Dixie Doodles

Tulips & Travel

2011-11-26T16:46:00.000-08:00

Finished the tulip block for the garden club quilt. Its not the same block as used in the original quilt. Used the tulip block from Blackbird Designs' Tulip Farm quilt instead. One of the red fabrics is from French General, and it is a dream to use for applique. Highly recommend it!

We were lucky to travel to New Orleans with our family in October. It was a dream trip, and we just loved walking through the Garden District and checking out the awesome homes.

Sad to hear that these cool water meter covers are disappearing as they are becoming collector's items.

A picture of the courtyard where we stayed. My husband's brother has a timeshare here and we all got to stay together. Such fun!

Baked our friend Cindy LaNier's famous butterhorn rolls for Thanksgiving. Topped with homemade apricot jam we made last summer - they are scrumptious, and such a treat that we only make them for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. I'll leave you with the recipe below, and happy holidays to all of my dear blog friends. Really appreciate your visits, and hope you have time to get a few stitches in!

LaNier's Butterhorns

1 package yeast

1 cup warm water

1 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 eggs, well beaten

4 1/2 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in water. Add a couple of tablespoons of the sugar to proof the yeast. Let rest for at least five minutes. Meanwhile, melt butter and add sugar. Stir to mix and set aside to cool. Add to yeast, and add salt, eggs, and 3 cups flour. Mix well by hand and add remaining flour, mixing until well combined. Either dough refrigerate overnight or let rise in a warm spot on the counter for at least four hours. Divide dough into four pieces. Roll each into a circle, and cut each circle into 12 triangular pieces. Roll from large end to short (crescent shapes) and place on a well greased baking sheet. Let rise (1-2 hours) and bake in a 400 degree oven for eight minutes. Makes 48 scrumptious rolls.

Petunias and Diamonds

2011-10-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

Just finished the petunia basket block for the Garden Club quilt. I love how the Country Threads ladies designed the petunias. They remind me of my grandma's garden when I was growing up. I still remember the smell of petunias in the warm summer sun. The other big news is that our oldest daughter, Jamie, just got engaged! She and Brian, her fiance, are so happy and we will be planning a wedding for next year!

Feels Like Fall

2011-09-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

Took a road trip yesterday to Apple Hill which is a local area in the Northern California foothills where the farmers are known for their great apples. This trip is an annual event for our family. We don't use a lot of apples, but we selected a couple of each type to sample. Just love to spread sliced apples with a little nut butter for a snack! Also got a gallon of homemade apple cider which is so delicious heated up to drink in the evenings.

Finished sewing the first Garden Club block - next I'm on to making the chicken and the bee skep blocks.

There are wonderful vendors at Apple Hill who sell handmade items. Couldn't resist this wooden basket made from old barn boards. The gentleman who makes these hand forges the iron braces and the handle. The basket is just so unique and sturdily built, and a super bargain at $35!

I'm leaving you with a delicious carmel apple cake recipe that we always enjoy every fall during apple season:

Carmel Apple Cake

Beat well:

1 cup oil

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

Sift together and add:

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix in:

3 cups diced raw apples

1 cup nuts (optional - we don't use)

Pour into a 9 X 13 inch pan and bake at 300 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes.

Carmel Glaze

Melt 1/2 cup butter and stir in 1 cup brown sugar, and blend well.

Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Take off stove and cool slightly and add 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Spread over warm cake and enjoy with hot coffee!

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday and have time to get a few stitches in - thanks for stopping by!

Garden Club

2011-08-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Our Prim Group is making the Garden Club quilt by Country Threads as a block of the month at our local quilt store, so I'm working on the prep for the first block. Decided to use backgrounds that remind me of 1940s aprons. The original quilt doesn't have the sprigs and buds on the sides near the bottom of the vase, but I thought the block needed a bit more so added those. Was inspired to choose electric blue for the dragonfly when I saw several in our garden this weekend. May add more flowers to the top of the vase, what do you think?

Just purchased these little applique scissors designed by Karen Kay Buckley, and highly recommend them - they are wonderful! They are really sharp and the little tips are just right for trimming a seam or clipping into a little corner while appliquing.

