A Weekend's Work

I decided to get at least one of the samples for TOWQS done to take back with me. 

This is Winter #577 by Country Threads.

It is fusible applique, so the next step is to decide how to anchor the shapes...

buttonhole stitch around them all or

stitch them down as I quilt.

The second choice will be faster, but I will let the girls at the shoppe decide which finish they want.

I also managed to catch up with my Civil War BOWs.

Ladies Aid Album

Calico Puzzle

I have been talking about a red and white quilt for some time now, so I finally started it.

I am fascinated by the illusion created by these two color HSTs.

Half the block looks like white triangles on red and the other half looks like red triangles on white.

I'll be using this illusion in my setting design.

I only have 540 HSTs to make and 57 more of these 3" finished blocks!

Better get busy!



I managed to get this week's CW block from Barbara Brackman's site done.

I didn't like it until I saw my blog friend, Merilyn's, block. 

I didn't have a fabulous floral stripe, but this came close and looks rather handsome on point, which is how I plan to set my blocks.  I have become obsessed with on-point settings recently.

On the topic of the anniversary of the Civil War, I found a new blog to follow called The Civil War Quilter.  Becky is working on a book that I will be anxious to see and reproduces Civil War era quilts.  Make sure to read her April 30th post about Love and Valor. 

My feet are on ice, hoping to reduce the inflammation so I can get back in my hiking boots.

But, until then, I am making lots of quilting progress...

3 more 1880 sampler blocks, more pinwheels and some gifts that I can't show.

I can't go exploring for wildflowers to photograph,

but at least my garden is starting to bloom.

My favorite color in the garden is purple...can't you tell!

And these are the pine cones on the Colorado Blue Spruce that are planted around the perimeter of our land.  My Snow in Summer is finally getting its little white flowers and I love the contrast with the Dianthus.  I am an amatuer gardener, but sometimes my combos actually work.

Quilter's ADHD!

I know we all joke about how many projects we have going at one time, but my quilter's ADHD has gotten a little out of control.  Since we relocated to Colorado, I have been rising early (nothing new for me) and sewing while I watch the French Open on my laptop.

So, in this corner, we have my 1880 Sampler Quilt in progress. 

 (A note for Kathy G: there was no return email for me to send you a pdf that hopefully your MAC can download.  Please send one. )

I have not heard of any other problems downloading the pattern for the Goose in the Pond variation block, but I may add a simple block to use in its place, if need be.

In this nook, we have Bunnyhill's Autumn Houses started. 

And under my cutting table, I have started Pinwheels for Caroline by Lori Smith.  My WIP list had gotten under 10 items, so what the heck!  Besides, this will use up a lot of my reproduction stash!  Believe it or not, it will be a lap size quilt when finished.  I am shocked too!

I love a challenge and today's CW block certainly was one! 

Love it!

Also finished up the Little Blue Basket block that I had put off doing.

My blocks have been redrafted to 6", so this one had to be foundation paper pieced.  8" just seemed so big to me ;o)

Since blogger was having issues this past week, several comments came through without return emails.  I think I have solved my comment problem---turned off the stay signed in button.  Thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions!

This is for Holly: Send me a comment with your email and I will help you get a copy of Autumn's Bounty. 

My DH asked what I had planned today; and when I was non-committal, he stated we should go hike the Continental Divide. "There is more to life than weeding and quilting," he said naively.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend! 

 I'll be gardening and quilting, silly man!

A Simple and Satisfying Saturday!

I just love a day like today. 

Watched a tennis match between my two favorites stars, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal (lounging in my pajamas until 10am!)

Then played a little game myself called...

Catch Up.

Now I am only 2 blocks shy of being up-to-date with my Civil War BOW.

Fort Sumtner is my favorite block so far; but now I want to go back and remake some of the other blocks to be as dramatic in color.  I always do this in a sampler quilt project, but I am going to follow my own advice and just wait until the end and see how they all work together.

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day. 

Making Progress

I spent the last two days challenging myself and striking another project off my UFO/WIP list!!

I machine quilted this top for a friend to help raise funds for breast cancer research.

The challenge was to replicate the quilting that had already been done.

The pre-existing quilting was little ribbons with roses in the middle of them. 

I used freezer paper to draw a replica, made several copies and then ironed them randomly over the quilt top.  I then free motioned around the shapes, connecting them with a little flourish. This is a technique I have adapted from Mary Mashuta.  She uses freezer paper templates and a walking foot, but why not use the templates to make my free motion shapes more consistent.  This isn't the first time I have used this technique and it will not be the last.

I made one more CW block, but I am still behind!  My friend, Doreen, from Aunt Reen's Place, placed my past blocks in a quilt block grid for me.  I'll have to get it posted to my sidebar.

Next up is to set all the blocks for my album quilt.  

I'm making progress...and the list is getting smaller.  

Blogging Frustration!

Is it my computer, my internet server or blogger?

It can take what seems like ages to open a post from the blogs I follow and another eternity to try and leave a message.  Since I do not have much patience, I have not kept up with reading and commenting.  I have tried, believe me! So please forgive me for not leaving a comment.  I know their importance and will keep trying. 

In the meantime, I have been busy.

Finished piecing Paris in the Fall by This and That, a BOM available at TOWQS.

