Happy Independence Day!

Hope this finds you and yours well and safe.

Two recent quilt finishes!

Aptly named "Fourth of July" quilt pattern by Bonnie K. Hunter of Quiltvillehttp://quiltville.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html.  My first quilt made by Bonnie's patterns.  Pleased with the outcome.

The second quilt, Jinny Beyer's "Border Blocks,"https://jinnybeyer.com/ a project long in the making.  I actually handpieced it (sans the borders and binding) by hand some years ago.  Pulled it out recently and decided to finish it without the extra borders as described in the pattern.  I love the "punch" this quilt has with the colors and border prints, which Jinny is famous for in her designs.  Fussy cutting those border prints was a bit time consuming, but, oh so worth it. 

Thanks for stopping by.  I appreciate all of you.  Be Blessed! 

Sue

Greetings on Monday

Hope this finds you and your family well.

Last week, DH and I visited a local history farm, http://www.dupageforest.org/kline-creek-farm.  This is one of our favorite places to go on a nice day.  The farm was established in the 1890's and has been preserved.  Here are a few pictures:

This is just one of those special places.  

I have also just finished block four of the Antebellum quilt (Barbara Brackman project).

Thanks for stopping by.  You are appreciated!  

Blessings!

Frank and I were on a camping/hotel trip recently to PA.  We had quite a bit of rain, so like many other parts of the nation.  Managed to visit some Museums.  Enjoyed the Amish countryside in Lancaster County.  On the way home, our minivan incurred a need for a tow to a Chrysler dealer in upstate PA.  We were on our way north to the Corning NY area.  Stopped for gas and the van just plain would not start.  Gracious and compassionate tower took care of us.  Spent two days in a Hampton Inn in Mansfield, PA.  Mechanic could not replicate van malady and the van started up for them over 16 times!  Decided to head for home.  Left on May 13th and planned on being gone 2-3 weeks.  Wound up coming home on the 24th.  Gratefully, no problems.  

Saw the Liberty Bell in Philly.  Went to Constitution Museum  - found the latter disappointing.  Not much to see and lots of space in the building.  Plus, 2,000 elementary school kids from 58 schools were on field trips there that day.  They were out-of-control.  Frank voiced his opinion at the ticket counter and we were pleasantly met with a full refund.  Helped defer the 21.00 parking fee (4 hours) and part of lunch.  

Give me the countryside!!!!!

A heartfelt thanks to all who serve to protect us past, present and future.

Blessings,

Sue

Hi Everyone,

It's been too long, again.  Seems like it has been a very busy (good busy!) time over here at the homestead.  Painting, new livingroom carpet, yadda, yadda.  As you know, when one room of the house is compromised, the whole house seems to get involved!  Still working on getting things back in closets, on shelves, cabinets, etc.  All in good time. 

In between, I have been accomplishing some sewing projects, working on family history and many other mundane, but, necessary tasks.  Oh, and, doing some baking!  Bread mostly.  Here is a picture of English Muffin Bread - Yum!

Scrappy Star Quilt (Kathleen Tracy pattern) hung on compression quilt hanger handmade by DH.

Bitty Quilt (Minnick and Simpson pattern) completed and adorned by handmade strawberry pin emeries handmade by my friend, Lizzy (gone2thebeach.blogspot.com - they are often for sale in her Etsy shop.  I purchased a few recently (in following picture).  Lizzy was kind enough to add some extra goodies!

I have yet to learn how to machine quilt.  For the most part, I handquilt when I can, or, use simple, straight stitches on my domestic machine.  From Pinterest, I found a nifty idea for using pipe insulation - guess you could use a pool noodle, as well, for basting a quilt.  Seemed to work pretty good for me when I basted the Scrappy Star Quilt.  http://rvquilting.blogspot.com/2016/01/here-we-are-at-last-day-of-january.html

Here are a few of my pics in the process

As for the Civil War Antebellum quilt along, I have gotten as far as Block Three - Friendship Star.  Made need to "unsew" this one - argh.  Not lying flat.  It was hand pieced.  Guess I did not "carefully" fussy cut the dark fabric.  Lesson learned. 

Well, that is it for today.  Sending blessings your way...Sue

Hello Everyone...Today, I am linking up with Carol from http://www.justletmequilt.com/ as part of the "Small, Smaller, Smallest" blog hop.  I did post about this on February 28; however, I wanted to join in on the fun of this hop.  Here, again, is my little Mini Shoofly Quilt.

This delightful pattern is by Valerie Langue, owner of http://www.thequiltmerchant.com/.  The pattern was easy to follow using fabrics provided in a kit from Valerie.  It was machine pieced and hand quilted by me recently.  It was laundered, giving it that "hand" and appearance of being an antique. 

I have enjoyed joining this blog hop and visiting all of the other quilters who have contributed to same. So many lovely, talented people. 

Thank you, Carol, for allowing me to contribute.

Blessings

Sue

Greetings!  Has been far too long between posts.

Here are a few recent works which I have completed:  Antebellum Quilt Block One designed by Barbara Brackman (see button on right side), Mini Shoofly Quilt designed by Valerie Langue of the Quilt Merchant/Journey of a Quilter blog and Windowpane designed by Kathleen Tracy, Sentimental Quilter blog February 2018 Small Quilt Challenge, respectively.

https://sentimentalquilter.blogspot.com/
http://www.thequiltmerchant.com/
http://journeyofaquiltlover.blogspot.com/


My friend, Sunny Dillingham http://gone2thebeach.blogspot.com/ sent me this beautiful bird fabric as we have both joined the Antebellum Quilt challenge.  Thank you, Sunny, for your generosity!

As you will see, the Windowpane quilt is a bit "puffy."  Used a different batting which I normally do not buy.  Somehow I acquired it and decided to use it here.  Perhaps once I wash it, the puffiness will be a bit tamer.  The Mini Shoofly was washed, giving it that crinkly antique appearance. 

Been having some left wrist issues.  MRI confirmed ganglion cyst.  Hand specialist recommended wearing brace at night (helping somewhat) and physical therapy.  While I had four sessions of PT, I am not convinced this is helping.  Will more than likely have the cyst removed laprascopicly.  In the meantime, I try to limit hand stitching to shorter periods at one stretch. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Blessings
Sue