Fruit is so plentiful and tasty at the farmer's market this month. We made strawberry freezer jam and peach cobbler - soooo good...the jam is perfect to stir into a cup of plain yogurt. Thinking of all of you on the East coast who are weathering the storm this weekend - hope everyone has time to get a few stitches in and thanks to all who stopped by for a visit!

State Fair Quilts

2011-07-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Attended the California State Fair today, and wanted to share a few photos of the wonderful quilts which won awards this year. Pictures taken with permission of State Fair staff, but unfortunately I didn't note the names of the quiltmakers as there was a large crowd and I had to keep moving!

Blackwork Beauty

Loved this quilt!

My favorite this year!

Gorgeous applique!

Sweet house quilt - must make this!

Who doesn't love Charley Harper?

Gorgeous crocheted coverlet - it was lined with fabric too!

We visited Yosemite Park in May and the falls were magnificent this year. The photo doesn't do them justice! Thought the little cabin at Yosemite was just adorable.

Yosemite Falls

/Adorable Yosemite cabin

Peaceful picture in Yosemite

We have been working on house projects, so not much on the quilting front, but did manage to finish some churn dash blocks for the Jo Morton Churn Dash Swap. Pulled out a Stars Quilt I finished some time ago and will hopefully get it quilted some time this summer.

Jo Morton Churn Dash Swap blocks

Star Quilt from a McCalls Magazine pattern

Hope you are all enjoying your summer, and thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Laurel Cherry Block

2011-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Just finished the laurel cherry block last night.

This is the halfway point to finishing this quilt! Many, many thanks to my virtual quilting friends in the US, Australia, Canada and Europe for contributing the Lancaster cake stand blocks for this quilt. I am really enjoying making the applique blocks so much. So excited that a new quilt store is opening close to home today, so of course, I have to run over and check it out. Fingers crossed they will have a selection of reproduction and prim fabrics! Hope you all have a lovely weekend and time to get a few stitches in.

Orange Peel Petals

2011-04-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Started a new project in Spring colors called Orange Peel Petals. The quilt is designed by Temecula Quilt Company, and its a really fun project that can be picked up quickly to get a few stitches in with easy, peasy needleturn applique. Most of the fabrics are from the Little Pink Stars line.

We visited this lovely place about an hour from home recently. Its called Daffodil Hill, and is located in an old gold rush area. The weather was perfect that day! Its well worth the visit if you get a chance.

Always appreciate those of you who stop by to visit my blog, and hope you all have time to get a few stitches in!

Four Hearts

2011-03-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

In honor of the red and white exhibit that was this weekend, appliqued a few red hearts on a cream background this weekend. Just love this fabric collection, so plan to make a heart in every print and put them together into a little quilt. The pattern for the heart block from Blackbird Designs is here:

Its been cold and rainy here this week, so made chicken and dumplings for dinner. My husband said they are "almost" as good as his grandma's! No problem here - I agree that nothing is as good as memories of grandma's cooking!

Just finished reading "Room." Have any of you read it? Almost quit at the beginning but it definitely got better and it is thought provoking. It reminded me of how I felt when reading "Little Bee" last year. I haven't forgotten that one either - what a story!

Cherry Seeds

2011-03-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

Finished the latest block for the Cherry Cake quilt yesterday. The pattern I drew for this block was inspired by an antique block and a Jan Patek block from her Millenium Garden quilt.

This is how the quilt looks so far - plans are percolating for a bird block, a house block and a laurel cherry block. My thoughts today are with the brave people of Japan as they deal with the tsunami tragedy. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and hope you find time to get a few stitches in!

Cherry Basket Block

2011-02-27T07:54:00.000-08:00

This month has flown by, so wanted to post a picture of the latest Cherry Cake block before the end of the month - whew just made it! This block is modified from a pattern in the 101 Applique Blocks book.

The number of appliqued blocks are slowly growing, and are very enjoyable to make. Am prepping the next Cherry Cake block which isn't as involved as some of the others, but there will still be a fair amount of cherries!

