Cherry Tree, CCC #33 progress, & the countdown for SVBA quit

With several project in progress, what fun it is to be able to do a little of this and that as the fancy strikes me! Most attention has been given to Cherry Tree blocks. Mom bought this pattern for my birthday this year and I am making big strides with these beautiful large blocks (18 inch background).

Beyond the Cherry Tree

While the first block I began is still in progress (shown in previous post), I cut out three more and basted some pieces on the background while other pieces are still pinned. I sewed a little on the pineapple stems and one pineapple crown - just because they were calling me to sew them instead of just put in a few basting stitches, I sewed now!
Choosing the fabric and getting in this state of readiness then allows me to pick up and sew or take with me if there is an opportunity for hand sewing. I am using the many green and reds and a few yellows that I have in the stash from other circa 1850s applique work.


Next, the Shennandoah Valley Botanical Quilt block Sew-Along type blog is kicking off on Oct. 1st. As shown previously, I have printed off patterns and prepared a folder for all blocks. Now I have begun to trace off my desired 14" sized blocks. All the time it takes tracing on freezer paper makes me wish for the ability to copy the pattern directly on freezer paper using the printer...but I have neither the proper paper nor the proper printer (it is a laser printer and I think not amiable to freezer paper pages). If someone knows something different let me know. Tracing is at least a mindless easy task when I am too tired to actually put effort into any decent applique work - works well for the late night TV keeping family company (basically that just means politely staying in the same room, LOL!)

CCC #33 Half-way mark

Here is what Chester Co. Criswell quilt block #33 looks like today. I have sewn about one circle at a time now and then. It is difficult to make each the same, (impossible?) but I see that overall it will look fine despite many imperfections. Maybe it will be finished by the end of October :) Then I am looking forward to laying the blocks out and sewing together. However, my design wall will be VERY empty since these blocks have held the place of honor (covering the entire design wall) since mom and I installed the cloth covered feature a year or two ago.

Finally, I must admit that I have also worked on the Bible Quilt animal block a bit more - just s stitch here and there to finish the elephants and begin on the panthers/foxes? Not enough progress to show this time. Now back to some quilting before the work week resumes!

Chriswell & the Cherry Tree

Criswell Final block - Progress inching along (peek at Cherry Tree #1)

August has been busy with working many hours this summer (including weekends), having the pleasure of hosting several Airbnb quests, and driving to NY with dd as she returned to college with her car and set up the new living arrangements for the year in an apartment. All this has put quilting on the back burner. However, now quilting can resume as the semester has begun at work, the ANCC self-study is complete and submitted - albeit with only minor contributions from me - but still felt the crunch and still must read the entire document to be ready for accrediting visit in October.

Now, I hope back to quilting!... my very uplifting avocation :) Below is all I have to show for the past month. I have completed some tedious work on Chester County Criswell Quilt final block with the intricate cutwork and did a little in-the-car-on-the-way-to-NY work on the primitive Bible quilt critters sewing the elephants and ostrich/emu's? The giraffes and wolves are patiently waiting to emerge from their fabric trap. I also made a few stitches on Beyond the Cherry Tree.

I'm looking forward to fall and feeling inspiration for lots of quilting!

Beyond Cherry Tree pieces for future blocks

Bible Quilt Block #2 - now half complete

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

CCC # 31 Crossed Laurels begin

CCC#31 Crossed Laurels - Click for close up

I am so close to finishing block #30 that it is time to cut and baste block #31 from Chester County Criswell Quilts. I decide to do a little fancy cutting with patterned fabric on the stems. For the leaves, I tried to squeeze the pattern between the stripes on the fabric but that did not quit fit so the edges will so in places. Oh well, it will add to the charm! The colors for this block are very bright green and red compared to most other blocks in which I used muted color or more patterned fabric that decreased the pure red and green looks (not to mention the pinks that I used too). This photo does not do it justice. I'll try again on the picture once the block is finished.
Here's to needle turn applique!

A Pressed Bouquet in Fabric & 2015 finish!

Chester County Criswell Quilt Block #29

Chester County Criswell Quilt Block #29 Maria Criswell is finished! It is an odd little pressed flower bouquet.

I am on the way to finish CCC Block #30 (Elizabeth Crosby) by the end of the month, in time for the new block! Can't wait!

          Chester County Criswell Quilt Block #30

Modern Baby Grandmother's Quilt dated & FINISHED! 2015
(Click to view closely)

Alice Richmond (CCC #24) revisited

Hole in the Center - UPDATED Version!

Original

The Oak Leaf Reel quilt block design had been one of my favorite-looking designs although I had not previously made a block until Chester County Criswell Quilt! You may recall when I began working on this block #24 (Alice Richmond) on Sept. 2014, and finished it by the end of the month. At that time I cut out three color versions of this block: red, green and this red & green version. I only finished one of the blocks thus far (original above). As this block sat on the design wall - amongst all the other blocks - it just did not sit well with me. Finally, I had a little inspiration and revised the block. I thought about it for a long while then did it! CUT a hole in the center section (As above!). Now it seems to match the other blocks better - or something?! I LIKE it! Somehow this seems like a vast improvement!  What do you think, have you ever had a block that just did not feel settled and took it upon yourself to revise?

