Backyard Progress

I know I've been absent from the blogosphere for a few days, but I have been busy. I have spent mornings in my backyard (well, part of the mornings), cleaning up the mess that the weather and good old Skipper have done. As it turned out, Skipper had dug just enough holes in just the right places that I had to do hardly any digging to plant my nandinas. I just had to rough up the soil a little and add my garden soil.

However, while I was planting, Skipper Lou Blue could not get it through his head that I didn't need any more holes dug. We have had quite a few battles this week.

So the nandinas are planted and the pebble walkway is restored. All I have left to do, I think, is to place large stones (which I have) for a border and add mulch around the plants. (The stones will keep the rain from washing the mulch down into the walkway, I hope.) Jesse went to Lowe's yesterday and got me three large bags of pine bark mulch. It looks like enough to mulch my whole neighborhood, so I should have some left over for later work.

Of course, after yard work, or any kind of physical labor, I'm wiped out for the rest of the day. Consequently, I have not been upstairs to the Big Mac (where I blog) or in the sewing room for several days. I'm feeling pretty well this morning, but I've decided to lay off a day of yard work and let my body recoup some spoons.

 

Lori and Greg returned from their travels on Sunday night and stopped by to pick up Daisy and Curtis from doggie camp. (I miss those mutts.) They brought me a bunch of goodies. A pretty t-shirt, a bag of Moose Balls (honey roasted peanuts), and the cutest little bear magnet. Thanks, my sweet friends. And thanks for trusting your good doggies with me and my mutts.

My friend Sharon B. sent me pictures of the Best Little Quilt Show quilts that I didn't get around to photographing. So tomorrow, I'll show you them.

For now, I have some blanket stitching on a dollhouse block to finish.

---

This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 06/19/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Cheers for planting your little nandinas in the holes Skipper so thoughtfully pre-dug for you and I hope you can convince him his excavation help is no longer needed or wanted!

Here's hoping your spoon supply is replenished soon!

Have to run so here are some hugs for you ...

Hugs!
-----

---

Treasure Report

Although neither one of the last two yard sales I attended was too exciting overall, I seem to have scored the one treasure that each of them had.

Just cast your eyes on this wonderful Double Wedding Ring quilt that I found yesterday, quite by chance, at a yard sale I encountered while driving to the grocery store. It was a huge sale, just as the sign advertised, but this was absolutely the only thing there that held any interest for me. 

I grabbed the quilt up immediately when I saw it and asked the lady in charge how much. I expected a price that had the word hundred after the number. This is an old quilt. Very old. Made from 30s/40s prints, gently faded and worn, in terrific condition. I was already calculating what I could do without during the next couple of months to pay for it.

"Ten dollars," she replied.

I almost screamed TEN DOLLARS?!?!? But I caught myself in time and just gave her a sweet smile and said, "Thanks," and clutched that quilt like it was a lifesaver. I looked around a little more so no one would catch on that I was absconding with a treasure that I had stolen for $10. Then I paid up and left.

My sisters are going to be so jealous. We always gets jealous of each other when we find wonderful treasures that the others have not had the opportunity to find.



At another yard sale a couple of weeks ago, I found the little glass container below. I love its design. I'm a real fan of bees and anything with bees on it. (Click on the photo to enlarge so you can see the bees and the skiffs. Don't you love it? 


 
HAPPY WEEKEND, EVERYONE. 

---

This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 06/16/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Wow!!!!! What a wonderful treasure, indeed! I'm over the moon delighted that you found the quilt and bought it since you'll take good and loving care of it as someone else might not have. The fabrics are lovely and the edge shape is interesting, too.

Your bee and hive lidded glass container is so sweet! Score again!

I have several hours today to use just as I choose to! The guys are watching the 24 hours of Le Mans and I just took AMIL to visit FIL. She'll have lunch with him and I'll pick her up at 4p or when she calls. Whatever shall I do???!

Happy Saturday!

Hugs!

---

On 06/16/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Oh Susan, someone was looking out for you - the quilt is fabulous!!! Clearly the owner didn't know what she had and I'm sure the maker is looking down on you and feeling pleased that it has gone to a good home where it will be really loved!

