Last weekend I was given the opportunity to be interviewed by Andrea R Huelsenbeck over at ARtisticLicense. I just want to extend my humble thanks for the shout out and if you have the opportunity, check out her blog! I’ve followed her for quite some time and I believe we first met during an A to Z Challenge — testament to the great friendships formed during blog challenges. I highly recommend participation in these blog events. You never know how much of a connection you will have with another. Here’s the link to check it out: https://arhtisticlicense.com/2019/10/12/an-interview-with-quilter-stephanie-finnell/
Word association will be my attempt to meld a post with this week’s clipping. I struggled with this one but I loved the clipping enough to work with it. Maybe you’ll appreciate the humor and maybe not. Living rural will give you an edge for sure so, city slickers, just know that running over a cow is not an option. Enough said I think.
My ‘herd‘ of projects is becoming a bit excessive so maybe if I share some, or plans for some, I’ll get more finished just for accountability’s sake. I can hope at least.
I’ll begin with the quilt that should be finished by now—if we had a little cooler weather it would have helped. Hand quilting is so much more appealing when it’s going to keep your lap warm. At least all that’s left is this small section and the binding.
Hope to finish this tonight!
Western Wedding Ring (lap-size)
This one is actually finished thank goodness! Called Mini Sunbonnet Sue Months of the Year. I did not piece this quilt. My dear hubby found it on eBay for a steal. All I had to do was finish the hand quilting portion. And here is where I’m going to insert an explanation for those who don’t quite understand. There is a difference in construction definitions when I say (or a quilter says) they ‘Hand Quilt’. This refers to the stitching you see all over a quilt. When someone says they “Hand Piece”, it means they have sewn all the portions of the quilt by hand, not on machine. I Don’t “Hand Piece”. lol I’m way too busy for that. Hand quilting is my thing and I like the way it looks with hand stitching rather than machine stitching over the top of a quilt.
Finished!
Copied the pattern in case I want to applique another.
And on Friday my dear youngest daughter informed me we needed a baby quilt done by Saturday at 1 pm. There was only one way that would happen and she agreed to participate and assist. Thank you Kirsten and glad you got a lesson in this form of quilt assemblage.
The ties
Self binded quilt before ironing.
Daughter trimming up
Machine stitching the self-binding.
And something I’m preparing to do is use up some spare quilt blocks in a fun way. Mini quilts are my latest endeavor and much more do-able in a short amount of time. They will mostly be machine quilted for those who are wondering. I simply have too much to do to hold onto all these forever.
Vintage blocks from auctions, gimme’s from mother & aunts, as well as my own creations.
The one I’m keeping for display for myself is this one. Funny how I got a memory of it come up today on FaceBook.
mini quilt and stand for displaying
1 year ago today
So I’m a little behind on stuff as you can see. Had a set of custom bowl cozies picked up this morning and yes I do take some orders. Within reason.
Arizona Diamondback Fans
And last for this round up but definitely not the only project going on is this quilt that hubby (again) found on eBay. Lots of quilters make tops but never get them completed. This is where I’ve found a niche and I’m gladly taking time to Hand Quilt this one. It is also hand pieced and my admiration goes out to the lady who created it. You only get a peek though 😉
Calling it ‘Precious Moments’ for the fabric used throughout.
I’m a bit long-winded this Monday as you can see. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!
We drove a significant amount of miles covering the Kansas Quilt Trail, so the story continues this week.
Some Condensed History
Keeping it condensed because that’s my delivery style, but I plan on giving you a zoomed-in photo or 2 to see what the kiosk above had to say.
Wabaunsee County Museum
Ghost Town Location
19th Century -Schepp Barn extensively restored
I am back-tracking a bit with the museum photo above, but we’re still in Wabaunsee County so it’ll work out fine. The ghost town of Volland was off our planned route but I’d like to go back and see it in person someday. All pics included in the ‘doors’ category naturally.
Barn with “Curved Windmill” Quilt Block. I could have cropped more sky away but I like the wide open feel.
It has been such a wet spring, the farmers haven’t had any trouble at all getting an early hay crop. Some are predicting a very cold winter…. I’ll have my persimmon report in a few days. Hope you check back for the results.
A variation of the Pinwheel Quilt BlockSunburst Variation. So Kansas-appropriate!An Arrow Crown variety to the left and a Square in a Square to the right.
Geometric Pattern
A Rainbow Star block I believe
I thought it a good omen to find District #1 first.
Grandma Inez always had a project in the wings. The trait has passed down to my mother. And, yes, I’m right behind them. I’ll entertain you this time on the ‘clippings’ page with a few pics of how the handiwork commenced.
First and foremost, I have finished the Soccer Jersey quilt! So pleased on how it turned out. I considered just tacking it in the corners but in the end I took the plunge and line-quilted it. So glad I did as it will hold up much better to numerous washings. Tying quilts is an option too if you want to try this at home and don’t trust your machine with the slippery fabrics; after all it is an obstacle for some machines. Thanking my lucky stars for the Bernina about now.
