Farmers Wife

Resistance was futile try as I may - love won out this time.
I'm referring of course to the Farmer's Wife 1930's sew along.

I've been collecting shirtings and 1930's Conversational Shirtings for many years. I want these to be the main theme of my quilt. So I'm pairing them with solid fabrics in colors of sky, fields and rain. To soften the mix I'm adding in a wash of batiks in various shades of pond colors.

Here are my first 2 blocks. I really love the stories tied into them and am trying to have my blocks reflect the sentiments of these Farmer's Wives.

Emancipation, living as free as a butterfly

Lovingkindness - Rain for the Soul

every quilt tells a story...

The Countdown Begins...

The Shenandoah Valley Botanical Album Quilt Sew Along begins in just 7 days!
We've created a blog button for Participants and Cheerleaders to share.
Grab the button below to let your followers know you are supporting the Virginia Quilt Museum.

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With over 8,000 visits to the site these past few weeks, we are very excited and appreciative for such Global support!

every quilt tells a story....

September Treats and Fabric Reveals

I've completed my 2 Dutch Treat blocks with nearly half a month left.

Normally, I would pick up another square set and work on an extra block.
But this is not a typical month - The Shenandoah Valley Botanical Album Sew Along begins 2 weeks from today!

I'm extremely excited for the Sew Along to begin!
Quilters have signed up from across the United States and as far away as Australia, The Netherlands, Israel, Europe, etc.
It will be fascinating to see all the block interpretations and fabric choices.

Speaking of fabric choices, I've decided to share MY fabric selection for this quilt. I've always loved Red & Green quilts, but have found those rare Red & Tan quilts especially endearing. Most likely they started off Red & Green but the unstable green dyes faded to tan.

I've been collecting French General fabrics for 7 or 8 years now and have developed quite an impressive stash of their fabrics in Red & Taupe.
I want my quilt to have the look and feel of a French aged Beauty!

But that's not the only fabric reveal I have to share.
There are 7 quilt shops across Virginia and Maryland that are offering block & quilt kits for the SVBAQ Sew Along.

One of the shops is offering a collection they are calling Fresh Vintage, it marries together 1930's prints with Lori Holt's latest collection. You can purchase this as a full kit or make 11 monthly payments.

Another shop is offering a refreshing Modern fabric kit (as one kit option).
They are offering individual block kits for 23 months.Check out their sample block:

Most of the shops are offering these kits in several fabric styles.
If you are looking for your own inspirational collection, then please be sure to visit the list of participating shops found HERE.
Call me crazy, but I plan on making a 2nd quilt from a shop kit - can you guess what fabric theme I chose?

You can find more information on this FREE Quilt Study and Sew Along blog
here: http://svbotanicalquilt.blogspot.com/
And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shenvalleybotanicalquiltsewalong
Whether you're a Participant or a Cheerleader - ALL are Welcome to join!

because every quilt tells a story...

A New Beginning for our Quilt Guild

I belong to an awesome Guild here in Northern Virginia!
A member of the Centreville chapter of Quilter's Unlimited, today is an exciting day. After a 2 month break, tonight is the first meeting of our New Year.

One of the many activities we offer is a Block of the Month program.
My friend Lisa is the committee chair & hostess for this upcoming year.
Each month a new block is presented for guild members to make.
It's a wonderful way to stretch your sewing skills and try new techniques.

This year, I've decided make all of the blocks to create a Sampler Quilt.
I have no idea what the block designs will be each month, but I've pulled from my stash a variety of blue, brown, tan & cheddar prints that I think play nicely together. I will use a collection of creamy tonal prints from P&B's Apple Cider collection for the backgrounds.

And here is my finished September block to bring to the meeting for Show & Tell.
It's an original block design by Lisa called "Back to Spools".

every quilt tells a story...

Little Treats for August

No matter where the month may lead, I'm determined to keep up with 2 blocks per month for my Dutch Treat quilt. Happy to say I finished these 2 in August.

Some exciting beginnings occurred in August; my grandson started Pre-K/nursery school. Just the mention of school had him on edge the day before.

Daddy took his hand as he walked up the path.
And of course Mama was sitting just outside the door when school was over.
A day of tears and ultimately smiles

My..Oh..My, Where does time Fly???
I hope your August was AWESOME!