Design Wall Monday - April 3, 2023

 Footnote to last week's post:  For those who were "no reply" on last week's post, here is information on the Jane Stickle quilt.  It has been made by paper piecing, and there is software for this quilt that can be used with Electric Quilt.  There are also some generous internet people who have free instructions for you.  For instance, see Susangatewood.net for wonderful instructions on how to make each block.

Good Morning Quilters!

Boy am I tired!  I am soooooo tired that I can hardly stand up.    Why, you ask?

Well, who wouldn't be after a March of 31 days?

This was a joke my father told to us kids every year right after March ended.  We would groan and roll our eyes.   I think of him often, and smile when something reminds me of one of his many jokes.

I am back to working on the Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt again.  Here is a picture of my design wall, with 17 blocks finished:

The two blocks that have been finished recently are the one with many, many leaves, block #15, 

and the much easier block with four flower buds and four leaves, block #16:

What have you been working on?  There has been lots of great projects linked up last week, and I am looking forward to seeing what you show us this week.  So please click below and join our Design Wall Monday Linky Party.  We want to hear from you.  Thanks to all of you who faithfully link up.  I appreciate you!

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Design Wall Monday - February 13, 2023

Happy Valentine’s Day Quilters!

Well, tomorrow is the day, but I have my Valentine’s Day quilts out for the whole month of February.   Here are pictures of two of my favorite February quilts:

I am working on block #15 for the Benjamin Biggs Wedding quilt, and this block has a LOT of leaves on it.  34 leaves to be exact.  Here are my leaves, cut out and pressed a little bit.  I am ready to begin appliqué of leaves, leaves, leaves, and a few buds and stems:

Here is the beautiful block in the original quilt:

And here are two more pictures…..one of last week’s completed block #14…..and the design wall, with all the blocks so far:

Progress is being made, and I am starting to think about the borders.  I want to start on them soon, so they will not seem like such a big task to do all at the end of the project.  When do you start on borders?  I usually start after the middle is finished if I am not following a pattern, because I usually don’t know or haven’t decided what I am doing.  lol.  On this quilt, I know what the borders will be like.  Lots of red swags….and leaves and buds.

What are you working on this week?  I so enjoy reading about your quilts and looking at all of your pictures.  Thanks for linking with the Design Wall Monday Linky Party!  It is exciting to see all the new ideas and learn of new quilt-a-longs going on.  My Valentines Day gift to myself will be enjoying all of your blogs on Tuesday.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Design Wall Monday - February 6, 2023

 Good Morning Quilters!

Well, remember how I got so much accomplished last week…….yeah, well, this week……..not so much.  But sometimes it goes like that!  

I am working on block #14 for the Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt, and I am about half way finished with it.  Here is my progress picture:

I apologize for my lack of camera lighting.  I took this picture late in the evening, and I should remember to take pictures during the day when the lighting is better.  But you get the idea - half done.  I should have this block all finished next Monday.  Here is the original block:

I like the original so much better…..I may look in my stash for some red fabric with stripes for the flowers and start again.  (I am not adding the buds in the corners until later.)

So, I hope you made more progress than I did this week.  Join the Design Wall Linky Party below and show us.  Thanks for participating!

Please mention Design Wall Mondays in your post somewhere, and don't forget to add a link to this post.  I hope to see lots of progress from you.- unlike one person who was a slacker this week.

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Design Wall Monday - January 30, 2023

Good Morning Quilters!

UFOs have been getting finished here at a fast pace this January!  The cheddar/black fall quilt has its solid black borders attached, and is ready for the long arm quilter.  Here is a picture of it:

Nine blocks by nine blocks which finish at eight inches each.  Borders finish at six inches, making the quilt top 84” by 84” square.

The redwork quilt top has been completed and is ready for quilting.  I am still thinking about the plan to quilt this one…….minimally for sure.

I looked at the corners I created and decided to add some leaves or flowers where it looked a little sparse.  Here, for example, are two corners that I changed:

Before:  

After:

I could add another leaf on this corner, but at some point, I must stop and let it be finished, right?

Before:

After:

I also completed the middle block, #13, of the Benjamin Biggs Wedding quilt 25 blocks that I am working on.  It was busier than most of the blocks so far, and I am glad it is completed.  On to block #14!   There are 25 blocks in all, and I have 14 of them made.  This block has some blue fabric in it - the only block in the original quilt with blue fabric.  I like it.

