Monday, March 18, 2024

Trip Down Memory Lane

 


Happy Monday!

Lately I've been taking a trip down quilt memory lane.  There were many things that reignited my interest in quilting.  One was some of my co-workers at the college I worked at that showed me new techniques to use.  But a big influence was HGTV's Simply Quilts show with Alex Anderson.  How many of you watched that?

A few weeks ago, I was thinking of something that Alex once said and was surprised to find that some of the old shows are on the internet to watch.  It was wonderful to revisit the show.  At the time the show was actually on, I used to tape the shows.  Of course once the VCR died, that ended that pleasure.  I think that HGTV cancelled the show about 18 years ago.  What a mistake that network made!

One of the most memorable guests that comes to mind was Laura Wasilowski.  She's memorable to me because she had a dry sense of humor (Chicago School of Fusing) and because her technique is still one I occasionally use.

Do you remember a specific guest or technique you learned from the show?

Have a safe and happy day!






Sunday, March 10, 2024

Janet

 


I'm taking the week off from blogging.

My brother Jim needs me.  My sweet sister-in-law Janet passed on Saturday night after two tough years of illness.  Even though we knew it was coming, it's still so hard to comprehend.  

I'll see you next week.

Take care and stay safe.


Friday, March 8, 2024

Flower Friday: March 8, 2024


Happy Friday!


Yellow seems to be the color this week.  It's no wonder that yellow and purple are the colors of Easter.



My neighbor's aconite is starting to bloom and it is always a happy sign.  Strangely enough one of my neighbors has a forsythia that is blooming as well but it's in a protected spot.


The daffodils are up and we can see some buds forming but it will probably be another two weeks until we have flowers (depending on the temps).  My neighbor who has a very sunny spot in her garden, has blooms already!



Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Fan

 




Hello and good morning!

Guild went late last night.  I'm a little bit tired today  so I'm just featuring one piece.  This is the ribbon fan comfort.  It's a silk quilt that has some shattered pieces but it still is a stunning piece.  Note that on the right, the border is made of a wide silk ribbon.


Although it appears to be quilted, it is actually tied.  The backing is a pre-quilted fabric that was purchased at the time the quilt was made.  I can't even get a photo of the small stitches on the back that are binding the piece together.  


Have a safe and happy day!




Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Hexies

 


How are you today?  

We are expecting rain (again) here in eastern Pennsylvania but it sure beats snow!  

Sewing goes in waves and fads.  The last few years cross stitch has made a strong comeback and a lot of folks are doing English paper piecing.

I've never made a quilt involving hexagons.  It isn't the idea of English paper piecing that stopped me--I used to love handwork.  I think it is the look of hexagons.  

I knew someone in the quilt world who for a while kept collecting different kinds of hexagon quilts.  It was actually astonishing the different varieties she found.

In the 19th century, the pattern was often referred to as "mosaic".  

One young man, made a mosaic quilt to heal his heart:

1886:


The pattern is quite old and considered one of the earliest patterns used for quilts.  Here's a lovely coverlet dated 1790-1820.

Many are arranged like this one that was begun in 1864.

In the 20th century, we referred to them as Grandmother's Flower Garden and there is a vast array of layouts.  I found two at a yard sale down the street many years ago:



As much as I enjoy this piece, I think I love the scrappy hexie quilt I received years ago.  It's a sentimental piece and was gifted to me from a friend.


This is what we refer to as a quilt that used a "deep scrap bag".  There are many fabric pieces from the 1920s and extend back as far as the 1890s.

Have you made a hexie quilt?  Would you like to share one for Flower Friday?  

Have a safe and happy day!




Monday, March 4, 2024

National Quilting Month

 


Happy Monday!

One of the guilds posted that it is now National Quilting Month. March 16 marks National Quilting Day.  It's also Women's History Month.  

I thought I would feature a quilt I haven't shown in a while, the Robin Quilt:


The reason I am posting this one again is because Lucky is experiencing his first spring as a loved puppy.  He's been chasing birds and especially seems enthralled with the robins at the park.


Poor boy doesn't realize he'll never catch them.  However, one mourning dove was just sitting on the garden wall and Lucky passed him by 2 times without even noticing him.  😆 He sure makes our life fun!

Wishing you a happy and safe day!





Friday, March 1, 2024

Flower Friday: March 1, 2024

 


18 Days Until Spring!

It's feeling like spring despite the fluctuating temperatures.  The days are longer and Lucky is enjoying more walks at twilight. 

Nann sent some photos to us this week.  Her crocuses are up!
 

Also from Nann is a lovely photo of a quilt she received from her swap partner, Sara Hooten, from a mini swap they participated in.  Sara used a photo from Nann's blog!  WOW!


And here is Nann's original photo!


Thanks Nann!

Have a safe and happy day!