There's A Hex On Me!

Every time I turn around I find that the hexagons are mulitplying!  It's all good. Using two of my favorite tools: the Hex and More and Sidekick rulers, I find that the possibilities of creating new hexagonal designs are, quite possibly, limitless! These shapes are the subject of the current block-of-the-month at my LQS; our instructor (Quiltkeemosabe, see former post!) encourages us each month to explore many different variations using triangles, split triangles, diamonds and, this month, even larger diamonds! I have absolutely no idea how I will set these together, time will tell. I am leaving my options open until the end.

But, of course, I have chosen my setting fabrics already. I scored these beauties at the Pineapple warehouse sale last month. Why let current indecision stand in the way of some serious shopping? That would just be silly; and, in my own defense, I'm under the influence of that hex after all.😉

Life is Good!

52%

These are the latest blocks completed from Rosemary Youngs' Quilt Block Bible. Quiltkeemosabe and I are more than halfway through writing directions and making each and every block in the book. At my last calculation I was 52% done; now I am moving onto applique- curves, that makes me smile... I love me some hand work! So, what does 52% look like and how am I keeping track of our work, piecing/cutting directions and the blocks themselves?

52% equals two loose leaf binders, full. Each completed block is filed in order, by number, and slipped into a page protector together with all of of its pertinent data. We're using every method we know: specialty rulers, templates, paper piecing... whatever it takes.

I'm including a few close-ups here of the fussy cutting I did. I had a length of fabric with quotes and these positively charming illustrations by Susan Branch; perfect for these little block centers. This one says: "Millions long for immortality but don't know what to do on a rainy afternoon" - Susan Ertz

 "All the way to Heaven is Heaven" - St. Catherine of Sienna

No quote, but a perfect resting place for this toile fussy cut. 

And, finally... this makes me want to brew a cup of tea right now... and read Little Women... again!

Life is Good!

Wool Gathering

I'd like to thank Cathi, from Shakerwood Woolens, for her personal assistance in choosing these warm and wonderful hand-dyed wool pieces for the project pictured above. You've got to love a business that has the following scripture verse printed on her business form: "She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Proverbs - 31:13  The hands are willing; now to just schedule some God-given time for this sweet bird and berries! I believe that the approaching cooler weather will be the perfect time for wool!

Just look at who crept (and flew) into the sunflower block, and just in time for class next week! The symmetry of this block is very appealing, it must be the Libra in me; I'm always searching for balance.

Life is Good!

New Week, New Month

I turned the calendar page to June yesterday. Gasp! The first week is already full; jammed. Appointments, meetings and two separate out-of-town overnight trips; all before Saturday. I reflected on what I need to do vs. what I want to do and then paused to count my blessings. I am blessed that I'm able to go and do, period. It's all a matter of perspective.

I had my Southern Album class yesterday afternoon. I hadn't finished my homework either, the Oak Reel and Acorn block was still in pieces and not appliqued to the background. I used a few found moments before class began to simply sit and stitch quietly by hand... it was heaven, free from commitments and distractions. I never seem to be able to locate those moments when I'm at home. There's always laundry to put away, a meal to prepare or a ringing phone to answer. I reminded myself that if I don't find that time, every day, it's not going to come knocking at the door all by itself.

I have just brewed a pitcher of Raspberry Iced Tea. I'm going to pour myself a glass and sit outside this afternoon, I'll finish up my applique homework from May. If not now, when? Rest assured that his busy week before me will all fall into place, day by day, they always do. I've written myself a prescription: June afternoons, take one hour a day! These self assigned bright spots are vibrantly glowing, yet patiently waiting, on my otherwise overfilled calendar pages of must-do chores.

Why do I do this?
Certainly the busy-ness won't endure for all time;
but, the quilt will!
Life is Good!

It's About Time!

