A book and a quilt

   I recently re-watched all of the Bletchley Circle programs.   There were only 2 seasons about the girls who were code breakers for England during WWII, but I found it well written and the puzzle solving intrigued me.   Supposedly there is another series and version with 2 of the girls in the US, but I have not seen it yet.

  So recently, I have had my eyes glued to the pages of a book I picked up  at Mr. K's Bookstore.    The Code Girls had me hooked two pages into the introduction.  Just the comparative details of the the 1940's social setting on women and education were eye opening history for me......and then Pearl Harbor happened.
   The male view in that war era comes across when the  government begins to look for  and recruited  "women who like puzzles and are not currently engaged."     Much of what the women of my mother's generation faced before the war was still evident in the 1960's when I came of age.    Other points are quite telling, but I am not here to be on a soapbox.   They were recruited to be code breakers for all the bit of messages and signal traffic of the enemies, to figure out the patterns and details.  To make sense of it all.  Intriguing to me this is.
   Just to say, I have traveled back in time a bit and found a new set of super heroes to admired.   These women, girls really,  made a difference, and saved lives.  I am enjoying the read  so far.




Oh, yes, then the quilting.  I have a finish!
   Those tasty garlic knots have been bound and ready for a label.  It is very windy, quite cold for me, outside, so an inside photo for now.  I will get a better photo when it warms up.
   I added that narrow flange strip for accent before the simple border.   And the binding is leftover strips for a scrappy binding to wrap it all up. 

  The Chandelier Bead blocks are stitched up into a top.  That will be my next project to get quilted when I find a backing. 

I am still stitching together squares for a border on the Jewel Box Star quilt, and then there are blocks for the Scrappy Trips to be sewn.  I have decided to not start another project as these three can keep me occupied.   Another project would just over-whelm me. 

  I am in the midst of those awful, invasive, so-called required tests, and procedures that come around annually.  I  think I will opt out/cop out/just say no next year.  Five appointments in 3 weeks is just too much. 
Stay warm everyone, and happy stitching. 

Time to build a log cabin

  We made a trip to the local used book store over the weekend.  I picked up a book, A Log Cabin Notebook, by Mary Ellen Hopkins.  She was one of the first and best quilters to break things down into simple steps.    I have several of her books, but not this one!  So for $3 I was happy.
   We all know you could spend a lifetime making log cabin quilts and never have two the same.   With this book you have a lot of inspiration.  It  has a good tutorial on log cabin blocks... from traditional methods to chain piecing, lots of layouts and design ideas.

  When I did the post on lesson from a log cabin variation,  I showed several quilts using the quarter log cabin block.  Mary Ellen calls it a "chevron log cabin" block in her book.    So call it whatever you prefer,  it is a block I really like.

  I shared the "recipe" I am using to make this block a week ago in this post using 2'' strips.  If you prefer to use 2 1/2'' strips, feel free to adjust the size and measurements.   I have some strips cut and  will be officially starting this project next week.  I am using floral fabrics, and have heard from one who plans on using scraps, another who wants to use up theme fabrics.  Join us if you like, as it could be interesting to see the different looks.

  All those floral fabrics in Boxed Squares.....it is very busy and fun!  And finally all sewn together and ready for quilting.  I will probably use straight line quilting on this one.....nothing else will even show up.  So this is my main task this week.

  Second big task this week is attending to Sir Old Man, who is having cataract surgery on his right eye.  The left one will follow in a few weeks.  We think we have the schedule figured out....like drops in the morning, drops at night, do this, but not that.   He is so use to being in control that the thought of this is driving him a little bit crazy.   Wish me luck:)
Happy stitching. 

Having way too much fun!

    Last night I read through my new book, a  get well gift from Lara at BuzzinBumble...... isn't she a sweetie!
I had commented I was putting her book on my Christmas list, and she offered to send me a copy for my recovery.  Happy dancing here.

   So I did an intense read and decided to begin today on my focus banner for 2017.  Nothing like the present to set a future course.
   The book is a great read, and I love the extra tips that Lara includes.  Her directions are clear and easy to understand.  It is not a complicated technique, it just takes a little planning and prepping.   So if you haven't gotten a copy.....put it on your Christmas list.  There's time:)




     Along the way, as I prepared my fabric for the words I want to use, I discovered a new use for campaign yard signs.   I slipped one inside a trash bag for my prepping.  And that is all I will say about it for now.

  It was time to begin work on the letter patterns for the applique.  Next, I pulled out my orphan block box.  I found a couple of blocks I loved that I could incorporate into the banner.  And then the improv/free piecing of the background.  I have a large zip lock bag of neutral strips, and pieces that come in handy for creating  mixed backgrounds.
 

 
   I had a rough sketch  as a guide to what I wanted.  I knew that I wanted an off set layout, and that a bit of color in some orphan blocks would be a good thing.  At this point, I need to square up the bottom and check to be sure I have enough room for the letters.

   You can get an idea of the type of piecing I am using....strips, chunks, a few 4 patch units, and a couple of blocks.  It is a matter of finding things that fit, and pressing well.  Square up the sides as you go:)

   
        And the first letter is a "B".    I am using a lot of batik scraps for the words.

  I did a search for alphabets for applique.  I found a couple that I decided to work from because the size was about right.  I traced over the block style letters I needed, adding a little curve and personality to them.    I added an extra strip across the bottom on the final size to be sure I had enough length.  

    I did a small bit of cutting with the rotary cutter---no problem.  The pressing is worse on the hand, so I pulled out the lighter travel iron to use.  Much better.  
   I got the lab results for my B12 level.....even with the monthly shots, it is too low for my nerves to heal and maintain my body.  I see the doctor on Friday to discuss  a different shot schedule.  I seem to do well for a couple of weeks after the shot, but feel my  energy level drop by the third week.
  I'm done for today.....happy stitching.

