Happy Thanksgiving

Since my return from London, I have neglected my blogging. But, not my quilting. I have four new miniature quilts to send to Ami Simms for the monthly Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative auction and sale. I've been donating quilts for a few years now and have decided to increase my donations this year. This group of hand stitched quilts include two Polar Bear Novelty fabrics that depict the spirit of the holiday season. I'm hoping they sell during the Christmas buying season.

The third quilt is Psalm 30-Star. This one has Batik fabric applique. Finally is what I call Unraveled Heart. This is a little patchwork with a heart applique also has a raw edge applique of antique lace in the center. The quilt represents the unraveled feelings that many family members experience when they learn their loved on is diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

All of my quilts are dedicated to my mother, who suffered for many years from Alzheimer's and who was an excellent seamstress and quilter.

If you wish to browse the Alzheimer quilts that are offered for auction or sale, click on my side bar to visit my page of quilts or AlzQuilts.org for the home page.

Happy Thanksgiving To All!

Patchwork Daisy

Patchwork Daisy is complete. A rename to DeVere Daisy I think is in order. This little patchwork was made 100% in England. I used patches I brought with me and the daisies were cut from some Beatrix Potter fabric I bought here. The pedals are raw edge applique and the centers needle turn. The little quilt measures 6 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches. I plan to frame it as a remembrance of a wonderful holiday. This will be my last post until I return to the states.

Weather is Changing

The weather is changing today, its getting colder and the critters of DeVere were active. I didn't quilt today, I enjoyed a cup of hot tea, a good book American Wife and a view from the window of all the acitivies on the grounds. The goldfish are moving slower in the pond and the wood pigeon and magpies are busy gathering seeds. A good day to be inside.

English Garden & Patchwork Daisy

The little patchwork quilt is progressing. I've added some yellow peddles made from a Beatrix Potter print. The quilt is basted and ready for quilting. As I think of where this little quilt was made I believe its name should have a flower theme so Patchwork Daisy is seeming to fit. The pictures are more from the lovely gardens I walk in every day. Today is another sunny day---could not ask for better weather. Yesterday I learned that last year at this time London had snow.

English Embellishments

Today I went shopping. I found a delightful little shop Patchwork Corner in Hemel Hempstead, England, about 5 miles from DeVere. I was thrilled to find embellishments that I have been looking for in the states. They had so many it was hard to choose, but I settled on three Trellis by Quilters' Resource Inc. and two others by Embellishment Village. I was also able to purchase an Assortment of Batiks in a variety of colors, perfect for my miniature quilts and applique.

Patches to Patchwork

This little patchwork started as a few 2" squares I brought with me to England. I want to make a miniature that I can frame, so I thought this would be a good time and the perfect place to make it. This is my first completely hand pieced miniature quilt. The top is taking shape and I will be adding some applique tomorrow. The gardens are always a surprise. The little patchwork and I discovered these beauties right outside the back door. This is an estate that offers surprises around every corner. Great for exploring.

Gardens of DeVere

These are just a few pictures of the beautiful of DeVere Venue at Hunton Park, England. I have completed Loving Hearts and what a beautiful backdrop to photograph this little quilt than in these wonderful gardens. The gardens are getting ready for fall, but are still quite beautiful and full of color. The Loving Hearts little mini quilt is made from vintage cottons and homespun fabrics. The base is an antique nine-patch that I bought at a country auction west of St. Louis, Missouri. The hearts are homespun for New Jersey. All other fabrics came from my collection, some older than others, but all at least 20 years old. I have dedicated Loving Hearts to the many people who volunteer their time and monies to others. The quilt is 98% hand stitched. No batting, just layers of fabric, with ragged edges. The hearts have some small zig-zag machine stitching on the edge. I lap quilted the quilt, and it kept calling for more quilting, so there is quite a bit of quilting on this piece. A small charm gives a little sparkle to the piece. The size is approximately 11 x 11 5/8 inches. Loving Hearts was started in USA and completed at Hunton Park, UK.

