Baltimore Rose Wreath

I just traced off this pattern for future work...then just had a little more time so based it to background...then it really was calling me to just try a stitch or two...next thing you know I was hooked!! It is a very intricate design from Elly Sienkiewicz's Baltimore Beauties and Beyond Baltimore Album book.

I have been so inspired for months by the beautiful blocks made by Jane. Thanks Jane! Her applique is exquisite! Take a look...(Jane's Threads and Treasures Blog) I knew I would eventually give it a try. Later on I bought the book used online. I viewed a few other historical books on Baltimore quilts from the library and book swap and have been reviewing them often before bed for sweet Baltimore dreams! (no dreams really except day dreams :)

The original pattern that caught my eye on her blog was the Divine Guidance block. It is absolutely lovey! I like it so much but it seems intimidating with the sharp points plus I am not sure of the fabric for it. So, I decided that this block would be the place to start since I have plenty of green that would look the part.

The sewing was completely fun for me and addictive. I began tracing and cutting the pattern then next thing you know I was sewing it while doing a "family movie night" at home on Friday. It was hard to stop even though the movie was long over, I kept going. This represents about 3-4 hours of late night sewing (with some interruptions). It was challenging, but I am sure my skills will improve. I can't wait to work on it some more.

I will post more work in progress as I go as a chronology of my progress (until we are sick of seeing it probably :) It is such a motivational reward to know I can sew on it in the evening after the daily writing work I must do during this summer.

Happy Quilting Everyone!

Tantalizing Tomato Finish! (finally posting pic 16x16")

P.S. Yes, on close inspection a few tips/edges of the outermost leaves are not appliqued down. This is intentional - they will cross over on top of the sashing and be stitched there.

End of spring beauty & A small quilt finish

The lilies are fabulous to see every day out the window :)

Krista's baby boy quilt (1 year old now) finished - front & back. Machine sewed on bias binding for the second time on a quilt. It seemed to be a good choice for this purpose (likely lots of washing) and was a challenge to myself to improve skills. Worked on it with moral support (and a reminder how to connect binding ends together) from Mary at a sew in at Quilters Corner. Glad to be finished! They are amused by me as I say I only bring things I don't want to work on to the "sew ins." This is because I need moral support and no distractions or place to divert my attention when I run into snags or just plain don't find this aspect of quilting any fun at all. (Like bindings!) Although I am pleased with the final result and look of the narrow binding.

School's Out for the Summer!

Sneak peek at Simply Pears basting - 2nd to last Simply Delicious block. Tantalizing tomatoes were finished up several days ago. Photo to come.

Lots of changes around here with DH job, the track star/v-ball diva's car, rearranged third bay in garage to fit DD's car, and son home to mow each weekend and do other assigned tasks around working some switchboard shifts.....

It is getting too hot too fast for June (mid 90s)! However, the window flower baskets are looking great - Three Roma & cherry tomato plants have little green tomatoes - a few more hostas planted, much mulch spread in flower beds and around trees - lots of weeds pulled and random bushes that have spouted have been dug up. Working on the BIG paper 2 days so far (in between appearances at the office for various meetings and many family necessities. LOTS more to do to keep on target to work toward finishes for 2011.

Hand applique is something I look forward to most nights. Baltimore style is my current passion.

The iris have faded but violets are all in bloom as well as pink lilies in front. Need a photo of that too :)

3 Races = 3 Medals

Our Track Star Diva does it again! We are so proud of the entire team as Girls State 5A Runner Up!

State Track Meet

Simply Delicious Tantalizing Tomatoes are getting their tops sewn on.







This photo is from last week's regional team win! Today began the State Track Meet ...A great day with the high of 80 degrees and oh so windy - of course - it's Oklahoma! - Thankfully NOT so hot as last weekend. The girls team is doing great and our Track Star Diva made finals in all three events she ran in - without maximum effort (that is saved for tomorrow!)
Go team!
A days worth of the strawberry crop from the little garden by the front door. They pretty much grew themselves! They are on the small side but oh so sweet and tasty!

Simply Delicious Tomato leaves

The iris continue to bloom and the Simply Delicious tomatoes are leafing out too :)