quiltcrazy

Raffle for Women's Retreat

2012-01-25T07:23:00.000-08:00

Every year my quilt group at church has made a quilt to be raffled at Women's Retreat in support of Women's Ministries. This year we decided to make individual items so more women would have a chance to take a quilted item home and hopefully sell more tickets. These are my contributions.

"FLOWER GARDEN"

lap size

SPRING/SUMMER

reversable runner

(Sorry I haven't responded to your comments. I got a new computer and I'm having trouble with my email. Its on my list of to-dos but this involves one of my sons giving me some time.)

"BIG BROTHER" & "LITTLE BROTHER"

2012-01-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

"BIG BROTHER" "LITTLE BROTHER"

My daughter-in-law saved my grandsons' "baby" clothes in hopes that I would make a quilt for each of the boys. They are now 5 and 3 years old. The challenge was to blend a variety of colors, deal with various fabric types and include key logos in both quilts i.e." DUKE" and "OXY".

I started by cutting and reducing the bulky clothing into usable "squares". As I was cutting up the T-Shirts, I realized that the brand labels and printed sizes inside should be used too. I also found that I could leave the ribbed neckline, pockets or the snap front from some body suits.

I laid out the various size pieces on the floor, distributing colors to repeat throughout. The remaining fabric was cut up and used for sashing and additional squares.

I did a lot of stitch-in-the-ditch and diagonal grids but I also had fun doing free motion designs that reflected the image in the logo. Since so many of boys clothing is made of plaids and stripes, it was natural to use plaid and stripe backing fabrics.

"LAVENDER BOXES"

2011-10-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

My sister and I delivered this quilt to her granddaughter on her 10th birthday. Vanessa was so delighted with her grown-up quilt. Before I took it to the quilter, I realized I made it too long so I converted the bottom row into a pillow sham. I think its makes the whole package complete.

Compare her pose with the day she received her first quilt at age 4. To see her just as happy was all the "thank you" I needed.

Reliving the Adventure: "JOURNEY TO JAPAN"

2011-09-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Journey to Japan began a year ago.

I'm more than pleased with my quilt but I'm sorry to be finished. I loved the inventive, creative process of choosing which patterns to use and the tactile feel of hand quilting. Many of the fabrics brought back memories of my trip to Japan, the hospitality of our hosts and being with my sister. The making of this quilt was a memorable journey in its self.

Is it worth ripping?

2011-09-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

YES! I was trying to do with the fabrics I had without cutting too much from some that came from a friend. I purchased 2 fabrics for this quilt, used what I had in my stash and supplemented with some from a friend. After attaching the border, I realized there wasn't enough contrast so...I ripped and added a 1/2" border from my friend's stash.

The first was alright but I think the second is better. Now its time to machine quilt.

Ready for Quilting & a New Project

2011-08-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased with the finished top. Now to pick my machine quilter. My shoulders and the size of the top have decided for me to have someone else quilt this. I want a curvy overall design.

The backing, shown in the lower right corner, is a batik that picks up all the colors and its bright hues are perfect for the back.

It's time for my husband's sister and brother-in-law to get a quilt from me. Bob requested a cozy Patriotic lap quilt.

I found this pattern on The Quilter's Cache, called Independence Quilt.

This quilt has enough variety to hold my interest while fulfilling the request. I already bought a dark blue flannel for the back which is my first choice for a sofa blanket.

New Quilt for a New Room

2011-07-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

Vanessa has grown up so fast. At 10 (in October) she deserves a new quilt in her new room. After moving into their new home, my niece has painted her daughter's room periwinkle and violet. Vanessa had a hard time picking out a pattern that fit her grownup room. She settled on this modern combination of off center squares.

The finished quilt will have 4 blocks across and 6 blocks down. Each block has 4 connecting 9"squares.

I purchased a few new fabrics to tie in with those from my stash.

I cut a variety of sizes and colors for the centers.

I will cut the strips for each center to maximize the use of the limited amounts of some fabrics and assure that colors and patterns are distributed. I like what I've done so far.

"It's a Girl!"

2011-07-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Melissa and Andy have found out that they will have a daughter in November. I could hardly wait to finished a baby quilt for my first granddaughter.

The pattern, called Charmed Circles by Denise Sheehan at A Graceful Stitch, was designed to be done in 1930's reproduction fabrics. I scanned the cute child, animal, and flower images and enlarged them to fit in the white background. After tracing them in pencil, I embroidered using the same colors.

The machine quilting followed the circles and a zigzag for the almond shapes.

Fun, Fun, Fun

2011-07-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

I'm having so much fun hand quilting my "Journey to Japan", letting the fabric design "talk" to me. Sometimes I used cotton perle thread to stitch traditional Sashiko,

other times using hand quilting thread to echo the lines in the drawing or design.

I've chosen to use white for most of the quilting but an accent of red seemed to be a good choice too.

I'm trying to take my time because I don't want this experience to end too soon.

"Journey to Japan"

2011-06-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

On my trip to Japan with my sister last September, I collected fabrics to make a quilt. You may remember that one of our hosts offered me cuttings from "old clothes" (her aunt's old kimonos). I also bought old indigo cottons in antique shops plus some new contemporary prints. On a previous trip I had also bought some remnants that are probably rayon. I decided that I would go ahead and mix the cottons with the possible silks and rayons since this quilt would seldom need cleaning.

The fun part of designing a quilt is using what you have on hand to its best advantage and putting together all the various sizes, like solving a puzzle. The finished size turned out to be 58"x80".

It's now ready for hand quilting in traditional patterns and sashiko. The 60" denim blue Chambray was the perfect color and width for the backing.

"Tree House"

2011-06-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

Missy, the middle child of my sister's 3 girls, finally decided what quilt she wanted Aunt Janet to make. She chose the pattern from The Modern Quilt Workshop by Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr. Her choice of colors are my favorites too so I found all the fabrics in my stash. The pattern is easy (stack & slash) but the selection and placement of colors are key for success.

She only wanted a throw for her sofa so I was able to machine quilt it myself. I marked the angles and a variety of widths with masking tape, sewing from long edge to long edge. I went back and sewed 1/2" next to each of the angles echoing the brown sashing widths.

The backing is a cozy flannel with the insertion of the left over blocks (7"x12").

I have to brag . . .

2011-06-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

about my niece, Abby.

She is the creative designer of "Paper and Cake", a download-printable paper goods and party planner site. She has recently been featured in Woman's Day and on the Today show. Her ideas and printables are so fun, easy to use and very reasonably priced. CHECK OUT "PAPER and CAKE"!

