Friday, December 31, 2010

plaid star quilt block swap

The plaid star quilt that lives in my Colorado cabin was from an internet swap in 1996. The homespun plaid fabric was very popular then! The stars were difficult for some of the new quilters, and the blocks didn't come to me in all the same size, but they were close enough, and it turned out to be a cute lap quilt.

I am extremely happy that I began this adventure in blogland this year : )    I am looking forward to 2011 in hopes of having many new quilting/stitching projects accomplished.  I am thankful for my family, friends, health, and I will always keep memories of my sweet mother in my heart.  May God bless you in the coming year as we continue this adventure.

piece,
elizabeth

Thursday, December 30, 2010

rag quilt

Have you ever made a rag quilt?  They are fun and easy and pretty quick to make.  They do create lots and lots of lint when you dry them to give them the rag look.  I made this quilt around 2001, when rag quilts were popular.  This was a kit from a wonderful quilt shop in Colorado that is no longer open.  It is flannel, and I still enjoy it in our Colorado cabin.

If you haven't made a rag quilt, this is a quick tutorial on how to make a rag quilt like the one in the picture:

Cut 112  9" squares of flannel and 56  6" or 7" squares of batting(this is a great way to use scrap batting and some make these without any batting)

Sandwich the batting between two flannel squares and quilt and X or the design of your choice in each square.  Using a 1/2" seam allowance sew the squares in rows that are 7 x 8.  Then sew 1/2" all around the outside of the quilt and it is ready for you to clip the seams every 1/4".  Be careful not to clip the seam lines.  This will take a while and your hand will get tired : )

Now it is time to wash and dry to make the clipped seams fray.  This is going to create lots and lots of lent, and I would recommend checking on the dryer/lent tray often.  I hope this tutorial will help if you decide to make a rag quilt!

piece,
elizabeth



Wednesday, December 29, 2010

past quilt block swaps

I have been in Colorado for the past 10 days celebrating Christmas and enjoying some family time. I have been taking pictures of quilts that I leave here at the cabin, and I will be posting them because I haven't been sewing much the last few weeks. The quilt I am showing today is from an internet swap in 1997.

The pictures were taken on our deck, so please excuse the shadows from the railing! The weather has been gorgeous with snow in the mountains, but none in the valley. No white Christmas this year, but the view has been great.

piece,
elizabeth






Friday, December 10, 2010

be nice

I just finished sewing the binding on a simple table topper made from a t-shirt and Christmas fabric.
I don't remember where the t-shirt came from, but it makes a cute little quilt!  It measures 21"x 28".

piece,
elizabeth

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Friday, December 3, 2010

time to machine quilt

I have a quilt top of Christmas fabrics from my stash that is ready to machine quilt.  I will try to get this done over the week-end.  I have the backing and batting ready, so now to decide whether to stipple or quilt with straight lines.  Any suggestions?

piece,
elizabeth