turkey feathers

PENNSYLVANIA: Mountain Laurel

As the saying goes..."April showers bring May flowers"... and I bring you all yet another flower quilt block that falls in line perfectly with that thought.  Actual pictures of Mountain Laurel here, here, and here.

Between May and June, the native mountain-laurel blooms far and wide within the north and south eastern United States, with a frothy explosion of delicate pinkish white flower clusters.  This beautiful evergreen shrub grows naturally on rocky slopes and in woodlands, and in large thickets covering vast areas of forest floors.  In warm climates it can grow to the size of a tree, but remains shrub-like further north.  Its leathery leaves are lance-shaped, glossy and dark green, resembling those of its cousin the rhododendron, preferring a similar habitat, in cool, moist areas in full sun or deep shade. 

It's botanical name is Kalmia latifolia, and is a distant member of the heath family, which includes azaleas, rhododendron, huckleberry, blueberry, and the cranberry, just to name a few.  But as good as that sounds, take note that all particles and parts of this plant are poisonous.  It's highly toxic to humans and animals alike, with the exception being cats and dogs.  (Imagine that!)  The good news is, deer won't go near it either, making it a popular and lasting landscape companion. 

Some of us here can really appreciate that.

Mountain-laurel contains two substances in particular, andromedotoxin  and  arbutin, that if ingested can cause severe symptoms and suffering death within hours.  This may account for some of the other names it is know by such as, Sheep Laurel and Lambkill.  Other names include, Calico Bush, Ivy Bush, and Calmoun.  The native Indians called it "spoonwood" because they carved spoons from its wood.  Early American settlers also used the wood to make arbors, fences, and for a time, primitive clocks.

Its election as the official state flower of Pennsylvania was a lengthy one, taking years of deliberation by the legislation.  In 1931 a state tree was finally adopted, but the commonwealth was still lacking a flower so the Pennsylvanians began to gather their support for two choices; the pink azalea and the mountain-laurel.  

Both sides were vocal and adamant, causing the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, unable to reach an agreement, to defer the decision to the Governor of the State, Gifford Pinchot, who was a professionally trained forester and no stranger to flora and fauna. 

Well, the story goes, that Gov. Pinchot preferred the pink azalea, but that he allowed his wife to make the final decision.  And so, on May 5, 1933, the bill was signed into law and the Mountain-laurel (dubbed "ambition" in the language of the flowers), became the official flower of Pennsylvania.

COLORS:  petals #761; buds #899; flower centers WHITE; stems & leaves #702 and a lighter green.  (Do the embroidery using 3-4 strands of floss, in any colors you choose--these are the ones I used here.)

 Block Size:   Images should be about 4 x 4-inches or so to fit a 6.5" block; re-size them if necessary.

ILLINOIS: Violet

Looking on the bright side, all this lovely *bonus weather* is providing some of us with additional opportunities for longer stitching sessions. And that's not such a bad thing.  Over here we have B&W film and retro-TV shows playing in the background.  Occasionally, I will leave my favorite chair for tea and chocolate, then I wander through the house checking up on things.  Laundry---yup, still there.  Etc.  But mostly, I'm curled up with my needle and thread during this [seemingly] never-ending storm.  I'm really super excited about this quilt though and want to see it through, so here's the latest quilt block, and one of my very favorite flowers. 

Researching this, I found out that after the 1893 Chicago World Exposition that sparked interest in the adoption of state flowers, the purple iris was one of the suggestions made to represent Illinois but was never officially adopted.  Apparently years went by, and then one very determined Mrs. James C. Fessler of Rochelle decided to launch a statewide campaign to get the job done, suggesting that it be put to a vote by the Illinois school children.  So they did!  Over 33,500 votes were cast for the three flowers that were chosen; goldenrod, wild rose, and the violet--which won by a wide margin over the other two. 

However, legislation failed to specify which type of violet--there were eight blue 'native' species alone at the time.  So they turned to the Illinois State Museum for help, and found the most common native species, Viola sororia, sometimes called the 'dooryard violet', and 'bird-foot violet', or just 'wood violet'.  The law was amended and went into effect July 1, 1908.  So now it's official.

Violets are so pretty.  Nursery rhymes and English literature is full of references to them.  Poets often use them to express the gentler qualities of life.  Shakespeare's violets are the flowers of vanishing youth; a warning to seize life before it's gone.  In the Victorian 'language of the flowers' manual, a true-blue violet means  faithfulness.  That seems quite fitting as they grow in abundance throughout the northern hemisphere with no help whatsoever.  They can be found in woodlands, fields, meadows, along roadsides, and often, by surprise, in backyard lawns.  Violets are adaptable and grow in full sun or shade, and bloom almost all spring and summer long.  Faithful and true they certainly are.

Another thing I love about them is that the flowers are edible.  I bet you already knew that.  But did you know that the flowers, roots, and stems of some varieties are rich in Vitamins A and C, (more C than even oranges pound for pound), and contain a type of antioxidant called anthocyanin, which is why it is sometimes called, "nature's vitamin pill."  Did you know that?  I admit, it was news to me.  The petals of the Illinois state flower in particular is such a variety, quite edible, and can be candied or crystallized with a coating of egg white (use a small paint brush), and sugar, as a way of preserving the blooms, to be used later as cake decorations.  Or very sweet and tasty vitamins.  How wonderful is that?

COLORS:  petals in two shades of blue #792, #3839; centers yellow; leaves medium green #702.

Next on the list, Pennsylvania's Mountain Laurel.  Are you keeping up? 

Check out Elizabeth's first flower block for Maine for inspiration. 

 
Block Size:   Images should be about 4 x 4-inches or thereabouts to fit a 6.5" block--so re-size them if necessary.  

MINNESOTA: Lady Slipper

Lady's Slipper; just the sound of it conjures up such dainty imperial images. 

According to the Language of the Flowers it's a prize without a doubt, sometimes described as Capricious Beauty. 

It's botanical name, "Cypripedium reginae", also suggests a regal title and may explain why it's often called, 'Queen's Lady Slipper'. 

