The week has been one of mixed productivity for me. I’ve been assembling the Jane Stickle Indigo and Shirting quilt for the first part of the week, but now have come down with a cold. The cold has kept me idle for three days now, and I hope to feel better tomorrow. The older I get, the more maintenance my health takes, it seems. I am also still in PT for my knee replacement, and it seems to be going a lot slower than I’d like. But, I must remember the good things about my health…….my second knee replacement is over with and, praise God, I only have two knees, both now titanium! And my cold is getting better every day, not worse.
The bright spots for this week were the NCAA basketball tournament games on TV. For a basketball fan, it was great. Our favorite team (MSU) is moving on to the Sweet Sixteen, and a lot of other Big Ten teams are moving on too. My selection bracket is toast though. In our family bracket competition, I am in last place right now. I picked too many upsets that didn’t happen. I do like it when an underdog wins.
My next project will be a replica of Jane Austen’s coverlet that she made with her sister Cassandra, and her mother. I have admired this quilt design since I first became interested in quilting many years ago. About 5 years ago, Riley Blake came out with a kit to reproduce it and I bought the kit. So I am now reading the directions and looking over the kit. The coverlet picture:
The kit includes a center larger piece that in the original was done by Broderie Perse (cutting motifs out of fabric and using appliqué to attach them). And the kit has “cheater cloth” border fabric with printed diamonds so you don’t have to sew all of those tiny diamonds together. Since the kit has a lot of diamond shapes that have bias edges, the instructions say to use spray starch on the fabrics before cutting anything out. I have never used spray starch much in my quilting, and would like your recommendations. Do you use spray starch and if so, what brand do you like?
And have any of you made a replica of Jane Austen’s coverlet? I am looking forward to this project.
What are you starting, or working on, or finishing this week? We are looking forward to seeing your pictures and reading your blogs. Please join our Design Wall Monday Linky Party below. So thankful for your participation. You are a blessing.
9 comments:
I always think the Jane Austen coverlet looks overwhelming, all those diamonds! It will certainly keep you challenged for several years. Hope you are fine and healthy by retreat time, happy stitching!
in the 1980s in new england, an expert quilter by name sally palmer field made a replica of this jane austen quilt...i was a newbie and blow away by it...and still am....a delicious undertaking
Your next project is another stunning one. Very ambitious!! I've been watching a lot of NCAA basketball too, the women in particular. Our Jackrabbits unfortunately lost in the first round, but we've seen some really good games. Our local college women's team is in the NAIA final 4. They play a semi-final game tonight. Another team from their conference is in the other bracket. If both win it could be a repeat of the conference championship game.
Feel Better soon - love your next project... I have MSU going to the top 2.... fingers crossed
I've seen this pattern before, it's gorgeous. Good luck with all those pieces. Do feel better soon.
I generally use any spray starch for my bits of fabric being used in smaller pieces, the starch will be washed out at some stage - but - I do hear a lot said about Best Press, it is acid free so good to use on heirloom quilts and it does the same job apparently much better. As this is a special quilt you may like to give it a go. Elaine in UK
I've always admired that coverlet since I first saw it. What a lovely project after doing Dear Jane twice! Congrats!
Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings always uses spray starch on her fabric before cutting. She sprays it heavily and lets it dry on a rack. Once dry it is ironed.
That is one amazing quilt! Have fun with it. 😁 Carol
Post a Comment