Beyond the Cherry Tree - Why not?!

Starting Beyond the Cherry Tree - Block #1

I've waited for awhile until this quilt pattern Beyond the Cherry Tree was on a big sale and purchased the download a couple weeks ago. I even bought the the entire 11 yards of background fabric from my local quilt show last week so I can cut it all out. It was 3 years ago on my birthday that I began the Chester Criswell Quilt - block of the month as a gift from my mother. I have enjoyed it so much! However, since all the block patterns have ended and I am sewing my last one, it must be time to start something new! So, the Cherry Tree is an early birthday present for me this year. Here I go on block #1. This is a more primitive - folksy design with crooked stems and uneven circles. It will be fun!! Blocks are huge - 17" so that is different too. I have much red and green fabric in my collection from the other blocks so I am ready to go. I have not about the Bible Quilt and other projects...I sew or trace patterns or cut fabric or audition fabric a little at a time on which even project suits my fancy. Work is crazy - but life is good! Sentiments in the Serenity Prayer help me keep perspective with the craziness, and quilting is a good therapy and diversion :)

Another block finished!

Chester Co. Criswell quilt block #32 is finished! It is a little wonky. Somehow I had trouble getting the center rounded - oval shape, and with the bumps sticking out of each side in the center. After sewing so many blocks well, not sure what happened with this! HA! I guess it will add to the overall charm and historic look!I have a start sewing on the last block #33. I think I should only sew when I am not tired so that there is a better chance of doing it well. The pattern has some tiny reverse applique areas that will take some attention. But, so far so good :)

CCC Block #32

CCC Block #33 The last one!

CCC Block # 33 Begins!

The end is near for the Chester County Criswell applique blocks and I must think about sewing together and quilting...hummm.

CCC Blocks 32 (& 24 in Green! )

CCC Block #24 - repeated in green ombre fabric

CCC Block # 32 in progress

This is the second to last block now in progress for the Chester Co. Criwell quilt. I also finished another oak leaf and reel (Block 24 Alice Richmond). I originally cut it out when auditioning fabrics for the block last year (green, red & mixed versions) and now finally sewed it. I have yet to determine how to lay out the blocks. I like how Sharon has one of each block for the pattern, but I have some additional special blocks swapped with others that I will be adding. I also want to write verses - sentiments from the past and scripture on most blocks. I'll be thinking about that and how to make it fit in with the overall look :)

I'd love to hear your suggests for historic verse or sayings to add to many blocks in this quilt. Ideas??

CCC Blocks #30 & 31 Finished!

What an amazing quilting journey since Sept. 2012 when I began the Chester County Criswel Quilt Blocks. Here are the last two blocks that I recently finished. #31 laurels photo is not sharp. I may have to re-take. I did some fussy cutting and it turned out OK. #30 is from an angle just for fun! These are in progress to finish off this beautiful quilt. Once finished I will hand quilt it. YAY!

#31 Crossed Laural Leaves

Block #30 Elizabeth Crosby

Flowers in bloom!

Magnolia bloom: Notice the holes and tears and brown jagged marks? That is hail damage on leaves. In addition to thrashing the leaves, you can even see how big some of the hail was with holes clear through the leaves.

7 ft small magnolia tree with hail marks on leaves

Fancy lilies - no name

Newly obtained Rosey lily - 3 blooms this year!

Peonies a few weeks ago.

My favorite huge pink lilies right outside front big window.

Little Garden Friend - size of a pencil

May was a happy blur!

May in pictures! It was a blur - lots of time on the road, some beautiful sites at Cleveland Art Museum, Indianapolis, St Louis & Ithaca... but most of all celebrations of life, health, and time with family! (Photos courtesy of my wonderful mother - DJ!)

Cleveland Art Museum

IUPUI 2015

Art Therapy - Cleveland Clinic

HUGE Interactive touch screen - Cleveland Art Museum

St Louis, MO

Dogwood in Ohio

Early morning at Ithaca's splendid falls

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