turkey feathers

My Mini Quilt Patterns

I am very happy to report that I not only finished the Redwork Doll Quilt pattern, but also another pattern I've been working on featuring adorable vintage-style baby animals.  Both quilts are similar in style and size: 17" x 21" with embroidered 4-inch blocks joined with lattice strips.  These require very few materials and can be made from scraps of fabric and left-over pieces of batting.   And they are ideal for teaching needlework embroidery and quilt making, on a manageable scale, for beginners young and old.  

What I love about this method is that you can stamp and stitch four blocks at a time.  By doing it this way the design field is large enough to easily fit inside an embroidery hoop, which makes perfect sense rather than trying to stitch small individual squares.  Plus it saves fabric! 

So, after embroidering all the blocks, you cut out the squares and strips (directions and sizes are included with the pattern) and assemble your quilt top.  I'm still working on this one, will show it completed at some point; I just couldn't wait to show you.  So many projects...so little time!! 

Here's what it will look like once completed. 

To find out more details, my patterns are available over at the MeadowSweet WorkShop.    

Happily stitching now . . . until next time.

Honeycomb Holidays Are Here

*NEW embroidery pattern just listed at MeadowSweet WorkShop: Honeycomb Holidays

If you're addicted to English paper-piecing here's another little project to keep you busy...   Enjoy!

Turning a Corner

Greetings Everyone . . .

Well, here it is Thanksgiving time again!  I bet you've been busy getting ready too, in some form or fashion.  I just finished cutting a whole French baguette into cubes for my stuffing tomorrow.  I put the cubed bread in a shallow roasting pan and popped it into the oven (on low heat) to toast.  Pretty soon the kitchen will start to smell like fresh baked bread.  Hopefully, that will help remind me not to forget about it!    

 
So. I'm excited to share the news that I just finished my Field & Forest quilt project!  I've been so busy these last few weeks, with doll shows (I was Grace's assistant for The Dainty House at the last one) and too many other fun projects.  But I finally got back around to my quilt this morning.  I must say it turned out beautifully.  I'm quite pleased with it.  The colors, everything.  I chose not to line it, but used a sturdy "cotton homespun" for the backing to compensate.  There's a bit of a tooth to the fabric which clings to the quilt top quite well, so no ties or quilting were necessary either.  And since I have classified this as a fancy throw, meaning more decorative than utilitarian, it works just fine and dandy. 

I did feather-stitching around each of the embroidered blocks, in random colors.  The whole quilt was a random scrap project so that just enhanced the effect, besides being able to just dip into my thread box and choose any color that tickled my fancy.

Today, it's very gray and rainy outside. Not ideal for picture taking.  Very little natural light coming in through the windows; had to use various lighting here.  It changes the colors a little. 

This quilt was a lot of fun to make.  And relatively easy, as quilts go.  I cut corners, broke rules.  Just used what I had and enjoyed the process. 

Another shortcut; I didn't use bias binding.  Instead, the raw edges are enclosed with a self-binding technique.  

Here's how to do it:

Cut the backing fabric two-inches wider all the way around the quilt top.  Fold over twice, so that one-inch extends over the edge of the quilt top. 

The corners are mitered like so:  First fold and press corner edges, so that points meet (as shown above).

Second step:  Fold and press again, matching up sides to perpendicular edges, like so.

Third step, fold binding edge over itself twice; pin into place. 

Match up the corner points; press.

Top-stitch close to the edge of the "binding", removing pins as you go.  Pivot in the ditch at the corner.  It's OK to leave the miter "as-is", but I like to close the gap with a few blind stitches, for an extra neat finish.

One down, three corners to go!

Autumn Stitching

So far this week, the weather here has been amazing!  For awhile there, I thought maybe autumn would escape us, with all the rain, wind, fog and frost.  But, it looks like we may have some more good days ahead.  I took the opportunity to get some fresh pictures of my Field & Forest quilt in progress while the light was good. I've started on the feather-stitched borders around the embroidered blocks.  It's coming along nicely.  There's something meditative about the rhythmic repetition of feather-stitching that I find rather relaxing.

The contrasting colors are so pretty too.  I rarely work with orange, gold and green for some reason.  They're not usually my first choices.  I need to break from routine more often.  Oh how I love these combinations.

As I mentioned previously, Grace and I participated in our first doll show and I am happy to report that it went well!  We really didn't know what to expect and were pleasantly surprised.  Earlier that morning, still half-awake and sipping coffee as we rambled up the old highway through a dark pre-dawn fog, we looked at each other.  I said, "Are we really doing this?"  She laughed and said, "Yes!  I think we are!" 

Somehow we got ourselves there and set up our tables.  It was actually more fun that I thought it would be.  The best part of course, is meeting so many lovely people who share your enthusiasm and passion for all things cute.  Which is why we've decided to do another show next month!

To get ready, I'm sewing new outfits for Grace's Barbie table models for her 1:6 scale dollhouse wares.  I don't mind sewing the tiny clothes, but trying to work around and manage all the hair these dolls have is a challenge.  It's everywhere. 

Before I knew it I'd made a hairnet!  It did the trick.

The thing is actually pretty cute and compliments her new bakery uniform quite nicely! 

Field & Forest Quilt Update

 

Quilt top is done!  Somehow, miraculously, all my little bits and bobs, odds and ends, and jellyroll scraps came together to make a vibrant autumn-themed patchwork. 

Piece by Piece

It's been a busy month so far!  But in between gasps for air, I'm still making steady progress on my Fields and Forests quilt.  Because this is a willy-nilly kind of quilt, mostly randomly pieced in a spontaneous manner, there have naturally been times when nothing seemed to work.  Reminding me that there are many things to appreciate about well-planned quilts. 

So when color choices weren't harmonizing or pieces weren't lining up exactly right, and my idle staring didn't solve the problems, I just walked away and didn't worry about it at all.  I've learned that time away from any project can provide fresh perspective.  It breaks that old, "can't see the forest for the trees" syndrome when you lose direction.  Or patience. 

I've had to walk away from this project a few times already.  But each time, when I come back to it, things just fall into place and everything hums right along. 

Stitching up a Storm

 

Making a bit more progress on my Field & Forest quilt.  I haven't had a lot of time to work on this and have just been passing through the studio and stitching up one or two blocks at a sitting.  Sometimes when waiting for the tea kettle to boil.  Sometimes to recover from mopping the floor.  Then a soft chair is an oasis and my quilt project a happy little respite. 

I am also finding it immensely satisfying to be able to use up a bunch of scraps, odds and ends and left-over jelly-roll strips.  The colors seem to go together in a weird sort of way.  The green ties everything together, I think.  Once I removed the blue blocks the colors worked better.  Funny, because it started out as a summer themed quilt (with the cool blues and greens), but then, was transformed into "fall".  I will have to do something else with the blue blocks now.  

These seams are just begging for some feather-stitching and fancy embellishment though, don't ya think? 

  

Still Stitching

Here's an update on my Field & Forest lap quilt.  I'm still experimenting with the colors and layout.  A few of the blocks are already sewn together, with other "floating sections" laid out on my design wall, which I am still using and absolutely LOVE.  (Some of you may remember this project, introduced way back HERE in 2006!) 

Anyway, the design wall is great for small projects like this.  I may rearrange everything a few more times before I'm done. I've got another stack of embroidered squares to be trimmed and sewn into blocks waiting in the wings.  Hope to get to those later today.  It's cooled down quite a bit here with clouds and everything--a good day for stitching!

 

Fab Fergus

I'm between projects right now.  Always, with quite a few in the "progress" stage.  And not just stitching.  I still can't quite believe it, but our tomatoes and bell peppers (inside the greenhouse) are still going strong.  A miracle!  But after the last few cold nights the rest of the garden is fading fast and needs attention.  These outdoor tasks do seem more urgent as the weather waits for no man.  Not here in the northwest anyway, where rain is always sort of looming on the horizon.  So no time to waste as it's been sunny and dry here for a few days in a row.  I picked the last of the green beans, canned more tomatoes, bundled up bunches of herbs to dry, and collected a few seeds for next year's plantings.  Still need to put in a few more hours out here before it's all covered up, tucked in, and put to bed.

Some of the trees are already starting to go through their color transformation.  So pretty.  I want to frame a bunch of leaves and herbs and hang them up somewhere.  This oak leaf was one I did a few years ago.  It's faded quite a bit, but still looks grand.  

