Framing Lincoln

Since it was Presidents Day on Monday, I decided to finish up a little quilt that I started last year.

Mr. Lincoln:

This may seem quite simple, but when only a few fabrics are used, I find it quite challenging to pick just the right ones.  Notice it is log cabin style piecing :)

On the back I used a toile' with a river scene.  In the foreground is a flat boat, much like the one that Abe traveled down to deliver goods to New Orleans.

You can see with the spool of thread in this photo that it is quite small.

I was inspired by this little quilt that my friend, Susan McD made with the first four Presidents.  Isn't it great?

This week I started reading "The Invention of Wings", Sue Monk Kidd.   You can click here for the page on Amazon.  It is a story of a slave girl and her abolitionist "owner".   There are references to patchwork quilting, and also primitive applique' - my favorite!

Happy Friday everyone and enjoy the weekend - Closing Ceremonies on Sunday!

Siberia and Fun For Friday (early)

Hello from the Winter Olympics of Connecticut!   We are in the midst of yet another winter storm.   I'm posting today in case the worst happens. . . and we know what that is.

Hooray!  I finished my two Mid-Winter Blues quilt tops while watching Olympic Curling.

For this one I used red lattice, cheddar cornerstones and a blue border -

Here is my second one set with pink lattice, red cornerstones and a column print that I love.  How different it looks.

Rich had a work snow day today.  Here he is getting ready for an adventure with coco -

Here is the snow on the deck outside the kitchen.  I know, we all have this view, don't we?

Next up today:  finish pinning the lavender quilt.

Fun For Friday - Harry Potter Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service is offering this wonderful little "book" of Harry Potter stamps.  I'm spellbound!

It is really well done and each stamp is different.   What a "magical" surprise.

Happy Valentines Day - Stay safe and warm

Olympic Quilts!!!

Hope you are enjoying the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia.

I am a total Olympic enthusiast.  I love to watch the competition, hear the back stories, and learn about the culture of the host country.

Here is a review of Quilts that I have made to commemorate recent Olympics:

I started this quilt during the opening ceremonies of the games in Turin, Italy.  The eagles are holding the Olympic rings.

Beijing Summer 2012 - the star is made in the colors of the rings, which represent the 5 continents.  They use these colors because they are the common colors in ALL country flags.

Vancouver, Canada Winter 2010 got a pass -

London Summer 2012 games - Liberated crowns and stars.

I have too many irons in the fire to do one for these games.

Can you believe the Sochi uniforms are patchwork?  They are literally designed to represent the patchwork quilt to reflect the different regions of Russia!

The US sweaters look to me like an americana quilt pattern in the Red Wagon style.

The medals look to me like English Paper Piecing diamonds - 

Lastly who doesn't love these guys from Norway (No Way)?  I am especially attracted to them having recently finished a chevron quilt top, which I plan to pin and start quilting this week.

Grab some sewing and enjoy the games! 

GO WORLD :)

Gwen Marston & Quilt Along

Good Monday Morning!

I received a nice note from Gwen Marston about her one woman show at the Dennos museum in Traverse City, MI.  The exhibit is stunning and gallery space is perfect for showcasing her work.   She sent me a link to a slide show with 100 photos.  Click HERE to see them.

If you've read my blog for awhile, you know that I consider Gwen a mentor as well as a friend.  Her philosophy and work ethic has informed my quilting journey.  Thanks Gwen.

The museum recorded Gwen's 45 minute lecture and it here it is.  How wonderful that we can enjoy it from our couch.   I've heard Gwen lecture many many times but I am always inspired and awed by her insight and point of view.

Make a cup of tea and enjoy!




Hooray!  Lori is presenting another quilt along for us.  Join in the fun.  It's always fun to have a new little project.  Click here for the link to MidWinter Blues.

Here are my sets -

I've decided to double down.  I've made 2 sets and will make 2 little quilts.  I plan to set them with different colors.

Fabric ABP!  My Mothers Garden quilt was saved by a generous woman in Michigan.  She sent me some of the background so I could finish my quilt.  She is desperately searching for this fabric.  It is from the Windham Presidents Collection line.  Do you have any?  Please leave a comment and I'll get you her info.

Please search your stash for this:

How can all this primrose beauty cost me only $1.67 at the grocery store?

Thanks Stop and Shop.   Have a great Week everyone!

Fifty Shades......of Lavender!

Hooray!  My first big finish (top) for 2014.  This is a quilt for my daughter Hanna's bedroom.  It's not really 50 shades of lavender, but I couldn't resist naming it that.

You can see by my boot prints that we got lots of snow, about 8 inches.  I'm working on a quilting plan with variegated purple thread and a gorgeous backing fabric.

Here is a view of the 8" of snow on the deck early this morning.

I love when the snow looks blue in the early morning.  Coco is making a serious inspection of it.

 Hmm......

A good batch - I'm planning to do a little snow shoeing later with this wild animal.

Jubilee quilt update - I've nearly finished the whole center portion!

You can see it better on the back.  I'm always amazed how different the quilted areas look and feel.

I've posted more photos and information on The Jubilee Quilt blog.

I've got lots of new ideas and projects percolating and hope to be posting more in the future.  Time seems to be flying by lately!