Showing posts with label hand pieced. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hand pieced. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Cold blue northern light

Its a cold blue northern light coming through my windows these days. I'll have to do with waves of warmth from the wood stove. There is ice and there is snow, and not gentle Hollywood snow, that doesn't exist here. In Norway, it snows horizontal, blown in gusts, swooping around the houses, chasing the animals inside to duvets and hearths. The dog lies as close as possible with a stacked log as her pillow and the cats with their rich thick coats sleep under the bathroom sink on the heated tiles, ever greatful that the kids never rember to hang up their bath towels.

And then there's the abandoned Swan. It is not a baby but is not fully grown. It still has the brown young feathers of youth. And its been sitting still out on the ice for days, conserving its energy while it recovers from illness or injury.  The parent swans seemed so devoted, always traveling in a tight knit group , Yet now, it feels bitterly cruel of them having abandoned one of their own in this bleek icey situation. I see the three of them swimming back and forth and I know the 4th is it the end of the lake sitting quietly alone with only ducks for company.


Practice makes perfect. My quilted circles are coming along splendidly. Why did it take so many years to start needle turn applique? Because I hadn't caught on to the wonderful virtues of YouTube learning.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, God Bless You Tube! And thank you Jude Hill of Spirit Cloth for a great video lesson.


Now I know Audrey of Quilt 365 suggests picking out your fabric each day but I like to have them ready so I can step on the gas when I get a free moment and inspiration strikes.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Passacaglia Progress



This days I'm trying to making progress on my newest Passacaglia. It has been much easier this time around because I've just pinned it on top of my previous Passacaglia quilt. This time its mostly reds, brown, creams and pinks, fussy cut of course, pieced with a simple and efficient running stitch.





I'm also working on a border for another one of Willyne's quilts. This border is my design. Can you guess which quilt this is from her first book?



Til next time...Piece out.... Hee hee.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Millefiori Quilt...La Passacaglia Again!

I've got a stack of rosette pancakes almost 6 inches high ready to be assembled.
These rosettes are addicting!   I love how delightful each fussy cut block shines when sewn together. I got a little carried away and have five rosettes extra that will be waiting in the wing if needed.

Auditioning star legs




Using the black and white setting on my camera to check for adequate contrast. 

Rosette 

Star border

Viola!

Friday, August 29, 2014

Another Millefiori Quilt

Wall flowers...I'm attempting another one of Willyne Hammerstein's quilts. I took a long break over the summer but now I'm determined to finish it in the next few weeks




I'm so pleased to have captured a picture with dog food on the floor and the laundry basket in the background. Pippen only cares about the new quilt though. I'm flattered she approves.



Willynes's original 'Wall Flowers' quilt from her book, "Millefiori Quilts".
My version is creams, beiges, browns and purples....hopefully incorporating some depth compared to the original.

One of Blue Moth's postings has inspired me for the border.

I just love the center piece with the lighter fabrics!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

My 'La Passacaglia' Quilt

As soon as I stumbled on Willyne Hammerstein's "La Passacaglia" quilt, I knew I had to make it. Couldn't stop thinking about it for a second. First I drafted the pattern on AutoCAD then said, Oh quit being cheap and just buy the book. So I did and started working on the quilt late in July while on vacation and just finished off the center last night.YAY! I loved every minute of making this quilt. Making the idividual rosettes for this was fun, but putting all the rosettes together was challenging. I spent alot of time staring at my design wall and then back at the quilt...over and over and over...about a thousand times. Heaven help the new kitten and dog who kept trotting over my pieces as I tried to put the puzzle together on the living room floor. By the way, the kitten learned alot faster to walk around the quilt into the kitchen instead of over it. My dog Talulah was hopeless!
 
Our new kitten Carmella blends right in. Now that its all sewn together, no harm in her enjoying it a little without being scolded.