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?!

Table Toppers

I sure seem to have a lot to share today, or maybe just the time and mental awareness to say it!?!  Here is the latest collection of Table Toppers.  It seems I have one for each day of the week.  I try to keep them on the table until they get dirty (about a week or so), and then I like the change.  I was looking through the collection and I don't have anything Patriotic and it is the 4th of July next week.  I have some orphan blocks from the last Quilt of Valor, so I might have to turn them into a Topper!  I think I need a Fall one too, but I have time to put that off until another day!  Here is the 3fer:

I like making Toppers.  They give me a chance to use up Orphan Blocks or try new things and practice my machine quilting skills.  Don't look too close on the purple one, I was trying very hard to machine quilt...trying and noticing I need lots more trying!  Luckily, my family doesn't care about my fails.  I guess that means I have a Great Family!!

Baby Quilts a Plenty

My brother and Sis-in-Law are finally having a baby.  They have struggled with infertility for 6+ years so we are all really excited they are having a baby!  I think I went a little crazy and ended up making 3 quilts for them.  The first is a scrap quilt where I used my new ruffle foot to make some puffy flowers.  The second pic shows the close-up.

 

 

Sam had picked out some fabric for her nursery and I made this one for her!

 

 

 

As you can see, Sam picked Peach for her Nursery!  This last one was made when I found out they were prego.  It is fabric from my Mom (who died 2 years ago), from Rebecca (my dad's new wife) and some that I had.  It may not be the prettiest, but it means the most to me!

 

 

 

 

 

Circle Cat

I made this cute little cat bed for my daughters cats.  They love it!  She picked out all the scrap material from Granma Rebecca's scrap bag and I got to use the circle sewer I got for Mothers Day!  All in all a great project.  I moved out of my comfort zone and sewed with some BOLD fabrics and got to make my daughter one happy Cat Kid!  If you look really close you can see cat and dog theme fabrics with some crazy contemporary prints mixed in.

 

Here are Tyler and Otis.  I think I woke them up taking the picture.  I assure you that they LOVE the bed!

Ugly Quilt

Usually I like the quilts I make, but this one was an epic fail.  I ran out of the grey floral fabric and had to use a substitute to finish.  I added a brown border fabric that coordinates with the dark turquoise, and it looks terrible.  I didn't notice until just now, but I put one row in upside down.  This was a difficult quilt with each block containing 25 pieces.   It may be one of the most intense quilts I've made, but I missed the mark on color.  Oh well, I guess, I can't win 'em all.  It will be good to use for machine quilting practice. I used the pattern called Autumn Crown. I love how hers turned out!

 

 

Here is a close up of the Crown of Thorns block.  I was very hopeful at this point.

 

Royal Blue

Royal Blue is finally quilted and ready to sell on etsy.com.  I love the way it turned out!!!  https://www.etsy.com/listing/129674329/royal-blue



Finished Quilt of Valor!

Applique King

 

Applique King is a quilt I made based on an antique quilt that was left to me after my mom died.  I copied the applique flower and the use of white with warm sashing blocks in my favorite colors.  I also added a wide dark colored border.  This is the first applique quilt I have done and also the first quilt with white background.   This has been one of the most labor intensive quilts I have done.  Each flower took about 30 minutes to applique and there are 36 flowers.  This, in addition to the sashing and outside borders made this top take about a month to complete.  I still plan on actually quilting it and using it on my bed, but that part will have to wait until after the holidays!

 

 The single flowers are a super-sized bud.  I love the way the single buds make such a bold statement.  I can see myself using the single bud again in another quilt.

 

Miriam

 

 

Warm Wonders

Warm Wonders is a 2-block pattern that I got out of a 1950's book that my mom had.  This is the first 2-block quilt I have done.  I love it!  I love how the colors play off each other and the blocks are invisible.  It makes me very happy!  It was also very quick to put together...only about 2 or 3 mornings sewing; and another 1 or 2 to quilt.  I machine quilted this one using a utility diagonal stitch.  Pattern is available upon request, just mssg me.  Finished size is 70" square which makes it perfect for a lap quilt.

Wall Flowers

Wall Flowers would look great on the wall of a nursery.  This is a machine applique piece onto an extra large Ohio Star background. 

Miriam

Delft Dots

I love combining all my favorite things in one complete picture, literally.  This is the latest wall-hanging I made.  The flowers and stems are machine applique.  The flower dots are two and three layers.  When I finished I realized that it wasn't quite right, so I got out my watercolors.  I concentrated on the stems and centers of the flower.  I also left the leaves unattached and curved them to add a dimensional effect. I love the look and can't wait to try applique and painting again!

Miriam

More to Come

I am sooooo excited to be purchasing an embroidery machine with the tax return this year.  I have already started cutting fabric and making napkins and place mats.  I can't wait to get started.  It seems like things are finally starting to come together.  Now the test is going to be to maintain the momentum without burn out.  I look forward to more Blogging, more Etsy, more Craftsy and lots of creative fun!!

Christmas Patterns Available

Tree Skirt

PDF download $6.00





Table Topper

PDF download $6.00

Table Topper for Christmas

I made a matching table topper for Christmas.  I plan to make stockings, but i need a break from this fabric for a minute.  Besides, Halloween is soon and I need to start making a costume or two for Kristin. Pattern Available soon,