Really enjoyed crocheting this Montana Tote designed by Knitting Architect for my daughter, Jamie, and she loves it. She asked me to make it when she found the pattern on Etsy here. I'm in the process of crocheting a wheat colored bag for my daughter, Holly. Its a nice, easy project to pick up and crochet a few rounds in the odd moment. Its a nice, heavy bag with a long strap that fits cross body so its secure. Think I will make one for myself next!

I sincerely appreciate all of you who stop by for a visit, and hope you are having a wonderful weekend! Off to make a curried cauliflower soup to take to work for lunch during the week ahead.

Cherries Galore

2011-01-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

This is the latest applique block finished for the cherry cake quilt. The cake basket blocks were made by friends on a Reproduction Yahoo Group. Our challenge was to make cake basket blocks for a block exchange using Lancaster colors. This applique block was inspired by a block in an antique quilt I remember seeing in a quilt show some time ago. There are a lot of cherries in this one, so I ended up using thin metal washers I got at the hardware store as templates. After gathering the fabric around them, they got a good press and then sat overnight to cool. It really worked well.

Progress so far - the cherry sprig applique block on the right is inspired by a block in the 101 Applique Blocks book by Nancy Brenan Daniel. This is a great book which I end up return to over and over. The middle block was made using a bias stem shaped around a glass for the template, and leaves from a pattern I made by folding freezer paper in half and cutting out a leaf shape until I came up with a shape I liked. There are a total of 20 cake stand blocks, so will enjoy making more applique blocks to go in between.

Thank you for stopping by to look at the Cherry Cake quilt progress, and hope you have time this weekend to get a few stitches in! Delicious foggy weather here in Northern California just right for quilting and a pot of soup bubbling on the stove!

Cherry Sprig Block

2011-01-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

Just finished the cherry sprig applique block for the cherry cake quilt, and am deciding what type of applique blocks to make next.

The applique blocks are so fun to make as they will all be different, and I'm leaning towards a bird/cherry block or an urn/cherry block as the quilt may get a bit busy. Would love to hear your ideas about future applique blocks to include!

1-1-11 Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

Was so thrilled to receive this wonderful hooked rug from Kelley, a Yahoo friend, for Christmas. Kelley makes the most gorgeous rugs, and I was thrilled to receive one of her wonderful creations.

Our oldest daughter drew these pictures of her Grandmother as a young girl, a teenager, and a young woman (1930s - 1940s) for her sister's Christmas present. We all were thrilled so see what a wonderful, heartfelt present she gave her sister, and we are so proud of her drawing talent.

Think this is the year of the little quilt as I have been reading on many others' blogs, so wanted to show one I finished and handquilted in 2010. Little quilts appeal on so many levels: its a way to test out different fabric color combinations; an incentive to finish a project from start to finish when time and patience are limited; and they are so fun to display! I love the hand quilted look, and since this was my first attempt on a little quilt, hopefully I will become better at it... I can already imagine different designs and thread colors to use on the next one.

Looking forward to a great 2011, and I am so grateful to have met so many fellow bloggers during 2010 whose blogs I have thoroughly enjoyed, and who have enriched my life through comments left on my blog. Can't wait to see the projects we all have ahead of us this year!

Happy Holidays

2010-12-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

Finished this Prairie Schooler ornament design this weekend. Want to start a new tradition of making at least one cross stitched ornament each year. Prairie Schooler has so many great santa designs too!

Ever since receiving these darling ornaments last year, I have wanted to decorate a kitchen tree.

When I found the cookie cutters last summer thought they would look perfect on the kitchen tree.

Couldn't resist this unusual doily at an antique store recently, and I can never pass up an old army blanket at a good price! Want to share our favorite holiday cookie recipe with you.

Orange Cookies

1 cup butter (softened)

3 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

8 ounces sour cream

1 egg

1 T. orange peel

1/3 cup orange juice

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

Beat butter until fluffy. Add half of the flour, and mix in sugar, sour cream, egg, orange peel, orange juice, baking powder and salt. Stir in remaining flour. Bake at 375 degrees on greased baking sheet.

Orange Icing

3 cups powdered sugar

2 T. butter

1 t. orange peel

3-4 T. orange juice

Mix all together and frost cookies with orange icing when cool.

