Veranda Views

Veranda Views had me excited from the start, because I love to spend time in the garden.  Fabric selection was pretty easy.  I had a few pieces in mind and just added to them.

Then I stitched it all together and didn't like the end result.  It was way too busy with all the different fabric and the stitchery was lost.  I took it apart (January 2010) and used the pieces for Quilters' Compost.

Since then, I selected three fabrics that went nicely together and hoped for the best.  It only took a little over a year to attempt it a second time, but it turned out much better than the first time and the focus remains on the stitchery. 

Click on photo for clearer image.

I did change it some from the original pattern by adding more sashing and I tried not to increase the overall quilt size too much, so as not to tip the balance.  It looks nicer in person then in the photo and I am pretty sure I will not be taking it apart again. 

Well working on Veranda Views, I had a chance to test out my Center-to-Trim Guide by Dritz.  Normally I work on blocks that have already been cut to finished size, but for Veranda Views you cut them larger and then trim back when finished.  This was a first for me and I was pleased with the ease of the Center-to-Trim Guide.

In the close-up photo you can see a series of measurements and dots.  First you find the center of your block and mark it, through the hole, with a wash away pen.  You continue to mark in the same way, for the size of block you desire.  Then, with a ruler and rotary cutter, you trim down your block.  So fast and easy!

Do you remember my Brother PC3000 sewing machine ordeal?  I drove by the repair shop the other day and guess what; they have gone out of business!  Now, doesn't that explain a few things?

Until next time.....happy quilting!

Karen

Beginning and Ending

Many hours were spent in the garden last week, weeding, deadheading, removing plants, turning compost and picking veggies. The garden is showing signs of an early fall and I'm okay with that. This gardener is ready for a rest.

As summer comes closer to an end, so does the Veranda Views BOM. I have now completed the last stitchery block, Enjoy the View. It's time to select fabric to frame my blocks, as the instructions for filler blocks and cornerstones will soon be posted.

I also prepared the next two Autumn POTC blocks, but only had time to piece together one. This one I call, Autumn Sky. Nothing like a brilliant blue sky and bright fall leaves.

Yes, I have many things on the go already and lots of patterns waiting to be made, but I came across a pattern by Corliss Searcey of Threadbear and well, you know the rest. So, last week, I ordered some background fabric and eagerly await its arrival. In the meantime, I will start preparing my templates for the first couple of blocks. I must be strong and remember that this is not the only project I have on the go. For those interested, Lizzie has started a blog called, The Civil War Bride Quilt.

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

Doing the Happy Dance

Dear Jane has me doing the happy dance. Last week I pieced together G-6. In the center of this block is a tiny 1-inch star, made from seventeen very tiny pieces. Each piece cut out individually and hand stitched together. I just love my tiny star!

Speaking of tiny, I would like you to meet Bella. Bella lives next door and we have become the best of friends. If she was mine, I don't think I could leave her outside, unattended, for such long periods of time. I'm glad she found the safety of my garden, as it seems to be the place other cats like to come to rest and play. The other day, Bella helped me weed and deadhead, but I think we spent most of our time chasing each other around the garden. Bella also enjoyed a ride on the end of a shovel and traveling around in the weed bucket was also lots of fun. After a long day in the garden, Bella and I rested on the patio. I with my stitchery and Bella with a saucer of milk. Such a perfect day, with my new best friend.

Flying Lessons

First Blooms

The past two weeks have been spent on stitchery BOM's and I am pleased to say, they are all caught up now. August will bring the last Veranda Views block. I will miss stitching this one, but look forward to piecing the blocks into a pretty little quilt.

Cathi made me do it!

After seeing all her lovely blocks, how could I not. So, I ordered Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Crosses. Another wonderful book by Linda Franz.

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

Fowl Play and a Giveaway

Look what I found tucked away, from my cross-stitching days, the patterns for Raspberry Homecoming and Blueberry Homecoming. I wonder what attracted me to them? Maybe all the pretty quilts hanging on the line. I would love to pass the patterns on to someone that cross-stitches and loves quilts. If you are interested, just leave a comment (saying so) on this post, before midnight, Saturday June 27 to be entered in the draw. I will post the winner on Monday June 29.

Found some more freebies!

Hearts 'n Stars , Southern Lights, Sprinkles and Dizzy Clovers are continuous line -stitching patterns, for long-arm or hand quilting.

All finished my Fowl Play Veranda Views block.

My garden is perennial , but I could not resist potting up some annuals.