Quilt On-the-Go

2011-06-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

We've been traveling again (big surprise). Our month long trip to
New Zealand,

Australia

and Indonesia

took me away from blogging but not quilting. Days at sea were spent hand quilting Kathi's bed runner which she now has on her bed in Arizonia.

After a week of taking care of the grandsons, we were off again up the
West Coast.

We returned home to the exciting news that our oldest son and DIL are expecting their first (It may curb our travels a bit after November). Another baby quilt to design! Boy or Girl?

On to San Diego to spent 3 days with our younger son, DIL, and boys.
Oh what fun.

Next, Jack was sent to lobby for special education in Washington DC. My week was spent visiting museums (found only one quilt shop). I went to the DAR but still didn't get to see the Mary Manakee (You'd think that they would display a quilt that they sell the pattern for in the gift shop?!)

My biggest news (next to my new grandchild) . . . in between travels I managed to finish Mary Mannakee.

I washed it with just clear laundry detergent, Zout on minor bleeding from some of the reds and several Ritz grabber sheets. ALL markings and bleeding came out! Its gorgeous. It will be put away for one of the grandchildren. DID YOU KNOW? I was told to fold a quilt on the bias to prevent permanent creases.

Japanese by Adoption

2011-02-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

My teacher friend and travel companion loves all things Asian, especially Japan. We were part of a teacher delegation to China 10 years ago and then 5 years ago traveled to Korea and Japan through UCLA/Freeman Foundation. Debbie's knowledge and enthusiasm for all things Asian shows in her classroom.

My goal was to make a retirement quilt that matches her adopted heritage.

I designed the pattern to focus around the geisha girls and to use fabrics from my stash. It still gets a black border and of course, quilting.

Ready to take on our next trip

2011-01-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

I recently helped my good friend, Kathi, pick out new linens for her guest room and bath. It was fun to match the lovely shams she had already picked out with new window treatments and towels/shower curtain/rugs.
I asked if she would like me to make a full quilt for the bed but since they live in Arizona, Kathi thought a bed runner would be more appropriate. We went to the local quilt fabric store and picked 3 coordinating fabrics. When I got home, I went to work designing two squares that repeated the flowers in the shams and the art work in the room. The project turned out to be just the right size to hand quilt on our next cruise. Progress to be updated soon . . .

Busy Hand Quilting

2011-01-22T08:25:00.000-08:00

I have finished quilting the medallions on my Mary Mannakee and am now working on the grid. The boarder will be last. I thank Janet at Quiltsalot for challenging me to do this quilt. It has been such a learning experience.

When I started the grid, I wasn't excited to use pencil for the markings but I think it was the best choice. I have researched how to remove them in the end. A soft eraser takes most of it off but sometimes I missed the mark and I had to draw again, making them either darker or have an extra line. Do you have any suggestions for treating the marks before washing?

"SURF'S UP"

2011-01-16T21:24:00.001-08:00

My daughter-in-law's mother shared this pattern with me after she made it for our grandson.
Click to enlarge.

My grandnephew, Jack, lives at the beach and his father is an avid surfer making this the perfect quilt for him.

Paper piecing is my least favorite quilt technique but I hunkered down and went to work. Going through my stash, I found most of the prints, only buying the beach flip-flops for the border. I'll warn you that the piecing has 12 cuts, making it a bit tedious but the results are spectacular.

I used flannel for the back and machine quilted it myself, outlining the surfboards and edging the sashing.

Sarah's Quilt

2010-12-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

I've been busy working on several quilts at once: Hand quilting my Mary Mannakee, piecing "Surf's Up" for my grandnephew to be finished after Christmas, doing the prep for a bed runner for my good friend in Arizona, to be appliqued on our next trip and finishing the king quilt for Sarah. By the way, I received a grateful thank you from Japan for the American Heritage wall hanging I mailed off 2 weeks ago.
I've finished Sarah (Niece) and Mark's quilt in time for Christmas. It was taken to the quilter in October for a special deal. My favorite quilter has been training a new person so she offered to do any size for $30! She did a terrific job. The binding is done and ready for my Sister and I to give to this special couple.

Seeing Double?

2010-10-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

(30x38)
I finished the wall hanging to send to our hostess in Japan. I chose an American theme representing traditional blocks.

Using my miniature American Heritage quilt design as the template, I enlarged the blocks, simplified my choices and machine pieced rather than by hand. I densely quilted it by hand.

Since Mrs. Motani has featured fabric wall hangings from Japan and far abroad in their home, it is my hope that this quilt will find a place as well.

JAPAN

2010-10-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a trip to Japan with my sister. Our love of all things Japanese was instilled at an early age by our father. He had spent a month in Japan as a aviation adviser during the Korean War. I found a small group tour focusing on ceramics for 2 weeks, staying in Japanese Inns, visiting artists and their studios and traveling in the countryside. It was the perfect tour for my sister, Director/Curator of the American Museum of Ceramic Art and gave me a chance to travel with my best friend. Although most of our time was spent looking at clay, we also experienced the culture, were guests in homes,

ate the food,played with clay,slept on the "floor",

bathed communally, and rode on the fast trains. I also got to shop for old fabrics

and our hostess invited me to cut a stack of fabrics from some "old clothes" (her great aunt's kimonos).

I promised to make her a wall hanging which is in the works.

BOO and HO HO HO

2010-10-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

My friend Mary, of 30 years, loves to decorate for the holidays. Since I hadn't quilted something for her, I asked if she would like a reversible table runner. She chose Halloween and Christmas.

American Heritage Sampler

2010-08-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

(26x32)

As you may have guessed, we have been traveling again. I hand pieced this miniature sampler quilt on a March cruise from Beijing to Anchorage (7 days at sea),

put them together when we got home and then quilted it while traveling this July from NY to London on a 18 day “Fir & Ice” cruise including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Shetlands, & Norway.

This idea started with a barrel marked 15¢ a strip in a San Diego quilt shop that specializes in vintage fabrics. I had fun sorting through odds and ends with no end product in mind. My design plan was to include as many representative patterns as possible. These traditional blocks range from 1800-1860.

Strips 'n Curves, final step

2010-07-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

I finished the top, 80x88. It's ready for a 10" border and quilting. My goal is to have it completed by Christmas as a present for my niece and husband from my sister. I've made this pattern once before but I needed a refresher. I will be teaching this quilt at the Fabric Patch, Montclair, CA in September. There are some tricks and trouble shooting that my students will welcome.

This photo doesn't show the true colors, the "browns" are really green.

