Sunday, August 19, 2012

Catch Up

I've been absent from home for a couple weeks, so I've enjoyed the weekend catching up.  I've made some bowtie blocks to add to the group exchange blocks I posted about last time.  These were made from stash strips - fun to 'make something work'.  I need about 40 more.  What about that stripe bowtie in the bottom row - couldn't have made those stripes match better if I tried (and I didn't)!  This isn't the setting for my quilt, but the green background fabric was a recent purchase for a basket quilt that's on my list.

I was on a tri-state road trip last weekend to attend a fabric study day.  I detoured to Bowling Green, KY to visit the Elizabeth Richardson exhibit again with a friend - WONDERFUL!!!  I'm planning on stopping again on the winter drive to Florida.  If you're in the area, stop in.  The trip included a visit toWhittle's -  two bags full, please.  Do you notice a few solids in there?  Jan and I are headed to Michigan in a couple weeks for Gwen's Liberated Medallion retreat.  I'm taking only solids to work with - it will be a stretch.


My stash booty is resting on a quilt back (blog post here) that's been accepted to 'In the American Tradition' exhibit for the International Quilt Festival 2012-13 schedule (premiering in Houston at Quilt Market) - YEA ME! I'm attaching the sleeve and label and sending off by the end of the month.  

I won two antique block silent auctions at the fabric study day.  The 9 patch blocks will be used to build doll quilts around - medallion style.  Don't have a clue to design, but seems like a fun 'snow in' challenge.
I'm in love with the indigo basket blocks (I'm thinking 1870's or so) - 24 blocks with shirtings (two are very thin and might need a lining fabric for support).  They are dirty and smelly, but I've started the cleaning process, one-by-one in case the indigo bleeds - no problems yet.  I'm on block four.  They  are pretty wonky; but, like I said, I'm in love.  I'll just whack them, ignoring handle points.  


So, that's my 'catch up'.  I didn't start on the red and white, but it's on the list.  Don't spend your Sunday morning following breadcrumbs on the web.  It will just add to your 'to do' list  and necessitate the purchase of colored pencils to investigate possibilities!   

14 comments:

Judy Dietrich said...

Congrats on getting a quilt accepted to the show!! How exciting--it is a gorgeous quilt--but I am biased, as I need yellow in my quilts. The back is fantastic--I need to remember this when I get a quilt finished.......... Looks like you had fun in the quilt study group--the 9 patches are colorful & sweet--but the indigo baskets are awesome!!

Barb said...

you didn't wast time catching up...looks great!

One Minnesota Quilter said...

Sounds like you have had a fun time the last few weeks and have some fun ahead! Congrats on the show entry. Love the indigo blocks. How do you wash your blocks?

Judy

Kyle said...

Your newest blocks are fantastic and will be fun to play with. Have a great time at Gwen's workshop. That will be a wonderful learning opportunity. Wish we could all tag along.

The Civil War Quilter said...

Congrats on Houston! Love the "creatively pieced" baskets. Have fun with those!Like the bowties too.

Robin said...

I think if you took the rectangular pieces of the indigo baskets off and cut them more true to size. . . maybe you wouldn't need to cut any points off to square them up. Just a thought~ Congrats on your quilt going to Houston. I love the bow tie quilt so far. The low contrast is delightful and it really looks good on top of that green piece.

Barb said...

great newsy post! Congrats on being accepted to Houston, how exciting for you.
I love your bow tie blocks, one of my favorite patterns to make.
I'll bet you are getting exciting about Gwens retreat. How fun to just work with solids. I can't wait to see what you make

Dawn said...

Love the scrappy bow ties. Congrats on sending a quilt to Houston to travel - and your win at quilt study. Love that you are taking solids to Gwen's retreat. Great post - thanks for sharing!

Lori said...

Congratulations on getting your quilt accepted into the special exhibit!
Love your antique blocks.

Vicki said...

I've been soaking the indigo baskets (one by one) in a mixture of oxygenated cleaner and mild dishsoap. I'm open to suggestions.

MARCIE said...

I love you advice about not following breadcrumbs! So true, we all do it! Very exciting to have your quilt accepted for Houston Quilt Festival! Awesome!

Jeanne said...

Congrats on your quilt going to Houston! Love your bow tie blocks and two pictured basket blocks are very charming.

Karen said...

I haven't made a bow tie block in a while but have made many in the past. An enjoyable block to make. I gave away the last bow tie quilt I made.

merumo said...

Love your antique indigo basket blocks! So pretty!! I even like how they are wonkey.