Spring Baskets

Here we are well into Spring and I just remembered my Spring Baskets wall hanging. Last Spring I went through all my quilting books and found many wonderful baskets. I decided on Pat Sloan's basket pattern for my wall hanging. This is also the first time I used fusible web. I must say, I much prefer the softer look of needle-turn applique. The hand stitching around the baskets was done with Aurifil Wool thread.

This cute little basket is from a Better Homes and Gardens book called, Designers & Their Quilts. I reduced the basket size to 3.5" high. My sister recently gave me a charm pack called Hopscotch by Chloe's Closet and I thought it would be perfect for my little baskets. I like to prewash all my fabric. Yes, even charm packs! All the prep work is done and my baskets are ready for stitching.

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Before you go, how about a little stroll through the Spring garden.

Checkered Lily (Fritillaria)

Corkscrew Hazel

Siberian Squill

Victorian Brooch Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

We Have a Winner

I would like to thank Betsy and Evie for participating in the Going Green quilt challenge.

The random draw winner is:

Evie!

Evie does not have a blog, so she sent me a photo by e-mail. After many attempts, I was unsuccessful loading the photo to Blogger. Maybe Evie when you send me your mailing address you could send another photo.

Earth Day

The earth is a garden and each of us only need care for our own part for life to be breathed back into the planet, into the soil, into ourselves. ~ John Jeavons

Earth Day (week) has arrived and my Going Green quilt (a quilt with an environmental message) is complete. I kept it simple, a tree for Earth Day and the perfect quote by John Jeavons. My little quilt was done by hand and I used bamboo batting. To see what I thought of the bamboo batting, click on The Bamboo Report.

Back in January, I invited you to join me in making a Going Green quilt. If you did, be sure to leave a comment on this posting (deadline date April 26) and a link back to your blog, so I can see your quilt. If you do not have a blog, leave a comment, with your name and e-mail address. You must then, e-mail me a photo of your Going Green quilt, to qualify for the draw.

A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. ~ Greek Proverb

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

Times Remembered 4

Rabbit Run and Blueberry Vine

Rabbit Run and Blueberry Vine are two more blocks from my Times Remembered quilt. I just love the Rabbit Run block, especially the carrots. And, can't you just taste the plump, juicy blueberries?

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

The Bamboo Report

I put my package of Fairfield bamboo batting (50% bamboo and 50% organic cotton) to the test. The first thing I notice as I removed the batting from the package was how soft it was and how thin it felt. So, after pressing it against my face (LOL), I compared it to the cotton batting. The bamboo batting definitely feels nicer to the touch. As for the thickness, I would say it is about the same as cotton.

Next step was to place the batting into a warm dryer for a little spin to help remove the fold lines. I then draped it over the ironing board for a couple of days. Some fold lines remained, but not deep enough to worry about. After thread basting my quilt top, I began to quilt. It was not difficult to hand quilt and maybe even a little easier then with cotton batting. Because it is not as firm as cotton batting, I would think twice before using it for wall hangings.

Overall, I liked it! I like how it feels and I like that it is a green product. Availability is an issue. Right now the only place I can find it is across the border at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft store. Sold in packages from crib size to king size. The larger the package, you purchase, the more money you save. Plus, Jo-Ann's has 40% off coupons. I don't cross the border often, but when I do, I will be sure to pick up more bamboo batting.

Simple Pleasures

Enjoying the simple pleasures of life, letting nature do the entertaining, finding a balance between activity and quiet time, and not spending a lot of money in the process.

Hellebores is truly a Springtime treasure. Such a shame their pretty little heads hang down. At only two inches out of the ground, most passers by will never even notice them.

Last week seemed to fly right by and the only project I completed was a quilted tote bag. I started working on Nightshade, the second Red Delicious block. Most of my time was spent working on my Going Green quilt. Speaking of that, it is time to test the bamboo batting. Next week, I will let you know what I think of it. So.....

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

Heirloom Tomatoes

Did you see Kaaren's tomato pincushion posting? How cute! After seeing that, I searched the Internet and found instructions for Heirloom Tomato pincushions. Somewhat different then Kaaren's, as they are made from circles of fabric, instead of rectangles. Instructions are provided for both methods. Also, be sure to watch for Kaaren's tomato pincushion tutorial, on Friday. So far, I have made seven heirloom tomatoes. Small like cherry tomatoes, so I could have one in each of my project boxes.

I have seen many wonderful pincushions sitting on top of old wooden spools. My plan for this one is to make interchangeable pincushions. Maybe, a seasonal series would be nice.

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen