Sunday, May 24, 2015

Twinkle


Although I did want to get this one quilted before the big reveal, I will have to share it as a flimsy.

Carmel 021

Several months ago, Emily from Em’s Scrapebag asked me if I could test a new pattern for her.  She does such wonderful scrap quilts and I have been a follower of hers for sometime now.  Her version of the quilt is a fabulously colorful scrappy project.  Although mine is a scrap quilt, it is still a bit more color controlled.   My cornerstones are a patterned navy fabric instead of the scrappy blocks.  If I were to make it again I would use the scrappy blocks for them as Emily did.

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I was trying to go for the nautical look using the blues, green, teals and aquas.  The pattern was easy to follow and I loved working up each block along the way. 

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Thanks, Emily, for letting me test this great pattern for you.  I am so pleased with the way it turned out and look forward to the finish once it is quilted.

I’ve had a bit of a blogging break as we were out of the country for the last few weeks.  I will try to get around to visit and catch up this week and share some pictures with you from our fabulous trip.

I did, however, manage to work on a bit of handwork while we were traveling.  EPP has been something that I have admired and gave it a try.   Following a pattern designed by Elizabeth at OPQuilt, I made my first of 9 blocks.  I was really pleased with how nicely the points came together on this one.  I have a feeling that the other blocks will be a bit more challenging with all of their curves.  The green in the photo looks puckered, but it is just the design texture of the fabric.   I’m also thinking that I should have cut my blues so that they would all match in their designs.  I guess we learn as we go.

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As well, I managed to work a bit on the kings in my endless nativity cross stitching.  After this section is finished I will move to the left of the project and work on the shepherds.  I may even see a bit of light on a finish before my eyes are too stressed to stitch on this fabric.  lol   I am linking this up with Super Mom-No Cape.

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Today in the United States we honor all of those who have served our country.  May we never forget the sacrifices they and their families have made for our freedom.
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42 comments:

  1. CarlaMay 24, 2015 at 10:40 PM

    Oh my goodness......and twinkle it does! Just gorgeous
    Your EPP is lovely. Enjoy the other blocks.
    Thanks for popping by my blog last week too

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  2. QuiltSueMay 25, 2015 at 3:17 AM

    Your quilt is just lovely. The colours you used are very effective and make the stars shine somehow.

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  3. Marjorie's Busy CornerMay 25, 2015 at 3:51 AM

    Just gorgeous, Mary?????

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  4. Linda May 25, 2015 at 4:13 AM

    Love Twinkle! You did a great job with the fabrics.

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  5. PollyMay 25, 2015 at 5:41 AM

    Love the quilt! The colors rock!

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  6. em's scrapbagMay 25, 2015 at 6:15 AM

    Thank you for testing. Your quilt is wonderful! Your EPP block is gorgeous!

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  7. DoloresMay 25, 2015 at 6:26 AM

    Love the quilt. It turned out great and blue is my favourite colour.

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  8. QuiltsmilesMay 25, 2015 at 6:31 AM

    Your quilt is fantastic, as is all of your projects you do. Welcome back and your EPP looks wonderful too BTW. I have some fabrics in to start one, but am a bit intimidated and have plenty of other bits to occupy my craftiness just now so who knows when I'll be starting it.

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  9. DonnaMay 25, 2015 at 6:38 AM

    Mary this is fabulous! I love the beautiful nautical colors and the pattern. I know what you mean about the scrappy style quilt. I dream of doing one that is more scrap than color controlled. I do have one and am amazed what you can do with scraps!

    I absolutely adore your crossstitch! I have one like that that took 15 years to finish--while all the littles were growing up. Haha! It was my only hobby at the time. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work--it is inspiring!

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  10. Carol SwiftMay 25, 2015 at 7:09 AM

    I love the quilt and your cross stitching is amazing!

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  11. Kathy ... aka NanaMay 25, 2015 at 7:58 AM

    What a gorgeous quilt! It really does twinkle, doesn't it? Your eyes are obviously better than mine as I don't think I could stitch anything on such tiny weave fabric. It's looking great.

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  12. CathyMay 25, 2015 at 8:07 AM

    Emily designs such beautiful quilts and you did this pattern proud. I love it. Hugs

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  13. CandaceMay 25, 2015 at 10:07 AM

    Oh Mary, I just love this quilt! The colors pop so nicely and the bold stripes really set off the blocks! Your needlepoint is exquisite, too!
    Cheers!

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  14. Wacky WomanMay 25, 2015 at 10:31 AM

    It's really nice. I like it both ways, scrappy and controlled.

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  15. BillieBee (billiemick)May 25, 2015 at 1:44 PM

    Love your quilt.

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  16. barbara woodsMay 25, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    Like the quilt, love the cross stitch

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  17. PamelaMay 25, 2015 at 3:34 PM

    Beautiful quilt top. I like the color controlled blocks.

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  18. andsewonMay 25, 2015 at 6:13 PM

    Your fabric version does twinkle and sure has the nautical feel! Lovely cross stitch. My niece does hers on the fine linen and I would be blind even trying!

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  19. ReneeMay 25, 2015 at 7:51 PM

    Your flimsy is lovely and I just LOVE your cross stitch. Beautiful work!