But another variety, known simply as 'moccasin flower' (Cypripedium calceolus), was mistakenly adopted as the state flower on February 3, 1893 by Minnesota State Legislature, before it was discovered and publicly declared a "fake" nearly a decade later by the ladies of the Saint Anthony Study Circle of Minneapolis, who insisted that this particular flower species was not found there. 

Good Heavens, this flower selection process is such serious business. 

Anyway, a flustered legislature moved quickly to correct the situation and adopted the 'Showy Lady Slipper' on February 19, 1902, making everybody happy. 

Here's a little more to think about while you're stitching. 

This pink-and-white beauty is actually an elusive rare orchid; a treasure to behold--having mostly vanished from its historical range due to loss of habitat.  Slow growing, and taking between 4 to 16 years to flower, it thrives in swamp bogs and damp woods, and may be found by chance, in undisturbed coniferous forests, fen meadows and prairies, dune lags, seeping cliffs, shady meadows, and moderate zones 3-8 in the northern regions of the U.S.  In 1925 Lady's Slipper became a protected species by Minnesota state law making it illegal to disturb the plant in any way. 

It's been the subject of horticultural interest for many years, and remains difficult to cultivate in a traditional sense.  Although it produces a large number of seeds per pod, it spreads primarily by means of vegetative rhizomes.  Typically, the flowers appear in late June and early July with one or two flowers per stem; on older plants, three or four.  In some areas it may flower earlier and throughout the summer months.  When all the right conditions are met, it is possible for the plant to reach a height of four feet and live for at least fifty years.  Quite remarkable!

The stem has a hairy appearance, and these tiny hairs have been known to cause irritation to some people.  Perhaps it is the plant's defensive mechanism to keep it from being eaten by insects and animals, or plucked by humans.  The large ovate leaves are densely pubescent, abut 3 to 5 inches in length, and light green in color.  A single rhizome can contain several stalks shooting up from the same root stock. 

Petals are white with a pink "pouch" that varies from deep rose to magenta; and rarely one might find the entire flower all white or rose-colored. 

 

COLORS:  I loved stitching this flower block, the colors are so pretty, and I think the white-on-white petals worked well by filling them with satin-stitching so they aren't lost on the white background.  For the lower petals I used two shades of pink #3607 & #917; center French Knots are yellow; leaves done in two shades of green;  stem--a contrasting shade of dark green will make it stand out.  But feel free use whatever colors you like.  See more varieties here.

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As an aside, and in the spirit of handmade stitchery, Jenn sent me a link to this old state flower sampler that her great-grandmother made.  I love it and and all the detail that went into it.  What a treasure!  And Deb sent me this picture (below), of another state flower sampler that her mother made.  Also quite pretty, and awe inspiring! 

I'm really excited that some of you are going to be stitching along with me and making a state flower quilt--or just a few random blocks for other projects.  With needle in hand . . . we now travel southeast to stitch up the Illinois VIOLET.

OREGON: Oregon-Grape

Welcome to another Thursday and post number 650! 

The first week of daylight savings time has me dragging.  I tend to stay up too late and then really miss that elusive hour in the morning.  The days seem too short and the night seems too long.  Or is just ME?  I may be moving slow, but I'm still stitching away and just finished another block for the State Flower Quilt Project. 

This is a strange little species with flowers and "grapes".  But they don't occur at the same time---so the original motif was grape clusters alone.  Well.  Since this is a state *flower* quilt, I wanted the little buttercup-like flowers too. 

So I re-did the whole thing and both are represented now.  Despite its name, this is not the type of grape found growing in vineyards.  Nor is it a grape hyacinth, which people sometimes mistakenly think is the state flower. 

The Oregon-Grape (Berberis/Mahonia aquifolium), often called, Mahonia, is most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest, where it thrives alongside rivers and streams, and in mild mountain areas.  The glossy leaves with their prickly edges bear a resemblance to holly.  Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, made notes in his journal referring to it as "mountain holly". 

It's a low growing, shrub-like evergreen that can reach a height of 3-4 feet and is ideally suited for landscaping because of its low-maintenance, resistance to summer drought, tolerance of poor soils, and does not create excessive leaf litter. 

In early summer, round green buds blossom into bright yellow orb-shaped flowers that emit a spicy scent.  Later they develop into the purple berry clusters, (that resemble grapes) and attract birds.  Because of its extreme hardiness, Oregon-Grape is classified as an 'invasive exotic species' that may displace native vegetation in some areas outside its native range. 

The Oregon-Grape was chosen by the state's Horticultural Society sometime in the 1890's, but was already valued by the Native Americans who used its berries and roots as medicinal herbs.  Though bitter when raw, the berries become sweet when cooked and can be made into jelly and also fermented to make wine when mixed with another sweeter fruit, or Salal, another native plant commonly used even today. 

The plant is still used medicinally by herbalists to treat a variety of symptoms which include digestive disorders and for speeding the recovery of some diseases.  It's been shown to have antibiotic and anticancer properties as well. 

And...if that's not enough, it can be used as a dye.  When boiled, the inner bark of the larger stems and root yield a yellow dye, while the berries produce purple---and combined they make brown. 

That's an amazing array of uses and attributes packed into one little shrub.  It may not be the showiest, but there's no denying all its gifts to mankind.  No wonder it was chosen.

COLORS:  In case you need them are as follows (DMC six-strand floss); flowers #444, leaves #3349, grapes #156 & #158, grape stem #920, letters #645.  I used 4 strands for all, with the exception of the flower name, where 3 strands was used.  Stitches used: outline, backstitch, and padded satin-stitch for the grapes.

 

Block Size:   For some reason the images are printing out larger than 4 x 4-inches.  (This is approximate--they are meant to fit a 6.5" block).  So re-size them if necessary.  And mention your state if you want it added to the list. 

Next up: the lovely little "Lady Slipper" for Minnesota. 