Bonnie Lass

I've been a busy bee here, just happily rummaging through a wonderful bunch of old embroidery patterns that Adelle sent us (over a year ago); a shoebox full of them from her dear Grandmother Hobart.  Each one a treasure.  I'm pleased to say, some of them are now available as reprints up on the website.  It's a bit of a process, one that I enjoy from start to finish, and I still have quite a few more from this lot, and another stack I found at an estate sale, that I want to restore and share.  It's amazing how many transfer patterns were produced through the decades.  So many patterns, so little time!   

I also managed to do some fun stitching in between.  Thank you for the wonderful suggestions for Scottie names!  It gave me the push I needed to get going on this quilt.  I'm having fun with it.  One down, eight to go! 

Old Dog New Trick

I've always loved this adorable Scottie pattern, it's a classic, but never ventured to make anything with it because the applique, with it's pieced foundation, seemed rather fussy.  But recently, I saw Eleanor Burns technique and was curious to try it.  Well, I must tell you that I was really pleased with how simple it was to do!  It worked beautifully.  And the corner turns using a plastic drinking straw and a bodkin are pure genius.  Why didn't somebody tell us about this sooner?  It works for turning tiny arms and legs on stuffies too.  Works like a charm, in fact.  (I've actually learned lots of new tricks and shortcuts from Eleanor's Quilt In A Day series). 

Plus, Eleanor's enthusiasm is contagious and it took me pretty far, as you can see.  I am ready to embroider the features now; whiskers, eyes, noses.  Then I'll add some decorative handwork in the form of blanket-stitching around the appliques to finish the edges.  This little project should keep me busy for awhile.  Of course, machine applique can be done too.  Here's another quick technique for machine-applique featuring chickens and roosters.  Very cute!

I once saw a charming antique Scottie quilt that had names for each dog embroidered on it and I'm thinking about doing that too since they all seem to have their own personality.  So I need to come up with nine doggy names.  Suggestions are welcome.  Nothing too long or complicated though because they have to fit in the space above each dog.  I've numbered the blocks so you can refer to a specific dog if you like.  "Spot" sounds like a good name for number seven.  Short and sweet! 

Embroidery: Kitten Coverlet

Here's an adorable embroidery motif that can be used for a variety of things.  Three basic stitches are all that's needed; a basic outline, a straight stitch for the fur, and a satin stitch to fill in the eyes and nose.  Originally designed as a quilt block for a child's quilt, it can be embroidered as-is, or made into an applique by adding a 1/4" seam allowance around the edges to turn-under. 

Source:  WorkBasket August 1950

Download KITTEN COVERLET

 

 

Farm Life Quilt

Earlier this summer, we were thrifting about in a tiny coastal town off the beaten path, and I found this interesting, and very, very old, unfinished quilt top.  There were a few loose blocks that were pinned to it; a long ago forgotten work in progress.  For $20 bucks I couldn't resist bringing it home. 

The pattern wasn't immediately familiar to me, but Ruby McKim came to mind and a quick search led me to this website hosted by "Grammy's" family and friends, and which contained all the original (remastered) patterns from the 1920's-30's, with the Farm Life Quilt pattern book among them.  It is so exciting when that happens.  Anyway, while on my quest for info, I actually found lots of "Farm Life" quilts; OnLine Quilter shared this one--love the yellow and the fence border. 

I've finished old quilts in the past, but am not really moved to finish this one.  It's a bit too rough around the edges and the cotton cloth is aged and fragile, but I am happy to have it in my collection and will enjoy it "as is". 

I think this horse is my favorite. 

I'm making crock-pot marinara sauce today with tomatoes and basil from the garden.  The kitchen smells so good.  We have plenty of pickles, green beans, and jam on the pantry shelves now.  Salsa is next I think. I've been watching online videos and researching recipes for canning some. 

And at the same time I'm eyeing my stash and thinking up lots of things I can do with it. 

Much of it has gone into my growing hexie "patch" though.  Only time will tell what this will become.  Still thinking . . .  

Quilt Block: Necktie

This pattern makes a fantastic MAN-quilt.  Especially when done in earthy muted tones, and plaids and stripes like this.  Perhaps made from his old shirts if you have them.  Mine is made from cotton scraps and good quality unbleached muslin.  It's lined with 60" wide heavy cotton flannel so it lies flatter, more like a blanket than a light-weight quilt. 

The backing is also unbleached muslin, cut a little larger than the quilt top and turned over to form a self-edging.  It looks really nice if you mitre the corners with a bit of blind stitching inside the folds.

"Joseph's Necktie" (the original name) is easy piecework and goes together quickly; not to be confused with "Bow-Tie" which requires a square in the middle--and can be a bit fussy to sew. 

Download NECKTIE QUILT BLOCK

Semi-Gloss

Just checking in over here. 

Making lovely progress on the sewing-studio makeover.  Most of the major stuff is done.  I'm painting old furniture and bookcases now.

And working on my "hexies" while paint dries. 

Summer Quilt

True Blue is finished (yay!) and I must say, I'm kind of sad because I really enjoyed working on this quilt.  It being my constant evening companion, as I nestled underneath it during the cool spring months; although hexie-mania is filling the gap now.  This is probably the most hand-quilting I've ever done on a quilt.  Once my needle found its rhythm it traveled swiftly along ditches, pirouetted around corners, and dashed down straight-aways leaving happy trails in its wake. 

I really like the Warm & White cotton batting.  A lot, in fact.  It quilts like a dream and makes for a nice light-weight old-fashioned looking quilt.  Very flat, yet substantial. 

The pink binding was sort of a snap decision.  Having lots of pink binding on hand nudged me in that direction anyway.  I always try and use what I have whenever possible.  And the pink works well to soften the overall effect, I think. 

OK.  Quilt tucked under arm and ready for a lazy picnic by the lake. 

Really ready.  But first things first.  The sewing room make-over is underway!  New carpet is in.  I really like the color--it's kind of a dark pewter with a touch of taupe.  Hard to describe.  The color description called it "moon stone"; just as ambiguous.  Painting the walls next.  I've decided on a neutral.  After looking at over hundred shades of white (who knew there were sooo many!),  I settled on French Canvas.  It's soft and easy on the eyes and looks great with the floor color.

Being out of my HUB, with nothing in it's rightful place makes me all twitchy.  I had to set up a sewing corner in another room.  Not doing much but mending, but I like knowing it's there if I need it.  And I do find it funny that it's taking four rooms, including a bathroom, to temporarily house all the stuff that came out of just one room.  It's crazy.  All this stitching stuff of mine.

See what I mean?  Hoping to get everything back where it belongs very, very soon. 

Homeward Bound

True Blue is in the home stretch!  With lovely pink binding.  

And I'm in a mad dash to finish because shortly, this entire room will need to be cleared out to make way for a long overdue make-over.  I've been putting it off for years now, not wanting to uproot and unplug the HUB of my existence.  I know fellow stitchers can relate. 

But the time has come at long last.

Time to say, fare-thee-well to the last of the 'Desert Rose' colored carpeting, so popular decades ago.  It's seen better days.  In fact, I thought I'd seen the last of it when we moved from our house in California in 1994 (where it had been installed), only to see it again here, wall-to-wall, up stairs, down hallways and in every room.  I have nothing against pink in my home environment; just like it better as an essay.  Not the whole story. 

So, yes.  There is much to do!  And it occurs to me that I'll need to minimize my regular schedule to concentrate on finishing this project ASAP.  That means our lovely little shops, PatternBee, Vintage Stitch Shop, and Winky (the girls shop), will all be closed after July 5th. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you have any items in your shopping cart and/or intend to purchase something within this time frame, please do so now, so that we can accommodate your needs.  Shops will re-open after the 15th.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.  If you should have any questions or concerns about your order, please don't hesitate to contact me, I'll be able to access email on my portable laptop to provide any assistance you may need. 

Will TRY and get back here to update our progress if possible.  And maybe share some photos of  my  finished  'True Blue' summer quilt. 

Quilts In Progress

True Blue is heading into the homestretch.  Yesterday the remaining basting pins were removed and that means I am heading for the border.  Three straight rows of stitching should do it.  And at this point, I'm ready for straight rows of stitching.  And a new shiny straight needle.

In the meantime, something new flew up onto the design wall.  I'm using up scraps I have on hand and before I knew it I had the making of a new quilt.  I selected colors that were a bit reminiscent of an old rose garden I strolled through recently.  Not so much a literal translation, but rather a focus on the earthy parts, like moss and bark, shady nooks, sunny spots, iron and wood structures, soil and sky, water and stone.  Like this . . . 

Well, that's the path I started down. But the addition of plaid tends to point toward fall.  And once I introduced the red apple print (because it needed a cornerstone accent), it was all over.  The whole thing just zoomed right past summer and went straight into autumn.  Like this. . .

