Churn Dash

I made this Churn Dash initially for a relative, but ended up raffling it off at the school fundraiser!  Churn dash was one of the first blocks I learned how to make.  This one is full of memories, both good and bad.  I'm glad it found a new home!

Mike and Same Christmas Quilt

I love the graphic quality of this one!

Might have to try this pattern again.  Lots of impact for such an easy pattern.

Teacher Appreciation Quilt

Teacher Appreciation Quilt

Our lives are like Quilts, bits and pieces of Joy and Sorrow all stitched together with Love.

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?!