All Wrapped Up

 

I was happy to hear from some of you in response to the widow's quilt story.  Emily (in comments), mentioned that this story brought a whole new meaning to recycling and I could not agree more.  Not just the recycling of old clothing, but the memories too I guess.  I think most old quilts have a similar history of being constructed with whatever was available and probably held a lot of different memories. 

Our old wool quilt is currently in use by the Mister, who has been reading under it in the evenings.  I just love that.  That it's still providing comfort.  And besides being a marvelously heavy fall blanket, it's the perfect "guy quilt" in my opinion.   Really.  So few handmade quilts are truly man-friendly in that sense.  But it "suits" him.  (Please forgive the pun—I couldn't help it.) 

Wool "stadium blankets" are also cool and on my list of favorite things right now too. I love the colors in this one up there.  A lucky thrift-shop find.  Matches fall leaves (and my red wool slippers--just out of the shot), perfectly.

It's funny sometimes, how things come full circle.  Because all this talk about wool blankets reminded me of Deb (also in comments) who has one, a wool blanket that is, and she is going to use it to make all 40 projects from my book, Blanket Statement.  I'm quite excited about this and can't wait to see how it all "unfolds".  (Oops...there I go again.) 

Anyway, I'm thinking it might be like deja vous, when I  was sharing my wool projects as they randomly emerged from the blanket. Go visit her blog: Lindahl News to see what it's all about and what inspired her to start such a project.  Interestingly enough, I had just read "Julie & Julia", (right after the book first came out), and it had been the inspiration to try something similar. See?  Full circle. 

As I've said, you don't really need a wool blanket to make any of the projects in the book, regular wool felt works fine, but if you just happen to have a wool blanket to recycle, all the better!  

 

 
  

 

Denim & Wool Memories

It's getting chilly here!  Time to pull out the warm blankets and quilts to snuggle under.  I've wanted to share this one for a long time; it's my very favorite fall quilt.  It looks really contemporary doesn't it?  Well, it was actually made over fifty years ago by a farmer's wife, who was by then, already well into her eighties. The story behind it is rather sweet, and goes like this:  On becoming a widow, she missed her husband so much, that she gathered up all his worn overalls and tweedy suits and turned them into a quilt. 

The finished effect is strong and handsome, like I imagine the farmer must have been. And I can only guess about the countless hours the widow must have spent cutting and stitching, lost in the memories of her long life, intent on her task (probably happily so), as she slowly worked on what may have been her final project.  Her last tribute.  And all the while, remembering the man she'd spent a lifetime caring for.  When I look at it, I think about those things and the comfort it must have brought her as she wrapped herself in it during those final solitary days of her life, so very long ago. 

This quilt is really heavy due to the denim and the wool, and needed no lining.  It's simply backed with cotton homespun, which is such a perfect choice and compliments it beautifully I think.  This is the kind of quilt you want to sit under on a crisp afternoon hayride or cozy-up with in a rustic cabin.  When I purchased it from a dealer, over ten years ago now, I took it home and immediately hung it on the wall in my studio as "folk art".  It hung there for several years until we moved, and now I keep it safely tucked away to keep the moths from finding it.

 
I do so love the colors; pumpkin, caramel, smokey grays and chocolate browns--with shades of blue; how they blend so beautifully.  Who knew that this unlikely combination of textiles could produce such a charming effect. Those denim strips are laid down so expertly over the seams like a lattice crust.  I think that's so brilliant.  (And has me thinking about apples again.  Specifically, baked in a pie. Yum!)

Animals In Aprons

Hello!  Thank you for stopping in for a visit today.  I'm excited because I actually have a cute quilt to show for a change.  With the winter days being so short here in the northern hemisphere, it often seems like I'm not getting much accomplished in the way of creative stitching.  Before I know it the day is over.

 

So, I've been pulling out my unfinished projects and -- instant gratification!   I just put the finishing touches on this vintage baby quilt I started last summer. 

These adorable designs are from the Animals in Aprons pattern, a 1942 McCall Kaumagraph with the sweetest little animals -- all wearing applique aprons.  There are 17 motifs in all, but I only used 7 here.  Very easy and fun.  

   

Miss Kitty washing up. 

 

Mr. Rooster cock-a-doodling. 

 

The quilt.  It's dark on this cold January day and impossible to get a good picture.  I should've taken some yesterday when the sun made a lovely showing, but as I was out of the house all day I missed the opportunity.   Anyway, before I putter off to dig up more UFO's that need finishing, I'd love to give away a free PDF, which I can send anywhere via email.  You will have to print out the pattern and trace the design in reverse to use it. 

If you want to be entered into the drawing, just leave a comment and include the word 'apron'.  I'll announce a winner sometime in the next few days.

Kitty Quilt

 

Miss Lily got a new quilt.  And she likes it just fine. 

Lay a quilt down and a cat will find it.

Maple Leaf Quilt

At last! 

I finally got my quilt finished and hung. I love it.

The light in the hall is just marginally adequate.  I did my best.  It's been added to the FWYH photo pool. 

All's well that ends well, as they say.  And no one will be the wiser about that silly binding snafu of mine either. 

 

It's just our little secret now. {wink}

In A Bind

It was all going so well. 

I've done dumb things before. . . but nothing quite like this. 

The good news is, I finished all the machine quilting on the Maple Leaf Quilt, and it went smoothly.  Turned out better than I thought it would.  I'm not big on machine-quilting, but it's growing on me. 

And since things were going SO well, and not wanting to lose my momentum with this rather old FWYH project . . . I foolishly decided to throw all caution to the wind with the final step. 

The binding.   

I loved this binding as soon as I saw it and knew it was going to look great with this quilt.  It was perfect.  And being the perfect choice, I went ahead and began stitching it down---knowing full-well that it was going to be 4" too short. 

My thinking was, I would leave the ends undone and just pick up another package of the bias binding the next time I went into town.  It was, at the time of purchase, everywhere and in every color.  Or so it seemed. 

I wasn't worried.   

Long story short; many stores and a wasted afternoon later, I could not find it anywhere.  EEgads, where did it all go?

I searched online.  The Wright's website didn't even have it cataloged. That made me nervous. I kept searching . . . 

