Patriots In Petticoats is Finished!

Oh Wow, Wow, Wow...it is breathtaking!  I finished my first block-of-the-month quilt within my set goal of February (yaaa Me!!) and it's a dazzler!!  I looked up at the clock on the wall and saw my lovely quilt was finished on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 3:50pm.  I laid it out on top of the tables at the Quilt Shop one more time and I couldn't stop starring at it, looking over all the stars and the finished borders.  I kept thinking, "did I really do all of this"?  I started this journey in August 2011 and I thought, "this is going to be incredible"!  I had no idea how much this quilt would teach me as a piecemaker.  I could not imagine how much I would grow from these weekend lessons on a block of the month quilt.  I was in for a rare treat!

I would like to recognize and thank two amazing ladies who helped me finish the borders. I could not have finished this without the exceptional help of Rebecca Barber and Karen Imwalle from Cozy Cabin Quilts.   Rebecca taught me the correct way of measuring the quilt and border strips and sewing them on each side so they fit correctly.  I didn't think it made a big difference, but she made a believer out of me; when I saw how nicely they fit, I was astounded there was no wavy line thru the borders.  Rebecca helped me measure out the striped border and Karen securely held the ruler, while I cut all 4 striped borders. It took some extra time...a worthwhile investment.  Rebecca taught me a new way of mitering these tricky borders so that all 4 corners matched up line by line it was soooo beneficial!  I was sooo excited to see each row perfectly matched up.

I changed the position of 2 blocks from the pattern and it looks balanced.  Now, it is in the very capable hands of Mike Barber who is quilting it for me on his Gammill long arm.  He is the best machine quilter I have ever met and I have never been disappointed by his work.  He is an extraordinary artist!  I'm anxious to see the quilting we picked out together.

My husband and darling daughter stood on step ladders so I could take this picture in our living room.  The bottom edge brushes the floor by 2 inches, even though they are holding the quilt at the top of our ceiling.  Right now it is 102 inches square.  This is the biggest quilt I have ever done and I'm so proud of it!  My husband believes this quilt is too big for our queen size bed, but there is no doubt in my mind I'll be sleeping underneath it as soon as the binding is on the quilt - which will be the afternoon I bring it home...oh my, that means I have 2 weeks to prepare the binding strips :)

I couldn't resist taking the quilt to the cemetery of my Mom's grave, just minutes from our home.  It was a beautiful balmy, sunny day for February.  It may seem a little strange, but I wanted her to see this and share it with her in a small way.  My Mom could sew anything and she made me the most beautiful clothes I dreamed of with absolute precision, matching plaids and irregular 60's and 70's prints.  I grew up sitting to her left as she sewed clothes for my sister and I.  She was a simple girl who grew up on an Iowa dairy-farm.  She was also her father's extra hands when it came to the farm.  She could milk cows, drive the tractors, bail hay, and throw the bails into the loft with speed and skill.  She could also cook the best Sunday dinners and won several blue ribbons for her homemade bread at the county fair.  She was a homemaker no matter where my Dad was assigned in the Air Force.  I learned to tie my shoes behind the wringer washing machine in our little bamboo house in Japan.  We were raised with simple means, but she always strove to make our school dresses, winter coates and play clothes "better than store bought, so we could be proud of who we were".  We spent many happy hours picking out the right pattern and fabrics for "the next outfit".  A few months before she died we agreed to start sewing quilts together.  Neither one of us had any idea we would only piece two quilts together.  As I made the blocks and lined up all the directional fabrics in so many of the quilt blocks, I could hear her sewing lessons that she tried to teach me over our brief years together.  This quilt was made in her honor.  It was also made to honor my Grandmother who patiently researched her family tree.  I have descendants who fought in the American Revolutionary War, with letters written to family members describing the battles and events they endured.  I also have relatives from the Civil War who fought for the Union.  Leah helped me take a few pictures.