Hope you are all having the merriest of holidays and have time to get a few stitches in!

Cherry Cake

2010-11-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

These sweet Lancaster cake stand blocks were received as part of a swap, and I have decided to put them together with alternating appliqued blocks with a cherry theme. Now I'll have to look for a real cherry cake recipe - does anyone have a good one?

Received these darling appliqued baskets recently from another block exchange in which we made the baskets from Blackbird Designs' Cold Wind Blows book. Just think they are adorable and will add a few more to make a doll quilt this winter.

Its a beautiful day today and a little warmer after cold weather for this part of California - 29 degrees the last two mornings. Thank goodness our lemon tree doesn't look too worse for wear though. The remaining turkey is bubbling away on the stove for soup this next week. Its definitely soup weather!

October Last

2010-10-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

Making some progress on the Moon and Stars quilt. I need to make more of the triangle settings so the pattern will emerge. The block on the left doesn't belong where it is, but wanted a picture to see how it would look with a different setting.

Found the dot fabric for the backing today. I'm pleased with it as I just love dots and these were the perfect color combo - also 40% off at a Halloween fabric sale! Hopefully purchasing the backing fabric will inspire me to finish this quilt - I'm really amazed at the way this quilt is designed, and like the coverlet effect. Had oodles of cute trick or treaters this year, so I sat and appliqued while waiting for the doorbell to ring. I'm back to red and green applique for a bit, so will show that next time. Happy Halloween to all!

Moon and Stars

2010-10-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from the beloved red and green quilts to work on something totally different. Just finished the first block for the Moon and Stars quilt from McCall's Vintage Quilting magazine, Spring 2006 issue. I loved this quilt from the moment I saw it, and this seemed to be the right time of year to start it! The antique quilt was made in Texas in 1896. Once more blocks are finished and put together, will post so the stars in the corners show up. Don't you just love the graphic appeal of two-color quilts?

So excited that the pieced baskets from the Reproduction group swap arrived this last week. They are all so unique and wonderful - so fun to see the creativity and marvelous work that went into these blocks and am thinking about how to put them together. Will definitely make at least two to six more blocks to go with these.

Basket Bug

2010-09-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I too have been bitten by the cute basket bug, and have been making the Trick or Treat baskets from the Where the Cold Wind Blows book from Blackbird Designs. These baskets will be swapped out and will eventually make their way to quilters all across the US and Australia. Can't wait until October to see the baskets I get back!

Its the end of the gardening season, so I have been harvesting the seed pods from my black-eyed susan flowers to plant again next summer. I love these flowers as they are so colorful, drought-resistant and long lived. I always plant a big patch outside my kitchen window to enjoy all summer long. I will have way too many seeds to use myself, so if you are one of the first ten friends who would like some seeds, please leave me a comment, and I'll get a packet of susan seeds off in the mail to you.

Old Glory

2010-07-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Finished this pillow just in time for the 4th of July - its called Old Glory by Crab-apple Hill. I do love a nice ruffle on a pillow, don't you? Enjoying fireworks tonight, and bbq ribs, blue cheese potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, and rhubarb strawberry crumble for dinner. Watching Jazz by Ken Burns this afternoon. What a glorious day - hope your 4th was just as good!

Signature Quilts

2010-06-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law received this signature quilt from her Mother when she got married in 1941. The quilt contains embroidered signatures of her relatives, some of whom I have met. Capitola and Clell Gray's signatures are there - they attended our wedding 30 years ago. Wish I had gotten to know them better. Adren Denny's signature is there - we purchased his house years ago, and our oldest daughter now lives there. My husband's grandparents, William and Edna Green, have their signatures included and it was so fun to see my husband's surprised expression when he realized this. The quilt is so precious to us and will be passed along to our daughters someday.

I recently participated in a signature block swap with 20 other online friends, and am looking forward to including their signed blocks in a quilt. Lots of ideas for making the quilt are coming to mind, including adding the signature blocks to house blocks, star blocks or maybe a crazy quilt. These blocks contain memories of happy times getting to know people who I may never meet from all over the world, and from several U.S. states. Have you made a signature quilt and how did you decide to include the signatures?

