All in the family ~

~  What a delightful blog is Mary & Patch where Maryline blogs about quilts and patterns and  her Three In A Row photography series. 

But first ~ My sisters and nieces had the most fun gathering last year - just us girls for a long, relaxing weekend in Hot Springs.  While there, we made a morning of walking the scenic paths in Garvan Woodland Gardens, a botanical respite nestled into the Ouachita Mountains.

 I thought this was such a fun picture of  sister, Sandy and her daughters.  They were so busy discussin' the what ifs and what fors that the walking stopped while some serious family issue was being resolved (no doubt).  I can just hear it now.....one of the girls said something or other and Sandy with hands on hips to stress the importance of what's right, was setting them straight on the issue.  Thankfully I was tagging along behind and saw this fun photo opportunity to catch a historical family moment  'just as we are.'     Love it!

So, when Mary & Patch put out the call for photos for her new series, Three In A Row, this picture popped into my head.   Thank you Sandy, Shannon and Kallie for the memories.

All in the family where fun can happen at any level of immaturity ~ 

Is serendipity a noun?

so, you've been invited to be a local quilt guild presenter?  now what?  make a decision, get a grip!

who will be there?  some modern, some traditional, some spontaneous, some subdued,  some young, some still young at heart.   how does one provide food for 25 when some eat fish, some are off carbs,    some are gluten free and some eat it all?  same rules apply when prepping for a quilt meeting presentation - provide a little bit of a variety.

so, the hint to the presentation will be entitled (appropriately) 'serendipity to a 9-patch' .   using only donated fabric, i'm busily making 9-patch blocks.  serendipity is a noun, and i'm in a serendipitous (adjective) state of mind.

..............several days later - so fun, i can report.   the presentation was a success and everyone seemed to enjoy my serendipitous habit of  turning loose of the rules.   admittedly, my serendipity is only that....mine.  but everyone should every now and then stop following the rules and enjoy the spontaneity and surprise and pleasure of improv patchwork. 

there were definitely no rules while "Blue Vase" was under construction.   smile

Let there be blue days too ~

Perhaps I've never shared that I have blue days too!  As in indigo blue....perhaps I've never shared this quilt top with you....the one with my shibori hand dyed mixed in with other over-the-counter, yet wonderful fabric.

and life continues around here in many colors and hues ~ 

And the happiest of Spring days to you too ~

Vibrant red is my leading color on the first day of Spring...overshadowing all the rainy gloom we had in the winter solstice. 

It's My Party....an art quilt

It was a meeting in early 2019 when Sharon tells us that being president of the quilt guild allows her to send out challenges to the group and that her next challenge will be entitled "It's My Party......and I'll cry if I want to."  A song sung by many but Leslie Gore made it a memory for me.  Art quilt completion date and hang date is set for May.

I was in no mood for a party on that particular cold, dreary January day but being the trooper that I am,  came home and started working on ideas.   Let's see....what parties can one have in May.  Well, there is May Day where kids dance around the pole and Cinco de Mayo celebrating the Mexican heritage of many and of course, Mother's Day.  But my mind kept going back to an outside garden party with flowers in full bloom.   A tea party idea was out of the question as was a fish fry or steak cookout!

The final idea was off-the-wall-wild!  Flowers can have a party in the garden....can't they?

Step one was to make a background using minuscule scraps one on top of the other with raw edges exposed.  Flowers, leaves and stems were then appliqued onto the background in random fashion.

















 Hand quilting and flower head embellishing came next for the final meow.



 Yes, it's a wild flower party and we're having a blast getting dressed up in style.

Hand-dyed in orange, these tangled threads made the perfect flower's head for a standout in the party crowd.

Here's the statement made for the quilt label and maker acknowledgement:

It's My Party....a wild flower party hosted by Crissy the Mum and attended by Rosey, Violet, Lily, Daisy and Iris.  Black Eyed Susan sent her regrets.  Zinnia served Rosemary her Sweet Violet tea and Aster brought her favorite Ginger snap cookies to pass around to all.  We like them wild at the wild flower party where there's no room for tears. 

Marty Mason

May, 2019 

.....and then there were crumbs ~

Having a goal is a good thing here in my room.  A couple of years ago, I was in a workshop taught by a fabulous teacher, Sue Welton, who loves diddling in thrift store finds with her special delight being men's shirts.  Blogged about here at Quilters' Guild Acadienne.

Friends and I collected shirts for a couple of seasons and shared pieces parts of each shirt with each other.  It was a great way to share so not too much of the same shirt showed up in each of our quilts.