Next, I want to thank my dear friend, Jenn Henry, for suggesting we should go to the Shipshewanna Quilt Show back in April.  If she had not said "I'll make reservations and we'll go to the show", none of this would have happened!  Jenn you have been one of my dearest friends for over 30 years.  I love your enthusiasm, your laughter, your endless creativity, and your spunk!  You are a joy and delight on soooo many levels.  Remember when our children were so young and we used to think, "oh, it would be so fun to do little quilting trips together...maybe some day out in the distant future!".  Well here we are and boy are they too too fun!  I look forward to many wonderful Quilting Trips in the future! 

Lastly, I want to thank Caroline and her staff at Carolines Cottage Cottons for their willingness to take on the task of offering this block of the month project AND for mailing out the packages each month!  I'm so grateful for alllll your hard work.  Caroline, if you had not looked over your shoulder and said "we mail the blocks out to you if you live outside our area", when I visited your shop last June, I would have missed this blessing!  I had soooo much fun doing this and I was so excited each and every month to receive my packages in the mail.  You are all wonderful, wonderful ladies who always treated my phone calls with patience, enthusiam, encouragement, and kindness!!  I can't wait to show you my quilt at the Shop Hop in Lima, OH in a few weeks.

I promise I'll post the final-final pictures after the binding is on.  Look for pictures in April!!

Happy Quilting!

Elaine
Chipper Piecemaker

Blocks are Finished...Happy Dance!

I am amazed that I have all the blocks pieced!! WooHoo!!  Now comes the final piecing of the sides, center and final borders.  I am thrilled beyond words!!  Two weeks ago I finished the log cabin inner border.  There were 3 logs with directional fabrics, what a challenge to keep them in the right direction.  I know I'm fussy, but it would bugg me if the prints on this large border were out-a-sync.

Here's what they look like all together and one separately.

The last week and a half I have been working on the ribbon blocks.  I wish I would have thought about them a little more, because I would have pieced them on the diagonal so the center blocks were one square, but because the prints are so busy, it won't matter as much!  I'm so glad these prints were not directional. 

There are four stars in each corner of the ribbon border.  It was an "ahhh moment" to piece these little stars.  These stars grow on ya after you've made 21 for this quilt :)

I'm working on piecing the borders this weekend.  We have sunshine & beautiful snow outside making everything look glorious!  I love the snow, unlike most Ohioans.  I will drive in it, walk in it, play in it, snow-blow it, and sit with a cup of tea to behold it!

I hope you are working on beautiful projects!

Elaine

Chipper Piecemaker





Center Medallion Block for Patriot Quilt - TaDa!

It is really finished - and it is a beauty!  It's hard to notice the beautiful lemony roses in the background fabric in the very outside of this block.  I love yellow roses!  There will be 4 large blocks (in this fabric) surrounding this center medallion block in the quilt.  The green is a directional fabric that took some fuss'in over before I could sew the entire block together.

This block honors Martha Washington, General Washington's wife.  I didn't realize she made several trips a year to see her husband and the troops.  She was a gracious celebrity during wartime.  She never refused to stay a little longer when she was invited to share at Ladies Teas.  She walked with her husband among the troops to offer words of encouragement and hope.  It is only fitting that this block should be named in her honor and stands out among the rest as 24 inches square compared to the others that are 10 inches square.

Well, it is on to the Log Cabin inner border! Last night, when I was studying the directions, I noticed 2 out 3 dark-side fabrics are directional prints.  Another inspiring challenge for these 20 blocks!  This quilt makes me chuckle as I often ask myself, "would I have taken this challenge if I knew there were so many directional fabrics?" - that is yet to be determined.

Let me know what you are working on!

Elaine
Chipper Piecemaker

Alpaca Quilt Batting

Good Day Friends,
For those of you wanting more information about Alpaca Quilt batting, here is the information Brenda sent me. "Yes. I meant to do that Saturday evening! I have crib size for $30, thow for $32, full for $51, and queen for $60. The batting is 70% alpaca and 30% merino."  Her prices are great!!!  I believe I will have to consider this for one of my quilts.

