Ladies of the Sea Block #4

Finally!

This block was started way back in July

it wasn't a difficult block…

other projects just took over!

Surprise in the border and a new start ….

with the top of my Sashiko / Applique quilt done

(Sylvia Pippen design)

I struggled with what to do for the border…

really wanted something different.

decided on a Sashiko border!

 with and applique surprise every once in a while!

really like how it's turning out…

New project…

Using 2" pentagon paper piece papers

and fabrics from my stash of Bonnie and Camilla.

 This is what I've come up with so far - 

a 16" red polka dot background square,

blue/white hounds tooth fabric in the center,

sashing in a blue/grey fabric, 

cornerstones in a blue/white fabric

blue piping

and flowery border.

but it's still in the percolating stage!

It's starting to come together!

My Sashiko and Applique Quilt

is starting to come together!!

The center is done!

quilting ideas are running around in my head…

but next up borders … hmmm…what to do?

Maybe a sashiko border?!?….

we shall see what the new year brings!

Happy New Year to all!

Block #7 of the Sashiko and Applique Sampler

Block #7

Moth Orchid

Here they are on the design wall!

What a pretty Bunch!

just two more appliqué blocks and I can

start putting them all together!

Two more Sashiko and Appliqué blocks completed!

Anthurium

Plumeria

the Plumeria block was a challenge!

I did not like the way the pattern had me do the pieces

so I ripped it all out and designed my own

Plumeria flower … the challenge was

the petals overlapped

so my first flow center did not come out so hot

but with a little pressing and a few 

strategically place beads I think it will be ok!

Ladies of the Sea Block 3 Completed!

Just finished block 3 of

Ladies of the Sea !!!

for the grapes I used the circle templates

felt they were time consuming

but most of my grapes came out nice and round

only a few looked like a bird ate them!

the challenging part was the fleur-de-lis

especially the inner curve !

for the applique I'm using the freezer paper on the back method

the boat riggings are done with a grey 50wt  Aurifil thread

and the embroidery with a variegated 12 wt Sulky thread

Ladies of the Sea Blocks #1 and #2

The Bluenose ~ 1929

 Close up of Crown

The Elissa ~ 1877

close up of Anchor and Rope

Sew Crazy 2014 Quilt Retreat

Just back from 3 fun filled quilty days on the Cape

with members of SCQG.

We had a little quilting, some food and lots of laughs

oh and a blizzard!

The organizers Carolyn and Donna always pick a theme

this year it was Mexican Fiesta!

We even had a little bull fight!

I actually went to a quilting retreat WITHOUT

a sewing machine!!

Just packed up my sewing basket 

 

top tray full or goodies and tools...

 

box of embroidery floss

fits nicely under the top tray

and on top of…..

 a few hand projects….

 needle turn applique,
(block #3 of Ladies of the Sea)

embroidery
(block #8 of my Children by the Sea)

sashiko
(part of a table runner)

and an embroidery work box!
(This one will take forever -
the bunny and tree took 3 hours!)

And it was SO nice to only have to carry in my little basket
and not lug a big machine!

Can not wait for the next one!
Wonder what the theme will be???!

Ladies of The Sea ... Bluenose

Finished with block #1 of 

Ladies of the Sea (LOTS)

"The Bluenose 1929"

The boat came out a bit off from the pattern...

oh well! I'm pleased with it!

The sail riggings were a challenge,

after trying many different ways

and consulting the on line group

I decided to do a stem stitch in a

 dark grey (#5004) 50 wt Aurifil thread.

Aunt Millie's Garden appliqué ... DONE!

Another long term project ... done!

Can not believe it that I started this quilt

back in ....Ummm .... 2010? or was it 2009?

Anyway it's not when you start,
it's all about finishing,
and enjoying the process along the way.

This quilt did that for me,
Truly enjoyed every minute of this one.
Good thing, it did take forever!! (almost!)

dimensions 72 x 83

Really pleased with the combination of
Kaffe Fassett and Amy Butler fabrics on
the red batik.

I did change the corners from the original pattern.
Just didn't like how the pattern had the top and bottom
boarders running off the sides and not connecting with
the side boarders. But of course left that fix to the last minute
so it was a tiny challenge to come up with something!
But I think this works!

Now for the EXCITING part ...

deciding on a quilting design.
Planning on quilting this on my
Janome Memory Craft 6600!