Donated Blocks

2010-06-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Someone at church donated 2000 cut 6" blocks to our quilting group. One member sorted them by color but didn't know what to do next. I was given the challenge. I have planned and sewn blocks for 5 quilts approximately 55x70. Triangles were the best solution.

When left with a number of floral prints, I tried a different pattern. Since the "squares" weren't always true this has become a greater problem. I have 4 more sets to finish before stringing them together for a slightly smaller quilt.

The finished quilts are destined for the "House of Ruth", for battered women and their children. I still have more color coordinated squares but not enough to make a quilt without adding sashing.

I've been busy

2010-06-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

I know, I've been away for a while!

I've been traveling, involved with family and of course quilting. Thank you for all your helpful suggestions for quilting Mary Mannakee. I haven't started yet but I'm leaning towards a grid with some outlining and feather stitch. I want to investigate using bamboo batting. I've been told that its like sewing through butter. Have any of you used this product? What are your experiences?

On our last minute cruise from Beijing to Anchorage, I hand pieced this sampler using Civil War fabrics I picked out of a scrap barrel for 15 cents per strip. I designed this small wall hanging (20x24) to include as many traditional blocks as possible. I still want to add a border.

Our best friends are expecting their first granddaughter in September. It was a joy to make a quilt for this special baby and two of my favorite receiving blankets. The pattern came from Better Homes American Patchwork and Quilting, April 2010. I reduced the pattern by 40% and made it square. The applique is edged by machine but the quilting is done by hand.

The receiving blankets are made with two pieces of flannel, sized to the width of the fabrics, hemmed with turning the outer piece twice to cover the inner smaller piece and finished with a feather stitch of embroidery thread. These were my son's favorites and for many babies that received them as gifts.

Real Progress

2010-04-27T10:28:00.001-07:00

Mary Mannakee is ready to quilt! I'm not sure what patterns I'm going to use. All I know is doing a diagonal grid would be too boring although the result would be traditional. Any suggestions?

Here's my progress with Strips 'n Curves. I've cut and sewn about 2/3 of the 110 blocks that I planned but I may do less and add more border. The placement of the blocks is not set in stone and I'm open to rearrangement as needed. Each block has to be planned to match up with what's next door so progress is slow. I hope I like it and above all Sarah (my niece) likes it when it's done.

Disappointed but pushing ahead

2010-04-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was excited to visit the DAR museum in DC and see the Mary Mannakee quilt up close only to find the exhibit hall closed for installation of a quilt show for April... I was so disappointed. I have enlarged jpgs but cannot see how it was quilted. I'm almost done with the last side of the border and ready to sandwich. Any suggestions? Where can I look?

Here are the only quilts I found on display in DC:

Fredrick Douglass' home

Museum of American History

I'm making headway with my Strips 'n Curves. About 1/3 is cut, planned and some sewn. This is my makeshift planning wall. The flannel backed tablecloth hangs curved over my bookshelves with velcro. Its definitely better than having no design surface.

I'll be back

2010-04-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

We’ve been traveling again, Washington DC with Jack’s consulting and Hawaii on a cruise. I always have a hard time getting back into the routine once we come home. I be back next week. Thanks Kathie for missing me and writing me a note.

Noah

2010-03-04T13:29:00.000-08:00

Our week of watching the boys has come to an end. We did have fun with them but are exhausted. This is why the young have kids. When I arrived at the airport to pick up Mommy and Daddy, Noah burst into tears. He was mad at Krista for leaving him but soon got over his anger.

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

ROUND AND ROUND WE GO

Strips 'n Curves, stage 2

2010-02-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

Only the first 18 of 110 squares but I like what's happening.
We are watching the grandsons this week so no quilting will be done. There is a reason children are born to the young but they are a blessing and fun.

Cutting It Up

2010-02-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

The pattern my niece chose for her king quilt comes from . . .

After all the sewing of the strips, it's hard to cut into the "fabric" you worked so hard to create.

Here's my plan. I like to map out on graph paper.
I've moved all my sewing to our guest bedroom, as Jack has moved his desk to the front living room. I hung my flannel-backed tablecloth over the closet door as my portable design wall.
Each cut has to be planned to line up with the next. I traced around my template with chalk and added the 1/4" seam before cutting.

HOME GATHER

2010-02-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

Here they are, Victoria, ready to mail. I couldn't see mailing just one so there are five.

Saturday is Benjamin's 4th birthday. He is growing so fast.

His Mom used Paper and Cake" race car" party print outs for invitations, decoration and party favors. Go see.

Invitation

2010-02-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

Victoria at Bumble Beans is an prolific quilter, not just for herself but also for the benefit of others. I recently participated in a charity quilt challenge that ended up as 8 quilts, bringing in donations for Haiti. Now she has offered an opportunity to participate in another worthwhile project. Make one or more of these 10.5 x 10.5 block houses and send them to her and she will be putting them together. Click on the sidebar button for more information.

Last Saturday, I got to teach a class at my local quilt store, Fabric Patch, Montclair, CA, introducing my Memory T-shirt Quilt. I didn't want to talk about it until I knew that it was a go. I had 6 ladies participate and all went well. I didn't have time to take a lot of pictures but I did shoot each ladies' layout. The store is offering this class again on April 1.

100th Post & One Year of Blogging

2010-02-06T18:27:00.001-08:00

It's been quite a journey, challenging myself to write, being inspired by others and making new friends.

Marsha and I finished piecing "Baby Monsters" and I finished quilting it so Marsha can do the binding. It's a challenge blending two quilter's ideas. I think the receiving couple will be happy with the result.

New projects in the works . . .

2010-02-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

The young man who was hired to teach Art when I retired, is also one of my former students. He is doing a terrific job and I am so pleased to see what I started 20 years ago continue. He and his wife are expecting their first child in March. A teacher colleague and I are making a baby quilt for them.

I found this flannel backing, scanned the images and enlarged them for applique.

Marsha is making the pinwheels to fill in the other 5 squares. We'll join them next week and I show you the finished product.

The second project is for my oldest Niece, Sarah. Its her turn for a king size quilt for their bedroom. She looked through my books and spotted an idea in Louise L. Smith's A New Twist on Strips 'n Curves (Not a simple pattern). "Can you do this Aunt Janet?" "Of course Sarah, I love challenges." I put together these fabrics from my stash and got the go ahead.
Here are the strips I've sewn so far, ready to cut and put together. I hope the orange doesn't take over.

I did this technique before for my sister. Look here to see what I'm talking about.

Ready to take along

2010-01-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

I wasn't idle these past few weeks. The borders are ready for hand sewing. I'm planning to take it along on our next trip in March. I will also be visiting Washington DC while Jack is on business. I'll have the opportunity to visit the DAR Museum and see the Mary Mannakee quilt. Its my hope to duplicate the way it was hand quilted.

