These lovely Grapefruit are on our tree in the back yard of the condo. Hubby has already picked the oranges---plan to bring some of these beauties home to MO. I'll be writing again from the AZ, hopefully with more photos from the quilt show & Prescott. Have a wonderful Monday and as always Happy Quilting!
Made some changes to the original design and making progress. The silver scarf presented two problems---one the design was to much on this mini quilt, took the eye away from the Polar Bear and two the fabric would unravel as I was stitching, it didn't offer the look I was going for. This is why auditioning fabric is important when making a little quilt. So, in my basket of lace and tatting I found some vintage tatting the made perfect snowflakes. I have continued to use the metallic thread for both the snowflakes and the Polar Bear (he has a little bling). I've also been thinking about a few beads here and there (another audition--we'll see???) Happy Quilting!
Then I machine stitched the first and third piece to the foundation fabric. For this piece I started with the darkest on the top lightest on the bottom. The middle piece I will add later and hand quilt it into place.
I add batting, backing and place the design elements. For this mini quilt I'm going to try adding some sparkle with pieces from an old scarf and using metallic thread for quilting. The flowers in the scarf represent the snow falling as our happy Polar Bear skates.
I'm off to start hand quilting and putting this all together. Will check in later, As always Happy Quilting!
The Cardinal is very patient as he waits for the Woodpeckers to take a break. All this snow has inspired an AAQI quilt. I'm thinking Polar Bear Ice Dreams.
This Polar Bear is part of a novelty print I've used before to make AAQI quilts. I love this print for its bright colors and happy pattern of a bear family enjoying a snowy outing. Just like today. So soup is going in the slow cooker and I plan on doing some sewing. I'll give up dates as the day continues. As always Happy Quilting!
The newest addition to my Liberated Star subdivision is a grass hut. I didn't get as much quilting completed today as I had planned. I was able to sketch three more housing ideas.
From a grass hut to a castle, real variety---I have three more to complete my set of twelve and then stars for the corners. I just need some undisturbed time!!! That may be a dream. Have a good weekend and Happy Quilting!
The igloo must have be influenced by the weather. It is still snowy here and with the cold temps. predicted for tonight----igloo seems right. Then I started thinking Spring. The next two houses, travel trailer and tent---makes me feel warm.
I'm anxious to see what I come with tomorrow. After I make a total of 12 houses, I'm planning liberated stars in the corners similar to the ones in the center. Not sure how I'm going to quilt this---I do plan free motion quilting, there are so many seams that it will make hand quilting difficult. The houses are raw edge appliqued. Happy Quilting!
I'm taking my Liberated Stars quilt from a few weeks ago, a step further and adding a circle of Liberated Houses. The houses will represent different types of homes from around the world. Everyone looks at the same sky. That's my idea, we'll see what happens.
My first house is a tree house. The block is 3 1/2 inches square, the star center 9 inches square. Great day for quilting. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Happy Quilting!
This little miniature offers the Amish traditional look with 21st century fun. The center diamond is made from a cotton blend that has a touch of sparkle. Maybe I should call it a Liberated Amish Miniature??? The mini measures 9 inches square and will be my first donation to AAQI for 2011. I've just had a thought---why not liberate the Amish pattern with a twist on the piecing. Instead of one color solids---what about stripes, dots, stars. Wow, the ideas are endless. You may see some variations of this pattern in 2011. Happy Quilting!
Hanging on an antique drying rack in our guest bedroom is a Sun Bonnet Sue made by my Grandmother. It was a Christmas present to me when I was in the 4th grade. I love that quilt and each time I look at it, memories of her and all the wonderful quilts she made from the feed sacks she collected while living on a farm in rural Missouri. Not only did she make quilts for the family, but she made me doll clothes from the same feed sacks. Many are represented in this quilt and I remember them to this day. This quilt was once lost to me and found and returned. I'm so thankful to have it back again. I will have to say this quilt was the beginning. I loved touching the fabric, feeling the warmth---like my Grandmother's hug. How can a piece of cloth offer so much to someone?
In the course of life events came the passing of my Grandmother and a gift. A few months after she had passed, my Mother give me a suitcase. She only said your Grandmother wanted you to have this. I had no idea what my Grandmother would have given me---I thought I knew all her thoughts and possessions, but I had never seen this suit case before. When I opened the case I discovered her quilt patterns, quilt blocks, and this quilt top Improved Nine-Patch ready to be quilted. At that time I didn't know how to hand quilt, so I had it quilted. Since it's completion some 25 years ago, it has been on display in our home and the spring board for all my quilting. As this year begins, so does my Reflections and Refresh theme as I move forward in some quilting adventures. I look forward sharing them with you and I hope you will share yours with me. It's Tuesday so I'm off to the church to do some quilting. Have a great day and Happy Quilting!
