Bloggers Quilt Festival 9-16 October 2009

For a number of years I have been inspired by the book "Grandma's Best Full-Size Quilt Blocks - Pieces of the Past for Today's Quilter" by Better Homes and Gardens. I first saw the book in my mother-in-laws extensive quilt book collection and dropped hints like bricks to my DH for a copy. Lo and behold he got it for me, probably as a Christmas gift :)
On occasion I have made a few of the blocks. Recently I decided it was time to try making them all, which will take me a while because most of the blocks do not have patterns (see my side-bar). Having said that I have been able to find patterns for the more complex ones (for me anything that involves lots of triangles and curves.)
The plan is to make wall-hangings and the occasional sampler quilt.
The main block on this scrumptious wall hanging is called "Ohio Rose" and it's finish is an experiment. I am learning how to do three dimensional applique :) This is proving to be a whoooole lot of fun.
I totally loved making this project. It would look fabulous in my daughter's bedroom but I have very reluctantly parted with it already because it is a gift for someone else. Mmmmm, maybe I should make another one.
There is another more interesting part to this story but I cann't reveal it at the moment.
Any hoo dear people. Thanks for visiting, go grab a chair, a beverage of your choice, (maybe some pic-nic supplies) and click on Amy's parkcitygirl link in the sidebar. Then go do some fun blog hopping. You will not be disappointed.
Carol H.

PIF winners

My son drew the names last night and the winners are Micki, Pojeda and Jade. Congratulations ladies. Please send me your mailing addresses and then PIF away at your blogs :)

I'll be back on Friday. I'm doing a lot of genealogy and PTSA related traveling this week and working on a project tutorial so I am taking a short break from blogging.
I'm in the process of cleaning out my side bar to open up more space. If I'm able to follow along on a blog it will be getting removed from the bar lists and you can access them through my profile section.

Project updates

It's been a busy week what with one thing and another. Finished up some gifts for exchanges and fundraisers and started a few new family related projects. I've also been busy with church and school activities so when I woke up this morning and realized it was Friday I was somewhat shocked at how quickly the time has passed. This weekend we have our, always fabulous, church General Conference and we are also house/dog sitting.
Don't forget to sign up for the PIF at Wednesday's post if you are interested.
My brand new (to me) design venture is to learn how to make ATC's. Any useful tips would be appreciated. The main thing I need to know is if the backs have to be made of card or if I can go the fabric route. All the fronts will be fabric.

Wall-hanging for our front living room

This is the project I started a couple of days ago. I'm making a wall-hanging for our front living room and wanted it to be somewhat subdued in color. This is the basic piece sewn up. Now I just have to add the extra details.
I have brown ribbon to add into the outside border and will wait till I have all my wee bits made before deciding how to quilt it.
Finished size - with the prairie points - is 191/2"x 221/2"

The extra details

The extra details are being made out of the companion fabric to the center block and a piece left over from the center. Lots of fussy cutting and careful sewing to make them three dimensional.

Bottom corner

This is one of the ideas I am working on for the bottom right hand corner. I'm going to wait till I've made all the little pieces before I sew anything down. I want to play with everything for a few days :)

Local Life - Catfish Out of Water 2003

In 2003 Nashville had a very fun event called "Catfish Out of Water". 51 7ft. long catfish were decorated by local artists, organizations etc. and displayed throughout Nashville. They were then auctioned off to raise funds for the local greenways and river parks.
We had so much fun that year driving and walking around trying to spot catfish. I don't think we found all 51 but we came fairly close.
Some of them can still be found around town and this one is "Classic Black" sponsored by Vanderbilt University. It's looking a bit worse for wear now because it is still outside. To see photos of all the fish go to http://nashville.about.com/cs/nashvillephotos/l/blcatfishpics.htm
As for the wee fellow in front that was a project John was involved in. He is a member of the NXTMindstorms group and the wee man is on a world tour. When he came to visit us John and Juliet took him out on the town. See http://mindstorms.lego.com/eng/Nashville_dest/default.aspx