Somehow I stumbled into an ebay store and found it in abundance. 

Whew! 

It's on its way now as I write. 

Lesson learned.

Backyard Wildlife

Beautiful fall colors are drifting into the landscape--along with a bobcat, a hawk and a trio of deer.

The deer spent the whole day in our backyard yesterday.  It was fun watching them nap, graze, and nap some more.  I didn't even mind that they nibbled the rose bushes.  They will be cut back in a few weeks--so no harm done.

They also enjoy lapping up the birdseed that scatters beneath the feeders.  Silly things. 

I guess they will try anything.

I tried something new too. Silly me.

Black background blocks.   

I am learning that black is not the best color for a quilt.  Especially if you have a white cat.  As we do.

Or any furry pet. 

It's picking up the loose fur (and lint) like a magnet.  I really do like the color contrast of the leaves on the black background, but still, just sayin'. . .this will probably be the last black quilt I make.

Memories of the Season

I opened my side door this morning to let in some fresh air and the view was stunning.  October is here! The fall colors seem to have arrived overnight and the leaves are already starting to scatter. 

I'm making progress on the Maple Leaf Quilt one stitch at a time.  It's nice to have this cozy quilt in my hands and across my lap to work on as the cold weather returns. 

Autumn always seems to end too soon.  All it takes is one good frost, followed by a blast of icy wind and it's over. My quilt will help keep the colorful leaves around awhile longer.

Thank you guys for the quilt love on the last post.  Here's a zoom of the leaf shape some of you asked for. 

You can use it as a pattern to make your own fall quilt. Enlarge or reduce it to suit your needs.  The leaf size I used on my quilt is 6-1/2 inches from tip to stem, and about 6-inches across, and set in a 8-inch block;  the lattice strips are 1-inch wide (add 1/4" seam allowance to blocks and strips before cutting out).  To applique, I used a tight zig-zag machine-stitch to cover the raw edges. 

OK, that's it...let the fun begin!

So Long Summer, Hello Fall

I seem to have finally fallen into a cadence with the FWYH projects around here.  There's a nice give-and-take as I finish something old and start something new.  I'm already lining up my next project for October; these colorful maple leaves are fitting for the season. 

An autumn quilt that I started, um--let's see, some time ago. 

Not being able to remember exactly when I started this--is a sure sign that it's been put away too long. 

The top is done, now I just need to turn it into a finished quilt. Trying to decide how best to do that.  By machine or by hand?  Decisions, decisions.  I've got it all laid out with the backing and the batting on the dining room table while I ponder this big question. 

In the meantime, quilts I've been admiring from deeprundays and maryjane55. 

If they can do it, so can I. 

Sweet Annie Quilt

A finished quilt is a beautiful thing!  Lily would agree.  There's a nip of fall in the air this morning.

This quilt seemed to take a little longer to finish than most.  Summer is when I mainly worked on it--and a lot of summers have come and gone with this project on my lap.   

How many summers?  Well, some of the patterns (and the general theme) were inspired from the Kindred Spirits books, published by three quilting friends--in the 1990's.  I'm so happy it's finally done. 

I still like this primitive style and the rich colors of nature never lose their appeal.

Time to put another notch on my quilting belt and pull out another project to finish.

Yes, there are more. 

I've had decades to build up a good supply. 

But first, I'll be adding this one to the FWYH flickr pool along with the other amazing projects that are trickling in from this amazing craft community, making me wish that we all lived closer. 

Garden Shade

The bean tee-pee makes a great hiding place. I think this is the nicest looking one we've ever grown.   And of course, there's all those the scrumptious green beans that magically appear, seemingly overnight. 

But what I really love, are the herbs!

The colors and textures are at their peak right now. 

I tried to weave the subtle shades of the garden into a crazy quilt.  This has been a long work in progress--but it's almost to the "finish line".  Will share more pictures soon. 

Small Comfort

My young granddaughter recently graduated to a "big girl bed" so I made her a new comforter to match the other bedroom accessories she has; part of the (2006) "shabby chic" collection from Target.  

She loved it! 

I was really quite happy to discover that a pair of the long curtain panels were the perfect size for this project and was able to use them "as-is", just adding eyelot lace around the edges. 

Another quick tip:  Instead of using ties to hold the quilt layers together, I used the circle button-hole feature on my sewing machine, spacing the circles about ten inches apart.   Basting pins work well to hold everything together; mark the tie-off points with a washable fabric marker.  And there you have it.

Follow Your Heart

Just a quick "howdy-doo" . . . . . . from me to you!

Dream

Summer is clearly here and it is keeping me so very busy.  A good kind of busy, puttering in the yard and visiting places that inspire fun gardening.

The Thyme Garden is such a place, as it demonstrates so beautifully the evolution of a dream come true, or how seeds when planted, will grow.  Read the backstory here.

We visited the Thyme Garden recently--and I am still giddy.  The coastal range weather was mild and misty and everything seemed to be at its peak bloom.

Who knew there were so many shades of green?

 

Did you know that there are over 400 species of thyme recorded?  Thymon means 'courage' in Greek, and was thought to impart strength and fortitude.  Ladies in Medieval Europe gave scarves embroidered with springs of thyme to knights as tokens of bravery. 

At one time gardeners thought a thyme garden provided a home for fairies, so they planted one just for them.   

I didn't see any fairies, only a small mouse that zipped by.

An incredible 80 acres.  Including streams, forest trails, and a small pond which supports their current 'stream project' that provides habitat for the salmon that return to spawn in the fall. 

It all just makes me smile.  And dream. 

Dolly's Delights

Grace has been busy over here whipping up more petite confections. 

These tiny cupcakes, fresh from the dollhouse bakery, are for Jenny (Everyday is a Holiday). 

They are the teeniest cupcakes ever!  I can't even fathom this, and yet here they are.  Each one is about the size of a blueberry, the platter an inch-and-a-half in diameter. 

They'll be on their way soon.  Right after I stop drooling and staring at them. 

