Round #4

This is Round #4 of the Camelot quilt.  As usual, I questioned my fabric choices the whole way through.  Hear the debate in my head:  The gray speckle doesn't have enough contrast...arrghh, I can't believe I tried to fussy cut that bargello print, what was the point? what was I thinking?...and it goes on and on

But guess what??

I really like this round (can't call it a "block" just yet).

Does anyone else have these internal struggles with their fabric selections?  I can't believe I'm alone.

So, here is Round #5, templates made, pieces cut out and first section machine stitched together.  I will be back to hand piecing the rest of it.  I was thinking it would be faster, easier....WRONG!!

At least for me, hand piecing is so much more pleasurable and accurate.  So, at this point I still am happy with my color, contrast, balance of fabric choices here.  I will second guess it before I finish and then love it again when I'm finished....because that's just how it goes.

Happy quilting...Laurel

June's Awesome Beauty!

Yes, it is still May, but this is the amazing red work "Winter Wonderland" quilt brought to me by June Jones that is now complete.  I had so much fun just feather doodling to fill in the open white spaces.

June does beautiful work.  The red work and the piecing were both exquisite.

Closer view:  Just had to fit a few feathers in with the embroidery to tie it all together

This is the second "Winter Wonderland" quilt I've done.  They were each different in the quilting design (though not hugely different) and both beautiful.  I am so pleased with how this one turned out.

It's been a wonderful Memorial Day weekend at home.  My sister and I decorated the cemeteries on Wednesday, family here on Saturday and Sunday.  We so appreciate the service of our military members.

Happy beginning of summer...I hope it brings joy and laughter, great adventures and memories for you all. 

Gwen's lovely quilt!

I just received a picture of Gwen Christensen's lovely quilt.  She worked on the needle turn applique for a year or more.  It was such a pleasure to quilt it for her.  The quilting doesn't show up so much in this photo, which is as it should be.  The applique is really the star in this beauty.  Thank you, Gwen, for the privilege of adding to your beautiful work.

Camelot...Round #3

Hand-work is the perfect project to have if you're sitting around waiting at the hospital, which I was yesterday.  I had all of my pre-marked, pre-cut pieces in a little baggie with my pins, threads and snips.

It doesn't matter if you are fast at it or not, it helps pass the time and piece by piece, sitting event after sitting event, progress will be made.

I love the green, brown and orange in this block.  I'm not overly excited with the fuchsia though there are little specks of green in that fabric.  I am really pleased with the contrast though and I think it will fit splendidly into the whole.  

Back to finishing up some lovely wall pieces. 

Happy Quilting!!  

Side step...entertainment!

 Every now and then I need a diversion, a side-step from the quilting.

 This little guy provided plenty of that kind of entertainment.  My friend, Debi, the pincushion lady, advised my progress.

I'm not sure I got this just right but I think he's pretty stinkin' cute.  He's a birthday gift, belated of course, for a good friend.  I think she'll like his quirky self.

 I know, picture overload, but I couldn't choose which ones I liked best.

Alrighty then, back to quilting.

Have an awesome day!!  Laurel

Disappearing 9-patch

Just sharing this awesome quilt that my friend and client, Linda Mason, brought for quilting.  I've seen quite a few quilts of this pattern but never that thrilled me like this one.  It just made me happy to look at it.

Some close details.  Linda's collection of Japanese fabrics and Asian prints is wonderful.

Don't you just love these little characters?  I see a Disappearing 9-patch in my future...well, someday anyway.   Happy Quilting!

Spirit of Sacagawea...nearing completion!

 I can seriously say, I was not sure this day would ever arrive.  Finally, the top is finished and quilting can commence.  It has been quite some time since this quilt has gotten attention.  There was a little bit of time yesterday to work on the bottom row of sashing.  When I came up to the studio this morning it was really cold since the stove ran out of pellets....SO! hmmm...finish this up.  Cold is a good excuse to do other things because the Gammill really hates to cooperate when it's too chilly, or perhaps I just don't like to either.


For anyone who hasn't seen this project already, it's from the book "The Spirit of Sacagawea" by Laurie Simpson and Polly Minick.  They have a Flickr group here with pictures others have posted photos of their work.  Pinterest is another place to see awesome versions...just do a search for Spirit of Sacagawea quilts and you will be amazed.

Overall, I think it looks great!

This block is called "Chokecherry".  I decided my berries needed to be blue, like huckleberries or blueberries.  Yes, I always need to be different, what can I say.  Still need to add the embroidery on the stems, inking didn't cut it (I was hopeful).

This block is called "Stack of Coins".  You will find Sacagawea on a coin!  My machine piecing skills are so evident here, my scant 1/4" is never scant enough.  I considered redoing the block and then decided to add a border to bring it up to size.  I really don't care for the look so the verdict is still out on a re-do.

I think this is my favorite block of the whole quilt.  It is called "Salmon berry".  

This block is called "Rocky Mountain Pass" in the book.  I call it Cogs.  Let's just say I'm glad this one is finished and whether or not I like it doesn't matter because, after all, it's finished.