divadiversion

Same Pattern – Two Executions

Posted on July 29, 2022 by divadiversion

It never ceases to amaze me how the exact same pattern can look so different by switching the fabrics.

Several years this pattern was introduced to me while I was on retreat with my sister Terry. One of her buddies (Cindy) was making this out of a gorgeous black speckled batik and a bright color that I’m having difficulty remembering right now. The thing that struck me was how simple the pattern was and how complex it looked.

The pattern is called Rolling Waves and it was offered in the MCcalls Quick Quilts magazine in September of 2008. Today it is still one of my favorites. Although not as “quick” as some, it is easy. As Cindy says you do get weary of making the same block over and over, but the practice is good and the reward is great. Just put on an audio book and go for it. Or break it down into warm up blocks. Before you know it you are done.

Using only two fabrics, this is what I completed. The first time I did this it was for a quilt for my mom. Hers too was made using only two fabrics.

Then I looked through my scrap pile and thought “What if?” Seriously, don’t the best ideas start with “What if”! So I sorted through and pulled out all of my low volume black and whites and my solids and blenders and started to work.

Isn’t this a fun quilt! I just love the way it worked up. And all the motion that the pattern creates is fascinating to me.

The pattern consists of three different nine patch blocks so this pattern is truly beginner friendly. And as you can see it can also be scrap happy.

I love the way each of these quilts worked up, and can see myself doing this again in the not too near future. Terry Burris Quilting did the quilting on both of these pieces.

Although I do not have this pattern available I’m pretty certain you can find it on the Quilting Daily Website or the McCalls free quilting patterns website.

However, if you are looking for a quilt pattern to inspire you, I have several wonderful quilt books available at the vintagevacouple etsy store. All are used and deeply discounted. Use the code DIVADIVERSION10 when you check out for an additional 10% discount.

Til next time…piece!

Posted in Etsy, Nine Patch, Quilting, Scraps, simple, Terry Burris Quilting, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Inspiring Visitor

Posted on August 1, 2021 by divadiversion

It had been over two years since we had been together at the same place at the same time. And at that time we were going through one of the most difficult challenges in our lives. Yes we chatted and face timed since then, but it just doesn’t hit the same spot as when you get to hug and giggle and share a meal and inspiration. I was blessed this past week by a visit from my sister Terry of Terry Burris Quilting.

We filled our days with walks in the neighborhood and at the James River. We went to not one but three different local quilt shops, and one of those we actually visited twice. And we enjoyed the beauty that we shared at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Center here in Richmond. Seriously, there was a lot to be inspired by with the generous blossoms so full of color and the picture perfect day. Truly, it was a creative way to get in great walk in a gorgeous setting.

Terry came with suitcases of pretties. And quilts ready for me to bind. I couldn’t have been happier.

I’ve loved this pattern for a long time. It is Scrappy Mountains Majesty (Delectable Mountains) and can be found on Bonnie Hunters Quiltville Blog as a free PDF (seriously lots of cool stuff found there) https://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/scrappy-mountain-majesties.html. I pieced this using thrifted mens shirts. The shirts are a joy to work with. They behave just like the quilting cotton I am accustomed to using. And the blocks were fun to piece. Terry used and edge to edge quilting pattern called mist by Keryn Emmerson. Yesterday I shared photos of these pictures in the Upcycled Cloth Collectcive Group on Facebook. Imagine my surprise when I was over 1600 responses, 122 comments and 27 shares. I never imagined it would garnish that much attention. Needless to say I am overwhelmed and grateful and inspired to create even more. It would not be complete however if it wasn’t for my sister and her quilting skills. For which I am incredibly grateful.

And check this out

Whimsical Quilt made with thrifted materials

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE how fabulous this Whimsical Quilt finished! Thrifted denim as well as upholstery and drapery samples were employed to built this simple but gorgeous piece. The free pattern is available here: https://fabshophop.com/free-pattern-whimsical-quilt.asp. I had a piece of flannel in my stash that was big enough and related well enough to the front to use on the back. And lets talk about the perfect quilting design. This edge to edge design is called Hickory Dickory and I can’t thank Terry enough for suggesting it! Seriously though, if you are in a pinch and looking for a simple quilt that goes together in a flash – this pattern is for you!

So, Terry has moved on to her next visit with promises to return. I am totally inspired by her stay and all the work we completed on our individual and collaborative projects while we were together and can’t wait to do it again.

I hope you all have a dear family member or friend that you can share your passion with, that inspires and encourages you.

Piece.

Posted in Accomplishments, Denim, Family, Quilting, recycling, simple, Terry Burris Quilting, Uncategorized | Tagged quilting, upcycle | Leave a comment

Etsy, I Heart This

Posted on June 23, 2021 by divadiversion

And it’s finished! Adorable Nine-Patch Heart Quilts. This has been on my list for a little while now. I’ve been beefing up my “Nine Patch The Humble Workhorse” presentation and wanted to recreate the Nine Patch heart quilt I did several years ago. I looked here and there and just could not locate the original pattern that I used.