Sunny Days are Coming

2010-01-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

I'm not referring to the rain but to the "blues". My depression come in waves without cause. I started this blog just over a year ago to give me something to focus on beside myself and have found my blog friends encouraging and fun. Thanks to my pastor and his timely sermon on Discouragement, I'm ready to focus on the blessings in my life:
* My wonderful husband, who loves me.
* Two sweet grandsons, whom I adore.
* Four successful adult kids, my sons and their wives.
* My sister, my best friend who understands me.
* Funds that allow us to travel.
* My Lord, His Grace and His power to deal with life's ups and downs.
Enough of this self indulgence...time to get on-line and see what you've been up to.

HOME SWEET HOME

2010-01-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

We are finally back from world travels and glad to be home for a while. We had a great time exploring new vistas,
making new friends
and absorbing new cultures.I finished the last 11 blocks for my Mary Mannakee replica. The center 25 are done and now for the borders (that seems simple after the center is done.) Before you think I did nothing but sew, just remember we were 30 days on the ship and lots of opportunity to sew while sitting, listening, or waiting for something to happen.

To All My Quilting Friends

2009-11-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

Yes I'm traveling again. This time cruising down the coast from Los Angeles, around the horn of South America, ending in Rio on Dec 22. My online time is limited so I can't visit your blogs and see all the wonderful projects you're working on. I do miss sending you messages and receiving yours. Merry Christmas to you all and I will try to post a few pictures. To Victoria, I love the Sis Boom quilt! We all did a marvelous job but together its fantastic.

I was busy on our trip.

2009-11-13T16:13:00.000-08:00

I completed 9 more blocks for the Mary Mannakee quilt on our last trip. Applique is a great take along project. 14 down and 11 more to go then the border appliques. We will be on the go again and I'm busy prepping the rest of the blocks.

We didn't plan to be traveling back-to-back-to-back but when our best friend had major heart failure, we postponed this upcoming trip from March to now. I hope to be able to blog onboard without it costing an arm-and-a-leg. See you on-line.

Winner

2009-11-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

When I thought up this contest, I never thought it would be so hard to post and monitor a GIVE AWAY. Thank you to all who commented, followed our travels and emailed me a guess. I hope you had fun because it gave me great pleasure to have you travel along with me. I gave each of you a number for every comment and correct guess of city and/or country. Put the numbers in a hat and had my husband draw. AND THE WINNER IS:

Crispy
CRISPY QUILTS

I bought this Pashmina in Istanbul for the prize.
I looked for fabric everywhere but didn't find any that wasn't made into something.

Answers to "Where in the World?"

2009-11-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry I'm I bit slow in getting my act together. Here are the places I posted and I will be drawing the winner by Friday.
#1 Glasgow, Scotland
#2 London, England
#3 Rome, Italy
#4 Olympia, Greece
#5 Istanbul, Turkey
#6 Sochi, Russia
#7 Batumi, Georgia
#8 Athens, Greece

#8 Last Chance: WHERE IN THE WORLD are J&J?

2009-11-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

We are home now, flying in from our last port CITY. We had a wonderful 24 days, 6 flights, 14 days cruising, 8 countries and being with Jack's sister and husband. We are now trying to get over jet lag and back into a routine. I finished 5 Mary Mannakee squares while gone and will show them to you later. Your quesses and comments will be put in a hat and I'll pick the winner this Sunday. You have until Saturday midnight to post comments and email me your answers. Good Luck. I hope you had fun following our travels. I only wish I had more computer time (and money to pay for it) to follow your blogs and see what you've been doing.

#7 WHERE IN THE WORLD are J&J?

2009-10-27T08:38:00.001-07:00

This city is the mythological site of Jason and the Golden Fleece. In its grander squares, 19^th century buildings are newly renovated. Most people live in 1950’s style apartments and shop in open markets. We visited churches, parks, and a museum. The people are very proud of their independence and are working hard to move their country forward. Students performed dances in their traditional dress at dockside.

#6 WHERE IN THE WORLD are J&J?

2009-10-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Our next stop took us to this seaside resort famous for its sanitariums, cypress tree lined parks and beaches. We drove into the mountains to see the future site of the 2014 winter Olympics. This old wooden house was once the typical style of the country. Its former leader lived in this house during the summer, painted green to camouflage its location.

#5 WHERE IN THE WORLD are J and J?

2009-10-24T13:36:00.001-07:00

We have arrived in a CITY of stark contrasts. Within this museum building were evidences of its multiple uses over 1500 years. We are dwarfed by both its height and width. You can get lost amongst the 4000 shops under one roof where everything from sweets and spices to jewelry and ceramics are sold. The local drink is healthy but everyone smokes in spite of bold “ Smoking Kills” on the cartons. As we leave this grand city, we are off to more exotic destinations.

#4 WHERE IN THE WORLD are J&J?

2009-10-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

We will now be cruising for 14 days making ports-of-call in several countries. Our first stop we visited this ancient CITY where bronze bodies glisened in the sun and victory was imortalized in stone. As the sun sets we are off to a new adventure.

#3 WHERE IN THE WORLD are J&J?

2009-10-19T01:40:00.000-07:00

Another flight took us to an ancient CITY where we enjoyed street cafes,shopping,a snack,
narrow streets, and sitting on the STEPS.Good luck with your guessing. Remember don't give away the answer in your comments but only email the city and country to enter the GIVEAWAY.

#2 WHERE IN THE WORLD are J&J?

2009-10-19T01:35:00.000-07:00

Onward we flew to a CITY with bridges

half timbered buildings

a bird's eye view

and upscale shopping.

PS My computer time is limited so I won't be able to send replies to your email or comment on you blogs but I'll chec-up when we get home.

#1 WHERE IN THE WORLD are J&J

2009-10-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

We are traveling with Jack's sister and BIL to where their mother was born and their grandparents emigrated to the USA from in 1926. It was fun to trace their roots.
We drove into the countryside just north of this CITY to see this village "on the B B banks of L L".

This CITY is located on the Firth of Clyde.

Here we are with the Poet B. B.

Remember, only put your answers (City & Country) in an Email. DO NOT give it away in your comments.

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE J & J

2009-10-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

This is a giveaway/contest. I will be posting pictures of places we are visiting. You earn one entry for a comment on each post (including this one) without guessing. You can earn a second and third entry by emailing me the correct city and country pictured. DO NOT GIVE AWAY the location in your comments. I promise some nice prizes but I also hope you will have some fun.