When I saw it in her shop it was as silky soft as alpaca and merino can be!!  I imagine it would be a pleasure to hand quilt.  Brenda assured me alpaca is very breathable to sleep under. 

Let me know if you want more information.

Elaine
Chipper Piecemaker

Patriot in Petticoats 15 & 16

                    I woke up this morning determined to sew and not buy any more yarn or fabric until I finished some projects.  It was a beautiful day, high 40's and sunny, a good day to shop.  I had a great breakfast and promptly went downstairs to my sewing room.  Today, I completed all the individual blocks for my Patriot quilt and I'm in awe of 16 blocks.  Each one was just a little more challenging and block 16 was no exception.  I really tried to get each detail in line, but two little spots couldn't be helped.  I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I have piecing them!

Here is Block 15 and 16...

Block 15 honors Mercy Otis Warren, an American writer and playwright.  She was America's first female playwright and wrote strong anti-British and anti-Loyalist propaganda plays.  I loved this quote taken from a letter to one of her friends, " America stands armed with resolution and virtue; but she still recoils at the idea of drawing the sword against the nation from whence she derived her origin.  Yet Britain, like an unnatural parent, is ready to plunge her dagger into the bosom of her affectionate offspring".  Wow, I love her word pictures!

Block 15 - Mercy Otis Warren

Block 16 honors Hannah Arnett, who is buried in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  In December, 1776, her husband and local friends were gathered in their home deciding between loyalty to Britain or America.  Hannah was so upset she burst into the room and started screaming "traitors and cowards"!  Her husband made her leave, but she would not stop!  She continued to berate them and assured them she would leave Isaac if he deserted the American cause.  Stung by her persistent passion, the men reconsidered and refused the British offer of "protection of life and property".  Now that's what I cause a persuasive woman! 

Block 16

These blocks have been a wonderful learning experience.  I have been challenged to re-think my piecing skills.  After previewing the center medallion block I'm anxious to jump in and start piecing.  It's a large block with an eight-pointed star in the center.  I looked at the log cabin blocks and don't you know,,,two of the fabrics are directional!  It's going to be quite a challenge to match the directional prints with the blocks going completely around the inside of the quilt.  I wish I were not such a perfectionist when it comes to piecing my work.

Late this afternoon, Leah and I went to visit an Alpaca Farm, "Stewart Heritage Farm", a few miles from our home.  The owner was very hospitable and allowed Leah to take pictures of her beautiful Alpaca's.  I couldn't resist buying some yarn to bring home.  When I told Brenda, the owner, I was a Quilter, she showed me "alpaca quilt batting for a full size and crib size quilt".  I was so impressed!!  She is going to send me price information.  Her yarn colors are beautiful and now I wish I had bought a skein of brown and a skein of cinnamon brown.  I have an incredibly hard time resisting local alpaca yarn.  When I was in high-school a German woman taught me how to do hairpin lace.  I made an afghan that I continue to sleep under every night.  Perhaps I should consider making a scarf with hairpin lace - I could do a two-color scarf with hairpin lace.  I wish I could find other interesting patterns in hairpin lace.  

What a blessing to be creative!  What a blessing to love the work of your hands!  What a joy to share it with others and to bless them!

Enjoy the work of your hands!

Elaine

Chipper Piecemaker

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I surprised myself yesterday by completing 2 Patriots in Petticoats blocks and they were definately the most challenging from a "matching the pattern" perspective.  When I was growing up, my Mom made all of my clothes.  She could sew anything and match the plaids with absolute perfection!  I kept one of my jackets for my daughters to wear and treasure.  I hope my Mom would be proud of these two blocks.  I cut and pieced each one to match the patterns as they came together.  In block 13, I lacked an inch in the width of the red fabric to make the center square match the rest of the reds.  Oh well, the rest of the reds match, as do the green flowers.  In block 14 the background and the green branches all move in the same direction.  It is more pleasing to the eyes when the patterns flow in a balanced manner.

