Getting Closer

My 1880 sampler quilt is set, sashed and the first border is on.

My goal this week is to finish the first sawtooth border.

Like all big projects, I am so ready for this one to be done.

Thanks to Mary at Quilt Hollow, I have some new novelties for the windows of my scrappy houses.  It was so kind of her to send them to me and I can hardly wait to make a few more houses!

However, they will be my reward for finishing all those HSTs!

Since I seem to be on a roll, I will set my Feb. goals:

(1) Finish up the 1880 quilt top...

praying I have enough fabric.

(2) Quilt my Easter Table Runner

(3) Finish up one X-stitch ornament

(4) Stitch one more PG stocking 

and then return to my Pinwheels for Caroline...

my next UFO to finish.

I received my copy of the latest APQ magazine and have fallen in love with the cover quilt by Kim Diehl...

so cheery for a spring project!

Oh, so much temptation!

Progress on Two Fronts

Our attempt to hike at the Continental Divide was a total wash...literally!

There is still 1-2 feet of snow on the ground at 11,000 feet. 

Instead, we stopped at Treasure Falls.

Memorial Day ushered in a cold front and howling winds that dropped the temperatures in Pagosa Springs down to 29 degrees.  This is the effect it had on the surrounds of the lookout area of the falls.

Stunningly beautiful icicles everywhere!

We will just have to hike at lower elevations for awhile.

Autumn Houses is progressing nicely.  Hope I can keep up my present enthusiam for this project. I've said it before...I love fall colors and pumpkins and quilts with houses in them.

Also managed to get a handle on the weeds in my perrenial garden, plus add a few more plants and subdivide others.  Since our growing season is so short, my garden will not be in its full glory until later this summer or early fall.  Today's goal is to get the vegetable garden planted and my tomato plant installed in the greenhouse.  Maybe I'll put in some bell peppers to keep it company.  DH wanted strawberries, so he has built a screened cage to protect them from the birds.  Hope it works!  Carrots, green beans, zucchini and pumpkins will join them.  We are keeping the garden small this year.

My goal today is to finish one more 1880 block and then sew together the next row.  It will be just over half done then! I am anxious to get to the black and pink border!

If I get that done, then I give myself permission to piece a quick small quilt.  Got the pattern for Grandpap's Cards by Carol Hopkins Designs in the mail yesterday.  I had seen the quilt in Temecula and managed to find the perfect taupe fabric, so stay tuned.

Quilter's ADHD!

I know we all joke about how many projects we have going at one time, but my quilter's ADHD has gotten a little out of control.  Since we relocated to Colorado, I have been rising early (nothing new for me) and sewing while I watch the French Open on my laptop.

So, in this corner, we have my 1880 Sampler Quilt in progress. 

 (A note for Kathy G: there was no return email for me to send you a pdf that hopefully your MAC can download.  Please send one. )

I have not heard of any other problems downloading the pattern for the Goose in the Pond variation block, but I may add a simple block to use in its place, if need be.

In this nook, we have Bunnyhill's Autumn Houses started. 

And under my cutting table, I have started Pinwheels for Caroline by Lori Smith.  My WIP list had gotten under 10 items, so what the heck!  Besides, this will use up a lot of my reproduction stash!  Believe it or not, it will be a lap size quilt when finished.  I am shocked too!

I love a challenge and today's CW block certainly was one! 

Love it!

Also finished up the Little Blue Basket block that I had put off doing.

My blocks have been redrafted to 6", so this one had to be foundation paper pieced.  8" just seemed so big to me ;o)

Since blogger was having issues this past week, several comments came through without return emails.  I think I have solved my comment problem---turned off the stay signed in button.  Thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions!

This is for Holly: Send me a comment with your email and I will help you get a copy of Autumn's Bounty. 

My DH asked what I had planned today; and when I was non-committal, he stated we should go hike the Continental Divide. "There is more to life than weeding and quilting," he said naively.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend! 

 I'll be gardening and quilting, silly man!

Flying the Coop!

