Thursday, April 29, 2010

Provence Tablerunner

I love all my fabrics from France. I decided the best way to use them is in tablerunners. They make the table look so nice. Especially since I like adding the French touch. They just seem to add a warmth to the home.Here's the backside, another fabric from France.


I want to add this portion of a book that is so good for us mothers and grandmothers. It's so encouraging to remember what God made us for and who we are in our vocation.


"The mother is the geographical center of her family, the body out of whom their diversity springs, the neighborhood in which that diversity begins ever so awkwardly to dance its way back to the true body which is the Mother of us all. Her role then is precisely to be there for them. Not necessarily over there, but just there - thereness itself, if you will; not necessarily in her place but place itself to them; not necessarily at home but home itself."
"Your body is the first thing any child of man ever wanted. therefore dispose yourself
to be loved, to be wanted, to be available. Be there for them with a vengeance. Be a gracious, bending woman. Incline your ear, your heart, your hands to them. Be found warm and comfortable, and disposed to affection. Be ready to be done by and to welcome their casual effusions with something better than preoccupation and indifference. It isn't a matter of how much time; only how much intensity."
"Children love fat mothers. They like them because although every mother is a diagram of place, a picture of home, a fat one is a clearer diagram, a greater sacrament.
She is more there. I can think of no better wish to the slender swans
of this present age than to propose them a toast:
May your husbands find you as slim as they like;
your children should always remember you were fat."
It's from the book - Bed and Board by Robert Farrar Capon.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Baby Quilt

Yesterday was handwork day. I did a lot of needleturn on a baby quilt that I'm making for a friend. It should be interesting how it turns out with the fabrics I have for the borders. I think the applique looks quite cute though. This could be for one of 2 babies. I haven't decided who it looks like yet.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

My Practice Wholecloth

I'm practicing wholecloth quilting because I enjoy it so much, but I'm not that good at it. The binding I picked just because I had it at hand.The backside is a darker gold. These are just plain Kona cottons.
The center of the quilt. My diagonals need a lot of practice, but once the quilt was washed, it looked a lot better.


A close-up of the edge. I should either use thicker batting for the trapunto, or have a denser background stitching so the trapunto stands out more. I think I'm doing another king size for a wedding present, so I'm glad I'm getting a little more practice and learning some things.





Friday, April 23, 2010

A Pocket with Love

This is a pattern I bought from Geta. It's her heart shaped pocket with love. She gives very easy and clear instructions. It was a fast and quick project - a perfect gift for young girls. I had one problem which was that I didn't cut my fabric exactly square. When you fold it, you find out that really matters. But all in all it turned out pretty cute. I just got fabric for one of her bags, so I'll be trying that soon.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Potholders

Before vacation I started making these potholders. I had this watermelon fabric and thought it could be a good summer item - if you serve hot food in the summer.This is fabric my mother-in-law brought me back from France. She is always so faithful to get me fabric from Provence. I really love it. I'm in the process of making a table runner to match.


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Customer quilt

I'm getting right back into the swing of things. I put this quilt on my frame and got it done quickly. It's a nice masculine quilt for a customer done with a large stipple. It didn't need much more.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Back from Maui

We just got back from a good trip to Maui. All we ever do is go to the beach or sit by the pool. That's all I need to do - feeling the warm air and seeing the beautiful flowers. I even went in the water some. But the other things I do while sitting are ------- these Hawaiian appliques for future wall hangings.
Also this sweater for a customer. I've gotten 3 orders for this sweater in the last 2 weeks, so you know what I'm busy about now.

When I ran out of yarn for the sweater in Maui, I crocheted these doilies for my oldest daughter. She doesn't want a quilt when she gets married some day, but she wants 27 different doilies - all white.
So I am back to real life now, but I enjoy that thoroughly. I enjoy my home, and the different things I have going here also.


Friday, April 2, 2010

I'VE PACKED MY BAGS

I'm ready to go! It's rainy and cold here. Oh for the sun and heat! See you in two weeks, unless I post over there.