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Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Stitch It and Gift It Blog Hop



Welcome to my stop on the Stitch It and Gift It Blog Hop!  
for hostessing yet another fun blog hop.

Most quilters are compassionate, empathetic, giving people who work hard to create beauty, warmth, and security for others.  They are inspired by the cause, the person, the backstory, the fabric, the future.  Some quilters, like Louise of My Quilt Odyssey, quilt almost entirely for a variety of community groups, and others, like myself, give when they can, or when they are especially moved.  Sew Preeti Quilts is a perfect example of how a Quilter constantly rises to the occasion to make a difference in someone’s life.  She stitches it, she gives it, and then, very eloquently, shares the story.

I seldom keep what I make.  Among my friends, acquaintances, and family, or within my community, there is always someone in need, or with a special occasion to commemorate.  It soothes my soul to reach out by way of my passion to sew.  It generates my enthusiasm and inspires me to cross that finish line when I am thinking of someone in particular with every stitch.

Today's gifties honor special occasions, a cherished friendship and the impending birth of a first born.  I've been diligently working on them to finish them up before I migrate south for the winter. My time is getting short!

Twenty years ago, my daughter graduated from university.  She not only walked away with a degree, but with lasting friendships.  I've been blessed to get to know her friends throughout the years, to witness them becoming successful adults, and to share their joy in establishing their families.



A few posts back, I shared the beginnings of this quilt for Adrienne.  I was excited to be able to use the bonus half square triangles that resulted from constructing Cluck Cluck Sew's hearts to simultaneously piece these Churn Dash blocks by Blossom Heart Quilts.


They shared space on the design wall, and although it was not my original intention, I liked how they looked together so much, I decided to include both blocks into my quilt for Adrienne.


I was not disappointed with the end result!  As a matter of fact, I love it!


And here is a quick glimpse of the backing.  Would you believe that this is the first time I have ever rounded the corners of a quilt?  Finishing up at 54" x 62", it is the perfect size to fold over the back of the couch, and to pull down to snuggle under on a cold winter's evening.  I hope that finally making this quilt means a long overdue trip to Abilene to deliver it in person!

This next quilt only took me a week to put together, but I had already precut the fabrics.  It will be gifted to my only nephew and his sweet wife in celebration of expecting their first baby.  I will be hand delivering it in a very few short weeks as I begin my migration south by first stopping in Maine.


Simple, straight forward sewing for a girl running out of time, and nice big rectangles to showcase a large print, this pattern screamed for me to use the owl fabric bundle that has been sitting on the shelf for the past 5 or 6 years.




I adapted a pattern called Zoo Dwellers by A Bright Corner.  Why, you ask, did I have to adapt such a straight forward design?  Well, as much as I hate to admit this, when I was precutting my fabrics, I didn't pay any attention to the one way designs.  So, instead of a horizontal placement, I had to make mine vertical.  Simple fix.


I added an extra row for the back so I could widen a length of cute fabric that I had on hand.


And I used the serpentine stitch programmed into my Janome to quilt both these quilts to speed up the completion process.

I decided to rename this quilt from Zoo Dwellers to Tree Dwellers, and then got quite a chuckle because my nephew and his blushing bride of 1+ years have just completed building their first home and it's a tree house!  Finishing up at 47" x 58", this baby quilt is large enough to see many years of use.

Thank you for visiting my blog post today.  I think this is the longest post I've ever written in the 10+ years I've been a blogger.  Below is a list of the participating bloggers for the remainder of the hop.  Be sure to visit and show some quilty love!





60 comments:

Binsa said...

Enjoyed your post Karen.Beautiful work

Susie said...

I love both quilts and I am sure they will love them. I have now done rounded corners on a quilt either, to be honest I have only just managed to get them straight on the ends!!!! Hugs, Susie xx

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

Both of your quilts are charming and lovely!

Dorian said...

Great looking quilts! I like how you rounded the corners on one. I've never done that before, it looks great.

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

Two lovely colourful quilts Karen, my favourite size too, so usable. I’m sure they will be very well received. I have never made rounded corners, the thought of cutting the bias strips puts me off. You made a wonderful job of it.

Carla said...