We are getting ready to make our summer journey north to cooler temperatures, and like a true blue procrastinator, I have tons of things to get done in the next few days.  It didn't help that a stomach virus knocked me for a loop this weekend, but I am back with a venegenance today.  Besides all the chores involved in leaving your home for months at a time, there are a few other pressing matters that need my attention.

First was getting the block drafted, made and the pattern written for this week's 1880 Sampler Quilt.  Oh, how I love this one.  These little detailed blocks are like a quilt in and of themselves.

Then I got distracted by a new book, Fat Quarter Winners, by Monique Dillard.

Added to the distraction was the arrival of Judie Rothermel's new line called the Bancroft Collection. A technique that oversizes and then custom cuts the units is right up my alley!  The Fit to Be Geese ruler and technique seemed like extra work until I realized that I am always checking the grid dimension and trimming up my flying geese even when I don't make them oversized, so this method does save me the time of marking diagonal lines on the backs of all those little squares. 

Since I missed work on Saturday due to illness, I will spend this morning finishing up the kits for these two projects from Country Threads.

I like to take some projects to do over the summer that will be shop samples at TOWQS in the fall. 

And if I have time left over today, I will head to Kinko's to do some copying for my Autumn's Bounty quilt pattern.  Yes, you guessed it.  I have left it to the last minute.  But honestly, I work best under pressure!

I have a new participant in my 1880 Sampler Quilt Along. 

Mary from Quilting in OZ (her blog) has joined in and caught up with the rest of us in no time.

And Jill from PA surprised me with this picture of all her SAL blocks.  They are pieced and she is playing with the setting.  She did a fantastic job. 

She made duplicates of some of the blocks that she originally didn't like her color choices for, and then decided she liked them after all.  I try to tell my beginners, who learn to piece by doing a sampler quilt, to wait until the end to make changes to blocks.

I should listen to my own advice.

I cannot tell you how many times I will remake a block until I am happy with my fabric selections!

All 50 siggy blocks are done and ready to be autographed.

I think I was dreaming of Spring when I chose the fabrics for these fellas.

Today is the monthly meeting of my SSQSG and we are exchanging signature blocks.

We are also expecting a much anticipated guest.

I'll be back to tell you all about her visit if she makes it.

Hopefully, she will bring some of her exquisite quilts to share!

Lots of applique, ribbon embroidery and hand quilting!

1880 Barbara Bucher Snyder Sample Quilt Update

The instructions for another block posted this morning over at my 1880 Sampler Quilt blog.

You can find the link button on my sidebar.

Several quilters who are playing along with me have sent me pictures of their progress.

These are Bettina's latest blocks.  She has them done practically before I finish getting them posted!

Satu in Finland is keeping on track.

And Doreen made two this week to get caught up.

I made 3 more blocks this week, but only 2 are keepers. 

I'm busy finishing up siggy blocks.

All my quilts should be coming home from the quilter's in the next few days, so panic is starting to set in.

Deadlines are looming.

I am going to give Jean Wells' trick of using grosgrain in the binding so my show quilts will hang nicely.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

Bindings have never been my strong suit!

Had to share...

I have been trying to blog less frequently, but...

just had to share the latest block for the 1880 Sampler Quilt.

It looks wonderful set on point.

I had been postponing making this block

(only 61 pieces),

but it turned out to be easier than I thought.

Don't worry~~you will have 8 other blocks to make before you get to this one!

Back to siggy blocks.

A Sneak Peak

I joined Christine's Doll Quilt Exchange and was thrilled to be paired with Lisa of Stray Threads.  Lisa is interested in textile history and passionate about antique quilts. 

Check her out! I know you will enjoy what you see and read.

She was recently selected as one of the 50 Best Quilting Blogs by Guide to Art Schools.

Here is a sneak peak at the quilt I am making for her.

That little square measures 3" finished.

I hope she will like the quilt.

Another block posted over at my 1880 Sampler blog this am.  Here is what is in store for next week.

I'll keep alternating difficult and easier blocks.

Please remember to send me photos if you are following along.

I am working on a few quilts from Kathleen Tracy's new book, The Civil War Sewing Circle.

I'll be back to show them to you when they are finished.