Treasures

2010-06-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

My dear mother-in-law passed away last Sunday after a long illness. We were so fortunate to inherit some of the quilts made by her, her mother and her aunts. They are completely hand pieced. These quilts were carefully packed away in her cedar chest and we never knew they existed.

Just love both of these quilts and feel so lucky to keep them in our family. My husband remembers his grandma doing a lot of "sewing" when he was young, but doesn't recall his mom making any of these quilts. It is fun to really study the fabrics and quilting designs up close.

Back in the early 1990s when I first started quilting, I remember getting my mother in law her first rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat for her birthday, and showing her how to make a log cabin quilt. She had a lot of fun making it, but never mentioned that she had made quilts before, using the traditional methods. She was a beautiful southern lady who looked like a 1940s movie star. She traveled across the country from Kansas City to California to marry my father in law, who had just enlisted in the navy in 1941. She was only 16 years old! Now I know where my daughters get their courage and independent streak! We really miss her...

Project Rotation

2010-06-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

After two weeks of piecing spool blocks, think its time to do something new, so got out these appliqued pieces from the Birdsong quilt (Jan Patek's pattern) which have been in a drawer for a couple of years. All the appliqued strips are made and need to be sewed together with the connector pieces.

The spool blocks will be tucked away in this bowl for a while until I feel like hand piecing again. I'm a firm believer in project rotation, and eventually they get finished. This works, in theory, as long as I can resist the urge to start something new! Would love to hear your thoughts on this - do you work on a single project from start to finish?

Daylilly Dreams

2010-06-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Despite the cool weather this year, the daylillies are in full bloom. We get the plants from Amador Flower Farm which has acres of these beauties.

Almost a table full of spools - up to 21 now - so making progress. A few of my favorite hand piecing tools are shown in the dish. The little omnigrid ruler is just perfect for marking the sewing lines. Also discovered that DMC thread in a neutral color works great and is nice and thin so it doesn't make the seam allowance overly large. Applique pins work great for matching points, and the thread doesn't get hung up on them too often. A fine point mechanical pencil is great for marking the sewing lines, and has shown up on all the fabrics so far. What hand piecing tools do you use to make the process easier?

Vintage Spools

2010-05-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

Have noticed some sweet spool blocks posted on various blogs lately. Seeing these made me remember a quilt I have always admired in the classic Quilts, Quilts, Quilts book. Started pulling fabrics and hand piecing these 6 inch blocks this week. This is my first venture into hand piecing, and I don't know what took me so long. I love to hand piece, as its so portable and accurate! My machine piecing skills leave a lot to be desired... How many of you are hand piecers out there? Would love to hear about your experiences!

Red Runneth Over

2010-05-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

So nice to finally have a finish and popped this quilt in the washer and then into the dryer as I was anxious to get the crinkly, antique look. Didn't give it a second thought (or look) before drying, and rats, one of the red fabrics bled, despite prewashing the fabric!!

Will try washing it again with a color catcher and see if the red comes out. My daughter, Jamie, told me not to worry, it just makes the quilt look more antique. Bless her... I'm happy with the echo quilting in the borders - boy did it take a long time though! Thanks for any suggestions you have on getting the red out.

I'm happy to report that the color catchers worked like a dream and the red came out! Thank you all for your suggestions! -Dixie

Millenium Garden Quilting

2010-05-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

The Millenium Garden quilt (Jan Patek) is all basted for hand quilting and has been languishing for a while. Time to get it out and finished. Have started echo quilting around the shapes, and like the effect, but this is going to take a while, so I need to try to set some goals. If I can stick with some deadlines this quilt will finally be finished before the summer is over!

Spencer Museum Quilt - Crown of Thorns Block

2010-05-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

This block took a little longer to make as it has more complicated pieces, but I'm happy with it. Had to piece the background, but I don't think its too noticeable. Love the pieced fabrics that are used to make pieces in blocks in the old quilts - I think they add so much character. Finishing this block means the Spencer quilt is 1/3 done! Going to head in a different fabric choice direction with the next set of blocks. Hope it works out!

