This quilt previously graced the Design Wall in my sewing room.
Happy to announce it is now complete. These wonderful fabrics have been in my collection for some time. I and uninspired and unsure what to do. Thank you to Elizabeth from IMQG for her wonderful quilt using the Denyse Schmidt Hope Valley fabric.
Making a version of the strip quilts I did previously was really fun. Using a light blue thread I thought really tied everything together. Can’t wait for this quilt to find a new home. Possibly one with an adorable baby snuggling on it?
Antiques are something that my hubby isn’t really into. On our way up to a friend’s house on Lake Sacandaga we saw this little store. We passed it but turned around and went in for a visit.
First room we walked into was all clothing, including some wonderful wedding dresses. If my list of to-dos wasn’t a page long, one of these would have come home with me. The lace details and beading really drew me in.
This random little place in Upstate NY had a great selection of clothing as well. Here is a sneak peek of the lovely headpieces they had in their collection.
I have a thing for vintage jewelry. In my collection are quite a few pins, necklaces, bracelets and some rings. This store had a wonderful assortment.
Hubby did find a Saratoga bobble head that he had to have. While he was looking at his prized possession I was admiring their vintage quilts, tablerunners and napkins. They had an entire quilt top made out of yo-yos. I was completely impressed. However, having been to New York in winter and seen the weather, let’s just say someone had time on their hands. Being at this store gave me some ideas of how to create my vintage modern piece for IMQG in October.
Vacations around our house are generally built around seeing family and friends. Lucky for us, we have people all over to go and visit. Hubby grew up near Albany, NY and a summer tradition has always been going to Saratoga for horse racing. His friend has sat in the same spot for over 15 years, talk about dedication.
A day at the track is just that, a full day. We bring food, drinks and of course I brough my own entertainment. Yes, I was hand embroidering while watching horse racing. It definitely get me calm and focused, helping my betting strategy.
During the down times I did take some pictures for my grandma. She has a love of horses and would always bet on the gray horse. Isn’t the best strategy, but works for her. I went to visit her on Friday to deliver the pictures. She was too tired and slept the entire time I was there. Broke my heart, but she’s almost 98, so it’s expected.
just beautiful
The week started off slow and lots of embroidery was done since I was not on my betting game. The last day at the track was a big one. We made up for the entire week’s loss in about 3 races. Too bad we had to leave the next day. Since then, my friend has recommended a few ways to find the best professional horse racing tips. If you’re really not sure where to begin, it can sometimes be useful to ask the experts.
hot walking before a race
Hubby found some wonderful prints that will hang in the basement once finished. Overall it was a great week at THE SPA. Can’t wait to return hopefully next summer.
Challenge: going outside of set comfort zone. Typically, my quilts are squares or circles. Friend asked me to make a custom quilt with his fraternity letters and colors. I saw heat bond in my future and applique.
The colors are purple, green and yellow. Had to be cautious to limit the purple and not making the quilt girly. Upon applying the letters on the black background the colors really popped. Decided to quilt with black thread on the top. Luckily, it did tone down the color of the letters.
Love the tight quilting on there. Gives structure and sore shoulders, ha.
Customer was happy and I realized I had missed applique. Good thing I have some stuff cut out and ready to go for another project.
I was in love with Studio E’s Etching fabrics that were out earlier this year. I wanted to create pillowcases to add some color to our neutral bedroom. Lots of brown and tan in there. Blue is color hubby and I can agree on. You might remember my Vintage Modern post from earlier about looking for fabrics that would go well in our room. There is still lots of design work to be done in there, but we are focusing on other locations in the house right now…the basement.
Here are the completed pillowcases:
So far we have had two nights of sweet dreams on them. Hubby commented that maybe he should leave more often since I did these while he was on a camping trip.
This quilt was my submission to the Modern Quilt Guild’s Challenge #3. Organic was the word we were challenged with to build a quilt around. Challenge accepted. I spent lots of time building an idea and looking for inspiration. Then it hit me.
I was driving with my girlfriend while we were out for her birthday and I was looking at all of the vibrant green trees with brown and purple all mixed in along the road. When we got to dinner, I busted out paper and started designing. Later that week I went on bike route along the Monon Trail in Indy and it all come together. Those same colors were exploding along the trail. It made riding 25 miles a little easier.
This is my interpretation of the trail with all the bright bold colors of purple, green and brown that outlined the trail.
Organic Challenge Quilt
Showcasing my quilt Saratoga. Made for cheerful betting.
