Decorating with Quilts--page 5

Since I have started writing about the ways I decorate with quilts, I really thought it would be a couple of entries---then as I realized, as I looked around the house, there seems to be quilts in every room.  Today, I photographed the quilt on the wall of the guest room.  I purchased this Twisted Star quilt at a country auction a few years ago. The auction was held at a farm that was one of the oldest in our county.  This was not the only quilt I purchased, but my favorite.  The quilt has never been used and is in perfect condition.  It was machine pieced, hand quilted and has 8-9 stitches per inch.  I understand that the ladies of the family had a quilting frame up all the time---they did beautiful work.  Wish I had taken photos of all the quilts that were auctioned.  I believe it would have been over forty.  The quilt provides a warm welcoming coziness to the room.  The pillows have been massed produced and add a great "pop" of red.

Twisted Star

As I look at all the ways I used quilts in our home, I wonder, do you have some special decorating techniques you use to display your quilts?  Share in the comments.  I would love to hear.

Here's hoping you have a wonderful week and as always Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

Prayer Flag

This little Prayer Flag is going to a friend who is scheduled for extensive surgery on October.  It is simple, but I really like the light material on the bottom--I can see it blowing in the wind.  Hope you enjoy a wonderful fall weekend and
Happy Quilting!

Decorating with Quilts---page 4

Sometimes you need a little "pop" of color to make a statement in a small area.  My solution a quilt.
I made this little mug rug, just for fun.  Love the retro fabrics.  But really had no real purpose or idea as to what I would do with the mini--except hold a cup of tea.  THEN.......

The top book shelf kept calling out for some little something.  The mini looks good peeking out from the basket full of greenery.  

Hope you have a wonderful quilting week.  I will be working on a couple of prayer flags for two friends who will be having surgery in October.  As always, Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.  Put on all the armor that God gives you so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks.  For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, he rules authorities and cosmic powers of this dark age.  So put on God's armor now!  Then when the evil day comes you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end you will still hold your ground.
So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good New of peace.  At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.  And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the spirit gives you.  Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help.  Pray on every occasion as the Spirit leads.  For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people.

 Ephesians 6: 10-18 Good News Bible

Prayer Flag

A stick becomes the hanger for this Blue Jean Prayer Flag.  We just received word that a dear friend of ours is having surgery on October 1 to remove a kidney where cancer has been detected. The good news is that the doctors believe that when they take out the kidney they will have removed all the cancer.  Our prayers are with him for healing, comfort and strength---so this little Prayer Flag is on its way.  Using blue jean fabric is a great way to start a prayer flag for a male.  It immediately gives a masculine feel to the flag and you will automatically add embellishments that will give the same feel and the flag is born.  Check out the creative ideas http://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/#  Wishing you a great weekend and Happy Quilting!

Decorating with Quilts---Page 3

DeVere Daisy

This little quilt started with a trip of a life time.  A former student of mine received a grant to work on the Harry Potter films in London.  She would be there a month and asked me if I would like to go with her.  Of course I said yes.  Hubby and I were able to spend a wonderful week in London, before he returned home and I joined Christine in the little town of Kings Langley at an English manor that had been controverted into a hotel called DeVere Hunton Park.  Lovely rooms, beautiful gardens, just perfect.  I decided that I would make a mini quilt completely by hand while I was there.  Had no real idea of the pattern just the colors.

Let the piecing begin.  During the days when Christine was working I would work on my quilt, tour some of the other small towns---even found a wonderful quilt shop.  I bought Beatrice Potter fabric to add to my little project.  Interesting note, in one book shop I purchased a English novel about an American who becomes President.  As I read the story was sounding familiar, half way through I realized the novel was based on George W. Bush.  I can't recall the name, and I left it for the next visitor to Hunton Park.

Beatrice Potter fabric made up the daisy petals.  I just cut the size of the petals and quilted them to the top--raw edge applique.

Completed quilt I called DeVere Daisy photographed in the gardens at Hunton Park.  When I returned home I framed the little quilt and have it hanging in a grouping with a plaque that just says "London".  Everything in our home has a story.  Quilts always tell a story---old or new they communicate their story, we must listen to continue the tradition.  Have an enjoyable week and as always---Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Remember this, my dear bothers!  Everyone must be quick to listen but slow to speak and slow to become angry.  Man's anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose. James 1: 19-20 Good News Bible

Decorating with Quilts--Page 2

I had just completed my entry way quilt wall, when I was given a gift as a thank you from a friend who I had helped introduce her new product line.  The gift was an afternoon with a designer.  The designer would do whatever I wanted--rearrange a room, bookshelves, wall arrangements, whatever I would like for her to do. I was thrilled and a little nervous.  For years when people would visit our home, I would always hear comments about how comfortable, warm and welcoming it was or how much they liked my placement of accessories.  So I thought I was doing okay on the decorating end of homemaking. My hubby and I enjoy antiques, auctions, flea markets and family heirlooms.  So our home reflects that/us and our love for unique things--comfortable chairs, family mementos, quilts. Everything has a story.  I don't shop at Home Goods or other design shops.  When we were first married my husband called it--Early Odds 'n Ends.  I guess we're still decorating in that style.

Laundry Room before Downsizing Project

I called it my Mary Engelbreit room

Entry wall before furniture rearrange

My big day arrived.  I invited my friend and her designer friend for lunch before the big redesign.  After lunch she went immediately to our built-in bookshelves that surround the fireplace and contain the TV/media equipment.  She rearranged almost every shelf and much to my surprise because I liked what I had there to begin with, but I will say her design is very nice and is still in place today.  She helped me hang the mirror you see on the entry wall (which I like). The divider draped with quilts that you can see reflected in the mirror was her idea too.  I lived with it for a few months and could never feel comfortable with that arrangement.  It has since been removed.  I enjoyed my afternoon and liked what she did, but she made one comment that I'm still trying to sort out in my non-designer mind.  She said my home was "folksy".  She didn't expand.  

If "folksy" means comfortable, warm and welcoming then that's our home.  If it means anything else, well I'll take "folksy".  Happy Quilting!

Decorating with Quilts Revisted

A few years ago I decided to add quilts to our foyer wall.  I blogged about it and even had a photo of my finished wall highlighted in an article on using quilts in decorating.  Here  That was then this is now.  For the past year we have been downsizing.  Every thing in every area of the house is being reevaluated for usefulness and/or sentimental value--oh I still have quilts on that wall, but I have made a few changes.

Hubby and I have enjoyed our attempt to downsize.  Neither of us can believe how stuff adds up and takes up space.  So we will keep going---lightening the load.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

I am now giving you the choice between life and earth, between God's blessing and God's curse and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make.  Choose life.  Love the Lord your God, obey him and be faithful to him and then you and your descendants will live long in the land the he promised to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Deuteronomy 30: 19-20