---

On 06/16/2012, Joanne said ...

Well, yes, I'm jealous. But so glad you found the treasures. That quilt is marvelous. I can see it and love it, without owning it.

---

On 06/16/2012, Jan S. said ...

Good for you! I'll bet the quilt cost that much to make at that time. It is so soft and faded looking; cozy!

---

On 06/16/2012, Nicole said ...

Absolutely amazing. That quilt is the find of the century!

---

On 06/16/2012, Debra S said ...

$10? The poor lady who stitched it is turning over in her grave. Luckily, you now own it and will love it.

---

On 06/16/2012, Lisa A said ...

Ha! You DID steal that quilt! Glad you rescued it from someone tossing it in the back of a truck to move furniture with!
I've never seen that bee pattern before. How charming.

---

On 06/16/2012, Sandra Hutchins said ...

Love that quilt! Ten dollars???!!!! Amazing. I have one from that same era that looks almost identical to yours except mine has blue binding. Mine is quilted just like yours and the edges follow the same lines. I wouldn't sell mine, but if I should, I'd ask in the hundreds. You lucky gal, you!

---

On 06/16/2012, Jan said ...

That quilt is beautiful! Don't you wonder where it's been all these years? So wonderful that you were able to bring it home! It is certainly a treasure! Lucky you and lucky quilt to have a new 'life!'

---

On 06/17/2012, Kai said ...

It's a GOOOOOOD thing I love you so much or I'D be SUPER jealous. As it is, I'm just PLAIN old jealous. Sigh. That quilt is a true find and a real treasure! So is the gorgeous glass piece! Glad you were there at the right time!

---

On 06/17/2012, Pat said ...

You bought exactly what I would have! Beautiful quilt! I love bees, too.

---

On 06/17/2012, Deb said ...

Love it, Susan! Also, love the bee treasure! Since my son just started beekeeping, I notice bees everywhere! And my name Debra means "bee."

---

On 06/18/2012, mona said ...

I am so jealous about your quilt find! Lucky you! I could feel the excitement with you when you scored it. The candy dish is just too sweet! Great finds! Thanks for sharing.

---

On 06/18/2012, Ramey said ...

I love both of your treasures. I want both of your treasures. I'm jealous!
-----

---

Correction

In Tuesday's post, I wrongly credited this quilt to Carolyn Gilliland. The quiltmaker is actually Mopsey Forsee. Got my wires crossed again.

Please pardon me ladies for the error.

---

This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 06/15/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Well done, Mopsey!! I love the whimsy and colors!!

Applause, applause!
-----

---

Sneak Peek

Take a peek.

I worked a couple of hours in the sewing room yesterday and got the first block of the dollhouse quilt all cut out, sewn, and fused. I'm going to machine blanket stitch around the edges of the fused pieces. I suppose, if one preferred, you could do hand applique and/or hand blanket stitch on this quilt, but some of the pieces are quite small for hand work. I'm not really good at hand work on small things, and anyway fusing is faster.

Four of you responded to my invitation to join in a Dollhouse Quiltalong:
Mona
Laura W.
Jan O.
Nancy H.

With me, that makes five, a nice tidy little group. Of course if others would like to join in, you're more than welcome.

We'll do one block a month, starting with the Living Room block. Watch for an email from me with more info.

The finished size of the quilt is 58" x 78". The blocks vary in size. In addition to patterns for all the room blocks, the design also contains an attic and a front door. So that's ten months to do all ten blocks and another month to put your top together. Here's the schedule:

June 15-July 15--Living Room
July 15-Aug. 15--Kitchen
Aug. 15-Sept. 15--Sewing Room
Sept. 15-Oct. 15--Laundry Room
Oct. 15-Nov. 15--Bathroom
Nov. 15-Dec. 15--Bedroom 1
Dec. 15-Jan. 15--Nursery
Jan. 15-Feb. 15--Bedroom 2
Feb. 15-Mar. 15--Attic
Mar. 15-Apr. 15--Front Door
Apr. 15-May 15--Putting it all together

There will be a prize for the quilter who finishes her top first.
More about that later.

