Silk & CCC Block #16 Adaline Gibson

First some eye candy made of silk by my local quilting friend Terri G. (No blog so she said I could post a pic). No color enhancements needed for this beauty!!!

Here is an update on progress on these simple blocks #16 Adaline Gibson of CCC. My block and swap block (for Chris - Quilting at the Farm) have been traced and I have sewn one evening on one block. I have changed thread type and am happy with the result of a finer thread. What's the chance I will finish them by the end of the year? I guess that depends on how may evenings I sit with dh watching TV. With the college kids at home for the holidays we have been playing board games. They have always enjoyed this and now with some new games from Christmas, there is not a lot of sewing happening right now.
We'll see...

Still Frozen!

Here is a "pretty" frozen photo! The leaves, stems, and berries are covered with a thick coating of ice for three days now. Notice some icicles are going sideways! This is due to strong winds and bending branches. I have omitted the sad broken tree limbs and the other limbs that are still hanging so heavy touching the ground. We are just waiting for the thaw in hopes the trees will recover without additional damage.

There is not much is happening on the quilting front. I made several 6 inch blocks for guild Christmas block exchange. This star and some cute poinsettia baskets with rick rack handles. I am so sorry I did not get a photo. I have made little progress on the CCC twins block #16. Soon #17 will be out! Time to catch up!
Stay warm and Happy Quilting!

Spreading some quilt love!

I just sewed down the binding on a quilt that is on it's way to tornado victim family. This gave me an opportunity to practice my machine binding skills (I am getting better!). I was especially happy to do something of value for my community to help those still recovering from tornado damage.

The project was in collaboration with a sister guild in California who made the quilt tops and sent along pieces of backing fabric, and labels. Then our guild added batting, quilting, and binding to finish and deliver. Our local guild has given over 40 quilts to local families to show support and offer a small comfort to those who lost so much! I did not take a photo of the quilt, as it was quickly on it's way out the door, but had this label photo in my phone.

The other photo is of progress on the modern baby quilt that I worked on a few weeks ago. Here it is laid out ready to sew sections together. It was inspired by the photo of the quilt "Hi"by Tony Jacobson in Quilty magazine. But, then I made it based on different sized fabrics that I had on hand. This made me change width of all pieces (I was working with some 10 " squares...then wider sashing strips were calculated to make the shapes fit together and... and so on! When will I just get a pattern and follow it? HA!
Anyway, it was fun playing with some of these bright greens and blues and chartreuse!

Suzy Rae is just laying around

I am posting this photo of SuzyRae spread out on the floor to make me feel better because I have not worked on quilting for several days as I get some major end-of-the-semester work done. This quilt was started last year and needs some figuring out to finish the top. You know how it is when you just create with what is on hand and now have the challenge of making the fabric and design all come out. Right? Do you ever challenge yourself that way? This approach spurs my creativity and takes some time to make it work. It is fun too! You may recall when I started it for a special coach's baby daughter. I just thought (still think) the name "SuzyRae" is so adorable that it needs to be spelled out in a bright and bold quilt!

CCC - WIPs

Here is an update on my  s - - l - - o - - w  progress on the big Alice Criswell's #13 CCC block. (You can see it tacked up on top of the other CCC blocks where is patiently waits for me to grab it down and work on it - which I do from time to time.)

Below is the fabric and pattern for Adaline Gibson CCC #16. I am SOO excited to be making exact twins to swap one with Chris. The fabric is RJR "The Rising Sun" Smithsonian Institution Collection. It has been put aside waiting for a special project - and this is it!

It is still COLD here. We are not used to much of this. Local schools will finally resume tomorrow after 5 days off due to the big freeze. It is so unusual for the ice and snow to stick around so long but below freezing temps have not abated yet (7 degrees this morning). However, the sun shone today for the first time. So that got things melting.
Happy Sewing to All!

Snow Day!

A view from the kitchen window shows a drooping snow-covered Magnolia tree. Central Oklahoma is blanketed in snow, sleet and ice. Usually we do not get much snow. So, there are limited resources and road equipment to deal with it. Drivers are not used to traveling in snow and the roads are not clear. When it snows a few inches, (and especially after sleet and ice storms) everything shuts down. Such is the scenario today!