Greetings from the UK

Vacationing and Quilting in England, what more can a girl ask for? The first 6 days of this extended holiday was spent touring with my husband and seeing all the many sites in the City of London. Now, I'm based outside of Watford, England in a charming place called DeVere Venue at Hunton Park. I will be blogging more as I will be here until November 7. So check back now and then for updates. I'll now be touring other parts of England with a former student, Christine, who is interning in the area. My husband, Bill, arrived home Wednesday October 21 and is tending to all the household chores. What a great guy!!!

DeVere is a Manor House built in the early 1900's and converted to a hotel and meeting rooms in its later years. The grounds of DeVere span 22 acres with wildlife, walking trails, gardens, fountains and just the perfect place to relax and reflect. Making the trip with me is the Loving Hearts mini quilt that I started before this trip and a patchwork/applique mini quilt (to be named later) that I plan to work on while I'm here. Christine works during the day so I spend my time doing local exploring and quilting. I'm throughly enjoying this relaxing lifestyle. The weather has been beautiful temps in the 60's and maybe a light fog or mist but no rain.

Break Time

Bo says it time for a break. It seems like I just got started and it's break time. My goal was a daily blog. So far that has not happened, other things keep getting in the way. Now, I'm taking an official break from blogging. I will be doing some traveling this fall and will be away from the computer until November. I will have my camera and if by chance I can get a posting while I'm gone I will, so check back ever so often and I will give you an update when ever I can. I'll still be quilting, I'm taking a mini quilt with me and hope to attend a class on fabric dying. Wishing everyone a "Fantastic Autumn". Enjoy

Ready for the Show

I want to take the time and share some great quilts with you. My quilting friend Leslie is getting these quilts ready for the Flower Valley Quilting Guild Show that is going on this weekend. Leslie does wondeful needlework ---Tea Cups and Alaskan Wildflowers are great examples of her work. They are both wall hangings and perfect for her home where she displays her works in every room. Her Dresden Plate wall hanging is a bright and cheerful quilt, and really makes you smile when you see it. Much luck to Leslie at the show.

Finishing Touches

The church bazaar quilt has been quilted and now is ready for binding.

This quilt is different than any of the other quilts I have bound, but I volunteered to bind so this is my challenge. A Wedding Ring quilt usually has a scalloped edge that requires a single-layer bias binding. This type of binding helps to reduce the bulk when turning and stitching. Scalloped edges also require you to clip the seam allowance to stitch a cleft of each scallop. This is a new technique for me and I'm anxious to give it a try. The finished quilt will be displayed and offered for silent auction bids on November 7. The combination of many hands, starting with the hand piecing of the top, to the hand quilting and finishing touches has created a bright and cheerful Wedding Ring quilt. The proceeds from the sale of this quilt will go to fund many outreach programs supported by the Lydia Circle Quilters.

Firefighter's Loving Hearts

The Firefighter's Ball and Great Fire Engine Rally in St. Louis, Missouri is over, but the wonderful memories of a fun filled weekend is remembered. I wanted to take pictures to share with everyone, but forgot the camera. So after thinking of all the giving men and women who protect and rescue us in times of need, I thought of the Loving Hearts mini quilt, still a work in progress.

On the quilt is the ribbon charm given to each firefighter the night of the ball. It was so nice seeing them recognized and very appropriate since the date was 9-11. Many wore the ribbons on their uniforms the next day at the Fire Engine Rally.

Greenwork

Good Morning everyone!!! I have a few minutes before we begin all our Great Fire Engine Rally activities and I want to show you the cute doll quilt I found at a tag sale. The little quilt is what I call "greenwork". Redwork quilts became popular in the 1880's with the introduction of a "new" for the time embroidery thread color called "turkey red". Then from about 1910 to 1930 Bluework became popular. This little Greenwork quilt is made up of four little kittens dressed to the "9's" playing games. It appears to be at least 20 to 30 years old and really in good condition. It has been gently used and much loved.

Well, I'm off to the weekend, this is always a fun weekend, those of you in St. Louis area come on down to the city for the parade and some fun activities and demonstrations. I'm taking the camera, hopefully I have photos for the next blog.

