Quilt Archive

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Daisy Chain Table Topper

Hello Blog Friends!

Well, I've been back at the sewing machine and have completed one of the UFOs hanging in wait on my craft room door.  I didn't share this one with you before this, since it was a gift for Mom's birthday this past week.  Since she reads the blog faithfully (like a good mother should!), I didn't want to spoil the surprise.

I bought this cute little topper as a kit, from eBay of all places.  The coordinating fabrics are all from the "He Loves Me" line from Maywood.  I had enough for the topper, but could not find any coordinating fabric anywhere on the 'net for the back, since it is several years out of print.  So, off to my local quilt shop, and found a perfect olive green (for the back and binding) from the Moda Marbles series.



The topper sewed up quickly.  Notice the mitered corners in the border. I ran a line of decorative flower stitches along the daisy line in the outer border, stitch in ditch on both sides of the inner border, and did a small free motion meander in the center.

I had a large enough piece of the border fabric left over, so I incorporated it in the back.  I also stitched the label in this border.

I think it turned out well.  Mom was pleased with it.  It now graces her dining room table.







I've begun the finishing work on Heather's Jewel Box.  So far the backing is made, and I'm ready for pinning and quilting.  I have a tight timetable on this one...it needs to be finished by April 6 so I can give it over to her mother, who will deliver it to her later in the month.

I'll check back with you in about a week once it is finished.  Meanwhile, happy sewing and thanks for visiting!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

National Quilting Day 2014.

Hello Blogger Friends!

What better way to celebrate National Quilting Day than with a Quilt Show?  I celebrated today by attending the Sewing and Quilting Expo in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  The Expo included a judged Quilt Show, a local Vendor Mall, and a wide variety of workshops presented by some very talented local quilters.  Here are some of the quilts that caught my eye:

I loved this one.  It features lighthouses in Door County, Wis.  One of my favorite subjects and places!
 
This one features airplanes in the centers of the squares.
 
An M.C. Escher-esque piece.
 
A little whimsy to end the day.
 
I attended three lectures given by Chris Kirsch which included techniques for adding curves and arcs to quilts, fiber art possibilities, and binding treatments and techniques.  All three lectures were accompanied by a trunk show of her incredible work.  Here is a picture of Chris and one of her amazing art quilts.
 

I learned about foundation paper piecing from Ann Wanke with some very valuable insider tips and how-tos.  She also shared some samples of her small scale beautiful work.  I enjoyed this class, as I really haven't done any paper piecing.  I have actually shied away from patterns requiring paper piecing, thinking it was too difficult and daunting a task.  Ann's demo made it look easy and I think I might try it!  My final lecture of the day was with Wendy Rieves, who shared some ideas about making quilt labels.  She also shared some of her award winning work.

I came away from the day with ideas and inspiration.  Hopefully you will be seeing the fruits of that inspiration in the near future.  For now, however, it is nose to the grindstone to finish the UFOs I told you about in earlier posts.

FYI:  The sewing machine is finally back home in its cabinet after a lengthy stay at the repair shop.  She's glad to be home again and is anxious to get working again.  So am I.  I'll update you with progress on my next post.

Until then...