Stitch in the Ditch quilting
The dining room table serves me well in large projects
Turning up the hem to bind the edge
Zig zag corners, my choice
A small comment to WordPress administrators….Allowing me to caption all photos is important. Much is missed by the readers who skim over the blogs. And I get it, people are busy. But the above option is much appreciated. So now, please allow this in all photo entry styles!!I’m getting a headache over this nonsense!!
Back to the quilting….. This quilt is for friends who have extended so much help to my eldest daughter during her years at KU when mom and dad are 2 hours away. I have a little clipping from grandma that I think they (& hopefully you all) will appreciate that has law enforcement humor. FYI, we are stauch supporters of our law enforcement community.
Miles Per Hour
Quilt completed
Back view
Thanks for checking in on another Inez’s Clippings! Have a wonderful rest of your day!
If there could be a perfect marriage of blog posts for me, it would include quilts and doors. And if you were able to read my blog week before last, you will know that I have found the way.
Alma, Kansas
We drove west from Topeka and our first glimpse of blocks started here in Alma. This is the county seat of Webaunsee County. County population in 2008 was 6,922. The sign above reads ” Alma 150th Anniversary – Independence Day Celebration – July 4th” We were a day late on the festivities. Probably a good thing for the purpose of viewing the ‘drive-by’ blocks.
We first stopped at the city park which had these posted for visitors. Very helpful and informative. A few ‘doors’ included if you look closely.
Door Find– stunning sky Divinely inserted.
The Alma First United Methodist Church
When doorscursioning, one must include churches. Thankful the rain moved on for us.
First Block!!!
Mill Creek Mercantile
Old door alert! Just propped but it counts. Would love to come back and see this store inside. Bet it’s got some great stuff!
Corner door
Stain glass above door
Quilt block on the balcony!!
A side note that this community was pretty near a tornado warning just a couple weeks ago(Aug.15). We get Kansas City news and weather and watched as they were tracking the storm. We were so glad they weren’t affected directly.
Photo Donation. Thanks Rach!!
Just in case you’re wondering what quilt I’ve got in the hoop lately, it’s this little number. Hand pieced double wedding ring quilt in red, white and blue –lap-sized and hand quilting a little each evening.
Sleep deprivation is a thing for many people. In our home, it happens to a couple of us—present company not included. I happen to think that my job is one of those that helps you get a good night’s sleep after the day is done. I am thankful for that. This is not to say that those who have sleep trouble aren’t working hard enough. A good night’s sleep is a mystery to many as apparently it’s a challenge to successfully treat.
This weekend while everyone in Sedalia and the surrounding area is at the Missouri State Fairgrounds (working/riding rides/seeing a concert,eating corn dogs and cotton candy), I’m here at home working on a project for some good friends. They have recently moved but we have a common friend (our daughter) who will transport the project for us once it is completed. In short, I spent Saturday cutting soccer jerseys.
Tools for the project
I started with this blue and also used red.
Of all the marking tools I’ve researched, I found these are the best for quilting. Just don’t use the orange. For some reason, it doesn’t wash out the best. As a daycare provider, ask me how I know this. 😉
Cardboard template with center point marked
Outline made
Hard to see in the second pic, but I’ve pinned the opening closed prior to cutting.
Measuring the length
Measuring the width
Cut 2 blocks at once for a saving time and for accuracy.
Centered and Cut
Some factors to consider when making someone a jersey/t-shirt quilt is that the shirts are not replaceable. For this reason, it’s taken me some time and contemplation on how to best begin. If you have a project someone has requested, definitely do the homework first so there are no regrets later. As in carpentry, measure twice, cut once. Don’t let it deprive you of sleep.
Block Cutting Complete
Stay tuned for the completed quilt in an upcoming post. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!!
Though faded with age, I have my grandmother’s handwriting in this example of her saved pieces.
It’s pretty hard to read even with the filter possibilities I tried…so here’s a clearer version.
Tree Toad Tongue Twister
A tree toad loved a she toad That lived up in a tree. She was a 3-toed tree toad But a 2-toed toad was he. The 2-toed tree toad tried to win The she toad's friendly nod; For the 2-toed tree toad loved the ground that the 3-toed tree toad trod. But vainly the 2-toed tree toad tried He couldn't please her whim; In her tree toad bower with her V-toe power the she toad V-toed him.
In the poem, it described a ‘She Toad’ who loved her sanctuary, as most women do. And she didn’t want to be bothered with the ‘He Toad’. Where is Your happy place?? Here’s Mine in pictures. Crazy Anne II quilt is ready for binding….
