Sometimes my ideas work

When we were remodeling the living room a year ago, I decided to get rid of the old disgusting fireplace screen that was nothing but a dust catcher. I thought it wouldn't be any problem to find a replacement. Well....fast forward a year and we still have an ugly gaping hole because it's an odd size and the available fireplace screens don't fit.

I've been putting up with it because I want to install a gas fireplace there and when that happens, we'll get a custom screen/door to fit the opening. Until then, we have an ugly gaping black hole. I considered getting a nice quilt stand and displaying a quilt there, but the stands were so expensive and still weren't the right size.

I finally couldn't stand it anymore today and then a lightbulb went on.  A bit of fabric from my stash, some sticky Velcro, and voila, no more gaping black hole.  It's not the perfect solution but it helps a lot.

Now my mind is racing with the possibilities of pieced quilts to hang there; snowflakes in January, hearts in February, shamrocks in March....  What do you think?

Family > Quilting

It's been a tough few weeks with Dad being in and out and back in the hospital. It's been a time to reflect on the importance of family and to remember some great times together.

In between trips to the hospital and trying to keep up on work and home responsibilities, I decided I needed some sewing therapy time. That wasn't a good idea. I had nothing but problems with this block which is the fourth one in the Moosequilts QAL. Stretched bias seams, cut off points, etc. I finally decided in the wise words of my brother that "it is what it is."

In the overall scheme of things this quilt block really doesn't matter. So it's time for me to get back to the things that matter most, with family being right there on the top of the list.

A finish and a gift

I finally finished my first paper pieced project. It was definitely a learning experience. I'm pleased with it overall but there are some things I will change when I try again. Although the purple is growing on me now I wasn't happy with it when I first finished the project. Purple leaves?

A good friend brought over a couple of darling little pillows for me. They're so cute and there's so much work in them. The fabrics are all from Bound to the Prairie lines by Moda.

I thought they looked really cute sitting with the leaves quilt.

It's nice to have talented friends!





The best laid plans

But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!

-Robert Burns-

2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War

I thought it fitting that I should do something concrete to commemorate that, especially after our visit to Gettysburg and surrounding areas last fall.

Homestead Hearth came up with a beautiful quilt they called Civil War Chronicles with fabrics by Judie Rothermel.

From the Homestead Hearth web page: "The Civil War Chronicles BOM quilt features twelve blocks that tell the stories of twelve women who encountered their own struggles on the homefront while their husbands were away. Each pattern includes historical background and biographies about the generals' wives."

What a wonderful idea. I eagerly signed up, anticipating that I would faithfully complete each month's blocks on schedule so that by the end of this year I would have a quilt to help me remember.

That's where the "best laid schemes" come to play.  I've received 10 of 12 packages and haven't opened the first one yet.  So much for great intentions.