There will be no quilting police here, however. If you don't finish one of your blocks in the allotted month, that's ok. No pressure. And if you finish a block and want to go on to the next early, just email me for the next block pattern.

Next summer we'll have a big quilt show and prize drawing. Meanwhile, you can send me pics of our blocks as you go if you like and I'll share them here. Those of you with blogs can share your blocks there and I'll post a link. The only rule is HAVE FUN!

Now for those of you working on UFOs and other projects, Mr. Linky is below, waiting for your links to be entered. Nothing is more inspiring that seeing all the gorgeous work y'all do.

 

---

This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 06/15/2012, Joanne said ...

My Doll family has moved into their summer place, so I left a link.

Can't wait to see your dollhouse quilt rooms as they get done.

---

On 06/15/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Love the little peek you gave us of your dollhouse living room. Your fusing and sewing plans sound good to me.

Hope all of the Dollhouse Quilters have lots of fun and enjoy finding delightful fabrics for each piece in every room! I look forward to following everyones' progress.

No UFO project to show off for me as my attention has been elsewhere. With FIL settled in rehab, I hope to have time to myself once more.

Hugs!

---

On 06/15/2012, Diane W said ...

The dollhouse quilt is going to be so cute. Wish I could join in but I have a booked schedule until Oct and I'm afraid I would have to add it to my UFO list.

---

On 06/19/2012, Pam Bump said ...

Mona shared with me, and I just have to join! How adorable!! Hugs!!

Pam

---

On 06/26/2012, Laura said ...

Susan, I found my inspiration color palette today. I am going to use memories of my 2 Grandmas houses to add to my doll house. My husband has minor surgery next week so I plan to get everything ready for "sitting around" a hospital. Itching to get stitching.


-----

---

A Dollhouse Quiltalong

After blogging yesterday, I decided I would go to the sewing room and make one quilt block. Surely I had enough spoons to make just one block. So I started gathering my supplies for a quilt (see photo below) that requires fusible web. Lo and behold, no fusible web. I was all out.

Surely I have enough spoons to drive to Hancock Fabrics and get some fusible, I said to myself. So after counting doggie heads and making sure everyone was inside, off I went to the fabric store. But, alas, the trip took all the rest of my spoons, so although I got my fusible (and a cute fat quarter and a few buttons to use on the quilt), I was down for the day.

This is the quilt pattern, designed by Australian quilter Rosalie Quinlan. I'm going to start with the living room and do one block a month.

Would anyone like to join me in a Dollhouse Quiltalong?

You can get the patterns for all the blocks and for finishing from Rosalie for $40 (I didn't know this when I ordered mine and paid way much more than that from an Australian quilt shop.) I've emailed Rosalie and asked if I can share my pattern with friends. I haven't heard from her yet but will be happy to share if she gives the okay

If you want to join the quiltalong and share my pattern if Rosalie approves, send me your email address to suscleve@yahoo.com. We'll start with July, and make a block each month until we have them all done. Then we'll put our blocks together and hold and blog quilt show (with prizes) so everyone can see what we've done.

On the guild's free table on Monday, I found the above 4-yard piece of fabric, which I plan to use for the backing for this quilt. Sometimes you can find pure treasures on our free table, as I did this month. I didn't feel bad about scooping it up before anyone else could get it because I brought a stack of quilting magazines for the table.

---

This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 06/14/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

What a charming quilt and I love the fabric you scored from the free table!

With all that's going on here, I think I must decline this quilt-along as I can only do so much - as my bazillion UFOs atest.

FIL is in rehab and isn't a happy camper but it is necessary.

Does anyone have the 2008 pattern from Blank Textiles called "Shade Cascade"? I downloaded the pattern back then but cannot find it now. It may have been on a different computer that crashed. I just need to know what size to cut the corner squares for the quarter Log Cabin blocks. Thanks!

Hugs!

---

On 06/14/2012, Mona said ...

Susan, I love your blog and I love the dollhouse quilt. I would be so happy to join you. How big is the finished quilt? I will wait to hear from you about your sharing the pattern or if we should buy our own.
Thanks for the wonderful, heartfelt blog! I look forward to reading it every day.
P.S. I love, love, love your mama in the mirror quilt. I am working on a quilt using old photographs from my family.
Mona @ peaceandquilts@gmail.com

---

On 06/14/2012, Joanne said ...

