A Finish and a Beginning

The finish is "Early American Life".  Karen and I have finished our blocks for this quilt.  I have been putting the quilt together as we worked along.  Here are the final blocks and my finished top.

 Here is block 12.  Once I finished this block I added it to row 3.

 I'm really happy with my choice of fabrics for the sashing and corner stones.

Block 13

Block 14

 Block 15

 Block 16

 And here is my finished quilt top.  I bought this fabric online and was thrilled with how well it went with all the blocks.

It has been such a joy working with Karen on this quilt.  She kept me on point.  Each month it was a surprise to see how her blocks turned out.  This has been the third quilt I have made working with Karen.  I enjoyed it so much that we have chosen our next quilt to work on.

Our next project is "Dearest Boy".

This quilt is going to take a bit longer to make.  Besides the triangle top and bottom border it has 32 10" blocks and the center block is 20".

We will be another partner in crime.  Julie K will be joining in on the fun.  As in the past we will be posting blocks on the 15th and 30th of each month.  I hope you stop by to see our progress.

In case you are wondering.  The quilt behind the book is the Gwennie Medallion Round Robin quilt I made with Lori at Humble quilts.  I just got a new quilt frame (an Ulmer frame) and I'm finally starting to hand quilt it.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

EAL Block 10

Well, Karen and I are half way done with our sew along.  This block starts the third row of our quilt.

This block reminds me of a Pennsylvania Dutch motif.  


I'm working on Barbara Brackman's  Antebellum Album.  This is the third block.

I was going to English paper piece this block but didn't want to do all that hand sewing.  Instead I made an eight pointed star and appliqued the hexagon in the center.  This is a fun sew along.

Well the last of our snow finally melted yesterday...due to rain.  It rained all day yesterday and so far all day today.  They had to postpone the Detroit Tigers opening day due to the rain.  Oh well....

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such nice comments.

Hugs, Cathy

EAL Block 9

We're on the downward slope with the sew along Karen and I are doing.  

This block was suppose to be done in red and blue but the flowers reminded me of sunflowers.

I was hoping to have more to show....but we have an upcoming wedding and wedding shower.  So the other day I volunteered to make 40 sets of coasters.  Each set has 4 coasters.  It only takes a minute to sew them...but it takes a half hour to prep them.  Each coaster is made with 6 charm squares and a 5" piece of batting.

BTW my only grandson is getting married in June.  His bride to be is already like a granddaughter to me.  We are so happy for them.

Thanks so much for  stopping by.  Be sure to stop by Karen's blog to see her version of the block.

Hugs, Cathy

Crazy Weather

Wednesday it was 60 degrees out.  I even went outside without a coat on.  Then comes Thursday...it started out with freezing rain, then a rain and snow mix and then snow.  We got 3" of wet heavy snow.   I am so ready for summer.

I have been getting some sewing done.

First up is block 2 of Barbara Brackman's #Antebellum Album.  I'm using a tan background, brown and pink fabrics for all the blocks.

Next up....26 Pinwheel blocks.  These are the final pieced blocks for my Walnut Grove Sampler quilt.  Now I need to cut out a gazillion plain blocks.  Then I can get this quilt top sewn together.

The blocks are 6 1/2".  They went together really quick because I cut them out using my AccuQuilt Go Cutter.


I started working on the free Temecula Quilt Shop 1800 Sampler.

These blocks are 4" finished.  They just posted block 5.

Since posting block 8 of the Early American Life quilt that Karen and I are working on I put together the second row.  I decided to add red corner stones to the quilt.

I really love how this is looking.


I found a quilt on Moda Bake Shop called Dottie.  It is made using jelly rolls.  Sorry for the fuzzy photo.  I have all the jelly rolls sewn in pairs ready to cut up and make more blocks.

I decided to make everyone a Christmas quilt this year.  I need to make 7 or 8 quilts.  This is the first one.  It is made using jelly rolls.  Once everything was cut out the blocks went together really quickly.