And another doll quilt.  This one is 12" x 12".   I'm really fond of this simple block pattern and strip-piecing in general. 

The embroidered bunny is from this old pattern set. 

Miss Kitty Takes a Bow

I am thinking about dolls right now. 

Because what is a Doll Quilt without a doll?   

Enter stage left; Miss Kitty.

She has been dancing around in my head for a while, and I thought it was time I got her out of my daydreams and onto the dance floor. 

Kitty here, is made from an old pattern I designed many years ago, when there were small children in my daily life.  I was sewing quite a bit in those days--mostly out of necessity, and I made a dangly cloth kitty doll as a teething toy out of some left-over scraps.  It started a frenzy of doll making, and soon I was off and running with my first business enterprise.  I made dozens of them for friends and sold some in shops and craft fairs.   

So, recently I went digging through my files, pulled this pattern out again and dusted it off.  (I save everything--to my credit and dismay). 

With a little revamping, a star is born! 

Birds of a Feather

Still going with the mini-quilts over here.   My theme lately seems to be chicks.  Not planned, just something I noticed when I grabbed these three to show this morning.   Must be the influence of spring and all the birdsong in the air.  I've been getting emails asking, how I do the binding.   There are different ways, but I like these mitered corners.   I don't think I could explain it better than what Heather Bailey has already put together here.  It's an excellent tutorial in PDF form that can be printed out so you can take it to your machine and go step-by-step if you need to.  And also this video demo for joining the binding ends neatly, is very good.  Have a fun, crafty weekend!

That's what I'm planning on doing anyway.

May Day

And a new month.  Just where did April go anyway?  It was here a minute ago.  Time to turn another page on the calender.   "April showers bring May flowers" as the saying goes, and today is the day for honoring Flora, but since I've shown practically nothing but flowers this past week, I thought I'd share this little message quilt I finished up instead.  I used Yo-Yo's to make my posies.  If you haven't tried making yo-yo's yet, you have no idea how much fun you're missing.  (Hey, it's the simple things, remember?)  There's a great tutorial here if you suddenly feel a calling.  And check out this pattern for making heart-shaped ones.  It's amazing how many variations and uses can be found for using these, like quilts, dolls, crafts, and pillows.   (There's this new cool tool, but really, they are pretty easy to do after a little practice.)  I'm still using what I have, so some left-over strips of binding worked really well for the stems.  I was going to add leaves, but then decided I liked the simplicity of form, like a child's drawing.  The colors too are a little different here, and may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they suit me just fine and dandy.  See the whole happy little thing over here.     

So Far, Sew Good

Things are taking shape and looking good around here.

We are so excited to finally have a dry and sunny weekend.  Hoping to make lots of progress on the BIG things...

...and the small.

Purple Posie

It's been another busy week, a good week sprinkled with the nicest moments with family and friends. 

And cute chickens!   How I love these two with their identical shadows.  This speckled rooster and hen belong to friends who lives up the road.

There was a meeting of the minds with my 'efficiency expert' (hubkins) last night, who is helping me stream-line the business side of my life.      

Also, we had six thousand pounds of gravel and bark delivered for the garden fortress, which is coming along nicely.  I've been kind of watching the transformation from the sidelines as others do most of the heavy lifting and focusing instead on the perennial beds that need some attention. 

But as I'm bent over pulling weeds, my mind is elsewhere thinking about making (more) wee quilts.  I've been working on them in the evenings, if my hands aren't too tired to hold onto a needle. 

I'm so happy to have finished this one for Janice.  It measures 13" x 15" and is made from vintage and new fabrics, from my own stash and the stash of other blog pals who have sent me bits and pieces from their own caboodle, which seems fitting somehow, to be joined together and shared in this fashion.   

So now I just need to get this wrapped up and sent on its way. 

After all the work that goes into making these it's sometimes hard to let them "leave the nest". 

But my work is done and off it must go to a new home, with blessings.  I might just have to make another one though, for myself, and maybe a few for the shop.  If the weeds don't grow too fast and keep me too busy.

I also want to say, *thank you*, for the new-banner input, and for big blog-love in general.  I do appreciate hearing from everyone. 

It's a most lovely part of my day.

LadyBug LadyBug

Just added another wee quilt to the shop...minus the candy eggs...which, um..somehow disappeared. 

Quirky Quilts

Oh my...the mini quilt love is all around me.  Thank you BLOG PALS for spreading the news and sharing the love.  Like the spring flowers, little quilts seem to be popping up all over.  I'm having such a good time making these.  Right now, I'm just doing squares and rectangles, in a strip-piecing sort of way, using my scraps of vintage fabrics in a combination with new ones.  (My tiny blocks are about an inch square.)  I'm loving all the bright colors and and patterns.  They remind me of childhood, summer, and picnics in the grass.   Some have asked about the embroidery motifs I've used.  The redwork designs are something I did-- not vintage.  "Miss Market Piggy", however, is part of a very old pattern, dating back to the 1920's and is also available as an iron-on transfer here.  It's one of my favorites.

Preparing to Launch

The wee quilt love continues...this one, along with a few others, will be available for purchase in our ETSY shop tomorrow morning 10 AM (April 11th-PST).   Fly on over and have a look-see. 

Red Posie

My focus lately has been on designing and making wall & doll quilts.  Because of their small size, they are relatively quick to do, as far as quilt-making is concerned.  And not only that, they're fun! I find myself working on them every spare sewing moment I can. Here's one I just finished.  There are more too, some in various stages of progression.  I told ya, I'm on a roll.  I even added a new QUILTS category on the blog side-bar to file them in, and eventually will add all the quilt posts there, past and present, so it will be easier to access anything quilt-related.

I'll be offering some of these for sale too.  Right now, I think the easiest way to do this is to put them in our ESTY shop (Dollhouse Sweets) under a separate section.  I did, initially, think about opening another shop just for the quilts, but then realized it would involve all kinds of changes and additional time to set things up.  I'd rather put my efforts into stitching instead, so this seemed to make the most sense.   IF, down the road, I decide to keep going in this direction, then I might put more thought into another shop, but for now that's where you'll find them. 