It happens.  I'm not entirely disappointed with it though.  I'm just not mentally ready to stitch up "Autumn" before summer has arrived.  So I'll be putting this away for awhile and might make another attempt at the old rose garden theme after I finish other projects I've started.  Yes, there are others poking out of baskets.  Along with more hexies.  Can't stop.  They're like candy.  

Bars and Stripes

This lovely old thing was a quilt rescue.  I picked it up at a flea market, eons ago, and paid practically nothing for it, because at the time it was just a big wadded-up mess.  Someone had apparently thrown it into a washing machine and the cotton batting shrunk, clumping into large balls between the ties, since it had not been quilted down.  So sad and pitiful it was.  Obviously just a scrap quilt, but I loved the colors, the feedsack prints, the simple design.  So I paid the dealer five bucks and brought it home to deconstruct.  Once I got the quilt top removed, gently cleaned and repaired, it was given fresh batting and backed with plain muslin.  I hand-quilted simple lines in the border strips and in the ditch.  I remember it was an absolute dream to quilt, with the fabrics being so time-worn and buttery soft that my needle just glided through them.  I imagined the unknown quilt-maker, happy to know that her humble efforts had been preserved.   

We've treated this quilt gently and its held up amazingly well over time, though after years of use I've had to retire it because the fabrics are getting fragile.  Some of the patches have disintegrated.  Which all too often happens.  That being the case, I decided it was time to fashion a new one. 

So, out came the jelly roll scraps and I got stitching.  

Everything came together very quickly.  I sewed four 18" strips (half a jelly-roll length) together, and then cut them into 6" sections which were randomly placed so that no two of the same print would be next to each other. 

I must admit, I was tempted to use purple strips between the bars.  But I had a lot of scraps I needed to use up that coordinated much better so used them instead.  One of these days though, I WILL do a purple version like the original.  Have to.  It's just SO good. 

After I got the top pieced, I machine quilted the whole thing, in the same way as before. 

And ya know...  I think it turned out pretty awesome.  Even without that beloved purple.  

Mystery in Blue

Hmm...  What have we here?  I'll let you guess.  Here's the list of choices:

Broken Plate

Double Monkey Wrench

Fisherman's Reel

Hole in the Barn Door

Double T

Dragon's Head

Hens and Chickens

Churn Dash

Love Knot

Old Mill

Picture Frame

Puss in the Corner

Quail's Nest

Shoo Fly

Will check back later . . .

Honeycomb Quilt #3:: Done!

I'm on a roll here!   

Flower Power

Making lots of progress on PINK Honeycomb Quilt, the third in a series of "hexagon quilt mania".  I really can't believe how fast this one came together.  My needle has been flying. These BIG flowers remind me of those decals from the 1960's, remember those?  People would stick them on their cars and on walls and windows.  This quilt definitely has that same happy vibe going on.  It brings smiles to faces. 

I've been making binding too and it's going to be awesome.  This is what happens when you can't make up your mind which color or fabric to use for a binding.  You choose them ALL!  I love sewing on binding as much as I love hand-sewing hexagons together.  It's the same sort of lovely, tidy stitching.

Ginger has been enjoying the daily process of watching this quilt, her quilt, grow and come to life and that has kept the wind in my sails.  Yesterday, we were out in the garden and noticed something.  The colors in her flower barrel this year.  All random choices, brought home by others.  And yet, remarkably familiar: Pink and Yellow!

Update::  A few people asked about the size of the template I used, so here's how I measured it.  The illustration is not "actual size", rather representative. 

Pictures of the finished quilt coming soon! 

Cuddle Quilt

Hi everybody.  Thanks for the quilt love for Honeycomb #2!  It is now in the arms of its owner (Miss Grace) and receiving lots of hugs and inducing sweet dreams. . . .

 HCQ #3 (in pink) is still in progress and coming along nicely.  I can't wait to show you!  But today, I've got another quilt for our "show and tell".  This flannel four-patch went together pretty fast!  Good thing too, because darling granddaughter's birthday is this week and it was a race to the finish line.  Ginger helped me chain-piece the units together once we got the layout down and that helped speed things along.  She's a happy stitcher behind the new "Magnolia" Janome and loves any excuse to use it.   

It's all good.  She's picking up speed and learning fast.  Here's a little top she finished yesterday for her niece.  Isn't this the sweetest?  She made a pair of flannel PJ pants to go with it--the alphabet letters look much better on these don't ya think? 

Anyway, back to the cuddle quilt.  Some more pictures.

Here's a peek at the underside; once covered, never to be seen again.  Since flannel is heavier than quilter's cotton, the seams were pressed open to reduce bulk at the intersections. 

After the top was done, an eyelot ruffle was added around the edge before sewing the layers together pillow-style. I have miles of this lace on hand (bought in bulk from a store that was going out of business), so it finds its way into a lot of things and was exactly what this little quilt needed. 

For the ties, I used some wonderful old embroidery cotton (from France) that I found at a thrift shop, and tied in where the blocks intersect.  This is easy to do; if you need additonal info--tutorials here and here may be helpful. 

The result is more like a comforter.  All ready for a cuddle. 

And of course, we must have a label.  

This idea was wonderfully reinforced at the 'Sisters in Stitches' Quilt Show I attended last Saturday...but more about that later.  In a future post.  With pictures of some beautiful show quilts. 

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, that bird may look familiar.  It showed up first over here.  My sample embroidery pieces often get turned into labels of some sort or another.  This one was from the 2007 October Bonus Collection.  (Had to consult my blog archives to find the original post.) 

My-Oh-My how time does fly! Hard to believe this girl is five.

New Arrangements

Things are looking rosy around here.  Thanks so much for the color suggestions for the flannel quilt; I took them to heart and then went digging in my stash for something to replace the letter blocks with.  Since I had already used a pale pink micro fiber fleece, I was looking for something a few shades lighter.  But without scraps to cull from I had to go to Plan B:  plunder yardage from my future sewing projects.  Somewhat dangerous territory.  Actually though, as it turns out, I only had to cut one six-inch strip from the end of two different pieces, which gave me enough to work with while still leaving plenty of fabric for making nightgowns and pajamas, which is basically what all these scraps were left-over from, and what the uncut flannel was allocated for.  So no harm done.  Just perhaps a little out of sequence.  We do what we have to do! 

The newbies added to the mix consist of a bright flower-heart print and a small pink dot which reads "pale pink" from a distance.  They pull everything else together rather nicely.    

Here's the new and improved "random" arrangement.  I think we're ready to roll on this one.

Blooming Pink

I don't think I can remember an April so lovely, the weather has been amazing.  The tree peonies and azaleas are in full bloom.  Everything is green and the sky is actually blue for a change.

I don't know where those yellow tulips came from.  My garden always seems to be full of surprises. And speaking of flowers.

Honeycomb Quilt #3 in progress.  Flowers are done and in their proper places.  I've already started joining them to the connecting rows since this picture was taken.  I know I promised you pictures of Honeycomb Quilt #2, but at the moment it's being used as a template for this quilt and I don't want to disturb the placement of my flowers in order to move it.     

Silly me.  But here's a little peek underneath. 

Here's another quilt in progress.  A group effort.  We're using the design wall to see where we're at with this.  Sometimes it helps to just stand back and look at the overall design.  We don't have equal numbers of anything; the squares were all cut from scraps, so this will be a randomly pieced quilt, pretty much how it looks here.  But those letter blocks aren't working for me.  I'm thinking 'less is more'.  Maybe plain white would be better.  Sometimes a little white works wonders to calm more saturated colors and busy patterns. 

An example in nature, from the tulip farm.  Yep.  I think white is right.  

Pink in Progress

So, I finished Honeycomb Quilt #2, and already started on Honeycomb Quilt #3 last week.  I haven't had a chance to photograph the finished quilt yet, but will try and do it as soon as the rain stops, the skies clear, and some decent lighting returns.  

Here's the label I made for it.  (Sorry for the bad lighting.  See what I mean?)  Anyway, for this quilt, I used a soft contrasting color of bias binding to compliment the minty green border strips.  My usual choice for purchased binding is extra wide double fold instead of "quilt binding" which is wider.  Sometimes I make my own bias strips, but for this quilt I found Wright's sunlight #206 was perfect, so I got online and ordered it here. 

Also on the cutting table... the makings of a flannel patchwork.  All this cut from scraps!  I am putting together a cuddle quilt for a little granddaughter who is turning five next month.  Oh, we do keep ourselves busy around here. 