Number 5

2009-10-07T17:23:00.001-07:00

That's right. My grandson's favorite number is 5
and that's what he wanted to be for Halloween.

Ready for the mail

2009-10-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

I finished my blocks for the SIS, BOOM, POW gather. Once I decide on a design and fabrics, I find it easy to plow through to the finish. I will be traveling soon and I wanted to send this project off before we leave. This was fun. Thank you for the opportunity V.

My FIESTA Package Arrived

2009-10-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

Bumble Beans sent these wonderful fabrics thanks to Jennifer Paganelli. I get to participate in another charity quilt! This time Victoria wants POW, ZING and WOW using applique and our own choice of design. My inspiration will come from the fabric designs themselves, my current project Mary Mannakee, and from Janet at Quiltsalott.

Follow the progress of all the participants by clicking on the sidebar logo for
SIS, BOOM, POW.

Thank you Victoria for your vote of confidence.

TAG ALONG TOTE

2009-09-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

I just finished the 2nd of these cute bags. I made the first for my son's mother -in-law who also quilts, last Christmas. They are the perfect size for a paperback book (in my case, my Kindle) and some hand sewing. The small pocket is for your phone or iPod but for me it will be where I put my room key on a cruise. The pattern comes from Terry Atkinson, atkinsondesigns.com, Elk River, MN. It only takes 3 fat quarters and has an optional zipper closure.

Linda's / Mine

John and Kerry, a Match Made by God

2009-09-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Kerry is the daughter of our best friends of 39 years, Marylyn and Dennis. Kerry was born the year between our two boys. Shortly after Kerry started dating John, he had a motorcycle accident that required him nursing care. Marylyn and Dennis took him in, giving him the 24 hour care he needed. They knew that he was the one for Kerry. Needless to say they got married. When Dennis had major heart failure last year, it was John and Kerry who were there daily with Marylyn at the hospital and John who would transport Dennis, run errands for them, and make household repairs. John was placed by God into this family. So......

this quilt was made for them with love and thanks.

This design came from Kaffe Fassett's Country Gardens. The custom quilting was done by Diane of Mountain Quilters, Sky Forest, CA in the San Bernardino Mountains near Arrowhead. Her skill and sense of design is incredible.

READY to applique Row 2

2009-09-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready to take Row 2 of the Mary Mannakee quilt on our next trip. I know, we just got home from a trip but all our travel plans were postponed due to my SIL and best friend having major medical recovery. Now that they are able to travel, we will be on the go until Christmas.

Planes, Ships, Trains, and Cars...

2009-09-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

We went on a trip to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. I set up my last post to go on line while we were gone. It worked!

We flew to New York
Ate dinner at Sardi's
Enjoyed 9 to 5 in 2nd row front and center.
Made it to a quilt shop.

Next we boarded the Queen Mary II for a 6 day journey across the pond.
Our anniversary dinner was celebrated in the Todd English dining room.
When we disembarked in Southampton, England, we boarded a train to Gatwick and on a plane to Dublin. Got in a car and drove to Kilkenny for our first night.
At times I thought that Jack having to drive on the wrong side on NARROW roads would be the end of our 40 years together but we managed to enjoy the countryside and each town as we drove for the next 4 days.
We visited with Mary O'Leary who now lives in the house that my Grandfather inherited and lived in 1900. He didn't stay long before he returned to California and the life he had before the title of Baron and landlord to the estate.

We had a wonderful time.

High School Sweet Hearts

2009-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary today. Jack and I meet in High School and continued a long distance romance through college, with me here in California and Jack first in Oregon and then Chicago.

Here we are after a couple months dating. We went to grad night at Disneyland

We married the summer of our 22 birthdays. It is so much fun being married to my best friend and lover but I thank our Lord for the strength and trust in our marriage and our commitment to Christ that bonds us together.

August 23, 1969

Both our parents celebrated their 50th and my grandparents and greatgrandparents made it to their 50th so I hope that we can make it the 4th generation to be married 50 years+.

Mary Mannakee, row 1 ready

2009-08-19T08:38:00.001-07:00

I've finished turning and basting the first row of 5 blocks and I'll start hand sewing.

Block 1-D

Block 1-E

A few asked me about the fact that I turned the edges first. The secret is that I used a glue stick, which helps with intricate curves and narrow edges. Look below to see shots of me using this technique. A friend took a class and shared the technique with our group. I used this applique technique in "IRIS and PEONIES",

Have any of you used this method? Would you like more information?

Mary Mannakee Started

2009-08-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

I've cut, turned, placed and basted my first 3 blocks for the Mary Mannakee Quilt. I'm really mixing the reds and greens. I plan on appliquing the blocks on a upcoming trip.

Block 1-A

Block 1-B

Block 1-C

Ready for the Walk

2009-08-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Abby and I are almost finished. We put the borders on and sandwiched the quilt. I decided on wavy lines for the major part of the quilt and stippling between the shells in the border.

Abby will finish the binding and it will be ready for the raffle on Sept 11. Abby limits the tickets to walkers, volunteers, family and friends who come to the Walk. She feels they are the ones who have family affected by MS and will appreciate the theme of the quilt. Even with that, they made $900 last year.

There is still time to donate at the site at the top of my sidebar. Let's find a cure.

Prep for Mary Mannakee

2009-08-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

My apologies to all my blogging friends. Sorry I haven't been keeping up. No excuses.

I finally got some fabric together for the Mary Mannakee antique quilt. I bought Kona cloth in off white for the background. From my stash and some scraps from a friend, I chose orange/reds and olive greens, not traditional but more my colors.

All the freezer paper patterns have been traced and cut out. I organized them in baggies by rows.

I started by cutting the largest pieces and tracking the repeats and balance on a grid chart. Now for the turning. Question? Would it be worth the investment in one of those small applique irons?

Join the Movement

2009-07-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

Abby, my niece, and I are putting together a quilt to be raffled at the Walk for MS. Our deadline is August 20, giving her some time for the presale (It can bring in between $600-1000).

The Challenge Walk takes place all over California on September 11-13. Abby's best friend from High School has MS so she and 5 friends do the walk together, my long time friend from church/college group is now confined to a wheelchair, the wife of a teacher at my school was diagnosed, and the wife of Jack's colleague from work has MS. It seems like this disease affects so many circles of friends and family.

Please consider donating either here or with your own connection.

Let's beat this devastating disease.

It's Here

2009-07-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I'd have to call, my ordered pattern came from DAR. This quilt was appliqued by Mary Mannakee in 1850. Janet from Quiltsalot showed this pattern on her blog and challenged others to tackle this project and I like a challenge. Have no one or place in mind for this quilt but I think it will be fun to follow along with others: Cathy of Cabbage Quilts , Jan from Bemused, Kathi from Inspired by Antique Quilts and Juliann from lining up my stitches.

