Grassy Creek [AKA October Picnic] is Complete!

 Every year, I enjoy creating a version of Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt. This year, her quilt was called Grassy Creek.

Grassy Creek [AKA October Picnic]  (98" x 98")

I used Bonnie's colors of red, orange, gold, and grey; however, I substituted blue for her green. I call this October Picnic because this was my color inspiration photo and the palette I created.

The quilt went together well, thanks to Bonnie's excellent writing of instructions. You can see some of the steps I took by clicking on the "Grassy Creek" label on the right pane of this blog.

I added a few bits of color to the grey string border to echo the colors in the quilt.

Grassy Creek [AKA October Picnic] (border detail)

I sent the top and backing to my friend, Leah, who then worked her quilting magic! I am thankful for her fine work.

I tried to capture the quilting, but it is hard to see. I altered the red backing color a bit as I manipulated shadows and highlights of the photo.

I used a grey striped binding to finish the quilt.

Grassy Creek [AKA October Picnic] (backing and binding detail)

And, of course, I had to throw in a Waldo. 😊

Waldo sighting!

I used many fun fabrics in this one--there is a lot to look at.

Some Dalmatians

 

Frogs and Snowpeople

 This quilt is heavy! A large quilt, small pieces, and string blocks make for a hefty project (another reason I was so happy that Leah quilted this--I dreaded trying to wrestle it through my DSM!). 😉

All in all, I am very happy with the outcome of this mystery quilt. Thanks for the fun, Bonnie, and I look forward to this year's mystery.

Grassy Creek [AKA October Picnic

Happy National Quilting Day! 😸

 

 

Unity is Finished!

 It has been nearly a year since I started this quilt, but it is done!

Unity 75" x 85"

Unity (backing and binding detail)

I stalled when I got to the last round. The quilt was the size I wanted it, but I debated adding Bonnie's last round or a border of my own design. In the end, I decided not to add more. The quilt felt complete with the design in the final round. This idea is something I stress with my writing students: Make your essay feel finished rather than that your writing just stopped. The quilt felt finished.

Happy Quilting! 😸

Summer Sunshine--continued

 I'm still working on my Summer Sunshine (AKA Winter Blues, designed by Bonnie Hunter).

Got the 16-patches, the alternate blocks, and the setting blocks (except the 4 corners) done. I have a Swiss dot (white w/yellow dots) on order for the sashing.

 

Happy Quilting! 😻

Summer Sunshine

 I'm starting a new project...Bonnie Hunter's Winter Blues.

Don't adjust your screen--it isn't blue!

Conventional wisdom says, "Do not use too much yellow in a quilt."

The Eclectic Abuela says, "Bah Humbug!"

Here is Bonnie's quilt:

Winter Blues designed by Bonnie Hunter

One 16-patch down . . . a gazilion more to go! You may need to wear sunglasses for this one. 😎

Happy Quilting! 😻

A Sneak Peek at Grassy Creek

 I'm still working on the Quiltville mystery, Grassy Creek. A few more days, and I should have the top completed.

Grassy Creek (in progress)

I'm ready to build the borders, so it is nearly finished.

Happy Quilting!  😸

Embroidery

 I've been embroidering tea towels--a great relaxation activity. 

Herbs

 

a little of this...a little of that.

 

Folk Art Birds

 

Primitive Christmas

 

Months/Holidays (The words April, May, and June got cut off, but they are there!)

Months/Holidays

 

I get my tea towels and transfer patterns from Colonial Patterns in Kansas City--good prices and fast shipping.

Happy Embroidering! 😺

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom's Big-Boy Quilt

 I like to make a flannel baby quilt for additions to the family.

Here is my grand-nephew's baby quilt.

Safari Baby

Once kids get big enough for a bed (rather than a crib), I like to make them a big-boy or big-girl quilt.

This big-boy quilt started with the backing--I wanted to use this Thomas (as in Tank Engine) fabric since my grand-nephew's name is Thomas.

 

I didn't know how I wanted to do the front, but the RR crossing sign gave me the idea to use Xs.

Tom's Big-Boy Quilt   64" x 84"

I used some novelty fabrics in it for a bit of I-Spy fun.

Tom's Big-Boy Quilt (detail)

Tom's Big-Boy Quilt (detail)

Tom's Big-Boy Quilt (detail)

Tom's Big-Boy Quilt (detail)

I finished it with a striped binding which I love (though it made me dizzy to cut it out!).

Tom's Big-Boy Quilt (backing and binding detail)

This was a fun project, and I enjoyed making it.

Happy Quilting!