Monday, January 27, 2014

Monday Morning Tally




My Monday Morning Count is 66 basted + 140 appliqued hexies.  How slowly this goes...but that's just fine with me.  It's all happy time!

Today marks the one year anniversary for my Needle Arts group at the library.  I have had a marvelous experience facilitating this very talented and diverse group of stitchers.  Among them, I appreciate that each has her own speed and gifts.  Unlike the world of politics, business, and sports,  there are no losers!

Friday, January 24, 2014

Forever Stamp #15




I am not a numbers person, however counting does keep me on track in my projects...as does my Monday Morning Count.  These postage stamps are just so darn much fun to do, but I can see my piecing skills could use some improvement.  I really should do another one.  Sixteen blocks would make a nice little quilt, but I have a feeling this quilt will never end!

Monday, January 20, 2014

A Little Progress...



...is still progress, according to Jessica.  Thank you very much!  Have 16 new hexies basted and another strip sewn.  Slow and steady can be very satisfying.  And Ms. Piggy still makes me smile!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Cow Neck Quilts



The Cow Neck Historical Society on Long Island has a lovely collection of antique quilts.  I attended their holiday fair and was utterly charmed by the display.




The quilted petticoat was a reminder of the days before central heating.  I could have used one of those last week during the polar blast!





It was hard to pick a favorite, but I just fell in love with this stunning silk.  It is now on my bucket list.  Mine won't have all those old silk prints, however....oh well.








Not likely to make one of these, but I couldn't resist capturing this flower-eating zebra.  Just too cute!!!

I like to think about the women who made these right in my neck of the woods....several centuries ago.




Monday, January 13, 2014

On the Go




I forgot to post my Sewing on the Go kit last week for Monday Morning's count, so here it is...my little Ginghers on a lanyard from my friend Eri, and a pincushion also by Eri, my favorite Aurifil thread, paper clips stuck to a magnet, papers, fabric, and my specs.





And it all fits in this little See-thru cosmetic bag that slips neatly into my handbag.  I am good to go!


Monday, January 6, 2014

It's That Time Again




Time to resume my Indigo hexies.  Made little progress since the Monday Morning Star Count ended last fall.  I now have 137 made and I need 228 for the nap quilt I want.  Only 91 more to make!  Thanks for starting this up again, Jessica!  I really need to be accountable.

Helpful hint for anyone who keeps dropping the paper clips:  I hold them together on the back of a refrigerator magnet.  No more hunting under seat cushions...






Sunday, January 5, 2014

Arkansas Star





Arkansas Star is astonishing!  Glorious reds...charming prints..and all those perfect points!!!  


 


There are 97 pieces in this traditional block! Of course the best way to make it is machine paper-piecing.  I take my hat off to Kimberly, who had the patience to tackle it.   She chose this design because she wanted to try it out, and also because I had purchased the gold background fabric in Arkansas.  The spectacular result was worth all the effort!






My Little Christmas Quilt collection is just too wonderful to pack away.  May get a permanent spot to hang in my house.  Thanks again to all my talented Bee Pals!!!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Snow is Glistnin'




"Winter Wonderland" lyrics inspire me....iridescent sequins and crystal beads...perfect for sparking up this snowflake.  I learned a  beading trick from Mary Stori years ago which served me well again.  Bring up a thread through a sequin or large bead, then pass it through a tiny bead and back down through the first hole.  A quick and easy method for embellishing a quilt...and in this case, for a tying a  quilt.   Thanks a million, Mary!!!





Ready to bind....

Friday, January 3, 2014

Snow



Mary B. made this lovely low-volume Snowflake block.  Expecting high-volume snow here on Long Island!  But looking on the bright side....more time to quilt, as all events are cancelled.





The Three Kings finished ahead of schedule!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Follow That Star




 Am back to my Little Christmas quilts again.  I finished the star quilts today.  Who follows the star?  The Three Kings, of course....all dressed up in their royal finery and jewels.   Earamichia really outdid herself with this gem of a block!   I just love her fabric choices.  The shiny silks, the colorful print, and the musical poinsettias.  I'll have this one completed by the Twelfth Night, humming as I sew.