Monday, June 28, 2010

Donated Blocks

Someone at church donated 2000 cut 6" blocks to our quilting group. One member sorted them by color but didn't know what to do next. I was given the challenge. I have planned and sewn blocks for 5 quilts approximately 55x70. Triangles were the best solution.





When left with a number of floral prints, I tried a different pattern. Since the "squares" weren't always true this has become a greater problem. I have 4 more sets to finish before stringing them together for a slightly smaller quilt.


The finished quilts are destined for the "House of Ruth", for battered women and their children. I still have more color coordinated squares but not enough to make a quilt without adding sashing.

Monday, June 14, 2010

I've been busy

I know, I've been away for a while!

I've been traveling, involved with family and of course quilting. Thank you for all your helpful suggestions for quilting Mary Mannakee. I haven't started yet but I'm leaning towards a grid with some outlining and feather stitch. I want to investigate using bamboo batting. I've been told that its like sewing through butter. Have any of you used this product? What are your experiences?


On our last minute cruise from Beijing to Anchorage, I
hand pieced this sampler using Civil War fabrics I picked out of a scrap barrel for 15 cents per strip. I designed this small wall hanging (20x24) to include as many traditional blocks as possible. I still want to add a border.

Our best friends are expecting their first granddaughter in September. It was a joy to make a quilt for this special baby and two of my favorite receiving blankets. The pattern came from
Better Homes American Patchwork and Quilting, April 2010. I reduced the pattern by 40% and made it square. The applique is edged by machine but the quilting is done by hand.






The receiving blankets are made with two pieces of flannel, sized to the width of the fabrics, hemmed with turning the outer piece twice to cover the inner smaller piece and finished with a feather stitch of embroidery thread. These were my son's favorites and for many babies that received them as gifts.