What are you working on this week?  It is the last Monday in January and I feel we are getting off to a great start this year.  Your blog linkup pictures have been fantastic.   I have to put my blinders on when I read your blogs to keep me from starting more projects.  Beautiful work!  Please join in the Design Wall Monday Linky Party below, and show us what you are doing.

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Design Wall Monday - September 26, 2022

 Good Morning Quilters!

I got a little bit further toward my goals this week, and plan to have  the border on the May Day Basket Doll Quilt by next Monday's post.  

Here is my progress on the doll quilt border:

And here is my one flower and its four leaves start on a Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt block.     I will try to have it finished by next Monday.

It has four flowers like this and four separate oak leaves.  I feel I am getting a little bit better at needle turn applique.  Hurrah!  It is true that the way to learn something is practice, practice, practice..........and this quilt is giving me practice.

What's up on your design wall this Monday?  I have enjoyed reading your blogs this last week.  Such a mix of different projects and I like all of them!  Your fall projects have me itching to make something with fall colors.  Maybe I will sneak in a little fall doll quilt before the weekend.  

Please join in the Design Wall Monday Linky Party below and tell us what you are doing.  As always, I would like you to link back to this particular blog post (not just to my blog in general) and it would be extra nice if you invite others to come here and see all the other Design Wall Monday blog posts.  Thank you for participating.  

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Design Wall Monday - September 19, 2022

Good Morning Quilters!

I am back to spending time in my quilt room and it feels so good.  I did finish the block I was working on for the Benjamin Biggs quilt.  Here it is:  

The next block I am going to work on:  Block #8:

It has a funny shaped little flower and two kinds of leaves.  I am sure it will challenge me.

The other quilt I want to pick up and finish is adding borders to the May Day Basket quilt.  I finished the companion doll quilt and am experimenting with it to see if I like the border (before I tackle the large quilt border).  Here are two pictures….(1) of the doll quilt 

and (2) my preliminary pattern for a border.  A square within a square that will finish at 4 inches.  It will be green in the center with four white corners.  I need to make 24.  I thought of making them 2 inches square, but that would mean making 48.  We will see how these look. 

What are you planning for this coming week?  And what did you do since last Monday that you can show us?

I so enjoy looking at all of your projects.  Thank you for joining the Design Wall Monday Linky Party.  And double thank you to those of you who mention Design Wall Monday in your post and also link back to this post.   

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Design Wall Monday - September 12, 2022

Good Morning Quilters!

Here is a picture of my design wall, and it has been at this stage of progress, or should I say “non-progress” for a while.  My goal this week is to add another block.

Very slow progress, but this week I am enthused again to make more blocks.  This block only needs three flowers appliquéd and it will be ready to add to the wall.

I am still sorting and cleaning out my “stuff” left from combining cabin things and home things,  My first goal is always to sort:  “put like things together”. “like with like”.  When I do that, my next step is to shake my head and wonder why do I have so many things?  For instance, lint rollers….why do I have five?  Who knows, there may be more, I’m not finished cleaning all the house.    It does feel good to sort and make order and donate extra things.  I am keeping two.  One and a spare.

What are you working on this week?  The blog posts were great this past week.  You showing me your progress was the inspiration that got me back to making blocks for the Benjamin Biggs Quilt.  Thank you.  

Please link below to join our Design Wall Mondays Linky Party.  You make me so happy.  Thank you for your faithfulness.  We are blessed!  You get a gold star on your forehead if you link back to this blog post from within your blog, and also mention Design Wall Monday in your blog.   (It is just an imaginary gold star, but I give imaginary ones to myself all the time, and they really make me feel good.)

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Design Wall Monday - July 25, 2022

 Good Morning Quilters!

Well, this week was not very productive, and you will see with these two pictures.

The embroidery…….two little flowers are all that I did:

and the next picture is of the current Benjamin Biggs Wedding quilt block.  The leaves are appliquéd and four flowers prepped by back basting, ready for appliqué.

Some weeks are like that, right?  But, August is coming, and I’m optimistic about getting lots done in August.

I hope you have lots of progress to show us, but if you don’t, I surely understand.  Thanks for all of you who faithfully join in each week, in the Design Wall Monday Linky Party.  