Block 13 honors Phillis Wheatley the Poet.  She was kidnapped in 1763 from West Africa and purchased in Boston by John Wheatley.  His wife and daughter encouraged her education and she published her first book of poems in 1774.

Block 14 honors the bravery and courage of Betty Zane.  When Fort Henry was under attack from American Indians (allies of the British), she courageously walked out of the fort to retrieve supplies, as in gunpowder and bullets.  The opposing forces were surprised to see a woman and let her leave and return to the fort.  Because of her bravery they defeated the Indians.  What a gutsy woman!!  My Dad owns many Zane Grey western novels.  I was surprised to learn that Betty was one of his descendents and he wrote a novel about her.  I'm going to ask him if he has read about Betty Zane.



While our family was visiting Davis Merchantile in Shipshewanna, Indiana, I had to pop into Lolly's Fabrics and just dream.  I was captivated by a quilt hanging on the wall called Star Trip by Jane Martin.  Lolly's had it done in Kansas Troubles Favorites collection and I was captivated by the colors and the simplicity of the pattern. 

You know when you just want to sit down and make something beautiful and love every second you are working.  You have some great music on while you are working from your machine to your iron and you are humming the whole time... 

Now, I love a crisp-looking batik quilt with a flannel backing and swirly quilting...  Since Hannah was with me, I looked at her and said, "Could we make that quilt out of 12 batiks...would you help me pick them out?"  She just grinned and said "Where do you want to start?"  The blues and greens were pretty easy, but we were slightly stuck when it came to the golds/rusts I wanted.  A very kind Shop Assistant jumped in to offer suggestions and we were at the counter in no time.  From my picture the yellow star fabric is too light, but the multi-color overlapping it, is my border.  Don't you just love them :)  I am yearning to start this, but I'm trying to delay until I finsh the Patriot In Petticoat Quilt.  My goal is to finish Patriots by the end of February and I still hope to make that deadline.         

                                                      



I hope you like my Patriot blocks and batik's :)

Let me know the projects and fabrics that compell you to love piecemaking and quilting!

Happy New Year!

Elaine

Chipper Piecemaker



Pumpkin Roll and a Patriot

What an action packed day!  Hannah and I made our Premiere Pumpkin Roll for dessert tonight and I finished my 12th Patriot block.  I have always wanted to make a Pumpkin Roll but I thought they were too difficult.  My fearless daughter said, "Mom...this will be so fun...we can sooooo do this".  Oh la la and did we have fun!  Before we can eat the roll we MUST have FULL documentation.  Leah is on the left and Hannah on the right and Steve is getting out the ice cream.

We each had a slice and there's more for tomorrow. 

This block honors Polly Cooper, the housekeeper and cook for General George Washington.  She was from the Oneida Indian tribe who taught Washington's starving army how to use corn for nutritional and medicinal purposes during the winter of 1777-1778.  I'm sure she saved countless soldier's lives.  She refused to accept payment so instead Congress presented her with a beautiful shawl as a gift from the United States.  

As beautiful as this block is, I wonder what her shawl looked like.  Here is a link for a picture of the shawl...it is beautiful!

http://www.oneidaindiannation.com/culture/shako/exhibits/27015199.html

Let me know what you are working on!

Elaine

Chipper Piecemaker

New Laptop and Patriot Blocks #9, #10, #11

Belated Merry Christmas and a Happy Happy New Year to Everyone!!!

My home computer died shortly after my last post, was kindly resurrected, only to greet me with the blue screen of death a few days later.  My sister kept insisting "just go buy a laptop with plenty of speed and one you like!"  Oh dear me!  After a few weeks, I had the kindest friend lead me threw the maze of choosing a new laptop and I settled on a Toshiba Satellite.  I couldn't be more tickled-pink-and-purple...or as my daughter says, "it rocks all my socks off"!