We all know that in order for some of the finest wines, and antiques, to reach full value they need to spend the proper amount of time aging. I would suggest that the same is true for quilt projects. In June of 1998 my daughter graduated from college. I traveled from Auburn, Alabama to New England that summer and visited Rachel's Quilt Patch in Staunton, VA along the way. At that time Rachel Brown, the owner, had just introduced an applique project, in a block-of-the-month format to subscribers. Entitled "The Adoration", it featured precious figures and animals in a nativity-themed wallhanging. I happily signed up to receive the pattern and fabric kits by mail, at great expense; as I was still living in Switzerland at that time. But, I reasoned, it would be worth it. Well, I collected all the kits; in a basket. I moved, and took my collection of kits with me. I moved again; and again! Last year I happened to notice that Rachel Brown had published the patterns in book form, a very affordable option. Do I regret my "premature" purchases? "No", I rationalized, "I still have all the fabrics included with my patterns"! And, after all, my kits have now aged to perfection. I finished block #1(of 13) last week; it's about time, and timing is everything!

Life is Good!

A Southern Album Adventure

I mentioned last week that I'm starting an adventure in a year-long album class. It's a Southern Album Adventure, and the fun has begun! Pictured here at left is the finished top of a friend, she was in last year's class. There were five tops, and completed quilts, on display at Sunday's "preview" party. The class will be based on Kristin Steiner and Diane Frankenberger's collaborative effort: A Southern Album. Originally published in 2001, it has been out of print but will be back on store shelves again next month. This book is definitely NOT a how-to quilt book at all, but rather an inspirational treasury of southern wit and wisdom with patterns, quilt blocks and recipes thrown in for good measure. The quilts that emerge following this adventure are a sight to behold. I will add my own elements along the way, certainly some strawberries and a dachshund will wander their way onto my creation! I have chosen my fabrics and will patiently await my premier instructional class on the first Sunday of February. One thing that I'm looking forward to the most is the hand-applique, a forced approach to sitting calmly and slowing down; I am determined to enjoy that for the sake of exactly what it is. Take a look at the other inspirational quilts displayed from the Southern Album 2007 class, below:

You can see why I'm so excited now, can't you?

Life is Good!

I Can't Wait!

I'm not good at waiting, I'll admit that. I don't like to wait in lines (this could explain my aversion to cafeterias) or in waiting rooms or even for packages to arrive! I'm getting a new laptop to soon, it's on order, and the time spent awaiting its arrival on my doorstep is almost intolerable! When I was a little girl the wait for my birthday, and then Christmas, were the longest waits of all! If I have something to occupy myself during times of forced waiting I can manage much better. These blocks are quite old. I have been working on them since 1999. They are a portable handwork project that I drag out from time to time, dust off and carry with me when I know I'm going to be forced to sit, and wait. (I think it's always a good idea to have some unfinished handwork packed up and ready-to-go; luckily for me, this is never a problem!) Recent blogs showing "stitchery" brought this UFO to mind. I was surprised to see how many blocks I already had completed when I located this last week. I made two more blocks over the weekend while I was held captive as a passenger in the car! The redwork designs came from a book, Redwork 101 Designs by Suzanne McNeill (amazingly, it's still available!), they are ironed onto unbleached muslin. I layer a piece of red fabric over the top, both right-sides up, and baste the two squares together by machine. I draw a circle on the top fabric and cut away the top layer while reverse-appliqueing the opening to reveal the design for embroidery beneath. I then work the embroidery design with a stem stitch using two strands of floss. I found a pretty ivory and red checked fabric, folded up with the project, that I had selected for the sashing and borders, I like that as much today as I did eight years ago! I have a red scalloped applique outer border in mind and am thinking about smaller ivory circles appliqued on top of the scallops with little red lazy-daisy embroidered flowers on these smaller shapes. Doesn't that sound pretty? I'm eager to see this little cutie come to life as the quilt I've dreamed into being.

Actually, I can't wait!
Life is Good!