A small group of gals all worked together to each make one and we had a little party Thursday to celebrate its completion, but that is a story best kept to myself. LOL! 

Who knew almond flavored champagne was so tasty!

I did manage to complete 1 more CW block, but I am still 2 behind. 

I am anxious to make a red and white quilt!  I have loved seeing all the pictures and reading the articles about the show in NYC.  Wish I could have seen it in person!

Just One Star and other things

Moda and their designers, Minnick and Simpson, have joined forces to piece 100 quilts in 100 days for the Quilts of Valor project, Just One Star.

I've made my block and you can also participate!

Go here to find the block instructions and where to send your block.

Lincoln's Platform may be my favorite block so far for the Civil War Quilts BOW.

I got the idea to use a stripe when I saw another participant's block.

Great way to spruce up a simple Churn Dash.

Sashing and setting triangle cutting dimensions can now be found over at my 1880 Barbara Bucher Sampler quilt blog.  Would you like to see a Flickr page for posting everyone's blocks?

A February Full of Finishes!

I am quite proud of myself.

February was a very productive and satisfying month for me.

I finished (now that is a word you will not often see me use!)

3 items on my UFO/WIP priority list, in addition to completing 4 small quilts, and managed to fit in 50 siggy blocks.

I have made 3 more CW blocks for Barbara Brackman's BOW.

Decided to add in a little gold...the red, white and blue got a little stale for me.

Kinda like that khaki colored background behind the blocks. 

Just got a new Bonnie Blue basics in TOWQS that might be the perfect sashing color for these puppies.  Hmmm, food for thought.

I have updated my UFO/WIP list to include 3 new projects I am anxious to start and hopefully someday finish.  Kathleen Tracy over at the Small Quilt Talk Yahoo Group is having a UFO challenge.  Even though binding my Calico Comfort, her design by the way, was already on my list, I have entered it as my challenge to complete. 

Yah, I know what you are thinking!

So now I am ready to March right on in to a new month!

Do you think I could come up with a Shamrock Lil Twister design?

A Sneak Peak

I joined Christine's Doll Quilt Exchange and was thrilled to be paired with Lisa of Stray Threads.  Lisa is interested in textile history and passionate about antique quilts. 

Check her out! I know you will enjoy what you see and read.

She was recently selected as one of the 50 Best Quilting Blogs by Guide to Art Schools.

Here is a sneak peak at the quilt I am making for her.

That little square measures 3" finished.

I hope she will like the quilt.

Another block posted over at my 1880 Sampler blog this am.  Here is what is in store for next week.

I'll keep alternating difficult and easier blocks.

Please remember to send me photos if you are following along.

I am working on a few quilts from Kathleen Tracy's new book, The Civil War Sewing Circle.

I'll be back to show them to you when they are finished.

This weekend should be quiet for the first time in a long time, so maybe I can catch up on the Civil War Quilt's BOTW.

Any Super Bowl fanatics out there?

Who will you be cheering for?

I'll be putting my money on Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers!

North Star and Be Mine!

North Star--the second block in Barbara Brackman's Civil War series.

If you want to sew along, the link is on my sidebar.

And now, my follower appreciation gift. 

'Be Mine'

Be a follower of mine and leave a comment.

Included is the pattern, material, including binding, a Quilt in a Day ruler for squaring up triangles, and a few other sweet treats.

I will draw the winner Monday at 5am.

Thank you again for the great reception I have received since starting my blog last summer.

It has be a fun ride!

P.S.-no need to mention this on your blog.  Just keeping it simple.

Remember, I have to have some way to contact you.  If you are a non-reply commenter, please include an email address where I can reach you if you win!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

Catch Me If You Can-

the first block in Barbara Brackman's Civil War series.

It is so hard to decide which of the many new projects offered in blogland to do!

I've joined Christine's doll quilt exchange and look forward to getting assigned my exchange partner soon.

Next choice is Lori's doll quilt sew along and it is small, just like I like em!

Then there is Madame Samm's mug rug contest, and it has prizes!

Of course, there are all the other ongoing projects out there as well. 

Just too many quilts and sew little time!

So after the last affront to my dignity I could stand today...

which is worse??--mammogram, pap smear or the annual all over skin check by a dermatologist with magnifying glasses on!...

all of which I have put myself through this last month...

I made a decision.

I will only add the Civil War Quilts project to my commitments.

It is 52 blocks over 52 weeks.

I think I can handle that.

And besides, I have a use for the end product.

I have been wanting to make a donation quilt for the Quilts of Valor, and this will be perfect for it.

So my colors are chosen--red, grey/white, and blue.

I may decide to join Lori once I get a handle on all the things I have cooking right now.

Her little quilt is so darn cute and a reproduction of an antique!

Finally called the machine quilter today to get my place in her queue.

She is in high demand around quilt show time.

I was secretly hoping she would not have room to fit me in, but alas, I am scheduled the first week in February.  Can't use that one as my excuse and now have a second deadline to meet!

She did call me last minute Miller, though.

My fingers are screaming STOP! They are so sore from the frantic hand appliqueing I am putting them through.  I use a straw needle and it punctures the skin every once in awhile.

My quilt entry form is due Jan. 15th, accompanied by a picture of the quilt.

Off to the quilt shoppe to get something to protect my finger!