What a wonderful project! I can't wait to see your blocks as they get done.

---

On 06/14/2012, Yooper in Mississippi said ...

Hello, I'm not understanding the 'spoons' reference. What does it mean?

---

On 06/14/2012, Laura said ...

I will join in! I am emailing you. How fun I have just been doing Some Kind of Wonderful Favorite things quilt - my first quilt along. Laura

---

On 07/08/2012, Gypsy Rose said ...

I would love to join in if the pattern were made available. I hope you get a positive response. Thanks

---

On 07/08/2012, Gypsy Rose said ...

I would love to join if the pattern were made available. I hope you get a positive response. Thanks

---

On 12/09/2012, Gayle Montbriand said ...

Susan, I just found your blog tonight, and am sure to return. And what cute quilt blocks! I would love to join you in making a doll house quilt. You sound like my kind of gal. Good luck with those spoons, they can sure be in short supply sometimes. Gayle
-----

---

Best Little Quilt Show in Alabama 2012

I promised more pics from Monday's guild meeting and our quilt show. So here they are. All quilts had to include at least one nine patch. Some are tricky to find. See if you can find them all. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Best Design Award  and Viewers' Choice went to Penny Rawden's "Peaceful Scene."  Penny explained how she created this beauty, a process that involved backyard photography and PhotoShop, but I could never explain it if my life depended on it.

First Place Award went to Ruthann Abbs for "My Max on a Quilt." It memorializes her cat Max, who liked to lie on all the quilts in the house. Max was a loyal companion for many years.

Second Place Award to Norma Gene Perry for "I See My Husband Fishing." Norman Gene's husband posed in their dining room for the silhouette of him fishing

Best First Entry in a BQG Quilt Show, "First Warm Day of Spring" created by Barbara Mitchell

Quiltmaker: Vasha Rosenblum, BQG president

Quiltmaker: Gerda O'Leary



Quiltmaker: Lillis Taylor


 
Quiltmaker: Sharon Bull. Sharon made this quilt in honor of family and friends who have lost their sight.

Quiltmaker: Art Abbs. Art loves to work with stripes; and I love his quilt.

Laura Vail made this happy quilt.

Quiltmaker: Becky Blair

Quiltmaker: Denise Yuill


Quiltmaker: Pauline Hendricks

Quiltmaker: Carolyn Gilliland

Other quilts not shown (because I never got to the other side of the room to photograph them) by Mopsy Forsee, Antoinette Mac Murdo, Marty Douds, Loretta Strouss, and Lura Campbell.
 


We got to eat cake too!

---

This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 06/13/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

These quilts are enchanting, one and all! How delightful to see them and I thank you for sharing them. I needed this dose of whimsy.

Those mushrooms with red and white polka-dot tops really exist in nature. We have a few in our woods - magic!!

FIL is now in rehab. Today i his first full day there and I imagine he's not a happy camper.

Hugs!

---

On 06/13/2012, Ramey said ...

The quilts are beautiful! My favorites are First Warm Day of Spring, and Peaceful Scene. That looks like Mr. Buckles up the tree! Wish I had a piece of that cake!

---

On 06/13/2012, Jan said ...

You are certainly surrounded by a talented group of quilters! Each and every quilt is so beautiful in its own right! And, that cake looks scrumptious!! How the heck is Bentley, by the way??

---

On 06/13/2012, Diane W said ...

Just now reading yesterday and today's post. (work tends to get in the way sometimes) You should be SO SO proud. Your quilt is so beautiful. I know you worked hard on it and it shows. I just can't say enough love it.

---

On 06/14/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Gorgeous Susan - what a talented group of quilters you all are!

---

On 06/14/2012, Mopsyforsee@gmail.com said ...

Hey Susan! Just wanted to let you know that C. Gilliland's quilt is a dead ringer to mine. :-) the pic is of my silly quilt. Thanks for posting as many as you did. What a great show.
-----

---

Lucky Number 13

"Mama in the Mirror" finished


Lucky Number 13: "Mama in the Mirror" proudly displays her prize ribbons.