Crazy Anne II only needs binding
Back view in the hoop
Last section to quilt
Hand quilting
Reference
Another KC Star quilt for the books. Note: Some call this pattern Wheel of Fortune but I’m referencing the 1949 version as you can see in the photo from The Kansas City Star Quilts Sampler by Barbara Brackman. And just think, this quilt top came from Facebook marketplace in a tub of scraps for $15. About as good as it gets!! Yep, time spend quilting is synonymous with me in my sanctuary.
Maybe you’ve been keeping up with all the rainy weather, storms, and flooding. Or maybe you’ve been ignoring the news. Or you are just possibly living on an island separated from all cares in the world. Whatever the case may be, I’ve some watery pics this week of the Missouri River out of its banks…. again.
Living in low-lying areas, bottoms as we refer to them here, one expects some flooding. But with these massive events you can’t help but to be in total awe of Mother Nature. There are so many affected this year that it boggles the mind. Our thoughts and prayers to all in these areas no matter which part of the world you’re in.
In the meantime, I hope you can enjoy the beauty found in the scenes captured by my daughter this past Tuesday afternoon.
First – The Door, and an alpaca quilt block. Daughter looks out for my best interests 🙂
And hoping this video will work.
Rocheport, Missouri June 4, 2019
Thursday Doors comes to you through Norm 2.0 every Thursday. We join him by adding our own set of doors each week. Please take a couple minutes to visit Norm and a few of the other participants for some wonderful door views from around the world.
I promised a reflection post per the survey so here I am–by the skin of my teeth. Another year of surviving the AtoZ Challenge is done. And I had both success and unfinished agenda for this year. Wanna see??
Here’s the completed blocks—-
I actually intend this to be flipped but oh well.
I took several weekends to finally decide on a layout. And this one above isn’t exactly what I’ll have in the end, but it’s close. I really struggled with indecision on this quilt top. I’m not usually so wishy washy but, hey, I’m a girl right?! I have the priviledge of being that way once in awhile. hehe So,all in all, I’m just happy the blocks were all sewn by the end of the challenge and I was never late on posting. Two out of three ain’t bad.
I’m happy to say I kept a list of links to visit regularly and most everyone I visited returned to view, like, or comment on my blog as well at least a time or two. I sincerely understand the time restraints for those of us who work fulltime and attempt these blog challenges. It’s a miracle we ‘survive’. Add to that, family, sick days, yard work, home repairs, and you have the stress level of a parent of triplets going through a divorce. That being said, I am so thankful for supportive people in my life. Number one is my dear husband who never bats an eye when I ask him for help during these challenges.
Other stuff I had in the ‘workbasket’ during the challenge and beyond this year include the following items.
Just needs binding and it’s finished.
The first item I worked on was this quilt top purchased on eBay by my husband. It was partially quilted so all I had to do was finish 3/4 of the hand quilting.It even came with the heart template to finish the marking. The sunbonnet girls represent 12 months of the year and were all hand appliqued. I have a special plan for this one. More on that in the future.
Crazy Anne #2 from KC Star patterns
This a project I found in a FaceBook marketplace purchase. I agreed to meet a lady to purchase a significant tub of fabric and notions. This was in the tub, wrinkled and bunched up and, I believe, missed completely by the seller. Lucky for me. It is going to be such a pretty quilt once I finish the quilting. Still in progress.
What’s this have to do with my Reflections post?? Well it is just my way of saying I haven’t totally focused on finishing that quilt top from the AtoZ. Sometimes you have to walk away from a project to make decisions on it. Definitely the case here. I will have it completed sometime during the AtoZ Roadtrip so please check back for updates.
Time to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the 10th AtoZ Challenge, the hosts, and to the readers who peek in anonymously. You are all appreciated! Til next year….
The April A to Z Challenge is in its tenth year, I’ve now participated for 6 of those years, and this year will be my 3rd quilt theme. It’s my first quilt using only patterns from the Kansas City Star newspaper archives. Welcome to my blog!
Contrary Wife 1941 KC Star pattern from Star Quilts
This block is about color values. Dark vs. light. This next pic displays a vintage quilt made from the Contrary Wife block.
Vintage Contrary Wife quilt from Star Quilts
In incompatible wife would have been considered ‘contrary’. Other synonyms are vexing, annoying, unaccommodating, troublesome and the list can go on and on. I find it funny a woman with an opinion is put in this light while a man with an opinion is ‘Strong’, dead-set on, confident, …. you get the picture. Here’s a couple pics of the quilting process while I try to keep on track here.
I won’t get into the politics any further of this woman vs man topic but just know that opposites are complimentary and this block displays that very well. Especially in that vintage quilt. Love it!!
Contrary Wife complete
Did You Know?
During World War II, Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a Soviet sniper was considered so deadly that the Germans addressed her over loud speaker requesting her to defect. Would you have trusted this proposition? I’m thankful she stayed contrary to the opposing side.
Come back here Monday for another quilt block for the A to Z Challenge! Also be sure to visit the home of the A to Z here and see other entrants challenge posts. There are excellent writers participating every year with topics in whatever you’re interested in