Not having a good plan, I hung on to my shirt stash about as long as I could but finally realized there was a goal niggling in the back of my head - get rid of that stack of shirts since the space was needed  for other fabrics.  Those shirts had value so they couldn't be given away!  But,  I was growing tired of pushing them around from one fraction of the shelf to another. 

I started depleting the shirt stash with the challenge thrown out by The Root Connection....you can read about that quilt here.   I even used the shirting to piece the backing and still had leftovers.  There was nothing left to do but to start another quilt.  Luck be with me, I found this little jewel of a pattern at The Quilting Digest.  My shirts worked wonderfully in each paper pieced log of this log cabin.





What was left?  I filled a little zip bag with the scraps crumbs and along with the printed pattern  tossed it as one would a bridal bouquet out in the group of quilters at our Thursday sew day.  Life is soooooo  good.

Unconventional and Unexpected Quilt-a-Long

Remembering the collection of thrift store cotton and linen shirts that needed to be cut and sewn! When Sujata Shah at the The Root Connection enticed me into this quilt-a-long, I new exactly where to go for just the right fabric.....thrift store shirts.....cotton and linen.   Yes, the Unconventional and Unexpected lives in my house. 

OH HOW FUN this one was to complete.  Inspired by a quilt found in Coal City, Alabama, quilt maker and quilt pattern unknown, made with scraps of cotton and flannel....page 51 in Roderick Kiracofe's Unconventional & Unexpected (American Quilts Below the Radar 1950-2000).

With each improvisational pieced block, I  remembered how Grandma would sit and sew all her scraps together.  Remembering her humbleness and how thankful she was for her good life.   Her surroundings were not filled with riches, but her life was rich with inner peace and love. 

What's New?

February wasn't my typical month.  While there was some sewing going on, it wasn't so much in my usual setting, but in a hospital and rehabilitation center.  You see, the HuMan in my life had a stroke early in the month and is now recovering beautifully.   We are home and he is going through out-patient rehabilitation.   Life continues to be good as we take one day at a time and make it the best day we can.   

So, what's sewing on?    Quilting, whether by hand or machine,  continues to be my therapy....and it was very therapeutic to get the binding hand sewn on these three quilts as I sat and watched as he continued to heal.   I knew there was a reason those quilts were stacked in the closet ready to grab and stitch to completion!

Yes, we foresee a most favorable outcome and consider this just a toe stub or a slight dip in the road. It was eye-opening for both of us and some life style changes are being  made. 

TTFN

All good things - just bring them on!

We (The Piney Hills Quilt Guild, Ruston, Louisiana)  were dared challenged in December to make a list.  Not just any list, but a list of 12 unforgotten but unforgettable unfinished quilt projects.  We were dared to make the list public to keep each participant accountable.   Each month Virginia will draw from her hat, a number from one to twelve.  Now you have the gist of it.....that's the one (should you take the challenge) that should be completed by months' end.   I took the challenge!

After digging around the sewing room I dutifully arrived at 12 UFO's that should/could get done this year.  The year being 2019.  Taking a deep breath ~

1. Improv Triangles in Cherrywood fabric needs to be quilted and bound.
2. The one hanging in Tom's closet with backing and batting.  Needs pin basted, quilted and binding attached to completion.  It's been there for so long I can't even find the the pattern to give credit to the pattern maker.   
3. Spring Fever quilt (a Jen Kingwell design).  Already pieced....just quilt it! 
4. That blankety blank Amish wall hanging I picked up at a garage sale!!! What was I thinking?  It needs quilting, etc. to finish.
5. Material Obsession  big wedge flowers  pattern- flower wedges need applique onto quilt top and quilt bound.  
6. Gypsy Wife (a Jen Kingwell design)  I've started hand quilting and must persevere to the last hand quilting stitch.  
7. #4 in my Ferry Quilt Series.  Add hand quilting in big stitch, big thread to embellish.
8. Vintage string quilt.....the one with solid fabric that gives it Amish quilt inspiration.   Another quilt I foolishly picked up somewhere (because it was free, no doubt).  I shall overcome.
9. Lattice quilt.  It is thankfully pieced and needs to be machine quilted.
10. Solid improv inspired by quilter, Maria Shell.  Quilt it!
11. Kaffe Fasset fabric - modified log cabin.  Quilt it too!
12. Pumpkin Peel.  From Mary Elizabeth Kinch workshop needs quilting to completion. 

Okay, there you have it.  Each has a brief description but just enough for me to know which one to grab when its UFO days are over.   A lot of quilting to be done in 2019 (and beyond).  

