Patriotic Topper 2024

 Every year for I don't know how long, 

I've made my siblings a

Patriotic table runner or topper.

It began as an honor to our dad,

who was one of the most patriotic people I know.

 

This year I used a pattern my sister found and loved.

The pattern is free from Quilters Newsletter

and is called "Firework Flag".  

 

 

Image taken from pattern page

 

 

I loved the idea of this quilt,

but didn't like that the flag was square.

After extending the striped side of the quilt,

I quilted the pieces before trimming

and decided to leave the top and bottom edges wavy.

These took some time to make,

but I really love the finish.

My siblings liked them, too!

Happy Quilting!

Two Veterans Quilts

 A few weeks ago my sister called and asked if I'd like to

go with her to see the stash of the mom of a friend of her husbands.

This friends mom had been a huge quilter and had died recently.

She had suffered from dementia for several years,

so her things had been in storage for that time.

You know I said YES!!

There was so much fabric, mainly reproduction fabrics,

which I just don't use at this time.

There were also a lot of rulers, notions, cutting mats,

patterns... the list goes on.

One bin I found had a bunch of zip lock bags filled with

finished blocks.

I bought this bin, thinking I could make some quilts

with these "packages" of blocks,

and, boy, can I!

One set of blocks must have been part of a block

exchange she was involved in because I don't know

how many different baggies of 3-10 blocks there were in this bin.

I pulled them out, cut some plain blocks to alternate with the pieced blocks

and had this quilt top finished in not time.

 

 

 

 

The people who pieced these blocks were meticulous.

Each one was exactly 4" square and so well done.

It was fun looking at all of the fabric combinations that

made up the blocks.

 

 

The next set of blocks I pulled from the bin were huge 16" blocks.

At first I wasn't sure how I could use these to make a 48x60" quilt,

and then I placed them on point.

 

 

 

 

This quilt top went together very quickly, too,

and is so striking, I think.

 

I used the four extra blocks for the backing, but should have

made another quilt with them. 

I didn't think of that until it was finished.

Everything I used to make these two quilts came from this ladies stash...

the blocks, the plain blocks and backing fabrics, the batting and the thread.

It made me sad to see that she had done all of this work, but

hadn't completed the quilts.

I have no idea how many quilts she made over the years,

but she was a talented quilter.

It really has me thinking of how I will use my stash from now on.

Both of these quilts will be donated to my local Veterans hospital.

Happy Quilting!

Caroline's Christmas Stockings

 I love making Bucilla felt kits

and have made stocking kits for all of us

in my family.

Before Caroline, my newest granddaughter,

was born, I began making her stockings.

I made one for her house and one for mine.

This stocking is for my house.

With each stocking I've made a quilted

stocking to which I stitched the felt front.

This makes for a good and sturdy stocking,

ready for stuffing!

The Peppermint Santa stocking is for

Caroline's home.

He is adorable!

 

 

 

The fabric I used for the stocking is so cute!

 

These are ready to hang on the mantle,

but I'm not wishing for Christmas to arrive quickly.

Happy Quilting!

HST Veterans Quilt

 The Veterans quilt made from batiks given to me

by a friend who does not like batiks is finished

and ready for delivery.

This pattern was so fun and easy to make and looks so cool!

 

 

 

It's quilted with straight lines that follow the lightening bolts.

I've gotten so I really like the plain and simple quilting lines.

 

 

 

 

 

These batiks are darker than I usually like,

but they work well for this quilt.

 

The backing was purchased and I love this design.

Onto the next Veterans Quilt!

Happy Quilting!!

Spectacular Savannah

 I love Elizabeth Hartman's patterns.

This quilt makes the third one I've made

and I see more in my future.

Spectacular Savannah is for my newest granddaughter,

Caroline Sue.

 

 

 

 

The biggest challenge with this quilt was choosing the fabrics.

There were a couple that I didn't use once production began,

but I was very happy with my selections, overall.

 

 

 

 

 

It was quilted with African Samba (thank you Mary at Needledmom).

Jennifer at Peaceful Hill Quilting did a beautiful job quilting it. 

I chose an abstract plaid fabric for the binding,

have sewn the label into place

and am ready to deliver it to this new little bundle of joy.

Happy Quilting!