The entire State is under a State of Emergency due to the storms, with almost everything closed. Thankfully, we have electricity, food, and a cozy warm home in which to sit out the storm. Also, both dh and I were still able to work, but from home today. This is the benefit (?) of telecommuting!    

In the meantime, a Cinnamon & Spice poinsettia brightens up the room and some modern baby quilt blocks are pinned waiting to be sewn as soon as I finish some more work on paper grading. A big pot of Cajun red beans and rice will top off the evening and maybe a fire in the fireplace. Sadly, dh company Christmas party was cancelled for tonight :(  Seriously, we had been looking forward to it for weeks! There is always such good food, music and fun games and prizes. Oh well, I'll just make the best of my time and do something quilty instead. Happy Sewing to All!

A Treasure

I just received these treasures in the mail last week. They are all the diaries of my paternal grandmother from 1936-1970.

My grandmother passed away when I was a child, but with fondness I always recall her visits with us each weekend. I remember her reading her Bible each day and writing in a diary. I  even recall seeing the red diary on the right -- although I was very young (5-8 years old).

I thought the diaries were gone (her other few possessions were damaged/lost years ago). But, they were found in storage somewhere and offered to me. I was pleased to receive them!
I have read through 1936 and learned some interesting things about her daily life in the 1930s in San Diego, California. This year her mother died. Her reports were very matter of fact about the events. She was a hard working lady but she took time out from the cleaning and mending to occasionally golf with my grandfather (who died before I was born), play cards and have friends over to the house. I never knew all of that! I always recall her stating that cards were the devil's device. HA! Some things must have changed over the years. I look forward to reading more.
What treasures do you have from your family? Maybe quilts?

A sideways view of CCC Block #14

There is block #14 Finished!! More progress is being made on #13 but it takes awhile and with cooking and keeping warm, putting up the tree, and all holiday activity - not much work will get done on it. Plus, the quilting studio - sewing "resource room" is getting a much needed major cleaning overhaul all the way down to the cobwebs in the corner. As you might imagine, this is taking awhile!

Oh - and the sideways photo? No clue!! It is not sideways in my photo album and I cannot figure out how to right it in blog. No more wasted time on this dilemma. If you know the problem, or trick to fix - do tell!
Thanks! 
P.S. This would be a great block for swapping. Any takers?

Chester County Criswell Quilt - Block Swap

I was thrilled to see that my little Chester County Criswell block #9 arrived safely to Carole last week. What a delight to see it's twin (the block for me) next to it in her photo before it's journey across the ocean.

Today the block that Carole (Wheels on the Warrandyte Bus blog) made for me arrived today YIPEE!! It was enclosed in a cute Koala card that looks so push and furry! (She has seen Koalas right in her area - way cool!)

Doesn't the block look great? And you should see the skillful tiny stitches! It will really add to the special feelings and memories I am making and already have about each block going into this quilt. Thank you Carole!!! Who wants to be next to swap a block? It is very fun!!

Quilt Study with the "Fonses"

Marianne & Mary Fons were in Oklahoma this week to give lecture and slide show on quilting. This was a little different in that it was quilt history and showcased various styles of quilt making since the 1800s. They gave these quilters their due noting the amazing "engineering" feats for quilt design, risk-taking in trying different styles, traditional style and artistic creativity.  If you get a chance to hear/see them I encourage you to do so. They were a fun and informative duo offering two different and enjoyable perspectives. Mary (daughter) a free-lance writer and actress turned quilter has a blog that you might enjoy too! It covers many things in addition to quilting. Their website "Quilty" has some great things too. You can even download a free issue to take a look. We bought the Nov/Dec issue of the magazine that is just out. I am already cutting out a quilt from it! (More on that in a future post). There is lots of good inspiration for some modern quilting designs .Below, the pictures with black background are from the slide show to give you an idea of the content. These were some of my favorites! The other two pictures above were quilts hanging behind them as they spoke. I think these were their quilts but nothing was said about them.

Solar System Teaching Quilt 1870

Modern Style of Tula Pink

Rattle Snake 1890

Happy Sewing &Quilting!

Fall Sunset Spectacular

WOW! A month has flown by since I posted. Applique work continues on Chester County Criswell  quilt block #13. It is fun to do. I am also working on #14 at the same time - whatever mood strikes me :) The weather is turning colder lately. Great inspiration for quilting and cooking! I just took this photo after being enticed outside due to pink tint to sky. This is actual color- no enhancements, no filters. Get inspired! Happy Quilting Everyone!