So I've been a little busy on countless things.  I knitted 4 dishcloths as gifts to my office co-workers.  I baked pumpkin bread for my Team Members.  I finished knitting a triangular scarf from blue-faced leicester variegated yarn for myself - love-love-love this wool yarn!  I'm not sure how to finish the edges or block it, so those pictures are on hold.  I finished a stunning bargello wall hanging...now in the hands of my Quilter for a future winter class (pictures to come in a few days).  I'm hoping for several students because it is deceptively easy with spectacular results!  My youngest daughter took pictures for me and I'm anxious to share them with you ...stay tuned for exciting pictures.

I completed three more Patriot in Petticoats blocks and I'm enjoying them more with each block.  Enjoy these pictures...





Block #9 - Anna Marie Lane was a Nurse, wounded in the Battle of Germantown, Pennsylvania.  Her work was so appreciated that she received a large pension until her death in 1819. 

Block #10 Lydia Darragh - she was a daring spy who outwitted the British and help secure a victory for the Pennsylvania Militia

Block #11 - Elizabeth Freeman - born a slave and called "Mumbet".  She heard a public reading of the Declaration of Independence and boldly sued her cruel owner for her freedom and won.  She became a paid servant in her attorney's household and was buried in the Sedgwick family plot in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

I continue to be inspired by the courage of each of these women and proud to make each block!  Our family took a day trip to Shipshewanna, Indiana and I was standing in the fabric section of Yoder's Store. All of a sudden it dawned on me I was standing in front of the entire collection of Patriot's in Petticoats fabric.  I called my girls over to see the fabric and started calling out the different fabric's I had used.  The three of us grew in our excitement to see the familiar fabrics.  My husband walked over to see the commotion and two clerks just grinned - this must be a common spectacle.  The pattern's were on a tall turn-style to our right.  I found the first pattern showing the entire quilt and shoved it in front of him, "this is what I have been working on since August..this is the quilt I'm slowly creating as a tribute to my Mom and Grandmother!"   He slowly smiled as he started to recognize a few of the blocks I had showed him.  "This will be so impressive...when do you think you will finish it?" he asked.  I told him my goal is late February, but no later than end of March.  I have 4 more blocks to complete, the center medallion block, the log-cabin inner chain, piecing the entire quilt, adding the inside ribbon border and lastly the triple outside borders.  What a wonder to see all the fabrics on bolts instead of little pieces in each folder!!  

I know what I'm working on tomorrow!  I hope I'm not interrupted with call's from work because I intend to complete block number12 and maybe even number13.

Now that my new laptop is humming along, I should have more regular posts :)

Thank you for your patience and for stopping by!

Elaine

The Chipper Piecemaker







Two Ladies, A Chair, A Cowl, A Tree

I desperately needed a haircut this weekend...I've been putting it off for a week or two, but it really gave me a bolus of energy!!  After I came home, I don't know what came over me, but I finished two more Patriot's in Petticoat's blocks.  This first one is in honor of a very feisty woman by the name of Hannah Hendee.  When her 7 year old son was captured by the Indians, she went to the British leader in charge of the raid and threatened him to release her son or to be cursed!  Captain Horton was so intimidated by her determination, he not only gave her son back, but 9 other little boys who were captured that night.  She rescued her son and these precious little boys on October 16, 1780 in South Royalton, VT.   A mother's love is powerful!

The second block honors another courageous woman by the name of Nancy Hart.  Tory soldiers thought they could come into her home and demand a meal.  She fed them, stole their guns while they were eating, killed two of them who tried to move while she held them at gun point, and waited for her husband and neighbors to come home.  Her husband wanted to shoot the six, but she said hang them, and they did.  Their graves were found in 1912 near her cabin.   She was a brave woman to defend her home and her family.

I have my new chair for my sewing room and I love it!  I can slide alittle, roll alittle, turn alittle, and smile ALOT!  It is just what I was dreaming about and it came for my birthday a few weeks ago!  We found it at Ikea and it is perfect in every way.

My youngest daughter, Leah, came home the beginning of October and said, "Mom, what kind of scarf should I get for work?  My neck is freezing when I work Drive-Thru!!" 

