New Grandson

My new grandson will be born in August this year so I just had to make him a quilt.  I used two charm packs -- great invention, the charm pack.  It is pre-cut squares that are 5" and I love love working with this product.  One of the most tedious steps to quilting is the cutting out of the pattern.  The sewing goes pretty quickly, the quilting takes a bit longer because I do it by hand.  I haven't learned machine quilting yet which seems to be the trend these days.  I don't want to lose the "art" of quilting like it was done so long ago so I stick to my hand quilting.  Granted my designs are pretty simple but the results are always pretty good.  At least that's the response I get. I am just looking forward to holding a new baby in my arms, wrapped in his new "blankie".

Its an oldie but goodie!!!

Here is one of the first quilts that I made -- can't even remember the date it was so long ago.  I just dug it out of the linen closet so I could show it to my quilt friends.  I used some material that wasn't the best combination.  The green is fine, but the other print is a very flimsy material and bunched up a bit after washing.  I think that's why I have kept it hidden away, so it won't get wrecked.  I am a little nostalgic about my efforts from long ago.  Things are so different now -- better materials, better methods, etc. etc.  I used to make templates out of cardboard -- now I just use a straight edge ruler, rotary cutter and matt.  So much better and faster!!! I am the most impatient when it comes to completing a quilt -- not a good attribute to have!!

Baby quilt

Here is a baby quilt that I am doing for a co worker who is having her first child -- a girl.  I discovered Missouri Star Quilting Co recently and just love all the tutorials they have available.  Their shop specializes in pre-cut material of which some examples are the Charm Pack which is usually 40 - 5 inch squares of fabric from one design line.  The fabrics are all coordinated so they move well together inside of a quilt.  I used two charm packs on this quilt and I think it is turning out very cute.  It is in the process of being hand-quilted and I'm having a lot of fun with it.  Size is approximately 44x49 inches. The backing is a soft pink flannel print with the words "I love Mommy and Daddy" all over. Take a look!!!

A BIG SURPRISE!!!!!

I had leftover fabric from the quilt I did for my sister. My niece Susan had admired the colors and sooooo -- here is a quilt I made for her -- it's in the mail, Toots!!!!

A BIG SURPRISE!!!!!

Attached is a quilt that I did for my niece who is going to be so surprised!!!  I had fabric leftover from my sister's quilt that I did -- subject was one of her favorite artists - Frida Kalo.  So, here is my efforts with the "scraps" left.  I still have bags and bags of fabric just waiting to be put to good use.  I will put up another picture in a couple days to show you my stash.

New project in the works

I am working on a new project that I am very excited about.  I discovered Missouri Star Quilting Co recently and am just loving their video tutorials and FABULOUS selection of fabrics.  I have been watching tutorials on "jelly roll" quilts.  A jelly roll is a bundle of fabrics in 2 1/2" x 40" strips of cloth from one designers line.  My favorite so far is Moda designs because of the variety of print and color.  I am attempting a "strip" quilt and have placed the blocks randomly to see how I want to put it together.  I love the colors and the brightness of this quilt and it's definitely stretching my limits.  I tend to stick to traditional designs and very basic colors but am loving the look of this. What do you think?

Project in progress

Hi all, 

Attached is a project I am working on.  I discovered Missouri Star Quilting Co website -- wonderful  video tutorials and absolutely FABULOUS material for quilting.  I watched a tutuorial about how to use "jelly rolls" which is a bundle of  fabric strips 2 1/2" wide and 40 " long.  They are all from one line -- Moda is my favorite -- and different themes to each one.  There are many types of quilts to make from one bundle and one of them is "strip" quilting which I am attempting.  I just love the colors and I am really stretching outside of my comfort zone with this one.  I usually am pretty traditional with colors and design so to leap outside of the box is a challenge for me.  I have placed these squares in a random design but haven't sewed together yet. Any comments are greatly appreciated.