Welcome to my patchwork journal. I enjoy expressing myself through fiber. Tiny pieces of vintage quilt blocks and fabric combined with hand stitches create my art. When not quilting I'm living a patchwork life. Always changing and helping to keep me young and on my toes. Join me in my experiences and thoughts.
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Monday, November 29, 2010
Liberated and Lovin It
Saturday was a quiet day at the house, so I quilted from 10:00am to about 6:00pm. I made this little liberated star quilt top.
The top is 9 x 9 inches square (little to big for AAQI). I used some of Gwen's techniques and I don't think I will make a traditional star again--I enjoyed making the new free pieced stars. On a piece of scrap paper I created the placement and idea for the quilt top. Using very thin thread and needle put things together. I will say even thought I measures at almost every stitch, I still had many seams to rip and resew.
The thread size I used was #50 by DMC and the needles 60/8 by Schmetz. I did have to adjust the bobbin tension for this weight thread. Super Fine silk pins were a great help and pinning from the fabric to the edge is a great way to keep small fabric pieces together without puckers. I'm letting the quilt top rest for a few days, before I start quilting. I'm thinking about using metallic thread and machine quilting---I think I have a few to many seams to hand quilt. I'm also trying to decide if I want a border??? Have a great Monday and Happy Quilting!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
What a Surprise
Monday, November 15, 2010
Lost for Words
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Angels Among Us
Friday, November 12, 2010
Critter Quilt Blocks
I've started working on my blocks for the Critter Quilt. My master plan is sketched and measured---I'm sure there will be adjustments. But, as of now, the quilt will have a variety of blocks---applique, painted, patchwork. They will be pieced together in a liberated patchwork style, no set pattern. The Keesha block was sketched using a light box and fabric pens.
Bodhi, husky mix who passed away this year--we still are adjusting to his absence.
This block was sketched using a light box and fabric pens.
Bear, our yellow lab. Very polite dog and a real joy even in his old age.
Mr. C, a white rabbit my Dad brought home when I was in about the 7th grade. Mr. C, was a--service rabbit. We would take him to the St. Louis Head Start programs in the 1960's. It was great to see the kids with a big white rabbit. Many of the city kids had never seen a rabbit before. He wore a red dog harness and weighted about 20 pounds.
Both Bear and Mr. C were needle turn applique. The butterfly was fabric that I also needle turned applique. Both blocks have embroidery to highlight ears and legs.
I can already see that my Critter Quilt is going to be fun. Just the remembering of my many pets and their personalities has been a treat and I've only just begun. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Quilting!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Houston AAQI Sales
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Ready for Auction
Monday, November 1, 2010
First Saturday in November
The first Saturday in November is always the Church Bazaar. It's a great time of good food and wonderful handmade and holiday items for your buying pleasure. This year I've donated a box load of items. Message Mats
This one was made by splattering bleach on a black and green fabric and placing it in the sun for a few hours, then adding to gold print patches. The background behind the Comfort of Psalms fabric is a used dryer sheet, hand quilted with metallic thread and finished with raw edging.
The little Dream Message Mat is made from a vintage quilt block, with embroidery message and hand quilting.
I've added tiny Quilts in a Jar. The jars are jelly jars about 3" tall and the quilts inside consist of wordings from Christmas cards and of course quilted fabric. Cute to add to a gift or sit on a shelf.
Cookie Jars full of Christmas Sweets
And Art Jars full of craft items to spark the imagination of any child.
Wishing you a great Monday and Happy Quilting!