So, let me tell you about this one I just finished, called, RED POSIE.  The whole thing measures about 11 x 13-inches, with blocks about an inch-and-a-quarter, in size.  It has a tiny red embroidered flower in one of the squares.   I've designed a few others in brighter colors, and some in softer colors.  Some with messages, and some with just squares.  There's a nice little stack growing and I can't wait to show more of them soon.

Doll Quilt Winner

Sometimes, it doesn't take much to make me happy.  After reading each one of the over 500 comments on my doll-quilt give-away post, I must say, I was quite happy.  And overwhelmed.  In a good way though. It's always a little surprising to me, just how far and wide our blogs travel and how many lives they touch, and how those lives, in turn, touch ours.  It all comes full circle.  I like that. I also had no idea there were so many of you lurking behind the scenes either, and was pleased that a larger number of people had the chance to play along this time, since previous opportunities had been missed.  I'll probably do this again in the future, so, speaking figuratively; if you didn't win today, there's always tomorrow.  Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you ALL very much for throwing your names into the virtual bonnet (which, BTW grew to astronomical proportions, in my mind anyway!), and for making this more fun than I ever imagined it would be.  Hey, it's the 'little things'. (grin) The game is officially over, and the time has come to announce the winner, so without further a-do, (I always wanted to say that),  "Congratulations" to Chrissie Grace, the lucky recipient of my "Little Pals" doll quilt!  W00-Hoo! For the record, I'm completely over my separation anxiety and thoroughly thrilled to be sending this to its new home; one with a couple of living dolls on the premises too, no less.  Just how sweet is that? 

Thanks to (daughter) Grace's quick thinking and programming skills, the Super Shuffler came to my rescue and pulled a random number out of the bonnet.  Grace added the drum roll and fanfare for emphasis, which I think is so funny.  I'm sorry, we didn't get a video of the actual winning spin, (we tried, but kept laughing, and messed up big time), but you can still see a demo of the super-sonic bonnet in action here. There was also some glitchy stuff with the comments, and I tried deleting duplicates but that proved to be too time consuming, so in the end we just decided to leave it alone and count down the list.  But as luck would have it, the number that Chrissie assigned herself (#234) was chosen, and that was it.  Deal! 

So.  Now that all the excitement is over, it's time for me to get back to another little sewing project: a doll quilt I whipped up this morning, while I was brushing my teeth.

April Fool's!

 

Begin Again

Well, I just finished another little quilt.  It's one I've been working on for awhile.  (I'm doing a series of these "message quilts" along with the doll quilts, and will eventually offer a few for sale.)   

This quilt was inspired by the arrival of spring, and this piece of artwork that Toni did last year, that hangs on my wall in my sewing room now, and speaks to me daily with it's simple message of hope and renewal.

I'm thrilled with how it turned out and was going to keep this one for myself, but after just learning about this, I decided to send it up to Blair with a hug and well wishes for brighter days ahead.

Doll Quilt Give-Away

I recently sent this off to its new home and was so happy with it, that I began making another one right away, and then another--and another.  I'm on a roll. 

A few works-in-progress. . .

There's not a lot of fore-thought going into what I'm doing, which is my usual mode of operandi.  I just start pulling pieces out of the scrap bins and let them fall where they may.  With maybe just a little tweaking. 

The design wall I made last year has been such a great tool and is perfect for laying things out, standing back and analyzing.  I've decided to offer some of my small quilts for sale in the coming weeks. After all, I only have so much wall space.

I also thought it would be fun to offer a freebie to celebrate the new season.  It will be a surprise, for both of us, so please don't ask if you can have this one or that one, cuz I don't even know which one it will be yet.  So.  If you're interested in receiving one of my little handmade doll quilts, (sight unseen) just leave a comment on THIS post, and at the end of the month (March 31, 2007) I will draw one name out of a hat, I mean, Bonnet, and announce the winner on my blog with pictures of the quilt on April Fool's Day.  (No foolin' either.)  Offer is open to anyone, anywhere...so let's hear from you lurkers out there too. 

Doll Warming

There was happy sewing over the weekend.  Here's a wee peek at my wonderful doll-size something (for guess who?) in progress: think ladybugs, picnics, & June bloom.    (I might just have to make a whole wall of these for myself now.)   

Seeds of Friendship

Toni (Simple Sparrow), organized a little get-together at her parent's house this weekend; we drove up to meet her along with Blair and Alicia for a day of fun, food and friendship.  It seems a little surreal somehow when meeting people for the first time, face-to-face, after communicating mostly online and through blogs.  I admit, it's a crazy medium for making friends.  But there it is.  Technology at its best.  And I'm happy for that.  And for getting to know each of them a little better through our shared interests. 

So, today a "friendship quilt"; stitched together in 1994.  Impossible to think it's been that long, but the date is embroidered right on it, so there's no denying it. Yep.  It's been THAT long.

Patterns and inspiration came from the book, GATHERINGS by Sally Korte, Alice Strebel, and Sue Ellen Wassem, published in January 1993.  It is out of print, but older copies may still be found here and there.  (Glad I kept mine!)

Q is For Quilt

   

Or Queen, in this case. 

A few years ago, this sweet unfinished fifty year-old quilt top was found in a box at an estate sale, along with the original pattern and the remaining scraps of fabric. 

I know. 

For someone who relishes finishing old quilts and restoring old patterns, how lucky can you get?  Everything was there. 

I was able to use the pattern templates and the remnant cloth to cut out and piece together the missing section at the top and on two sides.  The central portion, with the embroidery, was all hand-pieced with the tiniest of stitches. I can only imagine the work that went into doing that. I did my best to match everything up.  Somehow it all came together, despite my lack of experience in piecing diamonds and squares. This was definitely a learning curve for me.

I lined it with cotton batting and quilted it by hand.  The bright pink binding framed and finished it nicely I think. 

The pattern is called Play Block, dated 1938.  The embroidery is done as Bluework.  The combination of squares and diamonds in light and dark colors creates an optical illusion of baby blocks.

