Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Randomness

I suppose if I blogged more frequently I would not need titles like Randomness or Odds and Ends, but such is life right now.  The last month and a half has been a little crazy, but things seem to be getting back to a more normal routine.  Hopefully, that will mean a bit more time spent in my sewing studio. 

As I mentioned in my last post I was working on a Civil War project with eleven other quilters.  We were each assigned a mini quilt from a wonderful book, Civil War Legacies, by Carol Hopkins.



The book is loaded with terrific small quilts that make up easily and quickly.  I thoroughly enjoyed making my quilt, titled Mary Smith's Dishrag.   I used the CW reproduction fabrics, but these quilts would also be gorgeous done in modern fabrics.  I may try that with the next pattern I make from the book.  There will definitely be more as the instructions are well written and easy to follow.  Here is my finished quilt.




I love the visibility of quilting stitches on a solid backing so I used a muslin for mine.  You can find more from the group at the Flickr site

We had our youngest son and his family visiting for a few days and I was able to gift the newest little one with a very girlie quilt done in pink and green.  I love that color combination.    We had fun with the kids (and their parents).





A few weeks ago Nedra had posted a picture of a great idea for this fall's election.  They were patterns from the Kansas City Star Newspaper and they looked like fun.  I decided to give them a try and although I changed the design just a bit,  I really think it will be fun to hang this fall. 



I was fortunate to win some wonderful fabrics from Irene's for her 200th Post Giveaway at Hilachas.  I love all the wonderful brown tones in this bundle and I am looking forward to using them.   Why are there endless ideas when there is not endless time????



While our weather has not been great this year for the roses, it has been great for other flowers.  I am especially thrilled with my lilacs.  We live in an area where they do not do well, but we have found a low chill variety that seems to be taking hold.  This is the best bloom I have had over the years.  They do smell fabulous.



The family will all be here on Sunday for our Father's Day celebration.  It is the wives day to cook and wait on the guys and we have a lot to live up to after the royal service we got for Mother's Day.  The menu is still in the works.  I hope that all of you will enjoy a wonderful weekend of celebrating fathers too.

30 comments:

  1. I can smell the lilacs! Wish I had some in my area.

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  2. Mary your Civil War quilt is beautiful. I love the quilting you did.....the stitch in the ditch diagonals with the half medallions across from the other half of your squares looks magnificent from the back too. Love the Demo Donkey and GOP Elephant....what a clever design! Irene's giveaway was to die for....just hated that I must disqualify myself from her giveaways....what a wonderful treasure you won!

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  3. Oh boy - I really, really like that quilt pattern. Maybe I'll have to add the book to my wish list (like I need more patterns!!). Really striking with the prints you used! The family picture is beautiful - what memories!! And I sooooo wish I could see some lilacs here in TX - thank you for the picture of them - I could almost smell them!! Great post today :)

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  4. Your Civil War mini is adorable Mary! Sweet little grandbaby with her pink and green quilt. I love the elephant and donkey wall hanging!! So cute.

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  5. Your Civil War quilt is beautiful Mary. I really love the colours; and your quilting is exceptional! Nice pics of the family too...My lilacs are just about over for this year. I hate to see them go....love the fragrance.

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  6. So happy to see your post pop up! Your Civil Was quilt is lovely. I think you're.....would look lovely in modern fabrics, too! How fun to make a pink quilt for such a cutie. We have a grandbaby due in Nov......maybe a girl this time??????

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  7. I love the smell of lilacs, too. We had great ones in NJ and when we moved here 8 1/2 years ago, I planted a bush here and I am still working to get it to have lots of blooms. I am thinking next year it might finally be GOOD. The little tyke is so cute!!! And I like your little quilt, too.

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  8. Your little quilt is so pretty! Our lilacs got froze this spring, so I'll just have to pretend that I can smell yours! :0)

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  9. Your CW war quilt looks great and the pretty pink and green peek at the baby's quilt. Its nice when family keeps us busy.

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  10. How wonderful to be able to spend time with family.

    The elephant quilt is so cute.

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  11. I love your little quilt! I've picked up the book several times but haven't bought it...that may have to change. Have fun this weekend.

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  12. Wow, Mary. What a wonderful job you did on your CW quilt. The colors are perfect and am in awe of the beauty of your quilting. I'm always afraid to use a solid fabric as backing because it shows every flaw. Of course, yours has no flaws and is gorgeous. I'm glad you liked the fabric you won. I did too, haha. Enjoy your Fathers' Day celebration.

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  13. Your CW quilt looks great and I love your quilting.
    So nice to meet another little member of your family. Nice colour combination for her quilt.
    How cute is your fall mini...
    Nice bundle of fabrics you won too.
    Your lilacs look very pretty..
    I am sure the ladies will cook up a storm for the guys. Look forward to seeing all the fun you have.

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  14. I love your small quilt - civil war fabrics are my very favorite and I just drool every time I see a quilt made with them. blessings, marlene

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  15. I'm normally not a fan of Civil War quilts but I have to honestly say I really like what you have done. I think it has to do with your fabric selection and it works. Sounds like life is keeping you busy. I'm amazed that you still have lilacs blooming this time of year. Ours up here a long gone with the heat we have been having. Enjoy the res tof your week.

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  16. I was so happy to see you back on the blog.
    I just truly love the quilt.
    Your little gd is so cute and I love the pink and green quilt.
    I wish I had those lilacs,I just love the fragrance they put out.
    Hugs
    Have a wonderful weekend.

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  17. Love the Civil War quilt. Mine also turned out great. I cant wait to make my next one. I love how yours turned out.

    http://richardquilts.blogspot.com

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  18. Beautiful quilt and I like using muslin on the back of quilts too. You have a beautiful family and what a sweet little quilt. Congrats on your win also!

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  19. Nice job on the Donkey and Elephant quilts! You are way ahead of me. I still hope to make one before the election.

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  20. Always love reading about all the happenings in your life. Those quilts are beautiful, as is your son's family.

    Have a great weekend.

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  21. The new baby is cute. Now do the family always look immaculate when visiting!

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  22. Hi Mary, your life sound like mine lately! The mini Civil War quilt is stunning. My problem is I like everything so randomness is the right word for me too - Hugs Nat

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  23. I love your quilt. It's wonderful, I wish I could have that book,too. The projects in it seem amazing.

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  24. You sure have been busy. Your mini quilt is beautiful. Enjoy Father's Day. I am waiting for my hubby to come home from the airport so that we can celebrate.

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  25. I also love the smell of lilacs. Your little grand baby is darling. Love the dotty binding on her cute quilt.

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  26. This post is overflowing with interesting quilty things. That Civil War era book is one of my favorites. It's unique with both its stories and the patterns.
    Your little quilt is exquisite. Well done!
    The family photo is beautiful, the election quilt made me smile, and your brown bundle win made me envious.
    Your comment is accurate -- endless ideas but limited time. I personally could get more done if i spent less time on the computer -- but it's so much fun!

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  27. Your civil war quilt is gorgeous! It sounds like you had a wonderful time with your family..Life is all about the moments we create.

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  28. Your civil war quilt is gorgeous! It sounds like you had a wonderful time with your family..Life is all about the moments we create.

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  29. you sure do beautiful AMAZING work!!! sounds like a nice family time was had!!!

    I love lilacs! I can almost smell them through the screen:)

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  30. I love all your quilts, but especially the Civil War one! I will be on the lookout for that book.

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