Applique Class

On Monday, the guild had teacher Elly Sienkiewicz for a class and lecture. I took the class on a Baltimore Album style applique block; "Victorian Vase of Flowers." I enjoyed her friendly personality, and the lecture was very informative on the history and symbolism of the original Baltimore Album quilters. I had taken a class from her when she came to our guild about 10 years ago; on making flowers for album blocks (ruched, etc.) I even found them in my sewing room the other day, still in the little plastic bag that I brought home from that class.
I've been working on finishing the block started in Monday's class; am determined not to have another UFO.  I got the stem, vase, a leaf and a bud needleturned; and am finishing the applique by fusing and machine blanket stitch. (The pins are holding stabilizer onto the back.)  Am using Shades Soft Fuse that I bought from Elly. I'll probably frame it or make a pillow (with apologies to "Aunt Atha").

Focus and Finish

I've made up my mind to finish at least one more thing from my UFO list before the

Spring Luncheon next week. I basted, quilted and put the binding on the Grandkid's quilt. Hope to get the label on this evening.

I quilted in the ditch with the new sole plate for my Bernina walking foot. It works pretty well, I can go faster with it than without it.

I was all set to go buy some fabric for the binding, but then I found this stripe in my " under the bed" stash that had the exact colors of the quilt top.

Catching Up

I've finished the block to turn in for the guild's 2012 raffle quilt.
And I've been working diligently on my UFO list. Continuing to put the rows together for Raspberry Truffle, made the back for Redwork Sunbonnet Sue, and also for Kid's quilt. It's been cold and rainy the past couple of days, so I have been in the sewing room. Spent the warm days last week in the garden.

LLQA Meeting

Yesterday, I went to the Land of Lincoln Quilter's Association in Lincoln, Il  The program was given by the author of Hobo  Quilts, by Debra Henninger. She showed the quilts that were designed for the book, using blocks made from the symbols the hobos used to communicate with other hobos in the 1930's. She talked about the history of the that era, and I learned some things I hadn't been aware of before.

Small Project Done

I finished this table runner that was on my 2011 UFO list. It was intended for a Christmas gift the year before last. Well, now I'm ahead for this year's holiday.Two out of ten done-progress on the list seems to be going slowly. 

Fox and Geese Block

I've started doing some of the blocks from Barbara Brackman's Civil War website. A block pattern and interesting historical story is posted every week.

International Quilt Festival

Our guild sponsored a bus trip to Cincinnati for the show. Wow, what amazing quilts! The art quilts were stunning; including an exhibit of Susan Shie's. I got to meet her at her book signing-she drew a picture and autographed the Kitchen Tarot Cards that I bought. Also there was a display of applique quilts:,which included a Kim Mclean, some from Elly Scienkiewitz' collection, and an Annie Smith design.  Enjoyed some of the lectures, especially the one on scrap quilts by Lynn Roddy Brown. I had bought her book several years ago, but bought another one so that she could sign it. Had fun at the vendors, I finally bought the Centennial Sampler kit by Judie Rothermel that I have been eyeing for several years. Splurged on a bracelet that spelled "quilts" made from vintage typewriter keys-reminds me of my mother's typewriter that I learned on. For a kick, some of us bought temporary tattoos that say "Born to Quilt".  On Friday evening we went to see the play "Gee's Bend" based on the story of the women who made the quilts. Cincinnati is a nice city and we had wonderful spring weather.