Exchange

One of my favorite blogs to visit belongs to Frieda in Scotland. She posts wonderful pictures of the surrounding countryside and estate gardens. I have to say I am extremely jealous, especially now as we are still under snow here in Michigan while snowdrops are starting to making an appearance in other parts of the northern hemisphere. She also is a gifted artist - creating wonderful quilts of all sizes using different techniques and materials.  

Recently Frieda finished a quilt and lamented the need to refresh her stock of old white buttons. I offered to send her some from my stash (I have LOTS of buttons) - the only thing I requested in exchange was a piece of her art work. 

And she very kindly agreed! Bird Inchie Quiltie arrived recently. It is 8 x 8 with 25 inchies on a lovely background of blue and white fabric. There are small beads all along the border. I love it! Thanks so much Frieda...Enjoy Jewels

When Mail Art Friends Meet

I've been fortunate to make new friends through blogs, swaps, flickr and emails. Most times there is a photo posted somewhere so I know what my new acquaintances look like...but I often wonder what their voices sound like (I saw a video Lenna narrated so that mystery was solved LOL). When I found out my Mail Art friend Beth was coming to town (to take in my Guild's Annual Quilt Show even) I jumped at the chance to meet her and her sister Joyce. We had a great time gabbing about artsy things at the show and going for a nice lunch...

Leslie! Here's proof we got together - Beth on left and me on the right - fun....

The Quilt Show was awesome to - though my photos hardly do it justice. 

We had close to 600 people attend over the weekend - a record for us.

And our popular bazaar table almost emptied out again (we shake our heads every year when we see this happen).

Just a sampling

For you to enjoy...

This was one of my favorites - a King size bedspread made for a son and daughter in law (I believe the DIL is a biologist and the son a surfer).

I shouldn't be surprised at the quality of the entries every year - all of my friends in the Guild are wonderful quilters. Enjoy. Jewels

Quilt Repair

There is something about the feel, the colours, the patina of old quilts...every time I pick one up I think "what's your story".

So I was quite happy when my sister in law asked if I could do some damage control on a lovely summer quilt she had bought for my niece (don't be fooled, while it was all hand quilted those are NOT individual blocks - instead two large pieces of fabric sewn together). The binding definetly was in bad shape and needed some tender loving care...

After consulting with my Guild peeps, we all came the conclusion it had to go...surgery was required as there was no way to fix it...Fortunately cutting it off did not really impact much on the overall size...

Though it did allow me to see some very old batting that had lumped up so much in some spots it had to be removed...The challenge then was to pick a matching fabric that did not distract from the original material...I tried a white muslin but it was just too white...

And then, without thinking about it too much, I found the perfect match in JoAnnes....

Kate (my sister in law) and Sydney (my niece) were quite happy with the end result. It has returned to its rightful place on Syd's cottage bed (it is, after all, a summer quilt)...enjoy, Jewels

Lousy Weather BUT...

...very pretty Quilt Show. All of my Guild friends could not believe the SNOW we were getting earlier Sunday.

But the good news is it did not seem to deter the crowds (thank you) that came out to our show over the weekend.

Our best turn out ever - just keeps growing and growing every year.

I'm rubbish at these kinds of photos with my little camera - but hope you can get the gist of some of the lovely works on display.

Our Challenge Quilt theme was "Wish You Were Here" - members had to pick a country and create a 22 x 24 "travel poster". We all agree we have a very talented bunch - and folks were literally coming from all over the state to our little show.

Heh those look familiar!This will have been our 8th show and I think we are getting a reputation - we certainly seem to have many repeat visitors.

So congratulations everyone - and see you next year! Jewels

A Casual Quilter

I have lists…It’s a curse really – but I come by it honestly. My Dad is big on lists too.
I have grocery lists, home to do lists, works lists (multiple there) and, of course, “art/craft” lists like this..(it's pretty sad when you have multiple copies of the SAME list - yikes!)

Now art should be spur of the moment, correct? I have my list but often I go off on little unplanned projects (which is okay by me). Not too long ago I was big on quilting. You can see some of my work in previous posts. Lately though I find I have moved on to other things. I don't do the big quilts like I used to. The good news, a lot of my quilting skills still apply. Which brings me to my current quilting project (which IS on the list) – a gift for friends who recently had a second darling daughter. I’ve made a lot of baby quilts over the years so you would think I would have it down pat… Even though I know all the steps I can still get caught out making mistakes. Like fussy cutting (dang you Owls, it took me a while to get you in the right direction and I STILL managed to mess up). I always figure its not being entered into a competition and the kid is probably going to “do” something on it anyway (that’s reality) ... so it does not have to be absolutely perfect. Still it’s cute – but I don’t know when the next one will get done (they are on my list, yes Sis including one for you). I guess I better get to them soon and not be so "casual" (LOL)…Jewels

Oh the Possibilities!

My thrifting has been very sporadic lately – in fact I’ve curtailed it quite a bit (very easy to become overwhelmed and I NEVER want to be on one of those Hoarder reality shows – too scary! I can just hear my niece and nephews talking about their crazy old auntie buried in junk).
Besides, I have a pretty good stash I need to work with.
Even if it is a little disorganized.
These days when I “create” I try very had not to go out and pick up something “new” (except for required base supplies).
Instead, I dig and usually can find that “just right” piece (but not because I have a great memory for where things are – I really do need to go digging).
So when I DO find something that really speaks to me (hubby does not buy that rationale) and that price is right (Free is best) I feel obligated to rescue it.
This quilt top is a good example. A woman had brought it in to a local thrift store and said it was made by her mother – but none of the grandchildren wanted it (can you imagine).
Unfortunately, by the smell (soapy) and condition it is obvious someone “washed” it (ARGHHHH) – which has caused the rather thin muslin that makes up the sashing to fall apart.
And the stars are very wrinkled up in the back - some careful "blocking" is required to regain their intended shape.
But everything is hand sewn. And since I knew I would not be able to “recover” the destroyed parts I have been carefully removing the LeMoyne Star blocks.
They are so sweet! I think the material is probably 30’s 40’s (what do you think). I’ll have to take to our next Guild meeting for some expert opinions.
And oh the possibilities! There are over 50 blocks around 5 ½ inches square.
A couple are stained but I am not willing to “wash” again.
I think they could be used for all sorts of things – in a collage, a fabric “page” in an altered book, a small quilt wall hanging …
What do you think – any and all ideas welcome! I'm just happy I was in the right place at the right time to save these little gems....Enjoy Jewels.