(Tell me if you are doing it too and I'll add you to the list.)

Pattern is from DAR Museum, Washington DC: http://www.dar.org/museum/shop.cfm

Moving Day

2009-07-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

Our son, DIL, and 2 grandsons finally get to move into their own place this weekend after living in a rental apartment for a year. It will be great for them to have so much space and finally feel settled.

Will be gone from blogland helping them to move.

Round Robin Baby Quilts

2009-07-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

My church quilt group makes baby quilts for the newborns of members. When the number of ready quilts is low we start a round robin. Each person selects several fabrics from our donated stash. The first person makes a square and passes it on to the next. (The square I made appeared here) I was totally excited about adding to the first but the second just didn't thrill me.
Sue started with these 9 fussy cut framed sea creatures. I seamed them together and added the zigzag border. The easy funky zigzag comes from Collaborative Quilting by Moran and Marston.

I was given the rail fence center. I added the pinwheels and fussy cut teddy bears. Clink on the picture for a close up and try to figure out what turned me off. Maybe its a generational thing.

Pixiedust Gather, my block

2009-07-12T16:27:00.001-07:00

Here's my block for the Pixiedust Gather, a collaborative quilt organized by Bumble Beans. Its in the mail, Victoria. Hope it meets your expectations. Thank you for including me. I had fun designing this based on the fabric print. I needle turned the branches and use a glue stick to turn the flowers and leaves before applique.

"BONBORI", Japanese hexagonal paper lantern

2009-07-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

I finished the hand quilting and binding.
I am so pleased. This one is for me.

Thank you again Janet, Quiltsalot, for sharing this pattern idea with us.

Collaborative Quilt in the works

2009-07-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

Victoria at Bumble Beans was given fabric by Pixiedust to make a donation quilt. She put out the call for volunteers to make blocks and the packages are in the mail. I feel privileged to be included and excited to see what the fabrics look like.

"PUFFS", my first quilt at age 18

2009-07-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Nothing dramatic is happening. I'm still hand quilting and deciding on the backing of Kerry and John's quilt. So I'll show you how it all started.

While I was going to college, majoring in HEc, I worked for Singer in the summer, teaching sewing to teenage girls. My supervisor intrigued me with stories of making quilts in her home state of Kentucky. She showed me how to make "puffs".

At the time, synthetic stuffing hadn't become popular, so unfortunately, the puffs are stuffed with kapok but the batting is cotton. I gave it to my niece when she was a little girl (now 40+). She has treasured it and only now did we photograph it.

MAGICAL MUD Raffle

2009-06-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

The quilt I made for the American Museum of Ceramic Art raised $1200 in donations. I made Magical Mud as a fund raiser for the museum last February. The winner is an active member of the museum and is truely appreciative of the images representing the collection and exhibits. The money raised will help fund educational programs.

Now for the Back...Cubs Fans

2009-06-28T08:01:00.001-07:00

I'm really pleased. Now I need to look at what's left over and plan an interesting insert for the back. Kerry and John haven't seen the finished top (unless they follow my blog, doubt it). It's really big, 94x106". I need to find a quilter who can handle this size and is reasonable too.

Just because I love them so!

They will be staying this coming week so there won't be much quilting going on.

Soaring

2009-06-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

When Jack retired, he was given a gift for us to fly in a glider plane over East San Diego Co and an overnight at Warner Hot Springs Resort. Here we are squished behind the pilot ready for take off.

It was exhilarating, soaring over Mt Palomar (one of the largest telescopes in the US). As a native Southern Californian, I had never visited this area. It's sparsely populated with ranches, retirees, and camps. Beautiful yet desert like.

Warner Ranch dates back to the 1800's as a stage coach stop and headquarters for Kit Carson and Fremont. Later it became a resort frequented by early movie stars such as Bing Crosby. The pools are feed by the hot springs where we enjoyed a leisurely soak.

The next day we visited the historic mining town of Julian. We enjoyed breakfast, walking the shops and a milk shake at this original soda fountain/drug store.

On the way home, we stopped at Quilt's Coop, Old Town Temecula. Here's what I bought on sale (Didn't NEED but couldn't pass up). 1 yard cuts were $5 and fat-quarters $1.50.

FINAL STAGE of Country Garden from Kaffe Fassett. I'm hoping I'm making the correct choice for the sashing to make the borders wider. The contrast is good but is it too light?

Country Garden, Stage 4

2009-06-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

I so pleased, I've pieced all the blocks and joined the rows. I laid it on our king size to see how much I'll need to add besides the intended border. Looks like the sides will need something extra to make it a wider rectangle rather than a square.

"WINGS OF SUNSHINE AND POSEY PINK"

2009-06-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

I watched my grandniece and nephews today so their mother could teach a class. I thought it would be a good time to post the quilt I made for Vanessa in February, 2006. She is now 7 and quite the young lady. We sat down at the sewing machine and together made a pinafore for Nellie, her American Girl doll. She was really very good at cutting and controlling the sewing machine.

Vanessa loves her quilt as do her brothers (Flying in Formation and Geckos). The butterflies came from on-line free patterns. This was my first project to free motion quilt by machine. The antennas were embroidered by hand.

Sarah (her mother) asked for pink, yellow and plaid to match the sponged painted plaid on Vanessa's walls. Her room is all girl and fits her to a "T".

Slow but Steady

2009-06-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

Between the kids (large and small) and friends, I've found some time to start piecing . . .

And hand quilt. I've made some progress but I'm amazed how my blog friends start and finish so many projects and post/comment at the same time.

"POWDER ROOM"

2009-06-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

The guest bathroom in Andy and Melissa's new place is one of 3 doors down the hallway. My son jokingly said the door needed a restroom sign. My DIL's color is purple so . . .
If you haven't tried free pieced letters, check out Tonya's Alphabet Tutorial.

Country Garden Stage 3

2009-06-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

I have now cut and laid out on my "design floor" the sashing. I think it looks pretty good. The border squares have been cut but that layout will come latter.

Grandma Sarah

2009-06-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother would have been 130 this month. She lived with us during most of my childhood and died at 87. I took this picture with my "Brownie" at age 12 and Grandma 81. She moved to LA, California by herself at 21 in 1900. As a seamstress and shop owner, she would travel to wealthy families sewing dresses for all the women in the family. She was a very independant woman until she met my Grandfather and married at age 30. Being her youngest grandchild, I would sit at her feet where she read to me, told me stories, made doll clothes and taught me to sew. I was fascinated with her Hat Needle Case so at age 12 she helped me make one.

