Strips 'n Curves, final step

I finished the top, 80x88. It's ready for a 10" border and quilting. My goal is to have it completed by Christmas as a present for my niece and husband from my sister. I've made this pattern once before but I needed a refresher. I will be teaching this quilt at the Fabric Patch, Montclair, CA in September. There are some tricks and trouble shooting that my students will welcome.

This photo doesn't show the true colors, the "browns" are really green.

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.

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.

Real Progress

Mary Mannakee is ready to quilt! I'm not sure what patterns I'm going to use. All I know is doing a diagonal grid would be too boring although the result would be traditional. Any suggestions?

Here's my progress with Strips 'n Curves. I've cut and sewn about 2/3 of the 110 blocks that I planned but I may do less and add more border. The placement of the blocks is not set in stone and I'm open to rearrangement as needed. Each block has to be planned to match up with what's next door so progress is slow. I hope I like it and above all Sarah (my niece) likes it when it's done.

Disappointed but pushing ahead

I was excited to visit the DAR museum in DC and see the Mary Mannakee quilt up close only to find the exhibit hall closed for installation of a quilt show for April... I was so disappointed. I have enlarged jpgs but cannot see how it was quilted. I'm almost done with the last side of the border and ready to sandwich. Any suggestions? Where can I look?

Here are the only quilts I found on display in DC:

Fredrick Douglass' home


Museum of American History




I'm making headway with my Strips 'n Curves. About 1/3 is cut, planned and some sewn. This is my makeshift planning wall. The flannel backed tablecloth hangs curved over my bookshelves with velcro. Its definitely better than having no design surface.

I'll be back

We’ve been traveling again, Washington DC with Jack’s consulting and Hawaii on a cruise. I always have a hard time getting back into the routine once we come home. I be back next week. Thanks Kathie for missing me and writing me a note.

Noah

Our week of watching the boys has come to an end. We did have fun with them but are exhausted. This is why the young have kids. When I arrived at the airport to pick up Mommy and Daddy, Noah burst into tears. He was mad at Krista for leaving him but soon got over his anger.

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

ROUND AND ROUND WE GO