Cinderella

This week is proving to be a very busy one for me. I'm working on Loving Hearts, but I'm not finding the time I want to complete the project. Bill & I are getting ready for the St. Louis Great Fire Engine Rally, since he is on the committee, we have many little jobs to do before the big event. The great fun of this rally, for me, is the Fireman's Ball the night before. It is a formal affair (tux and all) makes me feel like Cinderella. Speaking Cinderella (what a lead in), I found this wonderful vintage piece of Cinderella themed fabric at a country auction in Missouri. The piece measures about 8 x 10 inches. I'm trying to come up with an idea to incorporate it into one of my mini quilts. In addition to this one I was able to purchase a large piece of vintage Peter Pan fabric. Everytime I look at these pieces it brings back wonderful childhood memories, so I know they will both make wonderful quilts. If I'm not blogging for a few days, you'll know I'm getting ready for the ball.

Mug Mats

This is a sampling of the Message Mug Mats I've made for the church bazaar, to be held the first weekend in November. I used a fabric entitled "Comfort of Psalms" to embellish vintage fabrics and quilt blocks . Each mat is hand quilted and will come with a white mug and message tag.

Quilting Bee Tuesday

It's Tuesday and the Lydia Circle of the United Methodist Church at Wentzville are doing what they love---Quilting. I joined the group two years ago after retiring and I love Tuesday mornings. I've made some wonderful friends and they have taught me so things about quilting. Presently, we are working on a hand pieced Double Wedding Ring that will be auctioned off at our annual church bazaar in November. We will also be quilting a Christmas Tree skirt and a Noah Ark baby quilt. When the bazaar quilting is completed we'll be back on schedule and quilting for others. Our current waiting list is a year long---so we're never short of quilt tops that need quilting.

Final Audition

The final audition has been made for Loving Hearts. I decided on a red plaid for the backing. I've also decided the statement of Loving Hearts will be a thank you to all the people who volunteer their time and talents for others. They are the true Loving Hearts in our society. I'll start quilting today, I'm anxious to see how this little quilt develops.

Confused

Recently I've discovered a great website called Quilter Blogs, the site features and highlights blogs by quilter's for all over the globe. I am now on their list and in return I want to place a link on my blog listings. I've been working on this for an hour with no success. I'm sure it is quite easy, but not for this beginner. I'm taking a break now and I'll try to tackle it a little later. On a lighter note!!!! I found this wonderful little basket block in my collection---not sure what I'm going to do with the block, I'll come back to that later too. If you want to see other quilter's blogs, check out http://www.quilterblogs.com/ and I'll keep trying to add it to my sidebar. I'd rather be quilting.

Changes

Loving Hearts is changing. It always amazes me how little bits of color or a placement of fabric can alter a piece. I'm thinking more changes may still be in the future of this little quilt.

Hearts are Growing

Loving Hearts has been on my mind all morning. The little quilt needs more. I'm not sure what at this point, so I made a collection of heart related fabrics and embellishments from my collection. I was surprised, I didn't realize I had so many hearts around me. Thoughts continue and the fabric audition has begun. This little quilt may have a new look by tomorrow.

Windy City Get-a-way

Just returned from a wonderful Chicago Get-a-way. Bill and I left Sunday on Amtrak, bound for Downtown Chicago. If you haven't ridden a train lately, check it out. Both of us agreed it had changed greatly since our days of riding when we were young (many decades ago). While in Chicago taxi cabs and feet were are means of travel. Cab rides in Chicago are interesting. After window shopping on the Magnificent Mile, we enjoyed dinner at Timothy O'Toole's. Great little pub/sports bar, with an"old Chicago" feel.



Monday was our day for museums. Harry Potter Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry and then on to Shedd Aquarium. Harry Potter was a great display of the movie props and wardrobe. It amazed me how different things look up close, compared to the movies. Set designers work wonders. Shedd Aquarium was wonderful as always, I especially liked the coral reef area and a very active River Otter. We headed home on Tuesday.

The trip, of course, included a quilting project. I started "loving hearts", a little 9-patch mini quilt. This mini quilt 's base is a vintage 9-patch that had been hand pieced. The 9-patch came from a box of fabric I bought at a farm auction. To it I appliqued hearts from homespun fabric I had made and machine appliqued on to a 4 x 4 inch square. I cut apart the square and appliqued the hearts I needed for this project.

I located a oak leaf print from my vintage scrap fabric collection to add as an accent in the 9-patch. Still under construction.