As a college student, I worked at Singer teaching teenage girls to sew. The full time teacher was a self educated woman from Kentucky. She shared from her vast experience with this college "smart" kid. The "Sue Bonnet Sue" needle case below is a replica of hers.

Christmas in June

2009-06-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

I thought you might be inspired to start a Christmas project to be finished in time for the Holidays. (Actually, I'm kind of stuck with the garden quilt below, so I'm stalling.)

Tree Skirt #1
"PURPLE POINSETTIAS"

My Daughter-in-Law is my purple gal. Everything in their home has some purple so . . . she asked for a purple tree skirt. In the after Christmas sale I actually found this pale purple poinsettia pattern not knowing what I'd do.

While I was visiting our friends in Ariz., there on the dining table was still their Christmas poinsettia plant. I traced the leaves and started the applique. Kathi and I went shopping for beads. When it was time to quilt, I tried free motion and followed the subtle outline of the print.

Tree skirt #2
"GINGERBREAD KIDS"

This one was for me. The "gingerbread kids" was introduced in my Monday class as a block quilt. I modified it to have the kids join hands around my Christmas tree. I used a round table cloth as the base which made it a lot easier.

It was so much fun to "dress" the kids, vary their hairdos and decorate the trees.

Tree skirt # 3
"WINTER WONDERLAND"

This one was for my other Daughter-in-Law. She had asked for snowflakes. I started by needle turning the applique during my summer travels. I had no idea how I was going to put it together.

When I returned, I found the tree pattern on white and immediately visualized trees around the edge. The quilting is done in silver metallic thread (I challenge to work with).

Country Garden Stage 2

2009-06-05T11:40:00.001-07:00

Here's the squares that I finally picked. Tell me honestly if any should be thrown out or the layout changed.

Planning Stage

2009-05-29T12:02:00.001-07:00

I saw this quilt hanging in a quilt shop. I received the book for Christmas and have been waiting for the right person to make it for. Kerry and John are the daughter and son-in-law of our best friends. They are great kids and were made for each other. When they moved into their newly renovated craftsman home, I asked if I could make them a king quilt.

These are the focus fabrics I've found for the block centers. Each one will be repeated 3 to 5 times. Are there any in the group you would recommend not using. I still have another shopping trip on Monday and I chance to find more.

Here's the stack of complements to use in the borders and sashing. Again do you have any suggestions.

That Happy Feeling

2009-05-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I visited Lily and my niece, Missy. Lily was delighted with her new princess quilt. The princess print on the back and a few squares on the front, turn out to have "redhead" and "blonde" princesses like Lily and her sister Lauren. She's a happy girl.

Mike retires from teaching next week. We presented him with his quilt this morning. He looks very happy.

Mike was a positive influence in kids lives. He is a teacher who made a difference and he will be missed. Debbie, Marsha, Mary and I wish him happy times in retirement.

Looking forward to handquilting

2009-05-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ready to hand quilt! The border became quite a dilemma. I wanted to use the kimono fabric my mother bought for me years ago in Japan but once I put it on I knew it wasn't right. It took away from the hexagons. So . . . I ripped . . . and then went back to Quiltsalot to look at her borders. I was surprised that I had enough scraps to cut triangles for a border. Janet of Quiltsalot has had so many inquiries about this quilt that she posted some directions to get you started. The pattern is no longer available. I figured it out by myself, so can you.

"WHIRLIGIG", finding a new home

2009-05-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

After moving to California and renting this past year, Tim and Krista are ready to buy a house. I originally made this quilt in 2006 for their master bedroom in NC. This quilt needs a new home!

I had Krista pick out the focus fabric and the pattern first. With them living in North Carolina, she had to trust me to pick other colors to coordinate. The blocks are foundation pieced but by now you know paper piecing is not my favorite. Because of the king size, I decided to make patterns, piece and then square up. You can't tell but they didn't always line up. For me it really simplified and sped up the process.

The pattern is from Quiltmaker March/April '97 called "Party Whirl"

The border came from Pieced Borders by Judy Martin and Marsha McCloskey, a great resource.

"STARS FOR JESUS", another collaboration

2009-05-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

This year's theme for Woman's Retreat . . .

Here I am with my church quilting group. We made another quilt for our Woman's Retreat and raffled it off. The only instructions from our leader was to use the dark starry night fabric as the background and incorporate the blue and yellow provided. With all the assorted sizes, it was a bear to assemble but worth the effort.

I made 4 stars, including this mariner's compass (left), paper pieced (Not my favorite thing to do but I like the result). Claudia, the group's leader, made this star (right) for the back (to fill in where we were short of backing fabric). We are already starting on a quilt to correspond with next year's theme.

As I continue to piece hexagon rows, I realized it will be shorter than desired so . . . I scrounged my scraps and I'm now piecing more hexagons for 2 more rows. Still finding this fun.

Team Work

2009-05-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

The teachers at my former school that quilt and I have gotten together and made quilts for staff who have retired. When I was still there at school we made this quilt for the health clerk, Lee. She loves things Asian. This pattern is called Rolling Pins by Me and My Sister Designs (Pictured from left to right, Debbie, Mary, Marsha and I)

Now we are working on two quilts for future retirees. One will be posted later but for now here is Mike's. Mike teaches social studies and language arts. He is a tough but loved teacher. He works the local Renaissance Fair every spring, loves his cats and is Irish by heritage. The design is a joint effort.

We are still assembling the parts. Marsha and Debbie did these cats.

Mary pieced the calico and I machine appliqued the Tutor Rose.

I also hand appliqued the Celtic Knots. The quilt needs to be finished by the end of May so we are pushing hard. Tonight we add the borders and then it's up to Marsha and I to sandwich and machine quilt.

Green Thumb ?

2009-05-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'm not a gardener. Plants only survive and bloom in spite of me. A neighbor gave me a cutting of this cactus 5 years ago and it never flowered that much. It would get water if I remembered but not regularly. This year I transplanted it into a bigger pot and cleaned out the dead stocks and weeds. Like magic, it bloomed! I think it's called Christmas Cactus.

We Survived

2009-05-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

We went to the park, had lunch at In and Out, played outside, rolled on the floor, fed, changed diapers, pottied, bathed, sang songs, said our prayers and fell into bed every night to start all over again at 6:00 in the morning.

Tomorrow we take them home. Whooh. We survived and had so much fun.