Well, there I was, envisioning My Baby, braving the elements to hand latte's, coffee and frappacino's to her customer's, while the rain, snow and sleet are pelting her in the face and neck!!  What's a Mom to do??  So off we drove to the Knitting Shop to buy worsted wool yarn.  She wanted alittle sparkle so she picked a little silver accent. 

This easy pattern came highly recommend by a friend on Ravelry.  I was able to knit it up over a weekend and have it to her for her birthday.  It may look small, but she can wrap it around her neck twice, or her head/face and neck, hence the name Infinitude Cowl/Scarf.  She's now as snug as an Eskimo! 

A friend of mine saw one of my Folded Log Cabin wall hangings and asked if I could make a Christmas Tree for her.  I said, "of course" and here is the finished product.  The blocks are pieced on foundation fabric and folded slightly as you build the block.  It gives the finished illusions of quilted when it really isn't.  I really like the way it finished...kinda wish I could keep it with the holidays coming so quickly.  If I have time, I'll make another one for me....

I guess I can say "whhhewww", but the holidays are coming and there is much to be thankful for and celebrate God's richest blessings.  My daughter, Hannah, will be home from college and I'm confident, Leah, my other daughter will be filling our home with tantalizing aromas in our kitchen.  We are blessed that everyone in our family loves to cook over the holidays.  I'll be working on more Patriot blocks and a bargello wall hanging.

I'll keep you posted!  Let me know what you are working on, because I would be sooo delighted to hear from you!

Elaine

Chipper Piecemaker

Patriot Ladies 5 & 6

Howdy-howdy!  Happy Fall Colors!

I'm delighted to return to sewing and working on my Ladies.  I started on my fifth Patriot while staying up one night to prepare for working the following night.  Gotta get the body clock turned around, so I might as well do what I love best :)  Don't ya know I couldn't sleep the next day, so I finished her up!

This past weekend I managed to do the sixth Patriot and she went together like spreading butter on a warm biscuit :)  I am so far out of my comfort zone on these blocks, I don't know which end is up anymore.  Each block is another notch in my confidence level, not that it was anemic, but I feel like I'm stepping into new upgrades every time.  The directions are so easy to follow and I'm dazzled with each completed block.  These two blocks finish up month 3, as in March, but who's keeping track anyway??

I received fabric for the log cabin blocks this week (as in month 10, ah-hmm there are 7 packages or 13 blocks waiting for me).  It's October and there are only 2 more sets of blocks coming my way.  My goal is to finish piecing this quilt by February and I'm hoping that's not too ambitious!  I don't want to leave this quilt dangling, because it is just too spectacular!  I would love to know if there is anyone working on this close to my home.  It would be fun to get progress reports from them. 

I don't think I will get be able to sew very much this weekend, as I just went and bought 2 bushels of apples to make up into applesauce.  I have a bushel of Honeycrisps and a bushel of Jonagolds waiting to be processed.  My kitchen is going to smell divine all day tomorrow!!  It's alot-alot of work, but my favorite comfort food is a nice dish of applesauce with just a sprinkle of cinnamon - hmmm...yummy-yummy for my tummy!!

I hope you all get out to enjoy the rich fall colors.  This is my favorite time of the year.  These colors speak to my spirit and make we smile each time I look across the fields.  It's also birthday month in our home!  There is so much to be thankful for and multiple reasons to celebrate this season :)

Happy Quilting!

Elaine
Chipper Piecemaker

Grand Lake Shop Hop and Lil Bag

     Saturday morning I joined other enthusiastic Quilters at Grand Lake's One Stop Shop Hop featuring 19 Quilt Shops under one roof in Celina, Ohio.  It was a wonderful location for Quilt Shops from Indiana and Ohio to meet and greet eager Quilter's.  Door Prizes were given away every hour - oh yay!  They had a Grand Prize of $50 Gift Certificate donated by each shop - that meant they gave out 19 Grand Prize Winners - wow!  I hope I get picked for one of them :)  They also held hourly demonstrations for quilting tips and techniques by the various Quilt Shops.  It was almost like a mini-retreat that you wanted to stay alllll day for!! I was so impressed how Rebecca and friends organized and carried out a successful show.   I look forward to the next show in March at University of Northwestern Ohio Event Center in Lima, Ohio.

