From Her Hands

Last week when I was on my mini vacation, I had the opportunity to duck into an antique store.  I was able to browse pretty quickly because most things were just ridiculously priced.  I often wonder if dealers really want to sell their items.  I rounded a corner and saw a shoe box with some quilting fabric in it.  On further inspection I realized I had quite a treasure in my hands.  I knew instantly that this box would be coming home with me and that I would be completing this hand pieced quilt top. Each octagon is about 4 inches wide.  The little kite shaped pieces are tiny with hundreds of them already cut.  As you can see from the photo, many of the pieces have been made into star blocks already. The fabric is amazing, feedsacks to muslin to calicos.  I have about 1/2 yard of the white fabric. The box housed three templates made from cardstock, probably made from a box of some sort and a thimble and chalk.  While watching the olympics, I sewed a few more stars to the quilt top and had the deep satisfaction of continuing the work of a kindred soul. 


Joyfully,

Sunday Scripture

Source: joyshope.com via Diann on Pinterest

With joy,

Pretty Meets Functional

I have a very bad habit of throwing thread on the floor.  I little clip here and a little snip there and I think I can just sweep it up later.  Well, picture me with sharp objects trying to unclog my vacuum cleaner the other day.  Not a pretty sight and what a waste of precious sewing time!  I remember that I had purchased a pattern for a thread catcher/pin cushion years ago.  Yes, you read that right, years. 

I chose some of my favorite Japanese prints as well as other pretties from my stash.  The pattern came with the tubing that feeds through a casing which holds the little bucket open. Now I have no excuses for my laziness and can keep the sharp objects away from electrical appliances!


Hugs,

Great Granny Quilt

I feel like I've been gone for weeks but it's only been a few short days.  I took a mini vacation away from home and got to play in the sand and refresh myself in the waves.  There is nothing like summer on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Of course there's nothing like winter here too, but I'm not thinking of that right now.

I completed my Great Granny quilt top.  I'm so pleased with the way it came out.  The cherry fabric I used for the sashing and borders is one of my favorite go-to prints and I always have it in my stash.  It is from JoAnn fabrics and is really a good quality quilting cotton.  It pairs so well with the "Sew Cherry" fabric by Lori Holt and compliments the aqua around the blocks so nicely.  The quilt measures at a 50" square.  I can hardly wait to get it into the hands of my quilter/friend Mary. I have some fun things planned for the back to use up the leftover 2 1/2" squares.  I'm trying to decide if I should bind it in red with white polka dots or use the same cherry fabric.  What do you think?  When I look at this quilt I think of summertime and picnics, cherry picking and all the cherry orchards I pass when I travel home to see my family here in Michigan.


Have a blessed day today!

Sunday Scripture

Source: familybees.blogspot.com via Gretchen on Pinterest

With Joy,

Making Progress

I made a bit of progress this morning.  Here are blocks five and six for my Great Granny Square quilt. Be sure to stop by Flickr to see all the beautiful blocks submitted in the Great Granny Along.  Have a wonderful day doing something you love with someone you love!


Smiles, 

The Great Granny Along ~ Block Four

This is block number four for the Great Granny Along by Bee In My Bonnet.  I've been having fun with it but haven't been able to make as many as I would like this week due to custom orders and appointments.  I do have all the pieces cut for the blocks so I can lay one out and work on them as I get a chance.

Here is all four blocks together.  I really like how it is coming along.  I am aiming for nine blocks total so that I can finish it according to Lori's instructions.  Hope you are having a good day friends, it is dark and rainy today ~ perfect for sewing!

Hugs,