Planted five different heirloom tomato plants, some basil, and a Japanese maple tree last weekend. Also need to plant a bay laurel tree, but not sure where it will go. Very excited about this as we use a lot of bay leaves in our cooking. Reading Frida, a novel about Frida Kahlo written by Barbara Mujica, which is told in the voice of her sister, Cristina. So far, its very good!

Birds and Berries

2010-04-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Happy with the colors in this block. Its a design from the Blackbird ladies. Aren't their designs wonderful? The weather this Spring is amazing, and the lupine flowers are in bloom now. Everytime I see them I am reminded of our trip to Alaska. I got the seeds there when we visited three years ago. Currently reading Mr. Shivers which is turning out to be a very scary book. Going to make chicken enchiladas tomorrow - yum!

Primitive Birds & Baskets

2010-04-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

More applique blocks finished - its fun to pull out old projects - they seem new again! These blocks were so fun to applique and love looking at the older fabrics.

Had a fun day in San Francisco on Friday - visited with Holly, the world's best hair stylist! Even if I wasn't her Mom, I would still say that! The weather was beautiful and we had a delicious lunch afterward - turkey, cranberry and brie sandwiches.

Early Applique

2010-04-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

This is the first block I made while learning to needleturn applique. The pattern is a modification of one of Blackbird Design's blocks. My wonderful applique teacher, Gretchen, explained that with all the time I was spending prepping blocks with freezer paper and basting the seam allowance under, I could be making two blocks! I still like to trace the pattern with a trusty General's white chalk pencil though. Don't we all rely on a safety net from time to time?

Cherry Tree Block

2010-03-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Ah, such a pretty Spring this year. Just finished the first block from the Beyond the Cherry Trees quilt. Changed the pattern a bit, and I like it, but think it lacks the whimsy of the original. But isn't that what makes quilting fun - its a creative ride all the way.

Great Grandmother's Rose

2010-03-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

My great grandmother owned this quilt, and I am lucky to still have it. I shudder to think I once thought about cutting it up to make quilted bunnies (horrors!) I decided to try to reproduce a block. Think I will use the block in a crib sized quilt instead. Its fun to feel the connection with my great grandmother when I see her quilt and wonder about the history behind it.

Basket Stitchery Quilt

2010-03-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

This quilt (A Tisket, A Tasket by Cotton Pickin' Designs) was started a few years back, and just needs to be hand quilted. There is no time like the present, and if one block gets done every day (or week) it will be done and ready for my wall by summer! Doing big stitch with perle cotton, number 12 thread. What are you working on to get ready for warm summer days?

Cherry Basket Block

2010-03-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

Finished a cherry tree block for a friend this morning. Spring is bursting forth in the backyard, and soon the real cherry tree will be blooming. Hope for bowls of cherries this year, with plenty to share with the birds, of course.

Spencer Museum Quilt - Urn Block

2010-02-26T07:43:00.001-08:00

The urn block from the Spencer Museum quilt was so much fun to make. We were also so fortunate to visit the Amish Abstractions exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francsico last weekend. Amish quilts just touch my soul, and it was wonderful to see them up close. Sorry, have no pictures to share because the museum didn't allow this. The quilting stitches were just exquisite - so tiny and even. What surprised me is that almost all of the quilts had machine sewn bindings where the machine stitching was visible on the front of the quilt. I wonder if this was done for strength? Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

New Friends in Folsom

2010-02-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

Met up with two new friends from my Primitive Yahoo group at the Folsom Quilt Show on Saturday. They are lovely ladies and we all had the best time looking at the quilts and having lunch at a Mexican restaurant after the show! Only got to take one picture of this gorgeous applique quilt at the show before my camera died, but I'm happy that I got this one. We laughed after the show when we discovered that we all purchased some of the same fabric that is shown in the first two photos. Thought the fabric would go well in the Spencer Museum quilt that I am making.

A wonderful home dec store in Folsom is going out of business (sad!), so was able to purchase the birds for 40% off. The white bird was sitting on a green painted box in the store, but I thought I can paint my own little box? Purchased the paper mache box and green paint at Michaels, and will paint/prim it up with some brown shoe polish. Fell in love with the Mr. Jingles Santa Doll pattern by Reets' Rags to Stitches. It was adorable in person, so need to get it finished before the holidays next year.