This section is 48" x 6".  It will have borders.  The original pattern called for the design to run vertical.  However the direction of the prints called for the horizontal layout.  I made this row yesterday in about a couple of hours.  That included cutting all the strips.

Finally while browsing Etsy I came across this pattern.  It is by Jennifer Gaston.  It is a BOM.  I got a great deal.  I paid $12.00 for the entire pattern.  The finished quilt measures 79" x 92".  I have traced the first month's patterns on freezer paper but I haven't pulled any fabrics yet.  I have too many projects going as it is....lol

And finally....yesterday I ordered a new sewing machine.  Actually  it is a Juki TL2010Q quilting machine.  I will be using it as a table top machine.  Maybe in the future I can afford a quilting frame to use with it.  It is a straight stitch machine, 9" throat area, variable speed, thread cutter, bobbin winder, needle thread, free motion foot, walking foot, 3 other feet and comes with a table attachment.  It is suppose to come next week.  I can't wait.  I will be using this machine to get my tall stack of quilt tops quilted.  It is so hard to quilt a big quilt on my regular machine.  I'll show you the machine once I receive it.

Well enough chit chat...the next block for the 1800 sampler has been posted and Lori at Humble Quilts has posted the 3rd instructions for the Land of Liberty quilt so I need to get into the sewing room.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope you saw something you like.

Hugs, Cathy

EAL Block 8

Well here we are at the end of February and time to reveal another block.

This block had a lot of tiny circles which I chose to leave off.  I was working on this block when I was having eye troubles.  Maybe I will add them later.

Be sure to stop by and see Karen's version of the block.  I am sure hers won't be as wonky as mine.

We are enjoying some warmer weather and sunny skies, I hope you are too,

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

Row One of EAL

I found the fabric I wanted to use for the sashing for my Early American Life so I sewed the first row together.

I really like how this is looking.  I think I am going to add cornerstones to quilt.  I have all the blocks made for the second row, however I have to reveal the 8th block at the end of the month.  Then I will put the 2 rows together.

I also worked on my Land of Liberty quilt.  I need to finish up a little bit of applique and sew the blocks together.  After that I will show you what I have so far.

Well we have had some crazy weather.  A week ago we got 14" of snow.  Mid week it warmed up and most of it melted.  Then yesterday we woke up to more snow and today it is melted.  Very strange weather.

I hope your week will be full of creativity.  Thanks so much for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

Early American Life Block 7

We are almost half way there.  

Today we are sharing the Pineapple block.  Karen is staying real close to the actual pattern where I am doing a simpler version.

I'm planning to add some cross hatch quilting in brown when I finish the quilt.
It's simple but it definitely looks like a pineapple.

Health update.  Sugar levels are coming down....yeah.  I've been going to physical therapy twice a week working on my facial muscles.  My facial features are now more symmetrical.  I can close my right eye and my smile isn't as crooked.  I have two more therapy sessions and I will be done.

Last weekend we got hit with 14" of snow.  What a mess.  Our street was one of the last streets to get plowed.  Cars were getting stuck everywhere.  It's hard to believe that it is suppose to be in the 40's next week.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

Block 6

Good Morning.  It's gray outside, cold outside, and snowy outside.  It's about 12 degrees out and we got around 3" of snow.  Ugh...

Today Karen and I reveal the next block in our Early American Life sew along.

Mine looks backwards compared to the photo of the quilt.  Originally this was suppose to be a fusible applique quilt.  Karen and I are doing needle turn applique.

We will be posting our next block on the 15th of February.

Thanks for stopping by.  Stay warm.

Hugs, Cathy

Early American Life Block 5

We are starting a new row for our quilt.

This is the corn flower block.  I think it is my favorite so far.  The yellow parts are suppose to be individual pieces.  I chose to make them different.  I think the fabric I chose makes it look like corn.

Check out Karen's blog.  She does such beautiful applique.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

New Block - New Year

Time to reveal the next block for the Early American Life quilt.

This was a fun block to make.  Be sure to check with Karen and see her version.  Four blocks down and 12 to go.


I was able to get the final block done for my Christmas BOM.  It is the first time sewing for me since I came down with Bells Palsy.  My right eye waters a great deal so I cant sew for to long. 

I was hoping to get it done for Christmas...but this darn virus got in the way.


Another planned project....

These are tree blocks from a Cheri Payne Christmas book.  I was wanting to make either a wall quilt or a table runner.  These blocks went together so easy.  Oh well, there is always next year.


A health update.  My face is still droopy.  I drink everything using a straw and pinching the right side of my mouth.  Eating is a real adventure.  I have no taste on the right side.  My ear still hurts and my right eye waters.  I start physical therapy after the first of the year.  Each day I feel better (although I don't look it).

I did get a block machine pieced.  It took longer because it strains my eye.  And yesterday I prepped an applique block and started sewing it.  


I hope you had a good Christmas and have a very Happy New Year.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

EAL Block 3

EAL stands for the Early American Life quilt that Karen and I are working on.

Here is my block 3.

I have decided to do an easier approach to the applique.  The hearts at the bottom were suppose to be individual hearts.  I chose to trace around the hearts and turn them into one piece.  It works for me.

Here is a health care update.  I've been working really hard on my diet to get my sugar levels lower.  They were 245 in am and now are 165-180.  A significant change.  In the process I have lost 6 pounds.

Last Saturday I had a horrific nose bleed.  It last over 15 minutes.  Felt like crap afterward.  Sunday my taste was off.  Everything tasted bland.  Monday another nosebleed.  Later in the day my lip felt swollen.  I went to bed and woke up Tuesday with the right side of my face drooping.  My eye wouldn't close, I couldn't smile and I couldn't drink with out it dribbling out.  I thought I had a stroke but my arm was fine and felt okay.  Went to the ER and was diagnosed with Bells Palsy.  I have a hard time talking.  I have to keep putting eye drops in my right eye and wear a patch.  They put me on an aggressive steroid regiment for 25 days.  I was told it could take 3-6 months to get better.  Since I'm on the steroids I have to stay out of situations where there are lots of people because my immune system is compromised and I will be more prone to getting infections and diseases.  So no Christmas shopping.  Because of the droopy eye my vision is slightly blurry.  So no driving for the time being.  It is also curtailing my sewing.  Applique is tricky and I'm much slower.  But hey it wasn't a stroke.  I need to get plenty of rest so I'm watching old movies on TV, reading good books and getting a little sewing done.

My family is being very supportive.  They bring me food, call and check on me twice a day and take me to the doctors.  I feel blessed.

Thanks so much for stopping by and listening to my tail of woe.

Hugs, Cathy

A New Sew-along

And sew it begins.  Karen and I started a new project to work on together.  You know we've never met but we have sew much fun working on projects together.

Early American Life - Block 1 called Thistle Two

These blocks have some zigs and zags and pieced applique and I'm just not up to it.  I am choosing to do a much simpler design.  

One block done and 11 to go.  I hope you follow as we go on another applique adventure.  We will be posting blocks on the 15th and 30th of each month.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

A Beginning, A Finish

And a continuance.....

 A Beginning....

 

Well Karen and I had so much fun with our "Flowers" quilt we decided to do another quilt together.

The quilt we have chosen to make is called "Early American Life" designed by The Country Quilter.  It was inspired by stencil quilts.

As before we will be sharing a block on the 15th and 30th of each month, starting this month.  

A Finish....

I got another Christmas gift finished.  I shared the top with you earlier.

It's called "Baseball, Beach and Camping Quilt".

The 16 patch blocks are made with fabric depicting camping and beaches.  The backing is covered with baseballs.

A continuance.....

I made 22 Snowball blocks for my "Walnut Grove Sampler".

I have one round of blocks to go.   I need to make 24 Pinwheel blocks.  Then I need to cut out a gazillion 6 1/2" off setting blocks.  Then I can start sewing this quilt together.

Thanks for stopping by.  

Hugs, Cathy