A Quilt for Italy

We have visited Italy several times since 2002. Each time we have visited relatives of Mary, who have treated us so well. Danielle, a second cousin, has been especially gracious, driving us around, showing us sights, and even moving out of his apartment on the Adriatic, so we could stay there for several days. When I found out he was about to become a father. I had to make a quilt. This is the quilt for sweet Margherita.

Kaleidoscope Quilt

For my birthday in March, I got  pre-cut kaleidoscope blocks.  I sewed them together, added sashing and borders and made this quilt.  Quilted by Ann Smyser.  

Name Pillows

I made pillows for Madison and Dawson for their birthdays.  

Audriana's Quilt

When I found out that Haylee was having a baby, I said I guess I need to make a baby quilt.  Haylee said, "Can you put Pink Camo in it?"  So I went on the hunt for Pink Camo fabric.  Not only was it easy to find cotton, but I also found Minkee pink camo for the back.  Here is the resulting quilt made for Audriana Joann Leicht.  I love the quilt.  It has rushed flowers.  

Houston International Quilt Show

I've always wanted to go to Houston to the BIG quilt show. Last year we didn't travel too much because I had knee surgery in July, so by November I was ready to go somewhere. We went to Houston for a long weekend, and I got to see the show. The quilts were indescribable and the 1100 vendors had everything a quilter could want and lots of things you didn't even know you wanted or needed. The highlight was a class that I took from Melinda Bula. I had first seen her work in 2008 when I went to Asilomar, and it is exquisite. It is fused flowers and she outlines for you each piece of fabric and the colors (from her hand dyed fabric) that you use to construct the blossom. I finished laying out and fusing mine when I returned home, and a picture of it is here. However, now, in March 2014 when I started to do the thread painting on it, things are not going so well. The stitching is slipping and I can't figure out the cause. More to come as I play with trying to get this finished.

A Long Cold Snowy Winter

It's been a long time since I posted to this blog. It is not like I haven't had time because it's March 3rd and it has been the coldest, snowiest winter in many a year. Lots of days inside sewing, knitting, watching TV and not doing the things I should like clean and exercise. So I will try to catch up with some of the sewing projects that I can remember from the last posting. I am going to post several pictures. The first is a quilt that I made from a Jelly Roll and some yardage of the French General line called Esprit de Noel. The pattern is a granny square. The second and third are two redwork/bluework wall hangings from Bird Brain Designs. The Snowman Doorstop is also from Bird Brain Designs, and I have a Santa Doorstop to complete later. I really loved making these, and I love the outcome. I don't have pictures of them, but I made 4 tablerunners from Christmas/Winter charm squares.

Knitting

A snowy January and February led to mitten knitting. A friend from the quilt guild was kind enough to teach me how to make colorwork mittens. They look more difficult and impressive than they are. It is really fun and I completed three pair. Here is a picture.