Week with Grandma and Grandpa

2009-05-04T19:25:00.001-07:00

Tim and Krista are in Argentina. As a new professor at Pepperdine University, the faculty is sent to one of their satellite campus for a week. So we have the boys for 7 days. My husband is being a big help (I just don't remember him being this helpful with his own boys.) Being the Grandpa makes all the difference. It's so much fun but exhausting. No quilting this week.

Hexagon progress

2009-05-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

I'm having so much fun hand piecing this quilt that I'm zipping along. Here I'm working on baggie #10. All the individual blocks for 12 rows are done and I'm working on the half blocks to fill in. Of course I still have the connecting to do.

My mom and dad made a trip to Japan in the 80's, getting to travel the "back roads" and visit in homes. Mom bought me this roll of fabric but I never could figure out how to use it in a garment. I got to thinking about what I will use for the border and remembered this wonderful gift. There's plenty and fits in with the colors and theme of this quilt. My only regret is that Mother isn't here to share in the joy of designing and making of my quilts.

Our "PRINCESS LILY"

2009-04-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is my middle niece, Missy's daughter, Lily. She will be 3 years old in May and everything is Princesses.

This is my own design but I got a lot of ideas from surfing the web and using techniques introduced in books and blogs. The lettering was my first use of Tonya's alphabet tutorial. Thank you Tonya for your help. The wonky stars, hearts, crowns and framed princesses were inspired by Karla Alexander's Stack a New Deck and Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston's Collaborative Quilting.
I enlarged my drawings to actual size and then paper pieced each horizontal section. The finished blocks were embellished with embroidery thread, trims and ribbon. I hope these hold up with use and washing.

These cute noncommercial princesses came from the fabric I chose for the backing. I really didn't want to use any of the Disney Princesses even though they are popular, keeping the quilt more original and creative.

Thanks to Jacquie's Spring to Finish Quilting I took the challenge and finished my T-shirt memory quilt and Lily's Princess. I'm still hand piecing my hexagons and getting close to joining the blocks in rows. April is over but the quilting goes on.

"QUILTING SAMPLER" 2003-2004

2009-04-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

When I joined a adult-ed quilting class in 2003, I had 45 years of sewing experience and a degree in Home Economics BUT I learned so much going through the process of this sampler. I had never used a rotary cutter and all I knew about quilting was self taught. This quilt has become the summer cover for our king size bed. Yes, the stain glass window is my creation too. As an artist, I have dabbled in lots of different mediums but never settled in like I have with quilting. It combines my love of both fabrics and sewing with my love of color and design.

The focus fabric, the circle prints, inspired the combination of rusts, browns, and violets.
The original pattern was designed for a queen size bed so I added another row of blocks plus the flying geese. These are the traditional blocks that were included:

Spring Bloom ~Honey Bee ~Old Maid’s Puzzle
Jacob’s Ladder ~Bow Tie ~Bachelor’s Puzzle
Card Trick ~Wedding Ring ~Clay‘s Choice
Friendship Star ~Ohio Star ~Carolina Lily
Basket ~Grandma‘s Fan ~Star in A Star
Rail Fence ~Double Nine Patch ~Box
Bear’s Paw ~Drunkard’s Path ~Lily
Le Moyne Star ~Goose Tracks
Shoo Fly ~Monkey Wrench

THANK YOU

2009-04-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who visit this site. When I started this blog 5 months ago, I never knew there were so many fellow quilters out there like you. I especially want to express my gratitude to those who take the time to comment and send me e-mails. You have been an inspiration and source of encouragement. Janet

"MEMORIES OF AN ART TEACHER", finished

2009-04-24T17:44:00.001-07:00

It's done and I'm really happy with the results. The dark border really framed it and tied it all together. Thank you for your comment Connie. The burnt orange is just the right accent for the binding (also from my stash) and the right color for the flannel backing.

I densely quilted as much as possible. I love the texture that shows on the back while images on the front still stand out. The most difficult areas to quilt were the vinyl transfers. They tended to stick to the presser foot and shift.

Time for quilting and bindings

2009-04-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here's "Memories of an Art Teacher" in the finishing stages.

My Viking machine is what I use when I machine quilt myself. This quilt turned out to be about twin size, larger than I usually tackle on my machine. I wanted to customize the quilting and didn't want to pay for it, so . . . I roll and fold, pull and shove, and continue to sew until my shoulders burn. I'm now hand tacking the binding and will be ready to share soon.

My goal is to fill the quilt with concentrated stitching. There is still more to do after this picture. I stitched in the ditch for the sashing and inside each square I followed the pattern of the t-shirt, some being straight and other areas required free motion.

So Much to Share . . .

2009-04-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

We're back from our 5 day visit to Arizona staying with our long time friends, Dave and Kathi.

Their home in Cave Creek backs up to a wash with plenty of wild life visiting. Dave feeds the birds (and rabbits) so there is always a bevy of activity.

Our first day included a hot air balloon ride that was a retirement gift from Jack's friends.

The colors and pattern of this shot makes a great quilt idea.

Day two we went to Out of Africa, a rescue wild animal center in Camp Verde, 2 hours north of Phoenix. Yes Kathi is feeding a giraffe. The park was fully handicapped access including the vehicles. It's so nice when Kathi gets to experience all that is available.

A trip would not be complete without a stop at quilt shops. There's a great one in Cave Creek (but not so wheel chair friendly). I see a circle quilt in the near future.

The highlight of the trip came on the last day. Chihuly, a glass artist, did an art installation within the Botanical Gardens of Phoenix. Hope you enjoy these shots and are inspired to make a quilt from the combination of cactus and glass.

GAMES WITH FABRIC: "Tic-Tack-Doe" and "Musical Chairs"

2009-04-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

I just found out how to post two pictures side-by-side. I chose to show these two baby blankets I made for JACK who will be 4 this month. I was helped by Carol, Funoldhag, who also wanted to find out how and posted the question. See her instructions. Both blankets were made with the same fabrics complementing each other.

The backing and blocks are made of flannel and stitched in the ditch without batting, the perfect weight for receiving blankets. Jack still sleeps with these. The patterns come from Quilters Playtime by Dianne S. Hire. Her instructions are easy to follow and she gives multiple variations for innovation.

Hexagon Explosion

2009-04-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

I've been busy cutting and arranging. I revisited YOKO Japanese Antique and Fabrics shop in South Pasadena that was still there after 5 years. I bought some more vintage fabrics: the red and pink dragonflies, blue crosshatching on white, red/pink flowers on white, and white flowers on navy. I really feel like the design has a balanced look. I still have some half blocks to cut but I'm ready to start hand piecing them together. Next week we are visiting our good friends in Cave Creek Arizona and this will be prefect to take along.