Fiddle Sticks

I've been busy the last few days quilting up a few quilt tops for a friend, they were donated to her Quilt Ministry. They are both wonderful, scrappy quilts; my favorite kind! The first one is bright and spring-like in its coloration. Working on it was like a ray of warm sunshine. (Something that has been desperately needed in our neck of the gloomy, rainy woods lately). My friend told me that this one would go to a lady from her church who's a shut-in, she's very spunky and positive.

This is the quilt, my friend included a hot pink flannel backing and I thought that hot pink quilting thread might add a bit more "punch" to the overall look; I believe it will fit a spunky and positive lady!

The next quilt, below, is to go to a home bound gentleman. 

Here it is, before, during and after quilting. I used a pantograph called "Calm Water" by Anne Bright in a sand-colored thread. I'm inspired by this quilt design; all of the "bricks" are 2" X 6", the inner border is 4", the brick off-sets are all 2" squares and the corner squares are 6". I drafted up the design in EQ (above, left), so that I wouldn't forget, and named it "Fiddle Sticks". Guess which bin of precut scraps I'll be raiding next? My friend's Quilt Ministry is blessed, indeed, to have some fine piecers in their group. 

I began quilting on my own Star Flowers low volume quilt yesterday. The sun has returned and the days have warmed up nicely, such a change from the cold rain that we've been plagued with for weeks on end. That didn't stop me from quilting "Puddles" though. This is a new (to me) pantograph, I love the effect.

Life is Good! 

On The Plus Side

This is a re-post of sorts from the spring of 2014. I know that there are no shortage of quarantine sew-alongs and patterns out there to stitch up while we are sheltering at home. Here's one more. If there was ever a time to make a quilt oozing of positivity-- this is the time! These blocks were designed in EQ and are super quick and easy to sew; believe me, the hardest part will be selecting your fabrics and stopping-- making these little blocks are like eating potato chips! Your cutting directions are pictured below, these cute little "plus" blocks finish to five inches.

Here's the layout:

This quilt (my finished quilt is pictured below) as drafted finishes to 45" X 55" including a 2.5" inner border. Certainly the size could be boosted with additional sashing or extra blocks.

Have fun with this. 

Adapting to an upside down 🙃world: As I mentioned earlier, spring is coming on and there's no stopping that. Mr. Goodneedle and I have rebooted our outdoor walking regimen to right after breakfast (we're early risers); there's no one else outside yet and at this time of year we're serenaded by bird song and emerging foliage. We have a bluebird couple nesting in the nesting box right outside my studio space, this morning we observed them both sitting on top of the box in all their glory. I will check the box in a few days for any eggs. I hope that you're all well, staying safe and healthy; wash your hands!🧼

Prayer update: Thanks one and all for your prayers for Quiltkeemosabe's husband. He had surgery last evening and the best of all possible outcomes was realized. He's been moved to a post-surgical ICU at this time, things are really looking up for him and their family today! Your prayers are working!

"But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer." Psalm 38:15

Think Positive!

Life is Good!

Up next: Sorting It Out

Quilts of Valor

I have really enjoyed being a volunteer quilter for Quilts of Valor. It's a unique opportunity to give back, practice my  long-arming and being treated to new and different patriotic quilt top designs; layouts, settings and blocks.  
I receive and quilt two a month and just finished this month's assignment. They are folded and boxed and ready to be shipped back for binding and future presentation. I thought you would like to see them too.

I loved this simple block design and the way it combined over all to create the look of the "floating" square. It looks great in red, white and blue but would be equally stunning in any three color combination. Here is a close up of the block.

I drafted it up in EQ to save the idea on a front-burner of my brain. (Too many ideas get back burnered and, eventually, fall off the stove top!) The colored block plan and cutting directions are below, enjoy!

The block measures 12", finished. It is composed of the following pieces: cut 1 center square (shown in blue), 6.5". From white fabric cut 2 rectangles, 6.5" X 3.5" and 2 squares, 3.5" squares. Cut from red: 2 rectangles, 6.5" X 3.5" and 2 squares, 3.5" squares. Lay out the block as shown above. Using 1/4" seam, attach two joined squares to the top and bottom of the center square, paying attention to color placement and then adding the side rectangles which have been joined on the short ends. Press. Repeat. Admire!

Life is Good!

The Last Straw

"The Last Straw" ~ 56" X 70"

I've set together these blocks from the latest of block-of-the-month series at my LQS. This colorway offered a variety of indigo and white on white fabrics plus the option of adding an additional fabric of the quiltmaker's choice. I had a length of a straw-colored, sketch-y, print in my stash and began incorporating that into each block for continuity; I liked the combination. By the time I had added the straw print into block #12 it was clear to me that my dwindling supply of "straw" was going to make using it in the border a carefully planned exercise in conservation. Using EQ7, I came up with this setting; and, based on the yardage calculations in the software program, it showed that I should have just enough! Fingers crossed, I set to work, carefully measuring and cutting. It worked; I didn't have very much left over, but I had enough; and that's all that mattered!

The last of the straw...
and, all of a sudden, this quilt had a name!
Life is Good!