Oklahoma Sunset - Nov. 8, 2013 5:39pm

CCC New Year begins!

I finished Chester County Criswell block #11 this week (already completed #12 awhile ago). Now, all first year set of 12 are finished!! WOW! here they are, not in any particular order. With a little pressing they will look fine! I made two of the blocks bottom left corner (one dark red and the one showing). Any one want to swap a block? It does not have to be the same block.

I'm excited to begin the next year and BIG center block #13. I've got a good start! I think it will be fun :) (Click on it for a better view). Thanks again to my mom for the year long pattern set gift!!

At Last...CCC Block #12 Finished!

I'm satisfied with the final results - though this is one block that I would not be in any hurry to repeat. I changed the embroidery from yellow to green to finish it off and I've accepted the imperfections of the block and my work on it. HA! Now to add the final two leaves to block #11 and then move to the new year large block. I am looking forward to it! Otherwise, there has been VERY little quilting these days but lots of writing! This is a good thing. Plus I'm having the greatest adventures being mom of two college kids now! Enjoying life and cheering on their teams. I'm a proud momma!

Blocks 11 & 12 nearing completion!

Buds

Here is the start on buds for block #12 Chester Criswell quilt. The smaller the photo the better they look! I am only satisfied with the lower far  right bud. The others have so much stitching showing. I think part of the challenge is that my thread is not a good match. Hum... I'll keep trying! That is my favorite little scissor tool in the photo and the last flower that needs a center cut into it and sewn.

Wreath Block - Skills Builder

I like wreaths. I have made a few and they are fairly straight-forward. The wreath block for #12 Chester County Criswell quilt appeared easy enough...but wait...what about those tiny circles in center of flowers and slits in the flower buds (pomegranates)? Uh - Oh, time to S-T-R-E-T-C-H my skills. Here is a peek at on my progress and explanation about how I am doing it. I would also be happy to hear some tips from YOU about how to do it better!

I saw instructions on making those tiny circles and slits by building the block in hand and layering the fabric under the main applique piece. A little tedious but totally doable since I have completed reverse applique before (such as those long channels in CCC block #4). I have not however, tried it on anything so small as the cut-outs on the wreath block. WOW! It is time to stretch my skills, so I decided to make the center of my flowers this way. This worked pretty well to make a tiny circle. I folded the flower in half and cut a slit, then folded in half the other way and cut another slit resulting in a tiny X in the center of the circle that I would be reverse appliqueing. It worked fabulously! I am happy with the results. I decided to make the center flowers yellow and the buds the same color as the flowers. I think I'm going to like how it looks.

Now for those thin narrow slits of the buds - cutting the one thin slit went fine, but sewing not so easy. It is a little messy - frayed and almost button-hole satin stitch look on an edge. For a first try, I can live with it and have three more bud to "practice" on. HA!

UPDATE: No! ...wait.... I mis-calculated, I have FIVE more tiny buds to sew, with two slits each. At least I am getting better at it :)

CCC block #10 Finished at last!

I love it! It was not difficult  and I didn't mind sewing it. It just took awhile to get it done with limited quilting time .. and I used some evening hours to play RPG with son and husband. Not my cup of tea but worth the time investment in the relationships. (I'd rather play games that do not require thinking or skill so I can sew in between turns :)

Now, on to the next block! I'm looking forward to choosing the fabrics and getting started. I think it will go fast! In the meantime, who wants to swap a block? I made an extra #9 block lat time for the purpose of swapping - although the trade can be a different design. I think I will make two of block #12 wreath, too. Happy sewing & quilting to all!

Inching Forward

It's been a week since my last update and I am determined to show some progress on block #10 from Chester County Criswell Quilt. It is going well, just not much time spent on sewing/quilting again this week - obviously!! I am learning that slow progress is better than no progress at all - and that persistence is a valuable quality to cultivate in all areas of my life. Happy Quilting!

Still emerging....ever so slowly

CCC #10 emerging

CCC block #10

I have begun on Chester County Criswell block #10. It is a lovely design. I have selected a rather bold and graphic print for it, inspired by the stripped fabric on one the of original blocks. I maintained the original size of the block, but could not help from tweaking the pattern slightly to a more desirable symmetry.  I look forward to sewing it soon! There are many changes around here. With dd off to her summer adventure I am freed up considerably. We'll see if I make good use of the time :)

Summer is here!