I love your stories telling about each quilt and the recipients. Such a fun post to read and quilt eye candy too! Thank you for joining the hop.

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

I have done rounded corners several times and wonder why I haven't done that more - I bet they love the quilt - they are going to live in a tree house? how interesting and unique!!

Nancy L said...

Enjoyed reading your blog post and seeing your quilts.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Oh what great stories behind each quilt - and I love the way you adapted the last one - Tree Dwellers - too cute - I would love to see the tree house!

Sheila said...

Two very beautiful quilts that will be loved by those who receive them . You are such a kind and giving soul . Hugs ♥️

Louise said...

The baby quilt is so fun and happy in the owly fabrics! Thanks for the link to the pattern. I'm going to share that with my guild! Free is always good. The hearts and churndashes piece is my favorite on this post, Karen! I love everything about it: The wonderful fabric variations, the sweet loving message of the hearts, and the clever use of the bonus HSTs! Your friends are going to adore both pieces of handmade beauty :)

Melva said...

I have never rounded corners of a quilt. I just never thought of it! Nice touch.
MelvaLovesScraps(at)NolanQualityCustoms(dot)com

Carrie P. said...

beautiful stories and fantastic quilts you made.

Needled Mom said...

They are such lovely gifts. I love how you adapted as you went along.

Christine B said...

What a fabulous job you have done with both quilts Karen and I just know that they will be well received and loved! Hope your journey south goes well! Christine xx

Karrin Hurd said...

Great quilts, both of them! Thanks so much for sharing!

Maria said...

enjoyed reading your Blog Hop post and seeing two more lovely quilts..

wendy said...

Great quilts! Enjoyed your stories too. Thanks for sharing!

Farm Quilter said...

Wonderful quilts!! It will be fun to get to hand deliver them both!! Be safe on your travels south, since winter has made an early appearance.

Calicojoan said...

Ohhhh, double the pleasure double the fun. Not one but two fabulous gifts. I love the serpentine stitch for quilting. I'd not seen that scrappy churn dash block before and will definitely have to check that out! Way cool!

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

So many beautiful quilts! Your friends and family are lucky to be on your gift list for sure.

Danice G said...

Two adorable quilts. Love the patterns, fabrics and your work.

Ioleen said...

I enjoyed reading your post and seeing two beautiful quilts. They will be cherished for many years. Enjoy you trip south and if your daughter need charity blocks just ask and I’ll help out. It’s cold out and getting colder here in Alberta.

Vasudha said...

They are both really beautiful quilts. Love the way you used the extra HSTs in the same quilt. Rounded corners - great idea - I guess it needs bias binding?
The second one is a perfect baby quilt - simple pattern and very interesting fabrics. Lots for the baby to explore as he/she grows up.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Both quilts will make lovely gifts for those new babies!! Glad the Blog Hop stored you on to the finishes.

Anonymous said...

I love the hearts and churn dash blocks together in a quilt. Nice job on the rounded corners.

Fiona said...

Great post and lovely quilts. they have both come up beautifully. Very lucky people to be getting them..
Hugz

Pink Rose said...

Hi Karen lovely story and 2 beautiful quilts,lucky people xx

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Gorgeous quilts. LOL you talk of migrating south and your stops made me really giggle. Very lucky gift recipients.

Carol Andrews said...

Such beauties to gift to friends and family! Aquilters life is full of joy at sharing our treasures, isn’t it? 😄 Carol

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Those are beautiful quilts! I love how the hearts and churn dashes go together even when you hadn't planned them that way!

Charlene McCain said...

Beautiful quilts! I liked how you rounded the corners of your churn dash and hearts quilt. The baby quilt is adorable! I know both recipients will love their gifts!

LJ said...

Great quilts and I loved that you shared the stories of the quilts, too. Trees...what a lovely thought and kinda weird that they have a tree house.

Sue D said...

Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful quilts you make and give.

Denise :) said...

I like the effect of the rounded corners! Beautiful quilt!! :)

Scrapatches said...

Beautiful quilts! The recipients will be very happy and cuddled. I really like the way you used the cut corners to make the churn dash blocks and how you added them to the heart quilt. Sew inspired. From now on when I have cut-aways I will be planning churn dash blocks ... :-) Pat

teachpany said...