But back to the fun at hand.  A few of you have asked questions about the hexagon quilt, so I'll try and give a little more information on this method.  As I mentioned before, I'm basically using my own 4" hexagons that I've printed and cut out from the 8.5 x 11" freezer paper craft sheets.  I can get six hexagons per sheet; they are printed without seam allowance. 

I make my hexagon "patches" just like you would make an applique using the freezer paper method.  What I do to streamline the process, is to first cut 5" strips of fabric.  Then I place the hexagon template waxed-side down on top of the fabric making sure I have at least 3/8" all the way around to allow for the seam allowance; then I press it lightly with an iron so it sticks to the fabric.  Since this is a symetrical shape you can place the template on the right or wrong side of the fabric.  I usually fold or stack up to four layers at a time to save a bit of cutting--you will need good, sharp scissors for this. 

When I cut around the paper template, I just eyeball the seam allowance.  It does not have to be perfect.  BUT, your template does need to be accurate, so make sure you cut those carefully.  After cutting, peel off the template and place it waxed-side up on the wrong side of the fabric, centering it so that you have an equal seam allowance all around.  Fold seam edges over, and press with an iron again to hold them in place.  I find a mini craft iron works well for all the pressing.  I do a few dozen in a sitting, and then stitch them together later with a single strand of quilting thread which has been knotted at one end. Stitch hexagons together right sides facing, with a small whip stitch.  (This is a variation of the English-piecing method in which paper or cardstock templates are used and fabric is tacked at each corner.)  Carefully remove the template when all sides have been sewn.  

The freezer-paper patterns are easy to use and can be used over and over again.  I'm still using some of them from the first quilt!  Recently, I noticed that a few quilt companies are starting to offer pre-cut fabric and paper hexagon templates along with new machine piecing methods, and that's a great idea and certainly a time saver.  But I would really like to see someone produce pre-cut freezer paper templates in a variety of sizes for hexagons, as I think this method trumps all for the hand-stitcher.  

Honeycomb Quilt #2 in Progress

Gee, thanks everyone for the sweet comments and conversation about my first hexagon "honeycomb" quilt.  It's always a thrill to complete a quilt project and super fun to be able to share it here on the blog with you guys.  As I mentioned in the last post, Honeycomb Quilt #2 was already in the works, and here it is in various stages of progress.  I actually worked on both quilts in tandem.  That may sound a little manic, but it really worked amazingly well.  Because one night I would do quilting, the next some piecework or cutting out hexagons.  Sort of a tag-team quilting marathon.  Switching off gave my hands and wrists a rest from too much repetitive motion with one task or another.

A dining table is perfect for layering quilts.  I didn't baste this one because I planned to put it in a table-frame straight away, so just used a few safety pins around the edges to hold it in place.

A peek at the flip side. I like using my own 4" freezer paper templates printed onto letter-sized sheets. I can iron one template on top of a few layers of fabric and just simply eyeball the quarter-inch seam allowance as I cut them out.  The seam lines are accurate because they are folded over the template, but the seam allowance is less critical. 

Ready to start quilting.  This wooden table frame is like a gigantic embroidery hoop.  It's half the size of a cardtable with the same folding legs.  I like that I can just move it around or pull a chair up to it.  I bought this at a quilt show in California, from a couple who designed and made them back in the 1980's.  I don't think they are around anymore.  The quilt-frames or the couple.  Sadly.  But I bet they would both be very happy to know their marvelous invention was still in use! 

Nice weather prompts me to move the whole operation outside.  Sheer heaven.  Sometimes, I just drape my quilt over the frame without the hoop piece, to keep it off the ground while I work on small areas with a quilting hoop.  There are lots of turning angles with a hexagon.  The hand-quilting went a little faster this time using the "stitch in the ditch" method, rather than doing double rows of stitching on each side of the seams.  The end result is a softer, fluffier quilt.

I've now begun Honeycomb Quilt #3 with a new color palette of pink.  This is what I already had in my stash, but I couldn't resist skipping round the web for fabric and color inspiration and happened to run across these precut 6" hexagons that come with a template to mark the sewing seams, along with directions on how to assemble them by machine.  I'm just passing this information along in case anyone is interested.   I'm rather enjoying all the hand-sewing just now, but may try that out sometime.

Also found this interesting.  Did you know that it is possible to make an entire quilt top in about 40 minutes starting with one really, Really, REALLY long strip of jellyroll fabric?  It's awesome how this works.  Check it out.  Click twice to see this full-screen and hold onto your hat.

Pretty neat, huh?  And these plum fabrics look SO yummy.

OK, back to my quilts.  Will update my progress on them in a couple of days. 

Sweet As Honey

The finished quilt!  I do love how it turned out.  So sweet and old-fashioned with the little embroidered pictures framed in the center of the bright petals, like a child's watercolor paintbox palette.  Introducing, Honeycomb Quilt #1.  Because Honeycomb Quilt #2 is in the works, done primarily in aqua and red this time, and because Honeycomb Quilt #3 is already in the planning stages, and will be very pretty in PINK!  Which is going to be awesome.  We've already started gathering the fabric scraps for it.  Trying to narrow it down to just a few shades of pink. Some old, some new.  Here's some of what we have so far. 

I'm excited.  Can't wait to dig into this basket.  I haven't really used pink for awhile and these spring colors, like the cherry blossoms exploding all around us right now, have captured my heart.  I'm reminded of a quote by Bonnie Leman, the woman who started 'Quilter's Newsletter Magazine' so long ago.  She said, "A storebought blanket will stop the shivers, but a handmade quilt will warm the soul".  So true.  We do tend to put much of ourselves into a quilt.  Not just the doing part, but the dreaming and planning that goes along with it.  But I digress.  Back to the quilt at hand. . .

I've been trying for weeks to photograph this quilt properly.  And once again, I realize how really hard it is to capture the beauty and the intrinsic qualities of a quilt in a photograph.  If there's not enough light everything looks fuzzy, too much light and the colors fade.  Up too close and you can't see the overall design, too far away and you lose the detail.  Camera too high or too low and the whole thing looks wonky and distorted.  My shaky hands don't help matters much either. 

I tried many times indoors on rainy days with full-spectrum lighting and on sunny days next to diffused window panes, and outside with three different cameras.  The first shot (at top), off the side porch, was with a Nikon D-80 ("big bruiser") on a tripod (foolproof) with a timed-shutter on auto-focus to avoid any jiggling.  But as you can see, there's still room for improvement.  The only thing out of focus seems to be the quilt!  After dozens of shots, with adjusted settings, I just kept getting the same results.  (How do you photograph your quilts?)  This is as good as it gets for now.

Ditto for this one we photographed on the design wall.  But you can see the overall pattern and how the block sections are broken up along the sides. Some have asked about that, and this is one way to square up the edges.  I did take another approach with HCQ #2 because the quilt size is different and size and shape will ultimately determine the edge piecing.  There is also the option of leaving the edges scalloped.  But that means a little more work fitting the binding around the zigs and the zags.  I might try that next time.

For HCQ #1 though, I used a super easy self-binding method.  That of bringing the backing up over the quilt-top, then simply folding it under along the edge and using a tiny blind-stitch to hold it in place.  Mitred corners add a nice detail, rather than having them overlap.  I like neat and tidy corners.

And we must not forget to label (or at least sign) our quilts.  Your descendants will appreciate it more than you know.  I think I already mentioned other details about this quilt in past posts, so I won't repeat them again, but feel free to ask me questions if you have them.

So I guess that's it for this one.  I'll post some pics of HCQ#2 (in progress) soon.

A Quilting We Will Go

Hello!  Just dropping in with an update to show the progress I'm making on my quilt, which I think is coming along nicely.  So much wonderful color for winter-weary eyes.  I just finished doing some feather-stitching around some of the embroidered patches, to frame them.  Still have a few more to go.  I'm alternating between the two stitches to keep things interesting.

I was browsing through a book of old quilt patterns the other day and this block (single flowers--with one row of hexagons between them) was referred to as, "honeycomb".  I like the sound of that.  Yes, I do.  So that's what I'm calling it.  Honeycomb.  Perfect. 

March is supposed to come 'in like a lion', but it has arrived more like a lamb (right now anyway.)  I added ice cubes to my tea.  This weather is warmer than usual, the sun is shining brightly, the air is mild.  It's supposed to reach up into the 70's by tomorrow.  Then a little rain after that. 

It seems that spring has sprung like fountains of gold around here.  Daffodil bouquets just waiting to be picked.

I walked out the backdoor yesterday to glorious birdsong filling the air.  I closed my eyes and listened.  Must've been a dozen different kinds of birds tweeting, cooing, and chirping from the trees.  Flocks have been arriving for weeks now.  We erected this little white bird feeder last summer where the birch grove used to be.  I still miss the trees, but I love how cute this is!