The restored pattern is available here; the designs can be used for bibs, blankets, (simpler) quilt blocks and other nursery items.  And can be done in colors as well!

Quilt Bliss

I'm happy to announce that I finally made it to the finish line on this one!  Maybe not exactly in my target month of June, but close enough to make me giddy.  Just about everything else was on hold while I worked on this quilt, my biggest and oldest  Finish What You Have  project to date.  Whew! I'm just kicking back and marveling over this finally being done. 

I'll try not to do that again.  Start something and not finish it, I mean.  It's so easy to set things aside and forget about them when life gets busy.  Or when other interests take over.  Like knitting.  I've been trying to resist the urge to start.  That was always something my mother did but never interested me.  It skips a generation I guess.  Admitting I don't knit is a bit lame now that it's cool again, sort of like confessing to not having a tattoo.  (A fashion trend that will most certainly put a permanent date-stamp on you.)  Anyway this is finally finished and belongs to Grace now, who loves it.  I'm really happy that each of the kids have a special keepsake quilt of their own and I feel really good about getting these last two done.  Long overdue.  Besides,  summer is here and sitting under a quilt is no way to spend a warm day.   A cold day, yes...with a pot of coffee perking, but definitely not in the sweltering heat. 

The dark pink binding won out in the end.  It really brings out the other colors and compliments this shade of green perfectly.  The yellow plaid was pretty, but seemed a little weak in contrast.  I cut so many yards of bias!  I still have about fourteen yards left, enough for another quilt, or maybe two, I think.  I'm going to post additional pictures of the *Flower Pots* quilt over here and in the Finish What You Have flickr photo pool.  Feel free to share your own long-forgotten recently finished projects, no matter how big or small.  Just seeing all of them really did help motivate me to move on this faster.  And I see I'm not the only one finishing up quilts this month.  Woo-hoo way to go ladies!!   

A Stitch In Time

The quilting is done!  I don't think I've ever quilted so much and so fast in my life.  Luckily, my fingers are still intact, albeit a bit sore and misshapen from the metal thimbles.  Just how much quilting was that anyway?  Well, about 250 yards to be exact.  That equals one entire spool of quilting thread. I wasn't really keeping track.  I just happen to realize it after I reeled off that last bit of thread.  I suppose I should've jumped outta my chair and danced around the room, but instead  I just sat there staring at the empty spool in my hand!  

Red White & Blue Quilt

 We are inside this morning waiting for a summer thunderstorm to pass.  It reached 89 degrees yesterday and the cool air is welcome, since it's supposed to warm up again by the end of the day. Somehow, turning on the iron is not that appealing right now. 

There are several things I want to start, but so far I haven't gotten around to any of them.  So, since I don't have a current craft to show, I went to the cupboard and pulled out this little quilt I made in 1992.  I know this because it's signed and dated.  You see, I do follow my own advice about labeling.  It comes in handy, not only for future generations, but also for YOURSELF when you get old and forgetful like me!  (hee hee)

I have a lot of memories when I look at this.  It had been my desire at the time (and a goal I've never quite achieved) to create a small quilt for all the seasons to display on the hallway wall.  I picked that location because it was neutral territory and I could make anything at all without worry of colors and patterns clashing in other rooms.   This is the one I made to celebrate July 4th.  It was a fun little quilt to make.  Especially the red quilting. 

Design Wall

I'm so excited about my new design wall. After moving things around in my sewing room, I discovered there was a space for this behind the door. It's taken me ages to find time to make one, but if I'd known how really simple it was I would've done it sooner. I still can't believe this all came together in about an hour. The Mister came to my rescue and helped me out this weekend by providing a 4 x 4 piece of lightweight board that he mounted to the wall. Basically I padded it with thick polyester batting and covered it with white flannel.  I used a hot-glue gun to secure the edges on the back.  I'm not making anything in particular here.  Just couldn't wait to put something up and test it out. Works like a charm as you can see.  I couldn't be happier with it!  Click HERE to see more detail.

One Down, One To Go

This was basically my view for most of the weekend.  Sleeping cat and all.  I started out using the ottoman to support the quilt I was working on, only to have Lily nudge it out of the way eventually.  I can't believe how much a cat can sleep sometimes.  I stitched on this binding for hours on end and she never opened her eyes once.   Maybe that says something about both of us!  Even so, all that time spent in the chair paid off.  I finished this!  And I'm feeling very very happy about that.  It turned out lovely and little Sarah is thrilled that it's finally done and it's all her very own now. 

I'd thought of giving the quilts to the girls later, but that meant keeping secrets and having to do the sewing late at night when they were asleep.  In the long run though I think it worked out better this way, because they could see all the work and love that went into making them.  Plus there will be these "fond memories"of the making.

I've been looking high and low for the pattern I used for this but so far I haven't had any luck finding it.  It was something I modified from an older pattern I found in a quilting pamphlet or maybe it was from an old workbasket magazine, or Aunt Martha's----I honestly can't remember.  That was...um, some years ago and no telling what ever happened to it.  I usually keep that kind of stuff but for some reason it wasn't where I thought it was, so it remains a mystery for now. 

Each one of the Dutch Kids is different.  Sarah likes looking at them.   I'm sure she will have given them all names by the end of the day. I think designing all the outfits was the most fun. And of coarse, the finishing touch was the label applique on the back.  I made this one into a heart, using this same freezer paper method.   I love the polka dots and Grace said she thought the embroidery looked like pink icing.  It does look yummy. 

See the finished quilt over here on the flickr group Finish What You Have.  A few finished projects are already rolling in...so now I guess it's time to start on Grace's Flower Pots quilt.  Move over Lily!   

Off To A Good Start

I'm back after a 24-hour marathon sewing fest and happy to report that progress is being made over here.  I must say too, that I was pleased (but not really surprised) by such an enthusiastic response to the Finish What You Have challenge for June.  I'm happy that so many have joined up!  Thank you all for your wonderful supportive comments and a shout out to Whip Up for making mention of it too.  I also just found out that a similar project was happening last month and I apologize if this is redundant for those that may have already started down this path.   Apparently many of us still have lots of unfinished projects and need additional motivation!  I know I do. 