Spencer Museum Quilt - Pomegranite Block

2010-01-31T11:27:00.001-08:00

The second block of the Spencer Museum quilt is finished. These large blocks are so fun to applique! Gorgeous sunny day outside, so am off to soak up some spring and trim a few rose bushes. First daffodil should be blooming any day now...

Spencer Museum Quilt

2010-01-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

Just finished the first Spencer Museum quilt block (Jan Patek quilt pattern). The berries are tiny and have so much fabric gathered behind them that they look stuffed, which I really like! Rainy day here so its a perfect time to stay inside and applique. Hopes and thoughts go out to those living in such tragic circumstances in Haiti. Sent our donation to Doctors Without Borders last Wednesday for the relief effort - they do such worthwhile work.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T20:54:00.000-08:00

So happy and lucky to have our family with us this year. Lots of laughter and fun for all - wish everyone a happy new year.

Back in Business

2009-11-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my dear husband, am so excited that he was able to install a new belt on my Singer treadle sewing machine. It was thrilling to finally be able to use the machine that I purchased over 35 years ago from an elderly neighbor when I was a teenager. I had a brief moment of panic when the machine got stuck, but he patiently explained that you have to use the wheel on the machine to get it going again. He started cracking up when I told him how green the sewing will be since I won't have to use electricity, and I can get a little leg workout at the same time! I still need to clean and oil the machine and figure out what kind of needles to use. Thankfully, I still have the owner's manual, cute little oil can and a box full of neato attachments to try out.

My personal challenge during 2010 is to use the treadle to sew some little antique looking quilts from Remembering Adelia by Kathleen Tracy, and eventually the Gone to Texas quilt by Betsy Chutchian. Just love both of these books, and the stories that are included. Anyone else up for a treadle challenge? I would love some company on this adventure!

Oak Leaves and a Pineapple

2009-10-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

This week I received two more wonderful applique blocks - this time from Julie in Tennessee! Julie's blocks are so charming and will find their way into a sampler quilt that I will always treasure. The applique swap has been so much fun - now I need to get busy on Julie's block for November!

A Hearse and a Haunted Mansion

2009-10-23T20:36:00.001-07:00

Tonight we went to the old California Governor's Mansion for a special Halloween tour. The mansion was completely decorated for Halloween inside. The mansion was built in 1877 and was home to California Governors and their families throughout the 20th century. Governor Ronald Reagan and his family were the last to live in the mansion during the late 1960s. Also couldn't resist taking a picture of a cool hearse in front of a local costume shop. Hail Halloween everyone!

Fall Exchanges

2009-10-18T15:52:00.001-07:00

This week I have been the lucky recipient of beautiful quilt blocks and a darling Halloween ornament. The gorgeous appliqued block is all the way from Ady in Israel, as it was my turn to receive a block from her this month. Ady's appliquing is just exquisite and I will include this beautiful block in a special piece - perhaps the center of a medallion quilt?

The sweet cake stand blocks are from a Jo Morton swap in which I participated. Just love that they come from all over the US and around the world. They are about 4 inches in size and are as cute as can be!

The darling owl ornament is from a Prairie Schooler cross stitch swap, and has surely got me in the mood for a little Halloween decorating. The ornament finishing on this piece is just lovely!

Christmas or Not?

2009-10-04T22:16:00.001-07:00

Here is the Christmas or Not quilt all sewn together. I put it on my bed to see how big to make the borders. Thinking about what kind of borders to add... Suggestions are welcome!

Quilts Amongst the Oaks

2009-09-26T19:41:00.001-07:00

Today we visited Alder Lane Nursery in Livermore, California. They had the most amazing quilt show where they hung quilts from the heritage oaks in the nursery. Just love the pomegranate quilt made by Alex Anderson. The gnarly old, bent over oak really caught my eye and framed the little house behind it perfectly. We purchased raffle tickets for the red basket quilt - hope we win!

