Connections-Done!!

Well, I finished the little quilt this morning. It measures 32" square. I think I
am going to name it "Connections". But not exactly sure at this point in time.

I'm very pleased on how it turned out and I am SO excited to
get it to it's owner!!! I hope she likes it!

The story behind the quilt.
You know, there is often a story with the quilts we create.

A year and a half ago a friend showed me this really cute purse made out of license plates. I thought it would make the perfect gift for my birthmom who, along with her husband, are really into classic cars and go to car shows.

My friend said she could get the purse for me, with a Washington and Oregon license plate,  and in return she would like a little quilt. I have many at my work hanging on all the walls, 26 to be exact, and any would do.

Well, that would not do. I wanted to make one that was specific for her and I told her it may take me awhile to get done, but I would create a little quilt just for her.

And this is the quilt!!! It reminds me of her and I cannot wait to give it to her. She has been so patient waiting for her side of the barter!!!

The center block is from QuiltMaker Magazine's 100 Blocks Volume 7 Summer 2013. I made it when I was doing block testing for QuiltMaker Magazine. The Designer is Jo Moury.

I added more borders and decided to do a lot of free motion feathers.

All the quilting was done with my Aurifil threads. I used both 40wt and 50wt.

I also did some really tiny pebbling around the applique!! That was a bit tough to do!!!

But I do like how it  turned out, so it was worth the effort!!

So, I am now done. Just need to put a label on the back and let the owner know her quilt is done and ready to hang!!!

Take Care everyone, Happy Quilting, and keep those minds sharp!!! Martha :^)

Feathers/What I am working on today

I am working on a small wall quilt 32" square for the past couple weeks. This is helping me to stay focused and not cry so much about Maddie. I miss my shadow so very much!!!

My grandson asked that I not cry today!! He was at the house when I got the message from the Vet, so today I am staying busy and focused!!! No more crying, at least in front of Cooper.

So this quilt is for a friend. We bartered, I got a really cool purse for my mother and I am trading a small quilt for it!!

I will show just a bit, but will post the whole process when I get finished!!!

I've only used Aurifil thread for the quilting. 40wt and a 50wt.
So far, so good, no problems with the thread and it looks
fabulous!!!

There will be butterflys in all four corners and lots of stippling. I love the colors, so spring or summer feeling :^)


Well, More at a later date. I am hoping to work hard this weekend and get this quilt finished, When I do, I will be sharing the results with all of you!!!

Take Care, Happy Quilting, and keep those scissors sharp!!! Martha

Our Dear Maddie has passed on

Our Beloved Maddie 3/20/2007-10/10/2014

Maddie was just showing illness for a week with disorientation, lethargy, and not wanting to eat and drink. One day she was fine, then she was down again.

A visit to our vet showed a tumor on her spleen.

Yesterday they did surgery and the cancer was all over her spleen and liver. She was actively bleeding from an unknown source. The decision was made to not wake her up.

This is what she had, Hemangiomasarcoma. A very terrible aggressive cancer.

My heart is heavy with grief. She was my girl, my friend and companion and the happiest dog ever. She greeted me every morning and every night she went to bed when I did. She followed me everywhere inside and out. When I sewed and quilted, she was right there with me.

I am so sad. I know I will get better with time and her memory will give me smiles, just like she did when she was here.

I hope she is playing in heaven and is with my mom and dad right now.

I am trying to get some quilting done, but can only do a little at a time as the tears flow and it is really hard to see what I'm doing!!

I will post again soon with the quilt I am working on.

Thank you to all who have supported my blog with your comments and your friendly comments about Maddie, they touch my heart!!!

Martha

Simple postcard and Family photos!!

So this is me at work!!! And our beautiful oldest grand-daughter, Bobbie!!! She is gorgeous!!! 

I know, I am a bit biased in my opinions :^) She stopped by for a short visit, love every chance I get to see her!

And here we are at Kirk's Ferry in Brownsville Oregon, the town where they

filmed Stand By Me!! This is a really fun restaurant!!

So,introductions, our nephew and neice, Warren and Sharon on the left, then my husband, me and Cooper, youngest son Drew of Briese Custom Concrete, his wife Jess and our youngest grandchild, Hayden! This was just last week.

This is the postcard I made for our September exchange. I called it Solar Flares!

Fabric cut and ready to go. I used one of those circle makers that you
can actually iron on and they don't melt.

I traced the outline, then did a running stitch.

Ready to gather.

All gathered and ready to press.

Pressing done.

All stitched on the the top, layered and ready for quilting.

And all quilted. I had another idea for this, but when I was
constructing it we heard there had been solar flares,
 so plans changed!!!

Next, satin stitching the outside of the postcard. I usually go around the edge a minimum of 3-4 times. It makes for a very sturdy and nice looking edge!!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend. Take Care, Happy Quilting, and keep those needles sharp and changed!!! Martha