But low and behold, Megan Collins started a QAL using her newly designed Heart & Stitches pattern. The pattern had everything I needed to recreate my quilt from decades ago. Now I do have a disclaimer, the Heart & Stitches Pattern does NOT include a Nine-Patch. However, there is a nice square space to perfectly fit a Nine-Patch in. If you are interested in the Heart & Stitches pattern check it out here: creative quilt design by MeganCollinsQuilts on Etsy

Love & Stitches Pattern available from Megan Collins

This is a great pattern for beginners and intermediates alike. It is a nice introduction into curved piecing and Megan makes it easy.

I pulled out my fabrics and saw on my friend Annie Morgans Etsy NineMileQuilts (etsy.com) site that she had some of the prints that were from the same family my chosen fabrics. The fabrics were priced affordably, I ordered them and they arrived very quickly. Talk about “Happy Mail”!

A word about Etsy. There are some wonderful creatives out there with beautiful patterns, used books and fabric to offer. If you are looking for something special, give Etsy a try.

A few weeks ago they had their debut so now I can show them

Hearts to Share is now part of my Nine-Patch Humble Workhorse inventory. I love how it came together. Terry Burris Quilting did the Edge to Edge Quilting on this piece. Although tempted to do a keyboard border I opted for a scrappy border instead. You can see how perfectly that Nine-Patch fits into the Hearts & Stitches block.

This quilt contains all of the extra blocks I made and will go to one of the charity groups here in Richmond for a wee one to play on or cuddle in. Quilting on this was done by Cheryl Maddern. I just love the scrappy binding on this one, it makes my heart smile.

Keep cool and share the love.

Posted in Accomplishments, Etsy, Nine Patch, Quilting, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

In Honor of Earth Day

Posted on April 23, 2021 by divadiversion

What do you recycle?

Those that know me, know that sometimes I have a difficult time just disposing of things. I’m often thinking that there is more life to some of the things we discard. (Not quite a hoarder depending on who you ask)

For YEARS I have saves wine foils. Those things that are on the necks of wine bottles. Now sometimes those foils are plastic and they aren’t very good to work with. However the true foils are wonderful.

Initially, I was making foil chains. Like garland to go on a Christmas tree. It is a little labor intensive, but not difficult. Do you remember making chains out of gum wrappers when you were in your early teens? I do, and the method is similar.

So instead of folding the foils like we did the gum wrappers, I cut them into strips.

After I had strips to work with I would fold them and create the chain.

As I stated this isn’t difficult, but a bit time consuming and not very exciting. The chains are also somewhat fragile because some wine foils are not as good as others. I will finish these as they look wicked cute on a holiday tree.

So I was ready to find something different to do with the foils. I make ornaments using fabric and they are quite nice, and I thought why not try using the foils.

And this is what I came up with.

There are some colors that are more popular than others. And every foil is silver on the reverse.

These “rainbow” ones are fun to look at. I’m tactile, and just love the way they feel in my hands. I’m just needing to figure out how to “top” them, so the design for hanging them isn’t intrusive or looking like it was just an add on.

But just think, these foils did not end up in the land fill!

If I’m going to make very many of these, I’m going to have to drink faster.

Posted in recycling, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Not a Great Start – falq1finish falq2list

Posted on April 7, 2021 by divadiversion

So close yet so not done. It’s all good though because it will just make the next quarter finishes that much sweeter.

Mountains Majesty saw some real progress with all of the blocks constructed, put into rows and the rows into a top. When I layed it out though, it isn’t as wide as I want it. For bed quilts I like the quilt to cover the flat sheet or at least all of the mattress. My fix for this is to add a 3 1/2 in border all around. I’m good with that, it will be off to the quilter before the month ends.

Fretwork. Heavy sigh, I just have a few more inches to quilt, and then I need to make a binding and apply it. There is a reason I send my quilting out. This too will be done before the beginning of May.

My third piece was Karen’s Sunflowers. I need to get more pearle cotton for the knots and quilting. I will have to dedicate time to this daily once the thread comes in.

Onto Quarter 2! My blue and brown pineapple quilt made with neckties is in the queue. There are about a dozen blocks completed and I need about 4 dozen more. Then they will be sewn together and sent off to the longarmer.

More blue and brown necktie work. These are little squares to go together to make pillow tops. They are little things about 3″ each and go together quickly. About 100 of them make a pair of pillows. I’m going to see how far I get with the ridiculous amount of tie scrap I have.

This poor thing has been hanging on the back of my powder room door awaiting attention. My intent is to make about 60 more blocks put them together have it quilted and donate it to charity. Many of these fabrics came from a facebook scrap exchange from over 10 years ago. It’s time this project got done.

My studio organizing has not been very successful either. I better invite my sister down, that will motivate me. Don’t want to have her see my mess!

Hoping for good weather, everyone to stay healthy, maybe an opportunity to safely sewcialize by the end of the next quarter.

Stay Safe

Piece.

Posted in Accomplishments, American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge, Challenges, Charity Quilts, Fabric exchange, Finish-A-Long, Quilting, recycling, Scraps, simple, Terry Burris Quilting, Ties, UFO's, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

February Flannel Finishes

Posted on February 18, 2021 by divadiversion

There is nothing cozier than flannel! Warm and comforting, soft and snuggly. And to finish these pieces during flannel season is truly a win!