Recently, I went curtain rod shopping to find a nice rod (with clips) to display my quilts on. Whoever came up with that idea is a clever one. My quilts are currently piled (neatly) on a chair, a chair that I would so love to sit on again. One rod, with pretty cream flowers on the ends, caught my eye. The problem now is finding wall space. I also love the idea of a Quilt Ladder. They can be any size and easily moved about the house. Time to get the tool box out and build me a ladder!

Four more Tiny Baskets are complete!

A Quilter's Journey Back in Time continues and I get more and more excited with each new block. Last week I pieced together Grandpa's Chickens. This one was great practice for when I start hand piecing my Postage Stamp quilt. The squares in Grandpa's Chickens measure a little over half an inch, so I shouldn't have a problem with my 1-inch Postage Stamp squares.

Well, I'm heading over to Lillian's Cupboard to copy down the recipe for Rhubarb and Friends Cobbler. Lillian always has something tasty in her cupboard.

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

Busy Fingers

Spring is not the best of seasons.

Cold and flu are two good reasons;

wind and rain and other sorrow,

warm today and cold tomorrow.

~Author Unknown

There is some truth in that. But, I think Spring is one of the best seasons. Everything comes to life in the garden and I get to see Mrs. Scott Elliot Columbine again. Now, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Can you smell it?

Dwarf Korean Lilac

Oh yes, Spring IS one of the best seasons!

What I have been working on . . . . .

The Buffet, Veranda Views

Count Your Blessings, Polka-Dot Girls

and Love Apples, Red Delicious

Back in January, I prepared lots of hexagons to make Karen's Flower Garden. I stitched together a few flowers at that time and then was sidetracked with other projects. Well, I am back at it and have completed eighteen of ninety-six flowers. I will try not to get sidetracked again (LOL) and see how far I get over the summer.

Before you go . . . . .

Are you familiar with The Rabbit Factory? They are a Canadian quilt pattern company and I think you will like what you see. Also, check out their blog and request a copy of the (first) free applique pattern.

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

Stitching Up a Storm

As I was stitching up a storm, Spring arrived in my garden.

Last weeks goal was to catch up on my BOM stitchery projects and I did just that. Bathtime and Bed'n Breakfast, from Veranda Views, are now complete. Also, the March Country Calendar block. I just couldn't help myself. I had to add a couple of shamrocks.

I look forward to Karen's Tool Time Tuesday and after reading last Tuesday's post, I headed straight for the hardware store. I purchased a handful of eye bolts, but sadly was unable to locate the other gadget. But, that's okay. We have four different hardware stores in town, so the search will continue. Upon returning home, I attached some pretty ribbon to my eye bolts and threaded them up. Then, I took one for a test drive. It was perfect! Wouldn't they make a wonderful gift?

Eye Bolt Thread Holders

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

Marking Applique Placement

When I first started to applique, the big question was, how do you get each piece positioned correctly on the background fabric? So, I went to my quilting books for the answer. One method was tracing the pattern to your background fabric, with a faint pencil line. I didn't like that idea, because there was always the chance that your applique shapes may not perfectly cover the pencil marks.

The second method was using a light box. I didn't like that method either, because it was not very portable. Each time you need to add another applique piece, you have to take your project to the light box, place it over the pattern, position and pin down the next piece.

I wanted portable and no chance of placement marks showing. So, this is what I came up with. I take all my freezer paper templates, that I used to prepare my pattern pieces and I position them correctly, on the background fabric. Then, I iron them down. Next, I do a basting stitch around the pattern pieces. Remove the freeze paper templates and I am ready to applique. It doesn't take anymore time to prepare then, tracing with a pencil or getting up and down from your chair to go to the light box. Any basting stitches (not covered by applique) can be removed as you applique or when you finish the project.

Recently, I tried the clear upholstery vinyl overlay method. I will use this method again, mainly because I have a very large piece of upholstery vinyl left. It takes some getting use to and there is a chance of the vinyl moving, as you are trying to position the next piece. I did feel more comfortable with it, as I went along. This method is also portable. Robin did a wonderful job, using vinyl, on her airplane.

Even more recently, on my January A Tisket, A Tasket basket, I used a Fine Point Mark-B-Gone Pen to trace the pattern onto the background fabric. A good substitute for the faint pencil line. I didn't trace the whole pattern onto the background fabric, just the key points. For example, the corners of the basket and the points of the stars. Once appliqued, I use a small paintbrush and removed any blue marks. This pen does come with a warning. It is not suitable for all fabrics. It may react with the finishes or dyes (red and pink in particular) of some fabric. I have also heard stories about blue reappearing on the fabric, sometime later.

I am very happy with my basting stitch method and I like the Mark-B-Gone Pen, but will use it sparingly and with caution.

Just one thing to show you this week. Under the Willow, the first block of the Veranda Views BOM. Such a beautiful pattern.

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen