added soon. Backings will be assembled from 10-1/2" random squares to add additional interest. Thank goodness someone else will quilt them as I believe I have enough squares left over to do at least 3 more tops.

No doubt you are familiar with the web site, but just in case, here it is: http://www.qovf.org/

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

Think big

Sometimes all we need for inspiration is a favorite color and an idea. Leftover muslin pieces called for an experiment in over dying. Combining a LOT of left over muslin in to log cabin blocks is a wonderful way to use it up.

Next to blue, I'd say red is my current favorite color. Why the wide borders? Well for big feather wreaths of course. When will it be quilted? Only my hair dresser knows for sure.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . . .

Update

A few days back, I was on the phone when I heard dog yelps and hurried outside to check on my baby Bonnie.

The Section 12 neighbor (psych term- in other words should be committed) has a big chow. Up until this point her dog has not been a problem. However, one of her small dogs is in heat. Evidently this caused her chow to attack my Bonnie girl.

She has a puncture wound in the middle of her shoulder and we have daily sessions with hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment. The fear in her eyes and her shaking when I get out the medicine break my heart every time. The wound is healing slowly, but well. I'm afraid, it is going to take me far longer to get over it.

Why anyone would have a dog that is not fixed is beyond me. Especially living in an area where so many pets are abandoned, discarded, and literally thrown in to trash dumpsters. Did you know that a male dog can smell a female dog in heat from 3 miles away. There are even free area clinics to get your pet spayed or neutered. Some humane societies offer discount vouchers with a local vet to get the procedure done. If your pet or your best friend's pet has not been fixed, please, seriously, consider having it done. For Bonnie's sake.

Stringing along to a wonderful melody

String quilting on a small scale is great fun! The rectangles created to make the "railroad" sections measure 3-1/2 x 7" (that includes seam allowances). You begin by making them at least 4" x 7-1/2", then starch and trim down to 3-1/2 x 7".

Most of the yellow squares were made from leftovers a friend had given me. They measure 3-1/2" square - cut. And the white setting squares are cut at 7". This really is a great project to use up leftovers and remember that odd blocks and even flying geese units can be sewn in to your stringy rectangles.

Once again, I used Golden Threads paper (http://www.goldenthreads.com/); however, phone book pages will work just as well.

The pattern layout idea for this quilt came from Marti Mitchell's book, Quilting For People Who Still Don't Have Time To Quilt. In it Marti explains how to use the strip piecing technique to create the "railroad ties." However, I find that string piecing lends itself beautifully to such a project.

I hope these last few posts have given you an incentive to get started on that Christmas list. I too have a list and will be taking a break from blog land for a while. Don't worry, I'll be back with more fun and adventure.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . . .

Merry and Bright

Who doesn't love snowmen? They may not be cuddly, but they sure are cute. This pattern comes from Connie and Mary at Country Threads.

They work up very quickly. (Just don't look too closely at the eyes, machine applique is not my best skill.) And of course will make great Christmas gifts. Gee, they may even be done by next Christmas.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .