Pale Purple Topper

It has been the summer of Table Toppers and Baby Quilts!!  Here is another topper made from an orphan block.  I made a king size quilt using 4 of these blocks, plus some smaller stars, and this was an extra.  The king size quilt of these blocks is still just a top and not a quilt yet.  I made this pale, almost sad quilt in the last weeks of my mothers life.  I guess it reflects my state of mind.  It was a really tough time and I was acting as her hospice nurse, it made me very fuzzy.  I think the pale colors reflect that.  I Love This One!!  It will always remind me of my mother.

Americana Topper

In my ongoing quest to use up scraps and orphan blocks, I have completed another Table Topper.  This on is with 4 orphan blocks from my latest Quilt of Valor quilt. I was able to do some machine applique on two blocks and the other two blocks are just regular star blocks.  I put muslin on the back and did just some simple utility stitching.  I tried several times to get these 4 blocks squared up.  According to my measurements they are all the same size, but the machine quilting makes it very clear that they are not.  I just had to go with it.  I am not entering any contest here.  Sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I just can't get it right.  I have accepted that as a Truth in my Life.  If you don't look to close, I think the Topper turned out GREAT!

 

 

Fall Topper

As usual, I am off...I tend to run behind, but this time I am early.  I just completed a Fall Topper!!  I used and orphan block from a recent baby quilt and some scraps.  I had made free-hand leaves some time ago, and made some quick free-hand letters.  I think it is cute!!  I love being able to use orphan blocks and scraps to make something, it makes me feel good.  I don't know if it is because I was raised poor, or what, but, I can't seem to throw scraps away.  I had a friend just ask if I make my own patterns?  I had to think about that....I didn't use a pattern, I just used what I have.  I decided that, YES, I make my own patterns!

2 1/2 in Table Topper

Every once in a while I like to torcher myself, it seems.  The most recent was using 2 1/2 inch squares (2 inch finished size) to make a small table topper.  I made a Swoon Block, which is a total of 64 pieces, out of these tiny squares.  I love the way it turned out, but it certainly was challenging to use such small pieces.  I generally don't like to go any smaller than 3 1/5 inches (3 inch finished size).  I was able to use the last of the scraps from my 'home' projects.  I made a throw blanket or two and some throw pillows, a sewing machine cover and an ironing mat out of these same fabrics.    I did some simple top stitching but no 'quilting' and I love the way it turned out.  In fact, I wish I had used something other than muslin for the back because the stitching made such a cool pattern on the back!  I think I might have to add a rod pocket on the back and hang it over my fireplace.  I think it would be a warm addition, especially in the winter.

Back.  Cool stitching Pattern, eh?!