Category Archives: Quilting

Apron Strings

Quilting
Apron Strings I

When we cleared out Mum and Dad’s home in Saskatoon I kept a few of Mum’s aprons. I always planned to do “something” with them, and over the years my ideas changed. When I started quilting I thought I could make a set of potholders for Stacia, Deloise and myself.

Apron Strings II

It took a long time to rip the aprons apart, but I ended up with enough material to make three table runners. Each runner has an original apron pocket used in the design, and the bindings are made from the waist ties.

Apron Strings III

Stacia gave me my first free-motion quilting lesson, and I tried something a little fancier with the one I kept for myself.

The photo at the top is one of the table toppers covering Mum’s sewing machine.

Storm watching

Inside the Blue Fence, Journal, Quilting

Sunday, January 22, 2012

I have finally finished the prep work on my appliqué blocks. There is still a lot of work to be done, but they are ready for hand stitching and I like that part (repeat after me … I like that part; I like that part). If I say it enough times maybe I’ll believe it!

There weren’t any ferries running today as we are under a wind warning. We were hit with one storm this morning and we’ll get another one tonight. Personally I couldn’t tell you where one storm stopped and the other began, although the wind this afternoon seemed stronger than earlier in the day.

Often, on a nice day, we will head south of town just to enjoy the day. We headed south of town today for the opposite reason; we wanted to get close to the water so we could see the storm’s effect on the ocean. There were huge waves and lots of spray coming over the breakwater. Huge logs and stumps were being tossed around like toothpicks. A lone surfer was trying to catch a wave and the gulls were floating in the wind.

I spent some time this afternoon working on a border for my Mystery Quilt. I am adding a pink zinger and a wider green border. I want to miter the corners and, after reviewing my three quilting reference books I think I know what my next step is. It is late in the day though so I think that next step is better left until the morning.

Click on the image for a larger view

Pat and I watched a show tonight on the Fortress of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia. It brought back some wonderful memories, and I’ve added a couple of photos from the day we spent there.

Inside the Blue Fence (Blocks 1 to 5 – Flowers from my Garden)

Inside the Blue Fence, Quilting

For my retirement (in 2010) I received a gift certificate from a quilt store in Calgary. After admiring all the lovely items in the shop, but recognizing my limitations, I knew I needed a kit that included all the fabrics. I took another turn around the shop and, when nothing caught my attention, I asked Pat to find a kit he liked.

Block 2

I’ve never done appliqué, but the salesperson said that if I like handwork (like cross stitch) she was sure I would like appliqué. Not only did I purchase the kit, but I also picked up an appliqué technique book and a few accessories that I was told I would need. Both the sales lady and Pat were convinced that I could do this.

Block 3

Only a short time later I started having doubts. When Pat and I were talking about it, I realized that he didn’t know that all those little pieces weren’t already cut out. I was going to have to trace them, and cut them, and somehow getting them affixed to the backing and then sew them in place.

Block 4

Fortunately for me Deloise has perfected an appliqué method and on one of our quilting sessions (in 2011) she gave me a lesson and I got started. I’m still not willing to say that I enjoy appliqué work, but I think each block gets a bit easier.

Block 5

There are 18 blocks in the kit and I plan to do the quilting by hand. Everyone says you should do at least one quilt by hand (and then it’s done). If I work hard, perhaps I can have it done for our next quilt show.

Can you spot the difference

Quilting

Saturday, January 21, 2012

I had four things on my “want to get done” list for today. By noon I had two items finished and another about half done. I completed the edges on the appliqué blocks so I felt I deserved a break from appliqué. I haven’t put it too far out of sight though as I need to keep at it. I’m at the point where I don’t need a full day to accomplish the next steps.

Scrappy Framed Star
Scrappy Framed Star Redo

Remember last week when I thought I had finished my cookie tin block and then saw something in the photo that I didn’t like. This morning I took apart the pieces that weren’t right and got the block put back together. Can you see any difference in the two pieces? Did I improve the look?

I started a new project next, but one that I knew wouldn’t take long to complete. I can’t reveal what it is though as it is part of a gift. The piece was a preview to the string quilt technique, and I think I’m going to have fun with it.

The last thing on my list was to cut and sew the binding for my Bench Cover. I still have to stitch down the back edges, but it feels good to be so close to taking that particular project off my list.

When all was done I took a look at the two rooms I’m now using on a regular basis for my crafting and decided a clean up was in order. I put a number of things back into place and vacuumed up the bits of string and material from the floor.

I think I’m done in my studio for the day. I got the approximate measurements for Will’s afghan so I’ll work on it tonight. But first, I need some dinner!