Sweet gifts! Have a safe trip, and enjoy the ride.

Susan said...

Two fabulous quilts, for such good reasons. I loved what you said about your daughter and her friends, too. The degree is important, the purpose for going, but done right, we get a lot more out of it!

Carol Swift said...

Both quilts are amazing and will be so appreciated by the receivers. Thanks for sharing!

Sharon said...

Lovely quilts! Thanks for sharing your project.

Just Ramblin' said...

Love both of your quilts and the stories behind them. You never cease to amaze me. You have such a giving heart and I know those who receive these quits will be thrilled. I have never done rounded corners, but I like the look. One day maybe I'll be brave and try it. Thanks for sharing!

Createology said...

Karen you are such a generous and giving soul and I admire you and your quilting. These quilts are wonderful and each recipient will be so very grateful. Safe Travels South when you go. Blessings Dear...<3

Moira said...

Great Quilts! Love how you made the multi-color churn dash blocks.

Brandy said...

The scrappy turn dashes really look great with those hearts, I would not have thought to combine those blocks either. I am also a fan of making larger quilts for newborns as I want them to continue using the quilt for a long time. Thank you for sharing your projects!

Brandy

Susan said...

Both quilts are beautiful, and will be well loved!

Bernie Kringel said...

What wonderful gifts you made Karen. Love the rounded corners - it softens the quilt somehow - also really like the look of combining the hearts with the churn dash blocks. Two sweet finishes!

FlourishingPalms said...

Love your makes, Karen, and especially the super - unwittingly clever - name you came up with for your nephew's baby: "Tree Dwellers." It's just too perfect. I hope you get to visit them in their tree house. What a fun lifestyle... though with a baby, it might be a little less enjoyable. Still, you made such an adorable quilt. The backing fabric really ties the whole thing together. You are SO good at quiltmaking! And gifting! Enjoy your travels. I hope the weather cooperates!

Michelle said...

Both quilts are so pretty. Love the fabrics.

Brenda @ Songbird Designs said...

Both your quilts are lovely gifts!! And don't you just love it when a pattern screams at you to use fabric in your stash?!!! I enjoyed your stories as well. Thanks for sharing!

tink's mom said...

Great quilts. Pairing the two different blocks in the first quilt was a terrific idea. The baby quilt is just wonderful, bright and cheery. Perfect for a newbie.

Kinga K. said...

cool gifts ❤

Leah said...

Both quilts are wonderful! I like your nephews quilt for a quick quilt. I need a few of those so may use this pattern! Thanks for the inspiration!

Preeti said...

I have not tried rounded corners but now I am tempted to do so :-)
When the fabric is so interesting, it makes sense to keep the pattern simple. I love everything you do :-) Thank you for the shout out. If my head is swollen today (or for the next week) you are to blame :-) Sending big warm hugs to you!!!

Sondra said...

Each one is a treasure! I can't believe it's time to change your station again, that was one short summer eh? Bring your galoshes it's going to be a wet winter here in the south. I like the round corners!

Joy from Days Filled With Joy said...

Such lovely quilts and stories! Thanks so much for sharing xx

Judy said...

I really enjoyed reading your post today. I admire you and the other creative souls out there who lovingly make things with their hands, and then pass their creations on to others. I think that most people are amazed to accept a gift like that, and will cherish it for the rest of their lives.
Well done!

Happy sewing,
Judy

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Fun quilts, KaHolly! I especially liked what you wrote in your first paragraph, about quilters and their motivations. Love the churn dash and heart combo! That was a brilliant idea. Great name on the second quilt! I would love to see what their tree house looks like!

Julie said...

Yes, yes, yes to all the sharing from other quilters mojo to your own sweet thoughts on gifting your talent. I am catching up on reading here as of late, and am glad to see what happened with the churn dash blocks via heart blocks. That was my last jumping off point, and I'm current now. Was just musing about whether or not you'd migrated with the birds or the snowbirds, too. Safe and sunny travels, my dear friends. Wishing you joy and light!

Cheryl said...

Both quilts are beautiful, great finishes!

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Great story, and beautiful quilts!