Two of these log cabin quilts were started “several” years ago. The fabrics called to me and I made one and gifted it, then started the other two. When I stumbled across the bag and saw how far I had gotten with them I just had to finish them.

The Log Cabin centers are an adorable house fabric where the houses look cross stitched.

One of the quilts has a cabbage rose border fabric and the other a sweet brown and green floral print flannel. Both are backed with flannel as well and the batting in these is a warm wonderful wool. Terry Burris Quilting did a superb job longarming these beauties. Those posies on the back of the cabbage rose quilt are very pretty.

But that wasn’t all! While I had the flannel yardage box out I decided I would start yet another quilt that I had had my eyes on for many years. It came from the book Quilts From Aunt Amy put out by Country Threads and the quilt is called 21st Century Bullseye. I really wanted to get this done for my daughter as she is living “up north” where there really is a winter season. Well I got it done! And delivered in time for winter use!

Meaghans Bullseye Quilt made from cozy flannel.

As you can see it is an easy quilt without looking plain or simple. And as it ages and gets washed (cold water gentle cycle), the circles will fray and it will look even cozier!

To add to the warmth, there is a warm and wonderful wool batting. Terry Burris Quilting did the longarming on this one. I just adore the quilting on this!

In order not to be distracted by the flannel to do yet another log cabin (I had done another prior to these two), you will find all of my scraps for the log cabin quilt (24 two inch strips as well as over 2 yards in pieces, more than 225″ in binding and a whole bunch of usable scrap) in the vintagevacouple shop on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/listing/963149895/log-cabin-flannel-bundle

Also if you are more interested in a finished flannel quilt, you can find them at vintagevacouple@etsy too.

Posted in Accomplishments, American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge, Flannel, Scraps, simple, Terry Burris Quilting, Uncategorized, Wool | Tagged Flannel Quilts, Terry Burris Quilting, Wool Batting | 4 Comments

Do you want to join the fun?

Posted on December 14, 2020 by divadiversion

As I was going through my UFO lists, I thought I might share my thoughts.

It’s been a productive year. The lists have helped keep me on track. And as a byproduct of living during a pandemic, I was provided with a way to turn my thoughts to more pleasant things.

Participating in the American Patchwork quilting UFO Challenge has provided a bit of social media comradery. These folks cheer each other along, offer suggestions and tips when asked and can really provide some inspiration as you watch them finish their creations.

I had 12 projects on my American Patchwork and Quilting UFO Challenge list and I completed 10 of them. Yes, that’s 10 quilts from that list. The other two just didn’t happen.

Now I also had my FINISHALONG list. They were not as active this year because it was a challenge getting sponsors. Still, many of us created lists posted our challenges and our finishes. This list had over 80 projects on it (the 12 projects from APQ were also on this list). So that was 18 finishes off of that list.

This year I finished 19 quilts completely – one of these was not on any list. It just creeped in there. And I have 5 quilts at the longarmers (two of these weren’t on any list) and 2 others ready to go (these were new work also). Now that IS progress. Because we get distracted and new work always looks so much more interesting than a UFO, you have to expect to fall off the tracks once in a while!

How can I do this? Well, being retired helps. I go into my sewing room most mornings and come out for lunch. I might go back in for a couple of hours in the afternoon. This year with travel and visiting being minimal, I spent a lot of time in there. It is my happy place.

If you are interested in creating your list for next year – please do! I’ll cheer you along! Go to: https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/how-to-qilt/finishing/2021-ufo-challenge and read all about it. Download your PDF and create your list. There were also monthly and organization challenges that I did not take advantage of last year. After walking through my sewing room, I’m thinking this might need to be a priority for 2021. Join the Facebook Group, show your work!

I’ll share the information when it comes out about the Finishalong.

And here is the list for 2021!

Posted in Accomplishments, American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge, Challenges, Finish-A-Long, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Sunday Dinner Good

Posted on November 22, 2020 by divadiversion

Sometimes you stumble on a dish that is just so good that it elevates a weeknight. I call that “Sunday Dinner Good”. It’s the kind of dish you would be proud to serve a guest.

Now, I will confess, I’ve never been a squash lover. But this, this is just so good. Not only is it delicious, it is beautiful to look at!

It takes about 15 minutes to prep and cooks for about an hour depending on how big your squash is.

If you are interested in the recipe you can find it here: ORGANIC ALLSPICE ACORN SQUASH WITH FRUIT & NUTS recipe | Epicurious.com

After making this a few times I’ve made a couple of changes to the recipe.

I use a cookie sheet covered with foil for easy clean up.

I use what apples I have available, if I have 2 Granny Smiths, that’s what I use. If I have two Honeycrisp that’s what I use. If I have one of each – GREAT.

I don’t add the salt.

Pecans make a great substitute for the walnuts.

It really doesn’t need the poppy seeds.

In my humble opinion, maple syrup makes a better garnish than the honey.

Seriously, this is “GET IN MY BELLY!” GOOD.

I would be delighted to hear if you try this, and what you think.

Posted in Food, Uncategorized | Tagged Food, Side dishes | Leave a comment

Fabulous Friday Finishes

Posted on August 14, 2020 by divadiversion

Yup, I’m bragging a bit. Tooting my horn and Terry’s too! I got this back and bound and it’s hanging in my bedroom.

Sharp Dressed Man was pieced last year. The circles are made from neckties that have been sewn to a foundation and then pieced into the backgrounds. Those backgrounds are shirts. There are over 216 ties that were used in this quilt. Each of the circles has 24 pieces. Of course you will see smaller pieces of the same ties in another project in the works. “Waste not want not”. I also bound it with neckties. Terry Burris quilted this for me and I couldn’t be more smitten.

My Smart Dressed Hubby making sure My Smart Dressed Man is hanging straight. Photo to the right is block detail. If you think you might like to make your own and need some neckties, I have bags of them for sale at VintageVaCouple on Etsy.

Aromatic is a quilt from a book I bought from Nancy’s Notions after watching an episode one Sunday morning. It’s a lovely book and you will probably see at least one more quilt from this book in the future. The book is Rainbow Quilts For Scrap Lovers by Judy Gauthier. A few months ago I made Fretwork from this book. What I loved about this pattern was the simple construction, the scrappiness without being chaotic and how generously sized each block is. The backing is from American Quilters Society and it is perfect for this project (so perfect I wish I had bought more). The quilting Terry Burris did on this is gorgeous without being intrusive. I adore this quilt.

These were not on my UFO or Finishalong list but I just had to make them. These adorable Holiday Stars are wonderful for the tree, packages, and to decorate a wreath. And they are not just for Christmas, think wreaths, package add ons. I’ve seen a few with some fabulous machine embroidery and they are pretty fancy. See more at Poorhouse Designs on Facebook. If you can’t find the pattern at your local quilt shop give a shout out to Kris Poorhouse.

That’s all the progress I have for now.

What’s under your needle?

Posted in Accomplishments, American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge, Finish-A-Long, Quilting, recycling, Scraps, Terry Burris Quilting, UFO's, Uncategorized | Tagged Holiday Ornaments, Rainbow Quilt, ties, upcycle | 2 Comments

Book Work

Posted on December 29, 2019 by divadiversion

Some people iron as they need something to wear, I iron on Sunday morning. And I sit while I’m pressing away with the television on. Most Sundays I am entertained by Jane Pauley as I watch Sunday Morning. This has been my habit for at least a decade. Maybe two. But if there is more pressing time than Jane time I’ll watch Sewing With Nancy or Quilting Arts.

Sewing With Nancy is entertaining and provides some simple approachable lessons, and there are retail opportunities to purchase the products that the program is focused on from Nancy’s Notions. Of course, if your are a good note taker you don’t have to purchase, but again, the opportunity is there. Much earlier this year I was watching and this creative quilter, Judy Gauthier, was Nancy’s guest. She showed this adorable quilt called Packages, Boxes, and Bows. Very colorful and a great use of scraps. So was her Color Brick Road and Rectangles Squared quilts. But she got me with Fretwork.

I enjoyed working on this so much that I made two tops and cut a third. This will be a wonderful charity quilt! This is my smaller version.

The instructions are for a baby quilt that finishes at 60 1/2 x 75 1/2 which I find huge for a baby quilt. When I finished the first top I decided that for my purposes it doesn’t need to be that big. Mine is 45 1/2 x 60 1/2 and plenty big enough for me to quilt. It’s also a great size to have in the vehicle or for a toddler to drag around.

You’ve got to love the simplicity of a nine patch!

The “pieced” blocks are done reverse applique, and we are instructed not to overthink the process and allow the blocks to be wonky to add more whimsy and visual interest.

What I liked was I had everything I needed. I didn’t have to go to the store as the pieces are small 5 1/2″ squares and 4 1/2″ squares. What made me a little uncomfortable was the chance that there might be some raw edges in the corners if I didn’t pay close enough attention to that pressing. Then again, these are not meant to be heirloom pieces, just working quilts.

And look what I had in my stash for the back!

Was this perfect!?! I’m over the moon that it’s done.

The name of the book is Rainbow Quilts for Scrap Lovers by Judy Gauthier. You can get it at Nancy’s Notions, https://www.nancysnotions.com as well as other retailers. The book was released in 2017 so it might even be at your local quilt shop.

There will be others to show from this book in the next couple of years.

Oh, and have a Happy New Year!

Posted in Accomplishments, Charity Quilts, Fabric exchange, Nine Patch, Quilting, simple, Uncategorized | Tagged Baby Quilts, Books | 8 Comments

There was progress in August!

Posted on September 6, 2019 by divadiversion

One thing that got done was my one monthly goal with Quilters Corner. I quilted and put the binding on the double four patch baby quilt!