I was able to meet Caroline face to face after many months of phone conversations (she owns Caroline's Cottage Cottons in Rome, IN).  She has sent me monthly mailings of Patriot's in Petticoats block-of-the-month.  I walked up to her and said, "you won't recognize my face, but hopefully you recognize my voice!"  Her face lit up and she was so excited to place a voice with my face!  We had a lively conversation as I was able to show her my completed 4 blocks.  It was wonderful to hear her encouraging words.

I came home with a few small important treasures like a spool of Aurafil thread and a finger pressing tool.  I'm a big fan of Aurifil thread!  I have almost finished with my first spool.  I've made 3 lap size quilt tops, 2 small tote bags, 2 blocks for Pieceful Nights and 4 Patriot blocks.  I'll let you know when I start my next spool. 

Saturday evening I started working on a small kit I had bought at Lolly's Fabric's.  I fell in love with Lolly's when I visited the Shipshewanna Show in June.  Lolly's had neatly tied bundles of 2 contrasting fat-eighths wrapped around a zipper next to "Cash and Carry" patterns by Atkinson's Designs.  I finished it this afternoon and it came out to 7" x 3 1/2".  It's adorable, directions were easy to follow, and it will certainly be put to good use.  I'm also thinking future Christmas gifts! 

Time to move on to another Patriot Block :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Elaine

Chipper Piecemaker

Lovely Patriot Number 4

To look at the picture, this is such a simple block and the fabric colors are so fresh and airy.  Saturday afternoon I didn't think I could do this one, but Sunday evening it all came together and tonight it's a beauty!!  I had to trust the cutting instructions and be sooooooo precise on the sewing :)  Yippee, it was worth it all!!

It's kinda like walking with the Father...sometimes you have to streeeettttch your faith and your senses and walk in the dark, trusting His leading and just persistently persevere.  You know it will all work out, but you just wish you had a little light on the path.

In what used to be our home-school room hangs a poem that has sustained me many times.

Press On

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not, unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not, the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

I've been told I'm pretty determined and stubbornly persistent at times.  I suppose this block is another lesson to Press On!

Let me know what you have struggled with this week!  It may not be in your quilting projects, it may be walking in the dark and trusting His leading with life's issues.

Keep on Pressing On!

Elaine

Chipper Piecemaker

Patriot's in Petticoat's Block #3

I'm so thankful I signed up for Patriot's in Petticoat's block of the month.  I'm so happy to work on each block with beautiful fabric!  Each block takes me to a higher level of accuracy in cutting, piecing and pressing.  My comfort zone is expanding and I feel like my skills are growing with each new block.  The directions have been helpful and I usually have just a smidgen of leftover fabric when the block is completed.

Block #3:  Margaret Cochran Corbin

Margaret's block has been a challenge in the realm of pressing.  I'm learning to finger-press as I piece and consider how the next segment will attach before pressing a whole section.  This block came together as a 9-patch, but pressing was a little touchy.  Piecing has been easy - 10 squares for a 10 inch block, so every segment is 1 1/2 inches.  A few corners are slightly off, but overall...I look at it in awe! 

I've started Block #4 and it's a beauty, but the piecing is in the 1/8th inch increments.  It has 6 sections across that must finish to a 10 inch block.  Last night I was cutting out the pieces and reminding my self, "think twice, cut once, think twice, cut one, no oopsies"!

It would be so so fun sitting around a table with a group of ladies, working on each block together.  How I miss that inspiring camaraderie!  Hopefully a few more followers will drop in and we can chat about what they are working on.