So far, there's that perfect track score.  Virginia pulled Number 2 for January.  That being the one that's been hanging in Tom's closet for the past 4-5 years.  Who knows the truth....I've certainly lost track of time.  

Day one - pulled quilt from closet and pin basted....on day two I quilted and on days three and four,  attached binding.  Washed and dried on day 5.   Time to Show and Share this finished quilt with a name......Half-Rectangles On Parade.

A most enjoyable challenge ~

Every year one of the quilt guilds to which I'm a member gives us all a quilt challenge.  One of the major challenges is whether to participate or not!  This year, I did and loved the making of this paper-pieced confetti star block....an Amy Friend of During Quiet Time design.   Thanks, Amy.

While the fabric choices were (mostly) mine, the dominant colorway was not.  Susan asked me to name my favorite color and my immediate response was orange.  She then handed over an aqua fat quarter.....the basis of my challenge quilt.  Along with the challenge instructions I found that my challenge quilt must be predominately aqua and must contain stars.   White may be dominant but that aqua fabric rocks my shining stars.

The original improvisational modern quilt design and free motion quilting got favorable comments at the show 'n tell.  Thanks to all for your generosity.

Foothills Quilt

Today is the perfect day to post about a finished foothills quilt top.  The sun is out (for a change) and while the air is a bit chilled, my camera and I ventured out for a photo shoot.

I headed South a few weeks ago for a workshop with Canada native Mary Elizabeth Kinch, and finished one block that day.  Knowing that if I ever put this one away,  it would get buried deeper and deeper and never get finished so at every sewing opportunity, I set a personal goal of completing two blocks.   Block by block until almost to the finish with only 5 more to go.  It took one very long sewing day but all 25 foothills quilt blocks were done.

Made only from scraps.  The corner half-square triangles required two 5 1/2" blocks of two fabrics and the other fabric requirements were even smaller.  Needless to say there were a lot of scraps out on the table.....

 Finding the sashing strips was easy.  You see, I have plenty of fabric, but not much of any one design.   I knew I wanted the lime green to accent so began by pulling all fat quarters of that colorway.  Still not enough, I dug into the mustard/green to finish the job.  Now, that's the cat's meow. 

Mary Elizabeth's Foothills quilt was inspired by her love of vintage quilts.   She was especially intrigued by one she saw in a quilt museum (maker unknown) and designed this near replica.

Mine is sans outer borders by personal choice.  I'm enjoying the 70" x 70" manageable size and what I consider a more busy, a more flirtatious design.

Oh, and by the way.....a Happy Thanksgiving to you all.  The HuMan read on the internet that The Queen had all of her invited-to-sup guests weigh in before dining, then weigh out after dining.  Wonder if she wagers who gained the most.   Oh, the humiliation!   That won't be happening here at our Thanksgiving feast day.

Orange You Glad You Are A Pinwheel ~

My "Orange You Glad....." was just featured on My Quilt Place along with many other quilt wonders.

Orange Pinwheels 

and re-folded.....hour glass blocks become visible.

and pinwheels

One of the few times my binding is the same fabric that is within the quilt.

It's seldom I make a two-color quilt, but since orange is (one) of my favorite colors, it just seemed to be the color to add to the white I had on the bolt.  What a great way to end the month.  Thank you My Quilt Place.

On Becoming Minimalist ~

Becoming minimal as to blog posts has not been my main goal.....however, it has happened of late.  While not here musing, I'm over at North Louisiana Quilters  and also currently blogging for Quilters Guild Acadienne.  Join in and celebrate the art of quilting. 

A more minimal lifestyle is something I've been striving for for the past several years with good success.  Reading Joshua Becker's  "The Invitation of Minimalism" reinforces my thinking that less is better.  Joshua writes that minimalism gives us less stress and less debt, but more importantly, time to enjoy and value life. 

Speaking of value.....my pile of scrap fabrics is a major value and out of that came my favorite quilt top of the week....not necessarily minimal!

Here's looking at two quilt finishes ~

September, you've been a very good month.  It's only the 12th and I've several projects finished.

Let's see...how long have I worked on the 2017 Sarah Fielke Down the Rabbit Hole BOM?   I stopped counting the months after 12, but it's now ready for the quilter!

My last round of pictures didn't include the final border since my space was too small for picture taking. This is one big quilt, finishing at 96 inches. I agonized every inch of the way, but do like the finish.

Yay....and here's my version of Tabby Mountain started at a retreat last year.....finally got it quilted yesterday (and the day before).   It was a bit cloudy out but I hung this one two ways for picture-taking. 

It really didn't matter the top or the bottom....both angles of a finished quilt are good!

Oh, yes.  September, you've been good for me. 

