Just a quick hello ...

 

  A little something to brighten your day.  I think if you click on this picture you can see all the detail that is secretly waiting for a lucky viewer to enjoy. Isn't that color just so saturated and vibrant?
  I have been trying to catch up on my quilting and sewing this last month before the weather gets too hot as well as getting the garden taken care of.  It's a balancing act for sure, but so much fun.  

A Peek At My Next Project

These homespun fabrics are part of a foundation pieced quilt that I am working on and have been for some time.  You see in going through my fabric closet I came across this blue box that was a bit heavy as it was stuffed full of these great fabrics.  I knew I had it .... somewhere!  The quilt within  has been waiting to for completion for ... um ... well let's just say for a couple of years.  Okay maybe more than a couple, maybe more like ... oh never mind I can't remember how many years and don't want to think about it!  Anyhow it is seeing some daylight at long last.  A commitment has been made to finish this quilt and I already have plans for the leftovers, how's that?

My husband purchased this group of fat quarters from Keepsake Quilts in New Hampshire as a gift for me one Christmas a number of years ago,  The picture above is only a small portion of the group as part of the group is on the sewing table or in the machine being sewn.  More pictures to be posted in the coming days.  I find it interesting when the "parts" are posted and you can view the progress.  Quilters are not always as patient as one might think (which is probably why they have so many UFO's floating around!) and will move from project to project.  Or is that just all creative people?

Anyhow please come back and have a look at the blocks as they are finished and posted.

Urembo Basket Project

 UREMBO Baskets made by women in Kenya who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS virus.  The women sew these baskets on treadle sewing machines with African fabrics.  The  beads on the baskets are also made by another co-op nearby.  I "purchased" these baskets for a donation. The project teaches women a trade that they can  use to help support themselves and their families.  They learn business skills, become independent and attain a sense of self worth.  One hundred percent of the monies donated to the UREMBO BASKET PROJECT goes to the project.  The web site is www.Friends4Kenya.com if you are interested in making a donation. 

 I came across these at a Machine Quilter's Convention in Providence, Rhode Island. These baskets are sturdy and come in many colors and designs.  Please consider donating to this worthwhile project. 

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

'Something Blue' Half Square Triangle Quilt

Out of the UFO pile and into the finished pile!  This small piece, measuring 26.5" by 22", went fairly quickly even though it was a little tedious cutting all the triangles.  I wanted to make a two color quilt and came across this pretty blue fabric with kind of a paisley pattern paired up with a soft blue and white stripe.  I've named it "Something Blue" for lack of any imagination on my part.  If you have a better suggestion I'm open to your comments.

Piece is now part of a private collection.

Daisy Wants a Cracker

Aftican Batik

African village and it's inhabitants  batik

A couple of years ago we took a ride to the Deerfield Craft Show.  When this show is going it is quite large and there are many craftsman there trying to sell their wares.  I found this piece along with many others at this vendors table.  He said that his mother makes these along with others in her village.  I have since forgotten his name and where exactly he comes from with his batiks, maybe Kenya, not sure.  I know that I have his card somewhere and I will come across it one day.  When that day comes I will credit him and his mom with this lovely piece.  (Here is a fine example of posting right away, those things that you know you are going to remember can sometimes fool you and you forget.)  If I find out that any of the information regarding this piece is incorrect I will correct it.

This piece depicts villagers and the homes they live in.  It's not a large piece, around 10 inches long and 4 or 5 inches wide.  The colors are vibrant and the lines are clean.  Very skillfully done.  Hope you like it.

It's Coming Out Day for The Misses!

The Misses all folded into nice neat stacks of fat quarters.

Introducing Miss Enya, Miss Mina, Miss Nula, and Miss Dotty.  (from left to right)

Introducing Miss Ida L'Azur , Miss Katy, Miss Pat, and Miss Sarah.  (from left to right)

All The Misses dancing around!

    This coming out Day the The Misses!  They have arrived an hour or so late - they were picking our the right color to wear.  These are fat quarters of 100% cotton.  Kona cotton is what the design is printed on so you know it's one of the best cottons around. 
   This is a design that I did really quickly one day in my sketchbook.  It's been in my mind to do something else with it other than keeping it closed up in a book.  So here it is.  Hope you like my creation.

Out of UFO Land

Purple Pansy Quilt

Purple Pansy Quilt center, bias binding and backing detail.

A pile of binding after it was measured and cut.

Mitered corners make a neat finish.

   This small lap quilt or wall hanging has been deemed completed and can no longer stay in UFO Land.  It must find another home!  With a center of half square triangles and purple borders it was machine quilted using a variegated purple thread from Coats and Clark 100% mercerized cotton, Size 50.  The fabrics used are all 100% cotton commercially printed from a variety of manufacturers and designers.  You may recognize some of them.  I especially like the outside border and the striped bias edging.  I think I will call it Purple Pansy Quilt. 
    In an earlier post I was playing with a variety of layouts, auditioning them for this quilt and this is where the triangles landed!