Circling

Circling Hearts is the name for my newest little quilt.

 

It features half a dozen hearts circling one heart (all machine-appliqued) in the center of this patchwork background.

Is it a circle of loving support,
     or a circle of a loving family,
          or a funky dance between three pink and three blue hearts while being supervised by a staid, gold-highlighted center heart?

The imagination abounds.

Another question:  Is this little quilt (quiltlet?) the right size to be a 'mug rug' ?  It is 10" x 10".   This is the question I am pondering now ... what do you think?

A second Snow Day

We had the rare occurrence of a second Snow-Day this year.  Even the city government closed down offices (and libraries and more).  What would you do with a bonus day off from work, and a winter storm approaching ....?

Well, I'm a quilter, so I making these two little quilts!

All the hearts are machine applique'd onto the pieced backgrounds.  Free-motion quilting finishes the work.  I'm glad they're finished as the larger one is for ALQS, Another Little Quilt Swap #8, whose deadline is less than a week away.

Another Little Quilt Swap, ALQS, is one entertaining way to collect new quilts made by quilters located around the world.  I've swapped several times in this group lead by Kate North.   If you are interested in joining, all you need is a finished quilt within the size of 12"x12" or  20"x20".  Click here for more details and then send your digital images to Kate by the posted deadline!

PS  The previous ALQS rounds I traded in were ALQS4, ALQS6 and ALQS7 (where I traded two quilts).

Update:  I've joined a new group, the 2014 NewFO Challenge.  Barbara of Cat Patches is the brainchild and moderator.  She challenges participants to start a new project each month and share that project at the end of the month (there is even a giveaway!).  Click here to see January linky party (I'm #61).  Click here to learn more about this challenge. 

Join the fun!

Quilt Binding Express

I'm having fun trying out my newest quilty gadget - a Quilt Binding Express tool by June Tailor.

This new gadget aids in ironing the binding strips in half, lengthwise.  There are three different width slots (2", 2 1/4" and 2 1/2").  Fold the strip in half, feed it through it's matching slot (I'm using the 2 1/2" one) and press the fold with a hot iron.  Continue feeding the fabric through, pressing as you go, until the entire length has been ironed flat.  What I like best about this gizmo-gadget is that I do not have scorched fingers!

Note: another cool thing is the printed design along each slot helps you to line up the fabric and keep it folded in half.

Last tip:  I purchased mine at my local JoAnn Fabric and Craft store -- with a coupon!  Check your local quilt shop too, since it is one handy quilt-y gadget.

Snow Day!

Schools are closed today.  We are having a rare Snow Day in Houston -- this is the 'snow' I found in my back yard.  Here I am....in the snow?.....

Yes, the winter in Houston is mild, even during an extreme cold spell.  Note:  there are some ice crystals on the leaves (that are still falling - yes, in January!) and lovely new growth --weeds, grass, what-have-you. 

Enjoying the extra day off from school, staying toasty warm and hope all of you are too!

Aprons

It's chilly tonight in Houston and cold weather always makes me feel like cooking.  Of course if you're cooking in the kitchen, you must wear an apron.  Thinking of aprons reminded me of this lovely quilt by Eileen Daniels.

This quilt is titled Aprons are a Tradition in My Family and was on display in the "Festival Gallery of Quilt Art: Traditions" at the International Quilt Festival and Market in Houston this past fall.

Eileen, from Brodhead WI, stated that her design source was "her vintage apron, fabric and hankie collection from her ancestors".  She explained:  I have photos of my family wearing aprons going back to 1910 on the back of the quilt,  What a great tradition that we are continuing!  When she inherited the collection of aprons, hankies and fabrics, she just had to make this quilt which showcases 232 vintage fabrics and her love for the creativity of apron pockets!  She adds: Wearing  aprons with a hankie in the pocket is a tradition in my family and already my four-year-old granddaughter is carrying on the tradition!  She closes with "No apron was destroyed for this quilt!"

Techniques used include Machine applique and photo transfers.  I know you'll enjoy this detail view...

 Lovely quilt Eileen!

To learn more about Eileen and see more of her work, or contact her to speak to your guild or give a workshop or otherwise ... check out her website by clicking here.

You must check out her website both for more info on Eileen but also to see who she shares the site with ... Ross Daniels, a Master Wood Craftsman!  He has buttons, bowls, rolling pins and lovely ornaments on display and available for purchase!


The Daniels' website is http://danielsstudios.com/