Thanks for stopping by,

Elaine

Chipper Piecemaker

Christmas Batik Quilt

It has been a long time since my last post, but life happens.  I've been in the valley of losing a good friend and a father-in-law and comforting close friends who have lost loved ones - all in the last month.  It's more than the usual 3, so today I was determined to sew, be refreshed and take baby steps forward :)

A week ago, I cut out pieces for a shop sample.  A few are from the Batik Peppermint Patty Christmas collection.  The fabrics are beautiful and wonderful to work with.  I wish you could see them up close.

Over the weekend I pieced it all together!

This quilt was from Kathy Brown's Book and it's called "Take 5 Takes a Walk Around The Block".  It's a great beginner's quilt and a good stash buster.  The blocks are 12" finished, the inner border is 2" finished, and outer border will be 8" finished.  It's a great snuggler!  I look forward to Mike's creative quilting to give it the WOW factor. 

I'm anxious to get back to Patriots in Petticoats.  I still have soooo many blocks to catch up on.  Maybe this week I can start on a new block :)

It's been a nice weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

Elaine

Chipper Piecemaker

My Huggable Sewing Room

There are somethings I want to just HUG in my sewing room.  The first one would be my 930 Bernina sewing machine.  It was my Mom's and it has many happy memories attached.  My machine will sew on anything and has done everything I have ever asked.  I've worked on delicate lace to heavy denim and cording all in the same day with the greatest of ease.  I have probably made over 60 quilts and some other pretty amazing articles.  As I'm sewing on my Bernia it's always delightful to sit, pray, dream, sing, work, listen to CD's, watch a little TV on a tiny portable, create and smile.  It will always be one of my pals. 

The second item I would hug is my ironing table, as seen in my pictures.  It makes me smile and give a whole-hearted "ahhhh" every time I step into my room.  The first time I visited Cozy Cabin Quilt Shop in St. Mary's, Ohio I was smitten.  I remember Art, a dear friend of the Shop Owner, thumping his fingers on the board and telling me this was a necessity for every sewing room!  I give a hearty, AMEN!  Each ironing table is made individually for under $50.  It stretches out a whopping 72 inches by 24 inches wide. I can iron at one end, cut in the middle and toss to the other end.  The best part is if you need to iron a whole width of fabric, there is PLENTY of room to spare.   I am tickled to pieces with the extra work space it provides!!  Two years ago my family asked me what I wanted for Christmas and this was perfect.  I cannot recommend my ironing table strongly enough, nor have I seen a better one.  I'm head-over-heels happy with my ironing table, it's positively perfect in every respect!  I can't imaging sewing without it.

I'm thankful my Bernina sits in front of a window overlooking our front yard.  I have eyelet curtains in the window that I saved from our home in Pennsylvania...they make me smile too.  This year I replaced a short landscaping wall and planted some perenials to improve the view for next year.  Next spring and summer I'll have an even more beautiful view! 

On the 6 inch shelf that runs along 2 walls of the room I like to display little happy things like my Koala bear from when I lived in Australia, a picture of my Mom when she was young, M & M's, silly Quilting Buttons that make me grin, and homemade cards from my daughters.  I have a few "near future" patterns patiently waiting to be started that I set on the shelf.  It's my little motivation and inspiration spot.  Looks like it could use a little straightening up too :)

My sewing chest, made by a dear friend, has two big drawers with fabric and projects waiting to be finished.  I'm like so many Quilter's, always a few extra projects...waiting in the drawer's :)  I'm so thankful I have a small table that sits in the corner. My Featherweight sits underneath along with three bins of stash fabric.  My Bernina Serger, also inherited from my Mom, sits on the table and eagerly waits to clean off raw edges of finished projects.  My huggable sewing room is very compact and efficient with a few special quilts hanging on the walls.

When I'm sewing, I just want to hug the entire room!  Here, I'm a happy lady, doing what I enjoy with wonderful tools. 

The only improvement would be a new chair.  Maybe one with wheels and a seat that spins.  I could just roll alittle here, and spin alittle over that-a-way.  If you have any recommendations, I would love to hear from you :)  Maybe I'll want to hug a new chair?

Let me know what you love to hug in your sewing room!

Thanks for popping in,

Elaine
Chipper Piecemaker