CCC #29

CCC #30

 Here is progress on the next two CCC blocks. Sewing on the dried flower bouquet (CCC #29), pattern tracing and fabric selection for #30. I am staying close to caught up. This very fun and inspiring project continues!

Happy Sewing!

"Pink Hearts" - CCC #28 Finished

CCC #28 "Mary McDowell"

Here is another finish Chester County Criswell Quilt block #28! (un-ironed in pic). I worked on this block in February and it seems appropriate for the heart shaped designed and it just called out to be pink! 
Thanks for everyone's comments on my blocks :) I will miss it when we have all quilt blocks and no more to look forward to each month. I'll have to get myself involved in another online quilt work group becasue this has been a wonderful experience to challenge me and allow me to meet talented and lovely quilt bloggers around the world!

Next up, CCC #29 - the interesting botanical bouquet. I tried two different fabric versions. I will stick with the dull green.
 



Finally, March 3rd came and went and I survived! Nothing left but the clean-up to finish. Yay! I decided it would be better to deliver in May - the Grandmother quilt for my mentor. I have been working on the label. Embroidered using back stitch - different than my usual outline stitch but seemed to fit the "modern" look better.

CCC #27 Susanna Criswell Bouquet

CCC #27 Susanna Criswell - Funny Bouquet

Another block finished. This one went very fast. It is Susanna Criswell #27 from Chester County Criswell blocks. I have traced pattern, selected green fabric and pinned to background for CCC #29 Maria Criswell - dried flower bouquet? Then I decided that I wanted to use an uglier dull green fabric for the block - a fabric I had used a couple of times before. So of course I traced, cut and based again. I do not think I need two of these blocks in my quilt. I am keeping my ugly dull green applique and the brighter green will be available if anyone wants to trade for some other block of you choice...Let me know.

BIG Block #13 Chester Co. Criswell!

The BIG center block #13 for Chester County Criswell quilt (from Oct. 2013) is finally finished! It hung on the design wall in various states of completion for quite a while (over a year!) and now it is there again... completed!I am very close to getting caught up now with all these blocks - now that I purchased additional background fabric. It was a dreary dark day when photographing so color is a little slimy. I'll redo when the sun is out...but did not want the dim day to diminish my excitement on sharing this achievement!

CCC #13

Design wall is curved - on a curved wall behind curved stairwell.

Amaryllis is in full bloom with 4 flowers. Stunning!!

Another bright spot in this grey drizzly day!



Modern Baby was basted and is ready to machine quilt! I starting pinning...but this was not going to be satisfactory so I spray basted (indoors) due to bad weather. This was a little risky proposition due to the over spray potential (on glass dining room table - so easy enough to clean) AND the fumes (requiring quick spray bursts and leaving the room to air out for awhile). However, the benefit of this basting method are proving them self as the machine quilting is going very well!

I am quilting a quarter inch down the sashing lines on each side. I am quite happy with progress being made. I will have not problem meeting my desired completion deadline so I can take this quilt to Indianapolis with me soon!

Aimee's Christmas couch quilt

I worked on a few projects this weekend. Mainly, I basted, machine quilted and machine bound a quilt my sister-in-law requested that I finish for her for Christmas. The 10-hr long audiobook Moriarty kept me company as I worked. That is just about exactly how long it took to finish. This is not my most favorite type of quilting but I am satisfied with the results and happy to post in the mail today - back to Aimee.

I did a machine binding on this quilt. Second try with this technique since taking a class in Oct. 2012. Yes, it has been that long and only two tries. The other was on Haley's baby quilt. I think it turned out OK. Still could use some practice.

CCC Block #27 Susanna Criswell well underway

Miss Amarillis has gone from a little pale plant in a cardboard box to a gorgeous double flowered bloom since early January. I received it as a gift Dec. 25th while visiting family in California. It made a long car journey in a box and was planted on arrival back in Oklahoma. It brightens the sewing studio!

Projects Today

Chester County Criswell Quilt block #28 is in progress. The fabric is pink - made with the same pink used in block #6. When I first saw the original well worn and faded fabrics, some looked pink to me which inspired me to use pink too. I purchased some background fabric so I could proceed with appliqueing the last two blocks. I had the applique designs ready, but no background.

The pieces below are from my Citrus Wedges quilt began in 2010. WOW!! Time flies! I am back to work on it. The colors are so bright and rich I like them soooo much! Very fun!

My other projects today have been washing, ironing, and cutting binding and backings for two other quilts: one that my sis-in-law handed over to me at Christmastime. She asked that I finish it for her as her gift this year. FUN! The other is a small modern baby quilt. More about these projects & photos next time :)

I have decided exactly who the small modern baby quilt will go to now. I am excited to finish it before March 3, 2015 - a VERY important day in my life that was a LONG time coming. More about that later...for now I am happily working away on these projects and listening to library books on my phone. It is a cool, dark, drizzly day and I also have a big pot of homemade veggie beef soup on the stove and another pot of corn chowder going too!
~ ~ ~ Happy Quilting ~ ~ ~