Graduation, track and volleyball season, awards banquets, out of town guests and very unfriendly storms with devastating tornadoes in our area have all kept me occupied for the past month. Soon dd will be headed away for summer internship and college and I will have a new life and I'm hoping it will have more time for quilting (and finishing my writing)!

CCC Block #10 (Did you notice a spot is missing?)

I finally finished Chester County Criswell quilt block #10. It was very fun to make two blocks! (one original size and other 112%).  I began work on block #11 last night. Again, it is my favorite paper cut style block - plus I always like the look of a Fleur-de-Lis emblem! I think it will go fast and I will be caught up again soon. Happy Quilting to all!

A view of the Sunday May 19th tornado from my church parking lot in Shawnee, OK. We are thankful for the basement! Very scary and devastating results, but nothing compared to the tragedy the next day, about 30 miles away in Oklahoma City /Moore area. Thanks so much for the help and prayers from around the world!

On the home front...

I haven't posted much about dd lately, so maybe it's time. Just three weeks until graduation and lots of wonderful memories to enjoy along the way! There was prom, an announcement, and the ongoing championship track season. It is a delight to be her mama. I am excited for her future, and for mine, with lots of new opportunities for all! (...including more time to quilt :) We are blessed!

Twins in development!

 

Here is an update on CCC quilt blocks #9 in progress. One block is original size and the other 110%. These blocks did not get any attention on the last road trip to dd's tourney in Kansas City. Too many papers to grade, a prom dress to find (YAY! success!!), lots of volleyball to watch, and a lovely dinner with future teammate and parents.

The blocks are a bit wrinkled having been packed up repeatedly this month to take with me in hopes of sewing. The only work that was accomplished was while sitting in the back of a very large conference last week. I stitched a little on the first block on the second day of the program and a little on the second block while listening the next day (I switched to work on the darker block because it was hard to see in the markings on the first block in conference room lighting). I think I listened better on the days with my hands busy than on previous day when I was feeling restless! I stopped to take notes now and then, but overall feel I a lot was accomplished and it made very pleasant days! I'm ready for the time to sew a little in the evenings again, maybe next week...

CCC #9 in Progress x2

I was attending a conference all week and during the breaks I just needed some pleasant divergent activity and work on CCC block #9 was the perfect solution. I began working on the larger block first but with the grey, dark (and COLD) rainy days it was too difficult to see the marked lines for cutting and sewing. So, the following day I took the dark red block where the lines showed up much more clearly. Work on needleturn paper cut blocks make me feel happy!

Palm Leaf flown in from Australia

My swap block just arrived! I am SOOOOO excited! I did not even take time to press it from it's travels. I wish you could see the awesome bright red and perfect signature! The photos do not do it justice! Thanks Sharon, I am having a blast participating in the Chester County Criswell quilt project!

Spinning Spools Quilt Guild Program

It was my pleasure to present a program on Quilt Blogging at the April meeting of the Spinning Spools Quilt Guild! When I offered the program, I was not sure if the more traditional ladies in my guild would be interested. From the show of hands at the meeting, no one had their own blog and few had ever visited a blog or even knew what a blog actually was. I do not want them to miss out on the fun, encouragement and friendship in quilting "blogland" so I designed a informational program, including a basic "How to get started" section. The program concluded with a brief "Virtual Quilting World Tour" visiting some of my favorite blogs and explaining some of the culture and unique terms used online.

I was surprised and pleased with how well the program was received and I appreciated the kind comments from members who spoke with me after the program. Thanks everyone! I hope you have visited my blog now and explored some other blogs to be inspired and meet some of the most lovely and talented quilters around the world!

 

CCC Block #9 Begins in Duplicate

From the moment I saw Chester County Criswell Quilt block #9 I knew I would make two of these. Simple papercut is very fun and conducive to mindless & travel sewing. I am making one original size applique and one 110% just to fill up the background block a little more. I'm not sure I will put both in the quilt, but I will have fun making them! Here we go...

Original Block # 9 started

Block # 9 Enlarged 110%

A Signature

I've studied and practiced and traced and finally got the nerve to put the signature design on the block. It was very scary! I think it turned out OK in the end. I want to be more adventurous in the future with design, but this was as far as I could go this time. The block will soon be on it's way across the ocean! YAY!