Added link to Mary Lou Weidman's new blog "Mary Lou and Whimsy Too"

I follow Mary Lou Weidman and am planning my Story quilt using her inspiring books and website. She has started a new blog and asked followers to share her link. It is on top on the right side of my blog! Thanks Mary Lou for your inspiration!

Happy Father's Day - Fabric scrapbook art quilt

I finished my wall hanging from the Art Quilt class and gave it to DH for Father's Day. I was using fabric for scrapbooking. I used lots of brites to complement the glossy pics from our family photo shoot last October. The center black and white family pic is transferred to fabric. It is my focal point with the large polka dots. The glossy photos looked so good with the brites that I only transferred the one pic. I used grommets to hang with ribbon!

Story quilt

My current project is a sketch of my story quilt. No! I dont know what I am doing!!! but I usually dont! My quilts always start with a drawing of something in my head and proceed to be worked out as I go. I purchased Mary Lou Weidman's book " Out of the Box " a few months ago with the goal of making a story quilt. I decided to stop being afraid of starting so I took my sketch to my local stationary store and had my enlargements made. I have them all taped together and like the size.
 Next I will re-design the elements into more folk style whimsical shapes ( remember I have no idea if I am doing this right or not!!!) the one thing I know is I will be as decorative as possible, trying to recreate the scene from my favorite chair on my porch in my "Secret Garden".
Flowers and birds and bees etc, plus dresden flowers and pinwheels representing my sweet grandchildren. Chalk grafiti is always on the sidewalk with their names.  My favorite phrase " I love you a bushel, a peck and a hug around the neck", will also be included.
My fabrics are all stacked and waiting to make my first "Hoochie Mama" blocks. The instructions in the book look interesting. Bright colors and lots of contrast and polka dots and plaids will all go into my border blocks.
I ordered Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins book "Curl Up With Quilts" because they have a cute Schnauzer pattern to include our little furry kids. I think they will be playing hide and seek in the flower beds. My dream "gate" is at the end of the sidewalk. I always wanted a scalloped gate with a heart opening, because I want to hang bells in the heart. Well I can do it in a quilt even if I can't have one for real!
My favorite hand painted sandals are black with cherries ( a tribute to Mary Lou ). My capris will be bright prints.

What's on my design wall -

Yesterday I put all the blocks and borders on Lizzy Mae's Medallion! I have chosen to add an outside border to finish. Here is a pic - I have fallen totally in LOVE with this quilt. Of course all my quilts are my favorite colors and fabrics but there is something about this one that really makes me smile every time I look at it.

Borders for Lizzy Mae's Medallion

Today I made the borders for Lizzy Mae's Medallion. I love this quilt so much - I am surprised every time I look at it! Sounds crazy doesnt it!!! I sure wish it was all sewn together. Tomorrow I will size the blocks and begin construction. Thanks for following me and Lizzy Mae!

Happy Quilting!!!

                                                                          Colleen

Progress on Lizzy Mae!

All the 5" blocks are done, will start borders tomorrow. Since I usually design my quilts myself, I am a bit challenged with using a pattern. I got mixed up and somehow got the blocks for the inside row and outside row backwards. The borders will be as suggested in pattern, with tan and browns outlining the applique and the outer row of blocks.
Happy Quilting!!!
Colleen

WIP - Lizzy Mae's Medallion

Yesterday I started Lizzy Mae's Medallion blocks.

 The appliqued medallion is done by machine with a blanket stitch. The center has been done for several months. I have chosen to use 3 large prints in gradating values for the alternate blocks. The pattern by Lori Smith used subtle changes in value from lighter on the inside row of blocks to darkest on the outside row. My plan is to give my own twist to make a blended version of the pattern. (originally I purchased shades of teals for this quilt, but used them in my Feathered Star so I am using my stash for this quilt) The pattern finishes 60 sq. I am considering adding an appliqued border. I will post my design wall as it progresses.

Feathered Star quilt is finished!

New pics today with my camera, I think I have been lazy taking pics with my phone, these show the color so much better!

Yesterday I finished quilting my Feathered Star quilt. I made it to fit my dining table, it is the first quilt I have ever made for my table! For anyone who has not followed my blog, I took a workshop with Marsha McCloskey on March 28. Our guild had about 16 members in the workshop. That evening Marsha gave a slide presentation on Feathered Stars. She shared her many quilts with us in person and in slide show. What a treat to see her amazing works of art in person! On my Facebook profile page I have added an album of pics start to finish. Marsha has also added one of my first pics of the finished flimsy on her Facebook page, THANK YOU, MARSHA.

My Garden May 2011

The Hydrangeas are so beautiful I wanted to share with all you quilting bloggers! The mid morning shadows look magical, I think lots of fairies are also enjoying this morning in the garden.
Time to machine quilt! Learning to use my Bernina Stitch Regulator!
Happy Quilting!
Colleen

Happy Birthday Payten Hope 3 yr old

Strawberry Shortcake is finished, it will fit the top of Payten's big girl  bed ( full size) I washed and dried it this afternoon and the shrinkage is perfect and oh so soft! Later I will make her some pillow cases with Strawberry Shortcake trimmings.

I decided against the Bernina quilting frame because it would have been too large for my space. I did invest in a Bernina Stitch Regulator and I love it!!!

Bernina Quilting Frame question

Are any of you fabulous quilting bloggers using the Bernina quilting frame? I am considering purchasing one to use with my Bernina 430 and would love to hear your input, likes and dislikes etc. Thank you if you are able to respond to my post!
Colleen

Progress on Strawberry Shortcake Tea Party

Today I had so much fun with the Strawberry Shortcake Tea Party applique. The realistic strawberries brought it all to life and helped me make changes to improve the teapot too. I pinned up border ideas, need to recut to match the pattern or might use all 3 Strawberry Shortcake fabrics and make patchwork border. I really worked too long today I am really tired tonight but am happy with progress. Payten's bday party is May 14, so I need to choose backing ASAP!
Happy Quilting,
Colleen

Strawberry Shortcake tea party

Strawberry Shortcake tea party is ready! The strawberry fabric came yesterday afternoon, I was soooo ready to complete the cake etc. applique. I used monofilament thread and added some trim to the whipped cream, now to construct the blocks I have made and decide how much larger this quilt will finish. I have to have it ready for Payten's birthday party on May 14th. Friday and Sat of this week my Guild is having a sewing workshop to make more items to sell at our Festival in Sept.
Really tired now making a pot of coffee and will sew for a few more hours.
Happy Quilting!
Colleen

design wall Tuesday

Payten's Strawberry Shortcake quilt, today I changed the background for the applique and  added stripe borders. I like it much better now. The strawberry fabric came this afternoon so tomorrow I will be adding strawberry topping and filling to the cake.

Design wall Monday

Payten's Strawberry Shortcake quilt. Today I made new letters for machine applique. Also, trying out different sashing colors. Still waiting for the strawberry fabric. I really want to work on the cake!
Happy Quilting,
Colleen

Birthday quilt for Payten

My youngest grand daughter Payten will be 3 yrs old in 2 1/2 weeks, She wants a Strawberry Shortcake quilt so of course I have started it. Just playing today, still waiting on the strawberry fabric for the strawberry shortcake on the cake stand. Not sure I like the letters but will work more tomorrow. Some of the fabrics are left from her nursery bedding and window treatments so I am carrying those colors through to this quilt.

Traveling Raffle Quilt

This past week Guild members spent 3 days in Chickasha Oklahoma showing our Raffle quilt and selling chances and our cookbooks. The event was the "Hop the River Shop Hop". This is the best pic I have taken of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" 80 x 80".
It is my original design, I am so proud of it. The quilt has been traveling since mid November 2010 and will be shown at many venues until our Holiday Festival Sept 17, when it will be given to a lucky winner.  So far we have raised over $500 the proceeds will be used for future programming for our Guild. I have been asked to design another quilt for a raffle for our next quilt show Sept 2012. I know for sure it will have a feathered star medallion center to honor Marsha McCloskey. We were so fortunate to learn from her in a full day workshop and an amazing feathered star quilt presentation.
Happy quilting!!!
Colleen

44yrs ago today --- I share this Royal day with Kate

                                                April 29, 1967 age 17

Celebrating today with Earl Grey Tea
 Our wedding reception napkin

Happy Royal Wedding Day!
Happy FMQ,
Happy Quilting!!!
Colleen

Sweet little Cottage Quilt

I made this little quilt for the Festival. It can be used at a table square or a baby quilt. Very nostalgic storybook like scenes. I love the purples and yellows!

Another Auction quilt finished

This lap quilt is 65" x 65", it will be included in fundraiser auction for my Guild at our Festival in September.The design is in American Patchwork and Quilting magazine Dec. 2009 on the cover.
Happy Quilting!
Colleen