Block 3 of Benjamin Biggs

Here is my March block for the Benjamin Biggs sew-along.
I felt a need to slightly modify the original Cherry Wreath block because I'm making the quilt in Purple & Green reproduction prints.
Now my block looks like a wreath of purple berries.

I also decided to embroidery the berry stems on. I'd like to embellish more of the blocks with embroidery if an opportunity arrives. Tomorrow will be the pattern release date for Block #4. I'm looking forward to seeing which one it shall be.

And so ends my stitch work for the month of March!

every quilt tells a story....

Evening Stitch and my first Spring finish

My evening stitching project last week was the continuation of Sarah's Revival - Block 4. It's officially completed and added to my virtual quilt grid
(located on the right side bar of my blog).

I also made a cheerful 18" square Star pillow this first week of Spring.
The pattern is a Swirly Girls design and instead of using fabric selvages, I decided to strip piece the stars using a very pretty Cherry & Blossom fabric line called EMMA by Timeless Treasures.

Check out the darling Pom pom fringe!
I can't help but smile when I run my fingers across these whimsical puffs of vintage inspired dangling sweetness.

This was my first attempt at using Pom pom fringe.... but it's definately not my last. I see a few summer lap quilts and sofa accesories made in the very near future trimmed with Pom pom borders. (grin)

Wishing you all a fabulous start to Spring!

every quilt tells a story....

Evening Stitch progress for the week

I chose "Dutch Treat" as my evening stitch project this week.
Happy to say that I completed 4 of these petite blocks!
The book patterns are 4", mine are 5". (just slightly larger than my Jane blocks)
I want the quilt to lay nicely on top of a Queen size bed when it's finished.

The blocks are hand stitched using a method called Cut-Away or Reverse applique'. A pre-marked background fabric square is basted on TOP of a print fabric square. They start out looking like this:

As you cut away the background fabric, then turn the raw edges under and stitch along the marked lines - the pattern emerges from behind. These blocks can become addictive to sew.

I hope your week was wonderful!

every quilt tells a story...

Birthday Blessings

Yesterday was my birthday.
Not something I typically bang the pots to proclaim each year.
I tend to savor the day quietly and indulge in simple pleasures.

My husband stayed home from work to take me out for a special birthday lunch.
My sisters' called and sang to me.
My 3 year old grandson tells me "I yuv you Nana".

This gorgeous wool applique' Pin Keep was a hand made gift from my dear friend Sue. I was SO surprised and delighted when I opened it. A gift I will always treasure.
The beautiful flowers came from my friend Kelly Ann. All of my favorite blooms (how did she know?) and the perfume that fills the room is delicate, intoxicating and ever so lovely.

I am extremely grateful for all of these amazing gifts of affection!

And here is my birthday wish:

may each of YOUR lives be filled with gentle reminders of how special you are!

Block 2 with reservations, and sharing with friends

Here is my 2nd block of Benjamin Biggs. I'm calling it a happy finish.
Although I've cut and prepped the 4 corner rosebud & leaf sections I've decided not to add them.(at least for now) It will drive me crazy if the secondary pattern they create isn't uniform once I sew the blocks together. Either I'll sew them on as I assemble the rows - or I will come up with an alternate design idea.

So many of my quilting friends here in VA are making this quilt!

Just look at the gorgeous purple reproduction fabrics that JUDY gave to me for my Benjamin Biggs quilt. Judy is an incredibly talented quilter. We share a similar passion for small quilt blocks, small quilts, reproduction fabrics and we are both obsessed extremely fond of the Jane Stickle aka Dear Jane quilt. You can visit her blog Small Quilts and Doll Quilts by clicking on her name above or by clicking the link HERE.

I used one of the purple fabrics that Judy gifted to me for the tulip flowers in this block. It is such a sweet print and I like how it looked in the finished block. Here's a closer peek:

My dear friends Kathy & Irene surprised me with a show & tell of BOTH completed blocks last week. (sure wish I took a picture) :(
I'm going to start bringing my camera where ever I go.
You just never know who I might find with a B.B. block in their hands. lol

every quilt tells a story....

Some February finishes

February was such a short, busy and very snowy month here. I was affected by some sort of weather cancellation every week. But like so many other quilters - I adapted with needle in hand.(grin) Definately a Red & White themed month.

The picture above shows just a few of my completed projects for February.
I attended a Bag class taught by Lynne Daconte at Kelly Ann's shop and completed a darling Red & White tote, complete with a lovely pocket filled lining. This is the first of a series of bag classes. I plan to attend each one of them.

I also completed a dozen little Jane blocks, 2 new Quilt tops and am happy to announce that the very last block of my Calendar Girls quilt is completed.

NO... you are not seeing double! I really did make TWO redwork embroidery blocks and created pieced borders for them. One of the blocks is mine and the other I made for my friend SUE. I named the pieced border for this one Pathways to School & Home. Here are all my finished blocks ready for sashing:

I had so much fun coming up with border designs for all of these redwork blocks. There are a lot of fond memories already stitched into this project.

Wishing you continued success on all your Creative Endeavors!

every quilt tells a story...