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Monday, May 8, 2017

May is for Makers

Yay!  It's May!
Given the fact that time passes much too quickly, 
I'm not one to wish it away.
That said, I've never been so happy to see a month arrive!
It's been pretty cold up here, and I've had about enough!

Not to mention that May is for Makers!
I've completed two flimsiest just in time to share,
But let me apologize for the pictures up front.
The forecast for the week is dismal,
so there is no sense waiting.

Many of you know I'm a naturalist,
and when Barb of Bejeweled Quilts published this pattern,
I had to have it.
A day trip to Joshua, Texas to shop at Batiks Galore this winter,
a few days at my trusty old Kenmore,
 which, by the way, is parked in front of the wood stove,
And voila!




There isn't enough fabric left over to piece a backing,
but there's just enough to make a matching tote bag, 
so guess what's next on my list?

And while I'm in a blue mode,
I just had to make this charming wall hanging



I was pretty pressed for blue fabric, not being a blue person
and having very little in my stash,
but I managed to find two pieces that would work for a trial run.
The lighter blue is a poly blend (how did THAT get in there?)
and didn't play nicely, but I managed.
What color fabric do you lack in your stash?

I think it would be delightful if Allie could design a whole set!
I just love the font she chose! Not only is it pleasing to the eye, it was fun and easy to applique.

Whenever I machine applique, whatever stitch I choose to use,
I always take the time to pull my beginning and ending threads
through to the back and tie them off.
It gives a nice, smooth finish on the front.

Today, my plan is to quilt these up on the Janome.

I hope you'll take a minute to visit these two ladies
to see what other beauties they've designed!

Enjoy your day,
whatever your weather!

A big hello to Fran!
Hope you're staying warm, dry, and safe!

XO,
karen

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen beautiful projects my friend,I love the turtles xx

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

i hope it warms up for you soon. I can just see you sitting by the stove to stay warm! here the windows are open this bright sunny morning before it heats up this afternoon to 80 and I need to close windows and turn the a/c on. I can hear birds chirping - I think this one must have a nest close by can hear her/him all the time - not sure what kind it is though but sure is musical

Jeanna said...

I just love the turtles and the colors you selected are perfect. Thanks for the tip about pulling the thread to the back when doing machine applique'.

Anthea said...

Sounds like you're looking forward to your Spring! Lovely projects

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

wow...those turtles are amazing xxxx

Preeti said...

Polyblend UGH!!! I am wondering how to get rid of those in my stash. The bluebell is very delicate. Wish you good luck in completing your goals and a touch of warmth too.

Binsa said...

Loved your quilt Karen I and a blue girl....the colours I lack in my stash are yellow and green.....not fond of these colours at all....Love Allies design.

Fiona said...

lovely projects - I love them both. Yes I pull applique threads through as well and tie them off.... I seem to be lowest on yellows in my stash .....

Hugz

Karen said...

Love your projects - you do have "the blues" *-)

Janice Holton said...

So glad to hear the weather is finally warming up your way! If you have to have the "blues" this is the way to do it! I have some red, black, and white pieces all ready to come to you . . . now just to figure out when to get to the post office! :)

Needled Mom said...

Such pretty blues for May. I have always loved Barb's turtles and they look great in the blues.

Anonymous said...

Both of those look great! Blue is in abundance here. =) I like both designs, and I have the bluebell one, for when I get to it. Thanks for highlighting makers!

Anonymous said...

The Bluebell is sweet but I'm in love with the turtles.

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

That's a lovely turtle quilt Karen, and a matching bag will be lovely, I tend to make matching cushions with my scraps. I love bluebells, they are my flower as they are always out on my birthday, it's a lovely wall hanging. What I'm lacking in my stash is whatever colours I need for my bee blocks, this month it was grey, I needed nine and had two. My stash is coming along great though.

Lesley said...

Wow! Such great blue quilts! Very special and such excellent work! Well done!

Sugar Free Quilts said...

Awesome Blue Beauties! I was fortunate enough to see your Bluebell in person...it's even more amazing "in real life"!

Louise said...

I love blue, and you've chosen some wonderful shades of it for these projects! I think it's hard to find true blues ranging from dark to light like this. Lots of turquoise and teal out there.

Glad you're getting some warmer weather. We're in Houston this week and it's already getting humid and sticky. No complaints, though, because the temperatures are lovely!

FlourishingPalms said...

It's good to know you're sewing, but sorry to picture you doing that in front of a wood stove! I know you prefer cold weather, but perhaps enough is enough. The two pieces you've made are lovely! The turtles are adorable. But, like you, I'm definitely NOT a blue person. Interestingly, the next row of a quilt I'm working on requires blue scraps. I know I'm going to be hard-pressed to come up with enough of them to make ten six-inch blocks! Keep making in May. You're such a go-getter!

Allie-oops Designs said...

Ooh those turtles are stunning! You'll have to tell me how the bluebell stood up to being machine appliqued. I did mine by hand, as my machine was giving me fits...it's looking lovely, Karen! I'm sorry it's still so cold there, it is here too, I'm still wearing my fleecies!

Sheila said...

Both projects are just beautiful Karen, although blue is my favorite colour I have very little of it in my stash as I don't tend to use it much in quilting , strange huh . Another nasty day out there hope this won't send you packing back south .

Sandra :) said...

OMG batik sea turtles - that will be divine when it's done, and the tote will be smashing! I bet you could find a really nice tea turtle (haha funny typo) to use for an embellishment on the tote, or as a zipper pull :D You did a lovely job on Allie's wallhanging too - she's an internet friend that I've visited in Michigan (along with her mom) :)