This weekend should be quiet for the first time in a long time, so maybe I can catch up on the Civil War Quilt's BOTW.

Any Super Bowl fanatics out there?

Who will you be cheering for?

I'll be putting my money on Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers!

Next 1880 Sampler block

 Pennyslvania Block

I decided to keep it simple this week after last week's challenge.  This Pennyslvania block is not my favorite, but I felt it needed to be included since Barbara Bucher Snyder lived in Lancaster County.  Doreen, my source for all things historically related to these blocks, tells me it was a popular block in the Lancaster area and the design most likely came from the hand woven coverlets that the Pennsylvania German (dutch) women made in the 1790's.

Next up...

...so enjoy this week's block. 

I don't have a name for this one yet.  Many of her blocks were drafted from floor tiles found in churches, so they may not have official block names.  We'll see what Doreen can come up with.

Happy Piecing!

Note: if you are wondering where to find the patterns for these blocks, use the link button on my sidebar for 1880 Sampler Quilt Patterns.  Enjoy!

A Few Solutions...

Before I get down to the meat of this post, I'll keep it light by sharing Doreen's first 2 blocks for her 1880 Sampler Quilt. Besides, everyone loves pictures.

Tudor or Union Rose and... 

Cornerstones.

Now for a few solutions to the problems plaguing me.

The other day I came to the realization that I have bitten off more than I can chew!

Too many irons in the fire!

I'm not having fun!

So, I listed my WIPs and UFOs in the order of the priority and all the other things will just have to go on the back burner.  I will take a deep breath and relax.  Then I will start with the first project and work on it in 3 hour increments until it is done.  Then do the same for the next on the list, so forth and so on.

I will withdraw from some of my commitments.

First, no brown bag quilt contest!

Although this one disappoints me, I will have to strike my name off the signature block exchange over at my Small Quilt Talk yahoo group.  The group is getting too large. This one really bothers me, so I will ruminate on it for a day or two before taking action. 

NO MORE sew alongs or exchanges! The Barbara Brackman Civil War BOTW will only get done if I feel I have time.  Did you see this week's block?  I think that is what helped me decide to back away from this one. 

And with that off my chest, I also came up with a plan for my 'unsquare' quilt dilemma.

Upon the advice of my quilting friends, Kristine and Lin, I sprayed the quilt top with lots and lots of spray sizing and steam pressed the heck out of it.

Guess what?

The new center measurement was 69"--what I needed it to be.

However, the top and bottom borders are still at 65"--1" short for the outer border to fit correctly.

Did I mention that the outer border is pieced with homespun?!

So I will be sewing a smidge extra here and there when piecing the outer border and hope the machine quilter will not look at me sideways when I turn the whole thing over to her!

I am praying she can work wonders!
I love this quilt and will enter it anyways, no matter what the outcome.
It is the first thing on my list and I will get the quilt top finished by Wed., because I get to go to SoCal for a few days to the Road to California Show.  Whoopee!

I'm still here!

My teaching schedule gets a little hectic this week, so I have been busy with the prep work for classes.  I did manage to work on Lori's doll quilt along. 

And I continued to draft and set the blocks for the 1880 Sampler Quilt. 

With so many bloggers posting their quilt and sew alongs on Saturday, I will move up the posting of these blocks to Fridays.  So look for the next block instructions tomorrow.

There were 5 Saturdays in Jan., so look for one more block this month.

I think the next one will be a little more challenging.

Are you ready?

A Sweetheart of a Winner!

Mr. Random Number Generator has selected a winner!

Darlene of Quilting Daze.

 Darlene said...

Wow, Cheryl, what a delightful giveaway! I'd love to win and have been a follower for a long time. :-)

And that is true.  She is one of my earliest followers.

Contact me by email with your snail mail info, Darlene, and your little package of goodies will be on it's way.  Thank you everyone for your interest in this little quilt.

And my applique marathon is done!

This picture will accompany the quilt show form and get posted today, 5 days before the deadline!

Not bad for an avid procrastinator.

I have to the end of the month to get the pieced, yes PIECED, borders on.

