Sunlight and shadow

Sometimes it's just plain tricky getting a good photo of so many colors.

So I moved it to the shady side of the line.

And here's a bit of detail. See that orange calico by the green cricket, that print is from the 1970's. Yes, ok, I have a textile memory. If only I could remember birthdays half as well.

Now I just have to sew the binding down by hand. A nice project while sitting in front of the fire.

Until then, keept stitchin' . . .

For this evenings' entertainment . . . .

I'll be pinning a larger kitchen sink using Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon batting (100% cotton). This must be quilted every 2" or less, is rather fragile (lock the cats in the bathroom when laying it out), but shrinks up beautifully. For a true antique look, I highly recommend it.

Julia will be keeping Bonnie Girl and I entertained while pinning. We'll learn how to clarify butter, debone a chicken breast, and even speak a little French. So until next time, Bon Apetite.

Kitchen Sink #3

Here's just a snippet of some really odd stuff.

This wonderful flannel backing I found at Susan's shop for only $2.00 a yard.

Notice I got even more adventuresome and used up various green plaids on the border. I'm not sure if I like that effect since the middle is so chaotic. I hope this inspires you to delve in to your stash and play with every lil' piece!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

How to build a kitchen sink.

I've decided that I need a bed size kitchen sink for me. Working primarily in units of 2 (one 4-patch and one square), I began by placing them on my design wall. This allows me to verify placement of brights, whites, and very darks. Of course, I could work in a totally random fashion and just sew them together without a plan. However, after a long work week, it's nice to simply play with color. And notice how the stripes and checks add movement to an already chaotic background. I love looking at those really odd and otherwise unusable fabrics. Stash busting indeed!
Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

The good, the bad, and the ugly

Is it just me, or does anyone else own some really odd, ugly, or what looks like totally unusable fabric?

Instead of "why did I buy this fabric," my motto should be "nothing is too odd, ugly, or unusable." No, really, even that one. Yes, you remember. It's in the back of the closet hiding under that pile of newer, prettier, better, or brighter.
We simply cannot help ourselves. It looked great at the time. It was on sale even. And we knew that one day we'd find a use for it. Didn't we?

And you know what, it's my new favorite quilt. Really. I even bordered it in my favorite color.

And I managed to use up a few more odd and unusual pieces on the back. This was quilted in straight grid though so there were no bubbles. Thank goodness.

Even though it's my new favorite, it will be mailed off soon to someone who is very near and dear to my heart. Lucky them, they get a new quilt. Lucky me, for I don't know what I'd do without them.

Until them, keep stitchen' . . . .

Close up shot - Kitchen Sink #1

I'm learning to play with Picasa2, which was a free download. (Thanks Bonnie.)

This picture is dedicated to Mr. Toooolbucket who requested a close-up.

I promise more fun and adventure on studio set-up later on in the day.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . . .

Kitchen Sink, #1

Thank you so much Mary for your kind assistance with my header. Unfortunately, the blog elves will not allow me to list my title also.

This picture is for those of you wanting to see the entire quilt. The title is Kitchen Sink, #1 in the series.

The 4-patches are made with 2" squares, then trimmed down to 3-1/4". The light and dark fabrics consist of many donated, old, very ugly, or otherwise unloved fabric. For fun, I threw in any leftover blocks that could be trimmed down to 3-1/4". It is backed in flannel that I bought through the Hancocks of Paducah catalog about 5 years ago. If you make a kitchen sink of your own, I would love to see a picture of it. It's a very liberating pattern because you throw in, "everything but the kitchen sink."

In stitches . . . .