Deciding on Geese

   These wild geese were flying every where as I pulled out several fabrics to try as sashing.  There a dark blue, a grayed-black, and a dark tonal green.  I tried a red, but quickly knew I would not be happy with it and put it away.  Of these 3, I liked the dark green best.  The black needs to be darker and truer with out the grayed splotches.  So since we were planning a quick trip to Fletcher, NC, a short stop at Foam and Fabric would solve the black dilemma.




   I did find a beautiful black tonal fabric I will use for the geese.  But I will save  photos of it until I get some geese strips sewn.  Nicki suggested the name of Flight in the Night if I used black.   We will see......
    I also picked up a couple of books at 50% off....I am such a sucker for quilt books.    The Color book is by Becky Goldsmith  of Piece O Cake fame.  Lots of great projects in it to entice me.   I am reading thru it right now and will share a review maybe of wisdom I gleam from it.

   Sir Old Man spotted this one on the flat fold table.  I did not need this, but loved all the sentiments/sayings expressed on it.   So one yard will make a ton of mug rugs and snack size mats for using, giving, or donating.  I love making the small size projects in between the big stuff.




   I will probably be silent for a day or two.....carpel tunnel surgery is tomorrow.  Thank you all for the support.  I will be back.  Happy stitching.  

My day....a top and a book

 Blocks assembled and pressed.... Carolina Chain  taking a rest in the warm afternoon sun while the maker digs in the stash for border fabrics.

    Another view from a different angle and the chains take on a different appearance.  Since it ended up about 50" by 60", it could use a border or two.  I'm just not sure what I will find in the closet.  If I dig deep enough, I am sure to find something that will work.





  And a book....not just any book, but one I have been longing/desiring for a little while.  Some times I pick up books for inspiration, like the old one I found by the Palouse Patchers mentioned in this post.   I have refined my watercolor technique, so my interest was in the designs they showed rather than techniques.
   But I digress.  The new book is this one, Lovely Landscape Quilts by Cathy Geier.

  I have been following her blog for a time and  have become a big fan of her quilts/designs.   Cathy's blog is full, repeat full, of details and information on her designs and techniques.
 But back to her new book.....it is full of wonderful photos, not only her landscapes, but 9 other quest artists who used strip technique for landscape quilts.  A lot of wonderful eye candy for design inspiration found in the first chapter.
  The next thing I noticed was the pages.....not slick and glossy, but matte.  They feel like satin, very nice for a change from most books.  She includes a full chapter on details about her technique of strip piecing on tear away foundation----this helps keep everything perfectly straight and flat.  Cathy has gotten glowing reviews since the book was released, and I am hopping on the wagon and saying it is a keeper for me!  I even purchased a few new fabrics.  I expect to be trying this technique soon.
  So I am going to curl up with my new book, and finish devouring the projects that fill the pages.  Happy stitching.

Mail!

   I got the prettiest package in the mail yesterday.   Almost too pretty to open... but you know I did.  

 I won this wonderful jelly roll of 

Moda fabrics from   Sharon at vroomansquilts  during the Table Topper blog hop.

    The package is just an added bonus----great pattern to use for thread painted flowers.  Thank you, Sharon.  Check out her blog for wonderful ideas.  I thought she had the greatest variety of table toppers.  She has inspired me to put one of the table topper stands on my wish list.   Now to think about how I want to use the jelly roll fabrics!

  I sat outside yesterday and began reading one of the books I got at the quilt show.  Guess what it begins with?  A section on color, value and selecting fabrics.....I thought I was reading my earlier posts on color!  So I am giving  this book a giant/big/huge thumbs up. This  Piece O' Cake Designs book  offers  a good lesson on piecing backgrounds and using the negative space for visual interest.   The designs are simple and fun and not meant to be exact, but rather free and stylized....almost folk art.  I am not sure I am brave enough to cut without the ruler as they do--especially for the squaring up--otherwise it is a keeper.
  What caught my eye was the swirled stem and vine on the front cover.  It is just what I was thinking on using as an applique for the foot of the  bed runner I want to make using the fmq challenge techniques.   And the quilt of offset  leaves  has great possibilities for a future project.
  

OK, you can tell I am feeling better today and doing better with the pain.  

Fresh air + good night's sleep + chocolate + prayers + hugs == less pain!!!  And maybe the  meds too.

I am late in accepting a double dose of the Liebster Award from  Ashlea and Kim.  Think they figure I have lots of time now to share some blog love.  ;)  Thank you both for the recognition.  I will follow up with a post for some blogs I really enjoy.  I have done enough finger exercise today....just following doctor's orders.  Happy stitching.

Tried and True

 I thought I would try the new blogger interface today.  First impression is that everything loads so much faster, and most important...everything is still there!  It is easier to read the blog list, if and that's a big if, you can find it.  Figuring out the dashboard takes a while, but I think I will catch on to it eventually.

  Good news.... the Bonnie Hunter book I order for my quilt guild arrived today.  Guess I know what I will be reading tonight.

  Bad news...is the vertigo I had earlier this year is back with a vengeance.  Ugh!

  I starting cutting fabric for a wedding gift today---the time slipped up on me and I only have a month to get it done.  I believe in tried and true when in a crunch.  So I am using the Turning Twenty Again pattern and doing it in batiks.  

  I don't use just fat quarters for this one.  I like to add in a few extra fabrics for variety....and use up a few scraps in the process.    So I use my cutting guide chart to list all the sizes to cut.  Then I can keep track of the number of pieces cut and know when to stop. 

  We are expecting rain...and lots of it tomorrow.  I am so glad because it will also cool off some.  Happy stitching.