Then I saw these critters.  Just like before.  You know the drill.  And so do they.

They nibbled, they scratched, they licked and they lounged in the yard all day like they owned the place.  Followed by four more the next day.  I guess the word is out:  these peeps are pushovers.

Roses beware!  Looks like trouble . . .  

Time for the magic concoction.

Waiting for Spring

In the cool of the morning with windows slightly open for the first time in ages, and with a bit of glorious and rarely seen in February  sunlight pouring in, some lovely quilt progress has taken place on the kitchen counter.  My little hexie quilt-top is all stitched up, smoothed out, squared up, satisfactorily lined with a softly worn flannel sheet (very thrifty for a light-weight quilt), and has been backed and basted around the edges. Ahh.

When all was said and done, I did make up my mind to hand-quilt it.  So, I am now poised and ready and looking forward to picking up my needle and thread and weaving it through the colorful flower garden, stitch by tiny stitch.  Through the hedgerows and primrose paths.  Around manor houses, woodland wildlife and contented pets. 

Stopping only to feed the birds.  This type of sewing is peaceful work.  I'm refreshed by the experience and the unhurried steady pace of all this repetitive stitching.  All the while dreaming of spring, which is getting closer by the day.  Yay!

Rows and Roses

Here's another page from Embroidered Pictures and Patchwork; a project done in applique called, 'Monday Morning'.  Isn't this adorable?  Sadly, no pattern for this is given in the book, with the exception of the boy waving, as an example for placing and layering the applique pieces.  I love the combination of plaids and florals and bright colors.  The green background is especially effective I think, and makes the other colors pop. 

I'm making tremendous progress on my quilt--adding row upon row.  Stitched up the last two motifs yesterday.  I ended up making twelve embroidered hex-patches in all and am really pleased with the overall pattern (which is somewhat random), and the size is perfect now.  The quilt top is actually in three sections; I'll be stitching these together over the weekend and adding the small bits around the edges to make them straight.  And while doing this, I shall be pondering my next move:  To quilt, or not to quilt.  That is the question.

We had sweet surprises on Valentine's Day, hope you did too.  

Quilt Block: Basket of Hearts

It's Valentine's Day!  Here's a basket of love from me to you: 

Download BASKET OF HEARTS-QUILT BLOCK

Winter Blues, Green, Yellow & Red

Thank you for cheering me along with my latest project!  I've settled into a rhythm stitching on these in the evenings and the "hexie quilt" is growing a little more each day. After laying everything out, I've settled on having nine flower blocks surrounded by a single white border, which will make a square quilt about 44 x 44-inches.  The perfect snuggle size.  But before I've even gotten this quilt finished, I've already got my eye on the next quilt project after seeing this darling piecework by PamKittyMorning; part of a "row-along" from Bee in my Bonnet.  This flickr group pool is inspiring, isn't it?  

So... still thinking about those cute row houses, and drooling over fabric, and let's see what else...oh yes, little doll is patiently waiting to be adorned in vivid color.  Will it be hearts, flowers, or ladybugs?  Decisions, decisions. 

While I'm here with camera in hand, and since I'm way overdue for a "corners of my home" photo, here ya go.  This vintage vanity table makes a sweet sewing nook. 

I've been watching the old episodes of Heartland again with my youngest daughter (who is a crazy-in-love-with-horses kind of gal), so I certainly have hearts on the brain.  We HEART Heartland in a BIG way around here.  (We have the DVD's, but you can still watch some of the episodes here.) 

I also "hearted" this Redwork sentiment so much that I included it with this month's Bonus Designs.  My needle has been flying lately!  I've also got another project underway with the "East or West, Home is Best" design too. I'll save that bit for a show and tell next week.  Until then....big hearts to all!   

Hexagon Scrap Quilt

The arrival of this darling little book in my mailbox started a whole flurry of cutting and stitching over the weekend.   Oh, this book!  I've actually been pining away for this book for some time, and was surprised and thrilled to finally run across it.  We have here a third edition (1964), printed in England, with a copyright date of 1950, so that's going back to another time entirely.  Inside are the most darling illustrations and embroidery patterns, mainly for making a child's hexagon quilt, but there are a couple of samplers, an embroidered pinafore style apron, and some other things inside as well. This is my first crack at making a hexagonal quilt and so far, I like it!   And that surprised me, because I didn't think I would.  Hexagons always seemed somewhat tedious and complicated to cut and sew precisely.  But I found out, there's a technique.  Not difficult!  And more than one way of achieving a perfect patch.  (We do like having options.)

There's the hand-stitch method described in the book using a cardboard template to stitch around, and the "modern" freezer paper method requiring an iron.  I tried both methods and got great results with each.  Each method has its own merits though, so I can't say one way is better than the other.  Neither way is faster than the other either, when you consider the time spent printing and cutting out (many) freezer paper templates. 

This project has been ideal for using up scraps.  I love the satisfaction of making something out of nothing.  Turning trash into treasure, so to speak.  The colors may not relate perfectly, but the repeating hexagonal shape unifies them, and besides I must admit I love a randomly pieced quilt with the unexpected burst of color or the odd print that catches the eye.  

I've been looking for a quilt project that could be done without a sewing machine, something I could just reach into a basket and stitch on, and this fit that criteria perfectly.    

So, I made a 4-inch template (measured from point-to-point across the middle), twice the usual size, in order to fit some small embroidered motifs in the middle of some of the blocks.   At this point, I'm still playing around with the "blocks" and haven't decided on a border color.  Maybe I'll stick with white, in the same manner that a "Grandmother's Flower Garden" quilt is done.  Mine is basically an enlarged and simplified version of that.  I'll keep posting on my progress.    

Oh, she does look a bit like Jemima Puddle-Duck!  So darling.

In Living Color

So. Let's see now, where was I--oh yeah, I was walking through the woods, and quite happily so, as I recall.  Perhaps you thought I had wandered off and gotten lost.  That would explain the long silent pause here on the blog.  It is somewhat true, but not entirely.  A seige of hacking coughs and colds swept through the household, I was spared, but chicken soup and TLC was the order of the day.  Thankfully, everyone is on the mend now and we are picking up where we left off. 

In living color. . .

Ah, these November days.  They are mostly misty and mysterious at times.  But the colors are still glowing glorious here in the rural countryside.  Easy to get caught up in it all.  As I did when I saw this tree (a "forest pansy", and normally dark purple), in my front yard yesterday.  It's becoming one of the star attractions just now.  And that is surprising.  Because shortly after planting it, about four years ago now, a wind-whipping storm nearly tore it in half.  It was heartbreaking.  We pruned it the best we could, tied up what was left, and hoped for the best.  It looked pretty pathetic after that and at one point we almost pulled it up.  We gave it a talking to.  And another chance.  Over time, it has been slowly recovering and reshaping itself.  Looking at it now, in it's golden splendor, we are so grateful we didn't act in haste.  I want to hug this tree! 

Anyway, in my quiet repose between tree hugging and soup making, I was thumbing through some of my old quilt books, and one in particular seemed perfect for the season and ripe to share.  This is a great big book, full of big projects, beautiful illustrative directions and techniques, and not just quilts, but also tote bags, aprons, pillows, placemats, curtains--just lots of goodness from cover to cover.  Everytime I look through this book I want to make all of the projects.  Immediately.

So far I've only managed one though, this wall quilt--but I am holding out hope that there will be more to come . . . one of these days. 

 
I'd actually already blogged about this wallhanging a few years ago, (see it all here), but decided to provide an update about the book from *whence* the inspiration came because it is such an awesome book; and as I'd mentioned in the 2005 post, the book (from 1996) was out of print.  But as of this writing, Amazon has 50 (used copies) for 2c each.  (Yes, I said, two cents each.)  What!  You still pay S/H--but what a deal.  I am not going to add links, because as often happens, they tend to go defunct/haywire over time.  Just search the book title:: SWEET & SIMPLE COUNTRY QUILTS by Jenni Dobson to find it. 

OK, with that said, I can now go ahead and show you some of what's inside this wonderful book without any angst and boo-hooing at all.   

Here we have, "Chicken Girl".  Love that patch on the knee.  

A wonderful "skitish bird".  There are times when I feel exactly like this.

Called, "Dancing Couple"--or as I say, "getting down at the hoe down".  Look at that amazing color and pattern.  Most of the designs are full size, some need to be enlarged.  Yellow socks--yikes!

This one is called, "Blacksmith's Boy Cot Quilt".   I love the horseshoes.  Pointed up for goodluck.

