turkey feathers

In the Ditch

 
After all the careful hand-stitching on these blocks, I probably should have taken the time to hand-quilt this too.  But there is something to be said for machine quilting.  Especially when the stitching is done "in the ditch".  That is, hidden in the seams.  Hidden, being the operative word here.  And it's fast--and I am all for moving this project along now.  I'm cutting bias strips today for it, and then making pickles.  Yep, it's that time again and I've got baskets bulging with garden bounty that needs to be put up.  Plus a list of other seasonal tasks to tackle.  Summer is winding down, but I'm still running, it seems.  Hopefully, I'll have a finished state flower quilt to show for it soon.

 

Splashing & Dashing

 
I think summer has finally arrived in the northwest.  Weather-wise, that is.  How utterly wonderful it is to dive into the pool and not turn into a mass of shivering, shaking ice-cubes--with teeth chattering and goosebumps the size of golf balls.  I've had a house full of girls all summer, from ages 3 to 20, and it's been wild, but fun.  We've been busy!  And it's not over yet.  So, time is of the essence here as I scramble to update my blog before they arrive this morning. 

 
I thought some of you might like a peek at the progress that has been made on the flower quilt.  I have this draped across my kitchen countertop at the moment---it's the perfect height for basting.  And since I am in my kitchen (it seems) more than any other room in the house right now, I can pick up where I (frequently) leave off, without missing a beat.  Gotta watch those little peanut butter and jammy hands though!

NEW HAMPSHIRE--Lilac

 

Finally...and without further ado...here we have the last of the state flower quilt blocks:  the ever lovely  Lilac for New Hampshire.  Whew!

 

And without wasting any more time, I've got all my squares lined-up and I think I am ready to stitch!  Thinking it over,  I've decided to use the 54 Block Layout #1, as I think this size and shape will fit best on the wall I plan to hang this finished quilt on.  The PDF for the different quilt sizes and layout options can be downloaded here:  QUILT DIAGRAMS #2963  if you need it.  (The blocks are all laid out in alphabetical order, so even if you are using your own layout, it can still be used as a guide to save time.)

I really like this flower block.  The Lazy Daisy stitch is fun to do and is effective in creating the dainty blossoms. I used various shades of lilac, purple, and pink to give this a little more dimension.  Pictures from my backyard garden show a couple of color variations. 

 

The lilac (syringa vulgarius) has purple, white, or pink blossoms that grow in hanging clusters, and bloom primarily in May.  Their fragrance is legendary.  The very essence of springtime sweetness.  There are actually more than a thousand different species of lilac, and they can live for hundreds of years.  Their nectar provides food for bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Mine have reached the 20-foot high mark already and have spread to about 15-feet wide.  Lilacs are originally from Europe and Asia, and they date back to the 1750's in recorded history.  For New Hampshire's state flower, the apple blossom, purple aster, wood lily, mayflower, goldenrod, wild pasture rose, evening primrose, and the buttercup were all considered--but because the purple lilac symbolizes the hardy men and women of the Granite State, it was adopted on May 28, 1919.   And aren't we glad it was too, because it is a beautiful addition to this flower quilt!

 

 

COLORS:  petals--purple/pink shades of #316; centers--tangerine #3609; leaves--med. green range #3363; lettering--smoke gray #645.

I'm off to the sewing machine now. . .

 

Coasting

 
Taking time out . . .

I'll be back (soon) with the LAST State Flower Quilt Block--Lilacs for New Hampshire.

NEBRASKA--Goldenrod

 

After that lovely respit in the woods, I'm back in the stitching room again, so to speak, and getting excited because the finish-line is coming into view with the completion of the 49th block.  I know.  Can you believe it?  How are you doing?  Just getting started, keeping up?  Maybe you finished already.  Since the pattern is also offered as an iron-on transfer and as a PDF from my website, I know many of you have already pushed ahead and have wonderful quilts to show.  And others are close to finishing.  If you have a blog, and you've posted pictures of your state quilt there, or intend to do that in the future, please leave a comment about it--so we can pop over and see your quilt.  I'm also thinking it would be fun to create a special page of blog links--kind of like a 'virtual quilt show' including everyone's quilts from all across the country.  (If you don't have a blog, you could post your quilt pix to flickr or photobucket, or something similar, anything I can link to.)  Please let me know what you think of this idea.  I haven't worked out all the details yet, so if you have some ideas to share, please do! 

OK then. Back to glorious number forty-nine here. This is a simple design with only two colors for the flower.  But yes, French knots galore...I warned you, remember?  This is the second block for goldenrod, Kentucky also claims it.  You can see that one here for comparison.  Both blocks are slightly different in design, but the same colors are used. 

And thanks to my 'trusty research assistant' (Miss Ginger),  we have a few more facts about this flower for you today:  The Goldenrod, (solidago gigantea), is a perennial herb that grows up to two or three feet tall.  Many species are native to Nebraska, where the golden flowers bloom from July to October.  It was chosen as Nebraska's state flower in 1895 to "foster a feeling of pride in our state, and stimulate an interest in the history and tradition of the common wealth."   And later, Ida Brockman, who was a daughter of representative John M. Brockman, made a comment about the goldenrod saying, "there is probably not a nook or corner of the state where one or more of the numerous species of goldenrod is not found.  Nothing could better represent the hardy endurance of Nebraska's pioneers."  Amen to that.

(And if you have time, check out the The Prairie Ecologist for photos and information dispelling many common myths about this plant.)

 

 
 COLORS: flower buds--bright yellow #307; stems & leaves--dark green #3346; lettering--smoke gray #645.

Stitch On!

Magical Places

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Five years ago, I discovered an enchanting woodland hideaway called, The Vintage Roost.  (I first blogged about it here, and again, in 2009 here.  It's changed a little over the years.)  But, needless to day, we still experience a thrill when the gate opens and the handwritten welcome sign appears.  Such times are much anticipated seasonal events around here, because it's only held several times a year; hosted by the ever-gracious Debbie Williams (and friends), who adorn the "shop" with amazing handmade items, vintage finds, and scrumptious pies and treats.  The offerings and adorable vignettes change with the seasons, so there is always something new and inspiring to see.  The main building is basically a small, converted shed that is filled to the rafters with glee, glitter and goodness.  These photos were taken outside around the back of the building, where, as you can see, a wonderful surprise awaited around every corner.  That adorable pair of vintage pillows caught my eye.  Fishing anyone?  That reminds me, and you'll understand why, when you see the new August bonus transfers.  (Occasionally, I'll get requests for BOY themed designs--so, there ya go.)