Grands kids at Nancy's

Kiddos and I ran to Connie's to dig flowers out of her yard.  Lane (10) had the camera and most of these shots are from him.  Cousin Andrew(8) tagged along and pointed out TO DO's that he wanted documented for future reference.

Happy to report that this load of Seedum and Iris have all found new forever homes.  Between my yard and Sarah and Kelly's we are going to enjoy Connies transplants for many years to come.

Almost to Scrappy even for me-

When I was gifted this “quilt top” the 24 blocks were sewn  4 x 6- I put it aside b/c it was so puckered there was no good way to quilt it.  I considered just tying it but because of block construction that wasn’t going to work.

My best guess is that the original quilter started to piece the blocks from scraps that were handed down to her.  The hand stitches show several skill levels.  Quilter number two attempted to finish some blocks before deciding she didn’t “hand” sew.  Hate to be the one to tell her that she doesn’t “machine” sew either.

My plan was to take the top down to just blocks and re-size (square up) and re-set.  Plan B was going to be just use the blocks as examples of ‘what NOT to do’ when sewing.  Plan C was to just throw it all away.  After getting it down to block size it was obvious that re-sizing wasn’t the answer.

The blocks were un-stitched and/or cut back into the 9 pieces that made up the block.  In this case 9-patches and setting strips that I was able to press flat enough to re-size and then re-sew the blocks in a smaller size.  What started  as a 12” block ended up at 10”

Four of the blocks were just in too bad of shape to mess with.  The top looks like it was made by a gal smoking crack BUT it does lay flat and will be able to be quilted!  Yeah another utility quilt for taking to the park.

 

This one kinda grew on me as I worked on it.  I always say there is no such thing as an ugly quilt.  I may have to re-think my philosophy!

I am considering a border of butterflies to help enlarge this piece- don’t hold your breath- I have already spent more time then I wanted too on it.  At least I didn’t throw it away.  (Bet that mean’s it will turn into a family favorite!

I can see myself doing this pattern in scraps and solids and strip piecing it in a larger block.  I think an 18” block would give me room to appliqué in the center sqs.  I’ll post a link if I get around to it.  cw

From the Archives: Storm at Sea

As a Disclaimer:

This photo was manipulated on PhotoBucket.

The true colors are not near as exciting!

One of the peers was inquiring if 'anyone' had made a Storm at Sea.

I have only made one.

It is on my LIST TO DO again when I have the time.

This couch size one was made just to see if I LIKED the pattern. It cracks me up when I see it (we still have this in our 'collection' for the kids to use when they are visiting)

At the time I had the urge to sew, I didn't have a collection of fabrics to pull from and didn't have the desire to go shopping. (I know- what was I thinking) I had 'seen' this pattern in a mag. It was designed to be paper pieced. Of course I knew I could do it quicker (No one really cares about points on the stars- right?)

For some reason (I don't remember why) I had a couple of yards of these three prints. How can one go wrong with Red, Yellow & Green!

This quilt was sewn in a weekend and originally 'tied'. A few years later I practiced machine quilting on it and it has several border to border patterns. Don't think I am going to worry about it falling apart any time soon.

There is not a label on it so I don't know the date, most likely late 1990's. I do remember strip cutting the fabrics so it has to be after I got a rotary cutter. I didn't paper piece it, b/c I have always preferred a little wiggle to my work, even when I am just practicing.

This utility quilt has gotten a lot of use and visited a few parks for picnics. On my TO-DO list to make in scraps I hope to do Dark, Med. & Lights or possibly R W & B.