Thursday, October 30, 2008

Change is supposed to be good...

I decided a blog is not the best way to post my UFOs, so have made a web page that seems to be the answer, at least for me. So if you have my PhD blog bookmarked, you will need to change it. The link is at the right side.

I know there are a few typos and other little details yet to correct, but otherwise, I hope this will be a good way to hold myself accountable to get these quilts finished!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Joint Project


Last night our small group of quilters got together and assembled a joint project, shown here on the design wall before we started putting it together. We each made a bunch of 6" blocks, either strip-pieced or nine-patches, in mostly light blues with a touch of yellow. Some of them are hanging a bit crooked here, but this gives you an idea of the results.

Altogether, five people made the blocks and six people (some different than the five) sewed them together. We had one person who doesn't quilt come in and just press as we sewed. Later it will be quilted by another volunteer with a long-arm machine.

I'm really excited about working together like this. It was risky (how can five people all do exact 1/4" seams, never mind get colors that work together), but we are pleased with it. I think the quilting will add much to it. We are not sure about borders, and think maybe just a darker blue binding. Any thoughts on that?

This quilt is going to a family who lost their daughter. We also had a few blocks leftover, enough to make a lap quilt for someone in a wheelchair. I will post a picture as soon as I have one.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

New PhD blog

I just posted all my UFOs (I think) on another blog. The link is at the side. I'm hoping that knowing the whole world knows that I have not finished these will spur me to greater effort!

Today I'm going to start quilting the second one from the top on the list. I will not mind anyone offering a tiny boot in the behind to keep me going.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Have a look at this blog!

C&T Publishing just invited me to allow a link to this blog on their new blog. Likely everyone who has a quilt blog was invited, but this is still exciting. Do pop over there and have a look. I will also add them to my blog role, because next to quilting, I love quilt books! Many on my shelf are by C&T including the first quilt book I ever bought, Art & Inspirations by Ruth McDowell. It used to be out of print and used copies were pricey but I see that she has it on her site for $30. She has become my favorite mentor, by books. One day I'll catch up to her and take a class!

Note: labels will not let me use an ampersand

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Hope Challenge # Two


These little quilts are a fun break from bigger things. Hopefully they will also find a home and raise funds for Alzheimer research. This one is 7" x 11.25" with white and some pink hearts on the back. It took about 1-2 hours, including the binding.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Alzheimers Quilt Initiative

I've signed up for the November Priority Hope Challenge for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative, partly because my mother suffered with this, but also because making little quilts is a nice way to learn techniques and play with fabric.


My first try at this will be hard to give away - I like it! It reminds me of the way my mother remembered things and forgot things, and how she remained cheerful even when she used the wrong words without noticing. She loved gardens and flowers, and remained a bright spot in my life even when her mind slowly slid off the edges.