Entertaining

Just finished a very good read.  The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro.  It's about art authenticity, love and betrayal.  Has many twists and kept me entertained.  Enjoyed this novel and thought you might too.  I enjoy reading at night in bed.  It's a relaxing way for me to unwind for a good night sleep after a busy day.  Happy Quilting!

Decorating with Quilts---page 8

From Mug Rugs to Table Toppers.  Table Toppers are another small way to make a decorating statement with quilts.  They just add a little pop with out overwhelming a decorating motif.

Besides making a statement, they offer protection for table tops and can even act as a coaster for drinks.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

If a rich persons sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against his brother, how can he claim that he loves God?  My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love which shows itself in action  This then is how we will know that we belong to the truth; this is how we will be confident in God's presence. I John 3: 17-19 Good News Bible

Art Quilt Swap

Years ago I joined an art quilt swap, or maybe it's best to call it a challenge.  Our swap partner sent us a quilt that needed help and we were to change in in any way we wished, add or subtract what ever we wanted and return it to the partner.  This is the quilt that was sent to me:

Very pretty shades of grays and tans with a variety of shells, driftwood, and fabrics.  Reminded me of the beach and ocean waves.  Our partner was to tell us nothing about the idea they had for the quilt--we were to just take the fabrics given and create.  Since I saw beach, sand and ocean in this little top that was the direction I headed.  Here was what I returned to my swap partner.

After taking the original quilt top apart I used that fabric to weave the new quilt top.  Then using the shells and driftwood, plus some beads, cheesecloth and embroidery embellishments that resembled waves.  I created a hand quilted sandy beach themed art quilt.

I hope she liked it.  I never really heard, but I sure had fun making this quilt.  It was one of my first attempts at an Art Quilt.  Wishing you a creative weekend.  Happy Quilting!

Decorating with Quilts---page 7

I'm sure we have all made a Mug Rug or two, what a clever way to add a little quilt to any decor.  Here are a few I have made for personal used, given as housewarming gifts, and just to friends who were celebrating a Birthday or a special occasion.  They make great hostess gifts.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

  Love must be completely sincere.  Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.  Love one another warmly as Christian brothers and be eager to show respect for one another.  Work hard and do not be lazy.  Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.  Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.  Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers.
  Ask God to bless those who persecute you---yes, ask him to bless, not to curse.  Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.  Have the same concern for everyone.  Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.
  If someone has done you wrong, do no repay him with a wrong.  Try to do what everyone considers to be good.  Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Romans 12: 9-18 Good News Bible

Colors of Fall across the Pond

English countryside in the fall.  Not much different than ours.  Enjoy as you stitch.

 Happy Quilting!

Decorating with Quilts---page 6

Another quilt on a wall, in the laundry room this time.  Dogs and Dots is a little quilt I made for a challenge and then added embellishments and entered it in a small local quilt show.  It won a second place ribbon.  My laundry room has a whimsical look about it---whimsy makes the laundry chore more of a pleasure.  Anyway, I thought this little quilt would fit right in. It does and makes me smile.  Isn't that what quilts should do!!  Have a great week and Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else.  You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you.

Colossians 3:13 Good News Bible

Never To Early--Christmas 2016

Yes, I have started making a quilt--would you believe four quilts for gifts in 2016.  As I have said before, I not much on patterns--usually make my own but I saw this little Crab-apple Hill sampler pattern called Winter Sampler and decided that it would make lovely gifts for Christmas.

I'm a real fan of embroidery and patchwork.  My embroidery stitches need some improvement.  This sampler will give plenty of practice.  I am changing this up a bit.  The pattern is in reds and three of the quilts will follow that color palette.  One friend loves blue---so her winter sampler will be blues and yellows, with a touch of red in the Hollyberries and Poinsettias.  I'm giving myself three months for each quilt.  2016 will be here before I know it---hope I'm ready.  I'll be posting updates.
Great weekend to all---Happy Quilting!

Decorating with Quilts--Extra thought

Talk about decorating with quilts!!!  Just received my copy of Quiltmaker magazine and it is stocked full of ideas for the home and holiday gift giving.  What I enjoy about this little magazine--the patterns.  I'm usually not a pattern person, but there are wonderful ideas and for those who enjoy patterns you can make a quilt with no problems--patterns, instruction and photos--what more can a quilter ask for.  This magazine was a birthday gift from my hubby's sister and brother-in-law, I love my annual subscription.  This one is a keeper.   Have and great week and Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

then a poor widow came along and dropped in two little copper coins, worth about a penny.  He called his disciples together and said to them, "I tell you that this poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others.  For the others put in what they had to spare of their riches; but she poor as she is, put in all she had---she gave all she had to live on."  Mark 12:42-44 Good News Bible

Evening Stroll Mug Rug

I call this little quilt Evening Stroll.  The little mug rug measures 8 1/4" x 7 3/4".  The process was a little different from my usual mug rugs.  I tore the fabric in random strips and then used a weaving process to create the quilt top. The strips of orange & yellow represents the sunset, mixed with the grays of night.  The little Scottie dog is needle turn applique. The mug rug is hand quilted with large stitches using embroidery threads.  Just a fun little quilt to make and perfect for that morning cup of tea.  Have a great weekend and Happy Quilting!