This simple block is a standard beginner block and it was a joy to put together. The quilting is done in diagonal straight lines using a standard weight thread alternating red with yellow. Generally it takes me a few evenings in front of the television to get a binding finished. Looking at this, it looked like I could stitch it down by machine. And I did. Seriously, why hadn’t I thought of this earlier. Instead of taking a few evenings it took less than an hour and no one is going to notice. This is a charity quilt that I’m hoping will be well used and laundered and dragged around. Although not very babyish, it measures 36″ x 47″ and it does have color.

Well that wasn’t the only thing I got done. There was mad progress on my Kinship Fusion quilt a long!

100 blocks 100 days Kinship Fusion Quilt-a-long

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with this one. It has been a blast to participate and such an inspiration to see how other quilters have interpreted the blocks in fabric. I’ve used what I have on hand and I’ve dubbed this “selective scrap”. The color story reminds me a bit of Froot Loops. If you would like to take a peek at how others are working their blocks out, go to Instagram and check out #100blocks100days2019. There are over 3900 posts! There are many people participating from all over the world! Check out Gnome Angel at https://www.gnomeangel.com for more inspiration about this project and others.

But wait there’s more! I finished a “two-fer”! This was a piece from several years ago that I finally sent off to Terry Burris Quilting. Well it’s back and I put a binding on it and it to is now complete!

Paper lanterns.

When you flip the Paper Lanterns quilt over you get a more serene look. The panel is beautifully framed by the Asian inspired prints.

The lantern block was very simple to construct and made good use of the prints I had collected over the years.

Although I don’t recall exactly where I found the block pattern, I suspect it was a magazine from about 10 to 12 years ago.

I also had a wonderful time with my friend Susan who came down and we had quilt camp. She was working on her pizza box project. I kind of got involved in that too.

First Audition of Susans Pizza Box Quilt

This may not be how she assembles it, but it sure did give me ideas on what to do with some of my 2 1/2″ squares. I was totally smitten!

Hope your bobbins are full and you too are making progress!

Posted in Accomplishments, Challenges, Charity Quilts, Quilting, simple, Uncategorized | Tagged 100Blocks100Days2019, Kinship Fusion | 6 Comments

Two Simply Fabulous Finishes

Posted on November 22, 2022 by divadiversion

It started with an invitation a baby shower. Although I realized beloved and I would be away for the event, I knew I wanted to send something special.

So much creativity starts with a mess. I was pulling fabrics and settled on what I thought I wanted. There were animals and bright colors and fish and a quiet grey that pulled it all together. The pattern although flawed but free. Still in spite of the flaw, the correction was easy and the piece went together well. I thought perhaps it was “user error”.

And then I walked back into the closet and found fabrics even more appropriate for the nursery of this precious little bundle. I cut and sewed and verified that there was a flaw and it wasn’t “user error”, but still the top went together beautifully with one simple correction.

Can I tell you the name of the pattern? Nope, I decided that there were bunches of patterns out there to choose from and recycled the pattern. I can tell you it was offered as a free pattern in 2013 from one of the fabric sites.

Prior to leaving for vacation I dropped them with the quilter with my ideas about quilting knowing that the quilts were in good hands.

Quilt One I am calling City Zoo. I love the varied animal prints, and the “blender” prints I used. Seriously those hippos and blue monkeys and alligators look so friendly!

The backing is pieced. I didn’t have enough of the animal wreaths, but the companion print worked nicely with it. The affirmations in the wreaths though fill my heart with joy! “You make the world a better place” “you are pure delight” “my heart adores your heart”. Honestly I’d love to put this soft message on the back of all my baby quilts! I should have bought a bolt, but alas, it’s all gone. The flannel is cozy soft and the quilt is bound in flannel as well.

The quilting pattern used by Deanna from Creative Quilting is a variation of the City Windows edge to edge pattern and per my request she quilted it in grey thread.

This sweet generously sized baby quilt can be found for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagevacouple Click on quilts and you will find this and many other quilts pieced by me and quilted by one of my trusted quilters.

Quilt Two is Bespoke Water Baby. There are two different mermaid prints as well as two different sea horse prints. There is a fabulous octopus and some of Dear Stella’s whales.

All of these are surrounded by schools of fish (by far one of my favorite prints ever!). On the back is more Dear Stella fabric, some anchors and some fish. Deanna quilted this with a design that we are calling “Moving Seaweed with Fish” It is an adapted edge to edge design she did specifically for this quilt. There is a fish in most every blocks. This will be in the mail tomorrow.

It was such a delight to be able to start and finish something with less than 40 hours of committment. I’m going to have to do something a little less involved (like these) once in a while!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Summer Class Work

Posted on September 15, 2022 by divadiversion

This summer I took a class with my friend Sandy through the Virginia Consortium of Quilters. The Consortium meets four times a year, twice in person and twice via Zoom. The meeting for this class was in Culpeper, VA. I love Culpeper! There are several wonderful antique shops and an Amish store with lots of interesting tasty delights and a wide variety of restaurants. We stayed two nights so we could take advantage of the location and drive home well rested after class.

Our class was Modern Hexigon Table Runner. I took it because the sample photo was cute. That was in spite of the fact that I had sworn off hexies. Several years ago I tried my hand at EPP hexies and I lost interest quickly as my hand stitching is somewhat inconsistent and the project moved incredibly slowly. But this was promising and looked finishable.