I'm No Genius ~

But Albert was

and so were his quotes....pure genius

Everybody is a genius.  

But if you judge a fish by its ability

to climb a tree, it will live 

its whole life believing that it is

stupid......Albert Einstein

and

Weak people revenge

Strong people forgive

Intelligent people ignore.....

Albert Einstein 

I'm hoping to be intelligent today and into the future.

Marty 

Fleur de Lis Quilts and Accessories: Meet Marty Mason

I had the most fun Thursday last.  Traveling alone down to Cottonport was quiet and beautiful and filled with interaction between myself and me.   You see, I was guest presenter for Cotton Quilters in Cottonport, Louisiana, and always have to gear myself up so as not to be nervous.  I do so enjoy showing off my quilts, but it's still a little nerve wracking....especially when you know the group is going to be traditional quilters.   

On arriving, I  was so warmly received.  I felt as though we had been friends for years.  Their comments, oohs and aahs were most sincere.  Their questions about this and that made me realize that they really wanted to know about the diverse fabrics I use, where I find inspiration, my approach to quilting without a pattern and quilting from the heart in my make-do attitude.    Cottonport Quilters, you were the best audience and I thank you for the pleasure of your company. 

And thank you, Mary Marcotte, for your invitation to be Cotton Quilters' August presenter, and a special thank you for blogging about my visit and sharing your story of the day.  Yes, Mary, we are blogging friends indeed. 


Fleur de Lis Quilts and Accessories: Meet Marty Mason: On Thursday I finally got around to writing about our August meeting . In that post I teased everyone with a little about our special guest,...

Leftovers~

Even in this summer heat......I'm still making quilts. 

We'll just call these leftovers!  There's always a story but let's keep it short and sweet.  You see, there was some Asian designer fabric on sale and it wound up in my cart.....last year.  And it's been taking up way too much shelf space.  My first quilt top experiment (not pictured) didn't give me goosebumps so I cut it up and got two really different quilt tops made. 



Improv Log Cabin Leftover No. 1
 

Improv String of Pearls Leftover No. 2

Someone asked me if I liked the finishes.  After a minute of being taken aback at such a question, I realized that, yes, I did like both of them....very much!  What's not to like?  They kept me out of bars, off street corners, out of trouble and therapy for a few days.  Yes, of course, I like them! 

 

Dis, Dat and D'udder

Inspired by the style of Maria Shell, Gwen Marston (Lindsay has the most delectable Pinterest board sharing Gwen Marston Quilts)  Eleanor McCain and others of like improvisational style.  This one has been on the design wall for a month....or more....but now both the quilt front and back is pieced and ready to be quilted.   

Knowing well enough that one should not be vain, yet I can't help but brag just a bit about stepping out of my box.   I can very easily mix and mingle with all those fabulous prints and florals and can easily add a few solids, but man, how hard it is using only solid fabric!  So, yes, very proud  not to have used a single print in this one.....only solids of Bali shot cotton along with shot cotton from the Kaffe Fasset collection.

While out taking pictures this morning I also remembered to grab these two  from awhile back that I included in an improv to the 9-patch workshop. 

And using every leftover scrap from the project, filling in as needed with whatever fabric was nearby that I could grab, cut and sew. 

Life is good....well, actually, life is very good ~

 

Getting my big panties on ~

Remembering ~

as a child how thrilling to grow

 into the larger size panty!

  I'm not

thrilled

    anymore.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Threads of Glory Exhibit

The fabulous "Threads of Glory" exhibit features an array of fabric artworks - quilts, knitted items, weavings, and on and on----created by regional artisans......and I am one of them.  The exhibit will run April 25-June 2, 2018,  at  Union Museum of History and Art, 116 N. Main Street, Farmerville, Louisiana.

Yes, I am one happy camper viewing my handmade crafts on public display.....

Here is Old Blue happily hanging as a backdrop to the beautifully knitted black dress in silk yarn made by Nancy Wallace of Monroe, Louisiana.  I'll have to go back to the museum to get the name of The Rooster art quilt maker.  My apology to the maker for this sad oversight on my part.   

 

My flying geese quilt, even folded,  was quite stunning on display with The Butterfly thread stitched wall hanging. 

 

 

The bowls, oh, the rope bowls pictured below with the linen red hat! 

 
 
 
 
 

And finally my original hand crafted, painted and bound books. 

Thank you, "Threads of Glory" Exhibit Curator: Karen Bradford
Exhibit Designer: Alan Futch, The Dean of Flowers
Museum Coordinator:  Jean Jones and all 51 individuals who contributed treasured fiber artwork to the exhibit.