A Really Old Quilt Top Breathes New Life

This quilt top, which my mother made for my sister, stayed in a dresser drawer or big old leather trunk for probably 50 years. Based on some of the fabric, I guess it was made in the late 50's or at least some of the blocks were. Perhaps a few were done in the early 60's at the latest (see red rose flower print below). I believe the background is guano (fertilizer) sacks, it's very uneven weave so I don't think it was store-bought muslin.

Here's a picture after I machine appliqued the circles over the open part of the dresden blades.

Here's what the blocks look like before the applique.

I got all the circles appliqued yesterday. Today I'll sew on the borders and next week I'll take it to the long arm to quilt. I'm still practicing on the long arm at my local quilt shop. I don't think I'll ever win any prizes but at least I'll get these lonely, long-ago tops out of the drawers and onto the foot of some bed.



Another Stash Elimination

Anyone in my area who needs some inspiration for a new quilt can pick up this book at CrossPoint Quilt Shop in Powder Springs. One less book on my shelf collecting dust. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Springtime Progress

I need factory line sewing to get this done and everything else I need to finish before spring. So here's a look at today's re-organization on the Springtime project.

The Big Picture



All Trimmed and Ready to Sew

Chain Paper Piecing -- keep them doggies rollin', lol.

Sites for Inspiration for Modern Style Quilts

I enjoy my hour or so a day scanning some blogs and websites I've marked as favorites over the last year or so and I keep adding more. They're great for inspiration and essentially free resources for new ideas. Here are a few of my favorites that lean to the modern style. I've just put urls so the names may not be apparent until you get there. Take a look and add some to your favorites list.

http://www.redpepperquilts.com/

http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/

http://mamacjt.blogspot.com/

http://stitchindye.blogspot.com/

http://traceyjayquilts.blogspot.com/

http://claireschaoticcorner.blogspot.com/

http://greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/   (get a look at this quilting-WOW!)

http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

http://pieceandpress.blogspot.com/

http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.com/

http://www.quiltsewscrap.com/

http://raggiegirls.blogspot.com/

http://sewaccomplished.blogspot.com/

http://subversivestitch.blogspot.com/2009/07/nannys-gift-of-memories-rayna-gillman.html

http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com/

http://auntiesquaintquilts.blogspot.com/

http://www.psiquilt.com/

http://patchwork-of-mini-grey.blogspot.com/

1st FP (Finished Project) of 2011

My goals in 2011 are to go more modern and to finish, finish, finish. Whew! One down. Here are a couple of shots of the simple, simple pattern and binding of the baby quilt. Take baby steps - that's my motto.

And I dragged out my Springtime by Jacqueline de Jonge (see photo below of her pattern). I'm set up in a factory line of paper piecing...next step - finish Springtime before springtime!

Stash Elimination Continued

Here's a great book of Christmas quilts by Marsha McClosky...hope someone will enjoy it. It's available now at Kiwiquilts.

Want to Try Modern Quilts?

I'm leaning that way. I'll post my first attempt later this afternoon. Here's a link to a fun blog with some ideas:
http://mamacjt.blogspot.com/

I'll post my next stash elimination later today also.

Brown Sugar Guide Show - Check It Out

Take a look at what these ladies have accomplished!

Great Job on Storm at Sea Vickie!

Nothing is more fun and rewarding than seeing a student's finished project. Check out the great job Vickie did on her Storm at Sea quilt made with Square in a Square ruler.

Fabulous Giveaway on Stray Stitches

Check it out and check out the other great content too.

http://straystitches1.blogspot.com/2010/12/lets-celebrate-2011-with-giveaway.html

Back from Germany...So Much To Do

After a very cold but lovely boat trip on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, I'm ready to go.

First things first - prep samples for upcoming Cathedral Windows class at Kiwiquilts. Watch for class in late January or early February.

Here are the samples I'm using. I'll be sharing the techniques of Lynne Edwards in her book Cathedral Window Quilts. She has an excellent variety of options in that book and I highly recommend it. Gone are the days of standing at the ironing board for hours to press and fold the squares!

Below are samples of the traditional (back pillow) and what Lynne calls Secret Garden with four petals on a square.



Below, with just two squares you can make a neat pin cushion very, very quickly.

Stash Elimination #5 - Left overs from Pillow

These left-overs are certainly enough to make a pillow or lots and lots of pin cushions. Stop by Kiwiquilts and mention Chinaberry Grove Stash Elimination #6 and they're yours.