I wanted to share more pictures, but the text editor usually does weird & wacky things when I load too much on here, so I made a little photo album with more pictures--click HERE to see them and be inspired.  

Have a great weekend everybody!   

Joseph's Necktie Quilt

 
It's a clear, crisp morning here, and I just discovered our tomatoes are finally turning red! (yipee!)  I was beginning to think I was going to have to learn how to make Green Tomato Pie.  I'd been eyeing the recipe in my Fanny Farmer Baking Book (page 87) for awhile now.  Maybe you have been too.  Not a great year for tomatoes I hear.  Apparently, this pie taste nothing like tomatoes after the addition of raisins and spices.  One of these days I'm going to have to give it a try. 

 
But even with the sunshine here in the Willamette Valley, there's definitely an autumn nip in the air.  Time to pull out our light sweaters and jeans, cozy plaid flannel shirts--and the lap quilts.  I was digging through my closet and found this one I made way back in 1994.  I wouldn't have remembered that, except that I signed and dated it on the back.  For that I am giving myself a little pat on the back, however, I must credit one of my quilt teachers, Evie Stonewall, for repeatedly saying in class, "Always sign and date your quilts ladies, for the day will come when you'll appreciate it more than you know, and so will the ones who inherit it."  She was right, of course, and this proves it.   

 
I love this quilt and don't know why I never shared it before.  It's nice for these cool evenings reading (or stitching) curled up somewhere.  Or just sitting out on the porch watching a golden sunset.  BTW, this pattern makes a fantasic "man-quilt".  Especially when done in muted tones and plaids and stripes like this.  Perhaps made from his old shirts if you have them.  Mine is made from cotton scraps and good quality unbleached muslin.  Lined it with 60" wide heavy cotton flannel; the backing is also unbleached muslin that is cut a little larger than the quilt top, then turned over twice and stitched to the top to make a self-edging.  It looks really nice if you mitre the corners with a bit of blind stitching just inside the folds. 

 
Joseph's Necktie is easy piecework and goes together quickly, but should not to be confused with "Bow-Tie" which requires a square in the middle and can be a bit fussy to sew.  For example, here's a good tutorial for that one here.  See the difference?  Anyway, I did a bit more digging in my pattern files and found the pattern I used, then turned it into a PDF that you can print out and use if you like.  Follow this link:  Download JOSEPH'S NECKTIE QUILT BLOCK.   

Have a great weekend! 

All Stitched Up

 
Without fanfare or further ado...I am so excited to show you my finished State Flower Quilt.  This was a long project that began in the fall of 2009; the stitching didn't actually begin until March 2010.  And whooosh---here we are 18 months later!  (Oh my, has it really been that long?)  Anyway, I'm very happy with how it all turned out.  I posted more pictures here.  I hope they inspire you somehow.  Enjoy! 

(If you are just coming on board--the backstory and all the various links to things related to this project are featured here.) 

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!

IOWA - Prairie Rose

 
Thanks for the snowball scarf love, it's snug around my neck as we speak.  Winter is truly here in the northwest and "baby, it's cold outside" (as the song goes).  From the window I'm looking at a lovely wintry scene; frosted towering pines surrounded by a misty fog, but I'm thankful I don't need to go out there just now with the temperature hovering at just 26 degrees.  I know there are places colder and much more harsh, but for this native California beach girl, it's bone chilling.  

With that in mind, let's visit the flowers of dreamy summer days shall we?  That's where I let my mind drift when I'm stitching these up.  Next on the list is the Prarie Rose of Iowa. 

 

Despite Iowa's dry, flat landscape the delicate-looking little prairie rose emerges year after year. 

To early European settlers it symbolized 'resilience'. 

Lawmakers also recognized it as a hardy survivor and thought it represented the state so well that its picture was etched on a silver tea service that was presented to the crew of the USS Iowa in 1896.  When the subject of choosing a state flower came up, advice was sought from the Federation of Women's Clubs in Dubuque, and everyone agreed that the attributes of the wild prairie rose fit perfectly--and on May 6, 1897 it was so designated by the state legislature. 

A native species, Rosa pratincola (aka rosa arkansansa), is the most often cited, but other varieties were also recognized officially, because due to the nature of the wild rose, in that it hybrizes naturally, it was difficult to distinguish one from the other.  So it was decided that any species of wild rose within the state boundaries would qualify and that agreement still stands.  Wild roses are found throughout the state, in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands; some varieties preferring specific locations.  Flower colors range from pale pink to dark pink with a yellow center fringed with long stamens.  Mildly fragrant blossoms appear on shrubs from June to late summer, reaching a height of three to four feet, and produce a small red, apple-shaped "hip" when blooms fade in the fall. 

These same rose hips help sustain the Indians and Pioneers when food was scarce.  In fact, the leaves and flowers are also edible.  Just three hips contain the same amount of vitamin C as one orange; and boiled with honey or sugar produces a highly nutritious syrup or sweet jelly.  Hips also provide a valuable food source for wildlife--which helps to propigate it naturally.  And there you have it!

 
DMC Colors:  Your choice as always; for this block I used the following colors for petals #894; center #743 & #312; leaves #988.

NOTES:  Images should be 4 x 4 to fit a 6.5" quilt block.  This allows for a 1/4" seam allowance and a finished block measuring 6 x 6.  Click on image to open for download.  (If anyone is having trouble getting the right size block due to changes on Flickr; click on the pattern image to open flickr--for size options select the ACTIONS tab; select VIEW ALL SIZES from the drop-down menu; select MEDIUM 640 (640 x 556) for the 6-inch block size; now print or save to a file.) 

 If you are visiting my blog for the first time, and/or just starting this project--you can download the original stitch guide and color chart here as a PDF for a quick reference: 

 STATE FLOWER QUILT

MARYLAND - Black-Eyed Susan

 
Wednesday sure rolled around fast...the days are growing shorter now.  I start my days early before the sunrise, but I still never seem to get to everything I want to.  Alas, so many projects...too little time. 

But as promised, here we have the next in the series for the STATE FLOWER QUILT project.  (I am still getting some stitching done in the evenings and this one was easy.)  History shows that many of the state flowers were chosen by women; somehow not really that surprising. A group of young women at the Maryland Agricultural College took the initiative to select an official state flower in 1896.  Their choice was the 'black-eyed Susan' because it was so commonly seen throughout the state in waves of gold from summer through autumn.  Coincidentally, the 'black and gold' also reflected the colors of the coat of arms for the first Lord Baltimore.  It seemed fitting.  

But many thought this flower was not fitting and were opposed, siting that it was not a native species.  An article in the Baltimore Sun criticized the choice as well, and referred to it as a common vagabond saying, "Susan came to Maryland--not on the Ark, or by Dove, but as a migrant from the Midwest mixed in with clover and hayseed." ( Ouch!  )  Some rallied behind the goldenrod instead. 

But farmers declared them both "noxious weeds". 

In spite of those early controversies, Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) was designated and made official by the General Assembly on April 18, 1918. Today it is a cherished state flower, and seems a natural choice as the colors blend nicely with the state flag and state bird (the Baltimore Oriole.)   See how gorgeous he is?

As a side note, in 1986 the Maryland State Hwy department planted over 300 acres of wild flowers to help reduce air pollution, provide wildlife habitat, and to generally enhance the highways.  A mix of both native and naturalized wildflower seeds were scattered.  Eventually, the black-eye Susan, with it's enduring staying power and tolerance for dry, poor soil, became the predominant species. 

Flowers are native to the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains and are commonly found in gardens, along roadsides, fields, and open areas where they easily propogate and spread.  They are perennial daisies (annuals in cold climates), similar to the cone-flower (also in the sunflower family), and butterflies are attracted to them as they provide a sweet nectar for many months.  The root is used in traditional folk remedies to treat colds and support the immune system, similar to echinaeca. 

 DMC COLORS: I used light orange #728 for the petals; brown #902 for center; and #3349 family for the leaves and stems.  4 strands for all; 3 strands for small lettering.  Satin stitch flower center; outline stitches for flower; back stitching for lettering #645 (smoke gray).

