Spring 2017 Quilty Orphan Adoption Event

    This was a perfect start to the day. I have been trying to clean out what I am not using. When I read Cynthia Brunz's blog this morning,  http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2017/03/spring-2017-quilty-orphan-adoption-event.html,  I knew what to pull out and photograph. Someone had given me these heart blocks a while ago. There are many fused and zig zagged (over 50), some fused on (about 10), and some to fuse on. The blocks are 7" unfinished. The hearts are about 5" wide at the fullest. The fusible is a stiff one. 
    I make comfort quilts, but I don't want to quilt these and put them together. I do not like working with fused blocks. So, if you want to adopt these blocks:
1. Leave a comment with an email (not a no response blogger)
2. Strongly urge the quilt(s) made with these be give away quilts (charity quilts). 
3. Be in the USA- don't want to ship international.
4. Monday morning, all the names will be put in a bag and drawn out by my 5 year old granddaughter. I will mail them after notifying the winner to get an address. If I can't make contact, Jolene will pull another name. 

Retreat means finishes

     I was able to finish some projects and start some new ones at our guild retreat. The Red, white and blue zig zag quilt was sewn, the Katie's quilt (MSQC pattern), and a tote bag for my daughter. I am debating about a border for Katie's quilt and have to find some big decorative buttons for my daughter's bag.

Inside lining with pocket

Just needs binding!

      I finished quilting Toran from the Cultural Fusion book. I have been trying to find a binding. When I laid it on the floor to audition binding fabric, the quilt inspector took over. I think I am going to use a black stripe.

A great time for all

     This past weekend was our guild retreat at Stella Niagara on the Niagara River outside of Lewiston, NY. Most of us were there from Thursday to Sunday. Besides lots of sewing, we do mini workshops. One was on making bags from orphan blocks, one on mug rugs without binding, and I did one on quilt magnets. The great thing about our guild is that there is so much sharing of techniques and ideas, lots of snacks, and just general happiness on working together. Next one is in November. Here are some bags. 

Open bag

Closed bag

Lunch Bag from orphan block

Some of the women with their bags

Tall bags

Wine fabric stretched to make a wine bag instead of a lunch bag

      The weather was extremely frigid. One of the mornings, outside my room window, everything was deep frosted. I had to take the photo through the window, so it is not as clear as I would hope. The design in the lawn is a labyrinth for prayer.

Not exactly a quilt projects

     This year, I was able to make 34 valentine cards. My goal was 50 to send, but I ran out of gas. Everyone was a little different- all made from fabric.

      Our quilt retreat is coming up this weekend, and I needed to come up with a small craft to share and make. I found a tutorial on quilt magnets. I made some prototypes with made fabric.

Attached to my treadle

A painted response

      Besides being a quilter, I paint regularly. I think watercolor suits me. Painting is is a totally different process than quilting. Often, you don't know where it is going. After a good value sketch, it is always interesting to see how the paint flows. I am going to show two fabric related. The first is my granddaughter who works at my treadle doing crafts. I tried to contrast the old vintage machine and parlor cabinet with a young, vibrant child. The second is a laundry display of vintage linens. I tried to show the delicate fabric against the green growth and flowers. I paint landscapes, people, flowers. These are half sheet Arches paper with Winsor Newton watercolors.

More squares exploding

      Another in the series of exploding squares I have made. They make great use of scraps and are wonderful comfort quilts. The last one shown has already gone to comfort. This quilt was started with 2- 4" squares, then 5's and then so one. I did do a tutorial on this pattern a while ago on Confessions of a Fabric Addict. 
      It needed a border. All the quilting is done free hand on my Nolting long arm, although I do use some chalk marks to keep myself on reasonable track. I take all responsibility for the wobbly lines. 

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