Thursday, January 27, 2011

I've been away

I can't believe how long its been since I last posted! We went for a family holiday to Hawaii to escape some of our long winter. Lots of time went into getting ready to go and now after I have lots to catch up on. It was lovely and relaxing while we were there.
I worked on my applique blocks in the evenings. I finished up this block for my Bird of Paradise quilt.
I dramatically changed the birds. Following Susi's idea I made the "big pink pig birds" as she called them, into bluebirds. They look much more cheerful I think.
I laid out my first 6 blocks to see how they look so far. (They are in no particular order) These blocks are so fun to applique! I have a good start on the next block - block #1.
I am sadly way behind on Lori's Quiltalong. Here is what I have so far. Maybe this weekend I can catch up.

I found this book at the library to take along on my trip. I'm not a Mormon but I sure enjoyed this book. There are some wonderful antique quilts in it and with each quilt there are stories about the women who made them. Some of the stories are heartbreaking. I'm glad I didn't live in the 1800's!
I find myself drawn to the antique quilts with Trapunto in them. I'm going to look around and see if I can take a class and learn this technique. I still want to take a handquilting class too. So much to learn... at least I'm never bored. lol
Happy Quilting!!



14 comments:

beth said...

Your blue birds DO look cheerful. Good job!

Barb said...

Your applique is wonderful...

I wish I could excape to Hawaii...it is soooo cold.

Lori said...

Your 6 blocks look so wonderful! love the bluebirds.
The quiltalong is small and I bet it won't take much to get it finished. The finale will be posted tomorrow.
I'm glad you had a nice vacation.

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Your applique blocks are beautiful!! Glad to hear that you had a nice vacation.

Janet said...

What a lovely place to go for a holiday. Yhe BOP blocks are beautiful, love the blue birds. The book sounds like a great read, I might have to look that on up.

Sue said...

Lovely applique blocks- I am going to look for that book- I have never seen it before.
Lori's quilt along was fun. I am sure you will be pleased with the finished article.

Crispy said...

OMGosh your blocks are wonderful!! I LOVE that you used blue birds instead, looks wonderful with the blue in the other blocks.

Crispy

Barb said...

Hawaii - how lovely!
your CWB blocks look wonderful. I really like the blue you are using.
great fabrics for the quilt along. I too have that book, I'm not Mormon, but it was given to me by a Mormon - it has some great quilts in it.

Dixie Howard said...

How wonderful to work on your Bird of Paradise quilt literally in paradise! You have made lovely progress on this quilt. I always enjoy any quilt history books I can find. Nice to have you back!

Ann Champion said...

Welcome back!

Your applique blocks are gorgeous! I like the change you made with the birds. They look geat.

I look forward to seeing your doll quilt. It goes together pretty easy.

I was just looking at that book on Amazon. I didn't get it..now I'm wishing I had.

Carrie P. said...

Hawaii, that is a good place to visit during the winter. I bet the kids had a great time. All your blocks are super.
I have always wanted to learn Trapunto. Maybe someone will come to our town to teach one day.

MARCIE said...

Hi Janet! I have that book too. I need to find it and read it again.
You blocks are fabulous! I am so envious of your talent! I

Karen said...

I just did some research about that book. It sounds like a wonderful read. I may have to get that one.
Thanks so much for sharing.

ButtonMad said...

Wow these birds of paradise are gorgeous! What beautiful work.