So no turning back. Currently, I have two large quilts that need to be finished and they are now my number one craft-priority.  Naturally there are lots of other things too, but I'm really feeling the need to finish these first.  I started them both within a few years of each other (obviously going through a crazy applique phase) but got side-tracked and never got back around to finishing either of them. 

The Dutch Kids & Tulips quilt is further along than the other one even though I started it second, only a mere (ahem) *seven* years ago.  It's already been quilted, all by hand too, (sorry I couldn't help boasting about that.)  Well, except for the border.  I had the bright idea of quilting windmill motifs all along the edge, one in each scallop.  Please someone talk sense to me if I ever come up with an idea like that again, OK?  I had about eight more to go which I actually did get done even though it took most of the day.  All I need to do now is sew on the estimated ten yards of binding.   Will need a good night's sleep before I tackle that. 

I also got the rest of the sashing cut out and pieced the rest of the blocks together on the Flower Pots quilt.  I'll pick up some batting tomorrow so I can get started on the quilting as soon as I finish binding the other one.  I don't want to lose my momentum this time.  Oh, I do believe I am seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel.   

 

Green Peace

It's hard to move on when you have unfinished business.  And since finishing the little lavender quilt made me feel so dang happy,  I decided it was high time I finished another long forgotten quilt that's been waiting in the wings.

Back when I started this one, Miss Grace was about five I think.  She'll be fifteen in another week, so let's see...that works out to about ten years of procrastination now doesn't it?  (Why yes, I believe it does.  Tsk-Tsk goodness gracious how time does fly!  I might as well come clean here, there are others waiting to be finished too, but I'm trying not to think about that right now.) 

Let's see as I recall, I worked very earnestly on these folksy Flower Pot appliques, an old traditional design that I found in a library book. I worked on this for a whole summer, but quit when I couldn't find the right shade of green for the sashing.  Who knew there were so many WRONG shades of green?  I suppose it makes more sense to have all the important details worked out ahead of time before jumping into a project this size. It just never occured to me that I would get stuck waiting to find a certain shade of green. 

As luck would have it though, I finally found this green over the weekend in a local quilt shop.  Maybe it's been out there awhile, I just didn't notice because it hasn't been on my radar until now.  I love how it pulls these colors together.  No excuse not to finish this now.

Little Lavender Quilt

Having a little quilt project like this is so much fun.  I've put in a good amount of stitching on it and, well, it's done! 

The patchwork actually began last year around Christmastime.  It was intended to be a gift but I ran out of time and had to put it aside. Then I just forgot all about it.  (Something that, uh...happens more than I care to admit actually, but one of the benefits of spring cleaning is finding these lost and forgotten half-finished projects that entertained me through the winter.) 

Anyway, I'd already done the piecing so when I picked this up again I only needed to add a border and do a little quilting.   I wish I could tell you more about the beautiful fabrics.  Some were from old stash that I already had, and some were purchased as a "charm pack" in pre-cut squares.   (A quick way to get a quilt started btw.)  But it was so long ago that I've forgotten what fabric collection this was from.  Maybe someone else will recognize this group of prints, because I'd really like to find more of some of these.   This is a small quilt (36"x28") doll-size really, and an easy size to work with on your lap.  The piecing was done on the machine, but I hand-quilted mainly because I like having something to stitch on while I sit and relax. 

A free-form embroidered monogram applique was made to sign and date it.  One of my old quilt teacher friends (a staunch New Englander from the days of yore) always, always insisted that every quilt be signed and dated in some way.  No matter what, no ifs ands or buts by golly! In fact, she was so adamant about that, I still hear her voice ringing in my ears whenever I finish a quilt so I've gotten in the habit of labeling things.  It's a good practice really, and I do encourage and recommend everyone to do it.  Future generations will thank you. 

Flower Charm

"One of the secrets of a happy life is small treats."~Iris Murdoch My Mother's Day bouquet needed a little freshening up so I went out in the back yard and picked wild daisies, chive flowers, and orange mint from the garden.   Perfectly cheerful for the breakfast table this morning. Making progress on the lavender quilt.

Homespun Quilt

 As the saying goes, "the frost is on the pumpkin." And I regret not having my camera earlier this morning as I opened my eyes at dawn to see the most glorious misty sunrise through the leafless trees outside my window. This peaceful valley has been blanketed in thick, dense fog which gives one the feeling of complete isolation in a most wonderous way. The sun is burning through it now, but it was still a chilly 38 degrees when I snapped this picture an hour ago.   

I've been going through the linen closet gathering tablecloths, napkins, and taking stock of other needs for our Thanksgiving table and pulled out this little quilt to hang up.

It's one I made in the 1990's using Jenni Dobson's book, Sweet & Simple Country Quilts, with designs by Anny Evason, as my guide and inspiration. I believe it is out of print now, but older copies may still be sold by private booksellers online or found in used book stores, which is where I happened to find my copy.  It was a lucky find for I am, as they say, mad for plaid--and adore applique.  I actually prefer it over piecework any day. This was a fun quilt project and I especially enjoyed working on it with all the combinations of plaids, stripes and checks in a sumptuous palette of autumnal tones, completely capturing the season.  Plaid and Autumn just go together hand in hand.

 

Garden Bug Inspiration

It was a great day to get outside and enjoy the mild weather and the herb garden was a-buzz with insect activity.

The colors and the textures really inspire me.

Look at these fennel seed heads ready to explode! Only a few more weeks of this garden bliss left.

I tried to capture the essence of the herb garden in a small quilt I began making a few years ago.  Every summer it gets pulled out and I put a few more stitches in it.

 

Probably should finish it, right?

 

Summer Quilt Hug

Summer Flower Quilt I started last month is finished!  I always feel like celebrating after completing a quilt. 

It's now ready to be packed up and sent off to a friend whose been feeling poorly. I hope this will cheer her up a little; like a warm hug from an old friend.