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  20. Soma @ inkTorrents.comMay 25, 2015 at 10:01 PM

    Wow, Mary! I love the blue palette of your quilt so much and your EPP looks amazing! Looks like a medallion. And the cross-stitch is so intricate. Beautiful collection of works. We had a wonderful weekend, remembering the brave men and women and enjoying the freedom they provide us.

    -Soma

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  21. SherylMay 26, 2015 at 1:49 AM

    Pleased to have found your blog, what gorgeous work, love the cross stitch.

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  22. SherryMay 26, 2015 at 9:36 AM

    Your quilt top is beautiful. I love the colors you used, they are perfect colors for a quilt for our house near the ocean. Your cross stitch project will be a fabulous finish. I have a couple of cross stitch projects that I keep working at a little at a time.

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  23. MyraMay 26, 2015 at 10:23 AM

    Your Twinkle is simply wonderful!! Very striking and eye catching!! Love it!! Your other block is lovely too, and that looks like a lot of stitching has gone into your Nativity. It will be a beauty!

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  24. MicheleMay 26, 2015 at 11:38 AM

    Twinkle is outstanding! Em is fortunate to have such a skilled pattern tester. I love the colors you used. Epp is addicting! Your block is wonderful. The cross stitch is amazing too. You had three different types of crafting going on!!

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  25. CathieJMay 26, 2015 at 4:16 PM

    I love your quilt. I actually like that the corner blocks are a patterned navy. I think it settles the quilt. I have yet to try EPP. Your block is beautiful. I really like the kings in your nativity. I am looking forward to seeing the whole scene.

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  26. PugMomMay 27, 2015 at 6:32 AM

    Did I tell you how pretty your quilt is? And that I like it even better than the pattern cover?
    Pugs and kisses,
    Nancy

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  27. HilachasMay 27, 2015 at 6:49 AM

    Welcome back home. I know you had a good time, a big plus was being able to do some hand sewing. Your EPP is lovely, as is that blue flimsy. The color combination is so peaceful.

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  28. AnonymousMay 27, 2015 at 12:10 PM

    Love the pattern you tested. Really great design. I'll be looking for it. I like your handwork, too. Welcome back, hope it was a wonderful trip.

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  29. Nat PalaskasMay 29, 2015 at 4:33 AM

    Your version does look nautical specially looking from way back. I love all different teals and aquas for each blocks. Hope you had a relaxing time away - Hugs Nat

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  30. Teresa in Music CityMay 30, 2015 at 7:18 AM

    Twinkle, Twinkle - it's beautiful Mary! Love your color choices and I have no trouble believing you had fun working on it. Such a happy quilt :*)

    I've really been bitten by the EPP bug - it's a nice hand project to take with me on travels and guild meetings. And of course I love the precision and amazing effects you can get from it. Looking forward to seeing more of yours! Welcome home!!!

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  31. ✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾May 31, 2015 at 5:33 AM

    Twinkle looks gorgeous! I like the controlled color version you made but can see by the pattern cover it would be great scrappy project too!!! Can't wait to see photos and hear about your vacation:)

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  32. AnonymousMay 31, 2015 at 6:13 PM

    Gorgeous Twinkle...the colors are cheerful!

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  33. OPQuiltMay 31, 2015 at 7:12 PM

    So fun to see my EPP block up there so thank you for jumping in and trying it. I hope you had fun while making it. I love that Twinkle quilt!! Your colors are so refreshing and so luscious, especially in our water-poor state. I also was wowing your cross-stitch. You really have so many talents!

    Elizabeth

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  34. ChitterChatterDesignsMay 31, 2015 at 10:06 PM

    Such a nice stichery. I am sure it will be gorgeous when you get it all finished up. Nice to visit you today.

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  35. SparkyMay 31, 2015 at 11:29 PM

    how gorgeous is this...there is much a twinkle from here..and your stitchings....oh wow...nice to see your lovely progress

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  36. SuperMomNoCapeJune 1, 2015 at 11:36 AM

    I love the star quilt you tested. It is going to be stunning once it's finished.

    Your paper-pieced star looks great!

    And I love your Nativity cross-stitch. It too is going to be stunning when it's finished.

    Thanks so much for linking up to last week's Stitchery Link Party and for linking back! Aloha hugs!

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  37. MariaJune 1, 2015 at 10:43 PM

    Lovely colours in your Twinkle flimsy. Gorgeous EPP block and your cross stitch is looking great.

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  38. BarbJune 2, 2015 at 2:20 AM

    Your quilt is fabulous!!!! Love your hand stitching.

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  39. barcordJune 10, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    Love your Twinkle. The x stitch is coming on well by the sound of things. Having done some in the past, and still a few cards now and then, I know how much work goes into every sq inch. Your EPP block is beautiful too. I had to laugh to myself, as I misread your blog, and thought you had made your 'first 9 blocks' while you were travelling. Might be considered a bit antisocial by non quilters. Bx

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  40. CaroleJune 12, 2015 at 2:59 PM

    Love your Twinkle quilt! The colours are so vibrant! Don't you just love EPP? Your block is coming along nicely! Thank you for sharing!

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  41. Sinta ReneeJune 25, 2015 at 4:42 PM

    I love your quilt! It's so fun... and has attitude!

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  42. BrendaSeptember 23, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    Just one comment on your EPP block. I think you were right in not trying to fussy cut the blue floral so that the sections were identical. This way, the star part looks like it is just floating on a big blue flowered circle. Otherwise, think it would look too "fussy."

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