Dancing Currants

2009-09-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

This red and green appliqued block named "Dancing Currants" was made for a block swap and is on its way to Israel! There are six of us participating in the international swap and next month is my turn to receive appliqued blocks. Can't wait to see the beautiful blocks that fly my way!

Lancaster Blocks and the Castle

2009-05-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Have been working on cake stand blocks for a block exchange using poison green, chrome yellow and turkey red (Lancaster colors). The first block was a total wreck as my seam allowances were off so I had to set the project aside a while due to excessive frustration. This morning I tackled the block again and paid closer attention to the sizes of each component. Success = paying attention to the perpetual 1/4 inch seam allowance!

Last week we visited Hearst Castle in San Simeon. The whole experience is quite surreal in that you get to experience a bit of the 1930s movie star era up close and personal. The state of California conducts the tours and our docent, Wayne, was great in that he knew so much history about the castle and Hearst himself and encouraged questions. We also visited the picturesque town of Cambria and found the antique looking lock (next to the basket block) which actually works.

Fair Daffodil

2009-02-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

The next batch of stars are finished using Jo Morton's method and Jo fabric. They are four inches finished which is a nice size, I think. This method of making stars is very accurate and there is no extra triangle to cut off, but I'm not sure I could cope with the math challenge of making a different size. Will have to experiment and see what happens.

Ah daffodils, the first sign of spring. The first beauty opened on February 4 this year which is a little earlier than usual due to unusually warm weather in January. Blue forget me nots are planted around the daffodils and some years when the timing is just right, they are blooming at the same time. Its really a lovely combination. Then there is also the ever present mint that creeps in amongst all the plantings, but its saving grace is the wonderful smell when walking across it.

A Little Something Useful

2009-02-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

With all the rainy weather outside, it sure was a perfect day for some tea and knitting. The tea cup and saucer are part of our wedding dishes received in 1980. I still love them after all these years and they bring back such sweet memories. Free time is short lately so I have been indulging in some small instant gratification projects like these knitted washcloths made from cotton yarn. They can be finished in a few evenings and make a perfect gift along with a bar of nicely scented soap. This one is headed to my daughter.

Stars in the House

2009-02-13T00:35:00.000-08:00

The 20th star is finished and all were sent off to the swap hostess. Pretty pleased with how they turned out and looking forward to the stars in my future. These are large 8 1/2 inch blocks, and I just signed up for the Jo Morton mini sawtooth swap with 4 1/2 inch blocks. The blocks for the Jo Morton swap are made an entirely different way, so it will be interesting to see which method works best.

Seeing Stars

2009-01-11T21:33:00.001-08:00

I am taking a break from the month of snowmen to work on sawtooth star blocks for a swap I am in. The others in the swap are accomplished quilting piecers, so my personal challenge is to try to perfect my piecing skills. The blocks have to be 8 1/2 finished in size, and much to my surprise and relief, they are measuring 8 1/2 inches. The blocks have to be made using reproduction fabrics and it is great fun to see where one block winds its way to the next when coming up with the next block idea. The blocks are due to be mailed by February 1 and I have 17 more to go. Wish me luck!

A Month of Snowmen

2009-01-01T12:05:00.001-08:00

Was going to start a new project on January 1, but after looking outside at the cold, foggy weather, I decided to focus on existing snowman projects instead during January. I started the Winter Quilt out of Red Wagon's Snowbound book a few years ago and finished one lone snowman. The background fabric is a really old Marcus Brothers print from the 1990s that I just love. Tried the back basting applique technique on the snowman, but I really prefer needleturn so will try that on the next block. Also cross stitching some little snowman ornaments from a Prairie Schooler book for an exchange due by February 1. A pot of chicken noodle soup is bubbling away on the stove for dinner tonight, so we are looking forward to it to warm up in this cold weather.

Happy New Year's Day to all!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

Starting a new blog before the new year - ha, ha! We were so fortunate to have our family together this year for Christmas. Just love this picture of the kids and pets - such happy memories. As usual, cooked too much food, so won't have to cook again for a few days. Although I cooked a couple of artichokes with garlic for our dinner tonight - yum! Looking forward to the new year and the quilting fun it will bring!