This will be the first quilt that I have quilted
on my new Janome!

I am looking forward to that process too!
Visioning feathers, swirls and flowers!

Another Quilt Retreat!

Just back from another quilt retreat

This was a very low keyed relaxing retreat.

It's held at a Salvation Army Retreat Center...
Very calming and relaxing!

Here is my room...
Yup a little twin size bed, which was
actually pretty comfortable.
Had the room all to myself - that was a treat!
First time in 25 years I've been by myself!!

This is my favorite room,

a beautiful sitting room with gas fire places.

Just a wonderfully cozy room....

with a beautiful view of the frozen lake!

Saturday afternoon it was so sunny and beautiful,
made myself a huge cup of tea, gathered my applique,
and stitched for over an hour...
LOVED every tranquil minute of it!

 Here is the sewing room filled with 30 quilters, machines and Quilty Stuff!,
except me - no machine - just my sewing basket!

This weekend I worked on the  right border and was able to finish 

five flower sets and baste the last three in place.

 It's getting there!!!

Wonderful time at the SCQG Retreat

Just back from a laugh riot of a time 

at the SCQG Quilting Retreat held on the Cape.

Here is my view of the quilting room.

We had 30 Quilty Gals ... lots of fun & laughs.

We had a SAFARI theme this year
every one was given a hat to decorate!

Here is my hat decorated with wild animal stickers!

And the Prize Winning Hat...

Sue "borrowed" her grand kids stuffed animals!!
The only animal she didn't have was a monkey.
Her prize for the best hat ....
Yup - you guessed it...
a stuffed Sock Monkey!!


And here are the ring leaders of the SAFARI
Carolyn ans the Witch Doctor and
Donna as the Hunter

They always do a fabulous job every year putting together
the retreat ...Three days of  fun, food and friends!


Worked on my appliqué border

Yup didn't even bring a machine!
Very liberating ... all though I seemed
to have to carry in just as much quilty stuff!

Finished a Winter Taupe block and started the
McKenna Ryan "Beach Walk" fusible applique quilt!
More on those two later.
Now back to reality...
time to take down the Christmas decorations!!!

Only 365 more days until the next retreat....
I wonder what the next theme will be?!

Happy 2013 and my 100th Blog Entry!

HAPPY 2013!!

Can not believe this is Blog Entry # 100!!

Watched the ball drop in New York City ... on the TV!!

Went to bed and couldn't sleep!!

Up until 4:30 am!

Working on a UFO!

Remember this one

Started in on the appliqué boarder

Already had the vine appliquéd

worked on selecting fabrics for the petals!

Think I'm off to a good ... re-start!

My New Years Resolutions...

#1 - Become Healthier! 

(No more eating junk includes cookies and candy!)

#2 -  Spend more quality time with Hubby!

(That should be an easy one!)

#3 - Walk / Workout and loose 20 pounds by JUNE

(Oh My!)

#4 - Be the best Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend I can be

(only measured by the smile I see!)

HAPPY and HEALTHY New Year to Everyone!

Raffle Quilt Blocks for RNQG

One of my quilt buddies -  Deb  is organizing the quilt blocks for RNQG's

2013 raffle quilt.

I volunteered to make a few blocks and of course got carried away

(as usual!) and made four blocks.

The idea is to make a block of something you would find in your garden!

I thought that was fabulous - and completely original! 

The background fabric is black -

so I really wanted something that would POP off the block!

My first block was a beaded butterfly.

 I really could have kept on going with the beading (it's so addictive!)

but I contained myself!

I used silver embroidery thread for the antennas.

And YES I did needle turn applique - because I'm nuts!

For my second block I knew any garden of mine

would probably have a toadstool for sure!

I found this awesome Amy Butler fabric in my stash

for a funky cap to my toadstool -

and of course I just had to bead it!!

Then came along my version of a dragon fly!

With gold beads for eyes and beaded wings-

Can't you just see this guy flying around in the garden!?

Yes - more needle turn applique!

And every garden needs a Bluebird of Happiness!

I just love May / June when the bluebirds come into my garden - they are such a beautiful little bird.

I have a bird house just for them - I usually have to shoo a few sparrows away

to make room for the bluebirds! 

So those are my contributions to the raffle quilt ... I think it is going to be fabulous.

I think I'll buy SEVERAL books of tickets! I totally want to WIN this quilt!!