I don't think I will be doing any hand work for awhile!

Next Saturday I will be posting the 4th block in my 1880 Sampler Quilt.

Satu has sent me a photo of her first 3.

She is using Julie Hendrickson miniatures and Judie Rothermel fabrics.

Her favorite block, so far, is the Tudor Rose.

I would love to see and share pictures of your blocks as you make them!

Have a great week!

Some more handmade gifts and a mystery visitor!

Finished these for some very special people--

THE GIRLS!

That is how we fondly refer to the lovely ladies who own and operate the Olde World Quilt Shoppe in Phoenix, AZ.  Two sisters and one daughter.

If you ever find yourself in the area, give them a visit.

You will not be disappointed.

Besides their charming personalities and knowledge base, they have an awesome collection of reproduction fabrics to choose from.  It is rumored that celebrities like Renee Plains of Liberty Star and Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Company frequent the shoppe.

I can assure you it is more than a rumor!

So, who is my mystery visitor?

I received an email from Barbara in California, who surprised me in November with her completed SAL quilt. I didn't even know she was participating.

She will be in Scottsdale soon and we plan to meet at the aforementioned Olde World Quilt Shoppe.

I am so excited to meet her.

Blogland has opened up a whole new world of associations for me.

Most remain faceless.

Hopefully, soon, I will put a face with her lovely quilt.

Speaking of SAL quilts, I would like to do a parade of SAL quilts before I start my 1880 sampler.

Please send me pictures of your quilts, no matter what stage of completion and I will add them to the pictures I already have.

Mine is still only half quilted. Maybe this will motivate me to get busy and finish it.

And if you are looking for a bubble gum pink fabric for your 1880 sampler quilt, check out this line available at Sew Unique Creations.  It is called Little Pink Stars by Margo Krager.

Wish the blues were not so dark in value or they would have been perfect too.

1880 Sampler Quilt Blog

There is a new button on my sidebar.

The blog is created and two patterns are posted.

The next step is to open up my EQ program and do some calculating of yardage you will need if you plan to play with me.  The patterns will post one per week starting Jan. 1st.

Of course, the first two are posted, so I am ahead of the game.

The blocks finish at 5". 

The quilt may not be an exact replica of the original, but will use the general design, setting and colors that Barbara Bucher Snyder used.

Quilting Traditions, Pieces from the Past, by Patricia T. Herr and published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., gives a detailed history of the quilt and its maker.  Barbara made the quilt in the years prior to her marriage to John Stoner in 1884 while residing on Willow Spring Farm in Lancaster County.  Her mother, Fanny S. Bucher, made a similiar quilt worked in diamond blocks.  The inspiration for Barbara's quilt blocks came from patterns found on oilcloth flooring seen in homes and from the architectural details of the churches she visited.  I have no idea what the finished size of her blocks were, but I will make mine 5" finished.  I hope you enjoy sharing in my journey.

Hope everyone had a joyous Thanksgiving celebration. I ate too much as usual, but my son took the prize in that category.  I'll be hiking each and every day this week to combat the effects.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving surrounded by the ones you love!

My daughter is designing her own version of the dresden plate turkey seen over at the Missouri Quilt Co. We'll see what the final version looks like later today.  She wants it to be 3-D.

We'll work on it while the turkeys are cooking.

And yes...

another mug rug.  

 I had fun practicing the pebble quilting behind the appliqued penguin.

Drafted the first block for my 1880 sampler by Barbara Buchner Snyder.

The block finishes at 5".  I may not be able to draft many of the blocks without the aid of EQ.  The grid dimension of the blocks does not fall into simple rotary cutting formulas.  I will try to draft as many as I can and then resort to EQ for the rest.  Once I get further into the project and more confident about my ability to actually pull this one off, I'll start sharing my cutting instructions with anyone interested in sewing along with me. 

It is the coldest Thanksgiving on record in the last 80 years here in Arizona!

Kathy Tracy posted about a 'gratitude' journal this last week.

I think today is a good day to start mine.

I am thankful today for the warmth of my home and the plentiful food that will grace my table this afternoon. Now off to the kitchen to get busy!