Quilts at Last

I finally completed the quilts that were requested almost 2 years ago. Life happened and they were worked on, planned, designed, redesigned, and finally came to life. I had the opportunity to deliver them myself to my nieces and nephew in Montreal.

The trip might get some post time as it was a great time with family in a beautiful, bustling city.

I hope these quilts bring joy to their hearts and a smile to their faces when they use them.

Teacher Retirement Quilts

This year we have two teachers retiring and I wanted to do something special for them. I was inspired by this quilt. I used the fabric pastels and so far they seem to be holding up. Once I ironed them they stopped smudging and seem set. I'll know for sure after I was them.Do not buy them on line. Your local craft store most likely carries them. I found them at Hobby Lobby with the t-shirts and fabric markers. They were $3.99 for the 15 ct and I used a 40% coupon.

My original idea was to have each student do 2-6" blocks with a garden theme (flower, butterfly, bird, tree etc.) Then I got to thinking about how much sewing that would mean for me. 137 blocks x 2. I only had a week to get the blocks done and the quilts made. I know that with 4 kids there was no way for me to get it done. So I opted for large panels. The first one I did 14x70 and had two classes share the panels and sashed them with "grass" in a green batik. On the bottom panel I made a large label of sorts.

For the second quilt I had more of a raised bed garden idea. The smaller panels I did one for each class (12x25). I like the way they turned out. The backings are simple white with a pieced strip. I'll post the finished product when I get them back this week.

I've sent them to a friend to quilt for me. I have never done that before and there is a sense of giving something up by not actually doing the quilting myself. I know they we be great but it was an interesting feeling I had not expected.

More Projects and Where I've been

The two quilts here are by my two oldest kids. Liz (8) designed and quilted the little owl quilt (8"x10") and the patchwork is by Ian (6). The bibs and such were for baby gifts. The pillow case was designed by Liz and constructed by me for a birthday gift. Here is the pattern I used for bib guidance. Basically you take an existing bib that you like and trace it. You could add terry cloth or vinyl to make them more absorbable. I used velcro because it's fast but you could do a button.

I finally finished this apron for my sister, 6 months late. She modeled it for me. Lemon and Lime. My husband is into bowties right now. They are really expensive to buy so we searched and found a pattern on-line. Trying to find fabric the looks good in tie form is also very hard. So we started taking apart ties he had and that we found for $5 or less. The result is, he is now a master tie maker! He has made nearly a dozen.
I gave him his own sewing box for Christmas because we don't do well sharing tools! We made a muslin draft first just to be sure we had the size right. Then he chopped up his one of his mission ties. We bought one tie with a slide and used it as a template for length. Interfacing on both sides has proved good when using a light weight interfacing. He made one without and it is too flimsy.

If you would like to know where I've been or rather why I haven't posted in an age you can see our family blog.

My Journey Part III 2004

Lots of small quilts for dolls and babies and finally finished the quilt for my daughter. The flower quilt was a fun original design. I love the one for my nephew, trip around the world, the way the colors move. Lots of fun squares this year. Started thinking about dolls too. Didn't make anymore than three to start. Only got back to things in 3-D again in 2008.

The world of quilting

I have been quilting since 2001. Mostly self taught and inspired by countless friends. I want to share what I do in between mothering and serving and keeping things running at home. I find myself moving from very traditional quilts to a more minimal modern look. I have some lofty goals for this year. I don't forsee this blog as an everyday thing for me. I am hoping for a once a week update and to use it as a journal of the past projects.

Baby Quilts: 6

First is to finish the baby quilt for baby no. 4. He is already 4 months old! Next is a baby quilt for a dear friend at purple petunia. She is one of my crafting buddies and inspirations. I have at least 2-3 more baby quilts to make in addition to these two.

Quilt for Valerie Spencer's quilt

Twin quilts: 3

My brother asked me to make bed quilts for their two girls. One likes pink and purple and the other is blue and a little bit of green. I want to to finish the one I started for my second son 2 years ago. I ran into a snag and neatly tucked it away. I think I am ready to tackle it again.

Quilts for my parents: 2-3

I have been putting off this project for a while. My mom has a queen sized quilt I made for her a few years ago. I want to make my parents throw quilts. Something to be warm and cozy under. A hug from me. Maybe a wallhanging too for my dad. He winters in Mexico and that might be the inspriration for that quilt.

My final goal for the year:

A king size quilt for US. I make lots of quilts. Very few stay in our house. I saw this quilt and thought this is it! I have drawn many drafts and started on thinking that was the one. But a project this big can lose it's appeal before it's done. I asked my husband what his two favorite colors were....green and black! How very interesting. I just bought 10 yards of black. Now to piece and accent with some great greens.