My first Clamshell Club post!

First of all I apologize for my absence in blogland the past few weeks!
A couple of unexpected events - including an eye injury have kept me away from the computer.

This past month I joined the Clamshell Club! The Club was founded in June by Jossie of Cybele's Patch
It's a FREE membership for those wanting to begin and/or learn about creating a Clamshell quilt.
The Clamshell pattern is one that I've always loved. Fascinated by this complex shaped single design - I've also been equally intimidated to ever attempt this pattern.
Now that a wonderful club has formed in homage to the Clamshell - I'm giving it a try!

Starting my first month in the club, the hardest thing was deciding on what fabrics to use. I was torn between my long standing love of 1930's prints and my new affection for fabrics designed by Joanna of Fig Tree & Co! I decided to go with Fig Tree and ordered 4 charm packs of the Fresh Cotton collection. I also purchased Moda white muslin for the alternate clamshells/background.

I printed the clamshell template from one of my FAVORITE software programs - called BlockBase. (Electric Quilt Co) I printed the pattern pieces out on freezer paper. After cutting away the paper seam allowance on the top curved section - I ironed them to the back of my 5" fabric charms. Then I cut some of the pieces out (along with a quarter inch fabric allowance across the top curved sections.

This is as far as I've gotten. Next month I will cut out some of the white clamshells and decide on what method I will use for basting and assembling this pattern. It will take me at least a year to complete this quilt - as I'm striving to have my Dear Jane quilt completed within the next 7 months.

every Quilt tells a story...

D4 Crystal Star

This is my one & only Jane block made for the 1st week of August.
It is D4 titled Crystal Star.
The block was constructed from 17 pieces of fabric.
13 machine pieced and 4 hand applique'.
I used a dark chocolate reproduction fabric that was donated to me by my dear friend Patty.
She has been working SO hard to get her house ready for market!
I'm sure all her hard work & effort has made her house the Sparkling Gem of the neighborhood. I wish her the very best of luck selling her home!

every Quilt tells a story...

Snowflakes in August

No I haven't abandoned Jane - just slowing down a bit for the month of August :) I have a few little gifties & loose ends to finish up this month and a Redwork Embroidery quilt project to finish by Summer's End.

Our first grandchild is due in December! To celebrate our Winter Baby I've decided to make this darling Snowman Redwork quilt. You can find the pattern & finished quilt HERE.


Never the conformist - I've decided to make this with a vintage feel. The center blocks will be embroidered on similar tone solid fabrics of cream and natural cotton muslin. Instead of vibrant red thread I've chosen a varigated Valdani in Old Brick. I love the "fade-out" effect of this hand-dyed thread.

Well, I best get the old Needle moving.
Till next time.. May all your threads be strong & plentiful!

every Quilt tells a story...

My 50th Jane block - Gold Level!

Last week I completed my 50th Jane block HOORAY!
The block is E13 titled Moth in a Web.
The beautiful CWR fabric I used for this block was given to me as a gift from Sheryl of Temecula Quilt Co. I thought the bold Barn Red color was a perfect choice to use for my 50th and "Golden" block!


D2 titled Mouse in the Mirror is another special block that I completed.
The pattern made me think of my dear friend Sue and the wonderful time we've been having - working on identical quilts together. (soon to be finished) The "mouse" brown fabric I used was a gift from her for my Jane quilt as well.


These are the 4 blocks that I completed for the week.


every Quilt tells a story....