Hugs continued

Over the course of September and October I worked diligently making these two 'Memory Quilts'.  My vision was coming together. ( See yesterday post)

After all the piecing was done this is what was leftover from the ties:

And from the shirts:

I even had enough strips for piano key borders. 

I mentioned in the first post about these quilts, there was also golf/polo shirts to use as well.  I kept those to use on the back.

One quilt would be going to her son and one to her daughter.    The daughter loved her father's yellow golf shirt the most so I paired it and others with this delicate daisy fabric.  

Her brother's choice of go beige and black golf shirts was paired with a more masculine fabric.

Getting closer to the final quilt

Final layout

Once again I hope I haven't bored you with all these photos of these quilts.  Stay tuned, tomorrow I will show you the final quilts.  

Lee

P.S.  the Quilting Gallery Blog Hop starts on Thursday... Giveaways galore will be happening..

Hugs

Back in June or July I was contacted by a lovely lady (my physio's assistant) to see if I could make her two quilts for Christmas presents.  

Now these two quilts were going to be extra special quilts.  She lost her husband (53yrs old) three years ago and she wanted quilts made for her grown children using his shirts and ties she still had.  

I had to think about this.  I didn't want to screw up someone' s cherished clothing.  Could I work with these items knowing whom they belonged to?  (kids thought it was creepy).  After much consideration  I decided to go for it.  

She brought over a tub of golf shirts, ties and dress shirts.  And there they sat until Sept.  (too many things were happening during the sumer to get started)  The pattern and layout were up to me, she didn't care.  I came up with the idea to include a family picture on the quilt.  (something I have never done before).  

Out came the pattern books and magazines to look for inspiration.   I consulted Bonnie K Hunter's book Scraps and Shirttails.  

I viewed her shirt deconstruction video

And then got down to the task at hand.  Making two quilts using 6 golf shirts, 4 dress shirts and about 10 ties.  

the following pictures take you through their journey. 

ties unstitched

Shirt cutting begins

2.5" strips ready to go; lots to work with

test run of block

3 blocks done, many to go

tie strips; very slippery; used muslin underneath

Tie string block

many tie string blocks

I had to keep reminding myself through this process that these are not my colours.  These are being used for sentimental reasons.  

Whew I think that is enough photos for one post.  Drop back tomorrow for more progress on these quilts. 

Happy stitching

Lee

Using wool

I started a new project last night.   I picked the kit up at Quilt Festival. I haven't worked with wool before. I know I can't wear wool, makes me too itchy. So I'll see how this is on my hands. 

Any advice from you when working with wool?

I'm still deciding if I hand stitch or machine stitch. Time might be the deciding factor. 

Happy stitching

Quilt Festival Classes

One of the highlights of going to Quilt Market and or Festival is to attend classes with very experienced and inspirational quilters.

Unfortunately, due to our late registration, many classes were already full and the selection was a little slim.  

Kim (Chatterbox Quilts) my travel buddy and I managed to get into an Eleanor Burns class.  We also had a chance to meet her at her booth.  She mentioned that her first addition "Quilt in a Day" series of books are now becoming collector items.   I happen to have one of them, which I guess I better hang on to now.

in her booth

Her class was promoting her new book El's Kitchen which has many great patterns in it.  

Kim and I got to be the quilting angels (helpers) in the class and got to hold up her quilts for the class. 

Kim & Eleanor

Baby Lock machines provided

Here is my finished block/mug and goodie rug, all ready for a cup of tea and a scones.  

Stay tuned for more 'sewlibrity' quilter pictures.  

Back to reality

While I have been home from the International Quilt Market and Festival since last Friday night, I have had my head down trying to get back to reality.  In other words a mountain of laundry (that took 3 days to conquer) restocking the fridge (two trips to grocery stores) and putting suitcases and purchases away.  

I did manage to buy a 'few' things in Houston and of course they were all quilt related.  

Want to see?

Festival bag, photo paper and rulers

FABRIC

Gadgets, thread and woo lie

Magazines that were handed to me!

Patterns and book

Tea towels to embellish, chenille and rag rug kit

All that fit in my suitcases and no extra charges were incurred!  whew!

More from Market and Festival to come.  Or check out lots of pictures on Instagram...lalaslovelys