Redrafts, Piecing & Applique Fun

'Soulard' fleur-de-lis variation

My very first applique block for RSVP is done and on it's way to the volunteers. I could not find a pattern that fit the black & white theme but kept coming back to a fleur-de-lis. After seeing a couple versions in the recently purchased Circuit Riders Quilt Book, I simplified the design, widening the ring in the process.

The white is Robert Kaufman Kona cotton and the background is from Blank Quilting, purchased at our local quilt shop in Valparaiso called Needle & Thread.





Spiderweb or Kaleidoscope

Bloggers' Block-A-Palooza #3, Shoefly Geese
Free Pattern available: HERE

Wild Goose Chase Free Pattern at Jinny Beyer's site

Redrafted Fancy Dresden Plate also known as Dresden China Plate, Aster & Friendship Ring

Originally, I saw a 20 petal 'Dresden Plate' pattern in Better Homes and Gardens' 1977 hardcover edition of Patchwork and Quilting. The pattern called for 14 1/2 inch background fabric and I had to get it to 12" finished block to meet the charity quilt criteria, so I eliminated several petals on the redraft.

You may remember I also purchased the Fancy to Frugal Book of 30s Patterns not long ago. 'Fancy Dish' is on the cover but calls for 17" blocks (and 20 petals, also)....I rarely go larger than 12" blocks these days, though I did find the additional petals look really pretty in various colors.

Talking about the variations of the Dresden online recently, I came across a wonderful quilter named Sue whose family was from Kansas. She was kind enough to share family photos from a vintage Fancy Dresden circa 1930s and other quilts made from the 30s to the 50s.

 Isn't this a treasure?
Thank you again, Sue for kindly sharing photos and allowing me to post them here.

Best Wishes & Happy Quilting,
Heather



Finally...a Dear Jane Update

My sweet husband was kind enough to photograph my Over the Rainbow 30s Jane a few days ago.

One of these days I hope to have a pic of the completed top.

Happy Piecing,
Heather

Berries & Blocks

Strawberries are coming in daily & the neighborhood kids find picking them quite entertaining. We've plenty to share {a Pyrex bowl a day now}...though some crepe eating family members may not agree.

A good part of our free time is spent outside these days. As a result, updates have not been posted as often as usual. Not to worry, RF readers...it won't be long and I'll have a few more black and white blocks to post for RSVP's charity block drive. The most recent 12" finished blocks have been slow going simply because the sunshine has been too tempting to miss. I'll be sure to post some free links with the latest blocks, assuming I see the sewing room this week.

Enjoy your weekend.

Best Wishes,

Heather

Greenery & Blooms

  Everything seems to be coming along nicely in the garden these days. Thanks to a cool start to spring, the transplants are doing incredibly well.

The veggie & fruit gardens are in full swing, with asparagus & strawberries filling up the rows. I'd have included a photo, but the asparagus looked so delicious yesterday, I picked those for brunch

{and yes, they were as tasty as they looked}.

Have a wonderful day.

Heather =)

Catching Up

Lancaster County III by Judie Rothermel for Marcus Brothers

 It's been a long couple of weeks.

I won a stack of fabrics from the Wandering Stars Blog and a great pattern, too. Selina & Lizze of W.S. host a great cyber gathering on Friday evenings. You can catch the conversation on Twitter, hashtag #gdas. Hope you'll join in the fun discussions about favorite music, links and sewing related topics.

They're not just bloggers, but Etsy Shop owners, too. Find them at http://thewanderingstars.etsy.com/, on Twitter @ws_on_etsy and Facebook as Wandering Stars. Thanks again, girls for the goodies & Friday sewing parties!!

 So....here's my latest distraction. It's for RSVP's biggest fundraiser and I'm hoping an awesome car collector or sweet gear head bids on it.

What a fantastic gift it will make!

This is just one of the designs.

Each block is hand embroidered. Yes, HAND embroidered.

My block took 88.75 hours to complete. whew.

Don't laugh. I haven't embroidered since I was 10..I tried!

1967 Toyota 2000GT

Woo HOO! Fun mail included selvages this week!!!

Special thanks to the senders.

Happy Stitching,

Heather

=)