We started right in as the class was full and took up two classrooms. That being said, never once did I feel that the instructor was overwhelmed. She was organized, her instructions were clear and she was available to any and all of us to answer questions.

I brought my fabrics precut, got my hexies pressed and glued and ready to go.

Because of electrical issues we all shared irons. That didn’t really hold anyone up. Sandy had brought a cute little iron that we could use at our work table, which was very helpful. She is a great travel and quilting buddy, she thinks of all the stuff and is very organized!

These gorgeous French General fabrics are what Sandy worked with. I love how the look against the white.

It was exciting to see what everyone brought with them to work with.

We worked on our runners all day and even a little at the hotel that evening. I promptly brought mine home and put it aside to continue of another project I was working on.

Finally this week I have a finished table runner to share.

My Garden Variety Table Runner is complete.

I had so much fun working with this fabric. It truly pleased me that I had it in my stash and now it is in a cute “finish”. My difficulty was laying my hexies out so there was a consistent quarter inch in between each of them which then affected my quilting. Practice makes better, so maybe I will try this again.

If you have any ties to Virginia and enjoy quilting I would highly recommend joining the Virginia Consortium of Quilters. With the classes and meetings and retreat you will be inspired and meet many others interested in the craft we love so much. Check them out at https://www.vcq.org and I hope to see you there sometime soon.

Posted in Accomplishments, Food, Hexis, Quilting, Scraps, table runners, Uncategorized | Tagged Virginia Consortium of Quilters | 4 Comments

A Puzzling Quandry

Posted on September 10, 2022 by divadiversion

One of my favorite quilting buddies and I visited a local quilt shop a few months ago. It was my first time in the shop. Our area has five independent quilt shops which is a wealth of inspiration. All the shops have their own niche. We also have two JoAnnes and a couple of other big box stores. That being said there is no shortage of places to spend your quilting dollars.

The shop was cute, with a nice variety of fabrics. Not a big place, but you could certainly find something that gets those creative juices flowing. And find something we did. There was a charming quilt made with the Dear Stella Little Fawn and Friends collection. It really was adorable and started with a panel, and some simple piecing, so I thought it would be a cute quick quilt for charity.

We looked carefully at the quilt, chose some fabrics and had them cut. We decided that some of the fabrics could be substituted with a fabric that wasn’t quite as expensive as what we were purchasing which was well over $10/yard. Before leaving we asked about the pattern. The woman that was assisting us (who I suspect is the shop owner) said that the pattern was available in the kit. The kit was over $100. The pattern was not available without the kit. I took a couple of mental notes and did some quick drawing when we got to the car.

After our second stop it occurred to me that many fabric companies have free patterns available that are created using the new fabric lines. Well low and behold, there was the pattern. It is called Little Fawn Celebration. This and other adorable pattern designs can be found at: https://www.dearstelladesign.com/page/projects-181/#link-category-218070

Instead of making one large quilt, I made two smaller quilts, as that is what most of our charities are looking for.

I had these soft cozy cotton flannels in my stash which is perfect for the backings of these quilts. Both pieces were quilted by Cheryl Maddern a member of the Hospitality Chapter of the Richmond Quilters Guild.

So what is my quandry? Would you have thought the customer service fell short when it came to our inquiry about the availability of the pattern? I should probably just brush it off right?

Let me share these inspiring links to help you choose your next projects:

https://www.henryglassfabrics.net/current-projects/

https://www.robertkaufman.com/quilting/quilts_patterns/free

https://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/inspiration/free-downloads/html

https://www.freespiritfabrics.com/projects

Posted in Accomplishments, Charity Quilts, Flannel, Quilting, Richmond Quilt Guild, simple, Uncategorized | Tagged Free Patterns | 1 Comment

Fun and Done – Charity Quilting and a New Flag

Posted on August 29, 2022 by divadiversion

I’ve been putzing away the summer, doing a little of this and a little of that. Making a few blocks on this quilt, and then changing direction and working on another project. It’s my work style. But the problem is I never feel like I get anything done. And then I do.

My friend Sandy told me about this six hour quilt and I pulled some fabric and made one. But one wasn’t enough so I made another. Because I didn’t want them to be too big, just big enough for a recliner or chair I made them smaller than directed.

The front and back are done at the same time, and it’s like having two front sides. These are by no means heirloom quilts, but they are perfect to throw in the car or use at a game. The one thing to remember is that batting is directional – seriously, who knew?! For those of you who do a lot of charity quilting, this works up quickly and easily. Need a fast gift – this works great. Directions for this are at https://diyjoy.com/how-to-make-a-six-hour-quilt/ You can also find a video on YouTube, Kay Wood’s 6 Hour Quilt Techniques. In the video Kay Wood does hers with a serger. Mine were done with a standard machine.

Then I made this

I enjoyed working on the patriotic quilts last year and thought I would try this out. Working with the primary colors was a joy and brought back memories of Mrs. Bakers first grade class and learning our colors. The method was simple and piece went together beautifully. This particular quilt is just 46″ x 61″ so it is perfect for the couch or car, or can be hung on a wall.

The quilting is ADORABLE!

Quilting was done by Terry Burris Quilting and the design is called “I Love You Hand Sign”.

It felt good to FINISH something.

Check out the vintagevacouple on Etsy for gifts and books and fabrics.

Posted in Accomplishments, Charity Quilts, Quilting, simple, Terry Burris Quilting, Uncategorized | Tagged Charity Quilts | Leave a comment

Frocktails with Richmond Really Sews

Posted on July 15, 2022 by divadiversion

Last week I did a thing. I hadn’t done this in a very very long time. But before I could do the “thing”, I had to finish something.

For several weeks I’d been following a group on Facebook called Richmond Really Sews. I decided I would go to one of the meetings to check it out. The group is led by a retired costume designer that moved here several years ago from California. Karen is delightful, enthusiastic and empowering. She had put out a call for people to come sew with her. There were over 1000 responses from people that knew very little about sewing to others that know their way around a pattern. There are people of different backgrounds and ages and sizes. It’s a very diverse and beautiful group. And we “come together in friendship and we sew”. That’s the mantra.

For the celebration of the one year anniversary of Richmond Really Sews there was a fashion show. It all came together beautifully. The creations were gorgeous and as varied as the group. To see a great representation of what went on at our Frocktails Show check out the montage on Richmond Really Sews on Instagram.

That being shared, in order to participate, I needed a “frock”. It has been several years since I made something to wear, but I was confident I could do it. I wanted to make something that I would wear again.

Last month we went to a car show, and I just happened to notice that there were very few people dressed the era of the vehicles they were showing. Perhaps it was the extraordinaryily hot weather, but I’m thinking this may be the norm. Those that did “dress” for showing their cars did garner a little more attention. We will be showing and participating in car tours with our sweet 1956 Nash so I thought I would make something that would do double duty.

The pattern I chose was Butterick B6318.

Butterick B6318, my inspiration for Frocktails

Instead of making a “muslin”, I went right in for the dress. I cut it out put it together and tried it on and um, well, lets just say I spent some quality time with my seam ripper and remaking the bodice. It’s a lesson learned that off the rack and “bespoke” garments have a different fit. In the future, I will make certain that all of the “fitted” parts will be made in muslin, prior to the intented fabric.

There was this wonderful hat in one of my favorite thrift stores, and a rightous pocketbook in another and I dug through my closet and came up with my pretty red gloves.

Although there was a little nervousness, once I got on that runway I had a blast! And so did everyone else. The audience was so uplifting and the experience was incredibly empowering. I mean really…

Now for a little shameless self promotion. If you would like to create a “frock” of your own, check out the bargains in the Etsy shop. I have some wonderful fabrics priced to move.

Vintagevacouple@etsy.com

Posted in Accomplishments, Challenges, Coaching, Etsy, Frocktails, Garments, Richmond Really Sews, Uncategorized | Tagged Frocktails, Garments, Richmond Really Sews | Leave a comment

Just DO IT… Changing Direction

Posted on March 20, 2022 by divadiversion

This week is the final challenge of Project Quilting Season 13. The prompt was “Flying Geese”.

First, I looked for some foundations I had purchased a couple of years ago from Alison Glass. They were nowhere to be found in my studio, which started a mass reorganizing event that will be ongoing for at least several weeks. More on that later. Then while looking for those foundations I did find a wearable vest pattern that I have been wanting to do for a long time.

Victory Garden Vest Circa 1995 But would I finish it on time.

Then I found a foundation pattern that I had printed off from Piece by Number called “A Circle of Geese”. (piecebynumber.com or bcheri.etsy.com) Although it didn’t seem like a very original or inventive idea, at least I might finish the project.

Off I went pulling out some of the same fabrics I’ve used for my other challenges. Hmm, a theme seems to have developed. The piecing began and was finished, and low and behold…

Seriously! Well fine then. Just going in a different direction. This from a gal that could get lost in a paper bag. Changing Direction is what I’m going to call this one. It is important when doing something directional or circular with paper piecing foundations that you pick up the right foundations. I picked one from the wrong pile.

And roll with it I did. I got braver with my quilting, although it’s still straight lines, there are more of them.

Initially I was going to use a grey on the geese and change out each color to outline the geese on the grey. Then I found a wonderful variegated thread that I’ve had and the colors worked well with the project.

And I’m going to make the deadline.

It’s been a great season, filled with inspiration and growth for this quilter. A shout out to Kim Lapacek of Persimon Dreams and Trish of Quiltchicken for their time, talent, organization and all around awesomeness for providing so many of us with these challenges and for everything that goes on behind the scenes. I am already looking forward to next year.

To see how others interpreted the challenge go to https://kimlapacek.com/2022/03/flyinggeesehtml and scroll to the bottom. So far there are over 140 projects done, and one hour to go.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Challenges, Flying Geese, Foundation Paper Piecing, ProjectQuilting13.6 | 5 Comments

Rhythm & Repetition is a Wrap

Posted on March 3, 2022 by divadiversion

How’s that for alliteration!

