Leftovers

It seems there were a few left over pieces from a project that needed to be used up.

Following the website guidelines on color and size, I blended as many unique and interesting non-flower prints as possible. Sad as it is, I had to take in to consideration that these quilts are for wounded veterans. This means there's a potential for various stains. On the other hand, I also wanted them to be entertaining. I know if I had to stare at hospital walls for hours at a time, I certainly would want something fun to look at. Thus, I pulled as many prints with cats, cows, sheep, moose, fish, bears, bats, flags, feathers, cherries, santas, flying pigs, and printed words as possible. I guess you could call it an I-spy quilt.

Corners and borders will be added soon. Backings will be assembled from 10-1/2" random squares to add additional interest. Thank goodness someone else will quilt them as I believe I have enough squares left over to do at least 3 more tops.

No doubt you are familiar with the web site, but just in case, here it is: http://www.qovf.org/

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

Think big

Sometimes all we need for inspiration is a favorite color and an idea. Leftover muslin pieces called for an experiment in over dying. Combining a LOT of left over muslin in to log cabin blocks is a wonderful way to use it up.

Next to blue, I'd say red is my current favorite color. Why the wide borders? Well for big feather wreaths of course. When will it be quilted? Only my hair dresser knows for sure.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . . .

Update

A few days back, I was on the phone when I heard dog yelps and hurried outside to check on my baby Bonnie.

The Section 12 neighbor (psych term- in other words should be committed) has a big chow. Up until this point her dog has not been a problem. However, one of her small dogs is in heat. Evidently this caused her chow to attack my Bonnie girl.

She has a puncture wound in the middle of her shoulder and we have daily sessions with hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment. The fear in her eyes and her shaking when I get out the medicine break my heart every time. The wound is healing slowly, but well. I'm afraid, it is going to take me far longer to get over it.

Why anyone would have a dog that is not fixed is beyond me. Especially living in an area where so many pets are abandoned, discarded, and literally thrown in to trash dumpsters. Did you know that a male dog can smell a female dog in heat from 3 miles away. There are even free area clinics to get your pet spayed or neutered. Some humane societies offer discount vouchers with a local vet to get the procedure done. If your pet or your best friend's pet has not been fixed, please, seriously, consider having it done. For Bonnie's sake.

Stringing along to a wonderful melody

String quilting on a small scale is great fun! The rectangles created to make the "railroad" sections measure 3-1/2 x 7" (that includes seam allowances). You begin by making them at least 4" x 7-1/2", then starch and trim down to 3-1/2 x 7".

Most of the yellow squares were made from leftovers a friend had given me. They measure 3-1/2" square - cut. And the white setting squares are cut at 7". This really is a great project to use up leftovers and remember that odd blocks and even flying geese units can be sewn in to your stringy rectangles.

Once again, I used Golden Threads paper (http://www.goldenthreads.com/); however, phone book pages will work just as well.

The pattern layout idea for this quilt came from Marti Mitchell's book, Quilting For People Who Still Don't Have Time To Quilt. In it Marti explains how to use the strip piecing technique to create the "railroad ties." However, I find that string piecing lends itself beautifully to such a project.

I hope these last few posts have given you an incentive to get started on that Christmas list. I too have a list and will be taking a break from blog land for a while. Don't worry, I'll be back with more fun and adventure.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . . .

Merry and Bright

Who doesn't love snowmen? They may not be cuddly, but they sure are cute. This pattern comes from Connie and Mary at Country Threads.

They work up very quickly. (Just don't look too closely at the eyes, machine applique is not my best skill.) And of course will make great Christmas gifts. Gee, they may even be done by next Christmas.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .