Austin Bluebird Sampler Sections One Through Four

Here is the second big applique block for the "Austin Bluebird Sampler" quilt (designed by Minnick and Simspson).  This block is definitely more work involved than the first applique block.

I completed all the blocks for sections one through four and have them on the design wall.

I am well into section five.  This section is pieced blocks only.  The sections are designed so that at the end of section six, you have half the quilt together from top left to bottom left.  Then the next six sections form the right side of the quilt.  The instructions have been good thus far.  The first bird applique block is still my favorite.

I purchased the quilt in kit form so I have all the fabrics and patterns at once.  There are cutting guides to tell you what size pieces to cut from each fabric so that you can create your own kit sections.  The cuts are generous.  I used a Frixion pen to write on the very edge of each piece the size of the cut and which section it belongs to.  When I get to the instructions for each section, I follow the list and pull out the fabric pieces from the stack that belong to that section.  Having the measurements and section number on each has really helped in keeping things straight.

I think I will do a little embroidery tonight and then finish section five tomorrow.
Karen

Austin Bluebird Sampler Month One

The first month's section of the "Austin Bluebird Sampler" quilt is done.  A big section.

I have never seen a tree with both pears and cherries growing on it!  The applique block is 18 inches square.  With the pieced blocks added on, the measurements for the section are 24 by 21, if I remember correctly.  Since I have a whole kit and not doing it as a block of the month, I will move on to the next section very soon.  It is an all pieced blocks section.

Karen

Whatnots

I used Cheri's "Whatnots" pattern to make this quilt top.  It is ready for basting and then quilting.  I wanted it to look old so I used muted fabrics.  Many of them are reproduction fabrics.  I got to use some of my 1 1/2 inch squares that I have been saving for a good while to make the center section of the quilt.

Have a happy Valentine's Day!
Karen

Noah and Matilda Plus Catherine

My latest Noah and Matilda blocks.

And the third Catherine's Garden block.  I am using pinks and browns and touches of other colors as I go along.

The first two blocks I made are shown here in a previous post.  You can follow this link to Dawn's blog post about the block of the month patterns.

You will find me in the sewing room today.
Karen

Maple Sugar Hearts and More

A finished wall hanging.  It is made from a pattern in 101 Fabulous Small Quilts called "Maple Sugar Hearts".  The designer is Karen Costello Soltys.  I have been on a pink and brown kick and found all these fabrics in my stash.  I grew up in Ohio very close to where maple trees are tapped for making maple sugar syrup.  The pattern name makes me think of that.

I only had part of a fat quarter of the bird fabric used on the border so I added another brown to stretch it out.  Wish I had more of the bird fabric.  The heart quilt is finished with a combination of machine quilting and big stitch hand quilting.

I also finished a wool mat.  I took a free design that I think was meant for punch needle and enlarged it enough to make this wool mat.  The design did not have a signature on it but I think it came from Bird In Hand Primitives.  If you know differently, please let me know.  I cannot find it available any longer.

Lots of stitching going on here!
Karen

Two Cheri Designs

I am working on two different pattern designs by Cheri.  The first is "Live Simply".  I have the top completed.  A nice size wall hanging.  I just recently purchased the border stripe.  It is a Jo Morton fabric.  Worked well for this piece though I had no idea what I would use it for when I made the purchase.

Next, I made the first four blocks for "Common Threads".  The quilt is divided into eight patterns.  I just ordered the last one a few days ago.  There will be sashing between all the blocks in the final setting.  Each pattern for the main body of the quilt has four pieced blocks and one applique block.  This is the first time I have added a chain stitch around shapes in a pattern as I did around the leaf centers.  The pattern is prim in style.  Thus the sort of flying geese blocks that are different angles.

Cathy from Big Lake Quilter blog is also making the same quilt.  You can see her first set of blocks here.

What shall I work on today?  Too many choices.
Karen

A Little of What I Am Working On

I have several projects in the works.  I will share some pictures of four of them.

First is from 1851 Coverlet Memories pattern.  I cut out the applique shapes last summer and intended to work on the applique on vacation.  I discovered that I needed more room to spread out to line up the pieces on the background.  I had a glue stick with me but it was not holding the shapes to the background well enough.  The applique pins I was using kept stabbing me as I tried to maneuver the background in my hands to reach the shape I was working on.  I did some basting to hold shapes in place.  Then the lighting was not good enough so I gave up and moved onto another project.  I am finally getting back to the quilt.  I basted more shapes on but there are more to add above the top row you see now.  I decided to finish the applique on what is already attached with basting stitches before adding any more.  The pattern I am using is from Temecula Quilt Co.

The next piece is ready for hand quilting.  It is a free design from Jeni at the Willow.  I think it was something I received when I renewed my subscription.  I was inspired by Audrey from Quilty Folks when she was adding pink to her log cabin blocks.

Next is two blocks out of four that are part of a Cheri pattern called "Live Simply"  The blocks stitch up fast.

The last project I am sharing today are the twelve blocks from a Primitive Gatherings design.  I need to add sashing and then an applique border.  I have not prepared the wool applique parts for the border.

This is not all that I am working on but some that I had not shared in the past.  I am having trouble keeping track of everything.  I am finding pieces and parts when cleaning up and wondering what they go to.  Slowly figuring it out.

Karen

Flags of the American Revolution Final Blocks

I finished making the last of my blocks for the "Flags of the American Revolution" quilt top.  Now I need to trim them and sew everything together.  I am linking to Lori's blog.   She has pictures and links to what other participants in the sew-along have done this past month.

I have other quilt projects to share but will save them for the next post.

Karen