What a wonderfully exciting Monday I had! Quilting friends, quilted eye candy, prize ribbons, yummy cake. When I got home from quilters guild meeting and tended to the four muttskateers yesterday, I crashed. For the rest of the day, I lounged and read.

 I was tickled silly and very surprised when Ruthann announced that "Mama in the Mirror" had received the award for Best Hand Work. I hadn't even come down off that cloud yet, when later on she told the group that it had also won 3rd Place overall. I hope Mama was watching.

During alternating years, the years that we don't hold our big Quiltfest Quilt Show, my guild holds a small quilt show based on a challenge given us by our challenge committee. The show is called "The Best Little Quilt Show in Alabama," and takes place at our June guild meeting.

This year's challenge was "Through the Looking Glass," and we were told to interpret that title as we chose. It called to mind for me, how that with each passing year, when I look in the mirror, more and more I see my mama looking back at me. When I was younger and people told me that Mama and I "favored" a lot, I couldn't see it. But I see it now.

The challenge held a couple more requirements: the quilt had to contain at least one nine patch (my entire quilt is a nine patch) and at least two square inches of blue (note the birds in the upper left block as well as the ribbon and bow in the center.

Tomorrow, I'll show everyone the other winners as well as many of the other quilts that were entered in The Best Little Quilt Show in Alabama 2012, and a couple other goodies. But for today, I'm concentrating on my Mama quilt. I'm still floating on that happiness cloud.

A very young Mama

 
Pretty Baby Mama

Mama and Daddy

Mama and Her Babies (top, Mama and Joanne; bottom left, Mama and me; bottom right, Mama and Ramey)

 
Center Block: Made in an applique workshop at Heart to Heart Quilt Shop, years ago--ribbons and buttons added for Mama's quilt

Top left block: I made this and the remainder of the blocks in an Elly Sienkiewicz course, also many years ago. All the blocks are hand applique. THe patterns for these and many more Baltimore Album blocks are in Elly's book Baltimore Beauties and Beyond.

Top left

Bottom right

Bottom left

---

This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 06/12/2012, Ramey said ...

Congratulations, Sister! That quilt is beautiful!

---

On 06/12/2012, Joanne said ...

This a real work of (family) art. We're all together again.

---

On 06/12/2012, Linda Smith said ...

Congratulations on your quilt's awards - it deserves them, or I should say, you deserve them!

---

On 06/12/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Your Mama quilt is just beautiful, with sweet mementos, photos, and lovely handwork. Winning two ribbons is icing on the proverbial cake, too!! Well done! Applause, applause! Enjoy floating on the cloud!!

Happy for you hugs!

---

On 06/12/2012, Bev S. said ...

Congratulations!

---

On 06/12/2012, june said ...

Congratulations and well done! It's a truly beautiful quilt, clearly created with a lot of love and affection and care. You totally deserve these awards you've won. Enjoy and I'm delighted for you.

---

On 06/12/2012, Lynn said ...

Congratulations!

---

On 06/12/2012, Debra S said ...

Perfect way to start the summer! Those days spent on the couch quilting ought to tell you something important about taking the time to rest and enjoy your handwork. Lovely tribute to your Mama and a splendid use for those applique blocks waiting for their 15 minutes of fame. Well done & way to go!

---

On 06/12/2012, Dolores Tanner said ...

That is truly a beautiful quilt.. what a memory to have and hold!!

---

On 06/12/2012, Jan said ...

What a wonderful tribute to your Mama AND your family! You did a beautiful job and deserve all the ribbons you were awarded! Congratulations!

---

On 06/12/2012, Pat said ...

Beautiful! All that hard work well-rewarded. Your Mama would be proud!

---

On 06/13/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Well done Susan, you certainly deserved your win!!!

---

On 06/13/2012, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...

Beautiful tribute to your Mother Susan.
I enjoyed looking at all the wonderful work
by your quilting friends.

---

On 06/13/2012, Deb said ...

Susan, it's wonderful. Congratulations on the ribbons!

---

On 06/15/2012, Gretchen said ...

Congratulations on well deserved ribbons. The quilt is beautiful & I'm sure your mama is very proud.
-----

---