Merry Month of May

 Cherry on Top is what I think I call this little liberated basket quilt.  I finished sewing the top yesterday.  

Here are a few other design ideas that I auditioned. 

I like the side element in the last photo and I'll use that in a future project I think.

At long last I have finished the machine quilting on Chernobyl.   I have decided to add embroidery stem stitching to the lettering to make them a little tidier.  Then on to binding.

Hand quilting is competed on my Whig Rose Quilt!  Just need to make and attaching binding.....and a sleeve......and oh yeah a label.  So you know still some work to be done.

Things have been pretty wild around here.  I spotted this beautiful male Oriole trying to drink my hummingbird nectar.

I quickly put an orange out and this sweet couple were coming every day for a while.  The male always went first!  

Coco and I spotted this juvenile fox on a walk this week in our neighborhood.  The photo isn't great because it was far away.

And this wild thing?   She went outside and stayed out for about 5 hours.   What's a mother to do?  She was quite pleased with herself and took an extra long nap.

Have you ever made a liberated basket quilt?  I'm thinking of offering it as a workshop because they are so fun and each one is unique.

Here is one I made many years ago.

And some blocks with African fabrics.  

And one of Gwen Marstons'.

Well that is all the news for now.  Have a great day!

xo

Blurrsday? Already?

This week I'm back in the sewing room working on a fun new liberated basket project.

I love this process of making each basket with no pattern.

I'm using beautiful Indigo and Woven Japanese fabrics that Gladi sent me as a thank you for some fabric I sent her.  I got the better end of that deal.  She has wonderful blog you can see here.

I made these on Tuesday afternoon and was disappointed with the lack of contrast.  Everyone on Instagram thinks they are black and they do look black!

I made six more blocks yesterday on a light cheddar color.  (seen here under a very bright light).

It is so fun to make different shaped baskets.

I added this little fishy as a band on this basket.

I am using a quick method of top stitch applique' for the handles.

I had no intention of combining these blocks but while waiting to join a Zoom with friends, I arranged them on my wall and what they heck?  I like it!  Do you?   Stay tuned I plan to add more liberated blocks.

Quilting update:
 I'm quilting along on my Whig Rose when I can.

Here is the back.  I have just started my third block of outline stitching.

Here is the section where I've filled in the background cross-hatching.

Here is a little marker so I remember where I left off.  It is just a ribbon on a safety pin.

I've had my head down putting the final touches on my new Lecture:  Sensational Solids.   Which I'll be sharing Monday night with the Pen Oaks Guild.  Looking forward to it!

You can see a description at the top of the page on the Lectures/Workshops tab.  Your guild can contact me for information on my  ZOOM programs.

Please visit Janet's blog post about kindness and Loving your Neighbor.  I was so touched by her remarks and I think you will be.

Here is my quilt "Won't You Be My Neighbor".
In my quilt, and in my life I welcome anyone to be neighbor.  I make an extra effort when I do go out to be kind and thankful to all the people working in grocery stores, drug stores, post offect, doctors offices, etc.  There is no such thing as being too Kind.

I'm taking a morning workshop Saturday and then a 2-day workshop Saturday and Sunday afternoon.  Should be fun!

Have a Happy Blurrsday.

xo

Finally Fall

Happy Official Autumn! (in the North)
One of my favorite quilts for fall "Harvest Baskets" ala Gwen Marston inspiration.

It was so cool that we made a fire and sat out.  Marvelous!  My boys look like twins :)

New Flash:  I have a new item in my Etsy Shop - a 1 oz. white basting glue with a mirco tip and build in cap. $5.00 plus shipping.

 I'm working on my 2nd Whig Rose Block.  I don't get much time to sit these days but when I do I love stitching on this project.

End of the season for my annuals.  I really enjoyed this mix.

 I LOVE moss roses (portulaca).  They open everyday when the sun comes out.

I'll plant more of this next year~ they are drought resistant too.

I did a little fall decorating by my kitchen sink...you know where I'll enjoy it often.  The cardinal was glowing on this rainy day.

 My theme was New England houses.

 Easy Food Hack:
Spread refrigerated crescent rolls with pesto (this is a Costco brand and is excellent!) sprinkle with cheese and bake.

I was very luck to get this last photo - they go very quickly here!

Lastly, I hung my Sumptuous Stars EPP Star quilt for the fall.  It is always fun to see old friends.  I use the Hang it Dang It  and as I've said before:  it is the PERFECT accessory for hanging quilts.

It's Fair Weekend - woo hoo!!! Hope you are doing something fun too.
xo

Guild Luncheon

Saturday, June 9th, was the year end luncheon of the Brownstone Quilters, which included the Basket Challenge Quilt reveal.

Here is mine "Harvest Baskets"

The theme was "Basket" and had to include the challenge fabric, which I used on the handles and the binding. It also had represent a month.  I had September, so I made 9 baskets with harvest prints and autumn colors.

I used the liberated basket technique from Gwen's recent workshop.

I really liked the way the challenge fabric worked with these  two prints-

I used this beautiful bird and floral print for the backing and the used challenge fabric around the label.

For lunch I brought a layered Mexican salad.

As part of the Hostess committee I volunteered to make the centerpieces.  Norma and I found these cute tin "baskets" at Joanne Fabrics and I filled them with gerbera daisies.

Happy Monday - I'll see you soon with the other 31 challenge quilts.