NOTES:  Images should be 4 x 4 to fit a 6.5" quilt block.  This allows for a 1/4" seam allowance and a finished block measuring 6 x 6.  To get the image:  RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options LEFT CLICK on image and choose the 'all sizes' link on Flickr.    If you are visiting my blog for the first time, and/or just starting this project--download the original stitch guide and color chart here as a PDF for a quick reference:  STATE FLOWER QUILT

Polyester Poppies

 
I know.  I couldn't believe it either.  Polyester pantsuits never looked so good!  This was just one of the darling quilts that were on display at the 27th annual community festival for World Relief hosted by the Oregon Mennonite community a couple of weeks ago.  This was their first 'quilt challenge' (with proceeds going toward revitalizing a hospital in the Congo).  There were many beautiful entries, most of them utilizing long-arm technology, which I admit is completely liberating, but there were still a few hand-stitched blankets that were lovely to see. 
In case you can't make out the green card, this quilt is called, "Flower Garden", and it drew me over like a moth to a flame with its bright colors.  Upon closer inspection, I realized the materials used were polyester.  That was a bit of a surprise, because polyester is not something I ordinarily think of using to make a quilt.  Actually, this may be the first poly-quilt I've ever seen.  But it works so well and looks amazing.  And, this quilt will probably outlast us all!  Each of the flower petals were turned under and stitched by hand, by the Fairview Mennonite church ladies. 

  

The quilt hanging next to it is appropriately named, "Something Happy", and was machined pieced and quilted by Heidi F. from Kansas.  Seeing both these quilts definitely made me happy.  

 

 

VERMONT - Red Clover

 
Well.  I finally got this one done.  It was SO nice to pick up my needle again!  I'm starting on the Black-Eye Susan (for Maryland) next.  In fact, I just stamped the next eight blocks and am ready to get busy stitching on them again. 

 

This is an interesting little flower. When I consulted the 'Language of the Flowers' for RED CLOVER, it was designated 'Industry'.  I'm not really sure what sort of message that sends in a tussie-mussie, but it is an interesting little tidbit!  I'm often intrigued by some of the old customs.  Did you know that the very first flower dictionary was written in France by Charlotte de la Tour in 1818, prior to the Victorian era?  It was called, "Le Languages des Fleurs".  In 1879, this work was followed up by a Miss Carruthers, and it soon became the standard for flower symbolism; also called 'floriography' or the practice of assigning meanings to flowers. 

 

Now back in the day, this was done mainly to express feelings within the boundaries of a strict etiquette, and was mostly practiced between "sweethearts" as a means of communication.

A secret language, so to speak. 

My favorite version is delicately illustrated by Kate Greenaway, depicting fair maidens, love and friendship, mothers and children, all in a framework of watercolor flowers.  It's an old book that gets republished from time to time.  I borrowed these pictures from this 1970's version . 

 
It is possible that the 'National Garland of Flowers' project of 1893 may have  been inspired by all this sweet talk about flowers and their meanings.  The state of Vermont at that time, was certainly eager to adopt a state flower that would uniquely represent their state, and the following year a concurrent resolution was introduced in the Vermont House.  A special committee took the matter under consideration and citizens campaigned for their favorites.  Among the contenders were the buttercup, mayflower, arbutus, and posy, but when all the votes were counted, the red clover won the day as the farmer's choice and favorite.

 
The Vermont Secretary of State proclaimed it to be, "Both an integral part of many cultivated hay field and a common sight along numerous Vermont roadsides, the Red Clover is symbolic of Vermont's scenic countryside generally, and of its dairy farms in particular.  Oddly enough, however, 'Trifolium pratense' is not a native of Vermont, but was naturalized from Europe."  On November 9, 1884 the Red Clover was officially adopted as the state flower, and became effective on February 1st, the following year.

I found out some interesting facts about Red Clover.  It's sometimes called "cow grass" or pa-vine clover.  It's a perennial herb in the legume family that can be found growing wild in meadows throughout parts of the U.S., as well as Europe and Asia.  Single plants can reach a height of up to three feet tall and survive up to three years, acting more like a biennial in some regions.  Seeds grow quickly in moist soil, but the mature plant is drought resistant.  The flowers contain medicinal properties and are usually dried for therapeutic use to treat a variety of ailments such as psoriasis, upper respiratory tract problems, and cancerous tumors.  The leaves are edible and nutritious, high in fiber, and contain a rich source of isoflavens.  So it's not just another "pretty face", but one with tremendous value to the land, animals, and people. 

 

DMC COLORS:  This flower ranges in color from pale pink to a true red.  Here's a nice photo of what they actually look like.  I used dark pink #601 for petals; and true green #702 for the leaves; color yours the way you like.

NOTES: Images should be 4 x 4 to fit a 6.5" quilt block.  This allows for a 1/4" seam allowance and a finished block that is 6 x 6-inches.  To get the image:  RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for the size options; LEFT CLICK on the image (to flickr) and choose the 'all sizes' option link.  If you are visiting my blog for the first time, and/or just starting this project, you can download the original stitch guide and color chart here as a PDF:

STATE FLOWER QUILT DIRECTIONS

 
Alright then.  Stitch-On ladies!

 

GEORGIA: Cherokee Rose

 
This hardy, excessively thorny shrub is often found as a sprawling vine and has a tendency to climb like crazy, but in any case, "A rose, is a rose, is a rose" (as Gertrude Stein observed), and here we have the 'Cherokee Rose' (rosa laevigata) the state flower of Georgia. 

Because of its vigorous nature, it is well-adapted for hedge purposes and as a natural fencing, often used in this capacity throughout the South.  The petals are actually white, but again, stitching white-on-white in this instance would probably not be as effective, so I decided to go along with the original directions that suggested pinks.  I think pale blue would also do nicely to convey a white flower.  Up to you. 

For the history buffs:  the 'Cherokee Rose' was adopted by the Georgia General Assembly as a floral emblem at the request of the Federation of Women's Clubs, and carried out by Joint Resolution August 18, 1916.  The name is derived from the Cherokee Indians who distributed the plant throughout the region after it was first introduced by China, via England, during the late 18th century.  Because of its hardy nature it quickly became naturalized.  It is sometimes called, the 'camellia rose'. 

 

 

• DMC COLORS: I used #760 for outlining flower petals; #3712 for darker inside lines on petals; #420 brown for stems; #320 for leaves; centers yellow #444.  Lettering dark gray #645.  Overall, I'm using 3-4 strands of floss for the flowers, 4 strands for the state lettering and 3 strands for the flower names. 

• Images should be about 4 x 4-inches to fit a 6.5" quilt block.

• To get the image:  RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options--LEFT CLICK to flickr and choose the 'all sizes' option link.

• If you are visiting for the first time, and/or just starting this project, you can download the original stitch guide and color chart here as a PDF:

 

STATE FLOWER QUILT DIRECTIONS

 

The State Flower blocks are being stitched in the order they were requested. 

Check out the list here:  State Flower List to find your state. 

If you're faster than I am and want it ALL now, you can get the whole enchilada on my website here. 

All right then!  On to Vermont we go . . .

State Flower Cottage Quilt

  
A few weeks ago, I was happily surprised to receive this photo from Celine in FL, showing her finished State Flower quilt.  Isn't this sweet?  I love it so much!  She said it was a wonderful project to work on while watching her son play baseball. 

These flower blocks are a nice size for take-and-go stitching.  (I can't even count all the projects I have worked on during kid's ballet classes, music lessons, and what-not--waiting for appointments and such.)  This quilt was actually a gift for her son's teacher; for her "little enchanted cottage in Maine".  

By not adding any lattice strips or alternating squares, the quilt is small and perfect for hanging up.  Which I love.  In fact, I might even copy this idea, because I have the perfect wall that needs a quilt exactly like this on it. Four corner stones were added to make even rows 6 x 9.  

My own summer stitching is progressing pretty slowly right now.  However, I do have one more block finished for the state of Georgia that I'll be posting soon.  On another note, thanks for all the garden love--it's just one of the many things that are keeping us busy! 

OHIO: Scarlet Carnation

Carrying on with the next state flower quilt block, today we have:  Oh sweet carnation!  The birth flower for January.  Symbolizing love and distinction with different colors representing variations on that theme.   

For instance, did you know that a dark red or scarlet carnation denotes 'deep love and affection', while lighter shades of red represent 'admiration'?  Apparently it does.  White is for good luck or pure love.  Striped or variegated symbolize love's sad regret.  (Who knew?) 

What's more, purple carnations are the traditional funeral flower in France, given in condolence for the death of a loved one. 

Carnations are strongly fragrant, and the colors are limited, thus whites are often dyed to create bi-colors with tinted edges.  They make excellent cut flowers and are popular in wedding bouquets, as boutonnieres, and Mother's Day corsages because of their staying power. 

On February 3, 1904, the scarlet carnation was chosen as the official state flower for Ohio.  It was adopted by state legislature partly because it was a favorite of our 25th president, William McKinley, who always wore a red carnation in his lapel.  But it wasn't until after his death (by assassination), that a joint resolution was passed by the Ohio General Assembly to adopt the flower in his memory. 