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Design Wall Monday - July 18, 2022

Good Morning Quilters!

Remember last week when I listed three quilting goals?  Ta-Daaaaah!  I completed all three goals.

The May Day Baskets blocks are all sewn together into a top, awaiting the borders.  The small matching doll quilt is almost completely embroidered - only one more basket to go!

Here is a picture of both quilts together, hanging on the clothesline in the screen porch:

And a close up picture of the doll quilt showing just one more basket to embroider:

The Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt block I was working on got finished too.  And I finished another similar one.  Here are pictures of both of them.  Block #25

Block #11

Some weeks are like this - quilting projects move along smoothly.  So I am happy dancing that this week was a move along smoothly one.  How about you?

Your posts last week were great - you are making so many beautiful quilts.  I am looking forward to seeing your posts this week.  Thanks for joining in our Design Wall Mondays Linky Party.  Thanks to all of you who mention this blog in yours, and also provide a link back to this post.  You are appreciated!

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Design Wall Monday - July 11, 2022

 Good Morning Quilters!

Well, life is flying by for me.  We had a wonderful week up at the cabin, and I did very little quilting.  This week I plan to settle down and get the following completed:

1) Sew the last 4 diagonal seams of the May Day Basket Quilt:

I do procrastinate when sewing long seams where pinning at block corners is required.  I am looking forward to working on the outer border on this one, so Judy is pushing Judy to get these seams sewn this week.

2) Finish another little embroidered basket on the May Day Basket Doll Quilt:

This was with me lately when traveling and I did get two baskets finished.  I am working on the middle right side basket.  Only three to go and I can move on to the border.  I want to test my border idea for the big quilt on this one first - to see if I like it.

3) Finish a block for my Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt:

There are 12 leaves left to appliqué, so it will be finished soon.  This block is actually in the bottom row of the pattern, and I am going to jump around a little bit while making blocks for this reproduction,   Two more blocks are similar to this one, and they will be next.

Speaking of jumping around, I just sent this poem to a mother of a six year old, and I will send it to you too, as it always makes me smile.  I am jumping around this week just as happily as Christopher Robin:

What are you working on?  Thanks to all of you who join each week with our Design Wall Mondays Linky Party.  I appreciate you!

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Design Wall Monday - June 27, 2022

 Good Morning Quilters!

I have a different UFO on the design wall today - Benjamin Biggs Wedding quilt.  The appliqué on this quilt will help me with my sewing skills.  I am using several methods, and am going to see what method works best for me.   I found out that one of you (Chris)  See her blog post here is going to join me in finishing this UFO.  Any one else have some Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt blocks hidden away somewhere?

Here’s the design wall now, with a picture of the whole quilt in the block #4 space. (And, no, I still haven’t found where I put the prepped pieces for block #4).:

 

Here’s a closer look at blocks #6 and #7, which were completed recently:

I used a freezer paper (3 layers) pattern for the stem circle on block #7, with starching and ironing the fabric over the pattern.   This circle worked out well, so I decided to work on other blocks with circles next, and re-use my pattern.  This week I am working on two blocks that are almost the same.  Block #25 and block #9. Here is my progress on #25……I am using back basting on the four flowers:

Here are pictures of the two similar blocks from the original quilt:

I thought it would go faster if I made these two blocks at the same time.   We shall see.  My only appliqué speed right now is slow.  But with practice……I think that my speed will improve.

What are you working on this week?  Your blog posts last week were great - can’t wait to read more this week.  Thanks for joining in on the Design Wall Monday Linky Party.  Add your link below and let’s see what is happening at your house.

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Design Wall Monday - June 13, 2022

 Good Morning Quilters!

This past week was a bitter-sweet one for us.  We spent it at our cabin on Hamlin Lake.   We were tidying up the closets and spiffing up all the rooms,  to list it for sale.  We have really enjoyed our summers on the lake, but as we age, we have decided that one home is more than enough for us to take care of.   We are hoping that someone else will love it as much as we have.  

While we were up north, I visited my long arm quilter in Manistee, MI and dropped off 14 quilts for her to machine quilt  (edge to edge designs).  A lot of them were baby quilts, so she wasn't too overwhelmed.  Maybe she was a little bit, but I was really happy to hand them over to her.  