Sunday I was waiting for the challenge to drop and when it did…well the only thing I could come up with was “wash rinse repeat”. I read some the articles provided with the challenge and that was helpful. Then I went to google for a visual search and found a few things I could work with. Needless to say this weeks challenge is not very “original”.

As Kim says, “Done is better than perfect”.

One of the things I like about Project Quilting is you can’t obsess over decisions. There are seven days to come up with the idea and create a plan and follow through. I work slow so it can’t be too elaborate, but I also want to create something “useful”. I can overthink or elaborate the plans that I make through the challenges later.

So back to my google search. I put in the appropriate prompts and came up with this.

I like google search because of the option of an image search as well as articles. This was one of the images used as an example of rhythm and repetition in art.

The symmetry and simplicity of the shapes in the image appealed to me. And I was confident that it was a project I could finish in the time allowed.

Within hours I had my fabric pulled and was cutting out shapes from fusible web.

This was a great opportunity to use my Charm Templates and some scraps!

I adhered the shapes to a background and then stitched around them for good measure.

Because this is a fast challenge, needle turn applique is out of the question. However, I really like to make sure my pieces are secure.

Then there was the quilting. I used various threads the approximate colors of the shapes and stitched horizontal quilting lines across the piece. After I put a back on the piece, I stuffed a pillow in it and the piece was complete!

If you would like to see other interpretations of the challenge visit https://kimlapacek.com/2022/02rhythmandrepetition.html and scroll down to the submissions. If you click onto some of the pictures, you get to visit blog spaces or Facebook posts or Instagram to tell you about the artist’s process.

Posted in Accomplishments, Challenges, Project Quilting, Scraps, Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Dazzling Diamonds

Posted on February 21, 2022 by divadiversion

This girl was late to the party. But what an exciting entrance!

The inspiration for this weeks Project Quilting was diamonds. As in the shape of a diamond, or as hard as a diamond or…well there was plenty to work with as far as coming up with a way to execute a design using the inspiration.

Initially, I was not going to participate because the chances of me finishing timely was less than good. I had a wonderful planned visit to my friend Sandie, and my grandson Logan was coming to visit for the weekend so this was not my first priority. Still, once the idea hit me I wanted to participate. And I did finish, but not before the deadline. It was a fun project as well as one that I am pleased with the outcome.

A few years back I had participated in the Trinkets sewalong. I remembered that there was a foundation for diamonds in the pattern and ran off my foundations. I have found that newsprint paper tears much easier than standard office paper so that is my “go to”. The price is generally lower too. Then I dug through some stash, deciding on my color story, settling on a multi-color overall, with black and white backgrounds.

The blocks came together. At first I had decided there would be four, but that was really too small for anything useful, so then added five more for my nine.

Once I finished the additional blocks I found something to use as the sashing that was the perfect size and color without digging too deep. Then there was the backing that was as close as I could get to a diamond in black and white. Honestly, the only thing that could have made this come together easier is if it had just put itself together. I LOVE the way these blocks work up and finish out.

Dahling it’s time for your closeup…

A big thank you to Kim of Persimon Dreams and Trish from QuiltChicken for the inspiration and fun.

Hmm, maybe I should tidy up some of this creative chaos and do some laundry before the next challenge drops.

Posted in Accomplishments, Challenges, Paper foundations, Project Quilting, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Kitchen Influence PQ13.3

Posted on February 5, 2022 by divadiversion

This week on Project Quilting the prompt was “Kitchen Influence”. I love this as there is so much to do with the kitchen that is inspiring from food as art to food as ingredients to flavor profiles, to…and the beat goes on. And then there is the project itself. I could go as small as a mug rug or as large as a table covering.

But I knew the moment I saw the prompt exactly what my inspiration was and how I wanted to express it. A few weeks ago we got an advertisement for a wine sale. I just loved the visual that was used, and immediately began pondering how I could make this into a wall hanging.

Wine Advertisement – not my original work.

The visual for the advertisement was the tiny little piece you see in the center of the first photo. So I enlisted the technical help of my husband to enlarge it, and enlarge it again, and again until we came up with a size that was useable.

After enlarging the pieces, I used the lightbox my sister gave me to trace the basic shapes on fusible web to build my glasses and bottles. The components were cut and adhered to a background, and I sewed around the pieces with black thread.

My bottles and glasses blocks in progress

Once the blocks were completed, I put them together found a suitable backing and did simple vertical quilting lines the full length of the piece. The quilting isn’t straight or even, but it looks sort of organic.

I opted for a facing instead of binding so the quilt would have more of a mid-century modern, Andy Warhol, art gallery feel.

I’m calling this one “Yes, I cook with Wine”. Although not perfect or a “quality” piece, I love it.

Thank you Kim Lapacek of Persimon Dreams and Trisha Frankland of Quiltchicken for the inspiring challenges and opportunity to see what we can accomplish with these wonderful prompts.

Posted in Accomplishments, Challenges, Inspiration, Project Quilting, Uncategorized | Tagged Kitchen Influence, ProjectQuilting | 5 Comments

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