This week, aside from the Fox Scarf, I have worked on my challenge quilt for Birmingham Quilters Guild's June quilt show. The theme of the challenge/show is "Through the Looking Glass." When the show chairman was telling us about the challenge at guild, I immediately recalled that oftentimes when I look into a mirror, just for an instant, I see not my face, but my Mama's. So I decided that would be the subject of my "Through the Looking Glass" quilt.
What you see in the photo above from my design wall is not a finished product by any means. It's just what I've been playing with all week. The background is sewn together. It contains five UFO blocks (UFO #15 on my list)--four from a Elly Sienkiewicz workshop that I took and never finished. It was a block a week, or maybe a block a month--but anyway, after four blocks, I'd have enough Elly, I guess.
The center block is from another hand applique workshop that I took at Heart to Heart Quilt Shop in Trussville, Alabama--also many years ago.
Some of the rules of the challenge are: must include a nine patch block (my entire quilt is a nine patch) and must have at least 2 square inches of blue. I think my blue birds in the top left block along with some of the flowers in the center block fulfill that requirement.
The pictures of Mama that are pinned on are still just paper. Later, when I know just what size I want them to be, I'll transfer them to fabric. And there will be a couple more photos. Some of the crocheted pieces (top center and bottom center) are hers. I don't remember where I got the crocheted hearts, probably at some yard sale. And I'm not sure if I'll use the hearts on the quilt or not.
Below are a few more shots of the quilt thus far.
Pretty Young Mama
Baby Mama
Mama and Daddy in the '30s
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Blogless Barbara's beautiful Friendship Star
Little Green Quilter Blogless Barbara quilted this little Valentine's Friendship Star that she says she "shamelessly copied from Nicole's blog a year ago, but my borders are much simpler than hers. It became a UFO when it never got quilted until now. As you may be able to see, I quilted it on the diagonal and edge to edge. I need to consult my stash to see about binding fabric."
Barbara is also looking for the fabric in the photo below. If you have any of this you'd like to part with, please let Barbara know.
Meanwhile, she has given us this site called Missing Fabric that she is using to help find this print. It might come in handy for one of us someday.
I think I've been pushing just a wee bit too much this week. All I could find in my spoon drawer this morning was one old bent and rusty fork. (Those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, google "spoon theory.") I feel horrible this morning. And my internet connection has been so slow while I was posting this, that I've wanted to kick something. So I think I'm going to go and lie down for a while. Maybe read. Or maybe not. Maybe just stare at the ceiling.
Below is Mr. Linky. All you Little Green Quilters be sure to link up so we can see what you've been up to this week.
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On 02/03/2012, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...
Nice quilt. I love these type of memory quilts. Loved the fox scarf. Hope you are doing well.
On 02/03/2012, Lynn said ...
Love your challenge quilt! I need to get started on my guild's challenge. Unfortunately I won't be able to do that for at least another couple of works. Too much work, not enough sewing around here right now!
Great almost finish Barbara! I love the friendship star block.
On 02/03/2012, Donna said ...
I love your challenge quilt too. You will have wonderful memories incorporated into your quilt and makes it so special! I took the needleturn applique at Heart to Heart also several years ago!
I finally have a finish this week!!!
Hugs,
Donna
On 02/03/2012, Denise Copeland said ...
(Susan, I tried to post the following, but I think that it was not successful - hoping that I am not submitting a duplicate post.)
Susan, those Elly blocks!!! I have a UFO that is from 1992 and I did Elly’s circular ivy block and the fleur de lis block. Your blocks are beautifully rendered, and they are very challenging! I love the fabrics you selected - is the reverse applique block done in one of Elly’s fabrics that had roses on it? At any rate, it is perfect. I love the arrangement and the lace is perfect. Your quilt is a very authentic and expressive statement of your mother’s beauty and of your love for her.
Coincidentally, I am taking a class next week at a seminar that Elly hosts each year in Williamsburg, VA. I am not mentioning my UFO! Actually my class is with Janice Vaine and I hope to learn some embellishment techniques.
Barbara Anne, your quilt is captivating! It is a perfect pairing of color, pattern and creativity!
Susan, hope you feel better...
On 02/03/2012, Barbara Anne said ...
Oh Susan, your Through the Looking Glass quilt is just lovely! I thought your Young Mama had glasses on until I enlarged the photo to find what I saw was a straight pin!! The wording, the embroidery, photos,flowers,and lace are just charming and heartwarming. Your blocks from Elly's class have found a beautiful home at last.
Thank you for posting my progress and the fabric I hope to find. I appreciate all who see the fabric considering if they have it and are willing to part with it. I understand if anyone who has it wants to keep it!
Hope you're feeling lots better by this late in the afternoon and that you have some yummy leftovers to make for dinner. Leftovers would require fewer spoons or that rusty fork if you are still out of spoons.
I'm off to visit other Little Green quilters!
Hugs!
On 02/03/2012, Deb said ...
Susan ~ Your Through the Looking Glass block looks antique-y and very fun! And Barbara Anne....reds, reds, and more reds! Love your quilt! Congrats on getting almost finished with it. Sorry, but I don't have any of that fabric; if I did, you would be more than welcome to it! I hope someone comes through for you.
On 02/03/2012, Diane W said ...
What a beautiful memory quilt, something that will be treasured for years.
On 02/03/2012, Julie in WA said ...
I've linked up! I have not been working on actual UFOs, but sometimes homemade gifts take precedence over half-finished projects!
Your idea for a looking glass themed quilt is just perfect! What a lovely tribute to your mother's image reflected in the mirror!
On 02/04/2012, Jen said ...
Love the Looking Glass quilt! Wow, what a treasure :) Barbara, lovely red blocks! Red is my favorite, it always looks great! I linked up a finish this week, you gotta watch the video though :)
On 02/04/2012, Trudy Abernathy Neill said ...
Hi Susan, this quilt is just lovely, makes me smile and as always, the workmanship is awesome. As for my friend Barbara, she always does wonderful work...in her designs, her colors, her perfection of the whole. I admire her work and determination always! Well done Barbara. I continue to read your blog every single day and enjoy the doggie photos. Have a wonderful weekend, it is crazy here in Super Bowl land of Indy.
On 02/04/2012, Debra said ...
L-O-V-E your Mama's wallhanging! Such pretty crocheted pieces too. Nice!!
On 02/17/2012, Janet Taber said ...
I love what you doing with your mother's photos. Keep posting updates so we can see the progress! I've just found your blog and will be returning!
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