My UFO list is getting smaller, and that makes me very happy.  Right now I have pulled out an old UFO, an applique quilt to finish.  Did any of you make the Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt?  It looks like I started this quilt in the spring of  2014 and wrote about it on this blog (Here) 

It was offered as a free pattern by Gay Bomers at her Sentimental Stitches Blog.  (Here)  Gay has offered several quilt patterns for free for a limited time, and this one was one that I wanted to make.  I copied the directions back then for each block, and made four blocks............and then it became a UFO.  Why?  I don't know.

Here is the complete quilt, as featured on her blog:

I like all the little rosebuds in the corners of each block, and plan to have my four rosebuds a little closer together, as a group where the four corners meet.  We shall see how that turns out.

So my UFO is out again, and I have assembled the first row, and made the first block in the second row.  Block #4 in the first row is one that is not finished because I recently made all the flower pieces to applique, and they have disappeared somewhere in my house.  If they don't re-appear by the time I have the rest of the quilt assembled, I will have to make them again.  But I am confident they will come out of hiding when I am looking for something else.  Right?

Yeah, I know the first row is on the floor below the design wall, and the embroidered baskets are still on the design wall.   But the baskets are getting sewn to their alternate solid green blocks and will soon be off the design wall.  Soon.

Here's the first block in the second row:

If any of you have some of the blocks made for this quilt, I would love to have you join in and make more blocks with me.   I hope to have it finished by the end of 2022.  But as you know, all of my goals are very flexible.

What are you working on this week?  We sure have a variety of projects, don't we?  I love to visit your blogs and read about what you are doing.  Thanks for participating in The Design Wall Mondays Linky Party.   I appreciate it when you mention Design Wall Mondays, and provide a link back to this blog post.  

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Progress on Two Quilts

I have so many projects partially finished, and it is fun to change from one to another.  I finished my 3rd Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt block this weekend. It is my favorite of the three blocks I've made so far.  If you want to see this original quilt block, you will find it (Here)  The patterns are free for a month, and are available on the first of each month.




Talkin' Turkey, a Bonnie Hunter pattern, is coming right along.  I made all the parts for one complete row, and part of the second row.  There are six rows, and after I get all the parts made, I still have to sew them to each other.

I have all the string blocks made, all of the big nine patches made, and am now working on flying geese, and small nine patches.  I am liking it so far, and have good memories of the class I took with Bonnie in early April. 

Monday is my time to check out what everyone has on their design wall. Talkin' Turkey is on mine right now, but will come down for assembly very soon.  If you want to see what everyone is doing, check out Patchwork Times Blog 

Worldwide Quilting Day

I just found out that today is Worldwide Quilting Day!  Who knew?  I am not near my sewing machine, and am in a hotel in Indianapolis, IN, waiting to see basketball games later today with my hubby.

We have loved basketball ever since we met in high school 56 years ago!  So not much quilting is happening this weekend.  

But this morning I am prepping small circles and small leaves for Block #3 of the Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt.  The free pattern can be found (Here) or (Here)  Two websites are putting this free pattern out to quilters, and the block patterns are offered one a month.  

The cherries are quite small and there are 16 of them on this block.  I use Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Circles (her website) and gather the fabric around the template with a running stitch.  Then I wet the circle in water, and let it dry before removing the template.  I will remove the running stitch and cut the fabric close to the sewing edge just before I applique the berries to the block.  Here's a picture of the back side:

I remember a peach tree and a cherry tree in our yard when I was a little girl. Cherries grow in "twos", so I will be modifying the pattern to make the two stems close together as they meet the branch of the tree for each pair of cherries.  I love cherries, and can't wait to put this block together.

What are you doing to celebrate Worldwide Quilting Day?

Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt - Block 2

Here are block 1 and 2 of the Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt: 

I talked about this quilt before (Here) and I decided to change the corner leaves from the pattern to make them look more like rose leaves, because the buds look like rosebuds to me.  I drew out a pattern on freezer paper of how I will place the corner rosebuds and leaves on each block, with a rosebud on each block corner, and a leaf on each seam where two blocks are sewn together.  Pic of my pattern:

There is a blog where you can see progress on all of the different quilts being made from this pattern.  (Here) and below is a picture of the whole quilt.

The Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt is a free BOM from the generous "Just Takes 2" ladies, Gay Bomers, and Brenda Papadakis.  Website (Here)