Monday, March 7, 2011

Lobster Quilt


This past week I've been enjoying an oldie but a goodie, printed in 1949 and full of inspiration.  No coloured photos in this book, it has been left to your imagination, which usually is not a problem for quilters.



Of all the quilts in the book, Lobster Quilt is the one that caught my eye.  The photo changed instantly, in my head, from black and white to bright, beautiful lobster red.  Can you see the lobster resemblance; wouldn't that make a nice summer table topper?




The back of the book is loaded with wonderful quilt blocks.  I can picture Cross Roads done Amish style, with a black background and colourful solids or how about in 1930's fabric?  Wheel of Chance is such a fun one, I can see it fussy cut or done in Kaffe Fassett.  The St. Louis Star block is another excellent one for fussy cutting.

Besides reading, I am almost finished my Civil War Bride applique block and should have it completed in the next couple of days.  Clamshells are becoming part of my daily routine, even if time allows for just one to be stitched down.  Until my bucket is empty, cleaning up my Quilters' Compost has also become part of my daily routine.  Veranda Views blocks are back on the design wall and have now been pieced together.  Just the border needs to go on.  So, it looks like a few finishes are in sight.

Until next time.....happy quilting!

Karen

21 comments:

Melody said...

Lots of fabulous blocks here.

Jossie said...

Lots of activities here. The book looks like a gem with those beautiful blocks. Wonder if you wil start just a small table runner ;-)
Good to read you are making progress on your clamshells. 'Quilters Compost' if that is what I think it is, it is a fantastic expression for something we quilters now so well!

Jane in Cumbria said...

Wonderful blocks. I often think that black and white photos or drawings leave more space for your own imagination. Look forward to your Civil War Bride block...
Jane

antique quilter said...

I love this book and refer to it a lot.
thanks for highlighting this book and now I need to go get it off the shelf again!
Kathie

*karendianne. said...

I don't have this book but I really dig the way you're sharing it with us. It's neat to see your interpretation of the blocks - how you'd work with them and what colors you might use as well. Very fun. I also totally enjoy reading about how you're making so much progress!!! You're in the zone.

Crispy said...

Ooooo interesting blocks, that Cross Roads really caught my eye :0) It's fun looking for inspiration.

Crispy

YankeeQuilter said...

this was my first quilt book! My Dad bought it for me at a used book store when I was in high school!

LuAnn said...

What a great quilt book. Be sure and hang onto that one; there's lots of inspiration there.

Joan said...

very different block book - leads to much for the imagination

Unknown said...

Mesmerising, It is like being under a spell.
Gina

Quiltpassion.blogspot.com said...

Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog, Karen.
What a wonderful book, the lobster pattern is lovely. Yes, those black and white drawings stimulate your imagination.
You seem very busy,
love to see your applique block!
Greetings, Cisca

Merilyn said...

What a fascinating book! I love old books that feature patterns like that, and you're right the creativity of fabric choice is entirely yours. You sound like you have a few irons in the fire! look forward to seeing your completions!!

Carrie P. said...

Interesting blocks.
Can't wait to see your veranda views quilt.

Melody said...

Well done, you are so industrious. Thanks again for One Flower Wednesday. I love it.

Funoldhag said...

That was one of my first books - there weren't the multitude of books when I started quilting that there is today. I used quite a few patterns from that one for my earlier applique. Had to look for ones that fitted the size block I was using. Now with the computer, you can scan and size about anything you want! Looking forward to seeing some more of your finishes.

Karen said...

I had to see what a Lobster quilt was.

Paula said...

OMG I have this book somewhere in my home in Iceland, I must look it up in April when I go over there to attend my grand-childrens confirmation.
I love your clamshells, but it is a lot of work, I do admire you for all your beautiful work.
Take care

Marieke said...

Great book and lots to do. Ik hope to see the finishes!

LeKaQuilt said...

Oh what a wounderful book. I love the quilt at the front of it...... enjoy your book.

Robin said...

It has been way too long since I've visited! I'm really enjoying catching up. It is fun looking through these classic designs with you. The lobster quilt looks fun-- I really can envision it in red and a crisp white.

Sandra Henderson said...

Hi Karen!~I've enjoyed catching up with you this morning.. I've had a lot to read up on. I love this book, will be on the lookout for it! I checked Amazon, but no luck at the moment. LOVE the Lobster Claw! wow! Wouldn't that be pretty in corals and white on a summer table (as you suggested)??? Your work is so beautiful