catching up

I’ve written so many blog posts in my mind over the last several weeks. Sadly, none of them have made the (sometimes torturous) journey from my head to my fingertips and onto the keyboard.

So while I’m sorting it all out, and just to let you know that I’m still here, I’ll post a little update from the sewing room.

I finally finished The Friendship Garden quilt!

022All that’s left is sewing on the label.

006Goodness, I didn’t know if I would ever finish this quilt! It just kept demanding more and more. It was ridiculous! I’m only going to give you a brief glimpse here. This quilt has an interesting story but it hasn’t had it’s photo shoot yet. And you know me…a quilt isn’t truly finished until it’s had its picture properly taken, lol! So sorry…you’ll just have to wait for it.

011Last September I started taking a class at my local quilt shop (Threads & Paper in Salmon Arm). The class is called A Quilter’s Garden. It is a beginners machine applique class. Let me stress beginners! It’s perfect for me. Exactly what I need, considering that I am still learning how to use my new sewing machine with all its various stitches and features.

012Each block introduces a different skill, such as couching, and sewing on buttons with the button foot. Sadly, I cannot seem to master the button foot.  Consequently, I’ve been sewing on all the buttons by hand. sigh.

014And the couching. Well okay. I admit that my first try at couching was a complete and absolute bust. In fact, I was so nervous to try it that I didn’t even try!  that’s how much of a bust it was! Instead, I decided to totally redesign the block. Completely. This block (below) isn’t even close to the pattern that we were given.  But I love it!

016Did you notice the sweet little diamond buttons eyes? They make me so happy!

017Of course, I like to do things my own way, so haven’t exactly been following the patterns. I’ve kind of carried on doing my own thing..

018For instance, there aren’t any birds in any of the original patterns. None!  Now, I don’t know why, but I really wanted some birds in there! This quilt just begs for birds, don’t you think?

019They’re so tweet!

And yes, I finally did attempt the couching (above). 🙂

A Hexagon Quilt Update and some Treasure

Do you remember when I started this quilt last July?

hexies in a butter dishI have been working on it every single evening, especially over the last month since I arrived at our new home.

015Sammy consented to pose so you could get a sense of perspective, size-wise:

018I does have a certain old-fashioned charm, doesn’t it? ♥

And now for the treasure!

019This is the sewing cabinet that belonged to Kelly’s maternal grandmother, Annas Manson. We have had it for a few years, but it was sort of “in storage” in the family room, and I never actually looked through it (because it was a big junky mess).

004Until today.

010I wish I had taken a picture before I cleaned it up. Look at the treasure that was buried amongst the junk! Beautiful, beautiful vintage buttons.

011And this:

009Left over from Kelly’s elementary school days. 🙂

Jack pot! Did I actually say that? Yes, I did. And I said it with the utmost respect for Annas, who was also a sewer. I like to think that she would be pleased that I am so pleased.