Last year I started reading Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilt novels. I'm almost finished The Runaway Quilt. The fourth book in the series. I must say, this is my favourite, so far.
Gaillardia Oranges & Lemons
Gaillardia Arizona Sun
Lots of rain over the past couple of weeks and the garden is growing like a weed. Last year I searched for a perennial that would take the place of annuals and bloom all season. After thumbing through seed catalogs, I came up with the perfect plants. Arizona Sun and Oranges & Lemons Gaillardia. They bloom all summer and you can see them a mile away. I sowed the seed directly in the ground last year and just as summer officially arrived this year, the Gaillardia are in full bloom.
Country Calendar June
Country Calendar July
Can you believe it is July already? Only five blocks to go and then I can piece together my Country Calendar quilt. Have you ever visited Ellie's Quiltplace? Designer of the Country Calendar BOM. Ellen designs and sells her own patterns. I enjoy reading Ellen's blog and seeing all her wonderful hand quilted project. Very inspiring.
Freebie stitchery anyone....
Two more Tiny Baskets completed. Ten to go!
Years before I started to quilt, I was purchasing Miniature Quilts magazines. My plan, back then, was to only make miniature quilts. But, when the time came to start quilting, I didn't think it was such a good idea to start with something so small. My first encounter with anything mini, was last year when I started hand piecing Dear Jane blocks. It is said that anything less then 36 inches is considered a miniature. So, I guess I have made a few miniatures already. But when I think of miniatures, I'm thinking much smaller then 36 inches.
So, time to start reading my miniature quilt books and give it a go. I would like to make the mini's by hand. My concern is quilting them. I don't think I could comfortably quilt without a hoop. My 14 inch quilting hoop (which I love) from Quilters Woodwork, may be too large for miniatures. They do sell a 10 inch hoop. Or, I could baste false sides to the miniature quilt and still use my 14 inch hoop. Where there's a will, there's a way!
Until next week.....happy quilting!
Karen
13 comments:
Those flowers are magnificent! Love the colours!
If you baste a mini quilt quite well, it's easy to quilt without a hoop and, as an added bonus, I think one can get smaller stitches without a hoop -- at least, that has been my experience.
I've read most of Jennifer's books, but the first one I read was #4, and I think it's my favorite too! Love your flowers!
gorgeous flowers. When I hand quilt a doll quilt, I just make the back and batting bigger to fit my 14" hoop. It wasted a bit of fabric but you can use the strips in something else.
Runaway Quilt was my absolute favorite in the series! Jennifer has a great website, so be sure to visit it at www.elmcreek.net.
I plan on re-reading the whole series again...summer is here and my hammock awaits.
I love Jennifer Chiaverini's books. I am currently on her newest one. I have read them all in order and love everyone. Your Gallardia are just fabulous. I guess I have done a few minis myself.
Karen I love your plants and blocks. I have never read those books. They seem interesting. I quilt my mini quilt without a hoop and it has worked well so far.
I started reading Jennifer Chiaverini's books a few weeks ago and I am flying through them because I cannot tear myself away!!! They are fabulous. I am on No. 5, the Quilter's Legacy. I think it's No. 5. They are all wonderful!
Your flowers are tremendous. Love those Gaillardia Arizona Sun flowers. I will make a note and try and get them for next year. My hubby takes care of all the gardening because I have COPD and cannot do that anymore but I keep happy at my sewing machine!!! Happy Monday!
Oh, I love those flowers. They are so bright and colorful. Good choice.
I just finished tracing my June and July calendar blocks. Playing catch with all the BOM.
Those little hat stand blocks are cute but I am going to pass on those. Thanks for sharing them though.
Love your baskets.
Thanks you for passing for my blog!! I'll pass for this pages that you told us to pass. Regards. Viviana
Hi, Karen....Love your flowers! Your photography is great. Unbelievable what digital cameras can do especially along with a pc. Your little baskets are so pretty and looks like great fun picking out the fabrics for each. Have a great week! Carol
I have only just found your blog and I love your work. I also like to work with smaller quilts - that way they usually get done.
Hello Karen,
Thank you for your comment on my blog. Waouw: there are so many beautiful things to see on yours. Nice flowers and a gorgeous cat.
As for your reading, like you I started Jennifer Chiaverini's novels last year. I'm only one book ahead but as for the time being I'm blogging more than reading, I'm sure I'll catch me up. Have a nice day.
Rachel
I've often gazed at miniature quilts at shows in wonderment and awe. It is amazing how much artistry one can work into such a tiny area! Good luck to you on your new quilting adventure! I can't wait to see what you come up with. :)
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