Mourning Quilt

 My Amish double nine-patch was hand pieced and quilted during my son's illness.  He left me with many good memories and much sadness.  But sewing is how I get through the days now.

 

Andy  

b. 1966   d.2019

Unconventional and Unexpected QAL

When I saw this quilt in Roderick Kiracofe's book, it made me think of my stacks of solids that have been piling up for years.  Why not use them all in one quilt?  It probably won't make a dent, but it should be fun to see them all together on the wall.  

 

This palette will be quite a departure from my usual subdued color combinations. 

Wish me luck!

Happy Ending

The bow ties from Barb Vedder’s swap have finally turned into my favorite nap quilt.  It took some time to add those uneven 9-patches to stretch it out, but it was worth doing.  I have made countless nap quilts in the past, but this one suits me best.  It covers my feet (I am 5’9” and wear size 11s)

First Finish!

 


"Crossroads & Crop Circles" is my first finish of the year!  Forty years' worth of scraps went into this quilt.  It's like a diary of my quilting years.  I saw this design in Roderick Kiricofe's latest book, Unconventional & Unexpected.   

Taking the UFO pledge

"I solemnly pledge to finish this bow tie quilt."  My guild is suggesting we commit to finishing our UFOs by putting our declaration on record.  I have 85 bow tie blocks from an online swap and am making 9-patches to alternate.  Only 16 more to make... 

Oldest UFO

Summer is half gone already!  I wanted to finish this counted cross stitch sampler on linen that I started seventeen years ago.  My two cataract surgeries have left me with no more excuses.  It needs more decorative borders before I frame it. 

Then back to my Forever Stamp quilt again.  Will I ever finish them all??

Done!

 

Finally, a finish!!!  Have too many works-in-progress, so this feels good.

Jelly Roll Challenge

 

A fellow quilter gave me this jelly roll and said she knew I could make something with it.  The colors are much like my Persian rugs,   I have been mulling this over and finally was inspired by the "Over and Down Under" quilts my friends have been making.  With the help from quilt teacher, Judy Doenias, I am making a table runner.  I do love a challenge.  Thank you, Sally!

Now to quilt and bind...

A Gift to Be Simple

My friend Jim and I made this quilt for the veterans' hospital on LI.  Jim selected the colors and cut strips while I sewed.  I love how it looks with my Shaker boxes and basket, and now I want to make another... to keep! 

Another Year, Another UFO

Have been in the quilt doldrums lately.  My beloved Jack's Chain is progressing ever so slowly.  Knee replacement surgery knocked me out for a long while. Now I really need to get moving on something easier.  I have been smitten with my friend Karen's quilt (above)...her version of a Kaffe Fassett design.  What the heck!  Will kick off the new year with something completely different.  The whole world is in a state of disequilibrium anyway! 

However, I will not abandon "Jack"

Jack's Chain

Have started another new quilt!  I know I already have too many works-in-progress, but I simply could not resist taking one last class at City Quilter before it closes.  "Jack's Chain" is an oldie but goodie.  Am piecing it all by hand and want to make it for my son and brand new daughter-in-law for Christmas.  Think I'll make it?

Big hearts for Orlando

 

My dear friends, Naomi and Geraldine came over to make big heart blocks today.  They will be made into quilts for the victims in Orlando.  It was a pleasant afternoon considering the ugly tragedy that took place last week.   Quilting in rainbow colors is very therapeutic!

Hand Sewing with Agnes

Hand piecing trees is good on this beautiful spring day.  Allergies are keeping us indoors for now.

"Hand Sewers Anonymous"

A small group meets at my place every other week to sit and hand-sew.  We like to share tips and challenge each other.  N... showed me her latest block design.  This  6" block will be fun to add to my ongoing Red & White Sampler that I started some years ago.   I need a support group!!

Diamonds Done!

Done at last!  Swapped the HST's last fall and now it's almost spring!  No excuses here,  as it was all machine made...even the binding was finished with my edge-stitching foot.  (The back fabric is heavy canvas and not easy for me to needle)  It cheers me up to see all these colors on yet another snowy day! 

Color Therapy

Was in a mid-January funk so I decided to make a yellow quilt.  What goes with yellow?  Probably everything!  Having a great time using up assorted charm squares here.  The yellow fabric is from Victoria Findlay Wolfe's new collection Mostly Manor.  Feeling better already...

New Vest for a New Year

I started the New Year by making a new vest.  Bought this African mud cloth a while ago, and I thought it would make a nice garment.  It was woven in Mali, a country in the news lately.  I am sorry for their troubles, but I am glad to have this wonderful fabric to wear.  If only their lives could be  as beautiful as their art...

Oh Christmas Tree...

Carole E's little Christmas Tree quilt has taken up space on my favorite recliner.  She picked some wonderful fabrics and they look right at home with all my greens.

Rockin' Star

Rockin' with my "Arkansas Star" little machine-paper-pieced quilt made by Kim Woods, my online Bee Pal from Missouri.

Postage Stamp Basket

 Kim H's wonky gold star quilt with a postage stamp background is keeping my basket of stamps covered until they all are assembled.  My little Christmas quilt tour continues...