HL - One Bound, Four to go

Considering that I picked up the pieces at Thanksgiving, and that my machine was in the shop for all of December, I'm thinking that having five quilts so very nearly done is not bad for three months of work.  And, I have the binding cut and ready for the four remaining quilts.  Since I'm not thrilled with my first solo binding, I'm holding out until I can get some hands-on help from someone I trust. (More pictures here)

Thing is, I'm visiting Mom in May (Happy Birthday by the way!), and she's got quite the agenda planned for me.  She's made a date for me with a long-arm quilter so that I can learn how to use the machine, and then set me up with three more days for on-my-own quilting.  So between now and then, I want to get four more ready to go.

First is a scrappy nine-patch - I just need to piece the backing for this and it will be ready.  I think it's a rescue quilt, as none of the fabrics seem to read "Hazel".  It's a complete lap quilt, ready to go.  It will probably be my first practice quilt for the long-arm.

Next up, 8 sampler blocks in cream and green.  They just need sashing (purchased) and a back and they will be ready to turn into either a wall hanging or table runner.  The backing will be part of the stash from Hazel as well.

Then, there is the (Tetris) Irish Chain.  Three partial quilts, each with the same print, but different solid colors to compliment it.  Not enough of any one for a full quilt, but with some juggling, perhaps I can get a decent size out of the three.  I've picked up varying polka-dots in the complimentary colors for the backing.  In my mind it's a happy thing.

And then finally, the churn dash.  Le sigh.  This one.  This one seems so close to final assembly, and yet, the blocks are all of a different size.  I've recently picked up some very cheap muslin that I think is similar to the muslin originally used in the blocks.  If it is close enough, I will sash the blocks on two sides, and then cut them down to a consistent size.  This one may not be finished when I fly up, but hopefully when I fly back home (fingers crossed). 

Oh, and PS - when two 'coons fight on your front sidewalk in the middle of the night it sounds like a pair of screaming girlies.  Just thought you'd want to know.

HL - Snowball + 9 Patch

So I fibbed. It turns out that this beauty is actually the first one that is ready for the quilter to get her hands on.

It's a combination of scrappy nine-patch and snowball blocks that probably has an official name (let me know if you know!) that are grounded by the use of a medium blue. The body of the quilt was complete, and no extra blocks or pieces of blocks were found to add to it. Each of the blocks is 5.75" square. At 9 x 10 blocks, it's a smidge more than 4' x 4'. There are yards of the blue fabric in the stash I brought home, but she used it in so many projects that I'm afraid to cut any more than necessary in case I need it for something else.

My contribution to this top is a 5.75" border of pink polka dot fabric. The medium blue shows up in the corners in a nine-patch block, just to tie the bits together. The back will be the very happy floral print, that for some reason seems to meld with all the scrappy prints that Hazel used. A binding of a slightly darker blue will tie the two together after its quilted.

I actually consider this to be a companion piece to an existing quilt we have in the house. The pink and blue turtle quilt was made for Mark by his Granny (paternal). Granny was a prolific quilter herself. We are fortunate to have a quilt made by her hands, as after her passing there was a fire at the farm and the majority of her quilts were destroyed.

On his tenth birthday, Mark was out at the farm and his Granny brought him to the bedroom. There was the quilt laid out, made especially for him. Even then he understood what a labor of love it was. It's machine pieced & appliqued, and hand quilted, with embroidery details for the turtle faces. The binding was replaced by Hazel in 2007 as it was frayed quite badly.  The border is original to the quilt.  I'm still trying to figure out the "fencing" print that was used...

It's a good feeling to have something ready to be quilted. It's overwhelming, almost, the amount of unfinished projects that were left behind.

Progress on the Lone Star - fill pieces removed, need to iron/starch the star so it will stop fraying and be easier to reassemble. I can't find my big ruler so the hunt is on! I'll need it before I try to cut the replacement pieces.