learning always learning

I was happy to finish this little top last night. I'm happy with it now but 1st I had to learn another lesson about value. One of the border panels had to be re-appliqued because I used a background fabric that was the right color but way too light. It pained me a bit to take out those little hand stitches but in the end it is much better. Now it needs to be quilted - I'm still debating whether to quilt it by hand or by machine. This other picture is from a new book Canadian Heritage Quilting by Karen Neary and Diane Shink. I just got it at the library. There are a few beautiful old quilts pictured in it but this applique masterpiece with beautiful quilting and trapunto is my favorite. I just wish there was a picture of the whole quilt.
Happy Quilting!!

a finish in time for spring!

I finished my little wallhanging today. Thanks to everyone for the ideas and suggestions! It took me a couple extra days to finish because I decided I had to handquilt the applique block. I am not a very confident free motion quilter and I didn't want to make a mess trying to outline quilt or stipple etc... I know I need to practice, practice, practice... :0)

I saw over on Janet's blog Quiltsalott that she had added her blog to www.Quilterblogs.com so I clicked on over there and added mine too. There sure are a lot of quilting blogs out there to be inspired by!

Happy Quilting!!

guild quilts

I belong to a small, informal quilt guild. We have a lot of fun sewing together! Every year we try to make a few quilts to donate different places. I thought I'd show you a couple. This crazy hearts quilt is finished.









This "at the seashore" quilt is still in progress. I think the block of the lady in the bathing suit in the top row is very fun. (sorry the picture isn't that great)

I hope to have something of my own finished in the next couple days. Until then - Happy Quilting!

measure twice cut once

This weekend I did get a chance to make a few blocks to add to this applique. I was reasonably pleased and all ready to attach them...
And then I discovered that I made the blocks too big to fit - by 1/2 an inch. That's too much to fudge - I actually do need seam allowance :0(

So while I ponder what to do with it (I'm open to suggestions) I thought I'd post this picture I took while in Toronto last weekend. I was walking around the University of Toronto and spied this pot of hollyhocks on the side of a brick building.

Why do they not put things like this on buildings anymore?

Happy Quilting!