Expression of Morris - A Finish

Fussy cut prints, and shading with prints

I have a finish - - My Expression of Morris, (Book by Katie Friesen)

I started it ...well, a few years ago.
It was a class, and all of the rest of the participants did theirs in batiks, as Katie did in her book.  I wanted to stitch with this talented applique group and they allowed me to go my own way with fabric prints.

There were doubters - but I think they came around.  Their batik choices were beautiful as well.  Show and Tell was always a treat.

Same pale blue printed ground fabric used throughout
70" x 70"

The applique is all needle turn by hand, with hand embroidery for some added detail.

It is hand quilted - outline around the shapes, 1/2" cross hatch in the background, and a four petal motif in all of the squares.

I also made two pillow cases to match, even though I didn't do the final border so it isn't bed sized.

There weren't as many William Morris reproduction fabrics when I made it, so many of the prints worked because of the color or repeat.

I enjoyed finding details in the prints, using all prints in the berries.

Katie designed an small insect in each block.   They are very subtle, and another detail I love.

I might add some additional quilting on the leaves, but it is bound and I am calling it complete for now.

These are some of the prints I used in the flowers.

The small sunflower petals include plaids and floral prints of various scale and value.

The lily petals also have floral and stripe prints.

I learn a lot stitching with friends and my applique improves with each project.




Now I'm off to work on a 'newer' project...and I'm oh so OK having multiple projects in the works!
How about you?
Have a great weekend!

Lincoln Road Trip - Getting There Is Half The Fun

Scrappy T Blocks - Love the green backing - hand quilted

 My friend flew into Denver and we spent a few days around Boulder warming up for the road trip.  There were sites to see, shops to visit and plans to make.

We hit the road a few days before seminar so we had plenty of time to leave the beaten path.
We couldn't resist Ogallala, Nebraska.

Let's just say we found a few things there...and got back on the road again.

Special Lily - I should have bought it

We stopped in a couple North Platte antique shops. We admired this Prim Lily, it will probably haunt me forever!

It was really hard to leave this one behind.

Note the little side sprouts on the stem and the pink buds.  Love the little star alternate blocks.

We gave it one last hug, checked out and hit the road again.

Love the use of fabrics

We went to Saint Paul, NE and admired the brick paved main street.  Of course, The Brick Street Antique Mall was a must stop.

We had lunch at the local diner (after putting our shopping in the car) and split the lunch special.
You can justify homemade blueberry pie ala mode when you split lunch, right?

They also had the local auctions listed on a bulletin board - oh the trouble we could find with a longer stay.

There were more stops to make so back on the road we went.  By this point we were laughing so hard about our adventures we didn't want the day to end.

We stayed over night in Grand Island.

The next day was set aside for 3rd Street.
Shop after shop....we lost hours shopping.

I got this charm quilt.
Hundreds of fabrics - no repeats.
Never washed.
Hand quilted.

By this time we had the car pretty full.  Someplace I have a picture taken from the front seat showing the bags filling the back seat.  Yes, we passed up many great things and look forward to going back.

A little charm detail

This charm quilt will keep me busy for a long time checking out all of the fabrics.

Something like 500 prints.

Bound with the backing rolled to the front and machine stitched down.

Each charm is hand quilted outlining the blocks.

Very random color placement.

Quite a few neon prints.

Tape Loom

There are a few treasures I'm not sharing and I don't have pictures of what my friend bought.  What happens in Nebraska stays in Nebraska - Right?
My most exciting find was this old tape loom.
The dealer had it labeled "What Is It?"  
I knew...
I have big plans for this so stay tuned.

Thanks for following this brief summary of our road trip.  It was great fun and I look forward to more great discoveries on future trips.


Don't you think getting there is half the fun?

Seminar 2012 American Quilt Study Group

Cindys Antique Quilts - Bed Turning Stack

It was another great seminar - as if there was any doubt!

I tried to explain AQSG (American Quilt Study Group) Seminar to a friend who is just getting into quilting.  The best thing to do is read it from their website:
"AQSG's feature event is our annual Seminar. Held in a new location every year, Seminar brings quilt enthusiasts and scholars together for a weekend engaged in quilt study. In addition to the presentation of research papers chosen for publication in Uncoverings and a renowned keynote speaker, Seminar offers pre-conference tours, roundtable discussions, study centers, and a poster session, all directed toward the interests of quilt lovers. Other events include a book signing featuring famous authors of quilt history; a live and silent auction of quilt treasures; show-and-tell of remarkable quilts, textiles and related items; an on-site quilt exhibition; and the sale of vintage quilts, textiles and sewing tools from member dealers all over the country.
Seminar presents the opportunity to view quilts from new perspectives, discuss aspects of women's and cultural history, learn the latest in documentation and research, as well as the chance to mingle with authors, quilters, teachers, and quilt community leaders. AQSG's Seminar guarantees a unique learning experience for everyone with a connection to quilts."  

Yes, all that - and did I mention it is FOUR days.

I was a member for years, enjoying Uncoverings (Order back copies HERE) before attending a seminar. I meet so many new friends each year I would encourage you to attend even if you go alone.  There is a Seminar Scholarship - as I understand only one person applied last year!  
I always pack my schedule, I make the most of being there.  You can't do everything - but I try.

Bed Turnings...check out the stack folded at the end of the table.

See more at Cindy's website

Study Centers- New York Beauty 

Click the link to Bill's Blog - more there than I can paraphrase...or do justice explaining

 There are several study center options.

This one was Virginia Gunn's
"Exploring 20th Century Quilts"

Generous AQSG Members Mary and Kate Edgar shared some choice pieces of their amazing collection at the bed turning.

They have a fabulous eye and I hope they do a book very SOON.

The bottom piece is the printed patchwork back of the previous quilt.

Poster Sessions  (One of several)
This picture is from:
Commemorative Chintz
   Kay Triplett, Lori Triplett & Xenia Cord

Summary & Focus Statement HERE 
(Scroll - several of interest)




The schedule goes on...too much to include here.
Next post I'll show the road trip there (with antique stops) and what I bought at seminar.
Please consider attending Seminar 2013 - Sept. 18-22
Charleston, South Carolina

If you've been to Charleston - what was a favorite from your trip?  Mine just might be the Iron Gates.
Have a great week!