Friday, February 15, 2019

Quilts In the Width of a Week



My $4 Fabric Fun

I love to tell people, "I can make a quilt out of almost any fabric." You don't need the latest and greatest (or highest priced) fabric to make a fantastic quilt. You just need good contrast, and something in common. It's like the great game of SET for those of you who play. Now, I'm not saying this is going to be worthy of entry into Quilt Con--to which I'll be visiting next week, and hope to meet any of you who will be there, too--but wait until you see just how darn cute this new quilt is turning out! And for an honest disclosure, the batik was higher at $5 a yard, not $4. 


The pattern came out of "Dessert Roll Quilts" by Lincott, and was named Sugar & Spice. I've modified it to the size I needed, but it's a fun one to make with large blocks. You have a quilt in no time so it's perfect for a charity quilt.




A split rail fence is another good pattern for using up odds and ends, and this is just a sample of the blocks I have trimmed. It's wonderful when a volunteer, my mom in this case, takes the stack home one week, and brings them all back finished! It's like having elves in the workshop, you know.


What's This All About?

For the curious new reader, a small group of us has formed the Gnadenhutten Quilt Project, and taken on a challenge to supply the local shelter with quilts for their clients. Harbor House is a shelter for victims of domestic violence here in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. We're on month two, and the quilts have been well-received, brightening up rooms and beds.



Each week we get together to sew, and see what lovely thing we can construct from our piles of fabric. It's a bit like making soup the organic way. A dash of this, and a handful of that. Yeah, and add a couple borders for color, and this one will be ready to work some magic quilting on. 



The gluten-free cooking adventures continue with a new flat- bottom wok, $10 at Aldi, thank you, and sweet and sour chicken. I've learned the value of doubling my sauces, freezing half, and having several on hand to add to some simple meat and veggie dishes for a quick meal. Less time in the kitchen means more time to quilt, and especially projects waiting on the back burner.



So a good friend's quilt finally got quilted with a panto.


This was a modified version of The Potting Shed. In a queen size, this quilt was a lot to quilt in one day. 



When I finished, I went home to ice my arm. Whew!


I did escape to somewhere warm for just a bit last week.
The colors were as much a treat as the delicious veg.



Walking early with a friend meant beautiful morning light to take in the world.



The proverbial line drawn in the sand became literal.



And the ritual of sunrise honored by those of us who marked it each day was glorious.

I hope your week was good, and may your next be even better.

Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's go sew.



10 comments:

audrey said...

I so agree. It's totally possible to make a great quilt out of almost any fabric, given the right {additional} fabrics to contrast and a good design. One of my favorite challenges of all time.:) Lovely that you got some beach time, especially this time of year!

Linda Swanekamp said...

I love the picture of the plant- I would love to paint it!
You have done a masterful job pairing up and making the quilts. You are able to see past the intial yuck of a fabric and see how it can play with others. The project is exciting to see.

Barb Neiwert said...

Lots to pack into a week, but who would have it any other way! Those veggies look amazing! And you're right about being able to make beautiful quilts :)

KaHolly said...

How nice you got away! There’s little more that’s restorative than walking on the shore in warming sunshine! Your friends quilt looks fabulous and she’ll be so pleased. I’m glad your project continues to roll along. I know the quilts you gift the shelter are much appreciated.

Angie in SoCal said...

Some great quilts made again. That dish looks yummy. So glad you got some beach time in. Blessings,

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Lots of beautiful quilts, but I can't stop thinking about the stir fry. Yum. I need to make some. Will you share your recipe? I love the line in the sand ☺

piecefulwendy said...

What a fun post to read with all my favorite things, quilts, food, friends, and beautiful sunsets! Thanks for sharing. It brightened my evening!

Kate said...

Lots of fun scrappiness going on with your design wall. Happy stitching this weekend.

Rebecca Grace said...

That pantograph came out beautiful. Having attempted to follow those paper patterns myself, I now really appreciate when I see someone who is able to do those WELL! Your $4 block is fabulous, too. I was admiring the '60s hairdo fabric even before I saw you got it for such a great price. Fabulous finds!

I hope you took tons of pictures at QuiltCon because we, your fans, are looking forward to seeing the show through your eyes in an upcoming blog post, hint hint wink wink... ;-)

Rebecca Grace said...

That pantograph came out beautiful. Having attempted to follow those paper patterns myself, I now really appreciate when I see someone who is able to do those WELL! Your $4 block is fabulous, too. I was admiring the '60s hairdo fabric even before I saw you got it for such a great price. Fabulous finds!

I hope you took tons of pictures at QuiltCon because we, your fans, are looking forward to seeing the show through your eyes in an upcoming blog post, hint hint wink wink... ;-)