The carnation may have also held sway after the impassioned speech of one legislator, Elijah W. Hill who said, in part:  "England has the rose, France has the lily; Ireland, the shamrock; Scotland, the thistle. These flowers awaken in the hearts of the natives of these countries memories of home, fireside, childhood days, sweet sorrows, family ties, and incidents of the land of their nativity. To these ends we seek to adopt the scarlet carnation as Ohio's floral emblem." 

How could anyone refuse that, I ask you? 

 

• DMC COLORS: I used #498 for flower petals; #319 & #320 for the stems and leaves.  Lettering dark gray #645.

• Images should be about 4 x 4-inches to fit a 6.5" quilt block.

• To get the image:  RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options--LEFT CLICK to flickr and choose the 'all sizes' option link.

• If you are visiting for the first time, and/or just starting this project, you can download the original stitch guide and color chart here as a PDF:

 

STATE FLOWER QUILT DIRECTIONS

 

NEW YORK : Rose

 

Happy first day of summer!  We're still waiting for the sunshine here, but in the meantime . . . what better flower block for June than the rose?

Rose are symbols of love and beauty, inspiration of many an artist and poet throughout the ages.  William Shakespeare's famous line in 'Romeo and Juliet' comes to mind, "What's in a name?  That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet."   And from 'Bread and Roses' by James Oppenheim, "Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses." 

Yes, we must indeed have roses! 

I don't think I've ever met a rose I didn't like, but I'm especially fond of old roses in the garden, such as those romantic pale climbers and the rambling types; varieties of English & French roses, such as damask and gallica, with their many rows of delicate petals like icing on a cake. 

The adoption of the New York state flower began in 1890, on Arbor Day, when it was put to a vote by school children of the state.  Three flowers were nominated and were ranked by popularity as the goldenrod, rose, and the daisy.  A year later, again on Arbor Day, another poll was taken for the two top-runners and the rose won out, but no action was taken to make it official until April 20, 1955.  It then became the official flower of the state, "in any color or combination of colors common to it." 

So...this flower block can be stitched in any color that you like.  I did mine in the colors that were listed on the original chart. Specifically I chose, DMC COLORS:  petals #444/970/945/350; leaves and stems "dark green". 

Remember images should be about 4 x 4-inches to fit a 6.5" quilt block.

To get the image:: RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options--LEFT CLICK and use the flickr 'all sizes' link.

If you are visiting for the first time, and just starting the project you can download the stitch guide and color chart here as a PDF:

STATE FLOWER QUILT DIRECTIONS

ALASKA: Forget-Me-Not

There's a type of wild "forget-me-not" here that is just starting to emerge in the backyard--and they are so pretty! 

These darling perennial herbs are easy to grow and truly hard to forget as they come back faithfully each year from the same roots, forming an expanding clump, and then bloom again the following spring from seed.  Once established, they spread happily and are perfect for wildflower gardens and natural landscapes, growing in all regions of North America.  Even with their habit of spreading, they are not considered 'invasive' in that sense, but can sometimes be considered a nuisance in more formal gardens. 

Even though the flowers are not edible and the plant provides no medicinal magic, I still enjoy these tiny clusters of blue flowers in mass, and appreciate that they choke out the first of the spring weeds.  Now that's not a bad thing, is it?  And what's more, honey bees love them too.    

Alaska's state flower is an alpine variety called, Myosotis alpestris, that blooms from midsummer to late July.  It grows in open, rocky places high in the mountains, damp fields, stream beds, and wet woodlands.   

Its history as a state flower actually began years before Alaska entered the Union as the 49th state.   At the turn of the century, various men's lodge groups got together and chose it for the state flower, and later, as the population grew, Women's Auxiliaries got involved and supported the choice to represent the new territory, even writing poems about it. The legislature of the Alaskan Territory met for the first time in 1913, but it was several years later when the flower was signed into law, on April 28, 1917.  When Alaska was granted entry to the Union, it was adopted as the official State flower in 1959. 

My COLORS:  flowers#800/813; center yellow; leaves & stems #989

Images should be about 4 x 4-inches---to fit a 6.5" quilt block.  To get the image::  RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options--LEFT CLICK and use the flickr 'all sizes' link.

STITCH GUIDE: For general color and stitch guide; print out the original PDF Directions here:

STATE FLOWER QUILT DIRECTIONS

 

INDIANA: Peony

The timing for this flower couldn't have been more perfect. In my garden, the round peony buds are ready to burst.  We have here five different color varieties growing, from white to burgundy, with pink shades in between.  The only downside to peonies is they only bloom once.

But what a glorious show it is.

No particular color variety was ever designated for the state flower, so the choice is yours. I did mine in bright shades of pink.

Going back to stories of old, mischievous nymphs were said to hide in the petals of the flower, giving it the meaning of 'bashfulness' in the Language of the Flowers.  Greek myth named the flower after Paean, (Paeonia officinalis), a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing.  When Asclepius became jealous of his pupil, Zeus turned him into a peony to spare him the wrath of his teacher. (No one's going to thrash a peony I guess!)

These beauties are native to western North America, as well as  Asia and parts of southern Europe.  Most are herbaceous perennial plants about 4 feet tall, but some types resemble trees and can reach over six feet.  The leaves are fan-shaped, and deeply lobed.  Flower heads are large,  mildly fragrant, blooming in late spring and early summer.  Once planted, it  prefers to be left alone and sometimes may take several years to flower again if it's moved.   Mine flowered again the very next season after transplanting--so although it's a possibility, it's not the rule.

Apparently, Indiana has had a long, tumultuous history regarding state flowers.  It actually began with a carnation by Concurrent Resolution in 1913, but protests resulted because it was not a 'native' plant to the region, and the blossom of the tulip tree was substituted as the state floral emblem until 1923.   Then, there were some shenanigans involving commercial growers and state representatives and conflict of interest issues that ushered in the zinnia in 1931.  Apparently even the simple business of choosing a state flower is not exempt from corruption.  Shocking!  Eventually, this was over-turned, and the peony was granted victory on March 15, 1957; although it has also been subject to criticism because it is not native to the state, the flower has endured to the present time.

 

COLORS:  Petals #602/603/776; stems & leaves #367 

Stitches used were stem stitch (for outlines), and back stitch for the letters. 

Images should be about 4 x 4-inches---to fit a 6.5" quilt block.  To get the image::  RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options--LEFT CLICK and use the flickr 'all sizes' link.

STITCH GUIDE: For general color and stitch guide; print out the original PDF Directions here:

STATE FLOWER QUILT DIRECTIONS

 

CALIFORNIA: Poppy

 
Now here's a little flower that's near and dear to my heart, being the transplanted, native California girl that I am.  I really can't think of a more appropriate flower to represent the golden state than these little dollops of satin yellow sunshine. 

From February to September they scatter themselves freely throughout grassy fields and natural landscapes in the western U.S. throughout California and up into Oregon, southern Washington, and many of the southwestern states.  In other countries they may be listed as an invasive species. 

The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), can grow to about a foot tall with delicate branching blue-green foliage.  Flowers appear on long solitary stems, are silky-textured with four petals.  Colors can range from white to dark orange, but are most commonly bright yellow-orange. 

The flowers are drought-tolerant and sun-loving and have a curious habit of closing up at night or in cloudy weather, and open up again in the morning.  In the right climate, they grow easily from seed, preferring full sun and sandy, well-drained poor soil.  Animals and insects don't seem to bother them at all.  Another plus in my book!

Sometimes known as the flame flower, la amapola and copa de oro (cup of gold), the early California Indians cherished the poppy as both a source of food and for oil extracted from the plant--the seeds were smoked and used medically as a mild sedative. 

Its botanical name was given by Adelbert Von Chamisso, a naturalist and member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, who dropped anchor in San Francisco in 1816 in a bay surrounded by hills of the golden flowers. 

In 1903 it was chosen as the state flower--and more recently; April 6th has been designated 'California Poppy Day', and since 1996, May 13-18 has been proclaimed 'Poppy Week', with festivals and fairs celebrating its spring arrival. 

COLORS:  Petals #741/720; center #725; stems & leaves #703 

Stitches used were stem (for outlines), and satin stitching (for fills), and back stitch for the letters. 

BLOCK SIZE:  Images should be about 4 x 4-inches---to fit a 6.5" quilt block.  To get the image::  RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options--LEFT CLICK and use the flickr 'all sizes' link.

STITCH GUIDE: For general color and stitch guide; print out the original PDF Directions here:

STATE FLOWER QUILT DIRECTIONS

That's it for now...I'm off to do the lovely Indiana peony next.