Family "Challenge Quilt"

On Thanksgiving 2007 the idea of a family challenge quilt was born. We were each to make thirteen 12 1/2" quilt blocks using three "required" fabric prints. Finished quilt blocks were to be distributed the following Thanksgiving. We would each have the 12 blocks needed to make our quilt top.

The block I chose was the "Peace & Plenty".


I think the goal was to have the quilt top done by the third Thanksgiving ... I think I missed the deadline ...


Rich at Cosmic Cow did the quilting (waiting list of four months). I got it back after the first of the year and this past week I did the binding. It finished as a twin size quilt, so won't fit any of our beds. But it will look nice displayed in our living room --

I love how it finished up!!!

Maple Leaf Quilt fabrics

The fabric for quilt top has been ordered from "Ladyfingers Sewing Studio" of Oley PA. Owner is Gail Kessler who led our quilt classes last spring. I chose the "Dimples" pattern by Andover Fabrics which was designed by Gail! Received confirmation that order will be sent out today!!! Yippee~~

This fabric will frame each quilt block - rusty tone.

This color will be used for sashings and outer border - brown tone.

Quilt binding will be in this color - golden tone.

These fabric samples are not as vibrant as the actual fabrics - thus my "tone" comment on each. I received a complete Dimples fabric sample book in my "goodie bag" on the quilt cruise, which helped with final decision.

I need to thank Lisa for helping me with fabric choices...she has excellent taste...and does have the "eye"!

Thank you Lisa ~~

Maple Leaf ~ 20 appliqued blocks!!!

I'm getting super excited now! First maple leaf post dealt with resurrecting the project and the magazine. Second post was showing 10 completed appliqued blocks ... 70's era. Today's post is all 20 completed appliqued blocks ... what a beautiful grouping!


Looking at all of them together I was immediately aware of changes in my applique technique ... 70's were tighter - er - stitches closer together ... today's - um - not so much! I don't think it will be an issue ... just something that will tell a story in later years.

I did get to take a trip down memory lane with some of the fabrics; a maternity top, a dress I wore on a date with Larry, a shirt for Herb, a new top for a daughter, curtain fabric that became a dolly blanket, a blouse for Grandma BJ, etc. etc. I could have gotten a little weepy, but the memories were happy ones and of the people and things I love and care about the most. This will be a memory quilt ~ of the sweet things in life!

I love the "Dimples" pattern by Andover Fabrics and like the deep purple, medium blue and bold gold OR a deep brown, pine green and muted gold for sashing, border, and binding ... decisions, decisions.

But, before I can move on with this project I need to get the family challenge quilt finished ... only binding and label left!

Nasty Weather

Our poor windsock has seen better days. The winds have been pretty strong to say the least!

Purchased this "Mr. Sun" windsock in Missoula several years ago.

Pleasant Dale, Nebraska

Pleasant Dale as it appeared at ten o'clock Sunday morning following our first major snow storm of 2012. Started snowing on Friday evening and stopped around midnight Saturday. Twelve inches of very wet snow. So beautiful and quiet ...

Maple Quilt ~ progress (?)

Needed an incentive to "get a move on" with the archived "Maple Leaf" quilt project. So-o-o-o I pinned the ten (10) blocks completed onto my felt wall. I'm loving the vibrant colors of the 30 year-old fabrics too!

Discovered that 17" blocks were not quite square AND that I had followed the directions using a flat bed sheet! I don't know how this is gonna go but will continue doing the handwork. Once the last 10 blocks are done I will need to make a decision on how to adjust before continuing as sadly none were actually 17" either! I see alot of different color options for sashings and borders!!!

Getting excited ~~~ again!

Tree

We've got a "ded" tree along fence line in backyard. It will need to come down some day soon as it continues to drop bark or branches when the winds "doth" blow! I love the contrast between it and it's surroundings. Of course once the snow covers everything it's hard to make out the tree.

Maple Quilt Project

I've been reading the "Elm Creek Quilt" series by Jennifer Chiaverini. Unfortunately not all were available for my Nook, so had to start mid series with books #3, #5 and #6. I purchased #1 last week. After reading the first few chapters I became motivated to look for a quilt I started many years ago but never finished. I found it to be very labor intensive and had boxed it up planning to finish "one day". Well, I found the box with ten completed hand quilted 17" blocks, maple leaf pieces cut and ready for appliqueing and the magazine.

Look at the date (March 1977) and look at that price ($.45)!!! My mother gave me the magazine upon her return from a trip to Shoshone Idaho to visit her friend Dottie. She commented that Dottie had made the quilt and found it to be very easy to do. Mother thought it would be something I would enjoy working on while our youngest daughter napped. That must have been one long nap!

Mother must have given me some of her fabric remnants as many do not look familiar. I've challenged myself to do the handwork in the evening while watching favorite t.v. programs. My days can then be spent in sewing room at machine finishing the "Scotch Blocks" quilt top for Noah.

Dang I'm a procrastinator!!!

Scotch Blocks Quilt = "Guilt Trip"

Received a telephone call from Noah last week ... "Hello Grandma are you finished with my quilt?" Did you ever have to tell a nine-year old boy "no"? I felt like a big dope ... I should have been working on it, but alas I procrastinated, dropped the ball, got lazy, whatever you want to call it ... I blew it BIG TIME!!!

One thing that should have kept me on track was the fact that the fabrics for this quilt were purchased during the 2011 Nebraska shop hop. How would I be able to make the 2012 rounds (April 19-29) if I hadn't finished it? I've found a wonderful long-arm quilter, have the sashing and backing. Why had I wimped out?

So this week I returned to the sewing room and focused on finishing up the block assembly. It took me less time to complete the last 16 blocks than it did the first 14. Now I should have smooth sailing ... only need to square up the blocks (yucky, tedious work -- maybe that is my excuse?). I need to get a move on ...